St. Ambrose relates to his sister the events at
Milan connected with the demand of the Arians for a basilica, and how
the people rose up in opposition. Then that on the second day the
basilica had been occupied by soldiers, who however fraternized with
the Catholics. He gives a sketch of his address, comparing their
trials to those of Job, more particularly those caused by his wife, and
other cases owing to women. Though the basilica was surrendered,
he himself had been threatened by a notary, but this did not trouble
him. He adapts the story of Jonah to the present circumstances,
relates the joy of the people at recovering their church,
Valentinian’s words to his courtiers, and the behaviour of
Calligonus to himself. The date of the letter is Easter,
a.d. 385.