The Colosseum, Rome:
The wild mob wants to see
The wild beasts rip you apart,
And gnaw your flesh and bones;
You are renowned for courage,
And were made bishop by
The great St. Peter himself,
To be his apostolic successor.
Thirsting for Christian blood,
The wild-eyed spectators
Await your appointment
With the hungry lions;
As you confidently walk
into the loud, raucous arena,
Your thoughts are centered on
The Passion of the Christ.
The people are stunned,
For you appear ready to die,
You are not a frightened man,
You are not terrified of death;
Rather, your demeanor is heroic,
And the people are in awe,
Wondering what the reason is
For your remarkable trust.