But the emperor's will could not be resisted; and, although the orthodox shuddered to acknowledge as a brother beloved and equal one whom they had always branded as a heretic, the secularized, imperial Church must commit treason or obey; for the royal oecumenical council had borne, along with other fruit, this, that a difference of religious faith and action might very easily constitute the crime of treason against the emperor.
On the day which had been set apart for the solemn pageantry, Arius was brought by chosen officers to the lodgings where the Eusebii abode when in the city; but, designing to prepare for the long-imprisoned Libyan all the delightful surprise which a sudden realization of the great change in his condition might afford, the Eusebii had not permitted any one to inform him fully of the matters contemplated. They even doubted, also, whether the grand, ascetic, incorruptible old man would enter an imperial church to receive honor at the hands of an earthly sovereign unless he should be taken by surprise. When, therefore, the next morning, at the appointed hour, they took places upon each side of him, and invited him to walk with them and view the grand and beautiful metropolitan church, the ancient man went forth not knowing what special purpose was contemplated. And as they drew nearer unto the church, and beheld a vast concourse of people in holiday attire, and ranks of soldiers in magnificent array, with banners flying, and heard the mighty shouts that seemed to rend the heavens, "Glory to Constantine, the favorite of God!" "Long live Arius, the great and faithful presbyter!" the Libyan paused, and, gazing upon the Eusebii, inquired, "Bishops, beloved, what mean these mighty clamors, and these salutations of Constantine and Arius?"
And they answered, "Father, come on with us and thou shalt gladly see."
"Not a step more, until ye have told me all!"
"It meaneth that thou art recalled, not only to Constantinople, but to the very bosom of the Church, subject to no conditions whatever! And the emperor himself waits at the door yonder to welcome and to honor thee."
Then brake the strong heart within him of a hopeless sorrow, and, faintly murmuring these words, 'The Antichrist hath triumphed here where Satan hath his seat!' a convulsion seized upon him, and, as the two steadfast friends strove to hold him up, the gigantic form of the grand old man glided slowly down between them, and lay prone upon the pavement, as if the spirit had gone out of him forever. And presently a slight contortion swept over the great, gaunt frame; the bony right hand extended itself upward, waving gently from side to side; the rough and noble head darted forward upon the long, lithe neck; a tender smile, ineffably soft and sweet, played around the weary, patient mouth, and lighted up the somber eyes and haggard countenance with joy and beauty; and gazing far away, as if his sight could pierce the bending heavens, he sweetly murmured, 'Jesus, and Theckla also!' Then darkness fell upon the weary face and eyes; the mighty limbs relaxed once more; and he lay still upon the rocky way.
Arius the Libyan was dead!
THE END.
*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ARIUS THE LIBYAN ***