Notwithstanding this reproach, the senate proceeded to decorate Justinian with the royal epithet of _nobilissimus_; and their decree was ratified by the affection or the fears of his uncle. After some time the languor of mind and body to which he was reduced by an incurable wound in his thigh, indispensably required the aid of a guardian. He summoned the patriarch and senators; and in their presence solemnly placed the diadem on the head of his nephew, who was conducted from the palace to the circus, and saluted by the loud and joyful applause of the people. The life of Justin was prolonged about four months, but from the instant of this ceremony he was considered as dead to the empire, which acknowledged Justinian, in the forty-fifth year of his age, for the lawful sovereign of the East.[b] FOOTNOTES [1] [The prætorian prefect Anthemius assumed the guidance of the state until Pulcheria was created augusta in 414, and, says Bury,[e] “the measures which were passed during these six years exhibit an intelligent and sincere solicitude for the welfare of the people and the correction of abuses.” Anthemius protected the borders of Mœsia and Scythia against the Huns and materially assisted the Illyrian provinces to recover from the ravages of the Visigoths.] [2] [There was a rumour at court that a certain Paulinus, master of the offices, who was executed when Pulcheria became powerful, had been Eudocia’s lover.] [Illustration] [Illustration] CHAPTER III. JUSTINIAN AND THEODORA [525-548 A.D.] In the exercise of supreme power, the first act of Justinian was to divide it with the woman whom he loved, the famous Theodora, whose strange elevation cannot be applauded as the triumph of female virtue. Under the reign of Anastasius, the care of the wild beasts maintained by the green faction at Constantinople was entrusted to Acacius, a native of the isle of Cyprus, who, from his employment, was surnamed the master of the bears. This honourable office was given after his death to another candidate, notwithstanding the diligence of his widow, who had already provided a husband and a successor. [Sidenote: [525-527 A.D.]]