The Alexiad
by
Anna Comnena (Komnene)
Edited and translated by Elizabeth A. Dawes.
London: Routledge, Kegan, Paul, 1928.
BOOK IX
Turkish War : Dalmatian Interlude (1092-1094) : Conspiracy of Nicephorus Diogenes
(1094)
I In this wise the Emperor settled the affairs of John and Gregory Gabras;
then he started from Philippopolis and visited the valleys lying between Dalmatia
and our territory. He traversed the whole narrow mountain ridge of what is locally
called the “Zygum,” but not on horseback (for the nature of the ground did not
allow of this as it was rugged and full of gullies and here and there thickly
wooded and almost impassable). So he made his way on foot all along and examined
everything with his own eyes; in order that no unguarded comer, through which
the enemy could easily force an entrance, should escape notice. In some places
he had trenches dug; and in others towers erected made of wood; also wherever
the site permitted he ordered small forts to be constructed of bricks or stone
while he himself measured out the distance between them, and their size; in some
spots too he had exceedingly tall trees felled at the root and laid across the
path. After having thus fully blocked the enemy’s means of ingress, he returned
to the capital. Now all this planning probably sounds but a slight thing when
told like this, but many of the Emperor’s companions on that occasion are still
alive and testify to the hard work and fatigue that journey caused him.
A short time afterwards very accurate information about the doings of Tzachas
was brought to him, which was that none of his defeats by land and sea had caused
him to abandon his former hope, but that he had adopted the insignia of an Emperor,
styled himself Emperor, inhabited Smyrna as if it were his palace, and was now
equipping a fleet with which to devastate the islands again and push on to Byzantium,
and if anyhow possible, to have himself exalted to the imperial eminence. As these
tidings received confirmation daily, the Emperor recognized that he must not lose
heart nor show cowardice in face of them, but push on his preparations during
what remained of the summer and the ensuing winter, [215] and then in the following
spring start a vigorous campaign against him and endeavour by all possible means
to dash to pieces all that man’s dreams, plans, hopes and enterprises, and to
drive him out of Smyrna as well, and rescue from his power all the places he had
already seized. Accordingly when the winter was already far spent and spring with
its smiles was near, he sent to Epidanmus for his brother-in-law, John Ducas,
and appointed him ‘Great Duke’ of the Fleet. He gave him a picked army of landsmen
and ordered him to make the journey against Tzachas by land, and to entrust Constantine
Dalassenus with the command of the fleet with orders to sail along the coast so
that they might arrive at Mitylene at the same time, and start the war with Tzachas
conjointly by land and sea. When Ducas reached Mitylene he at once had wooden
towers built, and then, using that town as a base of operations, he began a vigorous
campaign against the barbarians. Now Tzachas had left his brother Galabatzes in
command of the garrison at Mitylene and, knowing that the latter had insufficient
troops for fighting against such a famous warrior, he hastened back thither, formed
a plan of operations and opened battle with Ducas. While the battle was at its
height night put an end to it.
From that day on throughout three of the moon’s revolutions Ducas never failed
to attack the walls of Mitylene daily nor to engage Tzachas in brilliant conflicts
from the rising of the sun to its setting. And yet Ducas gained no advantage from
his continual toil. The Emperor grew impatient and annoyed at the news. One day
he questioned a soldier who was on leave from the front and found out that Ducas
did nothing but fight and fight. Then he asked at what hour of the day they commenced
battle with Tzachas; the soldier replied, ” Directly after sunrise.” The Emperor
next enquired, “Which of the two armies faces the East? and the soldier answered,
” Ours.” From that he understood the reason, for he often found the clue in some
unconsidered trifle. So he drew up a letter for Ducas advising him to refrain
from battle with Tzachas at dawn, and not to fight one against two, i.e. against
the sun’s rays as well as against Tzachas himself ; but to attack his adversaries
when the sun had passed the meridian and was inclining towards the West. He handed
the letter to the soldier with many recommendations about it, and finally said
emphatically, ” If you attack your adversaries when the sun has turned, you will
at once be the victors.” The soldier reported everything to Ducas [216] and as
the latter never disregarded the Emperor’s advice even in the smallest matter,
the next day when the barbarians as usual drew up their lines, none of their opponents
appealed. For the Roman troops were remaining quietly in camp according to the
Emperor’s suggestion, so the barbarians gave up hope of any battle that day, and
laid down their arms and stayed where they were. But Ducas was not idle; when
the sun reached the meridian, he and the whole army got under arms. As soon as
the sun began to turn, he formed up his lines and with war cries and tremendous
shouting rushed upon the barbarians. However Tzachas was not found unprepared
for he quickly had his men fully armed and joined battle with the Roman lines.
