So, lying off Sicily, Belisarius spent a miserable time of doubt and helplessness.
CHAPTER VIII.
And meanwhile the suffering and exhaustion of the citizens in Rome reached its highest point.
Hunger thinned the ranks, never very full, of the defenders on the walls.
The Prefect in vain did his utmost. In vain he had recourse to all possible measures of persuasion or despotism. In vain he lavishly opened his coffers to provide the means of existence for the people.
For the stores of grain which he had procured from Sicily and garnered in the Capitol were exhausted.
He promised incredible rewards to any boat which should succeed in running the blockade of the King's ships and bring provisions to the city; to every mercenary who ventured to creep through the gates and the tents of the besiegers and bring back food.
But Totila's watchfulness was not to be deceived.
At first the promised reward had tempted a few avaricious and daring men to venture out at night. But when Earl Teja, next morning, caused their heads to be thrown over the walls at the Flaminian Gate, even the most venturesome lost all desire to follow their example.
The dung of animals was sold at a high price.