Chronographia - Michael Psellus

8/10/2019 Chronographia - Michael Psellus

1/205

Michael Psellus: Chronographia

INTRODUCTION by Professor J.M. Hussey [p.1]

PREFACE

SOME three years ao I re!"e#e$ a% e&'e((e%t ("tt(e !o(u)e #r"tte% by ProfessorNor)a% *ay%es+ The He((e%"st"' C"!"(",at"o% a%$ East Ro)e. I% "t he )e%t"o%sM"'hae( Pse((us-s fa)ous a%e'$ote about the *y,a%t"%e S'(ere%a a%$ Co%sta%t"%eI. *e"% 'ur"ous to /%o# )ore of Pse((us I bouht the *u$e e$"t"o% a%$ rea$ theChro%oraph"a "% fu((. That "s ho# th"s tra%s(at"o% #as bor%+ for "t see)e$ to )e ap"ty that E%("sh s'ho(ars #ho /%e# %o 0ree/ shou($ be $epr"!e$ of the

opportu%"ty of rea$"% th"s a$)"rab(e #or/ "% the"r o#% (a%uae. Stu$e%ts of)e$"e!a( h"story "% part"'u(ar shou($ be%et. Certa"%(y %o other 'o%te)poraryauthor "!es so !"!"$ a% a''ou%t of e(e!e%th2'e%tury *y,a%t"u). I hope that th"sp"o%eer e3ort )ay "%sp"re others to rea$ a%$ e%4oy h").

I #ou($ ("/e here to a'/%o#(e$e )y $ebt to M. E)"(e Re%au($+ #ho rsttra%s(ate$ the h"story "%to a )o$er% (a%uae. 5(thouh th"s "%terpretat"o% $"3ers"% )a%y po"%ts fro) the 6re%'h !ers"o%+ h"s "%7ue%'e #"(( be appare%t. I a)ratefu( too for the /"%$(y "%terest a%$ 'o%sta%t e%'ourae)e%t of Mr. R. H.*arro#+ C.*.E.+ a%$ of Mr. 8. 6. Ja'/so% 9%"ht+ #hose s'ho(arsh"p e&te%$s farbeyo%$ the :"r"("a% e($ "% #h"'h he espe'"a((y sh"%es. 8he% I rst u%$ertoo/ the

#or/+ the (ate Dr. 8. H. D. Rouse a!e )e sou%$ a$!"'e+ a%$ as I %eare$ the e%$+Professor 5rthur E. 0or$o%+ of the U%"!ers"ty of Ca("for%"a+ o3ere$ so)e !a(uab(e'r"t"'"s). To both of the) I a) $eep(y "%$ebte$. Nee$(ess to say+ %o%e of thesee%t(e)e% 'a% be he($ respo%s"b(e for the ")perfe't"o%s #h"'h )ust 'reep "%toso (o% a #or/.

5bo!e a(( I a) ratefu( to Professor J. M. Hussey+ #ho %ot o%(y 'o%se%te$ to #r"tethe I%tro$u't"o% to th"s boo/+ but fou%$ t")e to re!"se )y %otes+ a$$e$ the shortb"b("oraphy+ a%$ )a$e so)e usefu( suest"o%s #h"'h ")pro!e$ the te&t.

E. R. 5. S.

Ne#bury+ *er/sh"re.; O'tober 1;


2/205

INTRODUCTION

0I**ON-S (ee%$ of a $e'a$e%t East Ro)a% E)p"re $"es har$ "% or$"%ary E%("sh

'"r'(es. *ut resear'h of the (ast ha(f 'e%tury shou($ by %o# ha!e )a$e "tabu%$a%t(y '(ear that *y,a%t"%e '"!"(",at"o% 'a% ho($ "ts o#% "% the )e$"e!a(#or($. That "s %ot to $e%y that "t ha$ "ts ups a%$ $o#%s a%$ 'ha%e$ a oo$ $ea("% 'hara'ter "% the 'ourse of )ore tha% a thousa%$ years. The e(e!e%th 'e%tury+"% #h"'h M"'hae( Pse((us ("!e$+ #as a 'ru'"a( t")e+ %ot be'ause of the fa't of "tsa'ute po("t"'a( $">'u(t"es 22 after a((+ the E)p"re ha$ fa'e$ $a%er t")e a%$ aa"%22 but be'ause "t #as %o# brouht up aa"%st 'erta"% %e# a%$ o)"%ous$e!e(op)e%ts both #"th"% a%$ #"thout #h"'h "t fa"(e$ to 'o%tro(+ a%$ he%'e "tstota( $o#%fa(( "% the ftee%th 'e%tury )ay be tra'e$ ba'/ to th"s per"o$. No# a%$the% Pse((us sho#s part"a( u%$ersta%$"% of su'h $a%ers+ as for "%sta%'e #he%he 'o))e%ts o% the !"ta( ")porta%'e of Co%sta%t"%op(e-s )"("tary $efe%ses+ but

he 'ou($ %ot forete(( the ather"% ")petus of the #ester% 'rusa$"% )o!e)e%t#h"'h so !"o(e%t(y $"srupte$ *y,a%t"%e ("fe "% the 5eea% #or($+ %or $"$ he rea(",ethat the Se(4u/ Tur/s #ere prepar"% the #ay for the a()ost 'o)p(ete (oss of theE)p"re-s reat storehouse+ 5s"a M"%or+ or that the ru)b("%s "% the *a(/a%s #ereto hera($ the ro#th a%$ e)a%'"pat"o% of the you% S(a! %at"o%s. 5fter a((+ he#as ("!"% a%$ #r"t"% "% the hey$ay of the e(e!e%th 'e%tury #he% the $"sastroustur% "% ")per"a( fortu%es #as s'ar'e(y per'ept"b(e+ a%$ #he% Co%sta%t"%op(e'ou($ st"(( to so)e e&te%t bas/ "% the a''u)u(ate$ (or"es of the reat $ays of thete%th 'e%tury #"th "ts '(ass"'a( re!"!a( a%$ "ts e&pa%s"o% of the fro%t"ers. 5%$"%$ee$ #hate!er #ea/%esses )"ht ha!e a(ar)e$ a $"s'er%"% eye "% the yearsto fo((o#+ sat"sfa't"o% 'ou($ a(#ays be fou%$ "% the stea$y )a"%te%a%'e a%$$e!e(op)e%t of 'u(tura( a't"!"t"es+ 'erta"% aspe'ts of #h"'h #ere pass"o%ate(y

%ear to Pse((us-s heart.

8hate!er h"s father-s '(a")s to ar"sto'rat"' forebears+ M"'hae( Pse((us re# up "%the )"("eu of a )"$$(e2'(ass fa)"(y. H"s #r"t"%s+ [=] a%$ part"'u(ar(y h"s fu%era(orat"o% for h"s )other+ re!ea( a fa"r a)ou%t about h"s 'h"($hoo$ a%$ h"s o#%perso%a( appeara%'e a%$ 'astes. I% phys"?ue he rese)b(e$ h"s father #ho ha$)erry eyes a%$ #e(( $e%e$ eyebro#s a%$ #as ha%$so)e as a -#e((2ro#%'ypress-. *ut h"s father-s e!e%2te)pere$ $"spos"t"o% a%$ ?u"et #ay of ("fe+ )o!"%fro) $ay to $ay as s"(e%t(y a%$ s)ooth(y -as 7o#"% o"(-+ #ere %ot "%her"te$ by theso%. I% out(oo/ a%$ te)pera)e%t he #as )ore ("/e h"s )other #ho #as '(ear(ythe )a"%spr"% of the fa)"(y. Pse((us says that she #as attra't"!e a%$ -("/e the

rose %ee$e$ %o further a$or%)e%t-@ she #as a(so e%eret"'+ of ?u"'/ "%te(("e%'e+a%$ abo!e a(( a $e!out Chr"st"a%. She 'erta"%(y be?ueathe$ her $y%a)"' ?ua("t"esto her so%+ thouh h"s subt(ety of approa'h #as "% 'o%trast to her )ore s")p(ea$here%'e to the Chr"st"a% fa"th+ a%$ h"s a'h"e!e)e%ts "% "%te((e'tua( e($s+ho#e!er )u'h they o#e$ to her ear(y e3orts a%$ e%'ourae)e%t+ #ere "%substa%'e h"s a(o%e.

*or% "% Co%sta%t"%op(e "% 1A1B he re# "%to a% e&'ee$"%(y a(ert+ "%te(("e%t 'h"($a%$ he #as brouht up o% Ho)er as 0ree/ 'h"($re% #ere a%$ are. H"s )other)a%ae$ to pro(o% h"s e$u'at"o% u%t"( he #as "% h"s tee%s a%$ the% the %ee$ topro!"$e a $o#ry for h"s s"ster )a$e "t $">'u(t to support h") a%y (o%er. He

be'a)e a '(er/ to a pro!"%'"a( 4u$e+ but o% the u%e&pe'te$ $eath of h"s s"ster heretur%e$ to Co%sta%t"%op(e a%$ 'o%t"%ue$ h"s stu$"es. He #as tauht by Joh%


3/205

Mauropous+ after#ar$s 5r'hb"shop of Eu'ha"ta+ but the% a pr"!ate tutor "%Co%sta%t"%op(e. Joh%+ both fro) Pse((us a%$ fro) other sour'es+ "s re!ea(e$ as as"%(e2)"%$e$ s'ho(ar a%$ a )a% of reat "%ter"ty. He e!"$e%t(y 'oa'he$ a%u)ber of '(e!er you% )e%+ a(( of #ho) (ater )a$e the"r )ar/ a%$ re)a"%e$r) fr"e%$s #"th ea'h other a%$ #"th the"r tutor. Joh% "ph"("%us be'a)e Hea$ ofthe 6a'u(ty of a# "% the U%"!ers"ty of Co%sta%t"%op(e+ the% )o%/ a%$ 5bbot of a)o%astery "% 5s"a M"%or+ a%$ %a((y Patr"ar'h of Co%sta%t"%op(e. Co%sta%t"%eDu'as+ a%other #e((2/%o#% )e)ber of the roup+ e!e%tua((y su''ee$e$ to thethro%e as Co%sta%t"%e . Co%sta%t"%e Pse((us 2 he (ater 'ha%e$ the %a)e ofCo%sta%t"%e for that of M"'hae( by #h"'h he "s usua((y /%o#% 2 )a%ae$ to )a/eh"s #ay "% 'ourt '"r'(es a%$ the story of h"s r"se to po#er 'a% be rea$ "% h"sChro%oraph"a a%$ ((e$ out fro) other 'o%te)porary sour'es.

6or a re'e%t short su))ary of Pse((us-s 'areer see P. Joa%%ou+ Pse((os et (e)o%astre Ta NarsoF+ *y,a%t"%"s'he Ge"ts'hr"ft !o(. 1;


4/205

pro!e$ use(ess at $efe%$"% fro%t"ers aa"%st "%!a$"% Tur/s or Nor)a%s a%$ ha$to ab$"'ate.

Pse((us-s )ost fru"tfu( e3orts #ere "% pro)ot"% h"her e$u'at"o% a%$ "% the"%7ue%'e of h"s o#% #r"tte% #or/s. H"s #as the $r"!"% for'e beh"%$ the

reora%",at"o% of the State U%"!ers"ty of Co%sta%t"%op(e "% 1A< a%$ "% th"s'o%%e't"o% h"s "%7ue%'e "% ")per"a( '"r'(es #as use$ to oo$ e3e't. There #eree!"$e%t(y a!a"(ab(e both a %u)ber of e$u'ate$ )e% to a't as (e'turers a%$ astu$e%t bo$y #"sh"% to use opportu%"t"es of th"s /"%$+ so that Pse((us-se&tra!aa%t re)ar/s "% the Chro%oraph"a o% h"s uph"(( tas/ a%$ 5%%a Co)%e%a-s'aust"' 'o))e%ts "% the 5(e&"a$ o% the (o# ebb to #h"'h (ear%"% ha$ su%/ "% thee(e!e%th 'e%tury 'a%%ot be ta/e% e%t"re(y at the"r fa'e !a(ue. Not that the e3e'tof Pse((us-s $y%a)"' perso%a("ty 'a% be $e%"e$+ %or shou($ h"s #or/ "% st")u(at"%"%terest "% P(ato%"' stu$"es be u%$erest")ate$. It #as %ot for %oth"% that"ph"("%us ")p("e$ that he #as )a/"% a o$ of h"s P(ato-. Pse((us-s ph"(osoph"'a((ea%"%s 'a% be $"s'er%e$ here a%$ there "% the Chro%oraph"a+ but "t "s o%(y fro)the 'o)p(ete 'orpus of h"s #or/s that h"s a't"!"t"es a%$ a'a$e)"' "%terests 'a%

be fu((y re'o%stru'te$. Ph"(osophy+ #"th spe'"a( e)phas"s o% P(ato%"s)+ #as'o%'e"!e$ as the 'ro#% a%$ su))"t of the s'ho(ar-s ("fe. et Pse((us #he%'ha((e%e$ #as the rst to a$)"t that su'h a't"!"ty #as !"sua(",e$ o%(y #"th"%+a%$ therefore to so)e e&te%t (")"te$ by+ the a''epte$ Chr"st"a% fra)e#or/. It#ou($ )oreo!er be "%a''urate to ")a"%e that Pse((us #as "%tereste$ "%ph"(osoph"'a( to the e&'(us"o% of a(( other pursu"ts. He #as 'o%'er%e$ #"thChr"st"a% theo(oy+ #"th the Chr"st"a% "%terpretat"o% of the u%"!erse+ he share$+for "%sta%'e+ the a()ost u%"!ersa( be("ef "% )"ra'(es ho#e!er )u'h he proteste$aa"%st )a"'a( pra't"'es+ a%$ #as e!"$e%t(y #e(( !erse$ "% 'o%te)porary !"e#so% the $e)o% #or($. He ofte% '(othe$ h"s thouhts "% #hat see)s to us to be a7oo$ of rhetor"'+ part"'u(ar(y "% h"s spee'hes a%$ (etters. *ut he ha$ a% eye for

$eta"(+ he #as a shre#$ 4u$e of hu)a% %ature+ a%$ he 'ou($ pro$u'e %e+ba(a%'e$+ a''urate prose portra"ts of h"s 'o%te)porar"es. The Chro%oraph"aspea/s for "tse(f a%$ 'a% )ore tha% ho($ "ts o#% #"th s")"(ar 'o%te)porary("terature of the at"% #or($.

I% h"s "%tro$u't"o% to the Chro%oraph"a Pse((us e&p(a"%s that he ha$ ofte% bee%presse$ to #r"te a h"story of h"s o#% t")es a%$ that he %a((y aree$ to pro$u'e abr"ef s/et'h at the spe'"a( re?uest of a [


5/205

M"'hae(-s ("tt(e so% #ho #as bor% "% 1AL< 22 "s (ess 'r"t"'a( "% to%e a%$ fu(( of (a!"shappre'"at"o% of the Du'as fa)"(y a%$ re")e. Th"s )ay be rerettab(e+ but "t "su%$ersta%$ab(e+ for Pse((us #as #r"t"% of 'o%te)porary po("t"'s "% #h"'h heh")se(f #as 'o%'er%e$. He 'a%%ot for "%sta%'e be abso(!e$ fro) a ra!e error of

4u$)e%t "% support"% the u%fortu%ate o!erthro# of the E)peror Ro)a%us I:D"oe%es "% 1AL1+ but he #ou($ ha!e bee% a()ost superhu)a% "f he ha$prese%te$ poster"ty #"th a 'r"t"'a( a''ou%t of h"s o#% a't"o%s a%$ those of the")per"a( Du'as fa)"(y #"th #ho) he ha$ su'h "%t")ate asso'"at"o%s.

