At this proposal, his insolence burst beyond all bounds of barbarous arrogance.
"I will not relinquish the siege," he cried, "until I have delivered to me all the gold and silver in the city, all the household goods in it, and all the slaves from the northern countries." "What then, O King, will you leave us ?" asked our amazed ambassadors.

"YOUR LIVES!" answered the implacable Goth.

Hearing this, even the resolute Basilius and the wise Johannes despaired.

They asked time to communicate with the Senate, and left the camp of the enemy without further delay.

Such was the end of the embassy; such the arrogant ferocity of the barbarian foe!' Here the Prefect paused, from sheer weakness and want of breath.