Scene + 

XIII + 

Gallicanus + 

Be at peace, most holy virgins. Persevere in the fear of God, and preserve untouched the treasure of your virginity. Then you will be worthy of the embraces of the eternal King. + 

Constance + 

We shall keep our vows with more joy now we know that you are on our side. + 

Gallicanus + 

Have no fear that I shall put any obstacle in your way. Far from it! I consent gladly, and desire nothing better than to see you fulfil your vow, my Constance, you, for whom I was eager to risk life itself. + 

Constance + 

I see the hand of the Most High in this change in you. + 

Gallicanus + 

If I had not changed, and for the better, I could never have consented to renounce you. + 

Constance + 

The Lover of virginal purity and the Author of all good resolutions made you renounce me because He had already claimed me for His own. May He Who has separated us in the body on earth unite us in the joys of eternity. + 

Gallicanus + 

So be it! So be it! + 

Constantine + 

And now, since we are united in the bond of Christ’s love, you shall live with us in our palace, and be treated with as much honour as though you were our own son. + 

Gallicanus + 

What temptation is to be feared more than the lust of the eyes? + 

Constantine + 

None, I know. + 

Gallicanus + 

Then is it right that I should see her too often? As you know, I love her more than my own kin, more than my life, more than my soul! + 

Constantine + 

You must do what you think best. + 

Gallicanus + 

Thanks to our Lord Christ and to my labours, your army was never so strong as now. Give me leave, then, to transfer my service to that Emperor through Whose power I have returned victorious, and to Whom I owe any success I have won in life. + 

Constantine + 

To Him be praise and glory. All creatures should serve Him. + 

Gallicanus + 

Above all those whom He has generously helped in time of need. + 

Constantine + 

That is true. + 

Gallicanus + 

I am giving to my daughters the portion of my property which is theirs by right. Another I am devoting to the support of pilgrims. With the remainder I propose to enrich my slaves⁠—whom I have freed⁠—and to relieve the poor. + 

Constantine + 

You are disposing of your wealth wisely, and you will be rewarded. + 

Gallicanus + 

As for me, I long to go to Ostia and become the disciple of the holy man, Hilarion. In his brotherhood I hope to spend the rest of my life praising God and helping the poor. + 

Constantine + 

May the Divine Being to Whom all things are possible bring your plans to a happy issue! May you always do the will of Him Who lives and reigns in the Unity of the Trinity, and at last attain eternal joy! + 

Gallicanus + 

Amen. + 