empire_n seem_v to_o be_v overflow_v with_o blood_n these_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v in_o short_a and_o enlarge_v upon_o in_o my_o other_o book_n be_v act_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o this_o man_n or_o rather_o of_o this_o devil_n and_o be_v pure_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o malice_n and_o rage_n but_o for_o the_o thing_n of_o which_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v he_o do_v they_o by_o a_o power_n which_o i_o never_o understand_v to_o be_v brief_a in_o his_o time_n the_o empire_n be_v afflict_v with_o several_a judgement_n which_o by_o many_o people_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o evil_a genius_n which_o attend_v he_o but_o other_o look_v upon_o they_o more_o rational_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a displeasure_n and_o that_o god_n provoke_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n have_v permit_v he_o and_o his_o instrument_n to_o oppress_v the_o whole_a empire_n with_o all_o these_o mischief_n the_o river_n scyrta_n overflow_v edessa_n and_o drown_v all_o the_o inhabitant_n the_o nile_n overflow_v all_o the_o field_n of_o egypt_n but_o not_o retire_v as_o former_o it_o bring_v great_a misery_n upon_o the_o inhabitant_n which_o i_o have_v relate_v before_o lydne_n also_o be_v overflow_v all_o tarsis_n lie_v for_o several_a day_n together_o under_o water_n and_o it_o go_v not_o away_o till_o it_o have_v bring_v irreparable_a damage_n upon_o the_o inhabitant_n several_a city_n be_v ruin_v by_o earthquake_n as_o antioch_n the_o chief_a city_n of_o the_o east_n selucia_n a_o town_n not_o far_o from_o it_o and_o anazarbe_n a_o great_a city_n in_o cilicia_n beside_o these_o ibere_fw-la amasia_n the_o chief_n city_n in_o pontus_n polybot_n a_o town_n in_o phrygia_n that_o town_n which_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o pisidea_n call_v philomide_n lycnide_v in_o epirus_n and_o corinth_n and_o populous_a town_n be_v ruin_v and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n subvert_v by_o earthquake_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n kill_v after_o this_o the_o plague_n which_o i_o mention_v former_o begin_v to_o rage_n and_o sweep_v away_o half_a the_o people_n which_o be_v leave_v and_o these_o be_v the_o calamity_n which_o they_o suffer_v in_o the_o day_n of_o justinian_n when_o he_o govern_v the_o empire_n at_o first_o under_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o uncle_n justin_n and_o then_o after_o he_o come_v himself_o to_o the_o throne_n i_o shall_v now_o tell_v how_o he_o possess_v himself_o of_o the_o wealth_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o first_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o that_o i_o give_v a_o relation_n of_o a_o dream_n which_o a_o person_n of_o great_a quality_n have_v when_o justinian_n first_o enter_v upon_o the_o management_n of_o affair_n he_o affirm_v that_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v on_o that_o side_n towards_o chalcedon_n and_o that_o he_o see_v justinian_n in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o straight_a swallow_v up_o all_o the_o water_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o that_o after_o he_o have_v drink_v up_o that_o he_o rest_v upon_o the_o shore_n to_o drink_v up_o the_o dirty_a and_o stink_a river_n which_o receive_v all_o the_o jakes_n and_o common-shore_n both_o in_o constantinople_n and_o chalcedon_n and_o disimbogued_n they_o into_o the_o say_v straight_o and_o this_o he_o assure_v we_o be_v his_o dream_n and_o he_o be_v a_o credible_a person_n of_o a_o illustrious_a family_n furthermore_o when_o justin_n be_v advance_v to_o the_o throne_n justinian_n find_v his_o coffer_n very_o well_o furnish_v for_o his_o predecessor_n anastasius_n be_v the_o man_n of_o all_o the_o emperor_n the_o most_o provident_a and_o the_o most_o proper_a for_o the_o conduct_n either_o of_o a_o state_n or_o a_o private_a family_n this_o anastatius_fw-la apprehend_v as_o it_o happen_v afterward_o that_o his_o successor_n find_v little_a money_n in_o his_o treasury_n will_v squeeze_v and_o molest_v his_o subject_n to_o supply_v himself_o therefore_o he_o leave_v his_o exchequer_n very_o well_o provide_v both_o with_o silver_n and_o gold_n but_o justinian_n exhaust_v it_o in_o a_o short_a time_n employ_v part_n of_o it_o in_o impertinent_a building_n which_o he_o erect_v unnecessary_o to_o keep_v out_o the_o sea_n and_o part_n in_o extravagant_a present_n to_o the_o barbarian_n which_o treasure_n the_o most_o debauch_a and_o profligate_v emperor_n will_v have_v be_v much_o trouble_v to_o dissipate_v though_o his_o profuseness_n have_v continue_v a_o hundred_o year_n together_o for_o the_o treasurer_n who_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o public_a stock_n under_o the_o emperor_n anastatius_fw-la affirm_v that_o in_o the_o space_n of_o twenty_o seven_o year_n which_o be_v the_o time_n of_o his_o reign_n he_o have_v save_v by_o his_o frugality_n three_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o thousand_o livre_n of_o gold_n which_o justinian_n consume_v in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o uncle_n as_o i_o have_v hint_v elsewhere_o beside_o which_o it_o be_v incredible_a what_o vast_a quantity_n he_o extort_a from_o his_o subject_n during_o his_o reign_n by_o most_o horrible_a oppression_n force_v the_o whole_a riches_n of_o the_o empire_n into_o his_o own_o chest_n by_o all_o imaginable_a way_n and_o all_o the_o cruelty_n that_o can_v be_v invent_v so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v he_o be_v a_o great_a gulf_n that_o swallow_v up_o all_o the_o wealth_n of_o his_o subject_n to_o disgorge_v it_o among_o the_o barbarian_n after_o he_o have_v spend_v the_o treasure_n of_o the_o state_n he_o begin_v to_o cast_v his_o eye_n upon_o the_o riches_n of_o particular_a person_n he_o ruin_v several_a wealthy_a person_n both_o in_o constantinople_n and_o other_o place_n charge_v they_o with_o crime_n of_o which_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a some_o he_o accuse_v of_o idolatry_n other_o of_o heresy_n other_o of_o sodomy_n some_o of_o have_v ravish_v the_o nun_n some_o of_o incest_n some_o of_o sedition_n some_o of_o inclination_n to_o the_o prasinians_n and_o some_o of_o high_a treason_n so_o that_o by_o his_o forge_a will_n and_o his_o pretend_a gift_n he_o make_v himself_o heir_n as_o well_o to_o the_o live_n as_o dead_a i_o have_v tell_v before_o how_o he_o make_v use_v of_o victoriatus_n to_o put_v himself_o into_o possession_n of_o the_o land_n belong_v to_o the_o senate_n which_o in_o his_o reign_n happen_v to_o be_v seditious_a and_o how_o he_o act_v before_o their_o sedition_n break_v out_o to_o hedge_v in_o and_o unite_v to_o his_o revenue_n the_o estate_n of_o particular_a man_n but_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admire_v if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o