E00787: Prudentius writes a Latin poem on *Eulalia (virgin and martyr of Mérida, S00407); the poem, part of the Crowns of the Martyrs (Peristephanon), describes Eulalia as a twelve-year-old girl who willingly provokes her own martyrdom; at her death a dove leaves her mouth and snow covers her dead body. Written in Calahorra (northern Spain), c. 400.

Liber Peristephanon, Poem III

Summary:

The body of Eulalia is said to be buried in Mérida in western Spain; her tomb and blood increase the glory of the city (see $E00788).

Eulalia is twelve years old and decides not to get married. During the persecutions she refuses to sacrifice to the pagan gods. She seeks martyrdom, but her mother keeps her in a house in the countryside and tries to hold her back from her intention. Eulalia flees in the night. As she walks, she is assisted by angels and a miraculous light guides her, just like the pillar which had guided the patriarchs, so that she finds her way. She arrives in the city, openly declares to the authorities her opposition to the worship of pagan gods and the emperor Maximian, and challenges them to put her to torture. The governor tries to convince Eulalia to reconsider her decision and argues the advantages of marriage. In response, she spits on him, scatters the idols and kicks the censers. The torturers cut her flesh and she is burnt on a pyre. As she dies, a dove leaves her mouth. Her executioners flee in terror, and suddenly snow falls from heaven, extinguishes the fire and covers Eulalia's body.

There follows a passage concerning Eulalia's tomb and cult practices at it (see $E00788).

Text: Cunningham 1966: 278-285. Translation: Thomson 1953, 143-157. Summary: M. Tycner.