But the power of Theodora expired, the parents of Joannina returned, and her honor, perhaps her happiness, were sacrificed to the revenge of an unfeeling mother, who dissolved the imperfect nuptials before they had been ratified by the ceremonies of the church.

[22] [Footnote 19: This conspiracy is related by Procopius (Gothic.

l.
iii.c.31, 32) with such freedom and candor, that the liberty of the Anecdotes gives him nothing to add.] [Footnote 20: The honors of Belisarius are gladly commemorated by his secretary, (Procop.Goth.l.iii.c.

35, l.iv.c.

21.) This title is ill translated, at least in this instance, by praefectus praetorio; and to a military character, magister militum is more proper and applicable, (Ducange, Gloss.Graec.p.1458, 1459.)] [Footnote 21: Alemannus, (ad Hist.