[The History of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon]@TWC D-Link book
The History of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

CHAPTER XLI: Conquests Of Justinian, Charact Of Balisarius
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At the same time, John the Sanguinary, [94] the nephew of Vitalian, was detached with two thousand chosen horse, first to Alba, on the Fucine Lake, and afterwards to the frontiers of Picenum, on the Hadriatic Sea.

"In the province," said Belisarius, "the Goths have deposited their families and treasures, without a guard or the suspicion of danger.

Doubtless they will violate the truce: let them feel your presence, before they hear of your motions.

Spare the Italians; suffer not any fortified places to remain hostile in your rear; and faithfully reserve the spoil for an equal and common partition.

It would not be reasonable," he added with a laugh, "that whilst we are toiling to the destruction of the drones, our more fortunate brethren should rifle and enjoy the honey." [Footnote 92: The old Capena was removed by Aurelian to, or near, the modern gate of St.Sebastian, (see Nolli's plan.) That memorable spot has been consecrated by the Egerian grove, the memory of Numa two umphal arches, the sepulchres of the Scipios, Metelli, &c.] [Footnote 93: The expression of Procopius has an invidious cast, (Goth.
l.ii.c.


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