thout having previously consulted Theodora, the unfortunate man soon
found himself deprived of his office, in the deepest disgrace, and
perished by a most dishonourable death. Justinian was speedy in the
conduct of business of all kinds, not only owing to his continual
sleeplessness (as has been mentioned before), but also by reason of
his easiness of temper, and, above all, his affability. For he allowed
people to approach him, although they were altogether obscure and
unknown; and the interview was not limited to mere admission to the
presence of the Emperor, but he permitted them to converse and
associate with him on confidential terms. With the Empress the case
was different; even the highest officials were not admitted until they
had waited a long time, and after a great deal of trouble. They all
waited patiently every day, like so many slaves, in a body, in a
narrow and stifling room; for the risk they ran if they absented
themselves was most serious. There they remained standing all the time
on tip-toe, each trying to keep his face above his fellow's, that the
eunuchs, as they came out, might see them. Some were invited to her
presence, but rarely, and after several days of attendance; when at
last they were admitted, they merely did obeisance to her, kissed both
her feet, and then hastily retired in great awe; for they were not
allowed to address her or to prefer any request except at her bidding;
so slavishly had the spirit of Roman society degenerated under the
instruction of Theodora, and to such a state of decay had the affairs
of the Empire sunk, partly in consequence of the too great apparent
easiness of the Emperor, partly owing to the harsh and peevish nature
of Theodora; for the easiness of the one was uncertain, while the
peevishness of the other hindered the transaction of public business.

There was this difference in their disposition and manner of life;
but, in their love of money, thirst of blood, and aversion to truth,
they were in perfect accord. They were, both of them, exceedingly
clever inventors of falsehoods; if any one of those who had incurred
the displeasure of Theodora was accused of any offence, however
trivial and unimportant, she immediately trumped up against him
charges with which he was in no way concerned, and greatly aggravated
the matter. A number of accusations were heard, and a court was
immediately appointed to put down and plunder the subjects; judges
were called together b