Son of a Godly Emperor, Father of Royal Sons

Nor did he give this witness in words only while falling short in his own practice. He pursued every path of virtue and was rich in the varied fruits of godliness. He secured the affection of his friends by splendid proofs of generosity. And since he governed on principles of humanity, his rule was felt but lightly and was welcome to every class of his subjects. At last, after a long course of years, when he was weary from his divine labors, the God whom he honored crowned him with an immortal reward and moved him from a passing kingdom to the endless life that he has stored up for the souls of his saints. But first he had raised up for him three sons to succeed him in his power. As the imperial throne had come down to him from his father, so by the law of nature it was reserved for his children and their descendants, handed on like a family inheritance to endless generations. And indeed God himself, who distinguished this blessed prince with divine honors while he was still with us, and has adorned his death with choice blessings from his own hand, should be the one to write his deeds, since he has recorded his labors and successes on heavenly monuments.