From Syria even unto Rome I fight with beasts,1 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,2 show themselves all the worse. But I am the more instructed by their injuries [to act as a disciple of Christ]; “yet am I not thereby justified.”3 May 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. But if they be unwilling to assail me, I will compel them to do so. Pardon me [in this]: I know what is for my benefit. Now I begin to be a disciple. And let no one, of things visible or invisible, envy4 me that I should attain to Jesus Christ. Let fire and the cross; let the crowds of wild beasts; let tearings,5 breakings, and dislocations of bones; let cutting off of members; let shatterings of the whole body; and let all the dreadful6 torments of the devil come upon me: only let me attain to Jesus Christ.