201) must be read or understood Verona and Brixia.] After a reign of sixty years, the throne of the Gothic kings was filled by the exarchs of Ravenna, the representatives in peace and war of the emperor of the Romans.

Their jurisdiction was soon reduced to the limits of a narrow province: but Narses himself, the first and most powerful of the exarchs, administered above fifteen years the entire kingdom of Italy.

Like Belisarius, he had deserved the honors of envy, calumny, and disgrace: but the favorite eunuch still enjoyed the confidence of Justinian; or the leader of a victorious army awed and repressed the ingratitude of a timid court.

Yet it was not by weak and mischievous indulgence that Narses secured the attachment of his troops.

Forgetful of the past, and regardless of the future, they abused the present hour of prosperity and peace.