Ignatius to the Romans 5

Chapter 5 — I desire to die.

2From Syria even unto Rome I fight with beasts, both by land and sea, both by night and day, being bound to ten leopards, I mean a band of soldiers, who, even when they receive benefits, show themselves all the worse.

3But I am the more instructed by their injuries to act as a disciple of Christ; "yet am I not thereby justified".

4May I enjoy the wild beasts that are prepared for me; and I pray they may be found eager to rush upon me, which also I will entice to devour me speedily, and not deal with me as with some, whom, out of fear, they have not touched.

5But if they be unwilling to assail me, I will compel them to do so.

6Pardon me in this: I know what is for my benefit.

7Now I begin to be a disciple.

8And let no one, of things visible or invisible, envy me that I should attain to Jesus Christ.

9Let fire and the cross; let the crowds of wild beasts; let tearings, breakings, and dislocations of bones; let cutting off of members; let shatterings of the whole body; and let all the dreadful torments of the devil come upon me: only let me attain to Jesus Christ.

10From Syria even unto Rome I fight with beasts, both by land and sea, both by night and day, being bound to ten leopards, I mean a band of soldiers, who, even when they receive benefits, show themselves all the worse.

11But I am the more instructed by their injuries to act as a disciple of Christ; "yet am I not thereby justified".

12May I enjoy the wild beasts that are prepared for me; and I pray that they may be found eager to rush upon me, which also I will entice to devour me speedily, and not deal with me as with some, whom, out of fear, they have not touched.

13But if they be unwilling to assail me, I will compel them to do so.

14Pardon me in this I know what is for my benefit.

15Now I begin to be a disciple, and have no desire after anything visible or invisible, that I may attain to Jesus Christ.

16Let fire and the cross; let the crowds of wild beasts; let breakings, tearings, and separations of bones; let cutting off of members; let bruising to pieces of the whole body; and let the very torment of the devil come upon me: only let me attain to Jesus Christ.