Opening the text

The historians' history of the world in twenty-five volumes, volume 07 : $b the history of the later Roman Empire

History

The historians' history of the world in twenty-five volumes, volume 07 : $b the history of the later Roman Empire

World history

Among the virtues of Tiberius, his beauty (he was one of the tallest
and most comely of the Romans) might introduce him to the favour of
Sophia; and the widow of Justin was persuaded that she should preserve
her station and influence under the reign of a second and more youthful
husband. But if the ambitious candidate had been tempted to flatter and
dissemble, it was no longer in his power to fulfil her expectations or
his own promise. The factions of the Hippodrome demanded, with some
impatience, the name of their new empress; both the people and Sophia
were astonished by the proclamation of Anastasia, the secret, though
lawful, wife of the emperor Tiberius.[31] Whatever could alleviate
the disappointment of Sophia, imperial honours, a stately palace, a
numerous household, was liberally bestowed by the piety of her adopted
son; on solemn occasions he attended and consulted the widow of his
benefactor; but her ambition disdained the vain semblance of royalty, and
the respectful appellation of mother served to exasperate, rather than
appease, the rage of an injured woman. While she accepted, and repaid
with a courtly smile, the fair expressions of regard and confidence,
a secret alliance was concluded between the dowager empress and her
ancient enemies; and Justinian, the son of Germanus, was employed as the
instrument of her revenge.

On the first intelligence of her designs Tiberius returned to
Constantinople, and the conspiracy was suppressed by his presence and
firmness. From the pomp and honours which she had abused, Sophia was
reduced to a modest allowance; Tiberius dismissed her train, intercepted
her correspondence, and committed to a faithful guard the custody of
her person. But the services of Justinian were not considered by that
excellent prince as an aggravation of his offences; after a mild reproof,
his treason and ingratitude were forgiven; and it was commonly believed
that the emperor entertained some thoughts of contracting a double
alliance with the rival of his throne.

[Illustration: BYZANTINE SPUR AND BIT]

Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.

Opening the text

History

The historians' history of the world in twenty-five volumes, volume 07 : $b the history of the later Roman Empire

World history

Among the virtues of Tiberius, his beauty (he was one of the tallest
and most comely of the Romans) might introduce him to the favour of
Sophia; and the widow of Justin was persuaded that she should preserve
her station and influence under the reign of a second and more youthful
husband. But if the ambitious candidate had been tempted to flatter and
dissemble, it was no longer in his power to fulfil her expectations or
his own promise. The factions of the Hippodrome demanded, with some
impatience, the name of their new empress; both the people and Sophia
were astonished by the proclamation of Anastasia, the secret, though
lawful, wife of the emperor Tiberius.[31] Whatever could alleviate
the disappointment of Sophia, imperial honours, a stately palace, a
numerous household, was liberally bestowed by the piety of her adopted
son; on solemn occasions he attended and consulted the widow of his
benefactor; but her ambition disdained the vain semblance of royalty, and
the respectful appellation of mother served to exasperate, rather than
appease, the rage of an injured woman. While she accepted, and repaid
with a courtly smile, the fair expressions of regard and confidence,
a secret alliance was concluded between the dowager empress and her
ancient enemies; and Justinian, the son of Germanus, was employed as the
instrument of her revenge.

On the first intelligence of her designs Tiberius returned to
Constantinople, and the conspiracy was suppressed by his presence and
firmness. From the pomp and honours which she had abused, Sophia was
reduced to a modest allowance; Tiberius dismissed her train, intercepted
her correspondence, and committed to a faithful guard the custody of
her person. But the services of Justinian were not considered by that
excellent prince as an aggravation of his offences; after a mild reproof,
his treason and ingratitude were forgiven; and it was commonly believed
that the emperor entertained some thoughts of contracting a double
alliance with the rival of his throne.

[Illustration: BYZANTINE SPUR AND BIT]

Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.

The historians' history of the world in twenty-five volumes, volume 07 : $b the history of the later Roman Empire

The historians' history of the world in twenty-five volumes, volume 07 : $b the history of the later Roman Empire

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