Chapter 5
1 From Syria all the way to Rome I fight with wild beasts, by land and sea, night and day, bound to ten leopards—that is, a company of soldiers—who only become worse when they are treated well. But through their wrongdoings I am becoming more of a disciple, yet I am not thereby justified. May I have joy of the beasts that are prepared for me, and I pray they may be found ready for me. I will even coax them to devour me quickly, not as they have been afraid to touch some.
2 And even if they are unwilling of their own accord, I will force them. Bear with me—I know what is good for me. Now I am beginning to be a disciple.
3 May nothing visible or invisible envy me, so that I may attain to Jesus Christ. Fire and cross, packs of wild beasts, cuttings and manglings, scatterings of bones, hackings of limbs, crushings of my whole body, evil punishments of the devil—let them come upon me, only so that I may attain to Jesus Christ.