And so our loved ones were brought back, all faint,

And covered with light raiment, and again

Led forth, and now with smiling lips they passed

Pale, but unbowed, into the awful ring,

Holding each other proudly by the hand.

Perpetua first was tossed, and her robe rent,

But, conscious only of the glaring eyes,

She strove to hide herself as best she could

In the torn remnants of her flimsy robe,

And putting up her hands clasped back her hair,