Letter 18: I was never meanly disposed towards your Reverence; do not find me guilty. But after allowing myself a little liberty and boldness, just to relieve and heal my grief, I at once bowed and submitted, and willingly subjected myself to the Canon. What else could I have done, knowing both you and the Law of the Spirit?

I was never mean-spirited toward Your Reverence — don't accuse me of it. After allowing myself a little liberty and frankness, just enough to relieve my grief, I immediately bowed and submitted and placed myself willingly under your authority. What else could I have done, knowing both you and the law of the Spirit? But even if I had been petty and ignoble in my feelings — which I was not — the present crisis wouldn't allow for it. Not with the wild beasts charging the Church. Not with the pure and genuine courage you're showing in its defense. I will come, if you wish. I'll join you in prayer and in the fight. I'll serve you, and like a boy cheering on a champion athlete, I'll try to stir you to even greater effort.

Epistle 18. To Eusebius of Cæsarea. I was never meanly disposed towards your Reverence; do not find me guilty. But after allowing myself a little liberty and boldness, just to relieve and heal my grief, I at once bowed and submitted, and willingly subjected myself to the Canon. What else could I have done, knowing both you and the Law of the Spirit? But if I had been ever so mean and ignoble in my sentiments, yet the present time would not allow such feelings, nor the wild beasts which are rushing on the Church, nor your own courage and manliness, so purely and genuinely fighting for the Church. I will come then, if you wish it, and take part with you in prayers and in conflict, and will serve you, and like cheering boys will stir up the noble athlete by my exhortations.