Ere summer be past he will stand at the gates of Rome.' 'Rome is not easily taken,' let fall the listener, also speaking as though absently.
'It is more easily surrendered,' was the reply.
'What! You suspect Bessas of treachery ?' 'We know him indolent and neglectful of duty.

Does he not live here at his ease, getting into his own hands, little by little, all the wealth of the Romans, careless of what befall if only he may glut his avarice?
He will hold the city as long as may be, only because the city is his possession.

He is obstinate, bull-headed.

Yet if one were found who could persuade him that the cause of the Greeks is hopeless--that, by holding out to the end, he will merely lose all, whereas, if he came to terms--' Marcian was watching Heliodora's face.

He paused.