by_o his_o continual_a present_n he_o enrich_v all_o the_o barbarian_n in_o all_o the_o quarter_n of_o the_o world_n east_n west_n north_n and_o south_n as_o far_o as_o great_a britain_n and_o other_o remote_a place_n of_o who_o we_o never_o have_v hear_v any_o thing_n and_o see_v their_o ambassador_n at_o constantinople_n before_o we_o know_v of_o what_o country_n to_o call_v they_o these_o people_n when_o they_o once_o find_v justinian_n so_o liberal_a they_o come_v to_o visit_v he_o at_o constantinople_n from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o he_o good_a man_n much_o please_v at_o what_o ought_v to_o have_v trouble_v he_o overjoy_v to_o see_v they_o in_o his_o court_n as_o a_o thing_n of_o mighty_a importance_n to_o he_o drain_v the_o treasure_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o distribute_v among_o they_o what_o be_v remain_v of_o his_o building_n towards_o the_o sea_n and_o send_v they_o all_o home_n with_o very_o magnificent_a reward_n so_o that_o the_o wealth_n of_o the_o roman_n seem_v to_o be_v decree_v whole_o for_o the_o barbarian_n either_o by_o the_o present_n which_o be_v make_v they_o their_o inroad_n into_o the_o empire_n the_o ransom_n of_o their_o prisoner_n or_o the_o sum_n they_o pay_v for_o purchase_v peace_n or_o perhaps_o a_o truce_n and_o that_o of_o no_o long_a continuance_n and_o this_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o dream_n which_o i_o mention_v before_o but_o beside_o these_o he_o have_v several_a invention_n to_o possess_v himself_o by_o degree_n of_o all_o his_o subject_n estate_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o particular_a as_o well_o as_o i_o be_o able_a he_o institute_v a_o new_a magistrate_n among_o the_o people_n and_o invest_v he_o with_o jurisdiction_n over_o those_o who_o sell_v slave_n in_o their_o shop_n to_o who_o the_o say_a officer_n give_v licence_n to_o sell_v what_o they_o please_v upon_o the_o payment_n of_o a_o yearly_a rent_n to_o the_o emperor_n he_o oblige_v the_o citizen_n to_o buy_v all_o they_o want_v in_o the_o market_n where_o they_o pay_v thrice_o as_o much_o as_o in_o other_o place_n and_o though_o commodity_n be_v rack_v never_o so_o high_a and_o the_o buyer_n never_o so_o much_o cheat_v it_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o sue_v he_o that_o have_v cheat_v he_o because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o gain_n go_v either_o to_o the_o emperor_n or_o
lupicina_n have_v be_v a_o slave_n be_v bear_v a_o barbarian_a and_o have_v be_v buy_v by_o justin_n and_o serve_v he_o a_o long_a time_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o concubine_n he_o marry_v she_o and_o she_o live_v with_o he_o to_o his_o die_a day_n justin_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o do_v his_o subject_n either_o good_a or_o hurt_n for_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o extraordinary_a stupidity_n and_o sottishness_n and_o extraordinary_a brutish_a but_o justinian_n his_o sister_n son_n who_o be_v young_a and_o govern_v the_o state_n bring_v more_o and_o great_a evil_n upon_o the_o empire_n than_o be_v ever_o mention_v in_o all_o the_o history_n of_o former_a time_n he_o make_v no_o scruple_n of_o sequester_v any_o man_n estate_n nor_o murder_v any_o man_n person_n and_o can_v without_o any_o remorse_n give_v order_n for_o the_o put_n to_o death_n a_o great_a multitude_n of_o innocent_a person_n at_o once_o he_o never_o execute_v the_o resolution_n that_o be_v take_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v so_o great_a a_o lover_n of_o novelty_n that_o he_o delight_v to_o subvert_v and_o undo_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v well_o order_v with_o a_o word_n during_o his_o reign_n as_o i_o have_v say_v before_o in_o my_o other_o book_n there_o happen_v so_o great_a a_o contagion_n quite_o through_o his_o dominion_n that_o few_o or_o none_o escape_v who_o be_v infect_v and_o few_o or_o none_o escape_v without_o infection_n but_o as_o to_o the_o tyranny_n of_o justinian_n there_o be_v scarce_o a_o subject_a of_o the_o whole_a roman_a empire_n but_o have_v have_v some_o experiment_n of_o it_o this_o unhappy_a prince_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v send_v down_o from_o heaven_n as_o a_o plague_n upon_o his_o people_n put_v some_o of_o they_o to_o death_n in_o a_o criminal_a way_n and_o other_o he_o keep_v alive_a but_o in_o such_o deplorable_a poverty_n they_o desire_v a_o thousand_o time_n to_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o great_a punishment_n he_o can_v inflict_v not_o content_v that_o he_o have_v ruin_v and_o subvert_v the_o roman_a empire_n he_o employ_v his_o army_n for_o the_o conquest_n of_o italy_n and_o africa_n to_o involve_v those_o two_o brave_a country_n in_o the_o same_o calamity_n which_o he_o have_v bring_v upon_o the_o other_o province_n that_o have_v submit_v to_o his_o dominion_n he_o be_v scarce_o ten_o day_n in_o authority_n before_o he_o put_v amantius_n to_o death_n who_o be_v the_o chief_n of_o the_o court_n eunuch_n and_o many_o other_o upon_o no_o other_o ground_n but_o because_o they_o have_v speak_v too_o liberal_o against_o john_n the_o patriarch_n of_o constantinople_n which_o make_v he_o afterward_o the_o most_o terrible_a man_n in_o the_o world_n about_o the_o same_o time_n he_o send_v for_o the_o tyrant_n vitalian_n promise_v he_o in_o the_o emperor_n name_n sincere_a amity_n oblige_v he_o to_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n but_o grow_v jealous_a of_o he_o afterward_o and_o suspect_v he_o be_v not_o true_a to_o his_o interest_n he_o cause_v he_o and_o all_o his_o relation_n and_o friend_n to_o be_v stab_v in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o court_n without_o the_o least_o compunction_n for_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o sacred_a thing_n among_o all_o men._n as_o i_o have_v say_v before_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n two_o contrary_a faction_n among_o the_o people_n of_o which_o have_v gain_v the_o venetes_n and_o manage_v they_o along_o while_n he_o have_v all_o the_o liberty_n he_o can_v desire_v to_o molest_v and_o disorder_v every_o thing_n as_o he_o please_v so_o that_o have_v find_v the_o roman_a empire_n decline_v he_o easy_o finish_v its_o destruction_n though_o the_o most_o seditious_a of_o that_o party_n who_o serve_v he_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o tyrannical_a design_n have_v pass_v since_o for_o the_o most_o moderate_a of_o all_o man_n because_o they_o do_v not_o abuse_v that_o liberty_n to_o do_v mischief_n which_o be_v give_v they_o as_o they_o may_v have_v do_v those_o of_o the_o opposite_a party_n which_o be_v call_v the_o faction_n of_o the_o prasinians_n commit_v several_a murder_n and_o outrage_n as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n and_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n though_o from_o time_n to_o time_n