Do not believe that I carry bitterness in my soul. I see clearly that even the journey which I prepare to undertake is my own choice, but the permission which was granted me can give the impression of an exile rather than a pilgrimage. This will not prevent me from praying to God that Paulinus' blood does not obstruct your happiness. I will even say prayers for the reign of Pulcheria, whose devotion undoubtedly approves of the spot that I have chosen for my retreat. I will be more useful in Jerusalem than in Constantinople, and perhaps more appreciated. To settle my last debts to her, I will ask heaven to grant her the peace that I will enjoy in my solitude, even though this may not be what she desires. I am not going too far for fame to speak to you of me, and it will tell you so many things about the innocence of my life that you will believe that I have never been guilty. And the Holy Land, where I will take up residence, will allow me to obtain from heaven the pleasure and honour of seeing you again. This is the hope that resides in my spirit, that of a person who lived happily in a modest cabin, who accepted a powerful crown without pride, who leaves without regret the highest throne on earth, and who has only ever loved Emperor Theodosius and honesty.

                                         Effect of this speech

The speech she gave wasn't inconsequential, even if its effect was delayed. It left warm impressions within Theodosius, rekindling his earlier flames. Eudoxia left, that's true, but she returned with honour. She prostrated herself at his feet asking for forgiveness, she who had the power to have half the earth at her disposal. Her innocence and reputation ascended the throne with her, after time and reason had restored tranquility to the emperor's soul.

                                                Notes

Eudoxia II, born around 400 in Athens and died in 460, was a Byzantine empress, daughter of Leontias and a woman of letters from the 5th century. Her increasing influence over Theodosius, her husband, eventually procured for her the hostility of Pulcheria and her death sentence. She escaped to Jerusalem.
Leontias of Athens is an Athenian philosopher and rhetorician. He is Eudoxia's father.
Theodosius II, born April 10, 401 and died July 28, 450, was a Byzantine emperor. It was during his reign that the famous triple Theodosian wall, the walls of Constantinople, were erected.

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