The parsimony or poverty of the emperor compelled him to deviate from the rule of conduct which had deserved the love and confidence of the Italians.

The war was maintained by the oppression of Ravenna, Sicily, and all the faithful subjects of the empire; and the rigorous prosecution of Herodian provoked that injured or guilty officer to deliver Spoleto into the hands of the enemy.

The avarice of Antonina, which had been some times diverted by love, now reigned without a rival in her breast.
Belisarius himself had always understood, that riches, in a corrupt age, are the support and ornament of personal merit.

And it cannot be presumed that he should stain his honor for the public service, without applying a part of the spoil to his private emolument.

The hero had escaped the sword of the Barbarians.