A very strong wind was blowing at the time and when the battle became very close
the dust was whirled in clouds right up to heaven. And thus, firstly because they
had the sun shining in their faces, and secondly because the wind somewhat obscured
their sight owing to the dust, and also because the Romans drove on the attack
more vigorously than ever, the barbarians were utterly discomfited and fled. After
this battle Tzachas felt he could not endure the siege any longer and was too
weak for continuous fighting, and therefore sued for peace, making only one stipulation
that he should be allowed to sail to Smyrna unmolested. Ducas agreed to this,
and retained two of the chief satraps as hostages; whereupon the other asked Ducas
for hostages, and on condition that Tzachas on his side would not do injury to
any of the Mityleneans before leaving, nor carry any of them away with him on
his voyage to Smyrna, and that Ducas on his side would guarantee him a safe voyage
to Smyrna, Ducas gave him Alexander Euphorbenus and Manuel Butumites; both fond
of war, and brave men. After giving mutual assurances, the one felt relieved because
Tzachas would not injure the Mityleneans before leaving and the other because
he would not suffer ill usage from the Roman fleet on his journey. But ‘the crab
never learns to walk straight,’ no more did Tzachas depart from his former villainy,
for he attempted to carry off all the Mityleneans together with their wives and
children. While he was arranging this, Constantine Dalassenus, now ‘Thalassocrator,’
who had up till then not arrived as Ducas had ordered, brought his ships to anchor
near a promontory and when he heard what was going on, he went and asked Ducas
for permission to engage in battle with Tzachas. But Ducas, respecting his recently
pledged word, demurred for a while. However, Dalassenus [217] insisted saying,
“you gave an oath but I was not present, so do you keep your promises unbroken,
but as I neither swore nor was present and know nothing of what you two arranged
between you, I shall now strip myself for combat against Tzachas.” So when Tzachas
weighed anchor, and without delay sailed straight for Smyrna, Dalassenus overtook
him very quickly, and at once attacked and chased him, Ducas too managed to capture
the rest of Tzachas’ fleet as it was raising anchor, and thus secured the ships
and rescued from the barbarians all the prisoners of war and other captives in
them. Dalassenus took a number of Tzachas’ pirate vessels, and had everybody in
them, rowers and all, put to death. And probably Tzachas himself would have been
captured too, had he not with native shrewdness foreseen what was coming and boarded
one of the lighter boats, and thus, unsuspected and unseen, got safely away. He
had imagined something of this kind might happen to him, and had therefore arranged
beforehand for some Turks to stand on a certain headland and watch until he either
reached Smyrna safely or, if he fell in with the enemy, steered his ship towards
them as toward a saf e refuge. Nor did he fail in his object for he anchored his
ship there, joined the Turks who were waiting for him, and made for Smyrna. And
in very truth he reached it. Dalassenus returned victorious and joined the Great
Duke. After securing Mitylene and seeing that Dalassenus was also returning (home),
Ducas dispatched the greater part of the Roman fleet to free the islands still
held by Tzachas (for he had previously brought a large number into subjection).
Then he took Samos and a few other islands off-hand, and afterwards returned to
the capital.
II Within a few days, the Emperor heard that Calyces had rebelled and seized
Crete, and Rhapsomates Cyprus, so he dispatched John Ducas against them with a
large fleet. When the Cretans learnt that Ducas had reached Carpathus, which they
knew was not far off, they attacked Calyces, murdered him cruelly and then surrendered
Crete to the Great Duke. Ducas organized the administration of the island and
left an adequate garrison for its protection, and then sailed down to Cyprus.
As soon as he had run his ships ashore, he took Cyrene at first assault, and Rhapsomates
informed of this, made great preparations to oppose him. Consequently he left
Levcosia, occupied the heights behind Cyrene and fixed his palisades there, but
refused battle, for [218 he was ignorant of war and unversed in generalship. For
the right thing would have been to fall upon the Romans whilst they were unprepared.
