With this he handed to Belisarius the keys of the Asinarian Gate. "I will never forget them," said Belisarius, and signed to Procopius, who took the keys from the hand of the Pope. "You spoke of the designs of my enemies. Has the Emperor enemies in Rome?" Silverius answered, with a sigh: "Cease to question me, general. Their nets are torn; they are now harmless, and it does not become the Church to inculpate, but to _ex_culpate." "It is your duty, Holy Father, to discover to the orthodox Emperor the traitors who hide themselves amongst his Roman subjects, and I call upon you to unmask his enemies." Silverius sighed. "The Church does not thirst for blood." "But she may not prevent justice," said Scævola. And the jurist stepped forward, and handed a roll of parchment to Belisarius, saying, "I accuse Cornelius Cethegus Cæsarius, the Prefect of Rome, of treachery and rebellion against Emperor Justinian. He has called the Emperor's government a tyranny; he opposed the landing of the imperial army with all his might; finally, a few days ago he, and he alone, voted that we should not open to you the gates of Rome." "And what punishment do you propose?" asked Belisarius, looking at the roll. "Death, according to the law," said Scævola. "And his estates," added Albinus, "are lawfully forfeited, partly to the fiscus, partly to his accusers." "And may his soul be recommended to the mercy of God!" concluded the Bishop of Rome. "Where is the accused?" asked Belisarius. "He intended to come to you; but I fear that his bad conscience will prevent him from fulfilling his intention." "You err. Bishop of Rome," said Belisarius; "he is already here." At these words a curtain in the background of the tent dropped, and before his astonished accusers stood Cethegus the Prefect. They could not conceal their surprise. With a look of contempt, Cethegus silently advanced until he stood at Belisarius's right hand. "Cethegus sought me earlier than you," said the commander-in-chief, after a pause, "and he has been beforehand with you also--in accusations. You stand before me gravely accused, Silverius. Defend yourself before you attack others." "I defend myself!" cried the Pope. "Who can be accuser or judge of the successor of St. Peter?" "The judge am I; in the place of your master, the Emperor." "And the accuser?" asked Silverius. Cethegus half turned to Belisarius, and said: