Volume Ii Part 25 (1/2)
But Cethegus put in a protest. He had silently listened to the motion and had not joined in the vote. Now he rose and said:
”I am against the motion; not on account of the oath. I need not appeal to the Apostolic power, for I did not swear. But on account of the city. That is, we must not unnecessarily arouse the just anger of the Goths, who may very easily return, and who would not then take the Apostolic dispensation as an excuse for such open perjury. Let Belisarius either beg us or compel us. Who throws himself away is ever trampled on.”
Silverius and Scaevola exchanged significant glances.
”Such sentiments,” said the jurist, ”will doubtless be very pleasing to the Emperor's general, but can alter nothing in our decision. So you will not go with us to Belisarius?”
”I will go to Belisarius, but not with you,” said Cethegus, and left the place.
As the others were leaving the Thermae, the Pope said to Scaevola:
”That will finish him! He has declared against the surrender before witnesses!”
”And he goes himself into the lion's den!”
”He shall not leave it again. You have drawn up the act of accusation?”
”Long ago. I feared that he would take the mastery of the city into his own hands, and now he goes himself to Belisarius! That proud man is lost.”
”Amen,” said Silverius. ”And so may all fall who in their worldly endeavours oppose the holy Petrus.--The day after to-morrow, at the fourth hour, we will set forth.”
But the Holy Father erred; the proud man was not yet to fall.
Cethegus had hastened immediately to his house, where his Gallic chariot awaited him.
”We start at once,” he called to the slave who sat on the foremost horse; ”I will only fetch my sword.”
In the vestibule he met the two Licinii, who were watching for him impatiently.
”To-day is the day,” cried Lucius, ”with the prospect of which you have so long comforted us!”
”Where is the proof of your trust in our courage, our skill, and our fidelity!” asked Marcus.
”Patience!” said Cethegus, lifting his forefinger; and he went into his study.
He shortly reappeared, his sword and many papers under his left arm, a sealed roll in his right hand. His eyes flashed.
”Is the outermost gate of the Moles Hadriani ready?” he asked.
”Ready,” answered Lucius Licinius.
”Is the grain from Sicily stored in the Capitol?”
”All stored.”
”Are the weapons distributed, and the ramparts of the Capitol completed as I ordered?”
”All complete,” answered Marcus.
”Good. Take this roll. Break the seal as soon as Silverius has left the city, and punctually execute every word therein. It concerns not only my life and yours--but Rome! The city of Caesar will be witness of your actions. Go. Farewell till we meet again!”