in the very heart of the city a massive temple, placed idols inside it, and decreed that everyone must prostrate to those idols and offer sacrifice; whoever refused was to be put to death. He slaughtered a vast number of Christians in Ephesus, crucifying them on the fortress ramparts. He also chose from the sons of the leading families of Ephesus seven youths, made them members of his personal retinue and attendants responsible for his wardrobe, and promoted them above all others at court. Their names—those borne by the Companions of the Cave—were duly recorded.

The author continues: These seven youths would not bow to the idols. When the king was informed of their stance, he ordered them imprisoned but then departed on a journey and granted them a respite until his return. As soon as he had left the city, the youths gathered all their possessions and gave them away in charity. They then set out for a great mountain called Jāwis to the east of Ephesus, where there was a spacious cave, and concealed themselves inside it. Each day one of them, in disguise, would enter the city, listen to what people were saying about them, purchase food, and return to inform his companions.

When King Diocletianus came back, he inquired after them and was told, “They are hiding in the cave on Mount Jāwis.” He therefore ordered that the entrance of the cave be walled up so they would perish there. Then God cast deep sleep upon them, and they slumbered like the dead.