Page:Secret History of the Court of the Emperor Justinian 1674.djvu/77

 he appointed the murders of an infinite multitude of innocent persons; the sacking of several Towns, and confiscation of Estates. In a word, by his looks no man but would have taken him for the gentlest, the most affable, and best natured Man in the World. But if any one come to implore his mercy, or to expostulate in behalf of one that was oppressed, then it was he would be angry, his colour rise, and his in­dignation against his subjects appear. He favor­ed the Priests, who tormented their Neighbors; he gave any man thanks, who possessed himself of his Neighbors estate, and believed he did an act that was highly meritorious. When any controversie was brought before him, he be­lieved himself bound in Conscience to decide it in favor of the Defendant, especially, if he had invaded the others estate, under pretence, That it belonged to the Church; in that case he thought he could not he unjust, let him do what he would, provided the cause went for the Ecclesiasticks: He himself gave to the Church, several Lands that he had usurped from other people (whether the lawful Proprie­tors were living or dead) to cover his impiety under the mask of devotion, and procure that the right owners should never be restored to them again; and many murders he committed, under the pretence of Piety and Religion. He endea­vored likewise with great industry, That all people under his Dominion should be uniform in Matters of Religion, in order to which, he put many a man to death, as not believing it Rh