Desp"te th"s u%e!e%%ess of treat)e%t bet#ee% the t#o se't"o%s+ theChro%oraph"a re)a"%s h"story of a h"h or$er. Pse((us ha$ '(ear !"e#s o% thefu%'t"o% of a h"stor"a%. H"s a") shou($ be the prese%tat"o% of truth+ e"ther fro)the e!"$e%'e of re("ab(e re'or$s a%$ #"t%esses or fro) h"s o#% rst2ha%$e&per"e%'es. 5%$ so Pse((us tr"es to "!e a% ")part"a( a''ou%t+ at a%y rate "% therst se't"o% of h"s #or/+ a%$ subse?ue%t e!e%ts "% the E)p"re-s h"story ofte%'o%r)e$ h"s shre#$ 'r"t"'"s)s a%$ pro%ost"'at"o%s. *ut %o se%se of theh"stor"a%-s h"h !o'at"o% a%$ esse%t"a( ")part"a("ty 'ou($ $a)p the ra'y

"%$"!"$ua("s) of Pse((us-s approa'h %or the $e("'ate art"stry of h"s sty(e a%$(a%uae. H"s e%("!e%"% $e!"'es+ h"s ("terary resour'es+ h"s r"'h a%$ !ar"e$!o'abu(ary+ are a(( re!ea(e$ "% the e(ea%t br"(("a%'e a%$ s#"ft )o!e)e%t of h"sp"'ture of *y,a%t"%e ("fe. H"s $es'r"pt"o%s of perso%a("t"es ha!e be'o)e fa)ous+a%$ "% t#o 'ases at a%y rate h"s a''ura'y a%$ fu((%ess of $eta"( ha!e bee%'o%r)e$ by the re'e%t u%'o!er"% of the ")per"a( portra"ts "% )osa"' #or/$e'orat"% St. Soph"a+ the 'athe$ra( of Co%sta%t"%op(e. Here "% the south a((ery+#he% the (ayers of Tur/"sh p(aster #ere re)o!e$+ the e($er(y E)press Goe #asre!ea(e$+ #"th her u%#r"%/(e$ s/"% a%$ p(u)p 'hee/s+ her pe%'"((e$ eyebro#s a%$)a$e2up features+ 4ust as Pse((us ha$ /%o#% her. Sta%$"% o% the other s"$e ofthe e%thro%e$ Chr"st #as her th"r$ husba%$+ Co%sta%t"%e I Mo%o)a'hus+ a(so

'orrespo%$"% '(ose(y to Pse((us-s $es'r"pt"o% of the /"%$(y+ a3e't"o%ate+ a%$ o%o''as"o% fr"!o(ous+ ru(er #ho ha$ bee% h"s 'h"ef patro%.

Mu'h e(se 'a% be fou%$ "% the Chro%oraph"a bes"$es ("fe("/e portra"ts of"%$"!"$ua(s "%'(u$"% o%e of the author h")se(f. There "s a oo$ $ea( of both$"re't a%$ "%$"re't "%for)at"o% o% the *y,a%t"%e 'o%'ept"o% of the ")per"a( o>'e+a%$ there are so)e h"%ts o% the re(at"o% bet#ee% E)peror a%$ Patr"ar'h thouhPse((us "s o% th"s o''as"o% !ery $"s'reet "% #r"t"% about the Patr"ar'h M"'hae(Ceru(ar"us #ho 'ha((e%e$ the a''epte$ "%ter$epe%$e%'e of 'hur'h a%$ state.

The Chr"st"a% ba'/rou%$ a%$ the #or/"%s of a $"!"%e Pro!"$e%'e are assu)e$@reat e)phas"s "s p(a'e$ o% a oo$ e$u'at"o% a%$ a r"ht appre'"at"o% of the

"%te((e'tua( her"tae of the He((e%"' #or($. Mu'h "s o)"tte$. Th"s "s part"'u(ar(ytrue of po("t"'a( a%$ a$)"%"strat"!e h"story+ espe'"a((y fore"% po("'y+ but su'h"%for)at"o% 'a% ofte% be fou%$ "% other+ a%$ (ess ("!e(y+ h"stor"es of the per"o$a%$ )ust "% a%y 'ase be supp(e)e%te$ fro) sour'es of a $"3ere%t %ature. Thep"'ture 'a% be ((e$ out fro) su'h re'or$s as $o'u)e%ts+ usua((y e"ther ")per"a(or )o%ast"'+ fro) ("terary #r"t"%s both se'u(ar a%$ e''(es"ast"'a(+ a%$ abo!e a((fro) the )o%u)e%ts of the per"o$+ #hether )osa"'s "% St. Soph"a or the )orere)ote but %o (ess ")press"!e #or/ sur!"!"% "% su'h )o%ast"' 'hur'hes as thatof St. u/e "% Pho'"s.

*ut #hate!er "ts $efe'ts a%$ "%a$e?ua'"es there 'a% be %o subst"tute for theChro%oraph"a "tse(f. 5 t#e(fth2'e%tury sat"r"st #ho ")a"%e$ the $es'e%t ofPse((us to the rea() of the u%$er#or($+ $es'r"be$ the #ar)th #"th #h"'h he #as#e('o)e$ by other s'ho(ars a(rea$y there. 5%$ #"th oo$ reaso%. M"'hae( Pse((us


6/205

)ust ha!e bee% a rst2rate 'o)pa%"o% #hether "% th"s #or($ or the %e&t a%$ he#as 'erta"%(y a% e%terta"%"% #r"ter.

J. M. HUSSE.


7/205

THE CHRONOGRAPHIA OF MICHAEL PELLU A!D! "#$%&'##

The Chro%oraph"a 'o)pose$ by the )ost (ear%e$ a%$ r"ht ho%ourab(e )o%/

M"'hae(+ "% #h"'h are re'ou%te$ the $ee$s of the fo((o#"% E)perors *as"( a%$Co%sta%t"%e+ the Porphyroe%"t"@ the"r su''essor+ Ro)a%us 5ryropu(us@ M"'hae(the Paph(ao%"a%@ M"'hae(+ %ephe# of the (ast2%a)e$+ #ho or""%a((y ha$ the t"t(eof Caesar@ the t#o s"sters Goe a%$ Theo$ora+ a(so Porphyroe%"t"ae a%$ bothpr"%'esses@ Co%sta%t"%e Mo%o)a'hus+ #ho share$ the thro%e #"th the)@ thepr"%'ess Theo$ora+ o%e of the afore)e%t"o%e$ s"sters+ #ho ru(e$ as E)pressa(o%e@ M"'hae( the 5e$@ Isaa' Co)%e%us. The H"story e%$s #"th thepro'(a)at"o% of Co%sta%t"%e Du'as.

*OO9 ONE

*5SI II ;L 2 1A=< [p.11]

(OO) ONE

*5SI II

;L 2 1A='u(t"es #ere thus o!er'o)e+ but the"r %e# e%era( #as %o(ess for)"$ab(e tha% S'(erus. He #as $es'e%$e$ fro) a% e)peror. I% a((probab"("ty he #ou($ %e!er be 'o%te%t to o''upy a subor$"%ate pos"t"o%. So theystr"ppe$ h") of h"s '"t",e%-s robes a%$ a(( "%s"%"a of roya(ty+ a%$ for'e$ h") toe%ter the Chur'h. The% they bou%$ h") by the )ost fearfu( oaths %e!er to beu"(ty of treaso%+ %e!er to tra%sress the pro)"ses he ha$ )a$e. Ha!"% ta/e%these pre'aut"o%s aa"%st a%y a)b"t"ous s'he)es he )"ht e%terta"% "% thefuture+ they se%t h") out #"th the #ho(e of the e)peror-s for'es.

L. 5''or$"% to the h"stor"a%s+ th"s )a% *ar$as re)"%$e$ peop(e of h"s u%'(e+ thee)peror N"'ephorus+ for he #as a(#ays #rappe$ "% (oo)+ a%$ #at'hfu(+ 'apab(e

of foresee"% a(( e!e%tua("t"es+ of 'o)prehe%$"% e!eryth"% at a (a%'e. 6ar fro)be"% "%ora%t of #ar("/e )a%oeu!res+ there #as %o aspe't of s"ee #arfare+ %otr"'/ of a)bush %or ta't"' of p"t'he$ batt(e+ "% #h"'h he #as %ot thorouh(y!erse$. I% the )atter of phys"'a( pro#ess+ )oreo!er+ *ar$as #as )ore e%eret"'a%$ !"r"(e tha% S'(erus. I% fa't+ a%yo%e #ho re'e"!e$ a b(o# at h"s ha%$ #as a$ea$ )a% stra"ht#ay+ a%$ #ho(e ar)"es tre)b(e$ e!e% #he% he shoute$ fro)afar. He %o# $"!"$e$ up h"s for'es+ arra%"% the) "% batta("o%s+ a%$ )ore tha%o%'e22"%$ee$+ o% se!era( o''as"o%s22put h"s oppo%e%ts to 7"ht+ $esp"te the"r%u)bers. I% truth+ *ar$as see)e$ to surpass h"s e%e)"es+ "% s/"(( a%$ strateya%$ !"our+ "% "%!erse proport"o% to h"s o#% "%fer"or"ty "% %u)bers.

B. Ea'h s"$e #as 'o%$e%t "% fa'e of "ts foes+ a%$ the t#o (ea$ers+ by 'o))o%'o%se%t+ $e'"$e$ to e%ae "% s"%(e 'o)bat.B So+ r"$"% out to the spa'e that$"!"$e$ the t#o ("%es of batt(e+ they sp"e$ o%e a%other a%$ #"thout )ore a$o'a)e to '(ose ?uarters. The rebe( S'(erus+ u%ab(e to 'urb h"s %atura( ")petuos"ty+bro/e the ru(es of th"s /"%$ of ht"%+ a%$ as he approa'he$ Pho'as stru'/ h")#"th a(( h"s )"ht o% the hea$. The b(o# a"%e$ a$$"t"o%a( po#er be'ause "t #as$e("!ere$ o% the 'hare. Pho'as+ $u)bfou%$e$ at the [1


10/205

#as 'o)p(ete(y e)barrasse$. He 'ou($ %o (o%er #"thsta%$ Pho'as "% batt(e. He#as too asha)e$ to be ter)s fro) the e)peror. I% these '"r'u)sta%'es hea$opte$ a po("'y #h"'h #as %e"ther !ery #"se %or !ery safe+ tra%sferr"% h"s#ho(e ar)y fro) Ro)a% terr"tor"es to 5ssyr"a. There he )a$e h")se(f /%o#% tothe /"% Chosroes a%$ rouse$ h"s susp"'"o%s+ for Chosroes feare$ the reat%u)bers of h"s ar)y+ a%$ poss"b(y he #as %er!ous+ too+ "% 'ase the Ro)a%sp(a%%e$ so)e su$$e% atta'/ o% h")se(f. The upshot of the )atter #as that a((S'(erus-s )e% #ere )a$e pr"so%ers a%$ 'arr"e$ o3 to ao(.

THE RE:OT O6 *5RD5S PHOC5S

1A. Mea%#h"(e *ar$as Pho'as retur%e$ to the e)peror. He #as "!e% thepr"!"(ee of a tr"u)ph a%$ too/ h"s p(a'e a)o% the perso%a( fr"e%$s of h"sso!ere"%. So e%$e$ the rst re!o(t. 5ppare%t(y *as"( #as %o# free$ fro) a(( h"stroub(es+ but th"s see)"% 'o((apse of the oppos"t"o% pro!e$ to be o%(y a pre(u$eto the host of e!"(s that #ere to fo((o#. Pho'as+ after re'e"!"% h"h ho%ours #he%

he rst retur%e$ to *y,a%t"u)+ (ater fou%$ h")se(f %e(e'te$. H"s a)b"t"o%sappeare$ to be o%'e )ore s("pp"% fro) h"s rasp. Th"s /"%$ of treat)e%t+ "% h"sop"%"o%+ #as u%$eser!e$. He ha$ %ot betraye$ the trust repose$ "% h") he ha$e%tere$ "%to a% aree)e%t+ o% spe'"' ter)s+ a%$ he ha$ fa"thfu((y /ept "t. So+$"sru%t(e$+ he bro/e a#ay "% re!o(t22a re!o(t )ore ser"ous a%$ )ore $">'u(t to'ou%ter tha% the pre!"ous atte)pt of S'(erus22#"th the reater part of the ar)yra%e$ bes"$e h") "% oppos"t"o% to *as"(.; Ha!"% #o% o!er the (ea$"% a%$)ost po#erfu( fa)"("es+ he $e'"$e$ to pro'(a") h")se(f a% ope% e%e)y of there")e. 5% ar)y of Iber"a%s #as 'o%s'r"pte$+ er'e+ prou$ #arr"ors sta%$"% upto te% feet "% he"ht. [ ".e. !ery ta((. 5 *y,a%t"%e say"%.] It #as %o (o%er "%")a"%at"o%+ but "% !ery truth+ that he put o% the ")per"a( robes+ #"th thee)peror-s 'ro#% a%$ the roya( "%s"%"a of purp(e. [1]

11. I #"(( $es'r"be #hat happe%e$ %e&t. 5 fore"% #ar surpr"se$ the *aby(o%"a%+that sa)e /"% Chosroes to #ho) S'(erus a%$ h"s ar)y ha$ 7e$ a%$ fro) #ho)they ha$ hope$ for ass"sta%'e. Those hopes+ as I ha!e sa"$+ ha$ a(rea$y bee%$ashe$. 8e((+ th"s #ar pro!e$ to be a terr"b(e stra"% o% the /"%-s resour'es a%$reat %u)bers of ar)e$ )e% #ere "%!o(!e$ "% the stru(e. It #as ")poss"b(e forChosroes to fee( a%y 'o%$e%'e "% h"s o#% %at"!e for'es #"thout fore"% a"$. Sohe tur%e$ for he(p to the e&"(e$ Ro)a%s. They #ere at o%'e re(ease$ fro) the"rbo%$s+ brouht out of the"r pr"so%s+ stro%(y ar)e$ a%$ set "% batt(e2array aa"%sth"s e%e)"es. They S'(erus a%$ h"s )e%+ be"% !"r"(e a%$ #ar("/e so($"ers+a'?ua"%te$ #"th the $"spos"t"o% of "%fa%try "% batt(e+ arra%e$ the)se(!es "% t#o

roups+ o%e o% e"ther 7a%/. The%+ 'har"% o% horseba'/ "% )ass2for)at"o% a%$shout"% the"r #ar2'ry+ they /"((e$ so)e of the e%e)y there o% the spot a%$others they put to 7"ht. The pursu"t 'o%t"%ue$ as far as the earth#or/s a%$ thefoe #as 'o)p(ete(y a%%"h"(ate$.1A O% the"r #ay ba'/ the Ro)a%s+ as "f "%sp"re$#"th o%e 'o))o% "$ea+ too/ to 7"ht the)se(!es. The reaso% for th"s #as thatthey feare$ Chosroes. They e&pe'te$ ("tt(e 'o%s"$erat"o% fro) h") a%$ theybe("e!e$ that he #ou($ thro# the) ba'/ "%to pr"so%. So they )a$e o3+ #"th a((the spee$ they 'ou($ )uster+ a%$ they 'o!ere$ a reat $"sta%'e before the5ssyr"a%s %ot"'e$ they ha$ o%e. These operat"o%s too/ p(a'e "% 5ssyr"a.Chosroes+ #hose ar)y ha$ %o# reasse)b(e$+ "))e$"ate(y "ssue$ a% or$er thata(( so($"ers of the 5ssyr"a% ar)y #ho )et these Ro)a%s #ere to 4o"% "% pursu"%the). 5 reat )u(t"tu$e $"$ "% fa't fa(( upo% the) fro) the rear+ but they soo%$"s'o!ere$ ho# "%fer"or they #ere to the Ro)a% so($"er+ for the ru%a#ayssu$$e%(y #hee(e$ about a%$ $efeate$ the"r pursuers. I%$ee$+ the e%e)y su3ere$


11/205

su'h (osses that they retreate$ fe#er "% %u)ber tha% the Ro)a%s+ a(thouh theyha$ !ast(y out%u)bere$ the) #he% the e%ae)e%t starte$.

1=. Here+ S'(erus $e'"$e$+ #as the opportu%"ty to re!"!e h"s stru(e for po#er.The #ho(e E)p"re+ he thouht+ #as r"pe for the p(u'/"%+ for Pho'as ha$ a(rea$y

o%e a#ay to 5%ato("a a%$ a(( the e)peror-s for'es #ere s'attere$. Ha!"%arr"!e$ at the Ro)a% fro%t"er+ ho#e!er+ he (ear%t that Pho'as ha$ $es"%s o% thethro%e h")se(f+ a%$ s"%'e he #as "% %o pos"t"o% to ta/e o% both the e)peror a%$h"s r"!a(+ he "%$u(e$ "% a fresh outburst of "%so(e%'e at the e&pe%se of thefor)er+ #h"(e he prese%te$ h")se(f to the (atter "% the [1L] u"se of !assa(.Pho'as-s hee)o%y #as re'o%",e$ a%$ S'(erus aree$ to ser!e u%$er h").

Thereupo% the"r for'es #ere $"!"$e$ "% t#o a%$ the rebe( ar)y #as reat(ystre%the%e$. 6u(( of 'o%$e%'e "% the"r so($"ers a%$ )"("tary $"spos"t"o%s+ they'a)e $o#% as far as the Propo%t"s a%$ stro%po"%ts o% the seashore+ )a$e the"re%tre%'h)e%ts se'ure a%$ a(( but tr"e$ to (eap o!er the sea "tse(f.

