CHAPTER L

LICINIUS ATTEMPTS A CONSPIRACY AGAINST CONSTANTINE

ACCORDINGLY he engaged in an irreconcileable war against his benefactor, altogether regardless of the laws of friendship, the obligation of oaths, the ties of kindred, and already existing treaties. For the most benignant emperor had given him a proof of sincere affection in bestowing on him the hand of his sister, thus granting him the privilege of a place in family relationship and his own ancient imperial descent, and investing him also with the rank and dignity of his colleague in the empire. But the other, in a spirit the very opposite to this, employed himself in machinations against his superior, and devised various means for ungratefully invading his benefactor’s tranquillity. At first, under the specious mask of friendship, he conducted all his plots with art and treachery, expecting thus to succeed in concealing his designs; but God enabled His servant to detect the schemes thus darkly devised. Licinius, however, being discovered in his first attempts, had recourse to fresh frauds; at one time pretending friendship, at another claiming confidence on the ground of solemn treaties; then at once violating every engagement, and again beseeching pardon by embassies, yet after all foully falsifying his word: till at last he declared open war, and with desperate infatuation resolved thenceforward to carry arms against God Himself, whose worshipper he knew the emperor to be.