14. This victory I esteem far more sublime
and honourable than the Emperor’s mighty power and splendid
purple and costly diadem. I am more elated in describing it than
if he had won from him the half of his Empire. During the evil
days he lived in retirement, obedient herein to our Christian
law, Matt. x. 23. which bids us, when occasion offers, to make
ventures on behalf of the truth, and not be traitors to our religion
from cowardice; yet refrain, as long as may be, from rushing into
danger, either in fear for our own souls, or to spare those who bring
the danger upon us. But when the gloom had been dispersed, and
the righteous sentence had been pronounced in a foreign land, and the
glittering sword had struck down the ungodly, and power had returned to
the hands of Christians, what boots it to say with what glory and
honour, with how many and great testimonies, as if bestowing rather
than receiving a favour, he was welcomed again at the Court; his new
honour succeeding to that of former days; while time changed its
Emperors, the repute and commanding influence of Cæsarius with
them was undisturbed, nay, they vied with each other in striving to
attach him most closely to themselves, and be known as his special
friends and acquaintances. Such was the godliness of
Cæsarius, such its results. Let all men, young and old, give
ear, and press on through the same virtue to the same distinction, for
glorious is the fruit of good labours, Wisd. iii. 15. if
they suppose this to be worth striving after, and a part of true
happiness.