some_o of_o they_o suffer_v private_o very_o cruel_a punishment_n which_o do_v but_o animate_v the_o rest_n for_o it_o be_v frequent_o see_v that_o injury_n do_v but_o exasperate_v and_o provoke_v people_n to_o betake_v themselves_o to_o force_v and_o the_o desire_n of_o revenge_n carry_v they_o on_o to_o such_o ill_a action_n as_o they_o will_v not_o do_v have_v they_o not_o be_v irritate_v before_o the_o venetes_n have_v get_v the_o priority_n the_o roman_a empire_n be_v utter_o overturn_v and_o all_o thing_n put_v into_o confusion_n without_o possibility_n of_o recovery_n the_o city_n and_o town_n be_v ruin_v as_o if_o they_o bid_v be_v pillage_v by_o a_o enemy_n or_o destroy_v by_o some_o earthquake_n or_o inundation_n all_o thing_n run_v into_o most_o desperate_a disorder_n justice_n and_o the_o law_n be_v quite_o out_o of_o force_n the_o face_n of_o the_o government_n be_v entire_o change_v and_o in_o a_o little_a time_n all_o thing_n run_v headlong_o to_o ruin_v the_o faction_n begin_v to_o be_v effeminate_a to_o take_v delight_n in_o their_o hair_n and_o to_o cut_v it_o after_o a_o mode_n that_o be_v quite_o new_a to_o the_o roman_n they_o shave_v not_o their_o beard_n as_o former_o but_o suffer_v they_o to_o grow_v long_o like_o the_o persian_n they_o shave_v the_o fore_a part_n of_o their_o head_n to_o their_o very_a temple_n leave_v it_o thick_a as_o possible_o behind_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o massaget_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o cut_n they_o call_v the_o mode_n of_o the_o huns._n they_o make_v themselves_o rich_a clothes_n embroider_v very_o magnificent_o and_o more_o costly_a by_o far_o then_o their_o condition_n will_v bear_v have_v not_o the_o money_n they_o have_v get_v by_o their_o violence_n furnish_v they_o with_o wherewithal_o the_o sleeve_n of_o their_o vest_n be_v extreme_a strait_n at_o their_o wrist_n but_o from_o thence_o to_o their_o shoulder_n they_o be_v extraordinary_a wide_a insomuch_o that_o when_o upon_o the_o theatre_n or_o in_o the_o circus_n when_o they_o stretch_v forth_o their_o hand_n either_o in_o speak_v themselves_o or_o incite_v of_o other_o they_o expose_v that_o part_n of_o the_o body_n that_o sot_n and_o fool_n may_v be_v induce_v to_o believe_v it_o be_v the_o strength_n and_o greatness_n of_o their_o arm_n which_o oblige_v they_o to_o wear_v they_o so_o large_a not_o perceive_v that_o the_o vacuity_n and_o wideness_n of_o the_o sleeve_n do_v rather_o discover_v the_o smallness_n of_o their_o limb_n they_o take_v also_o the_o doublet_n and_o the_o hose_n and_o several_a other_o fashion_n from_o the_o huns_n and_o give_v they_o the_o name_n which_o they_o retain_v still_o among_o the_o people_n at_o first_o they_o carry_v dagger_n private_o under_o their_o coat_n and_o meet_v in_o little_a troop_n as_o soon_o as_o day_n be_v shut_v in_o they_o take_v their_o post_n possess_v themselves_o of_o the_o corner_n of_o the_o street_n rob_v all_o that_o past_a by_o take_v away_o their_o cloak_n their_o belt_n their_o gold_n buckle_v or_o what_o ever_o else_o they_o think_v convenient_a for_o they_o some_o they_o kill_v after_o they_o have_v rob_v they_o that_o they_o may_v tell_v no_o tale_n nor_o discover_v who_o have_v wrong_v they_o all_o people_n be_v fellow_n sufferer_n in_o these_o exorbitancy_n but_o especial_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o faction_n of_o the_o venetes_n find_v they_o can_v not_o do_v otherwise_o secure_o they_o begin_v to_o wear_v clasp_n and_o buckle_n of_o copper_n upon_o their_o belt_n and_o their_o clothes_n be_v make_v mean_a than_o perhaps_o their_o quality_n do_v require_v lest_o the_o richness_n of_o their_o habit_n may_v bring_v their_o life_n into_o danger_n and_o every_o one_o go_v home_n before_o night_n for_o fear_v of_o ambushment_n by_o the_o way_n these_o mischief_n increase_v every_o day_n and_o the_o seditious_a grow_v more_o insolent_a because_o the_o magistrate_n of_o the_o town_n punish_v not_o the_o guilty_a so_o that_o crime_n increase_v easy_o by_o the_o security_n of_o commit_v they_o for_o they_o be_v not_o severe_a enough_o in_o their_o correction_n to_o reach_v at_o the_o root_n and_o many_o be_v hurry_v into_o they_o by_o the_o impetuosity_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v the_o behaviour_n of_o the_o venetes_n for_o the_o other_o faction_n most_o of_o they_o change_v their_o party_n to_o revenge_v themselves_o in_o their_o particular_a quarrel_n some_o hide_v themselves_o where_o they_o can_v other_o be_v massacre_v by_o their_o enemy_n or_o die_v of_o the_o punishment_n which_o the_o magistrate_n inflict_v a_o good_a
and_o punish_v they_o severe_o without_o any_o form_n of_o justice_n or_o legal_a process_n he_o condemn_v they_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o one_o witness_v who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v some_o child_n or_o some_o servant_n which_o have_v be_v suborn_v against_o their_o master_n and_o when_o he_o have_v get_v one_o of_o those_o he_o desire_v no_o far_a evidence_n thost_n who_o be_v convict_v of_o this_o crime_n be_v expose_v to_o all_o the_o mockery_n in_o the_o world_n have_v their_o privity_n cut_v off_o in_o a_o most_o cruel_a and_o ignominious_a manner_n at_o first_o they_o act_v not_o with_o the_o same_o extremity_n against_o they_o all_o the_o heat_n of_o their_o fury_n extend_v itself_o more_o particular_o against_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o faction_n of_o the_o prasinians_n extraordinary_o rich_a or_o in_o the_o displeasure_n of_o the_o emperor_n he_o can_v not_o endure_v astrologer_n but_o appoint_v the_o magistrate_n depute_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o felon_n to_o ride_v up_o and_o down_o upon_o their_o camel_n through_o the_o city_n of_o constantinople_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v beat_v upon_o their_o shoulder_n with_o rod_n and_o expose_v they_o public_o as_o a_o spectacle_n of_o contempt_n though_o they_o be_v ancient_a and_o in_o other_o thing_n very_o honest_a man_n to_o be_v reproach_v with_o nothing_o but_o that_o have_v such_o knowledge_n in_o the_o star_n they_o shall_v remain_v in_o that_o town_n the_o tyranny_n of_o these_o action_n cause_v great_a number_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n to_o forsake_v their_o own_o country_n and_o betake_v themselves_o not_o only_o into_o the_o country_n of_o the_o barbarian_n but_o into_o such_o nation_n as_o be_v at_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o dominion_n of_o rome_n in_o every_o province_n and_o in_o every_o town_n great_a number_n be_v to_o be_v see_v from_o several_a country_n which_o have_v be_v harrass_v by_o their_o friend_n with_o as_o much_o cruelty_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v their_o most_o implacable_a enemy_n and_o this_o course_n do_v justinian_n and_o theodora_n take_v to_o dispoil_v of_o their_o good_n and_o estate_n the_o