"He comes himself to thank you for your victory--never was such honour done to mortal man! The ship from Ariminum bears the imperial flag--purple and silver. You know that that indicates the actual presence of the Emperor." "Or of a member of his family," interposed Cethegus thoughtfully, and once more breathing freely. "Let us hasten to the harbour, to receive our Imperial master," cried Belisarius. He was disappointed in his joy and pride when, on their way to Classis, they were met by the first courtiers who had disembarked, and who demanded quarters in the palace, not for the Emperor, but for his nephew Germanus. "At least he sends the next in rank," said Belisarius--consoling himself--to Cethegus as they went on. "Germanus is the noblest man at court. Just, incorruptible, and pure. They call him 'The Lily of the Swamp.' But you do not listen to me!" "Pardon! but I saw my young friend Lucius Licinius in the crowd of people who are approaching us." "Salve, Cethegus!" cried Lucius as he made his way to the Prefect. "Welcome to free Italy! What news from the Empress?" asked Cethegus in a whisper. "Her parting word, 'Nike!' (Victoria), and this letter," Lucius whispered just as softly. "But," and he frowned, "never again send me to that woman!" "No, no, young Hippolytus, I think it will never again be necessary." They had now reached the quay of the harbour, the steps of which the Imperial Prince was just ascending. His noble form distinguished itself from the crowd of splendid courtiers who surrounded him, and he was received by the troops and the people with imperial honours and cries of joy. Cethegus looked keenly at him. "His pale face has become still paler," he remarked to Licinius. "Yes. They say that the Empress, because she could not seduce him, has poisoned him." The Prince, bowing his acknowledgments to all sides, had now reached Belisarius, who greeted him reverently. "I return your greeting, Belisarius," said the Prince gravely; "follow me at once to the palace. Where is Cethegus the Prefect? Where is Bessas? Ah, Cethegus!" he said, grasping the latter's hand, "I am glad to see again the greatest man in Italy. You will presently accompany me to the granddaughter of Theodoric. To her belongs my first visit. I bring her gifts from Justinian and my humble service. She was a prisoner in her own kingdom; she shall be a queen at the Court of Byzantium." "That she shall!" thought Cethegus. He bowed profoundly and said, "I know that you are acquainted with the Princess already. Her hand was once destined for you." A flush rapidly spread over the cheek of the Prince. "But unfortunately," he answered, "not her heart. I saw her here years ago, at her mother's court, and since then, my mind's eye has beheld nothing but her picture." "Yes, she is the loveliest woman on earth," said the Prefect quietly. "Accept this chrysolite as thanks for that word!" cried Germanus, and put a ring upon the Prefect's finger.