1K. The e)peror *as"( #as #e(( a#are of $"s(oya(ty a)o% the Ro)a%s+ but %ot(o% before th"s a p"'/e$ ba%$ of S'yth"a%s ha$ 'o)e to he(p h") fro) theTaurus+ a%$ a %e bo$y of )e% they #ere.11 He ha$ these )e% tra"%e$ "% aseparate 'orps+ 'o)b"%e$ #"th the) a%other )er'e%ary for'e+ $"!"$e$ by'o)pa%"es+ a%$ se%t the) out to ht the rebe(s. They 'a)e upo% the "%sure%tsu%e&pe'te$(y+ #he% they #ere o3 the"r uar$ seate$ at tab(e a%$ $r"%/"%+ a%$after they ha$ $estroye$ %ot a fe# of the)+ s'attere$ the rest "% a(($"re't"o%s.1= The re)%a%ts of the e%e)y a'tua((y ba%$e$ toether a%$oppose$ Pho'as h")se(f+ #"th 'o%s"$erab(e e%thus"as).

1. *as"( perso%a((y too/ part "% these operat"o%s #"th the Ro)a% ar)y. He ha$

4ust beu% to ro# a bear$ a%$ #as (ear%"% the art of #ar fro) e&per"e%'e "%a'tua( 'o)bat. E!e% h"s brother Co%sta%t"%e too/ h"s p(a'e "% the batt(e2("%e+ar)e$ #"th breastp(ate a%$ (o% spear.

1


12/205

spee$+ he )a$e stra"ht for the e)peror #"th a #"($ #ar2'ry+ h"s s#or$ up("fte$ "%h"s r"ht ha%$+ as "f he "%te%$e$ to /"(( the e)peror there a%$ the%.

1. 8h"(e Pho'as #as so bo($(y 'har"% to#ar$s h")+ *as"( ro$e out "% fro%t ofh"s ar)y too. He too/ h"s sta%$ there+ s#or$ "% ha%$. I% h"s (eft ha%$ he '(aspe$

the ")ae of the Sa!"our-s Mother+ th"%/"% th"s "/o% the surest prote't"o% aa"%sth"s oppo%e%t-s terr"' o%s(auht. Pho'as s#ept o%+ ("/e a '(ou$ $r"!e% o% by!"o(e%t #"%$s+ #h"r("% o!er the p(a"%. Mea%#h"(e those #ho #ere stat"o%e$ o%e"ther 7a%/s hur(e$ the"r 4a!e("%s at h"). 5)o% others+ s("ht(y "% fro%t of the)a"% ar)y+ #as the e)peror Co%sta%t"%e+ bra%$"sh"% a (o% spear. 5fter he ha$a((ope$ for#ar$ so)e $"sta%'e fro) h"s o#% )e%+ Pho'as su$$e%(y s("ppe$ fro)h"s sa$$(e a%$ #as thro#% to the rou%$. 5t th"s po"%t the a''ou%ts of $"3ere%tauthors be'o)e 'o%tra$"'tory. So)e 'o%te%$ that he #as h"t by the 4a!e("%2thro#ers a%$ fe(( )orta((y #ou%$e$. Others a!er that he #as o!er'o)e by asu$$e% fa"%t%ess+ the e3e't of a sto)a'h $"sor$er+ a%$ so fe(( $o#% fro) thesa$$(e. 8hate!er the true e&p(a%at"o% )ay ha!e bee%+ Co%sta%t"%e arroate$ toh")se(f the prou$ $"st"%'t"o% of ha!"% s(a"% the rebe(. The usua( story+ ho#e!er+

a%$ the o%e 'o%s"$ere$ to be )ost probab(e+ "s that the #ho(e a3a"r #as theresu(t of a% "%tr"ue. Po"so% #as )"&e$+ Pho'as $ra%/ "t+ a%$ #he% he )o!e$about+ the pot"o% be'a)e su$$e%(y e3e't"!e+ $epr"!e$ h") of h"s po#ers ofreaso%+ a%$ 'ause$ the "$$"%ess that (e$ to h"s $o#%fa((. The or""%a( "$ea #as*as"(-s+ the )"%"ster"% ha%$ that of Pho'as-s 'upbearer. 6or )y o#% part+ I preferto e&press %o op"%"o% o% the sub4e't a%$ as'r"be a(( the (ory to the Mother of the8or$.

1L. 5t a(( e!e%ts+ he fe((+ he #ho u%t"( the% 'ou($ %e"ther be #ou%$e$ %or ta/e%a("!e+ a p"teous a%$ )our%fu( s"ht. 5s soo% as the r"!a( ar)"es sa# #hat ha$happe%e$+ the o%e #as "))e$"ate(y sp("t up a%$ retreate$+ the"r '(ose2pa'/e$

ra%/s bro/e%+ the"r rout 'o)p(ete. The e)peror-s for'es+ o% the other ha%$+"))e$"ate(y after Pho'as-s 'o((apse+ (eapt upo% h")+ s'attere$ h"s Iber"a% bo$yuar$+ a%$ 'hoppe$ h") "% p"e'es #"th repeate$ s#or$2b(o#s. H"s hea$ #as 'uto3 a%$ brouht to *as"(.1

1B. The 'o)p(ete 'ha%e "% the e)peror-s 'hara'ter $ates fro) that t")e. 8h"(ehe re4o"'e$ at the $eath of h"s e%e)y+ he #as %o (ess r"e!e$ by the sa$'o%$"t"o% of h"s o#% a3a"rs+ #"th the resu(t that he be'a)e susp"'"ous ofe!eryo%e+ a hauhty a%$ se'ret"!e )a%+ "((2te)pere$+ a%$ "rate #"th those #hofa"(e$ to 'arry out h"s #"shes.

THE 65 5ND *5NISHMENT O6 THE P5R59OIMOMENUS *5SI 1'e "% the state that he he($+ *as"( rear$e$ h") asa% e%e)y. Noth"% o% earth #ou($ persua$e h") to 'ha%e th"s att"tu$e. Thetruth "s+ "t o3e%$e$ h"s pr"$e to th"%/ that he+ the e)peror a%$ a fu((2ro#% )a%+shou($ be a((o#e$ o%(y a share "% the o!er%)e%t+ as "f he #ere a% or$"%ary'"t",e%. O%e #ou($ ")a"%e he ha$ %e!er as'e%$e$ the thro%e+ but share$


13/205

author"ty o% e?ua( ter)s #"th a%other )a%+ or he($ "%fer"or ra%/ "% theo!er%)e%t. He a!e the sub4e't 'o%s"$erab(e thouht+ a%$ "t #as o%(y after)u'h !a'"((at"o% that he %a((y )a$e up h"s )"%$. O%'e the $e'"s"o% #as ta/e%+ho#e!er+ he $"s)"sse$ the para/o")o)e%us a%$ $epose$ h") at o%e b(o#. 8hat)a$e "t #orse #as the fa't that th"s 'ha%e "% the (atter-s fortu%es #as %otsofte%e$ by a%y s"% of respe't "% fa't+ the e)peror-s a't"o% #as "%'re$"b(y 'rue(+for he sh"ppe$ h") o3 "%to e&"(e.

=A. Nor $"$ th"s $"sra'e pro!e to be the e%$ of *as"(-s troub(es. Rather #as "t thepre(u$e to further )"sfortu%es+ for the e)peror %e&t pro'ee$e$ to re!"e# thee!e%ts of h"s re"% e!er s"%'e he a''e$e$ to the thro%e a%$ the para/o")o)e%usbea% to o!er% the E)p"re. He e&a)"%e$ the !ar"ous )easures that ha$ bee%ta/e% $ur"% a(( that per"o$. 8hate!er happe%e$ to 'o%tr"bute to h"s o#% thee)peror-s #e(fare+ or to the oo$ of the state+ #as a((o#e$ to re)a"% o% thestatutes. 5(( those $e'rees+ o% the other ha%$+ #h"'h referre$ to the ra%t"% of(a)ours or pos"t"o%s of $"%"ty+ #ere %o# res'"%$e$. The for)er+ the e)peror'o%te%$e$+ ha$ bee% appro!e$ by h")se(f of the (atter he /%e# %oth"%. I%

e!eryth"% he stro!e to br"% about the eu%u'h-s $o#%fa(( a%$ $"saster. 6ore&a)p(e+ the para/o")o)e%us ha$ bu"(t a )a%"'e%t )o%astery "% ho%our of*as"( the 0reat+ a )o%astery that bore h"s o#% %a)e too. It ha$ bee% 'o%stru'te$o% a tre)e%$ous s'a(e+ at reat 'ost of (abour+ a%$ "t 'o)b"%e$ $"3ere%t sty(es ofar'h"te'ture #"th beauty. Moreo!er+ the reater part of the )ater"a( use$ "% "tsbu"($"% ha$ bee% obta"%e$ fro) e%erous !o(u%tary 'o%tr"but"o%s. The e)peror%o# #"she$ to ra,e th"s e$"'e to the rou%$. Ho#e!er+ s"%'e he #as 'arefu( toa!o"$ the 'hare of ")p"ety+ o%(y 'erta"% parts of the )o%astery #ere re)o!e$+a%$ %ot a(( those at o%'e. Other parts he $e)o("she$+ a%$ the rest of the bu"($"%+the )o!ab(e fur%"ture a%$ the )osa"'s+ he treate$ "% )u'h the sa)e #ay. He%e!er reste$ 'o%te%t u%t"(+ to ?uote h"s o#% 4est"% #or$s+ -he ha$ )a$e of th"s

p(a'e of )e$"tat"o% a p(a'e of thouht22 the thouht #h"'h those #ho $#e(t there#ou($ %o# ha!e to ta/e for the bare %e'ess"t"es of ("fe Q-

=1. Natura((y+ the para/o")o)e%us+ torture$ ("/e th"s $ay after $ay+ #as ((e$#"th $espa"r. There #as %o re("ef for h"s su3er"%+ %o 'o%so(at"o% #hate!er.Su$$e%(y 'ast $o#%+ "% o%e br"ef )o)e%t+ fro) h"s reat pos"t"o% of po#er+ th"sh"h a%$ )"hty )a%+ #hose heart ha$ o%'e bee% ((e$ #"th pr"$e+ %o# be'a)eu%ab(e to o!er% h"s o#% bo$y. H"s (")bs #ere para(yse$ a%$ he a ("!"% 'orpse.Not (o% after#ar$s he $"e$+ "% !ery truth a p"((ar of re)e)bra%'e+ h"s ("fe a %esub4e't for story2te((ers+ or sha(( I say a proof of the '/(e%ess of a(( #or($(yfortu%e. *as"( the para/o")o)e%us ha$ fu(((e$ h"s $est"%y.

==. et us retur% to the e)peror. No# that he obser!e$ the $"!erse 'hara'ter ofh"s $o)"%"o%s+ a%$ sa# that "t #as %o easy )atter to #"e($ su'h tre)e%$ouspo#er+ *as"( ab4ure$ a(( se(%$u(e%'e. He e!e% #e%t so far as to s'or% bo$"(yor%a)e%ts. H"s %e'/ #as u%a$or%e$ by 'o((ars+ h"s hea$ by $"a$e)s. He refuse$to )a/e h")se(f 'o%sp"'uous "% purp(e2'o(oure$ '(oa/s. He put a#ay super7uousr"%s+ e!e% '(othes of $"3ere%t 'o(ours. O% the other ha%$+ he too/ reat pa"%s toe%sure that the !ar"ous $epart)e%ts of the o!er%)e%t shou($ be 'e%tra(",e$ "%h")se(f+ a%$ that they shou($ #or/ #"thout fr"'t"o%. He a$opte$ a super'"("ous)a%%er+ [=1] %ot o%(y "% h"s $ea("%s #"th other )e%+ but e!e% to#ar$s h"sbrother. To Co%sta%t"%e he a((otte$ a )ere ha%$fu( of uar$s+ as thouh heru$e$ h") prote't"o% of a )ore $"%"e$ or ")pos"% 'hara'ter. Ha!"% rststra"te%e$ h")se(f+ so to spea/+ a%$ ha!"% 'heerfu((y str"ppe$ o3 the prou$'o%trapt"o%s of )o%ar'hy "% h"s o#% 'ase+ he %o# $ea(t #"th h"s brother a%$


14/205

ra$ua((y $e'rease$ h"s author"ty too. He (eft h") to e%4oy the beaut"es of the'ou%try+ the $e("hts of bath"% a%$ hu%t"%+ h"s spe'"a( hobb"es+ #h"(e he h")se(f#e%t out to the fro%t"ers+ #here h"s ar)"es #ere be"% har$ presse$. H"sa)b"t"o%+ "% fa't+ #as to pure the E)p"re 'o)p(ete(y of a(( the barbar"a%s #hoe%'"r'(e us a%$ (ay s"ee to our bor$ers+ both "% the east a%$ "% the #est.

THE SECOND RE:OT O6 SCERUS+ 56TER THE DE5TH O6 PHOC5S1

=K. Th"s pro4e't+ ho#e!er+ ha$ to be postpo%e$ to the future+ for S'(erus /ept thee)peror o''up"e$ #"th a se'o%$ re!o(t+ a%$ the "%te%$e$ e&pe$"t"o% aa"%st thebarbar"a%s be'a)e ")poss"b(e+ at (east for the )o)e%t. 5fter Pho'as-s $eath thatpart of h"s ar)y #h"'h ha$ bee% u%$er h"s 'o))a%$+ before h"s a(("a%'e #"thS'(erus+ be"% fo"(e$ of the hopes "t ha$ p(a'e$ "% Pho'as+ $"sperse$ a%$'o)p(ete(y $"sba%$e$+ #h"(e S'(erus a%$ those #ho ha$ es'ape$ #"th h") fro)5ssyr"a retur%e$ to the"r ho)es. These (atter %o# !o(u%tar"(y refor)e$ the"r ar)y.

They 'o%st"tute$ #hat )"ht be $es'r"be$ as a% "%$epe%$e%t 'orps+ %u)er"'a((y

the e?ua( of Pho'as-s ar)y a%$ "% the eyes of the e)peror 4ust as )e%a'"%.

=. Th"s )a% S'(erus+ thouh appare%t(y %ot to be 'o)pare$ #"th Pho'as "%phys"'a( pro#ess+ #as a reater e&po%e%t of )"("tary stratey a%$ )a%ae)e%t.He #as repute$ to be )ore resour'efu( tha% the other+ too. 8he% h"s ?uarre( #"th*as"( 7are$ up a se'o%$ t")e+ therefore+ he #as 'arefu( %ot to 'o)e to r"ps a%$

4o"% batt(e. H"s "%te%t"o% #as to bu"($ up h"s ar)y #"th hea!y re"%for'e)e%ts a%$harass the e)peror rather by uer"((a ta't"'s tha% #"th ope% #arfare. No atte)pt#as )a$e to o!er#he() the e%e)y "% a'tua( operat"o%s+ but h"s tra%sports #ere"%!ar"ab(y stoppe$ "% 'o%!oys+ he #as 'ut o3 fro) free use of the roa$s+ a(()er'ha%$"se be"% 'o%!eye$ to the 'ap"ta( fro) abroa$ #as ")pou%$e$22 to the

reat a$!a%tae of S'(erus-s o#% ar)y. Moreo!er+ by )a"%ta"%"% str"'t [==]!""(a%'e+ or$ers tra%s)"tte$ throuh state 'our"ers #ere "%ter'epte$ a%$ %e!er'arr"e$ out.

=


15/205

u%attra't"!e. So he asse)b(e$ the #ho(e of h"s ar)y+ to support h") at there'ept"o% of the ")per"a( e%!oys+ a%$ )a$e pea'e #"th *as"( o% the fo((o#"%ter)s he S'(erus #as to res"% h"s 'ro#% a%$ "!e up #ear"% the purp(e+ butto ta/e pre'e$e%'e "))e$"ate(y after the e)peror@ the e%era(s a%$ other ra%/s#ho ha$ re!o(te$ #"th h") #ere to reta"% the"r prese%t pos"t"o%s+ a%$ to e%4oy as(o% as they ("!e$ #hate!er pr"!"(ees he ha$ 'o%ferre$ upo% the)@ they #ou($be $epr"!e$ %e"ther of property for)er(y "% the"r possess"o%+ %or of a%y thereaftera'?u"re$ throuh S'(erus+ %or #ou($ they be str"ppe$ of a%y other a$!a%taes#h"'h ha$ fa((e% to the"r (ot.

