In Praise of Theodosius the Younger

For these reasons the emperor held Proclus in the highest esteem. For in fact the emperor himself was a model for all true clergy, and never approved of those who tried to persecute others. Indeed, I may venture to say that in gentleness he surpassed all who have ever faithfully held the office of priest. What is written of Moses in the book of Numbers, “Now the man Moses was very gentle, more than all the men who were on the face of the earth,” may most justly be applied in our own day; for the emperor Theodosius is “gentle above all the men who are on the face of the earth.” It is because of this gentleness that God has subdued his enemies without battles, as the capture of the usurper John and the defeat of the barbarians that followed clearly show. For the God of the universe has given this most devout emperor in our own times help from beyond nature, of the same kind that was granted to the righteous of old. I do not write these things to flatter, but truthfully relate facts that everyone can confirm. [a]