John of Damascus
St Basil, from his Homily on the Forty Martyrs.
On Holy Images — translated by Mary H. Allies
Public domainServed
¶1
The fortunes of war are wont to supply matter both for orators and painters. Orators describe them in glowing language, painters depict them on their canvas, and both have led many on to deeds of fortitude. That which words are to the ear, that the silent picture points out for imitation.
Translated by Mary H. Allies. Edition opa.patristics.john-of-damascus.on-holy-images.en.