Volume I Part 38 (1/2)
Those who come after you may care for their present; let yours be your only care.”
”But if it should then be said: had Justinian defended his kingdom instead of making conquests, it would now be better? If they say: Justinian's victories have destroyed the empire?”
”No one will speak thus. Mankind is dazzled by the glory of Fame. And yet another thing--” and now the earnestness of deep conviction chased the expression of cunning persuasiveness from the seductive features of the Empress.
”I suspect what you are about to say; but continue.”
”You are not only an Emperor, you are a man. Your salvation must be dearer to you than even your kingdom. Many a b.l.o.o.d.y step was taken upon the path, upon _our_ path--which led to the height to which we have attained, to the glory of our empire. Many harsh deeds were necessary; life and treasures, and many a dangerous foe were--enough! It is true that, with part of these treasures, we are building a temple to the glory of Christ, which alone will make our name immortal upon earth.
But for Heaven--who knows if that be sufficient! Let us”--and her eyes glowed with fanatic fire--”let us destroy the unbelievers, and seek the path to grace and pardon over the bodies of the enemies of Christ!”
Justinian pressed her hand.
”The Persians, too, are the enemies of Christ; they are even heathens.”
”Have you forgotten the teaching of the Prophet: 'heretics are seven times worse than heathens?' The true faith has been revealed to them and they have despised it. That is the sin against the Holy Ghost, which will never be forgiven on earth or in heaven. But you are the sword which shall destroy these G.o.d-forsaken Arians! They are the most hated enemies of Christ; they know Him, and still deny that He is G.o.d.
Already you have overthrown the heretic Vandals in Africa, and smothered error in blood and fire. Now Italy calls upon you; Rome, the place where the blood of the prince of Apostles was shed, the holy city, must no longer be subject to the heretics. Justinian, recall her to the true faith!”
She ceased.
The Emperor looked up at the golden cross and sighed deeply.
”You unveil the inmost depths of my heart. It is this feeling which, mightier still than love of fame and victory, urges me to this war. But am I capable, am I worthy of achieving such a holy work to the honour of G.o.d? Will He consummate such a great deed by my sinful hand? I doubt; I waver. Was the dream which came to me last night sent from Heaven? What was its meaning? did it incite to the attempt or warn me off? Well, your mother, Komito, the prophetess of Cyprus, had great wisdom in interpreting dreams and warnings----”
”And you know that the gift is inherited. Did I not foretell the result of the war with the Vandals from your dreams?”
”Then you shall also explain this last dream to me. You know that I waver in my best plans, if an omen speaks against them. Listen then.
But”--and he cast an uneasy glance at his wife--”but remember that it was but a _dream_, and no man can answer for his dreams.”
”Certainly; G.o.d sends them.--What shall I hear?” she added to herself.
”Last night I fell asleep while meditating over the last reports about Amala--about Italy. I dreamed that I was wandering in a landscape with seven hills. Under a laurel-tree there reposed the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. I stood before her and looked at her with delight.
Suddenly there rushed out of a thicket at my right hand a growling bear, and, from the rocks to the left, a hissing snake, and darted at the sleeping woman. She woke and called my name. I quickly caught her up, and, pressing her to my bosom, fled. Looking back, I saw that the bear crushed the snake, while the snake stung the bear to death.”
”Well, and the woman?”
”The woman pressed a hasty kiss upon my forehead and suddenly vanished.
I awoke and stretched out my arms for her in vain. The woman,” he continued quickly, before Theodora had time to reflect, ”is, of course, Italy.”
”Certainly,” said the Empress quietly, but her bosom heaved. ”Your dream is most happy. The bear and the snake are barbarians and Italians, who strive for the city upon the seven hills. You tear it from their grasp, and let them mutually destroy each other.”
”But she vanishes--she does not remain.”
”She remains. She kisses you and disappears in your arms. So will Italy be swallowed up in your empire.”
”You are right!” said Justinian, springing up. ”Thanks, my wise wife.
You are the light of my soul! I will venture. Belisarius shall march.”
He was about to call the attendant, but suddenly stopped short. ”One thing more,” and casting down his eyes he took Theodora's hand.