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Against the Donatists
St Optatus of Milevis, tr. Vassall-Phillips, 1917
Book 2, 16. The Edict of Julian
Next, as is known to all men, there followed another Emperor, who, in conjunction with you, devised evil plans, and from the servant of God became the tool of God’s enemy. His edicts bore him witness that he was an apostate. Yet this was the man whom you entreated to be allowed to return.1 If you deny that you sent such entreaties, we reply that we have read them. Nor did he whom you entreated make difficulties. He commanded you to come back,2 as you asked. For he knew well that you would come, with fierceness, to break up Peace.3
If you have any shame, blush.
The same decree, which gave freedom to you, ordered the temples to be opened to their idols.4
Notes
- ut reverti possetis.
- ire. We should probably read redire, the word found in the next chapter.
- ad disturbandam Pacem.
- Cf. S. August. Ep. cxlviii; clxvi; and con. Petil. ii, 92.