33. And now, O Emperor, I beg you not to
disdain to hear me who am in fear both for yourself and for myself, for
it is the voice of a Saint which says: “Wherefore was I
made to see the misery of my people?” 1 Macc. ii. 7.
that I should commit an offence against God. I, indeed, have done
what could be done consistently with honour to you, that you might
rather listen to me in the palace, lest, if it were necessary, you
should listen to me in the Church.