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Updated: August 24, 2024
She, the mother who bore him, caused him to be taken to the purple Porphyry Chamber in the palace, that chamber in which, as the first-born of an emperor, he saw the light, and there robbed him of light for ever. Yes, Stauracius and his butchers blinded Constantine as I had been blinded. Only it was told that they drove their knives deeper so that he died.
Again I saluted, retreating from the presence backwards and staying to bow at each third step, as was the custom. The process was somewhat long, and as I reached the door I heard her say to Stauracius, "Hearken, you dog. If ever you dare to break in upon me thus again, you shall lose two things your office and your head. What!
I saluted the Empress, who bowed graciously and said: "General Olaf nay, I forgot, General Michael, your god-father Stauracius has something to say which I trust will please you as much as it does him and me. Speak, Stauracius." "Beloved god-son," began Stauracius, in a voice of sullen rage, "it has pleased the Augusta to appoint you "
The Court, however, was open and crowded with spectators, among whom I saw most of the great officers of the palace, Stauracius with them; also some ladies, one of whom was Martina, my god-mother. The back of the long room was packed with soldiers and others, not all of whom were my enemies.
So I advanced and, kneeling, kissed the Augusta's hand, according to custom on such occasions, noting, as doubtless Stauracius did also, that she pressed it hard enough against my lips. Then I rose and said: "I thank the Augusta " "And my god-father Stauracius," she interrupted. " And my god-father Stauracius," I echoed, "for her and his goodness towards me.
His son and heir Stauracius escaped from the field with a mortal wound; yet six months of an expiring life were sufficient to refute his indecent, though popular declaration, that he would in all things avoid the example of his father.
Bide you also, Martina, that you may remember my words in case this unpractised officer should forget them." Stauracius and his secretaries bowed themselves out, leaving the three of us alone. "Now, Olaf, or Michael which do you wish to be called?" "It is more easy for a man to alter his nature than his name," I answered. "Have you altered your nature?
Oh! you were wise, Olaf I mean Michael to choose Stauracius for a god-father, though I warn him," she added archly, "that in his natural love he must not push you forward too fast lest others should begin to show that jealousy which is a stranger to his noble nature. Come hither, Michael, and kiss my hand upon your appointment."
She is much pleased with the report, and told Stauracius in my presence that she had done well in choosing you for your office while she was absent from the city, since thereby she had saved the lives of the Caesars and Nobilissimi, desiring as she does that these princes should be kept alive, at any rate for the present.
So no more of such foolish talk. Stauracius, you may be gone to attend to the affairs of which we have been speaking, as I see you burn to do, and take those secretaries with you, for the scratching of their pens sets my teeth on edge. Bide here a moment, General, for as Master of the Palace it will be your duty to receive certain guests to-day of whom I wish to speak with you.
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