=L. 5ree)e%t #as rea'he$ o% these 'o%$"t"o%s+ a%$ the e)peror set out fro)the 'ap"ta( to o%e of h"s )ost )a%"'e%t estates+ there to re'e"!e the rebe( a%$rat"fy the treaty.1L *as"( seate$ h")se(f "% the [=K] roya( te%t. S'(erus+ so)e$"sta%'e a#ay+ #as "%tro$u'e$ by the uar$s. They (e$ h") "%to the e)peror-sprese%'e+ #"thout pre(")"%ar"es+ %ot r"$"% o% horseba'/+ but es'orte$ o% foot.S'(erus #as a !ery ta(( )a%+ but he #as a(so a% ae$ )a%+ a%$ he 'a)e "%supporte$ by uar$s o% e"ther s"$e. The e)perors see"% h") approa'h"% so)e

#ay o3+ tur%e$ to the bysta%$ers a%$ )a$e h"s 'e(ebrate$ re)ar/ e!eryo%e/%o#s the story -oo/+ the )a% #ho) I feare$Q 5 supp("a%t $otar$+ u%ab(e to#a(/ by h")se(fQ- 5s for S'(erus+ #hether be'ause of h"s eaer%ess+ or be'ause "%a%y 'ase he ha$ forotte% the)+ he ha$ /ept o% h"s feet the sa%$a(s of purp(e#he% he (a"$ as"$e the other "%s"%"a of po#er. It see)e$ that he #as arroat"%so)e share "% the roya( preroat"!e. 5%y#ay+ he approa'he$ the e)peror#ear"% the sa%$a(s. *as"( sa# a(( th"s fro) a $"sta%'e a%$ shut h"s eyes "%a%%oya%'e+ refus"% to see h") at a(( u%(ess he rst '(othe$ h")se(f ("/e a%or$"%ary '"t",e% "% e!ery $eta"(. 5t a(( e!e%ts+ there a%$ the% S'(erus shoo/ of h"spurp(e sa%$a(s at the $oor of the te%t a%$ so e%tere$ the e)peror-s prese%'e.

=B. 5s soo% as he sa# h") e%ter+ *as"( rose a%$ they e)bra'e$ o%e a%other.The% they he($ 'o%!erse+ the o%e e&'us"% h"s re!o(t a%$ e&p(a"%"% the reaso%s#hy he ha$ p(otte$ a%$ 'arr"e$ "t out+ the other ?u"et(y a''ept"% the apo(oya%$ attr"but"% to ba$ (u'/ #hat ha$ o''urre$. 8he% they share$ a 'o))o%$r"%/"%2bo#(+ the e)peror rst put to h"s o#% ("ps the 'up o3ere$ to S'(erus a%$too/ a )o$erate s"p of "ts 'o%te%ts before ha%$"% "t ba'/ to h"s uest. Thus here("e!e$ h") of a%y susp"'"o% of po"so%+ a%$ at the sa)e t")e pro!e$ the sa%'t"tyof the"r aree)e%t. 5fter th"s *as"( pro'ee$e$ to ?uest"o% h")+ as a )a%a''usto)e$ to 'o))a%$+ about h"s E)p"re+ ho# "t 'ou($ be preser!e$ free fro)$"sse%s"o%. S'(erus ha$ a% a%s#er to th"s+ a(thouh "t #as %ot the sort of a$!"'eo%e #ou($ e&pe't fro) a e%era(@ "% fa't+ "t sou%$e$ )ore ("/e a $"abo("'a( p(ot.

-Cut $o#%+- he sa"$+ -the o!er%ors #ho be'o)e o!erprou$. et %o e%era(s o%'a)pa"% ha!e too )a%y resour'es. E&haust the) #"th u%4ust e&a't"o%s+ to /eepthe) bus"e$ #"th the"r o#% a3a"rs. 5$)"t %o #o)a% to the ")per"a( 'ou%'"(s. *ea''ess"b(e to %o o%e. Share #"th fe# your )ost "%t")ate p(a%s.-

=;. O% th"s %ote the"r 'o%!ersat"o% 'a)e to a% e%$. S'(erus #e%t o3 to the'ou%try estate #h"'h ha$ bee% apport"o%e$ h")+ a%$ soo% after#ar$s he $"e$.8e #"(( (ea!e h") a%$ retur% to the e)peror. I% h"s $ea("%s #"th h"s sub4e'ts+*as"( beha!e$ #"th e&traor$"%ary [=] '"r'u)spe't"o%. It "s perfe't(y true that thereat reputat"o% he bu"(t up as a ru(er #as fou%$e$ rather o% terror tha% o%(oya(ty. 5s he re# o($er a%$ be'a)e )ore e&per"e%'e$ he re("e$ (ess o% the

4u$)e%t of )e% #"ser tha% h")se(f. He a(o%e "%tro$u'e$ %e# )easures+ hea(o%e $"spose$ h"s )"("tary for'es. 5s for the '"!"( a$)"%"strat"o%+ he o!er%e$+%ot "% a''or$a%'e #"th the #r"tte% (a#s+ but fo((o#"% the u%#r"tte% $"'tates of


16/205

h"s o#% "%tu"t"o%+ #h"'h #as )ost e&'e((e%t(y e?u"ppe$ by %ature for the purpose.Co%se?ue%t(y he pa"$ %o atte%t"o% to )e% of (ear%"% o% the 'o%trary+ hea3e'te$ utter s'or% 22 to#ar$s the (ear%e$ fo(/+ I )ea%. It see)s to )e a#o%$erfu( th"%+ therefore+ that #h"(e the e)peror so $esp"se$ ("terary 'u(ture+ %os)a(( 'rop of ph"(osophers a%$ orators spra% up "% those t")es. O%e so(ut"o% ofthe para$o&+ I fa%'y+ "s that the )e% of those $ays $"$ %ot $e!ote the)se(!es tothe stu$y of (etters for a%y u(ter"or purpose they 'u(t"!ate$ ("terature for "ts o#%sa/e a%$ as a% e%$ "% "tse(f+ #hereas the )a4or"ty %o#a$ays $o %ot approa'h thesub4e't of e$u'at"o% "% th"s sp"r"t+ but 'o%s"$er perso%a( prot to be the rstreaso% for stu$y. Perhaps I shou($ a$$+ that thouh a"% "s the ob4e't of the"r ,ea(for ("terature+ "f they $o %ot "))e$"ate(y a'h"e!e th"s oa(+ the% they $es"st fro)the"r stu$"es at o%'e. Sha)e o% the)Q

KA. Ho#e!er+ #e )ust retur% to the e)peror. Ha!"% pure$ the E)p"re of thebarbar"a%s+ he $ea(t #"th h"s o#% sub4e'ts a%$ 'o)p(ete(y sub4uate$ the) too22I th"%/ -sub4uate- "s the r"ht #or$ to $es'r"be "t.1B He $e'"$e$ to aba%$o% h"sfor)er po("'y+ a%$ after the reat fa)"("es ha$ bee% hu)"("ate$ a%$ put o% a%

e?ua( foot"% #"th the rest+ *as"( fou%$ h")se(f p(ay"% the a)e of po#er2po("t"'s#"th 'o%s"$erab(e su''ess. He surrou%$e$ h")se(f #"th fa!our"tes #ho #ere%e"ther re)ar/ab(e for br"(("a%'e of "%te((e't+ %or of %ob(e ("%eae+ %or too (ear%e$.

To the) #ere e%truste$ the ")per"a( res'r"pts+ a%$ #"th the) he #as a''usto)e$to share the se'rets of state. Ho#e!er+ s"%'e at that t")e the e)peror-s'o))e%ts o% )e)ora%$a or re?uests for fa!our #ere %e!er !ar"e$+ but o%(yp(a"%+ stra"htfor#ar$ state)e%ts for *as"(+ #hether #r"t"% or spea/"%+es'he#e$ a(( e(ea%'e of 'o)pos"t"o% he use$ to $"'tate to h"s se'retar"es 4ustas the #or$s 'a)e to h"s to%ue+ str"%"% the) a(( toether+ o%e after the other.

There #as %o subt(ety+ %oth"% super7uous+ "% h"s spee'h.

K1. *y hu)b("% the pr"$e or 4ea(ousy of h"s peop(e+ *as"( )a$e h"s o#% roa$ topo#er a% easy o%e. He #as 'arefu(+ )oreo!er+ to [=


17/205

K=. O% h"s e&pe$"t"o% aa"%st the barbar"a%s+ *as"( $"$ %ot fo((o# the 'usto)arypro'e$ure of other e)perors+ sett"% out at the )"$$(e of spr"% a%$ retur%"%ho)e at the e%$ of su))er. 6or h") the t")e to retur% #as #he% the tas/ "%ha%$ #as a''o)p("she$. He e%$ure$ the r"ours of #"%ter a%$ the heat ofsu))er #"th e?ua( "%$"3ere%'e. He $"s'"p("%e$ h")se(f aa"%st th"rst. I% fa't+ a((h"s %atura( $es"res #ere /ept u%$er ster% 'o%tro(+ a%$ the )a% #as as har$ asstee(. He ha$ a% a''urate /%o#(e$e of the $eta"(s of ar)y ("fe+ a%$ by that I $o%ot )ea% the e%era( a'?ua"%ta%'e #"th the 'o)pos"t"o% of h"s ar)y+ the re(at"!efu%'t"o%s of "%$"!"$ua( u%"ts "% the #ho(e bo$y+ or the !ar"ous roup"%s a%$$ep(oy)e%ts su"te$ to the $"3ere%t for)at"o%s. H"s e&per"e%'e of ar)y )atters#e%t [=] further tha% that the $ut"es of the protostate+=A the $ut"es of thehe)"(o'h"tes+ =1 the tas/s proper to the ra%/ "))e$"ate(y 4u%"or to the)22 a((these #ere %o )yster"es to *as"(+ a%$ the /%o#(e$e stoo$ h") "% oo$ stea$ "%h"s #ars. 5''or$"%(y+ 4obs appropr"ate to these ra%/s #ere %ot $e!o(!e$ o%others+ a%$ the e)peror+ be"% perso%a((y 'o%!ersa%t #"th the 'hara'ter a%$'o)bat $ut"es of ea'h "%$"!"$ua(+ /%o#"% to #hat ea'h )a% #as tte$ e"ther byte)pera)e%t or by tra"%"%+ use$ h") "% th"s 'apa'"ty a%$ )a$e h") ser!e there.

KK. Moreo!er+ he /%e# the !ar"ous for)at"o%s su"te$ to h"s )e%. So)e he ha$rea$ of "% boo/s+ others he $e!"se$ h")se(f $ur"% the operat"o%s of #ar+ theresu(t of h"s o#% "%tu"t"o%. He professe$ to 'o%$u't h"s #ars a%$ $ra# up thetroops "% ("%e of batt(e+ h")se(f p(a%%"% ea'h 'a)pa"%+ but he preferre$ %ot toe%ae "% 'o)bat perso%a((y. 5 su$$e% retreat )"ht other#"se pro!ee)barrass"%. Co%se?ue%t(y+ for the )ost part he /ept h"s troops "))ob"(e. He#ou($ 'o%stru't )a'h"%es of #ar a%$ s/"r)"sh at a $"sta%'e+ #h"(e the)a%oeu!r"% #as (eft to h"s ("ht2ar)e$ so($"ers. O%'e he ha$ )a$e 'o%ta't #"ththe e%e)y+ a reu(ar )"("tary ("a"so% #as estab("she$ bet#ee% the $"3ere%tfor)at"o%s of the Ro)a% ar)y. The #ho(e for'e #as for)e$ up ("/e a so("$ to#er+

hea$?uarters be"% "% tou'h #"th the 'a!a(ry s?ua$ro%s+ #ho #ere the)se(!es/ept "% 'o))u%"'at"o% #"th the ("ht "%fa%try+ a%$ these aa"% #"th the !ar"ousu%"ts of hea!y2ar)e$ foot. 8he% a(( #as rea$y+ str"'t or$ers #ere "!e% that %oso($"er shou($ a$!a%'e "% fro%t of the ("%e or brea/ ra%/ u%$er a%y '"r'u)sta%'e.If these or$ers #ere $"sobeye$+ a%$ "f so)e of the )ost !a("a%t or $ar"% so($"ers$"$ r"$e out #e(( "% fro%t of the rest+ e!e% "% 'ases #here they e%ae$ thee%e)y su''essfu((y+ they 'ou($ e&pe't %o )e$a(s or re#ar$s for !a(our #he%they retur%e$. O% the 'o%trary+ *as"( pro)pt(y $"s'hare$ the) fro) the ar)y+a%$ they #ere pu%"she$ o% the sa)e (e!e( as 'o))o% 'r")"%a(s. The $e'"s"!efa'tor "% the a'h"e!e)e%t of !"'tory #as+ "% h"s op"%"o%+ the )ass"% of troops "%o%e 'ohere%t bo$y+ a%$ for th"s reaso% a(o%e he be("e!e$ the Ro)a% ar)"es to be"%!"%'"b(e. The 'arefu( "%spe't"o%s he )a$e before batt(e use$ to ara!ate the

so($"ers a%$ they abuse$ h") ope%(y+ but the e)peror )et the"r s'or% #"th'o))o% se%se. He #ou($ ("ste% ?u"et(y+ a%$ the%+ #"th a ay s)"(e+ po"%t out that"f he %e(e'te$ these pre'aut"o%s+ the"r batt(es #ou($ o o% for e!er. [=L]

K. *as"(-s 'hara'ter #as t#o2fo($+ for he rea$"(y a$apte$ h")se(f %o (ess to the'r"ses of #ar tha% to the 'a() of pea'e. Rea((y+ "f the truth be to($+ he #as )oreof a !"((a"% "% #art")e+ )ore of a% e)peror "% t")e of pea'e. Outbursts of #rathhe 'o%tro((e$+ a%$ ("/e the pro!erb"a( -re u%$er the ashes-+ /ept a%er h"$ "% h"sheart+ but "f h"s or$ers #ere $"sobeye$ "% #ar+ o% h"s retur% to the pa(a'e he#ou($ /"%$(e h"s #rath a%$ re!ea( "t. Terr"b(e the% #as the !e%ea%'e he too/ o%the )"s'rea%t. 0e%era((y+ he pers"ste$ "% h"s op"%"o%s+ but there #ere o''as"o%s

#he% he $"$ 'ha%e h"s )"%$. I% )a%y 'ases+ too+ he tra'e$ 'r")es ba'/ to the"ror""%a( 'auses+ a%$ the %a( ("%/s "% the 'ha"% #ere e&o%erate$. So )ost


18/205

$efau(ters obta"%e$ for"!e%ess+ e"ther throuh h"s sy)pathet"' u%$ersta%$"%+ orbe'ause he sho#e$ so)e other "%terest "% the"r a3a"rs. He #as s(o# to a$opt a%y'ourse of a't"o%+ but %e!er #ou($ he #"(("%(y a(ter the $e'"s"o%+ o%'e "t #asta/e%. Co%se?ue%t(y+ h"s att"tu$e to fr"e%$s #as u%!ar"e$+ u%(ess per'ha%'e he#as 'o)pe((e$ by %e'ess"ty to re!"se h"s op"%"o% of the). S")"(ar(y+ #here he ha$burst out "% a%er aa"%st so)eo%e+ he $"$ %ot ?u"'/(y )o$erate h"s #rath.8hate!er est")ate he for)e$+ "%$ee$+ #as to h") a% "rre!o'ab(e a%$ $"!"%e(y"%sp"re$ 4u$)e%t.

*5SI-S PERSON5 CH5R5CTERISTICS

K


19/205

The notes which follow are not bibliographical and are only intended to givesome indication of background to those who have no knowledge of the period.Fuller references and information can be found by referring to the works cited inthe Bibliographical Note.

BOO ONE NOTES

!. "sellus begins where #eo the $eacon %nishes& at the death of 'ohn ( T)imiscesin *+,. #eo -ist.& /& ((& p. (++0 describes the circumstances of the emperor1sdeath& but whether he died from poisoning or after a severe illness is not certain.2edrenus -,34& p. 4!50 de%nitely asserts that the #ord 2hamberlain& Basil& bribed

'ohn1s cupbearer to poison him& but both "sellus and 2edrenus are probablybiased in their accounts of Basil.

6. The young emperors ascended the throne on !! 'anuary *+,. Basil was noweighteen years old and his brother two years younger. Both were alreadytheoretically invested with the purple& for they had been crowned during theirfather1s reign and after 7omanus ((1s death in *,8 had been under theguardianship of their mother Theophano and then of the co9emperor Nicephorus(( "hocas -who had married Theophano0 and 'ohn ( T)imisces.

8. Basil the #ord 2hamberlain -parakoimomenus0 was the illegitimate son o:7omanus ( #ecapenus -*l*9*440 and had been promoted to his high o;ce byNicephorus (( "hocas& with the additional title of "resident of the Senate. eafterwards sided with T)imisces in the revolt of *,* which ended with the deathof Nicephorus. The historians agree that Basil was a man of great energy andability.

4. Bardas Sclerus had been brother9in9law of 'ohn ( T)imisces& who had marriedhis sister


20/205

*. The second revolt of Bardas "hocas came to a head on !5 ugust *3+ whenwas proclaimed emperor at 2hresianus. Sclcrus had meanwhile escaped fromBaghdad& and according to the terms he concluded with his rival "hocas was tohave 2onstantinople and the European provinces& while Sclerus was to rule over

sia


21/205

may have seemed to Basil& they were not only most di;cult to carry out& butcaused great bitterness among the various classes in the state.

