favour of war, let him hold up his hand."

No one moved; for the senators were afraid for Byzantium, and they had
no doubt of the Emperor's inclination for peace.

"My senate unanimously declares for peace. I knew it beforehand," said
Justinian, with a singular smile. "I am accustomed always to follow the
advice of my wise councillors--and of my Empress."

At this word Theodora started from her seat, and threw her ivory
sceptre from her with such violence, that it flew far across the hall.

The senators were startled.

"Then farewell," cried the Empress, "farewell to what has ever been my
pride--my belief in Justinian and his imperial dignity! Farewell all
share in the cares and honours of the state! Alas, Justinian! alas for
you and me that I must hear such words from your lips!"

And she hid her face in her purple mantle, in order to conceal the
agony which her excitement caused her.

The Emperor turned towards her.

"What! the Augusta, my wife, who, since Belisarius returned to
Byzantium for the second time, has always advocated peace--with a short
exception--does she now, in such a time of danger, advise----"

"War!" cried Theodora, uncovering her face. And, in her intense
earnestness, she looked more beautiful than she ever did when smiling
in playful sport. "Must I, your wife, remind you of your honour? Will
you suffer these barbarians to fix themselves firmly in your Empire,
and force you to their will? You, who dreamt of the re-establishment of
the Empire of Constantine! You, Justinian, who have taken the names of
Persicus, Vandalicus, Alanicus, and Gothicus--you will allow this
Gothic stripling to lead you by the beard whithersoever he will? Are
you not the same Justinian who has been admired by the world, by
Byzantium, and by Theodora? Our admiration was an error!"

On hearing these words, the Patriarch of Byzantium--he still believed
that the Emperor had irrevocably decided upon peace--took courage to
oppose the Empress, who did not always hit upon the strict definition
of orthodoxy of which he was the representative.

"What!" he said, "the august lady advises bloody war? Verily, the Holy
Church has no need to plead for the heretic. Notwithstanding, the new
King is wonderfully mild towards the Catholics in Italy; and we can
wait for more favourable times, until----"

"No, priest!" interrupted Theodora; "the outraged honour of this Empire
can wait no longer! O Justinian!"--he still remained obstin