The Piety of Count Terentius

Terentius, an excellent general known for his piety, had set up his trophies of victory and come back from Armenia. Valens told him to choose a reward, and he named one that suited a man brought up in godliness. He asked not for gold or silver, not for land or rank or a house, but that one church might be given to those who were risking everything for the apostolic doctrine. Valens took the petition, but when he learned what it said, he tore it up in a rage and told Terentius to ask for something else. The count, however, picked up the pieces of his petition and said: “I have my reward, sir, and I will not ask for another. The Judge of all things is the judge of my intention.” [a]