!*. $espite his reputation for hardness Basil was accustomed to grant the poortime in which to pay o: their ta=es -2edrenus& +6!& p. 4340& and when he diedthere was some tributum already two years overdue. 2onstantine& his successor&

compelled the debtors to pay %ve years1 ta= in one lump sum.6?. unior o;cers.

6!. Basil died on !5 $ecember !?65. ccording to 2edrenus he had reigned assole emperor for %fty years and was seventy years old. e was buried in themonastery of St. 'ohn Evangelist in the ebdomon at 2onstantinople.


22/205

*OO9 T8O

CONST5NTINE :III 1A=< 2 1A=B [p.K1]

(OO) T*O

CONST5NTINE :III

1A='u(ty+ a%$ he #ou($ tur% a $eafear to a(( a$!"'e. et+ ?u"'/te)pere$ as he #as+ Co%sta%t"%e ha$ %ot bee% utter(y$"!or'e$ fro) p"ty+ for at the s"ht of $"saster he #ou($ be troub(e$+ a%$ he #asofte% ra'"ous to those #ho ha$ a #oefu( story to te((. H"s a%er+ too+ #as %ot(ast"%+ ("/e that of h"s brother *as"(. He ?u"'/(y re(e%te$ a%$ #as terr"b(y$o#%'ast at #hat he ha$ $o%e. *etter st"((+ "f so)eo%e 'ou($ ?ue%'h the r"s"%re of h"s #rath+ he #ou($ refra"% fro) "%7"'t"% 'hast"se)e%ts a%$ e!e% betha%/fu( for so)e restra"%"% "%7ue%'e. 8here there #as %o res"sta%'e+

"%$"%at"o% 'arr"e$ h") o% to a%y e&'ess. The%+ at the rst #or$ of apo(oy+ he


23/205

#ou($ be r"e!e$+ 'o)pass"o%ate(y e)bra'e h"s !"'t")+ (et tears fa(( fro) h"seyes+ a%$ be for"!e%ess #"th #or$s fu(( of 'o%tr"t"o%.

K. He #as e%erous "% h"s fa!ours+ )ore tha% a(( other e)perors+ but th"s oo$?ua("ty #as %ot+ "% h"s 'ase+ te)pere$ by 4ust"'e. To )e)bers of h"s 'ourt he

thre# #"$e ope% the ates of h"s fa!our+ heap"% o($ o% the) as thouh "t #eresa%$@ but to those far re)o!e$ fro) the pa(a'e th"s !"rtue #as (ess $"sp(aye$.

They #ere h"s fr"e%$s )ost of a(( #ho) "% the"r "%fa%'y he ha$ ha$ 'astrate$ a%$#ho) after#ar$s he use$ as 'ha)ber(a"%s a%$ pr"!ate ser!a%ts.= These )e%#ere %ot of %ob(e b"rth %or free2bor%. 5'tua((y+ they #ere barbar"a%s a%$heathe%s+ but they o#e$ the"r e$u'at"o% to the e)peror+ a%$ be'ause they)o$e((e$ the"r o#% 'o%$u't o% h")+ they #ere a''ou%te$ #orthy of reaterrespe't a%$ ho%our tha% others. The"r phys"'a( $era$at"o% #as obs'ure$ by a%a$ro"t a%$ ("bera( $"str"but"o% of "fts+ by the"r eaer%ess to 'o%fer be%ets+ bythe"r $"sp(ay of other e%t(e)a%(y ?ua("t"es.

[KK] . 5t the t")e #he% h"s brother *as"( ha$ be'o)e e)peror+ Co%sta%t"%e#h"(e st"(( a you% )a%+ ha$ )arr"e$ a (a$y 'a((e$ He(e%a. She #as a $auhter ofthe re%o#%e$ 5(yp"us+ the% the (ea$"% )a% "% the '"ty a%$ )e)ber of a %ob(efa)"(y he($ "% h"h repute. Th"s (a$y+ #ho #as %ot o%(y beaut"fu( but a(so !"rtuous+bore h") three $auhters before she $"e$. The pr"%'esses #ere brouht up "% thepa(a'e a%$ e$u'ate$ "% a )a%%er #orthy of the"r e&a(te$ ra%/. The respo%s"b"("tyfor the"r tra"%"% $e!o(!e$ o% Co%sta%t"%e+ for a(thouh *as"( e&presse$ thestro%est a3e't"o% a%$ (o!e for h"s %"e'es+ he too/ %o further "%terest "% the"rfuture. He #as too busy uar$"% the E)p"re o% h"s brother-s beha(f.


24/205

#"ser of h"s sub4e'ts "% 'hare of a3a"rs+ he )ere(y a!e au$"e%'es to e)bass"es+or a$)"%"stere$ so)e other easy )atter+ seate$ )ost roya((y o% h"s thro%e.Ho#e!er+ #he% he $"$ ha!e o''as"o% to )a/e a spee'h+ he asto%"she$ a(( hearersby h"s (o"'a( aru)e%ts. 5s a )atter of fa't+ he ha$ %ot )u'h (ear%"%. He ha$a'?u"re$ a s)atter"% of 'u(ture+ 4ust as )u'h as o%e 'o%s"$ers e%ouh for'h"($re%+ but he #as possesse$ of reat %atura( "%te(("e%'e a%$ )ore tha%or$"%ary ra'e. He ha$ the a$$e$ a$!a%tae of a to%ue both )e(o$"ous a%$re%e$ aru)e%ts 'o%'e"!e$ "% h"s )"%$ #ere+ so to spea/+ br"(("a%t(y $e("!ere$by h"s to%ue. He $"$+ "%$ee$+ perso%a((y $"'tate so)e of the ")per"a( res'r"ptshe )a$e that a po"%t of ho%our a%$ the ?u"'/est #r"ters 'ou($ %ot /eep up #"thh")+ he spo/e so fast+ a%$ that $esp"te the fa't that he #as fortu%ate "% the%u)ber a%$ ?ua("ty of h"s se'retar"es+ #r"ters so fast that fe# e%erat"o%s ha!esee% the"r ("/e. O!er#he()e$ by the spee$ of h"s #or$s+ they use$ to "%terpret)ost of h"s thouhts a%$ e&press"o%s by spe'"a( sy)bo(s of the"r o#%.

L. He #as a )a% of e%or)ous s",e+ sta%$"% up to %"%e feet "% he"ht. H"s'o%st"tut"o%+ )oreo!er+ #as )ore tha% usua((y robust+ a%$ h"s $"est"!e po#ers

#ere e&traor$"%ary+ #"th a sto)a'h %atura((y a$apte$ to ass")"(ate a(( /"%$s offoo$ #"th ease. He #as espe'"a((y e&pert "% the art of prepar"% r"'h sa!ourysau'es+ "!"% the $"shes 'hara'ter by 'o)b"%at"o%s of 'o(our a%$ perfu)e+ a%$su))o%"% a(( Nature to h"s a"$22 a%yth"% to e&'"te the pa(ate. *e"% $o)"%ate$by h"s (utto%y a%$ se&ua( pass"o%s+ he be'a)e a"'te$ #"th arthr"t"s+ a%$ #orsest"((+ h"s feet a!e h") su'h troub(e that he #as u%ab(e to #a(/. That "s #hy+ afterh"s a''ess"o%+ %o o%e sa# h") atte)pt to #a(/ #"th a%y 'o%$e%'e he use$ tor"$e o% horseba'/+ "% safety.

B. 6or the theatre a%$ horse2ra'"% he ha$ a% abso(ute obsess"o%. To Co%sta%t"%ethese th"%s #ere a )atter of rea( 'o%'er%+ as he 'ha%e$ horses+ har%esse$

fresh )ou%ts+ a%$ a%&"ous(y /ept h"s eye o% the start"%2po"%ts "% the are%a. They)%epo$"a+=< (o% ao %e(e'te$+ #as a(so re!"!e$ "% h"s re"%. Here"%tro$u'e$ "t "%to the theatre+ %ot 'o%te%t #"th the e)peror-s %or)a( ro(e ofspe'tator+ but h")se(f appear"% as a 'o)bata%t+ #"th oppo%e%ts. It #as h"s #"sh+)oreo!er+ that h"s r"!a(s shou($ %ot be !a%?u"she$ s")p(y be'ause he #as thee)peror+ but he ("/e$ the) to ht ba'/ #"th s/"((22 h"s o#% 're$"t for the !"'tory#ou($ the% be the reater. He use$ to [K


25/205

rear$e$ a%y )e)ber of the Se%ate #"th )ore tha% a 'ursory (a%'e before+ "t#as $">'u(t for h") to )a/e a reaso%ab(e 'ho"'e.

1A. O%e of the perso%s 'o%s"$ere$ #as a 'erta"% )a%+ pro)"%e%t "% the Se%ate+#ho ha$ bee% pro)ote$ to the o>'e of Epar'h=L22 a% ")per"a( $"%"ty+

a(thouh "t $"$ %ot 'arry #"th "t the pr"!"(ee of #ear"% the purp(e22 but s"%'e th"se%t(e)a% ha$ )arr"e$ #h"(e st"(( "% h"s 'h"($hoo$+ he har$(y see)e$ a su"tab(e'a%$"$ate. I% the )atter of fa)"(y a%$ so'"a( pos"t"o%+ he #as )ore a''eptab(etha% h"s r"!a(s+ but "% the eyes of the Chur'h h"s pre!"ous )arr"ae #as a%obsta'(e to further pro)ot"o%. It #as 'o))o%(y aree$ that he )ust be passe$o!er. Mea%#h"(e+ s"%'e '"r'u)sta%'es $"$ %ot per)"t of )ore $e("berat"o%+ a%$the %ear approa'h of $eath pre!e%te$ the e)peror fro) e&a)"%"% the '(a")s of!ar"ous )e% "% $eta"(+ he 'o%$e)%e$ e!eryo%e e(se as u%#orthy of a roya()arr"ae+ a%$ a!e h"s fu(( support to Ro)a%us. He /%e# that Ro)a%us-s #"feoppose$ the s'he)e+ so he prete%$e$ to be "% a )ost !"o(e%t+ ")p(a'ab(e rae#"th her husba%$. Messe%ers #ere se%t+ oste%s"b(y to ta/e a#fu( !e%ea%'e o%h") a%$ to 'arry her o3 to a %u%%ery. She+ %ot /%o#"% the se'ret of the p(ot+ %or

see"% that the e)peror-s a%er #as o%(y [K] a )as/+ "))e$"ate(y sub)"tte$ toher fate. Her ha"r #as 'ut o3+ she #as '(othe$ "% the %u%-s robe of b(a'/+ a%$a$)"tte$ "%to the %u%%ery+ #h"(e her husba%$ #as ta/e% up to the pa(a'e+ to #e$"%to the ")per"a( fa)"(y. The )ost beaut"fu( of Co%sta%t"%e-s $auhters #as %osoo%er "% h"s s"ht tha% she #as )a$e h"s br"$e. So her father+ ha!"% sur!"!e$

4ust (o% e%ouh to see the )arr"ae 'ere)o%y 'o)p(ete$+ passe$ a#ay a%$ (eftthe E)p"re to h"s /"%s)a%+ Ro)a%us. =B

BOO TO NOTES

66. 2onstantine was already si=ty9four or si=ty9%ve years old& with a wife andthree daughters& Eudocia& Hoe and Theodora. "sellus wrongly says he was si=ty9nine.

68. 2edrenus -+!* :.& p. 4380 gives details of persons e=ecuted or blinded by theemperor. mong them is mentioned the Bishop of Naupactus.

64. 2edrenus -+6?& pp. 43?9!0 mentions si= eunuchs to whom the governmentwas entrusted.

65. form of single combat& reminiscent of 7oman gladiatorial contests.

6,. Ised in the game of draughts.

6+. The Eparch& or 2ity "refect& ranked eighteenth in the %rst si=ty great o;cialsin By)antium. is duties included the maintenance of order in the city&superintendence of the factions in the 2ircus& control of the industrial guilds andabove all the supply of corn. is o;ce is& in fact& a combination of the old 7oman

praefectus urbi and praefectus annonae. The Eparch mentioned here appears tohave been 2onstantine $alassenus -2edrenus& +66& p. 4340 who was at this timein rmenia and to whom the it emperor sent a trusted eunuch& Ergodotes&o:ering him the 2aesarship and the hand of Hoe in marriage. This proposal wasrevoked& says 2edrenus& because Simeon& the drungarius vigiliae& favoured the

claims of 7omanus. (t seems that Theodora refused to marry 7omanus-2edrenus& lbid.0 because of their relationship99 they were cousins99 and because


26/205

he had already married elena. There was some controversy over the divorcebut the "atriarch soon settled the matter in favour of the new emperor.

63. 2onstantine died on !!. November !?63& aged seventy& after an illness ofonly two days.


27/205

*OO9 THREE

ROM5NUS III 1A=B 2 1AK [p.K;]

(OO) THREE

[K;] ROM5NUS III

1A=B22 1AK

1. Co%sta%t"%e #as su''ee$e$ as e)peror by h"s so%2"%2(a# Ro)a%us+ sur%a)e$5ryropu(us.=; The (atter #as 'o%!"%'e$ that h"s re"% )ar/e$ the be"%%"% ofa %e# $y%asty. The ")per"a( fa)"(y $es'e%$e$ fro) *as"( the Ma'e$o%"a%KAha$ $"e$ #"th h"s pre$e'essor a%$ he %o# (oo/e$ for#ar$ to a %e# ("%e of)o%ar'hs $es'e%$e$ fro) h")se(f. I% fa't+ that ("%e #as $est"%e$ to per"sh ato%'e+ a%$ he+ after a short ("fe+ a%$ that fu(( of su3er"%+ #as fate$ to $"esu$$e%(y. The story #"(( sho# a(( th"s "% )ore $eta"( as "t pro'ee$s. 6ro) %o# o%+

the h"story #"(( be )ore a''urate tha% h"therto+ for the e)peror *as"( $"e$ #he% I#as a baby+ #h"(e Co%sta%t"%e e%$e$ h"s re"% 4ust after I ha$ beu% )ye(e)e%tary stu$"es. So I #as %e!er a$)"tte$ to the"r prese%'e+ %or $"$ I hearthe) spea/. 8hether I e!e% sa# the) I 'a%%ot say+ for I #as too you% tore)e)ber at that t")e. O% the other ha%$+ I both sa# Ro)a%us a%$+ o% o%eo''as"o%+ a'tua((y ta(/e$ #"th h"). Natura((y+ therefore+ )y re)ar/s o% the rstt#o e)perors are base$ o% "%for)at"o% supp("e$ by others+ but )y a''ou%t ofRo)a%us "s ?u"te "%$epe%$e%t.

=. Th"s e%t(e)a%+ %urture$ o% 0ree/ ("terature+ a(so ha$ so)e a'?ua"%ta%'e #"ththe ("terary #or/s of the Ita("a%s. He ha$ a ra'efu( tur% of spee'h a%$ a )a4est"'uttera%'e. 5 )a% of hero"' stature+ he (oo/e$ e!ery "%'h a /"%. H"s "$ea of h"so#% ra%e of /%o#(e$e #as !ast(y e&aerate$+ but #"sh"% to )o$e( h"s re"%o% those of the reat I%$"a%a%s of the past+ the fa)ous ph"(osopher Mar'us a%$5uustus+ he pa"$ atte%t"o% part"'u(ar(y to t#o th"%s the stu$y of (etters a%$ thes'"e%'e of #ar. Of the (atter he #as 'o)p(ete(y [A] "%ora%t+ a%$ as for (etters+h"s /%o#(e$e #as far fro) profou%$ "% fa't+ "t #as )ere(y super'"a(. Ho#e!er+th"s be("ef "% h"s o#% /%o#(e$e+ a%$ th"s stra"%"% beyo%$ h"s o#% "%te((e'tua((")"ts+ (e$ h") to 'o))"t )"sta/es o% a b" s'a(e. Doubt(ess+ "f there #ere a%yspar/s of #"s$o) (y"% h"$ be%eath the ashes+ he a$$e$ fresh fue( to the re+ ar"$he e%ro((e$ a #ho(e %e# tr"be of ph"(osophers a%$ orators a%$ a(( those #hobus"e$ the)se(!es "% the s'"e%'es22 or rather+ thouht they $"$.

