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IT is related that Isaac, who lived as a solitary at
Constantinople, when he saw Valens marching out with his troops,
cried aloud, "Whither goest thou, O emperor? To fight against
God, instead of having Him as thy ally? 'Tis God himself who has
roused the barbarians against thee, because thou hast stirred many
tongues to blasphemy against Him and hast driven His worshippers from
their sacred abodes. Cease then thy campaigning and stop the war.
Give back to the flocks their excellent shepherds and thou shalt win
victory without trouble, but if thou tightest without so doing thou
shalt learn by experience how hard it is to kick against the pricks.
Thou shalt never come back and shalt destroy thy army." Then in a
passion the emperor rejoined, "I shall come back; and I will kill
thee, and so exact punishment for thy lying prophecy." But Isaac
undismayed by the threat exclaimed, "If what I say be proved false,
kill me."
Bretanio, a man distinguished by various virtues, and entrusted with
the episcopal government of all the cities of Scythia, fired his soul
with enthusiasm, and protested against the corruption of doctrines,
and the emperor's lawless attacks upon the saints, crying in the words
of the godly David, "I spoke of thy testimonies also before Kings
and was not ashamed."
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