After the celebration, Constantine, in his chambers up in Blacherne, meditated upon the day and its outcome. Phranza was his sole attendant.
"My dear friend," the Emperor began, breaking a long silence, and much disquieted, "was not my predecessor, the first Constantine, beset with religious dissensions?"
"If we may credit history, my Lord, he certainly was."
"How did he manage them?"
"He called a Council."
"A Council truly—was that all?"
"I do not recollect anything more."
"It was this way, I think. He first settled the faith, and then provided against dispute."
"How, my Lord?"
"Well, there was one Arius, a Libyan, Presbyter of a little church in Alexandria called Baucalis, preacher of the Unity of God"—