101. At first Constantine threatened in speaking, but
requested in writing, ***. His letters gradually assumed a
menacing tone; but while he required that the entrance of
the church should be open to 'all', he avoided the odious
name of Arius. Athanasius, like a skilful politician, has
accurately marked these distinctions (tom. i. p. 788 [tom.
i. p. 140, ed. Bened.]), which allowed him some scope for
excuse and delay.