Licinius Plots Against Constantine

So he began a relentless war against his benefactor, with no regard at all for the laws of friendship, the binding force of oaths, the ties of family, or the treaties already in place. For the most kindly emperor had given him proof of sincere affection by giving him his sister in marriage. In this way he granted him the honor of a place in his family and his own ancient imperial line, and he also gave him the rank and dignity of his colleague in the empire. But the other took the very opposite course. He busied himself with schemes against his superior and devised all kinds of ways to repay his benefactor with injuries. At first, pretending friendship, he did everything by cunning and treachery, expecting in this way to keep his plans hidden. But God enabled his servant to uncover the schemes devised in the dark. Found out in his first attempts, he turned to fresh deceptions, at one time pretending friendship, at another appealing to the protection of solemn treaties. Then he would suddenly break every agreement, and again beg for pardon through embassies, and yet in the end shamefully break his word. At last he declared open war, and in desperate madness resolved from then on to take up arms against God himself, whose worshiper he knew the emperor to be. [a]