Eusebius Delivers His Oration Before Constantine

I have described, as well as I could, the structure of our Savior’s church, the shape of his sacred cave, the splendor of the work itself, and the countless offerings of gold, silver, and precious stones, in a separate treatise dedicated to the emperor. At a fitting opportunity I will add it to this present work. I will also add to it the speech for his thirtieth anniversary, which I gave shortly afterward in the emperor’s own presence, having traveled to the city that bears his name. This was the second opportunity given to me to glorify the Supreme God in the imperial palace itself. On this occasion my godly listener showed the greatest joy, as he made plain afterward when he entertained the bishops who were present and loaded them with honors of every kind. [a]