to
Byzantium, where they had to be satisfied with an absurdly low price.
Their losses were so considerable, that they would have preferred to
have given the corn gratuitously to the public granaries, and even to
have paid twice as much. This burdensome duty was called Syn=on=e, or
provisioning the capital with corn from the provinces. But, as even
then the supply of corn was not sufficient for the needs of the city,
many complaints were made to the Emperor. At the same time the
soldiers, hardly any of whom had as yet received their pay, assembled
and created a great disturbance in the city. The Emperor appeared
greatly irritated against Peter, and resolved to deprive him of his
office, both for the reasons stated and also because it was reported
to him that he had amassed extraordinary wealth, which he kept hidden
away, by robbing the public treasury; and this in fact was the case.
But Theodora opposed her husband's intention, being exceedingly
enamoured of Barsyames, apparently on account of his evil character
and the remarkable cruelty with which he treated his subjects; for,
being herself exceedingly cruel and utterly inhuman, she was anxious
that the character of her agents should be in conformity with her own.
It is also said that Theodora, against her will, had been forced by
the enchantments of Barsyames to become his friend; for this man had
devoted great attention to sorcerers and supernatural beings, admired
the Manichaeans, and was not ashamed openly to profess himself their
supporter. Although the Empress was not ignorant of this, she did not
withdraw her favour, but resolved on this account to show even greater
interest and regard for him than before, for she herself also, from
her earliest years, had associated with sorcerers and magicians, since
her character and pursuits inclined her towards them. She had great
faith in their arts, and placed the greatest confidence in them. It is
even said that she did not render Justinian susceptible to her
influence so much by her flatteries as by the irresistible power of
evil spirits; for Justinian was not sufficiently kindly, or just, or
persistent in well-doing to be superior to such secret influence, but
was manifestly dominated by a thirst for blood and riches, and fell an
easy prey to those who deceived and flattered him. In undertakings
which needed the greatest attention, he changed his plans without any
reason and showed himself as light as the dust swept be