anonymous, translated by Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson

“ Chap. ii.—Ignatius is condemned by Trajan.
For Trajan, in the ninth [5] year of his reign, being lifted up [with pride] , after the victory he had gained over the Scythians and Dacians, and many other nations, and thinking that the religious body of the Christians were yet wanting to complete the subjugation of all things to himself, and [thereupon] threatening them with persecution unless they should agree to [6] worship dæmons, as did all other nations, thus compelled [7] all who were living godly lives either to sacrifice [to idols] or die. ”

“ Chap. v.—Ignatius is brought to Rome.
Having therefore, by means of this epistle, settled, [22] as he wished, those of the brethren at Rome who were unwilling [for his martyrdom] ; and setting sail from Smyrna (for Christophorus was pressed by the soldiers to hasten to the public spectacles in the mighty [city] Rome, that, being given up to the wild beasts in the sight of the Roman people, he might attain to the crown for which he strove) , he [next] landed at Troas. ”

“ THE MARTYRDOM OF IGNATIUS.
INTRODUCTORY NOTICE.
HE following account of the martyrdom of Ignatius professes, in several passages, to have been written by those who accompanied him on his voyage to Rome, and were present on the occasion of his death (chaps. v. vi. vii.) . And if the genuineness of this narrative, as well as of the Ignatian epistles, be admitted, there can be little doubt that the persons in question were Philo and Agathopus, with Crocus perhaps, all of whom are mentioned by Ignatius (Epist. to Smyr. chap. x.; to Philad. chap. xi.; to Rom. chap. x.) ”

“ Wherefore, with great alacrity and joy, through his desire to suffer, he came down from Antioch to Seleucia, from which place he set sail. And after a great deal of suffering he came to Smyrna, where he disembarked with great joy, and hastened to see the holy Polycarp, [formerly] his fellow-disciple, and [now] bishop of Smyrna. ”