Page:Secret History of the Court of the Emperor Justinian 1674.djvu/15

 managed, That Photius finding there was no safety where he was, was forced to retire to Constantinople, as not being able to protect him­self against her perpetual ambushments: When Photius was gone, Theodosius was recalled into Italy, where Antonina continued for some time in as much luxury and happiness, as the em­braces of her Gallant, and the stupidity of her Husband could contribute: But at length she returned with both of them to Constantinople. There it was, that Theodosius felt his first com­punctions of Conscience, and began to be in no little perplexity to find how to demean him­self; for he could not hope to conceal his course of life any longer, seeing Antonina was so far from making a secret of her passion, that she abandoned her self wholly to the transport of her lust, without the least care or regret for the imputation of an adultress. Upon this score he went off again to Ephesus, and having shaved according to custom, he entred himself into a Monastery. This accident put Antonina out of all patience, insomuch, that not only her habit, but her looks and deportment, represented no­thing but sadness: She wept, and lamented up and down the house (though her Husband was then present, and in health) declaring publick­ly, That she was undone in the loss of Theodo­sius, whose fidelity, whose friendship, whose diligence, and magnanimity were incompara­ble; and she brought over Bellisarius to be of her opinion, insomuch, as he ran up and down with the same complaints, and left no means Rh