Page:Secret History of the Court of the Emperor Justinian 1674.djvu/37

 his daughter would infallibly be heir to his estate, she resolved Anastasius should have her, let it cost what it would; for she began now to be jealous of Antonina, and not to place that confidence in her as formerly, apprehending, That as soon as she was dead, Antonina would forget the friendship she had shown her in all her exigences, and abandoning the Interests of her family, break off all the leagues and engage­ments betwixt them.

These considerations put her upon an enter­prise full of wickedness and impiety. She lodged the daughter in the same Chamber with Anasta­sius, contrary to all Modesty, and sacred Ordi­nance: It was reported at the same time, that he had violated her privately, that the Emperor might not oppose himself the Wedding, when it was so far advanced, as the loss of her virginity. After which, Anastasius having con­tinued with her about eight moneths, they be­gan to love one another, and their passion to grow ardent and strong.

When Antonina arrived at Constantinople, and the Empress was dead, she pretended to be ig­norant of what had passed, and not regarding what might be said to the dishonor of her daugh­ter (so she could find her another match) she forced her to renounce Anastasius; which ren­dered her the most perfidious Woman upon the Earth: Yet all that could not hinder, but she got Bellisarius of her side, when he returned out of Italy. This it was which gave the World a perfect view of his humor and spirit. When he brake