Pulcheria; and, though it added to her own power, the latter deplored the inglorious indolence of her brother, who always signed every paper presented to him without observation. Wishing to show him the folly of this conduct, she once gave him a petition, in which she asked the empress for her slave, which he also signed without reading. On the discovery of this trick, the emperor was not pleased, and Eudocia was highly offended. Seduced by flatterers, she began to envy the influence of Pulcheria, and the latter soon fell into disgrace with the emperor and retired from court. But Eudocia, though of the finest capacity, was unskilled in the practical part of government; and felt that she was not able to guide the helm, which the steadier hands of Pulcheria had held so many years with wisdom and success: nor did public misfortunes alone assail her; the emperor became her adversary.
Paulinus had been his friend from childhood, and was now the cherished companion of his riper years. His praises of Eudocia had contributed to raise her to the throne, and he was more esteemed by both on that account. With the most amiable qualities of the heart, he possessed a taste for literature, which made her prize his conversation highly.
Theodosius became jealous on some trifling cause and, encouraged by bis courtiers, found a pretext to send Paulinus to Cesarea, and cause him to be murdered. The empress felt the most lively grief, not merely at the injustice, but at the stigma cast on her honour. She withdrew from court. Theodosius, filled with black suspicion, attempted not to recal her. At last, detesting both court and diadem, and regretting the obscure life she resigned twenty years before, she asked, and easily obtained permission to retire to Jerusalem. Even there
