At such time as the tyrant Eugenius raised that perilous war in the
East, and that money grew short with the Emperor Theodosius, he
determined to raise subsidies, and to gather, from all parts, more than
before he had ever done: the citizens of Antioch bore this exaction
with so ill a will, that, after they had uttered many outrageous words
against the Emperor, they pulled down his statues, and those also of
the Empress, his wife. A while after, when the heat of their fury was
past, they began to repent themselves of their folly, and considered
into what danger they had cast themselves and their city. Then did
they curse their rashness, confess their fault, implore the goodness
of God, and that with tears, “That it would please him to calm the
Emperor’s heart.” These supplications and prayers were solemnly sung
with sorrowful tunes, and lamenting voices. Their bishop, Flavianus,
employed himself valiantly, in this needful time, in behalf of the
city, made a journey to Theodosius, and did his utmost to appease
him: but finding himself rejected, and knowing that the Emperor was
devising some grievous punishment; and, on the other side, not having
the boldness to speak again, and yet much troubled in his thoughts
because of his people, there came this device into his head. At such
time as the Emperor sat at meat, certain young boys were wont to sing
musically unto him. Flavianus wrought so, that he obtained of those
that had the charge of the boys, that they would suffer them to sing
the supplications and prayers of the city of Antioch. Theodosius,
listening to that grave music, was so moved with it, and so touched
with compassion, that having the cup in his hand, he, with his warm
tears, watered the wine that was in it, and forgetting all his
conceived displeasure against the Antiochians, freely pardoned them and
their city.