Antonina had sunk upon her couch in her fear; she now stared at the terrible, but beautiful scene.
"That animal--the prostration!" she stammered. "Dareios always refused to do it; he was furious when Belisarius insisted upon it. Where have you learned this, Cethegus?"
"In Persia, of course," he answered.
And he kicked the thoroughly cowed animal between the ribs with such violence, that with a howl it flew into the farthest comer of the room, where it remained trembling and crouching, with its eyes fixed upon its subduer.
"Belisarius only mastered the forts, but not the language of Persia," said Cethegus. "And these beasts do not understand Greek. You are grimly guarded, Antonina, when Belisarius is absent," he added, as he hid his dagger in the folds of his dress.
"What brings you to my house?" Antonina asked, still trembling.
"My often misdoubted friendship. I would save your husband, who has the courage of a lion, but not the dexterity of a mouse! Procopius is unfortunately absent, or I should have sent that better-trusted adviser, I know that a heavy blow threatens Belisarius from the Emperor. We must ward it off. The favour of the Emperor----"
"Is very fickle, I know. But the services of Belisarius----"
"Are his ruin. Justinian would not fear an insignificant man. But he fears Belisarius."
"That we have often experienced," sighed Antonina.