again exerted themselves with much boldness; and as soon as they saw that they did consent, embracing their feet and knees, and kissing their hands, they gave an exceeding proof of either virtue, of liberty and meekness. For that theirs was not the boldness of presumption, they plainly signified by their kissing the knees, and embracing the feet of the judges. Again, in proof that this was not flattery, nor a kind of fawning servility, nor the fruit of a slavish spirit, their former acts attested their boldness. And these are not the only good results we have reaped from the trial, but also an abundance of sobriety and meekness; and our city has become all at once a monastery.1704 Not thus would any one have adorned it, had he erected golden statues in the forum, as it has now been adorned and distinguished, in pro- ducing those beautiful images of virtue, and displaying its true riches! 9. But it may be that the things which the Emperor hath decreed are painful. No! not even these are really burdensome, but have brought much advantage with them. For what is there, I ask, which is oppressive in any of them? that the Emperor hath shut up the Or- chestra, that he hath forbidden the Hippodrome, that he hath closed and stopped up these fountains of iniquity. May they never again be opened! From thence did the roots of wickedness shoot forth to the injury of the city!1705 From thence sprung those who blast its character; men who sell their voices1706 to the dancers, and who for the sake of three obols prostitute their salvation to them, turning all things upside down! Art thou distressed, O beloved! for these things? Truly it were fitting that for these thou shouldest be glad, and re- joice, and express thy thanks to the Emperor, since his castigation hath proved a correction, his punishment a discipline, his wrath a means of instruction! But that the Baths are shut up? Neither is this an intolerable hardship, that those who lead a soft, effeminate, and dis- solute life, should be brought back, though unwillingly, to the love of true wisdom. 10. But is it complained of, that the Emperor hath taken away the dignity of the city, and hath no more permitted it to be called a metropolis?1707 But what was he to do? Could he praise what had been done, and acknowledge it as a favour? Then who would not have blamed him, for not shewing even the outward form of indignation? Seest thou not that fathers do many things of a similar nature towards their children? They turn away from them, and forbid them the table. This also hath the Emperor done by imposing such pun- ishments as have nothing in them hurtful, but carry with them much correction. Think what we expected, and what has taken place, and then we shall especially discern the favour 1704 The state of monasteries at that time may be gathered from Theodoret’s Historia Religiosa; the Collations of Cassian; the ascetic works, and parts of the correspondence of St. Basil; the Historia Lausiaca of Palladius, and many parts of St. Macarius. 1705 Such was the case, too, with the tumults at Alexandria. See Libanius, Or. de Sed. 1706 i.e., their applause. 1707 It appears that the metropolitan dignity of Antioch was transferred to Laodicea. 670 Homily XVII