But Rhapsomates put off the battle for some time, not really for the purpose of
preparing for the clash of arms as if he were not ready (on the contrary he was
well prepared and could have engaged in battle at once, had he wished); but he
acted like one who did not wish to risk an engagement at any time, but had taken
up war as children do at play and went about it softly, he kept sending envoys
to the Romans as if expecting to entice them over by honeyed words. And I fancy
he did this through his ignorance of warfare. (For I have been told that he had
only recently handled spear and sword and did not even know how to mount a horse
and if by chance he mounted and wanted to ride, he was seized with fright and
dizziness, so utterly inexperienced was Rhapsomates in military experience.) It
was either for this reason or because the sudden advent of the imperial troops
had overwhelmed him, that his mind was in this state of uncertainty. Consequently
when he did hazard an engagement, with a kind of despondency, the result did not
turn out well for him. For Butumites had won over some of the deserters from Rhapsomates’
army and enlisted them in his own. A few days later Rhapsomates drew up his troops
and offered battle marching slowly down the steep hillside. When the armies were
only a short distance apart, a portion of Rhapsomates’ army, numbering about one
hundred, detached itself and galloped at full speed to attack Ducas apparently,
but they turned the tips of their spears backwards and went over to him. On seeing
this Rhapsomates at once turned tail and slacking his reins fled toward Nemesus,
hoping to reach that town and find a vessel which would convey him to Syria and
to safety. But Manuel Butumites was following fast behind him. So hard pressed
by him and foiled in his hope, he reached the mountain on the other side and sought
refuge in the church, built of old, to the name of the Holy Cross. Then Butumites
(to whom Ducas had assigned this pursuit) captured him there, promised him his
life and took him back with him to the Great Duke. Afterwards they all moved on
to Levcosia and after receiving the submission of the whole island, they secured
it as far as their means permitted and sent a full account of all these doings
to the Emperor by letter. The Emperor appreciated their efforts and decided he
must take steps to secure Cyprus. For this reason he nominated [219] Calliparius
as judge and assessor; he was (not) one of the nobles, but had a high reputation
for just dealing and incorruptibility, combined with modesty. The island also
needed a military governor, so he appointed Philocales Eumathius as Stratopedarch,
assigning the protection of it to him, and gave him ships of war and cavalry with
which to guard Cyprus, both by land and sea. Butumites conducted Rhapsomates and
the other ‘Immortals’ who had joined him in rebellion and returned with them to
Ducas, and thus made his way to the capital.
III Such were the events which took place in the islands, I mean Cyprus and
Crete.
Tzachas, however, was too fond of war, and too energetic to be able to keep
quiet, and therefore attacked Smyrna after a short interval and took possession
of it. And once again he began carefully to equip pirate-ships,’dromons,’ biremes
and triremes, and other kinds of lighter vessels, still in pursuit of his former
aim. On being informed of this the Emperor did not delay or hesitate, but determined
to defeat him utterly by land and sea. So he elected Constantine Dalassenus ‘Thalassocrator’
and sent him on this occasion with the whole fleet to oppose Tzachas. He also
ihought it would be useful to rouse the Sultan to anger against him; and his letter
to the latter ran as follows: “Most glorious Sultan Clitziasthlan, you know that
the rank of Sultan is yours by heredity. Now your kinsman by marriage, Tzachas,
is preparing war to all seeming against the Roman Empire, and calls himself Emperor,
but this is only a transparent pretence. For he is too worldly wise and well informed
not to see that the Roman Empire is not for him, and that it would be impossible
for him ever to grasp its sceptre. His whole mischievous device is really planned
against you. It is your duty therefore not to bear with him, and not be dilatory,
but rather to wake up if you do not wish to be deprived of your kingdom. I for
my part will, with God’s help, drive him out of the countries under the Roman
jurisdiction, and in my affection for you, I adjure you, on your side, to take
thought for your kingdom and power, and bring that man into subjection, either
by peaceful methods, or, if he rejects those, then by the sword.” Whilst these
preparations were made by the Emperor, Tzachas travelled to Abydos with his troops
overland and besieged it with engines and various stone-throwing machines. He
had not got his pirate ships with him for they were not yet fully equipped. [220]
Dalassenus, a man ever keen for adventure and full of courage, kept along the
road leading to Abydos with his troops.
Directly the Sultan, Chtziasthlan, received the news sent him by the Emperor,
he at once set to work, and started on the road to Tzachas with his whole army.
