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6. The second
charge, of corresponding with Magnentius.
With regard to the second calumny, that I have
written letters to the tyrant1307
1307 [On
Magnentius, see Prolegg. ch. ii. §7 sub. fin.; Gwatkin,
Studies, p. 143 sq.] | (his name I am
unwilling to pronounce), I beseech you investigate and try the matter,
in whatever way you please, and by whomsoever you may approve of. The
extravagance of the charge so confounds me, that I am in utter
uncertainty how to act. Believe me, most religious Prince, many times
did I weigh the matter in my mind, but was unable to believe that any
one could be so mad as to utter such a falsehood. But when this charge
was published abroad by the Arians, as well as the former, and they
boasted that they had delivered to you a copy of the letter, I was the
more amazed, and I used to pass sleepless nights contending against the
charge, as if in the presence of my accusers; and suddenly breaking
forth into a loud cry, I would immediately fall to my prayers, desiring
with groans and tears that I might obtain a favourable hearing from
you. And now that by the grace of the Lord, I have obtained such a
hearing, I am again at a loss how I shall begin my defence; for as
often as I make an attempt to speak, I am prevented by my horror at the
deed. In the case of your departed brother, the slanderers had indeed a
plausible pretence for what they alleged; because I had been admitted
to see him, and he had condescended to write to your brotherly
affection concerning me; and he had often sent for me to come to him,
and had honoured me when I came. But for the traitor Magnentius,
‘the Lord is witness, and His Anointed is witness1308 ,’ I know him not, nor was ever
acquainted with him. What correspondence then could there be between
persons so entirely unacquainted with each other? What reason was there
to induce me to write to such a man? How could I have commenced my
letter, had I written to him? Could I have said, ‘You have done
well to murder the man who honoured me, whose kindness I shall never
forget?’ Or, ‘I approve of your conduct in destroying our
Christian friends, and most faithful brethren?’ or, ‘I
approve of your proceedings in butchering those who so kindly
entertained me at Rome; for instance, your departed Aunt Eutropia1309
1309 Nepotian, the son of Eutropia, Constantine’s sister, had
taken up arms against Magnentius, got possession of Rome, and enjoyed
the title of Augustus for about a month. Magnentius put him to death,
and his mother, and a number of his adherents, some of whom are here
mentioned. | , whose disposition answered to her name,
that worthy man, Abuterius, the most faithful Spirantius, and many
other excellent persons?’E.C.F. INDEX & SEARCH
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