Acts of Maximilian

In the consulship of Tuscus and Anullinus, on the fourth day before the Ides of March, at Theveste, in the forum, Fabius Victor was brought in together with Maximilian, and Pompeianus was admitted as advocate. He said, “Fabius Victor has been appointed temonarius, together with Valerianus Quintianus, praepositus of Caesariensis, with a good recruit, Maximilian, son of Victor; since he is suitable, I ask that he be measured.” Dion the proconsul said, “What is your name?” Maximilian answered, “But why do you want to know my name? I may not serve as a soldier, because I am a Christian.” Dion the proconsul said, “Get him ready.” While he was being got ready, Maximilian answered, “I cannot serve as a soldier; I cannot do evil. I am a Christian.” Dion the proconsul said, “Let him be measured.” When he had been measured, it was read out by the staff: “He is five feet ten inches tall.” Dion said to the staff, “Let him be marked.” As Maximilian resisted, he answered, “I will not do it; I cannot serve as a soldier.”

Dion said, “Serve, so that you do not perish.” Maximilian answered, “I will not serve. Cut off my head; I do not serve the world, but I serve my God.” Dion the proconsul said, “Who persuaded you of this?” Maximilian answered, “My own mind, and he who has called me.” Dion said to Victor his father, “Advise your son.” Victor answered, “He knows his own mind; he has his own counsel about what is good for him.” Dion said to Maximilian, “Serve, and accept the seal.” He answered, “I do not accept the seal; I already have the sign of Christ my God.” Dion said, “I will send you at once to your Christ.” He answered, “I wish you would do it now; this is my glory too.” Dion said to the staff, “Let him be marked.” As he struggled, he answered, “I do not accept the seal of the world; and if you mark me, I will break it, because it is worth nothing. I am a Christian; it is not lawful for me to carry a piece of lead around my neck after the saving sign of my Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, whom you do not know, who suffered for our salvation, whom God gave up for our sins. Him all we Christians serve; him we follow, the prince of life, the author of salvation.” Dion said, “Serve and accept the seal, so that you do not perish miserably.” Maximilian answered, “I do not perish. My name is already with my Lord. I cannot serve as a soldier.” Dion said, “Think of your youth and serve; for this befits a young man.” Maximilian answered, “My service is with my Lord. I cannot serve the world. I have already said: I am a Christian.” Dion the proconsul said, “In the sacred retinue of our lords Diocletian and Maximian, Constantius and Maximus, there are Christian soldiers, and they serve.” Maximilian answered, “They know what is good for them. But I am a Christian, and I cannot do evil.” Dion said, “Those who serve—what evil do they do?” Maximilian answered, “You know well what they do.” Dion the proconsul said, “Serve, lest by despising military service you begin to come to a bad end.” Maximilian answered, “I do not perish; and if I depart from the world, my soul lives with Christ my Lord.”

Dion said, “Strike out his name.” When it had been struck out, Dion said, “Since with undevoted mind you have refused military service, you will receive a fitting sentence as an example to the rest.” And he read out the decree from a tablet: “It is decided that Maximilian, because with undevoted mind he has refused the military oath, be executed by the sword.” Maximilian answered, “Thanks be to God.” He was twenty-one years, three months, and eighteen days in the world. And as he was led to the place, he spoke thus: “Dearest brothers, hasten with all the strength you can, with eager longing, that it may be granted you to see the Lord and that he may give you too such a crown.” And with a cheerful face he spoke thus to his father: “Give this executioner my new garment, which you had prepared for me for military service. So I will receive you with a hundredfold reward, and together we shall glory with the Lord.” And so he suffered at once. And a matron, Pompeiana, obtained his body from the judge, placed it in her litter, brought it to Carthage, and buried it under a little hill near the martyr Cyprian, beside the palace. And so, thirteen days later, that same matron departed and was laid there. His father Victor returned to his home with great joy, giving thanks to God that he had sent such a gift ahead to the Lord, intending to follow afterward himself. Thanks be to God. Amen.