But he was not suffered to escape thus.

Before he had reached the place of embarkation, folk began to run shouting behind his carriage.

Ere he could set foot on board the vessel a crowd had gathered.

The farewell of the people to their supreme Pontiff was given in a volley of stones and potsherds, whilst the air rang with maledictions.
Notwithstanding his secret hostility, Leander had of late crept into Vigilius' confidence, thus protecting himself against his formidable adversary Pelagius.

He was now the Pope's travelling companion as far as Sicily.