Page:Secret History of the Court of the Emperor Justinian 1674.djvu/75

 with their own eyes. It was reported, That there was a Fryer of a most exemplary life, and of great eminence for it, who at the solicitati­on of his Brethren in the same Monastery, came to Constantinople with design of speaking to the Emperor for the ease of the Neighborhood, which was undone by his tyranny and oppressi­on. That when he arrived, he entred into the Palace, and the Emperors Apartment, with as much ease as he could desire; but as soon as he came near his person, he started from him, and returned to his Monastery in great hast and con­fusion, without being able to answer the Ushers and other Officers who pressed him to stay, and demanded what it was he feared. But being questioned by the Monks, be told them, That he saw Lucifer sitting upon the Throne of the Em­pire, and that he had not power to accost, or say any thing to him. And indeed, who would not have taken for an evil spirit, or at least for a fury, a Man, who though he loved more Women then any Man living, and that to the very height of lasciviousness and debauchery, yet he scarce eat, or drank, or slept at any time; but having tast­ed and sipped of what was brought to the Ta­ble, he walked about the Palace all the night after.

As to Theodora, those who had lain with her when she was a Comedian, declared, That whilest they were in Bed with her in the night, there came spirits into the Room, and frighted them away. There was a young Wench which danced well, belonging to the Venetes of  Rh