great_a person_n in_o constantinople_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o city_n and_o for_o the_o senator_n they_o be_v treat_v as_o i_o shall_v tell_v there_o be_v one_o of_o they_o call_v zeno_n senator_n at_o constantinople_n and_o grandchild_n to_o anthemius_n who_o have_v former_o have_v that_o empire_n this_o zeno_n they_o choose_v on_o purpose_n to_o make_v he_o governor_n of_o egypt_n this_o governor_n without_o the_o least_o jealousy_n in_o the_o world_n cause_v the_o rich_a of_o his_o good_n to_o be_v put_v on_o board_n that_o vessel_n which_o be_v intend_v for_o his_o own_o transportation_n and_o defer_v his_o departure_n for_o some_o day_n to_o put_v a_o board_n a_o prodigious_a quantity_n of_o silver_n jewel_n plate_n enrich_v with_o emerald_n and_o other_o precious_a stone_n of_o a_o very_a considerable_a value_n the_o emperor_n have_v notice_n of_o all_o corrupt_v some_o of_o zeno_n principal_a servant_n and_o by_o their_o mean_n have_v cause_v all_o this_o vast_a wealth_n to_o be_v convey_v private_o out_o of_o the_o ship_n he_o make_v they_o set_v it_o on_o sire_n in_o the_o hold_v and_o pretend_v to_o their_o master_n that_o it_o happen_v by_o accident_n and_o have_v consume_v all_o his_o great_a treasure_n which_o he_o intend_v for_o egypt_n not_o long_o after_o zeno_n die_v and_o the_o emperor_n seize_v upon_o the_o remainder_n of_o his_o estate_n produce_v a_o fraudulent_a will_n which_o all_o the_o world_n know_v to_o be_v forge_v by_o the_o same_o artifice_n he_o get_v possession_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o tatian_n and_o demasthenes_n and_o hilaras_n the_o three_o principal_a man_n in_o the_o senat._n there_o be_v many_o other_o likewise_o who_o heir_n he_o make_v himself_o not_o by_o any_o real_a will_n but_o by_o counterfeit_a conveyance_n as_o for_o example_n he_o make_v himself_o heir_n to_o denis_n who_o estate_n be_v near_o liban_n and_o of_o john_n the_o son_n of_o basil_n the_o governor_n of_o edessa_n who_o bellisarius_fw-la deliver_v against_o his_o will_n in_o hostage_n to_o the_o persian_n as_o i_o have_v mention_v in_o my_o other_o book_n after_o he_o have_v be_v some_o time_n with_o the_o persian_n cosroes_n will_v not_o discharge_v he_o without_o a_o ransom_n pretend_v bellisarius_fw-la have_v not_o perform_v according_a to_o the_o article_n upon_o which_o the_o say_a john_n be_v give_v in_o pledge_n whereupon_o his_o grandfather_n be_v then_o live_v he_o treat_v for_o his_o redemption_n and_o have_v prepare_v two_o thousand_o livre_n of_o silver_n in_o order_n thereunto_o the_o emperor_n have_v advertisement_n and_o that_o the_o money_n be_v convey_v and_o lay_v ready_a at_o dara_n will_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v pay_v but_o object_v that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v permit_v that_o the_o barbarian_n shall_v go_v away_o with_o so_o much_o money_n of_o the_o roman_n and_o while_o that_o be_v in_o controversy_n john_n die_v of_o a_o disease_n of_o which_o he_o have_v be_v languish_v a_o long_a time_n when_o he_o be_v dead_a the_o governor_n of_o dara_n a_o creature_n of_o the_o emperor_n counterfeit_v a_o writing_n from_o the_o say_v john_n by_o which_o the_o emperor_n be_v make_v heir_n to_o all_o his_o estate_n and_o assure_v the_o world_n it_o be_v his_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n but_o beside_o these_o false_a will_n and_o counterfeit_a conveyance_n it_o be_v scarce_o credible_a how_o many_o people_n give_v he_o their_o estate_n free_o and_o bona_fw-la fide_fw-la before_o the_o sedition_n break_v out_o by_o degree_n he_o take_v away_o their_o whole_a estate_n from_o the_o family_n of_o victoriatus_n which_o be_v report_v very_o rich_a but_o when_o those_o trouble_n begin_v he_o cause_v most_o of_o the_o senator_n good_n to_o be_v sell_v and_o of_o all_o descend_v from_o patrician_n family_n he_o take_v the_o great_a part_n and_o appropriate_v it_o to_o himself_o leave_v as_o a_o false_a image_n of_o this_o clemency_n the_o ten_o only_a to_o such_o as_o be_v in_o possession_n and_o that_o only_o to_o continue_v they_o liable_a to_o his_o tax_n for_o which_o those_o poor_a people_n be_v use_v with_o great_a cruelty_n by_o his_o officer_n and_o collector_n and_o much_o deject_v at_o the_o sadness_n of_o their_o life_n which_o be_v so_o unquiet_a to_o they_o they_o will_v have_v choose_v to_o have_v be_v put_v to_o death_n which_o will_v have_v deliver_v they_o from_o a_o thousand_o calamity_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o these_o unmerciful_a prince_n do_v not_o fall_v into_o my_o thought_n or_o any_o body_n else_o of_o my_o opinion_n as_o man_n but_o as_o evil_a spirit_n and_o pernicious_a plague_n act_v by_o common_a consent_n towards_o the_o destruction_n of_o all_o people_n and_o drive_v on_o with_o uncontrollable_a fury_n to_o ruin_v the_o whole_a world_n in_o short_a though_o of_o late_a age_n several_a person_n have_v make_v themselves_o terrible_a and_o be_v natural_o of_o that_o humour_n or_o bring_v to_o it_o by_o the_o consequence_n of_o affair_n as_o by_o the_o desolation_n of_o some_o country_n the_o destroy_n of_o some_o town_n or_o the_o depopulate_v some_o province_n yet_o there_o be_v never_o any_o go_v so_o near_o the_o subvert_v not_o only_o the_o government_n of_o the_o empire_n but_o the_o whole_a oeconomy_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o species_n of_o mankind_n as_o justinian_n and_o theodora_n it_o be_v true_a fortune_n contribute_v to_o their_o design_n and_o add_v much_o to_o the_o misery_n which_o be_v endure_v for_o at_o the_o same_o time_n there_o happen_v so_o many_o ill_a accident_n as_o earthquake_n sickness_n and_o inundation_n of_o river_n that_o it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a but_o what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o emperor_n and_o empress_n proceed_v as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n from_o some_o supernatural_a agent_n moreover_o it_o be_v report_v that_o justinian_o mother_n shall_v often_o declare_v to_o the_o principal_a of_o her_o kindred_n and_o friend_n that_o the_o say_v justinian_n be_v not_o the_o son_n of_o her_o husband_n sabbatius_n nor_o of_o any_o other_o man_n but_o that_o before_o she_o be_v with_o child_n she_o be_v visit_v by_o a_o spirit_n present_a to_o her_o touch_n but_o not_o sight_n which_o spirit_n have_v coition_n with_o she_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o her_o husband_n and_o vanish_v like_o a_o dream_n some_o of_o justinian_o bedchamber_n who_o courage_n and_o confidence_n be_v great_a than_o the_o rest_n affirm_v that_o as_o they_o lie_v in_o his_o chamber_n about_o midnight_n instead_o of_o he_o they_o see_v a_o most_o deform_a spirit_n in_o his_o place_n there_o be_v one_o among_o they_o who_o maintain_v that_o he_o see_v justinian_n rise_v out_o of_o his_o bed_n where_o he_o never_o lie_v long_o