For such are all the barbarians ever ready for massacre and war. As the Sultan
drew nigh, Tzachas felt very helpless, for he saw foes advancing against him by
land and sea, whereas he had not a boat anywhere, for the ships he was building
were not yet fitted out, and his forces were insufficient for fighting both against
a Roman army and that of his kinsman, the Sultan Clitziasthlan. He was also afraid
of the inhabitants and garrison of Abydos, and therefore judged it wise to interview
the Sultan, not knowing of the intrigue started against him by the Emperor. The
Sultan on beholding him shewed him a cheerful countenance and received him graciously
and had a table set before him according to custom, supped with him and obliged
Tzachas to drink somewhat too hard. When he saw that the latter was full of wine,
he drew his sword and drove it into his side. Thus Tzachas fell dead where he
sat ; and the Sultan sent an embassy to the Emperor to arrange peace for the future.
And he did not fail to secure his aim. The Emperor consented to his request and,
after the terms of peace had been completed in the customary manner, calm was
restored in all the maritime provinces.
IV The Emperor had scarcely been relieved of these anxieties, and had not cleared
off all the ill-effects caused by Tzachas (for though he was not always present
in person, yet he participated and co-operated in all the arrangements and difficulties),
before he was hurried into another war.
For now Bolcanus (who ruled over the whole of Dalmatia, and was active in speech
and in deed) marched out of his own borders and proceeded to devastate the towns
and lands around and actually seized Lipenium itself, set fire to it and burned
it down-this was when the sun had twice completed its circuit since the destruction
of the Scythians. On receipt of these tidings the Emperor thought them unbearable,
so gathered together a considerable army and marched to meet the Serbians along
the direct road to Lipenium (this is a small fort lying at the foot of the Zygum,
which separates Dalmatia from our territory). He wished if possible to encounter
Bolcanus and engage him in a pitched battle and afterwards, if God granted him
victory, to rebuild Lipenium and the other forts and restore things to their former
state. [221] But Bolcanus, hearing of the Emperor’s advent, moved away from there
and occupied Sphentzanium, which is a fort situated above the Zygum, just mentioned,
in the borderland between the Roman boundaries and Dalmatia. However, when the
Emperor had occupied Scopia, Bolcanus sent envoys with overtures of peace, and
absolved himself from all blame for the evil happenings, but laid it all on the
Roman satraps by saying, “They are never willing to remain within their own frontiers,
but have made frequent inroads which have entailed a great deal of loss on Serbia.
I myself will never do anything of the kind again, but will return to my country,
send hostages from among my own kinsmen to your Majesty, and not overstep my boundaries
again.” To this the Emperor agreed, and leaving behind him men appointed to rebuild
the ruined towns and receive the hostages, packed up for his return to the capital.
However, Bolcanus when asked for the hostages did not produce them but put
the matter off from day to day, and before a full year had passed, he had again
marched out to ravage the Roman territory. And, although he received several letters
from the Emperor reminding him of the treaty and the promises he had previously
made him, he refused even then to fulfil them. Consequently the Emperor summoned
John, the son of his brother, the Sebastocrator, and sent him forth against Bolcanus
with a large force. Now John, being ignorant of war and lusting for battle, like
all young men, started, and after crossing the river of Lipenium pitched his palisades
by the foothills of the Zygum, directly opposite Sphentzanium. His movements were
not unnoticed by Bolcanus, who again sent to sue for peace, and promised that
he would both give the hostages and also keep absolute peace with the Romans from
that time forth. These, however, were only empty promises, in secret he was getting
ready to attack John. When Bolcanus actually took the road against John, a monk
ran ahead and revealed his design to John and assured him that Bolcanus was already
close by. But John dismissed him in anger, calling him a liar and deceiver; however
facts quickly proved the truth of his words. For Bolcanus fell upon him in the
night, killing many of his soldiers in their tents, and others, fleeing as best
they could, were caught in the eddies of the downward rushing river and drowned.
Those of more stable character meanwhile posted themselves round John’s tent,
and with great difficulty saved it by courageous fighting on the spot. [222] In
this way the greater part of the Roman army perished. Bolcanus collected his own
men and retired and took up his position on the Zygum at Sphentzanium. John’s
men were so few when compared with their foes that they could not possibly fight
them, and therefore counselled him to recross the river. They did this and reached
Lipenium, about twelve stades further on. As he had lost most of his men, and
could no longer offer any resistance, John made his way to the capital. Thereupon
Bolcanus grew bold, as no opponent was left, and devastated the surrounding lands
and towns; laid the country outside Scopia in ruins and even burnt some of it.
As if this was not enough, he even seized Polobus, and proceeding to Branea laid
that all waste, carried off a tremendous amount of plunder from it and then returned
to his own country.
