E04577: Latin epigram, written most probably by Augustine of Hippo, between 397 and 430, commemorates *Nabor (deacon and martyr of Africa, S01931), victim of the Donatists in the late 4th of early 5th century, and criticises the cult of the Donatist martyrs.

Augustine of Hippo, Verses on St Nabor

Versus s(an)c(t)i Augustini episcopi

Donatistarum crudeli caede peremptum
Infossum hic corpus pia est cum laude Nabori.
Ante aliquod tempus cum donatista fuisset,
Conuersus pacem, pro qua moreretur, amauit.
Optima purpureo uestitur sanguine causa.
Non errore perit, non se ipse furore peremit,
Uerum martyrium uera est pietate probatum
Suspice litterulas primas: ibi nomen honoris.


'Verses of the holy bishop Augustine

Donatists with cruel slaughter murdered this man.
Interred here, with pious praise, is the body of Nabor.
A little time before he had been with the Donatists.
Converted, he loved the peace for which he died.
On his body, clothed with purple blood, for the best of causes
Not for error did he die, not in madness did he kill himself.
Under the banner of true piety, he proved his true martyrdom.
Select the first letters of these lines – there you find his rank.'

Text: Patrologiae Latinae Supplementum 2, 456-357. Translation: Shaw 2011, 264.