quantity_n the_o native_n in_o mauritania_n be_v more_o numerous_a than_o they_o and_o they_o be_v all_o extirpated_a with_o their_o wife_n and_o child_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a army_n perish_v there_o likewise_o and_o with_o they_o all_o the_o auxilliary_a troop_n of_o their_o ally_n so_o that_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n it_o may_v be_v affirm_v without_o extravagance_n that_o in_o that_o country_n alone_o he_o be_v the_o destruction_n of_o above_o a_o million_o and_o all_o because_o after_o he_o have_v defeat_v the_o vandal_n he_o take_v no_o care_n to_o establish_v his_o empire_n in_o those_o part_n and_o fortify_v his_o party_n by_o indulge_v the_o native_n but_o call_v away_o bellisarius_fw-la upon_o pretence_n that_o he_o design_v to_o make_v himself_o king_n a_o thing_n he_o never_o think_v of_o nor_o be_v it_o any_o way_n convenient_a for_o he_o but_o what_o ever_o he_o pretend_v the_o true_a cause_n be_v that_o he_o may_v have_v opportunity_n to_o pillage_v more_o free_o and_o ruin_n without_o obstruction_n the_o whole_a coast_n of_o africa_n and_o to_o speak_v truth_n the_o officer_n which_o he_o send_v acquit_v themselves_o very_o faithful_o of_o their_o commission_n from_o he_o for_o under_o the_o new_a name_n of_o impost_n and_o duty_n they_o seize_v upon_o the_o best_a and_o rich_a part_n of_o the_o country_n this_o emperor_n who_o can_v not_o contain_v himself_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o state_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v bear_v to_o put_v all_o thing_n in_o confusion_n forbid_v the_o arian_n the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o defer_v always_o to_o send_v supply_n to_o his_o army_n till_o at_o length_n they_o begin_v to_o mutiny_v and_o so_o many_o sedition_n be_v ready_a to_o break_v out_o as_o will_v certain_o have_v endanger_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o whole_a government_n he_o dispeopled_a italy_n of_o its_o inhabitant_n much_o more_o than_o he_o have_v do_v the_o coast_n of_o africa_n which_o be_v three_o time_n of_o great_a extent_n from_o whence_o a_o probable_a computation_n may_v be_v make_v of_o the_o number_n which_o he_o occasional_o ruin_v for_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o speak_v of_o the_o original_n of_o his_o war_n in_o italy_n the_o same_o exaction_n that_o he_o use_v in_o africa_n he_o use_v likewise_o in_o italy_n have_v ravage_v all_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o certain_a receiver_n which_o he_o call_v logothetes_n before_o the_o war_n in_o italy_n the_o empire_n of_o the_o goth_n extend_v from_o gaul_n or_o france_n as_o far_o as_o the_o confine_n of_o dacia_n or_o the_o city_n of_o sirmium_n and_o when_o the_o roman_a troop_n be_v in_o italy_n the_o german_n possess_v the_o best_a part_n of_o gallia_n cisalpina_n and_o the_o country_n belong_v to_o venice_n sirmium_n and_o the_o country_n adjacent_a be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o gepide_n all_o this_o vast_a tract_n of_o ground_n be_v depopulate_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o emperor_n justinian_n partly_o by_o war_n partly_o by_o famine_n partly_o by_o the_o plague_n and_o by_o other_o evil_n that_o be_v inseparable_o concomitant_a with_o war._n illyrium_n thrace_n greece_n the_o chersoness_n and_o all_o the_o province_n from_o the_o entrance_n into_o the_o jonique_fw-la sea_n to_o the_o very_a wall_n of_o constantinople_n be_v cruel_o spoil_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o justinian_n by_o the_o annual_a incursion_n of_o the_o huns_n the_o sclavonian_n and_o other_o i_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o in_o every_o of_o these_o inroad_n what_o of_o those_o who_o be_v leave_v behind_o and_o of_o those_o who_o be_v carry_v away_o prisoner_n there_o perish_v above_o two_o hundred_o thousand_o roman_n and_o this_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o in_o that_o country_n which_o before_o be_v the_o most_o populous_a in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v few_o people_n then_o in_o the_o uninhabited_a desert_n of_o scythia_n and_o this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o war_n in_o europe_n and_o africa_n asia_n likewise_o be_v not_o without_o her_o suffering_n for_o the_o saracen_n during_o those_o war_n have_v extend_v their_o arm_n from_o egypt_n as_o far_o as_o the_o border_n of_o persia_n and_o make_v themselves_o master_n of_o the_o province_n which_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o roman_n so_o harass_v they_o with_o such_o constant_a cruelty_n that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o person_n to_o be_v see_v and_o the_o number_n which_o be_v kill_v or_o transplant_v be_v infinite_a the_o persian_a made_n three_o incursion_n into_o the_o land_n of_o the_o empire_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o cosroes_n and_o where_o ever_o they_o come_v they_o ruin_v the_o town_n and_o country_n unpeople_v they_o of_o their_o inhabitant_n and_o carry_v the_o great_a part_n away_o with_o they_o prisoner_n they_o put_v the_o rest_n to_o the_o sword_n but_o be_v afterward_o get_v into_o colchis_n they_o make_v considerable_a devastation_n one_o after_o the_o other_o as_o it_o have_v be_v in_o imitation_n of_o what_o the_o laziens_n and_o rormans_n have_v do_v there_o before_o but_o neither_o the_o persian_n themsselve_n the_o huns_n the_o sclavonian_n nor_o other_o of_o the_o barbarous_a nation_n which_o invade_v the_o roman_a empire_n can_v ever_o carry_v back_o their_o army_n whole_a and_o entire_a they_o lose_v many_o man_n in_o their_o conquest_n in_o their_o rencounter_n sieges_n and_o pitch_a battle_n in_o which_o fortune_n be_v not_o always_o favourable_a to_o their_o side_n so_o as_o they_o become_v sensible_a of_o justinian_o fury_n as_o well_o as_o his_o own_o subject_n cosroes_n also_o as_o i_o have_v say_v elsewhere_o be_v a_o man_n of_o turbulent_a spirit_n yet_o justinian_n be_v always_o the_o aggressor_n and_o serve_v as_o a_o bontefeu_a to_o the_o conflagration_n which_o break_v out_o and_o in_o the_o consequence_n consume_v most_o of_o his_o country_n to_o be_v short_a in_o the_o affair_n which_o he_o manage_v he_o never_o conduct_v they_o according_a to_o the_o time_n and_o conjuncture_n but_o do_v every_o thing_n improper_o during_o the_o whole_a war_n and_o in_o time_n of_o peace_n or_o cessation_n his_o thought_n be_v whole_o take_v up_o in_o contrive_v which_o way_n he_o may_v trouble_v his_o neighbour_n he_o invade_v they_o blunt_o without_o declare_v of_o war_n but_o his_o preparation_n be_v always_o so_o backward_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o extreme_a covetousness_n he_o seldom_o succeed_v and_o instead_o of_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o prosecution_n of_o his_o design_n he_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n take_v up_o in_o metaphisical_a