V These tidings were too bad to be borne by the Emperor, who at once armed
himself again, and certainly required no urging, not even from the flute-player
Timotheus, for whose Orthian march Alexander waited. The Emperor, I say, armed
himself and called to arms all the soldiers who were in the capital, and took
in haste the road leading straight to Dalmatia. He wished to rebuild the forts
which had just been ruined, to put matters on their former footing and to exact
abundant retribution from Bolcanus for the evil he had done. So he started from
the capital, reached Daphnutium (an old town about forty stades distant from Constantinople),
and there halted waiting for those of his kinsmen who had not yet arrived. The
next 41ay Diogenes Nicephorus came, full of anger and haughtiness ; but, as usual,
he wore a mask, and had put on, as one might say, a fox-skin, for he assumed a
cheerful countenance and pretended to be behaving frankly with the Emperor. And
his tent he did not have pitched at the usual distance from the Emperor’s sleeping-tent,
but close to the slope leading to the Emperor’s. Now Manuel Philocales noticed
this, for none of Diogenes’ schemings ever escaped him, and as if struck by lightning
he stood there all shrivelled up. He collected his wits with difficulty, at once
went in to the Emperor and said, ” This act does not seem free from suspicion
to me, and I am oppressed by the fear that an attempt will be made on your Majesty’s
life at night. I will make some excuse or other, and arrange to make him move
from that spot.” But the Emperor with his habitual imperturbability refused to
allow Philocales to do this, and when the latter continued to urge him, he said,
“Let it be, [223] we must not let the man have any grievance against us. It he
is plotting against us, he must be proved guilty in the sight of God and men.”
Philocales went away distressed, beating his hands together and calling the Emperor
rash. A few hours passed and the Emperor was sleeping peacefully at the Empress’
side, when about the middle watch of the night Diogenes got up, placed his sword
under his arm, stepped to the threshold (of the Emperor’s tent) and stood there.
For while the Emperor slept, the doors were not bolted nor did a guard keep watch
outside – so much for the Emperor’s habits. On his side Nicephorus was at that
moment checked in his undertaking by some divine power. For he saw a maid fanning
their Majesties to drive away the mosquitoes from their faces, and ‘was seized
with a sudden tremor in all his limbs, while pallor overspread his cheeks,’ as
the poet says, and he suspended the murder till another day. This man continued
plotting the Emperor’s death without disguise, while the latter was fully aware
of what Diogenes had plotted against him for in the morning the maid came to him
and related the whole occurrence. Consequently he moved on from that place the
next day, and began the journey before him, all the time pretending to know nothing,
but so arranging matters about Nicephorus, that, whilst he was on his guard himself,
he yet did not give the other any reasonable occasion [for complaint].
When they came into the region of Serres, Constantine Ducas Porphyrogenitus,
who was accompanying the Emperor, begged him to come and be his guest at his estate,
which was very delightful and well-watered by cool, drinkable springs, and had
sufficient rooms for the Emperor’s reception (its name was Pentegostis). The Emperor
yielded to his wish and went and stayed with him. But when he wanted to leave
next morning the Porphyrogenitus would not allow it, but besought him to wait
a little longer until he had recovered from the fatigue of the journey and cleansed
his body of dust by bathing. For he had already made preparations for a great
banquet; so the Emperor again gave way to the Porphyrogenitus. Diogenes Nicepborus
with his old aspirations after sovereignty heard that the Emperor had bathed and
left the bathroom, and as he was ever watching for an opportunity to assassinate
him, he girt on his short sword and went into the house as if returning from the
chase as usual. However, Taticius, who had long known of his intentions, saw him
and pushed him out with the reprimand, [224] “Why do you come in here in this
disorderly fashion and wearing your sword? this is the hour for bathing, not for
a journey, or the chase or a battle.” So the other retired foiled in his purpose.
But apprehending that he was already detected (for our conscience tries us severely),
he considered how to ensure his own safety by flight, and escape to the Empress
Maria’s properties in Christopolis, either to Pemicus or Petritzus, and then to
rearrange his life carefully according to circumstances. For before this the Princess
Maria had interested herself in him because on the mother’s side he was the brother
of her husband, Michael Ducas, the former Emperor, although they had had different
fathers. The Emperor departed from Constantine’s house on the third day, and left
him behind there to rest as he was afraid for the delicate and inexperienced youth
who had on this occasion left his own country for the first time to take part
in an expedition; besides this he was the only son of his mother. And in his great
concern for the youth the Emperor allowed him to enjoy an easy life with his Queen
Mother, at the same time he loved him exceedingly just as if he were his own child.
