The Church to Surpass All Others in Walls, Columns and Marble

“It will be well, therefore, for you in your wisdom to arrange and provide everything needed for the work in such a way that not only will the church as a whole surpass all others anywhere in beauty, but its details too will be such that the finest buildings in any city of the empire are outdone by this one. As for building and decorating the walls, this is to inform you that our friend Dracilianus, the deputy of the praetorian prefects, and the governor of the province have received a charge from us. For our devout instructions to them are that craftsmen and laborers, and whatever else they learn from you in your wisdom is needed to advance the work, are to be supplied at once by their care. And as for the columns and marbles, whatever you judge, after actually examining the plan, to be especially precious and useful, be sure to let us know in writing. Then whatever quantity and kind of materials we judge from your letter to be needed may be obtained from every quarter as required. For it is fitting that the most marvelous place in the world should be worthily adorned. [a]