Well, most severe and indignant judge, suppose I tell you it was I who commanded that this deed should be done.

Then would you change your judgment ?" "Not so, Augusta.

I should only think much worse of you than ever I did before.

If these great persons were traitors to the State, they should have been executed.

But to torment them, to take away the sight of heaven and to bring them to the level of dumb beasts, all that their actual blood may not be on the tormentors' hand--why, the act is vile.
So, at least, it would be held in those northern lands which you are pleased to call barbarian." Now Irene sprang from her seat and clapped her hands for joy.
"You hear what he says, Martina, and the Emperor shall hear it too; aye, and so shall my ministers, Stauracius and Aetius, who supported him in this matter.