CHAPTER XXXIV

PREDICTION OF ISAAC, A HERMIT OF CONSTANTINOPLE

IT is said that Isaac, who dwelt in a solitary tent near Constantinople, exclaimed, on seeing the emperor depart at the head of his army, “Where are you marching, O emperor? You, who have declared war against God cannot receive His aid. He has raised up the barbarians against you, because you have excited many to blasphemy against Him, and have driven away from the churches those who celebrated His praises. Cease, then, from fighting against Him, and He will terminate the war. Restore the pastors to their flocks, and then you will obtain a bloodless victory. But if you despise my advice, and rush into battle, you will find how hard it is to kick against the pricks. You will never return, but will perish with your troops.” The emperor was enraged, and answered, “I shall return, and your life shall pay the penalty of your false prediction.” Isaac, not at all terrified by the threat, rejoined in a loud tone of voice, “Let me be slain if my words prove false.”