A Challenge Over the Alleged Letter

Now I have already called on God, and on his Word, the only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to witness for me that I have never written to that man nor received letters from him. And as for my accuser, allow me to ask him a few short questions about this charge too. How did he come to know of this matter? Will he say that he has copies of the letter? For that is what the Arians labored to prove. Now in the first place, even if he can show writing that resembles mine, the matter is still not certain. For there are forgers who have often imitated the handwriting even of you emperors. And a resemblance will not prove the letter genuine unless my usual secretary testifies in its favor. Then I would ask my accusers again: Who supplied you with these copies? Where were they obtained? I had my secretaries, and he had his servants, who received his letters from the bearers and put them into his hand. My assistants are available. Be kind enough to summon the others too (for they are very likely still living), and inquire about these letters. Search into the matter as though Truth were the partner of your throne. She is the defense of kings, and especially of Christian kings; with her you will reign most securely. For Holy Scripture says, “Mercy and truth preserve the king, and they will surround his throne in righteousness.” And the wise Zerubbabel won the victory over the others by setting out the power of Truth, and all the people cried out, “Great is the truth, and mighty above all things.” [a]