|
This is not the proper place to enter into the details concerning the
deaths of the tyrants; but I considered it necessary to allude to the
circumstance in order to show that to insure the stability of imperial
power, it is sufficient for an emperor to serve God with reverence,
which was the course pursued by Honorius. Galla Placidia, his
sister, born of the same father as himself, dwelt with him, and
likewise distinguished herself by real zeal in the maintenance of
religion and of the churches. After Constantius, who was a brave and
able general, had destroyed the tyrant Constantine, the emperor
rewarded him by giving him his sister in marriage; he also bestowed
upon him the ermine and purple, and admitted him to a share in the
government. Constantius did not long survive the promotion; he died
soon after, and left two children, Valentinian, who succeeded
Honorius, and Honoria. Meanwhile the Eastern Empire was free from
wars, and contrary to all opinion, its affairs were conducted with
great order, for the ruler was still a youth. It seems as if God
openly manifested His favor towards the present emperor, not only by
disposing of warlike affairs in an unexpected way, but also by
revealing the sacred bodies of many persons who were of old most
distinguished for piety; among other relics, those of Zechariah, the
very ancient prophet, and of Stephen, who was ordained deacon by the
apostles, were discovered; and it seems incumbent upon me to describe
the mode, since the discovery of each was marvelous and divine.
|
|