K. That era pro$u'e$ fe# )e% of eru$"t"o%+ a%$ e!e% they stoo$ o%(y at the outer$oor of the 5r"stote("a% $o'tr"%es a%$ )ere(y repeate$ the P(ato%"' a((eor"es+#"thout a%y u%$ersta%$"% of the"r h"$$e% )ea%"% or of the ph"(osophers-stu$"es "% $"a(e't"' or proof by sy((o"st"' $e$u't"o%. There be"% %o proper'r"ter"o%+ the"r 4u$)e%t o% these reat )e% #as erro%eous. Ho#e!er+ ?uest"o%s#ere propou%$e$ o% re(""ous sub4e'ts+ ?uest"o%s $ea("% #"th the "%terpretat"o%of Ho(y 8r"t. et )ost of the $">'u(t prob(e)s #ere (eft u%so(!e$. The truth "sthat they 'o%'er%e$ the)se(!es #"th su'h )yster"es as the I))a'u(ateCo%'ept"o%+ the :"r"% *"rth+ a%$ )etaphys"'a( prob(e)s. The pa(a'e "%$ee$'(othe$ "tse(f "% the out#ar$ for) of ph"(osophy for a(( to see+ but "t #as a(( a)as/ a%$ prete%'e there #as %o rea( test+ %o rea( ?uest for truth.


28/205

. 5ba%$o%"% these stu$"es for a #h"(e+ Ro)a%us retur%e$ to stratey+ a%$ the'o%!ersat"o% %o# "%'("%e$ to rea!es a%$ breastp(ates. The p(a% #as to a%%e&the #ho(e barbar"a% #or($+ east a%$ #est a("/e. Nor #as h"s a)b"t"o% (")"te$ to asub4uat"o% "% theory. He #a%te$ to sub$ue the barbar"a%s by for'e of ar)s.Doubt(ess+ ha$ the e)peror-s t#ofo($ e%thus"as) resu(te$ "% a e%u"%eu%$ersta%$"% of h"s prob(e)s+ "%stea$ of be"% )ere !a%"ty a%$ )a/ebe("e!e+ he#ou($ ha!e be%ete$ h"s e)p"re reat(y. 5s "t #as+ he $"$ %oth"% )ore tha%)a/e pro4e'ts+ or sha(( I say+ bu"(t 'ast(es "% the a"r a%$ the%+ "% a'tua( pra't"'e+hur(e$ the) $o#% aa"%. *ut there+ I a) hurry"% o% be'ause of )y e&ubera%'e+to the e%$ of )y story+ before+ so to spea/+ bu"($"% up the ate#ay to h"s re"%.et us o ba'/+ therefore+ to the t")e of h"s a''ess"o%.


29/205

see)e$ %o reat tr"u)ph+ but a% atta'/ o% the barbar"a%s of the east+ hethouht+ #ou($ #"% h") fa)e. There he 'ou($ use the resour'es of h"s E)p"re o%a 'o(ossa( s'a(e. 6or these reaso%s+ a(thouh %o rea( prete&t for #ar e&"ste$+ he)a$e a% u%pro!o/e$ atta'/ o% the Sara'e%s+ #ho ("!e$ "% Coe(e2Syr"a a%$ #hose'ap"ta( #as Cha(ep as they pro%ou%'e the %a)e of the p(a'e "% the"r o#%(a%uae.KK The #ho(e Ro)a% ar)y #as asse)b(e$ a%$ ora%",e$ to htthese Sara'e%s. The ra%/s #ere "%'rease$ a%$ fresh for)at"o%s $e!"se$+ #h"(ethe )er'e%ar"es #ere #e($e$ "%to o%e for'e a%$ %e# troops 'o%s'r"pte$. H"sp(a%+ "t appears+ #as to o!er#he() the e%e)y at the rst assau(t He thouht that"f he "%'rease$ the ar)y beyo%$ "%s %or)a( stre%th+ or rather+ "f the (e"o% #as)a$e )ore %u)erous+ #he% he 'a)e upo% the foe #"th su'h )asses of troops+Ro)a%s a%$ a(("e$+ %o o%e #ou($ be ab(e to res"st h"). The (ea$"% e%era(s tr"e$to $"ssua$e h") fro) th"s o3e%s"!e22 they #ere %ot a ("tt(e fearfu( of theout'o)e22 but he ha$ the 'ro#%s )a$e at reat e&pe%se+ #"th #h"'h he #as toa$or% h"s hea$ at the pro'(a)at"o% of h"s tr"u)phs.

B. So+ be"% sat"se$ #"th the preparat"o%s+ he set out fro) *y,a%t"%e terr"tory

for Syr"a. 8he% he o''up"e$ 5%t"o'h+ the e%try "%to the '"ty #as 'e(ebrate$ #"threat po)p. It #as 'erta"%(y a roya( sho#+ but the e?u"p)e%t #as so)e#hattheatr"'a(+ %ot #orthy of ht"% )e%+ %or 'apab(e of str"/"% terror "%to thehearts of the e%e)y. O% the"r s"$e+ the barbar"a%s too/ a )ore rea("st"' !"e# ofthe #ar. 6"rst they se%t a)bassa$ors to the e)peror. They $e'(are$ that they ha$%ot #a%te$ th"s #ar+ %or ha$ they "!e% h") a%y prete&t for "t. They #eresta%$"% by the pea'e ter)s a(rea$y 'o%'(u$e$+ a%$ they refuse$ to repu$"atethe treaty st"(( "% for'e. O% the other ha%$+ see"% that he #as %o# a$opt"% apo("'y of threats a%$ s"%'e he pers"ste$ "% para$"% h"s stre%th+ theythe)se(!es+ "f he pro!e$ ob$urate+ #ou($ fro) %o# o% )a/e the"r o#%preparat"o%s for 'o%7"'t they 'o))"tte$ the)se(!es to the fortu%es of #ar. Su'h

#as the purport of th"s e)bassy. Desp"te the #ar%"%+ the e)peror to a((appeara%'es ha$ o%e ob4e't o%(y22 to $ra# up h"s ("%e of batt(e+ to set h"s )e% "%array aa"%st the e%e)y+ to (ay a)bushes+ to o out fora"%+ to $" tre%'hes+ to$ra"% o3 r"!ers+ to ta/e fortresses. I% fa't+ he #a%te$ to ")"tate the tra$"t"o%a($ee$s of the fa)ous Tra4a%s [K] a%$ Ha$r"a%s+ or st"(( further ba'/ "% h"story ofthe 5uust" a%$ Caesars+ or of the"r pre$e'essor+ 5(e&a%$er the so% of Ph"("p. Thea)bassa$ors #ere therefore $"s)"sse$ #"th a 'o%'"("atory )essae #h"(e st"(()ore stre%uous preparat"o%s #ere )a$e for #ar. To atta"% h"s ob4e't+ ho#e!er+ he$"$ %ot 'hoose the best )e%. He thouht #ar #as $e'"$e$ by the b" batta("o%s+a%$ "t #as o% the b" batta("o%s that he re("e$.

;. 8he% he (eft 5%t"o'h a%$ #e%t o% further+ a $eta'h)e%t of barbar"a% so($"ers+a(( e?u"ppe$ "% the"r o#% fash"o%+ $ar"% bareba'/ r"$ers+ (ay "% a)bush o% e"thers"$e of the ar)y-s route. Su$$e%(y they appeare$ o% h"h rou%$. e(("% the"r#ar2'ry a%$ (("% the"r oppo%e%ts #"th 'o%ster%at"o% at th"s u%e&pe'te$ s"ht+they )a$e a tre)e%$ous $"% as the"r horses 'hare$ to the atta'/. *y %ot/eep"% "% '(ose or$er+ they 'reate$ the "((us"o% of reat %u)bers+ ru%%"% about"% s'attere$ roups a%$ #"th %o reu(ar for)at"o%s. Th"s so terror",e$ the Ro)a%so($"ery a%$ sprea$ su'h pa%"' "% th"s )"hty a%$ fa)ous ar)y+ a%$ so shattere$the"r )ora(e+ that they a(( ra% a#ay+ $resse$ 4ust as they #ere+ a%$ %ot a thouht$"$ they "!e to a%yth"% but 7"ht. Those #ho happe%e$ to be o% horseba'/#hee(e$ about a%$ )a$e o3 as fast as they 'ou($+ #h"(e the rest $"$ %ot e!e%#a"t to )ou%t the"r horses+ but (eft the) to the rst )aster #ho '(a")e$ the)+

a%$ e!ery )a%+ ru%%"% o3 or #a%$er"% a#ay+ souht h"s o#% safety as best he'ou($. It #as a% e&traor$"%ary s"ht. Here #ere those sa)e )e%+ #ho ha$


30/205

brouht a 'o%t"%e%t to ter)s+ #ho "% the"r preparat"o%s for #ar a%$ "% the"r)"("tary $"spos"t"o%s ha$ )a$e the)se(!es "%!"%'"b(e before the #ho(e )"ht of*arbary+ %o# $ar"% %ot e!e% to (oo/ the"r e%e)"es "% the eye. 5s "f the thu%$erof barbar"a% 'r"es ha$ $eafe%e$ the"r ears a%$ s)"tte% the"r hearts #"th fear+they tur%e$ a%$ ra% a#ay ("/e )e% "% utter $efeat. 6"rst to fee( the e3e'ts of thehubbub #ere the I)per"a( 0uar$s. 8"thout so )u'h as a ba'/#ar$ (a%'e+ they$eserte$ the"r e)peror a%$ 7e$.K I%$ee$+ "f so)eo%e ha$ %ot he(pe$ h") o%to h"s horse+ "!e% h") the re"%s+ a%$ 'ou%se((e$ h") to es'ape+ he #ou($ ha!ebee% a()ost 'apture$ h")se(f a%$ )a$e pr"so%er by the e%e)y22 he #ho ha$hope$ to sha/e a #ho(e 'o%t"%e%tQ The truth "s+ "f 0o$ ha$ %ot at that )o)e%trestra"%e$ the barbar"a% o%rush+ a%$ ha$ He %ot "%sp"re$ the) to )o$erat"o% "%the hour of !"'tory+ %oth"% #ou($ ha!e sa!e$ the Ro)a% ar)y fro) 'o)p(etea%%"h"(at"o%+ a%$ the e)peror #ou($ ha!e fa((e% rst of a((. []

1A. So the Ro)a%s ra% o3 "% $"sor$er. Mea%#h"(e+ the e%e)y+ as "f a)a,e$ at thes"ht of Ro)a%s route$ a%$ 7ee"% for %o reaso% )ere(y stoo$ a%$ #at'he$ th"sastou%$"% tr"u)ph. ater o%+ after ta/"% a ha%$fu( of pr"so%ers o% the e($+ a%$

those )e% #ho) they /%e# to be of so)e ")porta%'e+ they to($ the rest to ofree+ a%$ tur%e$ to the (oot. 6"rst they se",e$ the ")per"a( te%t+ #h"'h #as %ear(yas !a(uab(e as the pa(a'e of to$ay+ for "t #as ((e$ #"th %e'/(a'es a%$ bra'e(etsa%$ $"a$e)s+ pear(s a%$ pre'"ous sto%es e!e% )ore 'ost(y+ a(( /"%$s of (or"ousbooty. To 'ou%t the )u(t"tu$e of these treasures #ou($ ha!e bee% %o easy tas/+%or to a$)"re e%ouh the"r beauty a%$ )a%"'e%'e+ so reat a%$ so (u&ur"ous#as the profus"o% of #ea(th "% the e)peror-s te%t. Ne&t they pro'ee$e$ to 'o((e'tthe rest of the spo"(+ a%$ (oa$"% the)se(!es #"th "t they re4o"%e$ the"r'o)patr"ots. The e)peror #as )ea%#h"(e r"$"% o% ahea$ of the Sara'e%s+#a%$er"% o% #here!er the #h") of h"s 'harer bore h"). He 'a)e by a 'erta"%r"$e a%$ here he #as see% by so)e )e% #ho #ere ru%%"% past a%$ re'o%",e$

#ho he #as by the 'o(our of h"s sa%$a(s. Ma%y of these fu"t"!es he stoppe$ therea%$ stoo$ surrou%$e$ by the). Thereupo% the ru)our sprea$ far a%$ #"$e thatRo)a%us st"(( ("!e$+ a%$ others 4o"%e$ h"). More ")porta%t tha% that+ so)eo%e'a)e up #"th the "/o% of the Theo)etor+ [ The Mother of 0o$] the ")ae #h"'hRo)a% e)perors hab"tua((y 'arry #"th the) o% 'a)pa"%+ as a u"$e a%$uar$"a% of a(( the ar)y. Th"s a(o%e ha$ %ot bee% ta/e% by the e%e)y.

11. 8he% the e)peror sa# th"s beaut"fu( s"ht he #as part"'u(ar(y re!ere%t "% h"s!e%erat"o% for th"s "/o% he "))e$"ate(y too/ heart+ a%$ ho($"% "t "% h"s ha%$s22but %o #or$s 'a% $es'r"be ho# he e)bra'e$ "t+ ho# he be$e#e$ "t #"th h"s tears+ho# heartfe(t #ere the #or$s #"th #h"'h he a$$resse$ "t+ ho# he re'a((e$ Our

a$y-s /"%$%esses "% the past a%$ those )a%y t")es #he% She+ h"s a((y+ ha$res'ue$ a%$ sa!e$ the Ro)a% po#er "% )o)e%ts of 'r"s"s. 6ro) %o# o% he #asfu(( of 'ourae. He #ho ha$ but (ate(y bee% a fu"t"!e h")se(f %o# rebu/e$ others#ho #ere ru%%"% a#ay. 8"th (ou$ 'r"es a%$ the !"our of a )a% years you%ertha% h")se(f he stoppe$ the"r a")(ess #a%$er"%+ )a$e h")se(f /%o#% to the)by h"s !o"'e a%$ appeara%'e+ a%$ ?u"'/(y athere$ toether a 'o%s"$erab(e for'e.

The%+ o"% o% foot #"th the)+ he ret"re$ to a te%t hast"(y ere'te$ to she(ter h")+a%$ there he b"!oua'/e$. 5fter a br"ef rest+ at $a#% [


31/205

1=. There fo((o#e$ b"tter repe%ta%'e for #hat he ha$ $o%e+ a%$ se(f2p"ty for thesu3er"%s he ha$ e%$ure$. The%+ a(( at o%'e+ h"s )oo$ 'ha%e$. H"s 'areer %o#e%tere$ o% a %e# a%$+ for h")+ so)e#hat u%usua( phase. He hope$ that by'arefu( )a%ae)e%t of pub("' fu%$s he #ou($ 'o)p(ete(y re'o!er h"s (osses. Sohe be'a)e )ore ta&atherer tha% e)peror. Re!"!"%+ as the pro!erb has "t+ -pre2Eu'("$ea% h"story-+ a%$ sub4e't"% "t to 'arefu( s'rut"%y+ he pro'ee$e$ to pry "%tothe a''ou%ts of so%s+ (o% after the"r fathers #ere $ea$ a%$ o%e22 a 'rue( th"%to $o. :er$"'ts "% (a#2su"ts #ere %ot "!e% a''or$"% to the e!"$e%'e sub)"tte$ bythe 'o%test"% part"es+ but he #ou($ perso%a((y ta/e the part of o%e or the other.Se%te%'e of the 'ourt+ therefore+ #as %ot so )u'h "% fa!our of p(a"%t"3 or$efe%$a%t as of h")se(f. I% h"s !"e#+ the #ho(e popu(a'e #as $"!"$e$ "%to t#o'(asses. O% the o%e ha%$+ there #ere the reaso%ab(e fo(/ #ho preferre$ to ("!e as")p(e+ ho%est ("fe a%$ too/ %o part "% pub("' a3a"rs@ for the) the e)peror 'are$%ot a stra#. O% the other+ there #ere the $are2$e!"(s #ho e%r"'he$ the)se(!es atthe e&pe%se of the rest. These (atter a$$e$ the"r o#% ?uota of e!"( as fue( to thee%era( 'o%7arat"o% re$ by the"r ru(er+ a%$ the resu(t #as %oth"% but'o%fus"o% a%$ troub(e. 8hat )a$e "t )ore terr"b(e #as the fa't+ that #h"(e the

reat )a4or"ty #ere be"% p(u%$ere$ a%$ str"ppe$+ the ")per"a( treasury e%4oye$%ot a pe%%y of the prots bu"(t up fro) these e)be,,(e)e%ts+ for the r"!ers of)o%ey #ere be"% $"!erte$ e(se#here. The truth of th"s #"(( be sho#% )ore'(ear(y as the story proresses.

1K. Th"s part"'u(ar e)peror asp"re$ to a reputat"o% for p"ety. It "s ?u"te true thathe #as "%tereste$ "% re(""ous )atters+ but there #as )ore prete%'e about "t tha%rea( p"ety@ a%y#ay+ he appeare$ to be a p"ous )a%. I% the rst p(a'e+ th"s (e$ toe&tra!aa%'e "% $"s'uss"o%s about prob(e)s of $"!"%"ty. He #ou($ e&a)"%e 'ausesa%$ aru)e%ts #h"'h 'ou($ %ot be e&p(a"%e$ by )ere /%o#(e$e@ o%(y "f o%e ha$re'ourse to M"%$+ #"thout a%y "%terpret"% )e$"u)+ 'ou($ the Myster"es be )a$e

"%te((""b(e. I% %atura( ph"(osophy+ ho#e!er+ he sho#e$ ("tt(e "%terest+ %or $"$ he$"s'uss su'h )atters #"th the professors+ e&'ept #"th those #ho '(a")e$u%4ust(y that they #ere $"s'"p(es of 5r"stot(e. Ro)a%us-s stu$"es+ as o%e of our#"se )e% sa"$+ #ere )ore profou%$+ a%$ $ea(t #"th ob4e'ts 'o)prehe%s"b(e byM"%$ a(o%e.

