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Life of St Porphyry, Bishop of Gaza
Mark the Deacon, tr. Hill, 1913
Chapter 42
On the next day1 the Augusta sent for us, and having first after her wont saluted the holy bishops bade them sit down. And after they had spoken much of spiritual matters, she saith unto them: ‘I spake unto the Emperor and he was a little vexed. But be not discouraged; for, if God will, I will not cease until ye be satisfied and depart having accomplished your desire which is of God.’ And the bishops, when they heard her words, worshipped her. And our Saint Porphyry, being sore moved, and remembering the words of the thrice blessed Procopius, the anchorite, said to the Empress: ‘Do thou labour for Christ, and he shall grant thee for thy labour a son, who shall live and reign, for thee to see2 and enjoy many years.’ And when the Empress heard his words she was filled with joy and blushed, and the beauty3 which was in her countenance was increased; for the things which are apparent make manifest the things which are unseen.
Notes
- On the next day. October 20, 401.
- for thee to see. Since Eudoxia died in September 404, Porphyry’s prophecy was not fulfilled in all particulars.
- the beauty. Lit. ‘there was added to her countenance beauty above that which she had.’