PRÆFATIO I DE SANCTIS MARTYRIBUS
PREFACE I: ON THE HOLY MARTYRS
De signo et exemplo martyrii
On the Sign and Example of Martyrdom
Vere dignum et iustum est, æquum et salutáre, nos tibi semper et ubíque grátias ágere: Dómine, sancte Pater, omnípotens ætérne Deus:
It is verily right and just, fair and salutary, to give thee thanks evermore and everywhere: Lord, holy Father, eternal and almighty God:
Quóniam beáti mártyris N. pro confessióne nóminis tui, ad imitatiónem Christi, sanguis effúsus tua mirabília maniféstat, quibus pérficis in fragilitáte virtútem, et vires infírmas ad testimónium róboras, per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
For the blood shed by the blessed martyr N. in confession of Thy name, in imitation of Christ, reveals Thy wonders, through which Thou perfect strength in weakness and sustain failing strength for the sake of witness, through Christ our Lord.
Et ídeo, cum cælórum Virtútibus, in terris te iúgiter celebrámus, maiestáti tuæ sine fine clamántes:
And that is wherefore, together with the Powers of heaven, we celebrate Thou unceasingly on earth, endlessly acclaiming Thy majesty:
