Volume I Part 6 (2/2)
”It is certainly contrary to the political principles both of Goths and Romans,” said Ca.s.siodorus apologetically. ”It is quite a new thing that a woman----”
”Whatever may be thought about it, it is a fact,” interposed the Princess. ”Nevertheless, I count on the fidelity of the Goths in general, though single aristocratic individuals may aim at the crown. I also fear nothing from the Italians here in Ravenna, nor in most towns.
But I fear--Rome and the Romans!”
The attention of Cethegus was arrested. His whole being was suddenly excited, but his countenance remained impa.s.sive.
”Rome will never accustom herself to the rule of the Goths; she will always resist us--how can it be otherwise?” added Amalaswintha.
It seemed as if the daughter of Theodoric had a Roman soul.
”Therefore we fear,” concluded Ca.s.siodorus, ”that, at the news of the vacancy of the throne, a movement may break out in Rome against the regency, be it for annexation to Byzantium, be it for the election of an Emperor of the Western Empire.”
Cethegus, as if in reflection, cast down his eyes.
”For this reason,” quickly interposed the Princess, ”everything must be done before the news reaches Rome. A faithful, energetic man must receive the oaths of the garrison for me--I mean for my son; must take possession of the most important gates and squares, intimidate the Senate and the n.o.bles, win the people to my cause, and irrevocably confirm my dominion before it is menaced. And to effect this, Ca.s.siodorus has proposed--you. Speak; will you undertake it?”
At this moment the golden stylus which she held happened to fell to the ground.
Cethegus stooped to pick it up.
He had only this one moment for the crowding thoughts that pa.s.sed through his mind on hearing this proposal.
Was the conspiracy in the Catacombs betrayed? Was he himself betrayed?
Was this a snare laid by the crafty and ambitious woman? Or were the fools really so blind as to press this offer upon him? And if it were so, what should he do? Should he seize the occasion? Should he strike at once, in order to win Rome? And for whom? For Byzantium or for an Emperor of the West? And who should it be? Or were things not yet ripe?
Should he, for this once, seemingly practise fidelity?
To resolve these and many other questions, he had only the one moment in which he stooped.
But his quick mind needed no more. He had seen, while in the act of stooping, the unsuspicious, trusting look of Ca.s.siodorus, and, giving the stylus to the Princess, he spoke with decision:
”Queen, I undertake the business.”
”That is well,” said the Princess.
Ca.s.siodorus pressed his hand.
”When Ca.s.siodorus proposed me for this office,” continued Cethegus, ”he gave another proof of his deep knowledge of mankind. He has seen the kernel through the sh.e.l.l.”
”What do you mean?” asked Amalaswintha.
”Queen, appearances might have deceived him. I confess that I do not like to see the barbarians--pardon, the Goths--reigning in Italy.”
”This frankness honours you, and I pardon the feeling in a Roman.”
”Besides that, I have taken no interest in public affairs for some years. After having experienced varied pa.s.sions, I now live in the calm and retirement of my country villas, cultivating the sportive muse, enjoying my books, and untroubled by the cares of kings.”
<script>