1. That #as the rst #ay he $e!"se$ of sho#"% h"s p"ety. ater o%+ be"% 4ea(ousof the reat So(o)o%+ for h"s bu"($"% of the )u'h!au%te$ Te)p(e+ a%$ e%!"ous ofthe e)peror Just"%"a%+ be'ause of the )"hty 'hur'h that #as %a)e$ after theHo(y a%$ I%e3ab(e 8"s$o)+ he $eter)"%e$ to bu"($ a%$ fou%$+ by #ay ofre'o)pe%se so to spea/+ a%other "% ho%our of the Mother of 0o$.K< It #as a

reat )"sta/e+ for #hat #as "%te%$e$ to be a% a't of p"ety+ tur%e$ out to be the'ause of e!"( a%$ the o''as"o% for )a%y "%4ust"'es. The e&pe%$"ture "%'urre$ o!erth"s 'hur'h #as 'o%sta%t(y "%'rease$. E!ery $ay he 'o((e'te$ )ore 'o%tr"but"o%stha% the #or/ %e'ess"tate$+ a%$ #oe bet"$e the )a% #ho tr"e$ to (")"t thebu"($"%. O% the other ha%$+ a%yo%e #ho "%!e%te$ fresh e&tra!aa%'es a%$ %e#!ar"at"o%s of sty(e #as sure of #"%%"% the e)peror-s fr"e%$sh"p at o%'e. E!ery)ou%ta"% #as bore$ for )ater"a(+ a%$ the )"%er-s art estee)e$ h"her tha%ph"(osophy "tse(f. Of the sto%es thus obta"%e$+ so)e #ere sp("t+ others po("she$+others tur%e$ for the s'u(ptures+ a%$ the #or/ers o% these sto%es #ere re'/o%e$#"th the ("/e of Phe"$"as a%$ Po(y%otus a%$ Geu&"s.K Noth"% "% the #ho(e#or($ #as thouht oo$ e%ouh for th"s 'hur'h. 5(( the roya( treasure #as )a$ea!a"(ab(e+ e!ery o($e% strea) poure$ "%to "t. The )o%"es #ere e&hauste$+ a%$

yet the 'o%stru't"o% #e%t o%+ for o%e o% top of a%other %e# parts #ere a$$e$+a%$ at the sa)e t")e so)e other part #ou($ be pu((e$ $o#%. Ofte%+ too+ the #or/


32/205

#ou($ 'ease a%$ the% su$$e%(y r"se up afresh+ s("ht(y b"er or #"th so)e )oree(aborate !ar"ety. 8he% r"!ers 7o# "%to the sea+ )ost of the"r #ater "s $ra"%e$a#ay before e!er "t rea'hes the )outh+ a%$ so "t #as #"th th"s )o%ey+ for )ost of#hat ha$ bee% 'o((e'te$ for th"s 'hur'h #as appropr"ate$ "% a$!a%'e a%$ #aste$o% other th"%s.

1


33/205

the (atter sh of e%or)ous s",e+ e!e% #ha(es. S"%'e "t see)e$ to h")+ )oreo!er+that 5%a&aorasK; ha$ ("e$ #he% he sa"$ the #or($s #ere "%%"te+ he $e$"'ate$the reater part of th"s %"te #or($ of ours to the (or"'at"o% of h"s 'hur'h. P"("%ra%$eur o% ra%$eur+ )u(t"tu$e o% )u(t"tu$e+ surpass"% the rst super(at"!e#"th a se'o%$+ a%$ sett"% %o bou%$ %or (")"t to these th"%s+ he #ou($ %e!erha!e stoppe$ a$$"% to the) "% h"s bou%$(ess a)b"t"o%+ ha$ %ot the )easure ofh"s o#% ("fe bee% shorte%e$.

1L. There "s a tra$"t"o%+ "% fa't+ that h"s ("fe #as 'ut short by a 'erta"% e!e%t. I#"sh to spea/ of "t+ but o%(y by #ay of prefa'e at th"s )o)e%t. I% so)e )attersthe e)peror sho#e$ ("tt(e respe't for the a''epte$ sta%$ar$s of )ora("ty. 6or o%eth"%+ he ("!e$ #"th a )"stress. Perhaps+ at the be"%%"% of h"s re"%+ he #"she$to ("!e 'haste(y. Maybe22 a%$ )ost fo(/ 'o%te%$ that th"s #as the truth22 he tur%e$to fresh a)ours. 8hate!er the 'ause for h"s beha!"our+ he 'a)e to $esp"se thee)press Goe. Not o%(y $"$ he absta"% fro) se&ua( "%ter'ourse #"th her+ but he#as (oath to 'o%sort #"th her "% a%y #ay at a((. She+ o% her s"$e+ #as st"rre$ tohate h")+ %ot o%(y be'ause the b(oo$ roya(+ )ea%"% herse(f #as treate$ #"th

su'h ("tt(e respe't+ but+ abo!e a(( other 'o%s"$erat"o%s+ by her o#% (o%"% for"%ter'ourse+ a%$ that #as $ue %ot to her ae+ but to the soft a%$ se%sua( )a%%erof her ("fe at the pa(a'e.

THE INTRODUCTION O6 MICH5E TO THE EMPEROR * HIS *ROTHER

1B. There+ the%+ "s the prefa'e to the story@ the se?ue( 'a)e about as fo((o#s.5)o% other perso%s #ho ser!e$ th"s e)peror+ before h"s a''ess"o% to thethro%e+ #as a 'erta"% eu%u'h+A a )a% of )ea% a%$ 'o%te)pt"b(e fortu%e+ bute%$o#e$ #"th a% e&tre)e(y a't"!e a%$ "%e%"ous )"%$. I% h"s t")e the e)peror

*as"( ha$ treate$ th"s [;] )a% #"th reat fa)"("ar"ty a%$ ha$ share$ se'rets #"thh"). 8"thout pro)ot"% h") to a%y e&a(te$ pos"t"o%s of respo%s"b"("ty+ he st"((use$ h") #"th e%u"%e respe't. Th"s eu%u'h ha$ a brother+ a )ere youth beforeRo)a%us be'a)e e)peror+ but %o# "% h"s ear(y )a%hoo$. He #as a %e(y2proport"o%e$ you% )a%+ #"th the fa"r b(oo) of youth "% h"s fa'e+ as fresh as a7o#er+ '(ear2eye$+ a%$ "% !ery truth re$2'hee/e$-. Th"s youth #as (e$ by h"sbrother "%to the e)peror-s prese%'e #he% he #as seate$ #"th Goe that they)"ht see h")+ at the e&press 'o))a%$ of Ro)a%us. 8he% the t#o )e% 'a)e"%+ the e)peror+ 'ast"% h") o%e (a%'e a%$ as/"% a fe# br"ef ?uest"o%s+ ba$eh") ret"re+ but stay o% "% the 'ourt. The e3e't of the "%ter!"e# o% Goe #as ?u"te$"3ere%t. Her eyes bur%"% #"th a re as $a,,("% as the you% )a%-s beauty+ sheat o%'e fe(( !"'t") to h"s 'har)+ a%$ fro) so)e )yst"' u%"o% bet#ee% the) she

'o%'e"!e$ a (o!e for h"). *ut )ost peop(e /%e# %oth"% of that at the t")e.

1;. Goe 'ou($ %e"ther rear$ the you% )a% #"th ph"(osoph"' $eta'h)e%t+ %or'o%tro( her $es"res. Co%se?ue%t(y+ thouh "% the past she ha$ )ore tha% o%'esho#% her $"s("/e for the eu%u'h+ she %o# approa'he$ h") fre?ue%t(y. Her'o%!ersat"o%s #ou($ be"% #"th refere%'e to so)e e&tra%eous )atter+ a%$ the%+as "f by #ay of $"ress"o%+ she #ou($ e%$ #"th so)e re)ar/ about h"s brother. eth") be bo($+ she sa"$+ a%$ !"s"t her #he%e!er he #"she$. The you% )a%+ so far/%o#"% %oth"% of the e)press-s se'ret+ suppose$ the "%!"tat"o% #as $ue to her/"%$%ess of heart+ a%$ he a''epte$ "t+ a(thouh "% a )o$est a%$ t")orous fash"o%.

Th"s bashfu( reser!e+ ho#e!er+ o%(y )a$e h") the )ore $a,,("%. H"s fa'e+

su3use$ #"th b(ushes+ sho%e #"th a (or"ous 'o(our. She ease$ h"s fear+ s)"("%e%t(y upo% h") a%$ forett"% her usua( r") arroa%'e. She h"%te$ at (o!e+


34/205

tr"e$ to e%'ourae h")+ a%$ #he% she pro'ee$e$ to "!e her be(o!e$ )a%"festopportu%"t"es to )a/e (o!e o% h"s part+ he set h")se(f to a%s#er her $es"re+ %ot#"th a%y rea( 'o%$e%'e at rst+ but (ater h"s a$!a%'es be'a)e )ore bra,e% a%$he a'te$ as (o!ers #"((. Su$$e%(y he thre# h"s ar)s about her+ /"ss"% her a%$tou'h"% her ha%$ a%$ %e'/+ as h"s brother ha$ tauht h") he shou($ $o. She'(u% to h") a(( the '(oser. Her /"sses be'a)e )ore pass"o%ate+ she tru(y (o!"%h")+ he "% %o #ay $es"r"% her for she #as past the ae for (o!e+ but th"%/"% "%h"s heart of the (ory that po#er #ou($ br"% h"). 6or th"s he #as prepare$ to$are a%yth"%+ a%$ bear "t #"th pat"e%'e. 5s for those #ho ("!e$ "% the pa(a'e+they at rst o%(y [


35/205

the Ho(y Re("'s+ a%$ after the other ha$ 'o)p(ete(y per4ure$ h")se(f+ the e)peror(oo/e$ upo% the stor"es of the rest as )ere 'a(u)%y+ ("ste%"% o%(y to M"'hae( a%$'a(("% h") -h"s )ost fa"thfu( ser!a%t-.

==. 5%other fa'tor he(pe$ to 'o%r) the e)peror "% th"s att"tu$e+ so that

M"'hae(-s u"(t see)e$ e!e% )ore u%("/e(y. E!er s"%'e h"s 'h"($hoo$ the you%)a% ha$ bee% a"'te$ by a terr"b(e "((%ess. Th"s )a(a$y too/ the for) of aper"o$"' $era%e)e%t of the bra"%. 8"thout a%y pre!"ous sy)pto)s he #ou($ besu$$e%(y 'o%fuse$+ ro(( h"s eyes+ thro# h")se(f $o#% o% the rou%$+ ba% h"shea$+ a%$ su3er pro(o%e$ a%$ 'o%!u(s"!e ts. The% he #ou($ be'o)e h")se(faa"% a%$ ra$ua((y retur% to h"s %or)a( appeara%'e. The e)peror ha$ see% h")a"'te$ by th"s "((%ess a%$ #as sorry for h"). He thouht the you% )a%u%fortu%ate. H"s )a$%ess+ therefore+ he $"$ re'o%",e+ but he fa"(e$ to re'o%",eh"s "%$u(e%'e "% the p(easures of (o!e. To )ost fo(/ "t see)e$ that th"s )a(a$y#as a prete&t a%$ !e"( for M"'hae(-s s'he)"%+ a%$ the susp"'"o% #ou($ ha!ebee% 4ust"e$+ #ere "t %ot for the fa't that+ #he% he be'a)e e)peror+ he st"(('o%t"%ue$ to su3er fro) th"s $era%e)e%t. Ho#e!er+ $"s'uss"o% of that prob(e)

)ust be postpo%e$ to the part of )y h"story 'o%'er%e$ #"th M"'hae(-s re"%. 8e'a% say that the troub(e #as %ot se(f2"%$u'e$. E?ua((y+ #e 'a% say that the)a(a$y+ #h"'h ha$ %o prete%'e about "t+ ser!e$ as a !e"( to h"$e h"s $es"%s.

=K. To 'o%!"%'e the e)peror+ therefore+ that those #ho (o!e$ o%e a%other #ere%ot rea((y "% (o!e+ #as %o reat tas/+ for he #as !ery eas"(y 'o%!"%'e$. I ha$ a'o%!ersat"o% #"th o%e of the e%t(e)e% #ho reu(ar(y atte%$e$ the ")per"a('ourt at that t")e+ a )a% #e(( a'?ua"%te$ #"th the #ho(e ?uest"o% of Goe-s (o!e2a3a"rs+ a%$ o%e #ho supp("e$ )e #"th )ater"a( for th"s h"story+ a%$ he to($ )ethat [


36/205

prese%'e+ but har$ to et a '"!"( rep(y to o%e-s ?uest"o%s. auhter $eserte$ h")+a%$ h"s for)er ra'"ous%ess a%$ p(easa%t %ature. He truste$ %obo$y at a((+ %or$"$ he see) to others trust#orthy h")se(f. Ea'h party suspe'te$ a%$ #assuspe'te$ by the other. H"s (a'/ of e%eros"ty %o# be'a)e )ore pro%ou%'e$.

The $"str"but"o%s of )o%ey that he )a$e #ere %"ar$(y "% a%y 'ase+ a%$ he #assa!ae(y a%ry at e!ery re?uest for "t. E!ery ta(e of p"ty o%(y su''ee$e$ "%"rr"tat"% h"). et+ $esp"te the $rea$fu( 'o%$"t"o% of h"s hea(th+ he %e"ther%e(e'te$ the usua( 'ourt 'ere)o%"a( %or $"$ he o!er(oo/ the ")porta%'e of the")per"a( pro'ess"o%s. He e!e% [


37/205

a%$ bee$ so)eo%e to ta/e ho($ of "t a%$ he(p h") to h"s feet. I% p"ty for h")+a%$ be'ause of h"s sa$ 'o%$"t"o%+ o%e )a% $"$ "%$ee$ o to h"s a"$. Putt"% h"sar)s rou%$ h")+ he $re# h") up out of the #ater a%$ 'arr"e$ h") to a 'ou'h+#here he (a"$ h")+ 4ust as he #as+ "% a p"t"ab(e state. 5t th"s a% uproar e%sue$.Se!era( perso%s 'a)e "%to the roo)+ a)o% the) the e)press herse(f+ #"thouta%y bo$yuar$ a%$ appare%t(y str"'/e% #"th r"ef. 5fter o%e (oo/ at h")+ ho#e!er+she #e%t o3+ ha!"% sat"se$ herse(f #"th her o#% eyes that he #as a $y"% )a%.Ro)a%us a!e o%e stro% $eep )oa%+ a%$ the% /ept (oo/"% rou%$+ th"s #ay a%$that+ #"thout be"% ab(e to spea/+ but sho#"% by s"%s a%$ %o$s #hat he#a%te$. The%+ as st"(( %obo$y 'ou($ u%$ersta%$ h")+ he shut h"s eyes a%$ bea%to breathe )ore fast aa"%. Su$$e%(y h"s )outh ape$ ope% a%$ there 7o#e$e%t(y fro) "t so)e $ar/2'o(oure$+ 'oau(ate$ )atter+ a%$ #"th t#o or threeasps+ he $"e$.

BOO T7EE NOTES

6*. 7omanus1s greatgrandfather& 7omanus rgyropoulus& had married a daughterof 7omanus #ecapenus. 2onstantine1s grandfather& 2onstantine C(("orphyrogenitus& had also married a daughter of the same emperor. Thus Hoeand 7omanus were distantly related.

8?. Basil (& emperor from 3,+ to 33,.

8!. Hoe was forty9eight. She had been born in *3?.

86. mong other measures designed to relieve %nancial distress he abolished theallelengyon imposed by Basil ((& and the imperial treasuries contributed greatsums to help debtors and the clergy in St. Sophia. 7omanus had good reason to

reverse this generous policy later in his reign& for apart from the Saracenincursions the Empire su:ered a series of terrible disasters in !?8!96 -famine in

sia


38/205

4?. 'ohn the Orphanotrophus had been protonotary -head of the civiladministration of a theme& and subordinate only to the strategus& or provincialgovernor0 under Basil ((. e had four brothersJ


39/205

*OO9 6OUR

MICH5E I: 1AK 2 1A1 [p.


