Belisarius nodded, and the sentry called in a little Jewish-looking man.
"Ah! Jochem, the architect!" said Belisarius. "I knew you at Byzantium. You were to rebuild the church of St. Sophia. What became of that project?"
"By your leave, general, nothing."
"Why not?"
"My plan only amounted to a million centenaria of gold; that was too little for his Imperial Majesty. For the more a Christian church costs, the more holy and pleasing to God. A Christian asked double the amount, and got the order."
"But still I saw you building in Byzantium?"
"Yes, general, my plan pleased the Emperor. I changed it a little, took out the altar-place, and afterwards built from it a riding-school."
"You know Neapolis thoroughly--outside and inside?"
"Outside and inside--as well as my moneybag."
"'Tis well. You will direct the machines for the strategist against the walls and into the city. The houses of the friends of the Goths must come down first. Forward! Mind and do your business well, or else you will be impaled! Away!"