"I mean that we have not studied law and history together at Berytus and Athens in vain. I mean that at that time we already, while working together and exchanging our wise thoughts, came to the conclusion that the Emperor must drive out these barbarians, and rule again in Rome as he does in Byzantium. And as I think now just as I did then, you also will surely not have become a different man."
"I must subject my views to those of my master; and Justinian----"
"Naturally burns to rule in Italy."
"But certainly," said Petros, much embarrassed, "cases might occur----"
"Peter," said Cethegus, now rising indignantly, "use no phrases and no lies with me; they do no good. See, Petros, this is your old fault; you are ever too cunning to be wise. You think that you must always lie, and are never courageous enough to be truthful. How can you pretend to me that the Emperor does not mean to have Italy again? Whether he will uphold or overthrow the Queen depends upon whether he thinks he will reach his goal more easily with or without her. What his opinion is I am not to know. But, in spite of all your cunning, the next time we meet I will tell you to your face what he intends to do."
A wicked and bitter smile played upon the ambassador's thin lips.
"Still as proud as ever you were in the schools of logic at Athens," he said spitefully.
"Yes; and at Athens, you know, I was always the first, Procopius the second, and you came third."
Syphax just then entered the room.
"A veiled woman, sir," he said, "awaits you in the Hall of Jupiter."