A Bishop’s Speech, and the Council’s Silence

The bishop who held the first place on the right side of the assembly then rose and, addressing the emperor, gave a short speech of thanksgiving to Almighty God on his behalf. When he had sat down again, silence followed, and all fixed their attention on the emperor. He looked serenely around the assembly with a cheerful face, gathered his thoughts, and in a calm and gentle voice spoke the following words. [a]