Indeed, had they never been spoken, I believe that I should have lived and died a heathen man.

Hitherto I had judged of that Faith by the works of those who practised it in Constantinople, and found it wanting.
Now, however, I was sure that some Power from above us had guided me to the chamber of Nicephorus in time to save his life, me, who, had he died, in a sense would have been guilty of his blood.

For had he not been driven to the deed by my bitter, mocking words?
It may be said that this would have mattered little; that he might as well have died by his own hand as be taken to Athens, there to perish with his brethren, whether naturally or by murder I do not know.

But who can judge of such secret things?
Without doubt the sufferings of Nicephorus had a purpose, as have all our sufferings.

He was kept alive for reasons known to his Maker though not to man.
Here I will add that of this unhappy Caesar and his brethren I remember little more.