LIII.—To the Soldiers of Christ.

When thou hast given thy name to the warfare, thou art held by a bridle.  Therefore begin thou to put away thy former doings.  Shun luxuries, since labour is threatening arms.  With all thy virtue thou must obey the king’s command, if thou wishest to attain the last times in gladness.  He is a good soldier, always wait for things to be enjoyed.  Be unwilling to flatter thyself; absolutely put away sloth, that thou mayest daily be ready for what is set before thee.  Be careful beforehand; in the morning revisit the standards.  When thou seest the war, take the nearest contest.  This is the king’s glory, to see the soldiery prepared.  The king is present; desire that ye may fight beyond his hope.  He makes ready gifts.  He gladly looks for the victory, and assigns you to be a fit follower.  Do thou be unwilling to spare thyself besides for Belial; be thou rather diligent, that he may give fame for your death.

LIII.---MILITIBUS CHRISTI.

Militiae nomen cum dederis, freno teneris. Incipe tunc ergo dimittere pristina gesta: Luxurias vita, quoniam labor imminet armis. Imperio regis omni virtute parendum, Tempora postrema si vis pertingere laeta. Ille bonus miles, semper exspecta fruenda; 0241B Blandire noli tibi, desidias omnino mitte, Ut tuo praeposito cottidie praesto sis, ante Solicitus esto, matutinus signa revise. Cum videris bellum, agonia sume propinqua. 0242A Haec gloria regis, militem videre paratum; Rex adest, optato propter spem dominicaturum. Ille parat dona, ille pro victoria laetus Suspicit, et proprium satellem dedicat esse. Tu tibi praeterea in Belian parcere noli: Impiger esto magis, ut reddat famam pro morte.