For two centuries and
a half, they had stood all but desolate, and within that time had
thrice been sacked by barbarians, yet something of the riches and
art which made their ancient glory was still discoverable in the
countless halls and chambers; statues, busts, mural paintings,
triumphs of mosaic, pictured hangings, had in many parts escaped the
spoiler and survived ruin; whilst everywhere appeared the
magnificence of rare stones, the splendours of royal architecture,
the beauty of unsurpassed carving. Though owls nested where
empresses were wont to sleep, and nettles pierced where the lord of
the world feasted his courtiers, this was still the Palace of those
who styled themselves Ever August; each echo seemed to repeat an
immortal name, and in every gallery seemed to move the shadows of a
majestic presence.
Belisarius had not resided here, preferring for his abode the palace
of the Pincian. His successor in the military government of Rome
chose a habitation on the deserted hill, in that portion of its
complex structures which had been raised by Vespasian and his sons.
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