E04351: Prudentius, in his Latin Crowns of the Martyrs (Peristephanon), written c. 400 in Calahorra (northern Spain), in a poem on the martyrdom of the Apostles *Peter and *Paul (S00036 and S00008), tells that on the feast of the saints the bishop of Rome celebrates Mass in both basilicas.

Liber Peristephanon, Poem XII.57-66

Aspice, per bifidas plebs Romula funditur plateas,
lux in duobus feruet una festis.
Nos ad utrumque tamen gressu properemus incitato,
60 et his et illis perfruamur hymnis.
Ibimus ulterius qua fert uia pontis Hadriani,
laeuam deinde fluminis petemus.
Transtiberina prius soluit sacra peruigil sacerdos,
mox hue recurrit duplicatque uota.
65 Haec didicisse sat est Romae tibi, tu domum reversus
diem bifestum sic colas memento.


'There you have two dowers of the faith, the gift of the Father supreme, which He has given to the city of the toga to reverence. See, the people of Romulus goes pouring through the streets two separate ways, for the same day is busy with two festivals. (61) But let us hasten with quickened step to both and in each get full enjoyment of the songs of praise. We shall go further on, where the way leads over Hadrian's bridge, and afterwards seek the left bank of the river. The sleepless bishop performs the sacred ceremonies first across the Tiber, then hurries back to this side and repeats his offerings. (65) It is enough for you to have learned all this at Rome when you return home, remember to keep this day of two festivals as you see it here.'

Text: Cunningham 1966, 380-381. Translation: Thomson 1953, 327.