notion_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o existence_n of_o god_n nevertheless_o he_o keep_v his_o army_n constant_o on_o foot_n to_o execute_v his_o cruel_a and_o tyrannical_a command_n never_o suffer_v they_o to_o come_v to_o any_o engagement_n with_o their_o enemy_n his_o avarice_n not_o permit_v he_o to_o allow_v they_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o overcome_v come_v they_o so_o that_o in_o justinian_o reign_n the_o land_n be_v not_o only_o besprinkle_v but_o overflow_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o roman_n and_o all_o other_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n these_o be_v evil_n which_o succeed_v upon_o the_o war_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o territory_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n but_o we_o shall_v find_v as_o many_o murder_n commit_v in_o the_o city_n if_o we_o consider_v what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o factious_a who_o have_v their_o quarrel_n and_o combat_n quite_o through_o the_o empire_n and_o indeed_o how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o see_v no_o man_n be_v punish_v as_o he_o deserve_v because_o one_o faction_n adhere_v to_o the_o emperor_n and_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o have_v patience_n to_o be_v at_o quiet_a one_o of_o they_o find_v themselves_o back_v and_o support_v by_o the_o emperor_n puff_v up_o with_o vanity_n believe_v they_o may_v hazard_v all_o secure_o the_o other_o know_v the_o emperor_n be_v their_o enemy_n grow_v desperate_a upon_o a_o opinion_n that_o they_o can_v be_v no_o worse_o because_o they_o have_v nothing_o leave_v already_o to_o loose_v hereupon_o they_o meet_v frequent_o in_o small_a party_n and_o fight_v several_a little_a battle_n sometime_o they_o meet_v in_o squadron_n to_o fight_v and_o sometime_o hand_n to_o hand_n in_o single_a duel_n sometime_o also_o they_o will_v lie_v in_o wait_n for_o one_o another_o and_o murder_v one_o another_o as_o they_o find_v opportunity_n there_o be_v not_o a_o day_n pass_v but_o a_o thousand_o cruelty_n be_v exercise_v on_o both_o side_n for_o two_o and_o thirty_o year_n together_o and_o continue_v without_o any_o intermission_n oftentimes_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o town_n will_v put_v some_o of_o they_o to_o death_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n his_o severity_n be_v exercise_v against_o the_o prasinian_n faction_n beside_o which_o so_o many_o samaritan_n and_o heretic_n be_v put_v to_o death_n that_o the_o whole_a
the_o first_o thing_n he_o do_v he_o cheat_v the_o soldier_n of_o his_o pay_n and_o he_o do_v it_o without_o the_o least_o shame_n or_o fear_v in_o the_o world_n his_o next_o exploit_n be_v to_o expose_v to_o sale_n the_o office_n and_o command_n with_o the_o great_a infamy_n that_o ever_o man_n do_v sell_v they_o much_o cheap_a to_o any_o that_o be_v ready_a for_o a_o ill_a action_n abandon_v the_o good_n and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o province_n to_o they_o who_o buy_v the_o government_n and_o transfer_v to_o they_o all_o the_o power_n which_o the_o emperor_n have_v grant_v he_o of_o pill_v and_o plunder_v with_o impunity_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o have_v pay_v their_o money_n so_o that_o what_o ever_o they_o receive_v of_o the_o blood_n and_o life_n of_o the_o subject_a be_v immediate_o convey_v into_o the_o coffer_n of_o the_o emperor_n there_o be_v likewise_o diabolical_a council_n and_o convention_n about_o the_o destruction_n of_o city_n hold_v in_o the_o chief_n court_v in_o constantinople_n and_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o by_o public_a allowance_n for_o from_o that_o time_n officer_n be_v create_v with_o the_o title_n of_o collector_n and_o distribute_v into_o the_o province_n to_o raise_v money_n under_o pretence_n of_o justice_n but_o in_o reality_n to_o reimburse_v themselves_o of_o what_o they_o have_v give_v for_o their_o place_n which_o they_o levy_v upon_o such_o as_o be_v culpable_a with_o most_o merciless_a cruelty_n at_o length_n peter_n himself_o among_o those_o who_o he_o employ_v in_o his_o exaction_n have_v try_v many_o find_v some_o who_o cheat_v he_o and_o lay_v up_o for_o themselves_o and_o this_o be_v not_o his_o misfortune_n alone_o but_o every_o man_n who_o have_v bear_v the_o say_a office_n before_o and_o after_o he_o the_o master_n of_o the_o office_n and_o such_o as_o have_v be_v advance_v for_o their_o money_n or_o present_n the_o overseer_n of_o the_o emperor_n particular_a demesn_n and_o in_o few_o word_n all_o the_o magistrate_n not_o only_o in_o costantinople_n but_o the_o whole_a empire_n for_o in_o short_a from_o the_o time_n that_o justinian_n the_o great_a tyrant_n that_o ever_o be_v have_v the_o administration_n of_o affair_n there_o be_v not_o one_o place_n but_o he_o sell_v himself_o or_o his_o minister_n under_o hand_n and_o those_o who_o buy_v they_o be_v oblige_v to_o serve_v he_o long_o with_o much_o trouble_n and_o great_a loss_n justinian_n have_v make_v great_a provision_n of_o corn_n in_o constantinople_n and_o keep_v it_o till_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o shrink_v nevertheless_o though_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v use_v he_o force_v the_o city_n in_o the_o east_n to_o take_v it_o off_o on_o his_o hand_n each_o of_o they_o a_o certain_a proportion_n and_o sell_v it_o to_o they_o at_o a_o much_o dear_a rate_n then_o if_o it_o have_v be_v good_a so_o that_o the_o poor_a citizen_n be_v constrain_v so_o throw_v it_o into_o the_o sea_n or_o the_o common-shore_n though_o it_o have_v cost_v they_o so_o dear_a and_o for_o that_o which_o be_v good_a though_o there_o be_v great_a quantity_n of_o it_o in_o the_o granary_n in_o constantinople_n the_o emperor_n cause_v it_o to_o be_v sell_v to_o such_o town_n as_o want_v it_o at_o double_a the_o price_n it_o bear_v in_o the_o province_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v extort_a and_o send_v thither_o but_o the_o next_o year_n there_o be_v a_o scarcity_n of_o corn_n and_o the_o ship_n have_v transport_v less_o from_o the_o province_n than_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o subsistence_n of_o the_o people_n of_o that_o city_n which_o be_v the_o great_a in_o the_o world_n peter_n find_v himself_o in_o great_a perplexity_n not_o know_v of_o what_o wood_n to_o make_v his_o arrow_n nor_o what_o remedy_n to_o apply_v to_o their_o distress_n have_v well_o consider_v of_o a_o way_n at_o length_n he_o pitch_v upon_o this_o to_o cause_v all_o the_o corn_n to_o be_v transport_v out_o of_o thrace_n phrygia_n and_o bythinia_n to_o constantinople_n and_o to_o compel_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o those_o province_n to_o convey_v it_o themselves_o to_o the_o port_n where_o they_o be_v to_o ship_v it_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n and_o carry_v it_o by_o sea_n to_o constantinople_n have_v