A slave attended him, carrying a pouch filled with letters which had just been brought by two messengers from Syria.

Among them were some which must be answered without delay.

The Keeper of the Seal and the Exegetus were also waiting.

Their late visit was due to the necessity of holding a conference in relation to the measures to be adopted to calm the excited citizens.

All the galleys which had escaped from the battle had entered the harbour the day before, wreathed with garlands as if a great victory had been won.