l rite, a second message came that one of the Arian
priests was in the hands of the populace.

"On this news (he says, writing to his sister,) I could not keep
from shedding many bitter tears, and, while I made oblation, I
prayed God's protection that no blood might be shed in the Church's
quarrel: or if so, that it might be mine, and that not for my
people only, but for those heretics."--_Ep._ 20.

At the same time he despatched some of his clergy to the spot, who had
influence enough to rescue the unfortunate man from the mob.

Though Ambrose so far seems to have been supported only by a popular
movement, yet the proceedings of the following week showed that he had
also the great mass of respectable citizens on his side. The imprudent
measures of the Court, in punishing those whom it considered its
enemies, disclosed to the world their number and importance. The
tradesmen of the city were fined two hundred pounds of gold, and many
were thrown into prison. All the officers, moreover, and place-men of
the courts of justice, were ordered to keep in-doors during the
continuance of the disorders; and men of higher rank were menaced with
severe consequences, unless the Basilica were surrendered.

Such were the acts by which the Imperial Court solemnized Passion week.
At length a fresh interview was sought with Ambrose, which shall be
described in his own words:--

"I had a meeting with the counts and tribunes, who urged me to give
up the Basilica without delay, on the ground that the Emperor was
but acting on his undoubted rights, as possessing sovereign power
over all things. I made answer, that if he asked me for what was my
own--for instance, my estate, my money, or the like--I would make
no opposition: though, to tell the truth, all that was mine was the
property of the poor; but that he had no sovereignty over things
sacred. If my patrimony is demanded, seize upon it; my person, here
I am. Would you take to prison or to death? I go with pleasure. Far
be it from me to entrench myself within the circle of a multitude,
or to clasp the altar in supplication for my life; rather I will be
a sacrifice for the altar's sake.

"In good truth, when I heard that soldiers were sent to take
possession of the Basilica, I was horrified at the prospect of
bloodshed, which might issue in ruin to the whole city. I prayed
God tha