Page:Secret History of the Court of the Emperor Justinian 1674.djvu/14

 of his wife, put to death Constantine like­wise and what we have said in another place, about the Dagger and Presidius, hapned about the same time. For when Constantine was ready to have been acquitted for what he had done against Presidius and Bellisarius, Antonina could take no rest till she were revenged for what he had said against her. But this proceeding of Bellisarius drew upon him the hatred of the Emperor, and of all the great Lords of the Empire.

In the mean time, Theodosius in answer to the invitation of Bellisarius, sent him word, That he would not come back into Italy (where An­tonina and he were resident then) till he had banished Photius, who was Antoninaes own son. This Photius was naturally haughty, could not brook to see others in greater favor then himself, and by consequence thought he had great reason to be discontented. He could not with patience behold himself neglected, and rendred incon­siderable, being a Son of their own family, whilst Theodosius (but adopted) was in great authority, and his riches proportionable; for the report was, he had got little less then Ten thousand Livres of Gold, whilst he was Trea­surer in Carthage and Ravenna: Which was no hard matter, seeing the whole Treasure, both in the one place and the other, was under his single, and absolute administration. Antonina understanding what Theodosius required, fell immediately upon conspiracy against her son, and her plots were so well laid, and so ally