My lords, the present occasion is too serious to allow me to follow the convention
that a woman should not speak in a man's council. Those whose interests are
threatened by extreme danger should think only of the wisest course of action, not
of conventions.
In my opinion, flight is not the right course, even if it should bring us to safety. It is
impossible for a person, having been born into this world, not to die; but for one
who has reigned it is intolerable to be a fugitive. May I never be deprived of this
purple robe, and may I never see the day when those who meet me do not call me
empress.
If you wish to save yourself, my lord, there is no difficulty. We are provisioned; over
there is the sea, and yonder are the ships. Yet reflect for a moment whether, when
you have once escaped to a place of security, you would not gladly exchange such
safety for death. As for me, I agree with the adage that the royal purple is the
noblest shroud.
Adapted from Empress Theodora, "The Royal Purple is the Noblest Shroud"
Based on the excerpt, what is the purpose of Empress Theodora's speech?
to promote the rights of women to speak in the council
to convince her husband to stay and fight
to persuade the council to surrender peaceably
