CHAPTER VI The fraud practised by Chrysostom in the matter of Basil’s ordination
CHAPTER VI
The fraud practised by Chrysostom in the matter of Basil’s ordination
23. This, and more than this, my mother said to me, and I told it to my magnanimous friend; who was not only not disheartened by the words, but urged me even more, making the same request as formerly.
24. While matters remained in this position, he constantly entreating, and I not consenting, a rumour which suddenly sprang up, agitated both of us. Now the rumour was, that we were about to be advanced to the priestly dignity.
25. As for myself, on hearing this report, I was seized with fear and perplexity: with fear, lest I should be taken against my will; and with perplexity, asking repeatedly whence it had come to those men that any such thing should be desired of me, for on considering myself, I found that I had nothing to make me worthy of that honour.
26. But my noble-minded friend, coming to me privately, and communing with me about the matter, as if I had not heard the rumour, entreated, that in this case as before, it might be seen we were alike in deed and counsel; because he would readily follow me, in whichever course I took the lead, whether we had to avoid or to accept.
27. Perceiving his willingness, and thinking I should bring loss on the whole community of the Church, if, through my weakness, I deprived the flock of Christ of a young man so good, and so adapted to preside over men, I did not reveal to him my intention in the matter, although I had never before allowed him to be unaware of any of my purposes; but saying that the consideration of these things must be postponed to another time (for it was not now urgent), I persuaded him forthwith not to trouble himself upon the subject, and in regard to myself, I gave him encouragement, as though I should be of one mind with him, if such an event ever took place.
28. But after a short time had elapsed, and he who was going to ordain us had come, and I had hidden myself, he (Basil) who knew nothing of it, was led away as though for another purpose, and received the yoke, hoping, after the promise I had made him, that I should at all events follow him, or rather, thinking he was following me.
29. Moreover, some of those who were present there, seeing that he was vexed at being caught, deceived him by exclaiming, how strange it was that he who seemed in all things to be the bolder (meaning me), should yield with so much meekness to the judgment of the fathers; and that he who was the more prudent and gentle, should be so bold and vain in restiveness, drawing back and gainsaying.
30. After yielding to these remonstrances, when he heard that I had retreated, he came to me in great dejection, and sat down by me, and intended to say something, but was prevented by his perplexity, and could not find the power he needed to speak: when he opened his mouth utterance was choked, for his mental distress interrupted his speech before it passed his lips.
31. Therefore, seeing him all in tears, and full of his great trouble, and knowing the cause, I smiled for extreme pleasure, and taking him by the hand, I strove to kiss it, and praised God, that the result of my stratagem was favourable, and such as I had always desired.
32. But when he saw me joyous and cheerful, and discovered that he had been deceived by me before, he was even more vexed and annoyed.