A praying-stool and a tall crucifix showed in what occupation the stormy entrance of the Prefect had disturbed them.
"Do that to-morrow, after the victory. But now, storm the city!"
"Storm the city now?" cried Antonina. "What sacrilege! The earth is shaken to its foundations, for God the Lord speaks in this elemental strife!"
"Let Him speak! We will act. Belisarius, the tower of Ætius and a portion of the walls have fallen. I ask you, will you not storm the city?"
"He is not wrong," said Belisarius, in whom the lust of battle was awakening. "But it is a dark night----"
"To victory and the heart of Ravenna I will find my way even in the dark. And it lightens besides."
"You are all at once very eager for the fight," said Belisarius hesitatingly.
"Yes, for there is good reason. The barbarians are startled. They fear God and forget their enemies."
At this moment Procopius and Marcus Licinius hurried into the tent together.
"Belisarius," cried the first, "the earthquake has thrown down the barracks by the northern trench, and has buried half a cohort of your Illyrians!"