Page:Secret History of the Court of the Emperor Justinian 1674.djvu/97

 regarded not the dignity of the Magistrate, the interest of the State, nor any other consideration in the World; so she could but sill her coffers, and satisfie her infatiable humor.

When she was a Comedian, Theodora was got with child by a person of her acquaintance, but perceived it not till it was late; after she had tried all ways to make her self miscarry, and none of them succeded by reason she was too far gone; she troubled her self no farther with these unprofitable remedies, but was fairly brought to Bed. But her gallant understanding she was highly offended that her lying in had hindred her from getting of Money, knowing the temper of the Mother, and being in some fear for the life of the Child, he took it, named it John, and carried it with him into Arabia, whither of a long time he had resolved to retire. When John was grown up, his Father fell sick, and finding he should die, he told his son who was his Mother, what was his fortune, and in few minutes departed. John having performed his last duty to his Father, not long after removed to Constantinople, discovered the business to some of the Officers of the Empress, and in­treated them to introduce him to his Mother. The Officers not imagining, in the least, she could do any thing that was inhumane against him, represented to her that her son was in Town. The wicked Woman fearing it might come to the ears of the Emperor, caused him to be brought to her, and having received him very kindly before those who presented him, with-