Polycarp's speech before his martyrdom

The Proconsul: "Swear, and I will release you; revile Christ." Polycarp: "Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King who saved me?" Proconsul: "Swear by the fortune of Caesar." Polycarp: "Since you pretend not to know who I am, hear plainly: I am a Christian. And if you wish to learn the doctrine of Christianity, appoint a day and you shall hear." Proconsul: "Persuade the people." Polycarp: "To you I have thought it right to offer an account, for we have been taught to give due honor to rulers and authorities appointed by God, so far as it does us no harm; but as for these, I do not consider them worthy that I should defend myself before them." Polycarp (when threatened with fire): "You threaten me with fire that burns for a time and is quickly quenched, for you do not know the fire of the coming judgment and eternal punishment reserved for the ungodly. But why do you delay? Come, do what you will." Polycarp’s Prayer Before Execution: "Almighty God, Father of Your beloved and blessed Son Jesus Christ, through whom we have received the knowledge of You—God of angels, powers, and all creation, and of the whole race of the righteous who live before You— I bless You for counting me worthy of this day and hour, that I should have a part in the number of Your martyrs, in the cup of Your Christ, for the resurrection to eternal life, both of soul and body, in the incorruptibility of the Holy Spirit. Among whom may I be received this day as a rich and acceptable sacrifice, as You, the eternal God, have foreordained, the beginning of creation, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the eternal Word, through whom glory is to You forever and ever. Amen." Execution Narrative: When they attempted to burn him, the fire formed around him like a wall, but did not consume him. So the executioners were commanded to pierce him with a spear, and immediately he gave up the spirit. The witnesses marveled at the sight and gave glory to God, saying: "Amen! Glory be to God!" Then they collected his bones carefully, as was customary among Christians, and buried them. Many signs and wonders were reported at his martyrdom, and the event inspired great courage among the believers, strengthening their faith.