Thus, you are compelled to listen to me and grant me justice. I believe the cause of your wrath and my sorrow, is that I shared something you had given to me. And then, to cover an act displeasing to you, I used a lie. That is the sole crime I've committed. My fear of disappointing you turned out to be the reason I disappointed you.
     When you presented me with this exotic fruit that brought bad luck upon me, I accepted it with joy — as much for its beauty as for the fact that it came from you. I took pleasure in beholding it, but convinced that it suited more to be admired rather than eaten, and unwilling to ruin it, I pondered over what best to do with it. It was during this time that Paulinus was ill. Thus, an idea to visit him was conceived. Assuming there could be no better use for this gift you gave me than to offer it to someone you loved and who needed it, I passed it on to him. But Paulinus did not hide my generosity because, as I had not told him that I received it from you, the same sentiment which made me offer him this apple, probably prompted him to pass it on to someone he thought higher than himself. If you tell me that I should never have parted with your presents, for anything that comes from the loved one should be as precious as life itself, I would agree with you, for that’s one of my arguments trying to justify my action. But, there is differentiation here, for the love of men can lead to a multitude of reactions, and every situation this passion engenders is one of a kind. The affection between a husband and a wife is not like that between a lover and a mistress, although they may be the same people, and love is still as much burning in their heart as it was before their marriage. Their feelings differ in several ways. They are more enduring and less artificial, and all the follies that a non-marital liaison provides are not to be found in their heart. So, if Paulinus had harbored passion for me, he would have guarded the apple I gave him with care and jealousy, because it is certain that through such affection, the slightest things from the loved one take on an immeasurable value, and it is possible to die for them. But as soon as he got the gift from me, he passed it on to you, and it can be said that he intended to please you more than me. For my part, I would never have thought that you could censure the fact that I give something you offered me, or that generosity could be a quality I should not possess. For, if I have to give only what you did not offer me, then I should give myself, since I brought to your palace only simplicity and innocence that someone is trying to rob from me today.
     What, don't you remember the considerable wealth you have granted me? I have given it away and thus enriched entire cities on numerous occasions. Would Theodosius have allowed me to distribute gold, pearls, and diamonds to hundreds of people unknown to him, but would disapprove of me providing a simple fruit to a man who needed it and for whom Theodosius had affection? No, that was not logical, and even Pulcheria, as perspicacious as she is and thinks she is, would have agreed with me.  
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