Page:Secret History of the Court of the Emperor Justinian 1674.djvu/88

 Stage. There was a person of quality, (who had been along time (and was grown old) in several charges and imployments) but his name I shall forbear, as being unwilling to do him that disgrace, as to leave it to posterity upon Record, for so dishonorable an action. This Gentleman, I say, not being able to recover a good round sum of Money, which he had lent to a friend Of the Empresses,: addressed himself to her for Justice, and that she would be a means he might be restored to his right. Theodora to keep up the interest of her friend, command­ed her Eunuchs to incompass the Patrician when he came; to observe what she did, and second her singing whenever she should begin. When the Patrician was introduced into her Chamber, he threw himfelf down at her feet (as the custom was) and with tears in his eyes; began his Harangue.

Madam, said he, ''The Condition of a Patrician is more then ordinarily miserable, when reduced to want; for what would draw upon other people pitty and compassion, brings contempt upon a Gen­tleman, and makes his calamity the greater: When other people are in necessity, and acquaint their creditors therewith, their misery makes them less miserable; but when a Gentleman is in distress, and cannot pay his debts, he is ashamed to own it; and if he can prevail with himself to do that, who will believe him? The World will never believe we are poor, and if they do believe it, farewel our dig­nity and reputation. This Madam is my case, I ow Money, and I have Money owing me; for my '' own