Then he descended from the throne, and went up to Belisarius, who was now totally unconscious of what was going on around him. He stood immovable, leaning his head and arm against a column, and staring at the ground.
The Prince took his right hand.
"It pains me, Belisarius, to be the bearer of such a message. I undertook it, because I thought that a friend would fulfil such an errand more gently than any of the enemies who were eager to do it. But I cannot deny that this last victory of yours cancels the fame of many former ones. Never could I have expected such a game of lies from the hero Belisarius! Cethegus begged that his report to the Emperor should be laid before you. It is full of your praise. Here it is. I believe it was the Empress who kindled the anger of Justinian against you. But you do not hear----"
And he laid his hand upon the shoulder of the unfortunate man. Belisarius shook it off.
"Let me alone, boy! You bring me--you bring me the true thanks of a crowned head!"
Germanus drew himself up with dignity.
"Belisarius, you forget yourself, and who I am!"
"Oh no! I am a prisoner, and you are my gaoler. I will go at once on board your ship--only spare me chains and fetters."
It was very late before the Prefect could get away from the Prince, who spoke to him with the greatest frankness on state affairs and his own personal wishes.
As soon as Cethegus was alone in his rooms, which had also been appointed to him in the palace, he hastened to read the letter which Lucius Licinius had brought from the Empress. It ran thus: