I find that hard to believe.

Knowing in whose power she is, how comes it that Bessas does not seize the insolent Leander, and force the truth from him?
Were I the commander, would I be baffled for an hour by that sleek deacon ?' 'Were you commander, O best Basil,' replied Marcian, smiling, 'you would see things in another light.

Bessas does not lay hands upon the deacon because it is much more to his profit to have the clergy of Rome for his friends than for his enemies.

Whether Veranilda be discovered or not, he cares little; I began to suspect that when I saw that you came off so easily from your dealings with him.

'Tis a long road to Constantinople, and the Thracian well knows that he may perchance never travel it again.