heaps of grain while we passed the Gothic guardships which watched at the entrance of the harbour, Lucius and Syphax put on the dress of sailors, and rowed with the others. Thus we escaped. But while on board this vessel I was dangerously ill from my wounds. Only the ceaseless care of Syphax and the sea-air saved me. For days, they say, I only reiterated the words, 'Rome, Capitol, Cæsar!' When we landed at Panormus, in Sicily, under the protection of the Byzantines, I rapidly recovered. My old friend Cyprianus, who had admitted me into Theodoric's palace when I was made Prefect, received me at Panormus as captain of the harbour. Scarcely recovered, I went to Asia Minor--or, as you say, Asiana--to my estates; you know that I had splendid possessions at Sardes, Philadelphia, and Tralles----" "You have them no longer--the columned villas?" "I sold them all, for I was obliged at once to find the means of engaging fresh mercenaries, in order to liberate Rome and Italy." "Tenax propositi!" cried Procopius, amazed. "You have not, even now, given up hope?" "Can I give up myself? I have sent Licinius to enlist a wild and savage race, the Longobardians." "God protect your Italy if _they_ ever set foot in it." "I have also succeeded in winning the Empress to my cause, and by her means the propositions of peace made by Cassiodorus were refused at the last moment. For Rome must be freed from the barbarians! But when shall I find means to move this lazy colossus, Justinian? When will fate call me to my battle-field--Italia?" At this moment Syphax entered the room. He brought Cethegus a message from the Empress. It ran: "To the Jupiter of the Capitol. Do not leave your house to-morrow until I call you.--Theodora." On the next day the Emperor Justinian was standing buried in deep reflection before the tall golden crucifix in his room. The expression of his face was very grave, but without a trace of alarm or doubt. Quiet decision lay upon his features, which, else not handsome or noble, at this moment betrayed mental power and superiority. He lifted his eyes almost threateningly to the crucifix. "God of the Cross," he said, "Thou puttest Thy faithful servant to a hard proof! It seems to me that I have deserved better. Thou knowest all that I have done to the honour of Thy name! Why do not Thy strokes fall upon Thine enemies, the heathens and barbarians? Why not?" He was interrupted in his soliloquy by the entrance of the chamberlains and wardrobe-keepers. Justinian exchanged his morning garment for the robes of state. His slaves served him upon their knees.