But as some mixture of prodigy and fable has in
every age been supposed to reflect a becoming majesty on the
origin of great cities, the emperor was desirous of
ascribing his resolution not so much to the uncertain
counsels of human policy as to the eternal and infallible
decrees of divine wisdom. In one of his laws he has been
careful to instruct posterity that in obedience to the
commands of God he laid the everlasting foundations of
Constantinople, and though he has not condescended to relate
in what manner the celestial inspiration was communicated to
his mind, the defect of his modest silence has been
liberally supplied by the ingenuity of succeeding writers,
who describe the nocturnal vision which appeared to the
fancy of Constantine as he slept within the walls of
Byzantium. The tutelar genius of the city, a venerable
matron sinking under the weight of years and infirmities,
was suddenly transformed into a blooming maid, whom his own
hands adorned with all the symbols of imperial greatness.
The monarch awoke, interpreted the auspicious omen, and
obeyed without hesitation the will of Heaven.
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