necessaries of life, and were exposed to the perils of the sea, of
sudden storms, or the attacks of sea-monsters. However, they regarded
the greatest misfortunes as of no importance, if only they had the
means of enjoying the pleasures of the court.




CHAPTER XVI


I will now relate how Theodora treated those who had offended her,
merely giving a few details, that I may not seem to have undertaken a
task without end.

When Amalasunta, as I have narrated in the earlier books, desiring to
abandon her connection with the affairs of the Goths, resolved to
change her manner of life, and to retire to Byzantium, Theodora,
considering that she was of illustrious descent and a princess, that
she was of singular beauty, and exceedingly active in forming plans to
carry out her wishes, was seized with suspicion of her distinguished
qualities and eminent courage, and at the same time with apprehensions
on account of her husband's fickleness. This made her exceedingly
jealous; and she determined to compass the death of her rival by
intrigue. She immediately persuaded the Emperor to send a man named
Peter, by himself, to Italy, as ambassador to her. On his setting out,
the Emperor gave him the instructions which I have mentioned in the
proper place, where it was impossible for me to inform my readers of
the truth, for fear of the Empress. The only order she gave the
ambassador was to compass the death of Amalasunta with all possible