"When you have recovered from the fatigues and honours of the day, Belisarius, I shall expect you and Antonina, with your staff, at a banquet in my house," he had said before leaving them.
After some hours, Marcus Licinius, Piso, and Balbus appeared to fetch the invited guests.
They accompanied the litters in which Antonina and Belisarius were carried. The generals went on foot.
"Where does the Prefect live?" asked Belisarius, as he entered his litter.
"As long as you are here, by day in the Mausoleum of Hadrian, by night in the Capitol."
Belisarius started.
The little procession approached the Capitol.
The commander-in-chief saw with astonishment all the walls and works, which had lain in ruins for more than two centuries, restored to immense strength.
When they had wound their way through the long, dark, and zigzag passage which led into the fortress, they arrived at a massive iron door, which was fast shut, as if in time of war.
Marcus Licinius called to the sentinel.