"I say that great statesmen have no business with wives," cried Procopius angrily.
"Belisarius told me your intentions only last night," said Antonina, "and with tears----"
"Of course!" grumbled Procopius. "Tears always come when wanted."
"With tears I prayed him to refrain. I cannot bear to see my hero so spotted with black treachery."
"And I will not be so," said Belisarius. "Rather would I ride into Orcus a prisoner, than as such a conqueror into Ravenna! My letters to the Emperor have not yet been sent away--so there is still time----"
"No!" cried Cethegus imperiously, coming forward from the doorway, "fortunately for you there is not still time. I wrote to the Emperor eight days ago, told him all, and congratulated him on his general's having won Ravenna and put an end to the war without the slightest loss."
"Indeed, Prefect!" cried Belisarius. "You are very ready! Wherefore this zeal?"
"Because I know Belisarius and his wavering mind. Because you must be forced into taking advantage of your good fortune, and because I wish to make an end to this war which so cruelly devastates my Italy!"
And he approached Antonina threateningly, who again could not avoid the demonic fascination of his glance.
"Dare it! try it now! Dare to retreat, to undeceive Witichis, and sacrifice Ravenna, Italy, and your whole army to a whim of your wife! Then see if Justinian would ever forgive you! On Antonina's soul the guilt! Hark! the trumpets sound! Arm yourself! There is no choice!"