From Syria to Rome I am fighting with wild beasts, by land and sea, by night and day, bound to ten leopards—that is, a detachment of soldiers—who become worse even when treated well. Through their wrongs I become more of a disciple, but I am not justified by this.
May I have joy of the wild beasts prepared for me, and I pray that they may be found prompt for me. I will even coax them to devour me quickly, unlike some whom they did not touch because they were afraid. And even if they are unwilling and do not want to, I will force them.
Forgive me. I know what is beneficial for me. Now I am beginning to be a disciple. Let nothing among things visible or invisible envy me, so that I may attain Jesus Christ. Fire and cross, packs of wild beasts, cuts, dismemberments, scatterings of bones, crushing of limbs, grindings of the whole body, evil tortures of the devil—let them come upon me, only so that I may attain Jesus Christ.