What matters it to you, while empire, renown, and treasure are yours,
what deities the people adore? Is it a great price to pay for an easy
conquest, to make a change which threatens neither your power, your
fame, nor your wealth? Do you marvel that I desire from you such a
revolution as this? I was born for the gods, in their service I
inherited rank and renown, for their cause I have suffered degradation
and woe, for their restoration I will plot, combat, die! Assure me then
by oath, that with a new rule you will erect our ancient worship, and
through my secret inlet to the city I will introduce men enough of the
Goths to murder with security the sentinels at the guard-houses, and
open the gates of Rome to the numbers of your whole invading forces.
Think not to despise the aid of a man unprotected and unknown! The
citizens will never yield to your blockade; you shrink from risking the
dangers of an assault; the legions of Ravenna are reported on their way
hitherward. Outcast as I am, I tell it to you here, in the midst of
your camp--your speediest assurance of success rests on my discovery and
on me!'
The king started suddenly from his seat.
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