experiment_v in_o their_o passage_n all_o the_o danger_n that_o can_v be_v incur_v in_o a_o sullen_a and_o outrageous_a sea_n when_o they_o be_v arrive_v through_o all_o those_o difficulty_n and_o have_v perfect_v their_o voyage_n they_o have_v but_o a_o three_o part_n of_o their_o due_n pay_v they_o for_o their_o pain_n and_o the_o loss_n they_o receive_v be_v so_o great_a and_o considerable_a they_o have_v better_o have_v give_v away_o their_o corn_n and_o twice_o as_o much_o more_o yet_o all_o this_o provision_n be_v too_o small_a for_o the_o sustenance_n of_o so_o populous_a a_o city_n several_a person_n go_v to_o complain_v to_o the_o emperor_n and_o remonstrate_v the_o true_a state_n of_o affair_n the_o soldier_n who_o be_v in_o great_a arrear_n and_o have_v no_o money_n to_o furnish_v themselves_o with_o victual_n begin_v to_o murmur_v and_o repine_v and_o to_o hold_v such_o meeting_n and_o assembly_n in_o the_o town_n as_o seem_v to_o presage_v a_o sedition_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o break_v out_o hereupon_o the_o emperor_n conceive_v a_o displeasure_n against_o peter_n for_o his_o maladministration_n resolve_v to_o take_v away_o his_o place_n not_o only_o because_o of_o the_o present_a inconvenience_n but_o because_o he_o be_v assure_v he_o be_v very_o rich_a and_o have_v heap_v up_o vast_a sum_n by_o his_o violence_n and_o oppression_n but_o theodora_n oppose_v it_o be_v a_o great_a friend_n to_o barzame_n by_o reason_n as_o i_o imagine_v of_o his_o wicked_a inclination_n and_o the_o insupportable_a cruelty_n wherewith_o he_o treat_v the_o subject_n for_o as_o she_o herself_o be_v natural_o cruel_a and_o inhuman_a she_o take_v particular_a care_n to_o have_v such_o people_n to_o execute_v her_o design_n as_o be_v absolute_o conformable_a to_o her_o own_o pernicious_a disposition_n some_o there_o be_v notwithstanding_o who_o affirm_v that_o peter_n force_v theodora_n to_o be_v his_o friend_n by_o virtue_n of_o certain_a charm_n though_o she_o be_v natural_o his_o enemy_n the_o truth_n be_v all_o his_o life_n long_o he_o have_v apply_v himself_o much_o to_o enchantment_n and_o necromancy_n hold_v great_a correspondence_n with_o the_o manichean_o because_o they_o study_v they_o much_o and_o be_v open_a favourer_n of_o those_o art_n as_o barzame_n be_v of_o they_o though_o theodora_n understand_v all_o this_o and_o more_o she_o love_v he_o never_o the_o less_o on_o the_o contrary_n she_o engage_v in_o his_o interest_n with_o more_o kindness_n and_o zeal_n have_v have_v herself_o in_o her_o youth_n great_a conversation_n with_o sorcerer_n and_o magician_n and_o place_v much_o confidence_n in_o their_o art_n and_o many_o time_n make_v very_o much_o use_v of_o it_o it_o be_v believe_v likewise_o that_o it_o be_v not_o alogether_o her_o flattery_n and_o complacency_n which_o give_v she_o such_o influence_n upon_o justinian_n but_o her_o magic_n and_o intelligence_n with_o the_o devil_n for_o justinian_n be_v not_o so_o cunning_a nor_o of_o a_o nature_n so_o flexible_a to_o good_a to_o defend_v himself_o against_o her_o stratagem_n and_o wile_n of_o this_o kind_n on_o the_o contrary_a his_o mind_n be_v entire_o corrupt_v by_o cruelty_n and_o avarice_n he_o be_v every_o moment_n expose_v so_o much_o to_o subtlety_n and_o flattery_n that_o in_o thing_n of_o great_a importance_n he_o turn_v easy_o with_o the_o wind_n there_o be_v no_o trust_n or_o reliance_n upon_o he_o for_o the_o best_a friend_n or_o near_a relation_n that_o he_o have_v for_o in_o short_a he_o be_v the_o most_o light_a unconstant_a and_o uncertain_a man_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o ever_o be_v know_v so_o that_o the_o sorcerer_n who_o be_v very_o busy_a about_o he_o with_o their_o charm_n and_o particular_o theodora_n find_v no_o great_a difficulty_n to_o arrive_v at_o their_o end_n the_o humour_n and_o inclination_n of_o peter_n as_o i_o say_v before_o wrought_v so_o much_o upon_o theodora_n and_o gain_v he_o the_o favour_n of_o that_o princess_n so_o effectual_o that_o the_o emperor_n have_v with_o much_o ado_n remove_v he_o from_o his_o prefectship_n she_o prevail_v with_o he_o not_o long_o after_o to_o make_v he_o high_a treasurer_n of_o the_o empire_n have_v take_v that_o place_n from_o john_n who_o have_v be_v put_v into_o it_o but_o little_o before_o this_o john_n be_v original_o of_o palestine_n a_o man_n of_o that_o mildness_n justice_n and_o generosity_n he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o exercise_v the_o little_a frugality_n of_o a_o private_a family_n and_o for_o injury_n he_o have_v never_o do_v it_o to_o any_o person_n alive_a but_o the_o
more_o grateful_a he_o be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o people_n the_o more_o odious_a he_o become_v to_o justinian_n and_o theodora_n who_o no_o soon_o have_v notice_n of_o the_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n of_o their_o officer_n but_o they_o turn_v their_o thought_n whole_o upon_o way_n of_o remove_v they_o not_o be_v able_a to_o endure_v person_n so_o opposite_a to_o their_o own_o natural_a temper_n peter_n as_o i_o say_v before_o succeed_a john_n in_o the_o management_n of_o the_o treasury_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o a_o thousand_o misery_n to_o particular_a person_n have_v embezzle_v the_o fund_z which_o of_o a_o long_a time_n have_v be_v raise_v by_o a_o ancient_a and_o laudable_a custom_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o several_a poor_a family_n send_v part_n of_o it_o to_o the_o emperor_n and_o keep_v the_o rest_n for_o himself_o whereby_o he_o acquire_v vast_a riches_n while_o they_o die_v with_o hunger_n who_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o maintain_v they_o but_o those_o annual_a contribution_n beside_o which_o he_o coin_a money_n of_o gold_n much_o less_o than_o the_o former_a and_o make_v it_o currant_n by_o proclamation_n these_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o justinian_n be_v the_o person_n who_o manage_v all_o the_o office_n and_o public_a employment_n i_o shall_v now_o speak_v of_o the_o method_n which_o he_o use_v to_o ruin_v all_o people_n of_o estate_n though_o to_o exhibit_v their_o misery_n there_o needs_o in_o strictness_n no_o more_o than_o what_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o governor_n of_o province_n and_o collector_n who_o have_v private_a and_o peremptory_a instruction_n to_o ruin_v all_o people_n who_o estate_n be_v in_o land_n the_o roman_a emperor_n be_v former_o accustom_v to_o remit_v to_o the_o people_n the_o arrear_n of_o such_o money_n as_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o exchequer_n that_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v unable_a to_o pay_v may_v not_o be_v in_o fear_n all_o their_o life_n long_o nor_o the_o treasurer_n have_v opportunity_n to_o raise_v money_n where_o many_o time_n it_o be_v not_o due_a but_o justinian_n in_o two_o and_o thirty_o year_n