Priscillian Goes to Rome

Then Instantius, Salvianus, and Priscillian set out for Rome, to clear themselves of the charges against them before Damasus, who was then bishop of the city. Well, their journey took them through the heart of Aquitaine, and there they were received with great pomp by people who knew no better, and they spread the seeds of their heresy. Above all, they corrupted with their evil teaching the people of Elusa, who were then of a good and religious spirit. They were driven out of Bordeaux by Delphinus; yet they lingered for a little while on the lands of Euchrotia, and infected some with their errors. Then they went on with the journey they had begun, attended by a base and shameful company, among whom were their wives and even women not their own. Among these were Euchrotia and her daughter Procula. Of the daughter it was commonly reported that when she was pregnant through adultery with Priscillian, she brought about an abortion by the use of certain plants. [a]

When they reached Rome, wanting to clear themselves before Damasus, they were not even admitted to his presence. Returning to Milan, they found Ambrose just as opposed to them. Then they changed their plans. Since they had not got the better of the two bishops who at that time held the highest authority, they meant to obtain what they wanted from the emperor by bribery and flattery. So, having won over Macedonius, the master of the offices, they obtained a rescript by which the decrees made earlier were trampled underfoot, and they were ordered to be restored to their churches. Relying on this, Instantius and Priscillian made their way back to Spain, for Salvianus had died in the city; and then, without any struggle, they recovered the churches over which they had ruled.