My flesh (viscera), summoned to the resplendent (ignea) stars

Ian Norman

"Yea, it is even granted to restore the dead flesh [(viscera)] after its decease, and once again from its tomb the old form [(effigies)] is reborn, when the mouldering dust [(pulvereo)] comes together.  I indeed believe (and my faith is not vain) that bodies [(corpora)] live as does the soul; for now I bethink me it was in bodily [(corporeum)] form that God returned from Phlegethon with easy step to heaven.  The same hope awaits my members, which, though they are bidden to rest scented with spices in the tomb of death, Christ my leader, who rose from the like earth, calls to the glowing stars."

     Aurelius Prudentius Clemens (348-c. 410), "Hymnus ante cibus," Liber Cathemerion III, trans. Thompson, LCL, Prudentius I (1949), 31.  This is followed by a "Hymn after meat" as well.  Trans. Eagan, FC 43 (1962), 23:

Yes, I believe, and my faith is not vain,
Bodies live always along with their souls;
For I reflect that from Hades' abyss,
Christ in body came back from the dead,
Mounting with joy to His heavenly throne.

Laid up for me is the glorious hope
That the still body consigned to the tomb,
Fragrant with funeral balms, will arise,
Called to empyreal stars by our King,
Christ, who arose from a similar grave.