Page:Secret History of the Court of the Emperor Justinian 1674.djvu/169

 their Sentences and Decrees among themselves, according to Custom, and the parties never troubled the Emperor with their importunities, being perswaded within themselves, that no injustice would be done them. But Justinian having ingrossed all business, that thereby he might more easily ruine his subjects, he brought them to a condition that was little better then slavery. The Courts of Justice were always empty, and scarce a Man to be seen; whereas in the Palace, infinite multi­tudes were continually to be seen, pressing and crouding to out-do one another in the servility of their obedience. Those who were in most favor with them, and seemed to have the greatest interest in their affection, waited whole days, and a great part of the night, but they got nothing but their labor for their pains, having no other compensation for all their assiduity and attendance, then a vain image of felicity and good fortune. Others who were not intangled in those cares and for­malities, had yet their troubles to think what was become of all the Treasure and Riches of the Empire. Some said the Barbarians had divided it among them, others, that the Em­peror had hid it in several places, which very few knew. For my part, I will not speak my sentiment, only this I will say, That when Justinian dies, (for he is but a Man, and Rh