Page:Secret History of the Court of the Emperor Justinian 1674.djvu/31

 any defence; so strangely had his ancient cou­rage forsaken him: But Quadratus presented him a Letter from the Empress which was almost in these very terms.

Ou cannot be ignorant, Bellisarius, what you have done against me, and how highly you have offended; but my obligations to your Wife pre­vailed with me, to pardon your crimes, grant you your life, and give you hopes of enjoying your old fortune for the future: But you must know, it is your behavior to Antonina that must give me assurance of your intentions.

Bellisarius was transported with joy at the reading of the Letter, and being desirous that Quadratus should be a witness in what manner he received it, he threw himself down in his presence, before his Wife, and embracing her knees, and kissing her feet, he called her his safety and preservation; protesting, that for the future he would own himself, not only her Hus­band, but her Vassal and Slave. Moreover, the Empress having detained Three thousand Livers of Gold, out of the sum which had been taken from Bellisarius, she returned him the rest, which was the same measure had been used with Gilimere and Vitiges, whom he had conquered not long before.

The Emperor and Empress had cast an ill eye for a long time upon the immense riches of Bellisarius, looking upon them as worthy to be added to their own Royal Revenue. They Rh