VI To prevent my history growing confused, I will relate the story of Diogenes
Nicephorus from the beginning. The manner in which his father, Romanus, was raised
to the imperial dignity and how he came to his end, has already been treated of
by several historians, and those who wish can glean all about him from those books.
In any case he died when his sons Leo and Nicephorus were still children; and
from the beginning of his own reign, Alexius took them over as private persons
instead of princes (for at his accession to the throne Michael, although he was
their own brother, had taken away their red sandals and their diadem and condemned
them to banishment in the monastery Cyperoudes with their mother, the Empress
Eudocia). Alexius deemed the young men worthy of much consideration, partly because
he pitied them for their misfortunes, and partly because he saw they surpassed
others in their physical beauty and strength. The first down was showing on their
cheeks and chins, they were tan and their breadth was in right proportion to their
height; they exhaled the very bloom of youth; and to all who were not blinded
by prejudice their very appearance proclaimed their high spirits and bravery,
for they were like lion-cubs.
Moreover, as Alexius did not judge superficially, nor was blind to the truth,
nor a prey to reprehensible passions, but weighed facts in the well-balanced scale
of his conscience [225] and remembered the height from which the two had fallen
he took them to his bosom as if they were his own children. Was there any kind
word or deed he did not give them? or did he ever neglect their future ? and yet
envy cast its arrows at them and would not let them rest. And if people tried
to incite him against them, the Emperor granted them his protection all the more,
always gave them pleasant looks as if priding himself upon them, and consistently
advised them to their advantage. Another, perhaps, would have regarded them as
objects of suspicion and done his best to chase them out of his kingdom by some
means or other; but this Emperor thought nothing of the many tales brought him
about the young men for he loved them dearly; and he also bestowed gifts on their
mother Eudocia and did not deprive her of the prerogatives due to queens. And
to Nicephorus he actually gave the island of Crete to rule and to have as his
private property. That was how the Emperor behaved; now of the two young men,
the one, Leo, was of a good disposition and liberal mind, and seeing the Emperor’s
kindness to them both, he was content with his lot and rested happily in his condition
according to the advice of the writer: ‘You have obtained Sparta by lot, make
the best of her.’ Nicephorus, on the contrary, ill-tempered and of a wrathful
disposition, never ceased scheming against the Emperor and plotting to gain the
throne; however, he kept his plans I under water.’ But when he really set to work,
he spoke more frankly to a few companions, and thus a great many persons came
to hear of it; and through them it also got to the Emperor’s ears. The Emperor,
however, acting in an original manner, would send for them at suitable times and
never tell what he had heard, but would talk to them cleverly and give them timely
counsel. And the more he grew to know of the conspiracy, the more generously he
behaved towards them, hoping thus to win them over. But an Ethiopian never turned
white.’ So Nicephorus remained the same and imparted the contagion to all he approached,
binding some to him by oaths and others by promises. He did not trouble much about
the rank and file of the army, for all of them were already well-inclmed to him;
but turned his attention entirely to the grandees and paid great heed to the chief
officers of the army and the leading men in the Senate and courted them. For he
was keener witted than a two-edged sword, but unstable throughout, except that
in his desire to be Emperor he displayed immutability. His [226] words were as
sweet as honey and he was pleasant in society, occasionally clothing himself in
humility as if it were a fox-skin, and then again shewing his courage like a lion;
he was powerful and boasted that be could wrestle with the Giants; his skin was
tawny, his chest broad and he stood taller by the head and shoulders than the
men of that time. If anyone saw him playing ball, or riding, or shooting an arrow
or brandishing his spear or indulging in horse-exercise, he would imagine he was
looking at a new marvel, stand gaping and be all but transfixed with wonder. For
this reason above an he attracted the goodwill of the populace. In the meanwhile
matters were advancing so fast in accordance with his desires that he even tried
to win over the man married to the Emperor’s sister, namely, Michael Taronites
who had been honoured with the title of ‘ Panhypersebastos.’
VII But I must bring back my story to the point where it broke off, and keep
it within the due lines of narration. After he had discovered Diogenes’ conspiracy
against him, the Emperor went over events in his mind and recalled how from the
very beginning of his reign he had treated the two brothers; how much kindness
and solicitude he had expended on them for so many years, and, as nothing of all
this had changed Nicephorus’ disposition for the better, he felt very despondent.
