THE RAGE OF THE EMPEROR THEODOSIUS SUBDUED BY MUSIC.
At such time as the tyrant Eugenius raised that perilous war in the East, and that money grew short with the Emperor Theodosius, he determined to raise subsidies, and to gather, from all parts, more than before he had ever done: the citizens of Antioch bore this exaction with so ill a will, that, after they had uttered many outrageous words against the Emperor, they pulled down his statues, and those also of the Empress, his wife. A while after, when the heat of their fury was past, they began to repent themselves of their folly, and considered into what danger they had cast themselves and their city. Then did they curse their rashness, confess their fault, implore the goodness of God, and that with tears, “That it would please him to calm the Emperor’s heart.” These supplications and prayers were solemnly sung with sorrowful tunes, and lamenting voices. Their bishop, Flavianus, employed himself valiantly, in this needful time, in behalf of the city, made a journey to Theodosius, and did his utmost to appease him: but finding himself rejected, and knowing that the Emperor was devising some grievous punishment; and, on the other side, not having the boldness to speak again, and yet much troubled in his thoughts because of his people, there came this device into his head. At such time as the Emperor sat at meat, certain young boys were wont to sing musically unto him. Flavianus wrought so, that he obtained of those that had the charge of the boys, that they would suffer them to sing the supplications and prayers of the city of Antioch. Theodosius, listening to that grave music, was so moved with it, and so touched with compassion, that having the cup in his hand, he, with his warm tears, watered the wine that was in it, and forgetting all his conceived displeasure against the Antiochians, freely pardoned them and their city.