courage in the face of death left an impression long after they were gone. Pagans wondered about the source of the inspiration and confidence of the martyrs. How could they endure such pain? What kind of religious belief could produce such conviction? What seemed most striking was their motivation. The martyrs were “intensely eager to imitate and emulate Christ.” Amazingly, they even refused to accept the title of martyr, for “it was their joy to yield the title of martyr to Christ alone.” He alone