nted therefrom, under the pretext of
piety, for he did not think that it was murder, if those whom he slew
were not of the same belief as himself. Thus, his thoughts were always
fixed upon slaughter, and, together with his wife, he neglected no
excuse which could bring it about; for both of these beings had for
the most part the same passions, but sometimes they played a part
which was not natural to them; for each of them was thoroughly wicked,
and by their pretended differences of opinion, brought their subjects
to ruin. Justinian's character was weaker than water, and anyone could
lead him whither he would, provided it was not to commit any act of
kindness or incur the loss of money. He especially delighted in
flattery, so that his flatterers could easily make him believe that he
should soar aloft and tread upon the clouds. Once indeed, Tribonianus,
when sitting by him, declared that he was afraid that some day
Justinian would be caught up into heaven because of his righteousness,
and would be lost to men. Such praises, or rather sneers, as these he
constantly bore in mind; yet, if he admired any man for his goodness,
he would shortly afterwards upbraid him for a villain, and after
having railed at one of his subjects without any cause, he would
suddenly take to praising him, having changed his mind on no grounds
whatever; for what he really thought was always the opposite of what
he said, and wished to appear to think. How he was affected by
emotions of love or hate I think I have sufficiently indicated by what
I have said concerning his actions. As an enemy, he was obstinate and
relentless; as a friend, inconstant; for he made away with many of his
strongest partisans, but never became the friend of anyone whom he had
once disliked. Those whom he appeared to consider his nearest and
dearest friends he would in a short time deliver up to ruin to please
his wife or anyone else, although he knew well that they died only
because of devotion for him; for he was untrustworthy in all things
save cruelty and avarice, from which nothing could restrain him.
Whenever his wife could not persuade him to do a thing, she used to
suggest that great gain was likely to result from it, and this enabled
her to lead him into any course of action against his will. He did not
blush to make laws and afterwards repeal them, that he might make some
infamous profit thereby. Nor did he give judgment according to the
laws which he himself had m