'I know how this has come about,' he said; and thereupon related the
story of the visit of Olybrius to Aurelia six months ago. It seemed
probable that a report of Veranilda's beauty had reached Matasuntha,
who wished to adorn her retinue with so fair a remnant of the Amal
race. How, he went on to ask, would Marcian excuse himself at Rome
for his failure to perform this office?
'Leave that to my ingenuity,' was the reply. 'Enough for you to dare
defiance of the Emperor's will.'
Basil made a scornful gesture, which his friend noted with the same
melancholy smile.
'You have no misgiving?' said Marcian. 'Think who it is you brave.
Imperator Caesar Flavius Justinianus--Africanus, Gothicus,
Germanicus, Vandalicus, and I know not what else--Pius, Felix,
Inclytus, Victor ac Triumphator, Semper Augustus--'
The other laid a hand upon his shoulder.
'Marcian, no word of this to Aurelia, I charge you!'
'I have no desire to talk about it, be assured. But it is time that
we understood each other. Be plain with me. If you wed Veranilda how
do you purpose to secure your safety? Not, I imagine, by prostrating
yourself before Bessas.
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