The history of the warres of the Emperour Justinian in eight books : of the Persian, II, Vandall, II, Gothicke, IV / written in Greek by Procopivs of Caesarea ; and Englished by Henry Holcroft, Knight.

CHAP. XXIV.

IN the mean time, Belisarius shut up in Ravenna, Vitigis, and the cheife of the Goths: and the Emperours Ambassadors arrived, Domnicus and Maximinus, both Senators; with commission to make peace upon Tearms, that Vitigis should have half the Revenues of the Crown, and the Dominion of the coun∣try beyond the Poe; the other half of the Revenues to be the Emperours, and the rest of Italy to be subject to him, and to pay him Tribute. The Ambassadors shewed the Emperours instructions to Belisarius, and were conducted into Ravenna: And Vitigis and the Goths gladly agreed to conclude the treaty upon those condition. This discontented Belisarius, as an ill service to hinder him from the absolute con∣quest, and his bringing Vitigis to Constantinople prisoner, having it in his power: and at the Ambassadors return he refused to signe the Treaty, upon which the Goths were jealous of the Romans that they fraudulently propounded a peace, and protested to conclude nothing without the signature and oath of Belisarius. Who hearing that some Commanders taxed him with a design against the Emperours service, to prolong the War; he called them all, and in the presence of Domnicus and Max∣iminus spake thus

The fortune of the war (I and you know) stands not upon firm Ground; many in hope of an instant victory have been overthrown, and an Ene∣my, in appearance ruined, hath beyond imagination subsisted. So that men consul∣ting of peace, are not to fancy the best for themselves only, but to consider the event both waies in possibility, and so to resolve. And I now assemble you my fellow Commanders, and the Emperours Ambassadors, that chusing with all free∣dome what you think most expedient for the Emperour, you may not after the businesse done, lay imputations upon me; it being most unreasonable, when you may chuse the best, to be silent, and when you see the Event, then to coyn accu∣sations. The Emperours resolution, and Vitigis mind for concluding the war, you know; which if you conceive to be expedient, say so; but if you thinke your selves able to recover Italy, and to subdue the Enemy, there is no danger, boldly to say it.

Belisarius having spoken, they all said plainly that the Emperours in∣structions were best, and that they were not able to do more then they had done. The opinion pleased Belisarius, and he bade them expresse it in a writing, that they might not deny it afterwards; which they signed accordingly; that they were not able to subdue the Enemy by war. But the Goths the while prest with Famin, could hold out no longer; weary they were of Vitigis government, and yet scrupulous to yeild to the Emperour; fearing to be removed by him out of Italy to Constantinople, and planted thereabout. So that the principall men upon debate resolved to declare Be∣lisarius Emperour of the West, and secretly they sent to entreat him to accept the Empire, professing to be most willing to obey him. Belisarius would not take the Empire without the Emperours consent; to whom he was tyed in a solemn oath, not to innovat during the said Emperours life; and the very name of an Usurper he hated: yet to facilitate his businesse, he seemed to accept the offer. Vitigis perceiving it, out of fear, commended the Goths resolution, and secretly animated Belisarius, that there should be no rub in his way to the Empire. Belisarius hereupon called the Commanders with the Ambassadors, and askt them, if they thought it not a matter of importance, to make all the Goths, and Vitigis the Emperours Captives; to share their wealth, and to recover all Italy to the Romans: They said, it would be an ex∣tream high fortune, and prayed him to effect it if he could. Presently Belisarius sent some of his favorites to Vitigis, and the cheife Goths, willing them to perform their offer immediatly. Indeed the Famin would not permit a put-off, but brought them to it; that again they sent Ambassadors with the former propositions openly, but privatly to take Belisarius oath for their indemnity, and that he would be King of Italy; and that done, to return into Ravenna with the Roman army. Concerning

the rest Belisarius gave oath; but touching the Kingdome, he said he would swear it to Vitigis and the Goths Commanders. The Ambassadors not thinking he would reject the Kingdome, but that he desired it above all things, prayed him forthwith to march into Ravenna. Belisarius sent away Narses, Aratius, Bessas and John, (whom he suspected to be worst affected to him) to quarter with their Troops in severall countryes, telling them he could not possibly bring into that city provisions for the whole army. They with Athanasius, Praefect of the Palace, lately come from Constantinople, went accordingly; & himself and the rest of the army entred Ravenna, with the Goths Ambassadors. He commanded also ships he had laded with Corn, to come into Esclae the haven for Ravenaa. When I saw the entrance of this army into Ravenna, I considered how actions are not concluded by valour, multitudes, or human virtue; but that some spirit steers the wits and judgments of men thither, where nothing can hinder the pre-ordained conclusion. The Goths had much the advan∣tage in numbers and power, and since they came to Ravenna had no battell, nor their courages dejected with any accident, yet they became prisoners, and thought it no shame to be slaves to fewer in number. The women (who had heard from their Husbands, that the Enemy were tall gallant men, and not to be numbred, scorned the Souldiers when they saw them in the City, and reviled their husbands cowardice, pointing at their conquerours.