'
'Rome is not easily taken,' let fall the listener, also speaking as
though absently.
'It is more easily surrendered,' was the reply.
'What! You suspect Bessas of treachery?'
'We know him indolent and neglectful of duty. Does he not live here
at his ease, getting into his own hands, little by little, all the
wealth of the Romans, careless of what befall if only he may glut
his avarice? He will hold the city as long as may be, only because
the city is his possession. He is obstinate, bull-headed. Yet if one
were found who could persuade him that the cause of the Greeks is
hopeless--that, by holding out to the end, he will merely lose
all, whereas, if he came to terms--'
Marcian was watching Heliodora's face. He paused. Their eyes met for
an instant.
'Who can be assured,' asked Heliodora thoughtfully, 'that Totila
will triumph? They say the Patricius will come again.'
'Too late. Not even Belisarius can undo the work of Alexandros and
these devouring captains. From end to end of Italy, the name of the
Greeks is abhorred; that of Totila is held in honour.
Pages:
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335