Pulcheria to Flavian<hr>
       Dear Flavian, I am neither surprised nor downhearted by the advice you have given me.<hr>
I had anticipated clearly that the return of Eudoxia would necessitate the departure of Pulcheria. Being accustomed to the world's turmoil, I do not view with regret this change that will possibly be disadvantageous only for those who have caused it. This sudden transformation is the result of the craftiness of Chrysaphius, the kindness of Theodosius, and the ambition of Eudoxia. Who could have predicted, Flavian, that this poor Eudoxia, who didn’t even have a shelter to protect herself when she threw herself at my feet, would wear the most powerful crown of the world on her head ? Would it have seemed believable? But even stranger, who could have imagined that the person I myself crowned would forcefully snatch away the reins of the Empire that I have elegantly ruled under the authority of Theodosius since the age of fifteen?<hr>
       No, Flavian, I do not wish for posterity to accuse either the Emperor or Empress of having exiled a princess to whom they owe the crown they now wear. For if I placed this crown on Eudoxia's head, I reinforced it on Theodosius'. This famous victory he claimed against Ruga, who after crossing the Danube, came with all the Armenian and Magyar forces to overturn the imperial throne as far as Constantinople, was not merely the result of Theodosius' efforts. And, dare we say it, I seized thunder from the hands of God to crush this barbarian's head, for you know he was struck down by lightning. Yes, Flavian, Theodosius owes me this victory, as well as the one he won against Vahram, the king of the Sassanids, who allied with Al-Mundhir, the king of the Lakhmids. They had amassed such a powerful army that definitely a more than human force was needed to oppose this multitude of men from various nations. However, terror seized these troops; they self-destructed and what should have rendered them victorious left them unable to conquer. Yes, wise Flavian, I used the winds, the storms, and thunder for the glory of Theodosius. I brought the heavens in his protection, and these non-bloody victories he won were the reward of the wisdom I taught him.<hr>
       You know that being two years his senior, I took upon his education. I have the honor of being his sister, but he is my adopted son, and you know how I have acted ever since Theodosius did me the honor to share his power with me and associate me with the Empire. Can there be a happier reign than his? Is there a prince on earth who doesn’t love Theodosius or who doesn’t fear him? Has anyone complained about my rule? Have my counsels not been just or kindhearted? No, Flavian, if we talk sensibly about things, I once did honor to Eudoxia, but I have never been unjust to anyone. Do not think that I imply Eudoxia is unworthy of the throne. No, I will not destroy what I have built, and I am not mistaken if I believe I see wisdom in her.<hr>
                                                     96<hr>