CHAPTER XXXIV

THE END OF THE HOLY EMPEROR CONSTANTINE

THE body of the emperor was enclosed in a golden coffin, and was carried to Constantinople by the governors of the provinces, the military commanders, and the other officers of state, preceded and followed by the armies, all bitterly deploring their loss; for Constantine had been as an affectionate father to them all. The body of the emperor was allowed to remain in the palace until the arrival of his sons; the honours then rendered to him require no description here, as a full account has been given by other writers. From their works, which are easy of access, may be learnt how greatly the Ruler of all honours his faithful servants. If any one should be tempted to unbelief, let him look at what occurs near the tomb and the statue of Constantine, and then he must admit the truth of what God has said in the Scriptures, “I will honour those who have honoured me, and those who have despised me shall be despised.”