The collector of fines was unrelenting in his demands, for the imperial treasury, as well as the public funds, was concerned in the case. The debtor thereupon demanded an audience of the emperor, with the idea of getting him to pass judgment in his favour. The public tribunal would thus be prevented from enforcing the verdict against him. Both parties to the suit were granted the right of appeal to the emperor, and the trial attracted a large audience in court.
I was there myself, in the important role of secretary, to record the decisions of Themis.**138 When the two parties came into court, the person who had committed the theft — or apparently had done so — defended himself in a straightforward and most pathetic manner. He pleaded that restitution to the public funds should be made from his own personal property alone: he did not want to leave the obligation to meet debts incurred by himself as a heritage to his children. At this point he proceeded to strip of his clothes, as if he could meet his liabilities in only one way — by divesting himself of all his possessions.
171. Here Constantine interrupted him, his eyes full of tears. ‘Wait, my dear fellow! Surely you would be ashamed to bring this dishonour on your family? You mustn’t reduce yourself to such sudden and extreme poverty that even food and clothing depend on others’ generosity!’ — ‘But Sir,’ replied the man, ‘with all the good will in the world, I could not possibly provide the money they ask for.’ And the emperor’s answer to this?
Watch over human justice
‘If someone were to pay off a part of this debt, would you be satisfied that justice had been done?’ ‘It would be a godsend,’ said the man, ‘but, so far as I can see, no angel or divine being has come down from heaven to watch over human justice and busy itself with the affairs of this world’s cities.’ ‘Never mind,’ answered the emperor, ‘I will act the part and relieve you of a third of the debt.’
172. At these words the nobleman could restrain himself no longer, but fell on his knees on the ground and almost expired with joy. Constantine, deeply impressed by his gratitude, went on: ‘I will do more. I will pay off two-thirds.’ And then, before the other could really understand what he had said, he added: ‘And the rest!’ The debtor had never dreamed that the emperor could be so generous, and now, all his worries solved, like a man who has won a great victory, he clothed himself in his finest robes and with a garland on his head offered thanksgiving to God.
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