40/205

M"'hae( #as pro'(a")e$ e)peror a%$ so!ere"%+ a%$ #"thout )ore a$o he seth")se(f to 'o%s"$er the best "%terests of h"s E)p"re. The fu%era( 'ere)o%y for the$efu%'t Ro)a%us+ #ho ha$ bee% (a"$ out o% a )a%"'e%t b"er+ #as a(rea$yprepare$+ a%$ the #ho(e asse)b(y #e%t out to pay the"r respe'ts to the"r $ea$e)peror "% the usua( fash"o%. O%e of those #ho pre'e$e$ th"s b"er #as Joh% theEu%u'h+ #ho) I #"(( $"s'uss at the appropr"ate po"%t "% )y h"story.

. I sa# th"s fu%era( pro'ess"o% )yse(f. I ha$ %ot yet ro#% a bear$ a%$ o%(yre'e%t(y ha$ I app("e$ )yse(f to the stu$y of the poets. E&a)"%"% the $ea$ )a%+I $"$ %ot rea((y re'o%",e h")+ e"ther fro) h"s 'o(our or out#ar$ appeara%'e. It#as o%(y be'ause of the "%s"%"a that I uesse$ the $ea$ )a% ha$ o%'e bee%e)peror. H"s fa'e #as 'o)p(ete(y a(tere$+ %ot #aste$ a#ay+ but s#o((e%+ a%$ [


41/205

"%tr"'ate aru)e%ts. The pra't"se$ e&pert #as o!er#he()e$ by the )a%-se&traor$"%ary %atura( ab"("ty.

Of 'ourse+ he ha$ %o t")e for that yet+ a%$ I )ust o ba'/ to the start of h"sre"%. My ob4e't "s to sho# ho# 'arefu((y+ fro) the !ery $ay of h"s e%thro%e)e%t+

he #at'he$ o!er the a$)"%"strat"o% of pub("' a3a"rs.

;. C(ear(y "t #as %ot a %ob(e be"%%"% for a )a% pro)ote$ to supre)e po#er+ asI ha!e sho#%. Ne!erthe(ess+ for a short per"o$ after he be'a)e )aster of theE)p"re+ he treate$ the o!er%"% of "t as a /"%$ of 4o/e. He #ou($ put o3$e'"s"o%s u%t"( so)e 'r"s"s arose or so)e u%e&pe'te$ tur% of e!e%ts+ #h"(e hepasse$ the t")e "% a)us"% h"s #"fe a%$ "% ora%","% p(easures a%$ past")es forher. O%'e he sa# the )a%"tu$e of the E)p"re+ ho#e!er+ a%$ re'o%",e$ the$"!erse ?ua("ty of forethouht re?u"re$ for "ts )a%a"% a%$ the )u(t"tu$"%ous$">'u(t"es "%!o(!e$ "% the 'ares of state22$">'u(t"es #"th #h"'h a )a% #ho "s tru(ya% e)peror )ust be fa'e$ 22 the% h"s 'hara'ter #as su$$e%(y a%$ ra$"'a((y

'ha%e$. It #as as "f he ha$ ro#% up to )a%hoo$+ %o (o%er a boy+ a%$ fro)that )o)e%t he o!er%e$ h"s E)p"re "% a fash"o% at o%'e )ore )a%(y a%$ )ore%ob(e.

1A. There "s o%e )ore tra"t "% the e)peror #h"'h I 'a%%ot refra"% fro) a$)"r"%. It"s th"s+ that a(thouh h"s or""% #as hu)b(e+ "% the hour of h"s reat oo$ fortu%ehe $"$ %ot (ose h"s se%se of ba(a%'e+ %or #as he o!er#he()e$ by h"s po#er. No%eof h"s usua( hab"ts #as 'ha%e$. ou #ou($ th"%/ he ha$ bee% 'arefu((y tra"%e$for the tas/ (o% before+ a%$ he see)e$ to approa'h "t %atura((y. O% the $ay ofh"s a''ess"o% he beha!e$ ("/e a )a% #ho ha$ bee% a''(a")e$ e)peror yearsbefore+ a%$ )e% rear$e$ h") as su'h. He )a$e %o "%%o!at"o%s "% estab("she$

'usto)s+ res'"%$e$ %o (a#s+ "%tro$u'e$ %o%e that #ere 'o%trary to the sp"r"t ofh"s pre$e'essor+ re)o!e$ %o )e)ber of the Se%ate22'ha%es #h"'h %or)a((yo''ur #he% a %e# re"% 'o))e%'es. 5s to those #ho ha$ befr"e%$e$ h") beforeh"s pro)ot"o%+ or )e% to #ho) he #as u%$er ob("at"o%+ #he% he be'a)ee)peror he $"$ %ot 'heat the) of the"r hopes+ e&'ept "%as)u'h as the"rpro)ot"o% to the h"hest o>'es #as %ot "))e$"ate. He e)p(oye$ the) rst+ by#ay of tr"a(+ so to spea/+ "% the (esser a%$ hu)b(er $ut"es a%$ so ra$ua((yprepare$ the) for pos"t"o%s of reater ")porta%'e. I )ust a$)"t+ that "f h"sbrothers ha$ %ot bee% [1] bor% u%$er so)e e!"( star 22 a%$ "t #as for th"s reaso%that he 'ou($ %e"ther #"pe out the fa)"(y root a%$ bra%'h+ %or )a/e ho%est )e%of the)+ be'ause of the"r #"'/e$ %ature 22 ha$ "t %ot bee% for th"s+ %ot o%e of thefa)ous )o%ar'hs #ou($ ha!e bee% h"s e?ua(.

11. Not o%e of the e)perors "% )y t")e 22 a%$ I say th"s #"th e&per"e%'e of )a%y"% )y ("fe+ for )ost of the) o%(y (aste$ a year 22 %ot o%e of the)+ to )y/%o#(e$e+ bore the bur$e% of E)p"re e%t"re(y free fro) b(a)e to the e%$. So)e#ere %atura((y e!"(+ others #ere e!"( throuh the"r fr"e%$sh"p for 'erta"%"%$"!"$ua(s+ a%$ others aa"% for so)e other of the 'o))o% reaso%s. So "t #as#"th th"s )a%+ too@ "% h")se(f he #as oo$+ but "% the #ay he treate$ h"s brothershe #as har$ to e&'ess. 5ppare%t(y Nature+ #he% she brouht the) to b"rth+a''or$e$ the %ob(er ?ua("t"es to M"'hae(+ but "% the others she pro$u'e$'hara'ter"st"'s e&a't(y the oppos"te. Ea'h of the) #a%te$ to usurp the p(a'e ofh"s brothers+ a%$ a((o#"% %o%e of the) to ("!e e"ther o% sea or e!e% o% (a%$+ to

$#e(( a(o%e "% the #ho(e #"$e #or($+ as "f by so)e $"spe%sat"o% of 0o$ both seaa%$ (a%$ #ere h"s o#% "%her"ta%'e. Ofte% M"'hae( tr"e$ to restra"% the)+ %ot by


42/205

#ar%"%s but #"th harsh "%!e't"!e+ a%ry repr")a%$s+ a%$ the use of !"o(e%t a%$fr"htfu( threats. 5(( to %o purpose+ for the e($est brother+ Joh%+ a$)"%"stere$ the"ra3a"rs #"th reat $e&ter"ty. It #as he #ho assuae$ the e)peror-s #rath a%$ he#ho #o% for h"s brothers per)"ss"o% to $o #hat they ("/e$. 5%$ he $"$ th"s+ %otbe'ause he e&a't(y appro!e$ of the"r att"tu$e+ but be'ause+ $esp"te "t+ he 'are$for the fa)"(y.

1=. It "s )y $es"re "% th"s h"story to "!e a so)e#hat fu((er $es'r"pt"o% of Joh%+#"thout re'ourse to e)pty at (y"% state)e%ts.< ou see+ #he% I #as start"%to ro# a bear$+ I sa# the )a% h")se(f+ a%$ I hear$ h") spea/ a%$ #"t%esse$ h"sa't"o%s. I )ar/e$ h"s $"spos"t"o% '(ose(y+ a%$ I a) a#are that a(thouh so)e ofh"s $ee$s are pra"se#orthy+ there are other th"%s "% h"s ("fe #h"'h 'a%%ot )eet#"th e%era( appro!a(. 5t that t")e there #ere )a%y s"$es to h"s 'hara'ter. Heha$ a rea$y #"t+ a%$ "f e!er a )a% #as shre#$+ he #as@ the p"er'"% (a%'e of h"seyes betraye$ those ?ua("t"es. He pa"$ )et"'u(ous 'are to h"s $ut"es@ "% fa't+ he#e%t to e&tre)es of "%$ustry "% the"r perfor)a%'e. H"s e&per"e%'e "% a(( bra%'hesof o!er%)e%t #as reat+ but "t #as "% the a$)"%"strat"o% of pub("' %a%'e that

h"s #"s$o) a%$ shre#$%ess #ere espe'"a((y e!"$e%t. He bore %o o%e "((2#"((@ yet atthe sa)e t")e+ he #as "rr"tate$ "f a%yo%e u%$erest"2 [=])ate$ h"s Joh%-s")porta%t. If he $"$ %o har) to a sou(+ yet "% h"s $ea("%s #"th the peop(e heassu)e$ a er'e e&press"o% #h"'h terr"e$ o%e a%$ a((. 5s far as (oo/s #ere'o%'er%e$+ he rea((y hurt the). Most of the) shu$$ere$ at the s"ht of h") 22 a%$refra"%e$ fro) the"r e!"( pra't"'es. Thus Joh% #as a !er"tab(e bu(#ar/ to thee)peror a%$ a rea( brother+ for he %e!er re(a&e$ "% h"s !""(a%'e+ e"ther by $ay orby %"ht E!e% #he% $e!ote$ to p(easure so)et")es+ or ta/"% part "% ba%?uetsa%$ pub("' 'ere)o%"es a%$ fest"!a(s+ he %e!er forot h"s ,ea( for $uty. Noth"%e!er es'ape$ h"s %ot"'e a%$ %obo$y e!e% so )u'h as tr"e$ to e(u$e h")+ be'ausee!eryo%e feare$ h") a%$ tre)b(e$ at h"s super"%te%$e%'e+ for at u%t")e(y hours

"% the %"ht he #ou($ su$$e%(y r"$e of o% h"s horse a%$ s'our e!ery %oo/ a%$'ra%%y of the )etropo("s+ tra!ers"% a(( the "%hab"te$ $"str"'ts at o%'e+ ("/e a 7ashof ("ht%"%. No o%e #ou($ e!er /%o# #he% he #ou($ 'arry out these "%spe't"o%sa%$ so they a(( be'a)e %er!ous a%$ sub$ue$ a%$ restra"%e$. It be"% ")poss"b(eto )eet "% pub("' )e% re)a"%e$ "% the"r ho)es+ ("!"% the"r o#% ("fe "% pr"!ate.

1K. Su'h are the ?ua("t"es "% the )a% that o%e 'a% a$)"re+ but there #ere othersof the 'o%trary sort. H"s )oo$s #ere 'ha%eab(e. He a''o))o$ate$ h")se(f toe!ery sha$e of op"%"o% "% those #ho 'o%!erse$ #"th h")+ prese%t"% )a%y fa'etsat ea'h "%ter!"e#. 8he% )e% approa'he$ h")+ he 'r"t"'",e$ the) #h"(e they #erest"(( far a#ay+ but as they $re# %ear+ a$$resse$ the) "% a% a3ab(e )a%%er as "f "t

#ere the% that he sa# the) for the rst t")e. 5a"%+ "f a%yo%e brouht %e#s("/e(y to pro!e of reat ser!"'e to the state+ "% or$er to a!o"$ ob("at"o% to h"s"%for)a%t+ he use$ to prete%$ that he ha$ /%o#% "t a (o% t")e ao+ a%$ the%upbra"$ the )a% for h"s s(o#%ess. The (atter #ou($ o a#ay 'o!ere$ #"th'o%fus"o%+ #h"(e Joh% too/ the %e'essary a't"o% a%$ by suppress"% the troub(e+perhaps "% "ts "%"t"a( staes+ #as ab(e to root "t out a(toether. 5 $es"re o% h"s partto a'h"e!e reater )a%"'e%'e+ a%$ to )a%ae the a3a"rs of state "% a )a%%er)ore bett"% a% e)peror+ #as th#arte$ by h"s o#% %atura( hab"ts+ for+ to te(( thetruth+ he %e!er su''ee$e$ "% r"$$"% h")se(f of h"s "%!eterate ree$. Thus+ o%'ee)bar/e$ o% the $r"%/ 22 a besett"% s"% "% h"s 'ase 22 he #ou($ p(u%e hea$(o%"%to a(( /"%$s of "%$e'e%'y. E!e% the%+ thouh+ he $"$ %ot foret the 'ares ofE)p"re+ %or re(a& that er'e2beast (oo/ o% h"s fa'e or the ster%%ess of h"s

e&press"o%.


43/205

1. It has ofte% bee% a 'ause of surpr"se to )e+ #he% I ha!e sat [K] #"th h") atba%?uets+ to obser!e ho# a )a%+ a s(a!e to $r"%/ a%$ "!e% to r"ba($ry+ as he#as+ 'ou($ bear the bur$e% of E)p"re. I% h"s 'ups he #ou($ 'arefu((y #at'h ho#ea'h of h"s fe((o#s beha!e$. 5fter#ar$s+ as "f he ha$ 'auht the) re$2ha%$e$+ he#ou($ sub)"t the) to ?uest"o%"% a%$ e&a)"%e #hat they ha$ sa"$ a%$ $o%e "%the"r $ru%/e% )o)e%ts. They 'a)e to fear h") )ore+ therefore+ #he% he #ast"psy tha% #he% he #as sober. I%$ee$+ the fe((o# #as a% e&traor$"%ary )"&ture.6or a (o% t")e he ha$ arbe$ h")se(f "% a )o%/"sh hab"t+ but %ot e!e% "% h"s$rea)s $"$ he 'are o%e 4ot for the $e'e%t beha!"our that bets su'h a $ress. ethe a'te$ the part+ "f (o%2estab("she$ 'usto) $e)a%$e$ a 'erta"% r"tua(. 5s forthose ("bert"%es #ho "%$u(e$ u%restra"%e$(y "% se%sua( p(easures+ Joh% hat%oth"% but s'or% for the). O% the other ha%$+ "f a )a% 'hose to ("!e "% a $e'e%t#ay+ or pass h"s t")e "% the free e&er'"se of !"rtue+ or prot h"s )"%$ #"ths'"e%t"' stu$"es+ he #ou($ %$ "% Joh% a% ")p(a'ab(e foe. The eu%u'h #ou($#"(fu((y )"sreprese%t the other-s #orthy a)b"t"o%s "% so)e #ay or other. Th"spara$o&"'a( 'o%$u't "% h"s $ea("%s #"th other )e% #as %ot repeate$ #he% heha$ to $o #"th the e)peror+ h"s brother+ for #"th M"'hae( he preser!e$ o%e a%$

the sa)e att"tu$e+ %e!er !ary"%+ %e!er 'ha%"%. I% h"s prese%'e there #as %o$"ss")u(at"o% at a%y t")e.

1


44/205

'o%trary+ she #as e%t(e to a((+ a%$ ("/e the '(e!erest orators+ a$4uste$ herse(f to$"3ere%t perso%s a%$ $"3ere%t 'o%$"t"o%s.

1L. The others+ ho#e!er+ by %o )ea%s )o$"e$ the"r o#% att"tu$e to p(ease Goe.I% fa't+ they #ere e&'ee$"%(y afra"$ of her+ as "f she #ere so)e ("o%ess #h"'h+ for

a #h"(e+ ha$ (a"$ as"$e her fero'"ty. It #as %atura(+ therefore+ that they shou($'o%su(t the"r o#% safety. E!ery /"%$ of barr"er+ e!ery /"%$ of ra)part+ #as ere'te$to prote't the) fro) her atta'/s. They /ept u%'eas"% !""(+ #h"(e the e)peror+for h"s part+ ra$ua((y stoppe$ see"% her at a((. There #ere+ I /%o#+ )a%yreaso%s for th"s. Mar"ta( re(at"o%s #"th her ha$ be'o)e ")poss"b(e+ %o# that the)a(a$y #h"'h threate%e$ h") ha$ a(rea$y )a$e "ts appeara%'e. H"s hea(th #asu%$er)"%e$ a%$ h"s bo$"(y 'o%$"t"o% poor. The% aa"%+ he #as 'o!ere$ #"thsha)e #he%e!er he (oo/e$ at Goe+ a%$ "t #as ")poss"b(e for h") to )eet hera,e+ /%o#"% ho# he ha$ betraye$ h"s (o!e+ fors#or% h"s pro)"ses+ a

Chronographia - Michael Psellus

Documents

Transcript of Chronographia - Michael Psellus