"Belisarius's flag is taken! Procopius is defending the corpse of Belisarius!"
"Give orders for the Tiburtinian Gate to be opened," persisted Bessas. "Your Isaurians are there. Who sent them?"
"I," answered Cethegus reflectively.
"They will not open without your orders. Save at least the corpse of our noble commander!"
Cethegus lingered--he held his hand half raised--he hesitated.
"I would gladly save his corpse!" he thought.
Just then Syphax rushed up to him, and whispered:
"No, he still lives! I saw him from the ramparts. He moves; but he will be taken prisoner directly. The Gothic horsemen are close upon him. Totila and Teja will be up with him immediately!"
"Give the order; let the Tiburtinian Gate be opened," insisted Bessas.
But the Prefect's eyes flashed; over his countenance spread an expression of proud and bold decision, and illumined it with demoniac beauty. He struck his sword against the shattered wing of the gate before him and cried: