From the Prologue of Ochrid
In the time of Emperor Septimius Severus they were all cast into prison as Christians. Saint Perpetua was of noble birth, and she encouraged all the other prisoners in the prison not to be afraid to suffer for Christ. In a dream Perpetua saw a ladder from earth to heaven, all studded with sharp knives, swords, spears, hooks, nails, and other deadly implements. And at the bottom of the ladder lay a terrible serpent. And she saw how Saturus first ran up the ladder to the top unharmed, and from the top called out to Perpetua: Perpetua, I await you, come, but beware the serpent! Encouraged by this Perpetua stepped on the serpent's head, as on the first step, and then in order quickly ran up to the top. And when she reached the top, she entered into heaven and saw the most beautiful heavenly palaces, and was exceedingly joyful. When she told her dream, all the prisoners interpreted that imminent death awaited them, and first Saturus, which quickly came true. First Saturus was killed, then Perpetua, then the others in order. Like lambs slain for Christ, the Lamb of God. They from Christ also received the eternal reward in the kingdom of light. They all suffered for Christ in 202-203.
