How He Brought the Disputing Bishops to Agreement

When the emperor had spoken these words in Latin, with someone else interpreting, he gave permission to those who presided over the council to give their views. At this some began to accuse their neighbors, who defended themselves and made accusations in their turn. In this way countless claims were put forward by each side, and a fierce controversy broke out at the very start. In spite of this, the emperor listened patiently to everyone alike and received every proposal with steady attention. By helping along the argument of each side in turn from time to time, he gradually brought even the most heated speakers to be reconciled. At the same time, by the friendliness with which he spoke to everyone, and by speaking Greek, a language he was not altogether unfamiliar with, he showed himself truly attractive and likable. He persuaded some, convinced others by his reasoning, praised those who spoke well, and urged all of them toward agreement, until at last he succeeded in bringing them to one mind and judgment on every question in dispute.