Taking the young slave with them, the police and cavalry went out around supper time on the day of Preparation, carrying their customary weapons as though rushing against a robber. Arriving together late in the evening, they found Polycarp reclining in an upper room. He could have left there for another place, but he refused, saying, “May the will of God be done.”
When he heard that they had arrived, he went down and spoke with them. Those present marveled at his age and composure, and wondered why there was such urgency to arrest an elderly man like him. He immediately ordered that they be given as much food and drink as they wanted at that hour. Then he asked them to grant him one hour to pray without interference.
They allowed it. He stood and prayed, so filled with the grace of God that for two hours he could not be silent. Those who heard him were astonished, and many regretted that they had come to arrest such a godly old man.