Constantine’s Generosity to the Poor

He also gave money generously to those in need. Beyond these, he showed himself kind and generous even to the pagans, who had no claim on him. Even for the beggars in the marketplace, wretched and helpless, he provided not only money or necessary food but decent clothing as well. But to those who had once been prosperous and had met with a change of fortune he gave his help still more lavishly. On such people he bestowed magnificent gifts in a truly royal spirit, giving grants of land to some and honoring others with various ranks of dignity. He cared like a father for the orphans of the unfortunate, and he relieved the poverty of widows and looked after them with special care. He even gave virgins, left without protection by their parents’ death, in marriage to wealthy men he knew personally. But before doing so he gave the brides such dowries as it was fitting for them to bring into the partnership of marriage. In short, as the sun, when it rises over the earth, freely gives its rays of light to all, so Constantine, coming out of the imperial palace at early dawn and rising, as it were, with the light of heaven, gave the rays of his own kindness to all who came before him. It was hardly possible to be near him without receiving some benefit, and it never happened that anyone who hoped to get his help was disappointed. [a]