time_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o one_o of_o those_o remission_n the_o poor_a people_n be_v force_v from_o their_o house_n and_o country_n without_o any_o hope_n of_o return_n while_o such_o as_o be_v honest_a be_v liable_a to_o calumniation_n and_o threaten_v perpetual_o to_o be_v complain_v of_o as_o not_o have_v pay_v what_o be_v due_a to_o the_o emperor_n for_o their_o tax_n upon_o their_o land_n insomuch_o that_o the_o unfortunate_a creature_n be_v constrain_v to_o pass_v away_o their_o land_n to_o the_o emperor_n or_o their_o persecutor_n not_o so_o much_o out_o of_o apprehension_n of_o new_a tax_n as_o for_o the_o impossibility_n which_o they_o find_v to_o support_v long_o the_o unjust_a exaction_n which_o for_o many_o year_n together_o they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o pay_v moreover_o though_o the_o great_a part_n of_o asia_n have_v be_v ruin_v by_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o saracen_n and_o persian_n and_o all_o europe_n harass_v and_o infest_a by_o the_o incursion_n of_o the_o huns_n and_o sclavonian_n the_o war_n of_o the_o goth_n produce_v sack_v and_o burn_v of_o town_n and_o devastation_n of_o province_n though_o the_o inhabitant_n be_v carry_v away_o prisoner_n with_o all_o that_o they_o have_v and_o those_o few_o who_o escape_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o barbarian_n be_v glad_a to_o forsake_v their_o country_n and_o banish_v themselves_o yet_o none_o of_o these_o consideration_n can_v work_v upon_o justinian_n or_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o remit_v one_o tribute_n or_o impost_n to_o any_o one_o town_n in_o the_o whole_a empire_n unless_o it_o be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v take_v by_o the_o enemy_n and_o in_o that_o case_n their_o exemption_n be_v but_o for_o a_o year_n whereas_o it_o he_o shall_v have_v excuse_v they_o for_o seven_o year_n together_o as_o his_o predecessor_n anastatius_fw-la have_v do_v it_o will_v have_v be_v no_o great_a matter_n consider_v the_o great_a misery_n to_o which_o they_o be_v reduce_v in_o short_a cabades_n invade_v the_o territory_n of_o the_o emperor_n and_o return_v every_o way_n victorious_a but_o his_o son_n cosroes_n produce_v great_a consternation_n by_o burn_v and_o kill_v all_o where_n ever_o he_o pass_v with_o his_o army_n and_o yet_o those_o of_o the_o east_n who_o have_v be_v expose_v so_o often_o to_o the_o incursion_n of_o the_o huns_n the_o persian_n and_o saracen_n and_o ruin_v by_o their_o army_n and_o the_o roman_n who_o be_v settle_v in_o several_a part_n of_o europe_n have_v many_o time_n feel_v the_o hostility_n of_o the_o barbarian_n those_o i_o say_v who_o have_v suffer_v so_o much_o for_o their_o affection_n to_o the_o state_n find_v more_o cruelty_n in_o justinian_n then_o among_o all_o the_o barbarian_n his_o edict_n and_o imposition_n complete_n that_o ruin_n which_o the_o enemy_n have_v but_o begin_v i_o shall_v now_o recite_v what_o be_v the_o content_n of_o those_o edict_n those_o who_o estate_n be_v in_o land_n be_v by_o they_o oblige_v to_o furnish_v a_o certain_a quantity_n of_o provision_n for_o the_o soldier_n at_o their_o own_o charge_n every_o man_n pay_v his_o part_n nor_o do_v they_o consider_v what_o be_v give_v according_a to_o the_o prize_n of_o thing_n but_o according_a to_o a_o former_a assessment_n make_v a_o long_a time_n before_o and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o be_v so_o unfortunate_a not_o to_o have_v so_o much_o cattle_n or_o forage_v upon_o their_o land_n as_o will_v satisfy_v for_o their_o share_n they_o be_v constrain_v to_o buy_v they_o at_o any_o rate_n and_o convey_v they_o from_o the_o provincial_a magazine_n which_o be_v very_o far_o off_o to_o the_o place_n where_o the_o troop_n be_v in_o garrison_n and_o then_o deliver_v they_o in_o what_o quantity_n and_o at_o what_o rate_n the_o officer_n please_v and_o not_o according_a to_o what_o be_v reasonable_a and_o just_a this_o impost_n be_v call_v the_o impost_n of_o victual_n by_o which_o those_o who_o have_v land_n pay_v ten_o time_n great_a tribute_n then_o former_o so_o that_o real_o it_o be_v take_v from_o they_o so_o much_o blood_n out_o of_o their_o vein_n be_v oblige_v to_o carry_v their_o corn_n to_o constantinople_n after_o they_o have_v suffer_v so_o much_o by_o quarter_a the_o army_n these_o disorder_n and_o oppression_n the_o state_n owe_v to_o barzame_n and_o john_n de_fw-fr cappadocia_n who_o their_o successor_n imitate_v exact_o in_o the_o continuation_n of_o their_o crime_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o tax_n call_v the_o impost_n of_o victual_n the_o imposition_n be_v like_o a_o plague_n which_o come_v sudden_o upon_o those_o who_o estate_n be_v in_o land_n and_o take_v from_o they_o not_o only_o the_o hope_n of_o live_v tolerable_o well_o but_o the_o mean_n of_o continue_v their_o life_n as_o miserable_a as_o it_o be_v for_o though_o the_o land_n be_v all_o throw_v up_o and_o desert_v by_o the_o ruin_n or_o flight_n of_o the_o owner_n or_o their_o tenant_n who_o be_v either_o kill_v or_o fright_v out_o of_o their_o country_n or_o else_o hide_v themselves_o to_o avoid_v persecution_n justinian_n without_o any_o reluctance_n exact_v these_o imposition_n which_o be_v very_o frequent_a in_o his_o time_n i_o conclude_v in_o few_o word_n the_o tax_n call_v the_o description_n be_v impose_v to_o repair_v the_o loss_n which_o the_o city_n have_v bring_v upon_o such_o as_o be_v proprietor_n in_o the_o country_n but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o infinite_a trouble_n to_o undertake_v a_o account_n of_o all_o the_o evil_a effect_n which_o ensue_v upon_o these_o tax_n or_o the_o idle_a and_o trivial_a pretence_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v impose_v for_o the_o misery_n of_o the_o people_n increase_v daily_o and_o though_o the_o inhabitant_n in_o the_o country_n be_v most_o of_o they_o dead_a of_o the_o plague_n which_o the_o roman_a empire_n be_v no_o less_o afflict_v at_o that_o time_n than_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o though_o the_o contagion_n be_v so_o universal_a the_o field_n and_o the_o farm_n lay_v uninhabited_a and_o untilled_a justinian_n never_o make_v the_o least_o abatement_n in_o his_o duty_n and_o impost_n that_o he_o have_v establish_v on_o the_o contrary_a he_o constrain_v with_o great_a severity_n those_o who_o be_v alive_a to_o pay_v the_o proportion_n of_o such_o of_o their_o neighbour_n as_o be_v dead_a of_o the_o infection_n in_o short_a their_o fine_a and_o rich_a apartment_n they_o give_v for_o quarter_n to_o the_o soldier_n treat_v they_o with_o all_o possible_a liberality_n and_o civility_n whilst_o they_o be_v glad_a to_o make_v shift_n with_o any_o by_o place_n or_o stink_a hole_n to_o lie_v in_o themselves_o in_o this_o manner_n thing_n pass_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o justinian_n and_o theodora_n who_o though_o they_o be_v but_o