But now the Christians had no time to curse.
She crouched in a dark corner of the chancel, and soon forgot herself, the city, and the world, in fervent prayer.
She was alone with him and with God.
Meanwhile, the last hour of the armistice was drawing to a close. The sun already declined to the surface of the sea.
The Goths repaired and filled up the breaches of the walls with all diligence, carried away the rubbish and the dead, and extinguished the fires.
For the third time the sands of the hour-glass ran out, while Belisarius, in front of his tent and surrounded by his generals, was awaiting the signal of capitulation from the Castle of Tiberius.
"I don't believe in it," whispered Johannes to Procopius. "He who gives such blows as I have seen given by that old man will never surrender. And it is better so; then there will be a famous storming, and afterwards a famous plundering."
Earl Uliaris now appeared upon the ramparts of the castle, and hurled his spear defiantly among the waiting sentries.
Belisarius sprang up.
"The fools desire their own destruction! Well, they shall be gratified. Up, generals! to the attack! Whoever is the first to plant our standard on the walls shall have a tenth part of the booty!"