Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol I:
POLYCARP: Chapter XVIII.—The body of Polycarp...

Chapter XVIII.—The body of Polycarp is burned.

The centurion then, seeing the strife excited by the Jews, placed the body 468 in the midst of the fire, and consumed it. Accordingly, we afterwards took up his bones, as being more precious than the most exquisite jewels, and more purified 469 than gold, and deposited them in a fitting place, whither, being gathered together, as opportunity is allowed us, with joy and rejoicing, the Lord shall grant us to celebrate the anniversary 470 of his martyrdom, both in memory of those who have already finished their course, 471 and for the exercising and preparation of those yet to walk in their steps.

Footnotes

Or, “him.”

Or, “more tried.”

Literally, “the birth-day.”

Literally, “been athletes.”