For the Emperor reviewed all the facts, namely, how after his first failure Nicephorus
had tried again, and how he had been repulsed by Taticius ; how he was whetting
his murderous weapon and was eager to defile his hands in innocent blood, and
that after lying, in wait for a while and watching by night to accomplish the
murder he was now pursuing this object quite undisguisedly.
The Emperor was deeply troubled by these various reflections. ‘He was not at
all anxious to prosecute Diogenes, because be liked him exceedingly and had a
sincere affection for him, yet looking at things in general and understanding
how far the evil would go, recognizing too that he stood in imminent danger of
his life, he was stricken in heart. Finally, summing up everything, he judged
it wise to arrest Nicephorus. The latter was preparing his meditated escape and,
wishing to start on his way to Christopolis during the night, sent to Constantine
Porphyrogenitus in the evening and begged him to lend him the swift steed the
Emperor had given him. However, Constantine refused, saying it was impossible
to give away a gift from the Emperor of such value to another the very same day.
In the morning when the Emperor started [227] on his projected journey, Diogenes
followed in his train, for God who scattereth plans and setteth at naught the
decisions of nations, confounded this man too, who, though intent on escape, deferred
it from hour to hour – such are the judgments of God. So he encamped near Serres,
where the Emperor was also, and buried himself in his usual reflections that he
was already detected and must fear the future. The Emperor then summoned his brother,
the Great Domestic, Adrian, on the evening when the commemoration of the Great
Martyr, Theodore, was being held. And he communicated to him again all the facts
about Diogenes which the other already knew, namely how he had come in with his
sword, how he had been turned away from the door, and how he was waiting anxious
to accomplish the deed he had planned so long. Then the Emperor enjoined the Domestic
to summon Diogenes to his own tent and by gentle words and all manner of promises
to try to persuade him to divulge the whole conspiracy, and to assure him of immunity
and forgiveness in the future for his wrong doing, on the sole condition that
he concealed nothing, and also confessed the names of all his fellow conspirators.
And Adrian, though fall of despondency, did as he was bid. So he tried threats
and promises and advice in turn, yet could not induce Diogenes to reveal even
a little of his plot. And what was the result? the Great Domestic grew sorrowful
and troubled, as he knew into what dangers Diogenes was running. And before this
time Diogenes had secured him as husband for the youngest of his stepsisters.
For this reason he would not let him go, but besought him even with tears; yet
even so he could not move him at all, although he urged him and reminded him of
incidents of past days. For one day when the Emperor was playing polo in the riding-school
of the Great Palace, a barbarian of Armenian or Turkish descent, came in with
a sword hidden in his clothes. When the man saw the Emperor draw apart from the
other players and drop the reins to breathe his panting horse, he approached the
Emperor, fell on his knees and pretended to make a petition. The Emperor immediately
drew back his horse and enquired what his request was. Then the murderer, rather
than suppliant, put his hand under his cloak, took hold of his sword and tried
to draw it from its scabbard. But the sword did not obey his hand. Once or twice
he pulled at his sword whilst stammering forth imaginary petitions, then in despair
threw himself on the ground and lay there begging for mercy. The Emperor [228]
turned his horse to him and asked for what he was craving forgiveness, and the
man pointed to his sword fixed in its sheath; at the same time he beat his breast
in amazement and shouted out these words, ” Now I recognize thee as a true servant
of God, now I behold with mine own eyes that the great God protects thee. For
this sword here I prepared for thy murder, I fetched it from home and came here
to plunge it into thy heart. Once, twice, nay thrice, I pulled at it but could
not make it obey the strength of my arm.” And the Emperor, just as if he had not
heard anything strange, had stayed in the same position unalarmed; suddenly all
the others ran up to him either to hear what was being said or in alarm. The Emperor’s
more loyal companions were about to tear the man to pieces, had not the Emperor
checked them by gesture and hand and many expostulations. And what was the end
of the matter? that soldier-assassin obtained full pardon on the spot, and not
only pardon but large gifts as well; and in addition he was allowed to enjoy his
freedom. However, many of the, King’s friends were importunate in their demands
that this assassin should be driven out of the capital; but the Emperor would
not listen and quoted, ” Except the Lord keep the city, the watchmen wake but
in vain. Therefore we must pray to God and ask Him to be our protection and guard.”
