The month (December) is ascertained by Evagrius, (l.iv.v.

19;) and the day (the tenth) may be admitted on the slight evidence of Nicephorus Callistus, (l.xvii.c.

13.) For this accurate chronology, we are indebted to the diligence and judgment of Pagi, (tom, ii.p.659, 560.) Note: Compare Maltret's note, in the edition of Dindorf the ninth is the day, according to his reading,--M.] The first days, which coincided with the old Saturnalia, were devoted to mutual congratulation and the public joy; and the Catholics prepared to celebrate, without a rival, the approaching festival of the nativity of Christ.

In the familiar conversation of a hero, the Romans acquired some notion of the virtues which history ascribed to their ancestors; they were edified by the apparent respect of Belisarius for the successor of St.Peter, and his rigid discipline secured in the midst of war the blessings of tranquillity and justice.

They applauded the rapid success of his arms, which overran the adjacent country, as far as Narni, Perusia, and Spoleto; but they trembled, the senate, the clergy, and the unwarlike people, as soon as they understood that he had resolved, and would speedily be reduced, to sustain a siege against the powers of the Gothic monarchy.