At that time it was whispered abroad that the man had attempted the Emperor’s
life with the connivance of Diogenes. The Emperor did not give any credence to
these stories, but became more angered by them, and continued being patient with
Diogenes and pretended to know nothing until the point of the sword was literally
almost touching his throat. So much of this. After the Great Domestic had reminded
Diogenes of this and yet could not persuade him, he returned to the Emperor and
told him that Diogenes was obstinate, and absolutely refused to speak in spite
of his many entreaties.
VIII Then the Emperor sent for Mouzaces and told him to take other armed men
with him and fetch Diogenes from the Great Domestic’s tent and conduct him to
his own and keep him safely there though without applying fetters or any other
ill-treatment. And Mouzaces instantly executed this command; fetched Diogenes
and took him to his own tent. And the whole night through he entreated and exhorted
him, but so fax from persuading him he even found him behaving rudely, and consequently
grew very angry and was provoked to act contrary to his orders. For he [229] thought
fit to torture him and when he began the torture, Diogenes gave way at the very
first touch of pain and asseverated that he would admit everything, so he at once
freed him from his chains and sent for a scribe with his style, and the scribe
was Gregory Camaterus, who had lately been engaged as under-secretary to the Emperor.
And Diogenes related everything in detail and did not even gloss over the attempted
murder. In the morning Mouzaces took this written confession, and other papers
addressed to Diogenes which he had found on him as a result of search. From these
papers it was evident that the Empress Maria herself had known of Diogenes’ attempted
rebellion, though she would not entertain the idea of the Emperor’s assassination
even for a moment, but had diligently sought. to divert Diogenes not only from
the deed itself, but from the mere thought of it – these papers Mouzaces carried
to the Emperor. He read them through and on finding the names of a number he had
suspected written down there – and these were all men of high position – he was
at a loss how to act. For of a truth Diogenes never troubled much about the common
people, for he had them gaping after him with all their soul and well-disposed
to him for a long time; but he had studied to win over all the leading men of
the military and political parties. Now the Emperor determined that the Empress
Maria’s connection with this matter should not be brought to light so he really
played the part of ‘the man who knows nothing throughout, because of the trust
and confidence he had had in her even before he was elected Emperor. It was rumoured
everywhere that the Prince Constantine Porphyrogenitus, her son, had informed
the Emperor of Diogenes’ plot, though the fact of the matter was not so; for the
details of the plot had gradually leaked out from the men who were assisting Diogenes.
After Diogenes had been detected, put into chains and banished, the leading
men in his conspiracy who had not already been arrested, knew that they had become
objects of suspicion and grew very nervous and anxious about their course of action.
The Emperor’s friends, perceiving their agitated condition, felt that they themselves
were in a difficult situation, for they realized that the Emperor was hardly pressed
and that danger was constantly hovering over his head, as for protection he could
now only rely on a circumscribed few. The Emperor kept revolving everything from
the beginning in his mind, the many occasions Diogenes had plotted against [230]
him and been thwarted by the Divine power, and the fact that he had actually tried
to murder him with his own hand, and he became very troubled by these numerous
recollections. He changed his mind ever so often, for he recognized that the entire
military and political bodies had been corrupted by Diogenes’ blandishments and
he had not sufficient soldiers to set a guard over so many, nor of a surety did
he wish to mutilate a multitude of people, so finally he banished the ringleaders
Diogenes and Catacalon Cecaumenos to Caesaropolis. Here they were simply to be
kept in detention in chains for he did not meditate practising any cruelty on
them although everybody advised him to have them mutilated (for he had a special
liking for Diogenes and still clung to his former care for him). He also banished
his sister’s husband, Michael Taronites, as well as . . . and confiscated their
property. As for all the others he thought the safest course would be not to subject
them to examination at all, but rather to soften their hearts by forgiving them.
In the evening each one of those condemned to banishment heard the place allotted
to him, and Diogenes got Caesaropolis. Of the others not a single one was moved
from his own home but they all remained where they were.
IX While matters were in this unhappy condition, the Emperor decided to bold
a public assembly the next day and carry out his intention. All of the Emperor’s
relations by blood or marriage, who were sincerely devoted to him, and all his
ancestral retainers were present then, men of fierce passions, quick to see at
a glance what was likely to happen and shrewd in accomplishing what was expedient
in inconsiderable time. These were afraid that amidst the popular concourse on
the morrow a few men might make a dash at the Emperor and cut him to pieces on
the throne, as men often carried their swords under their garments, as that rascal
did who in guise of suppliant came to him when he was playing polo. (The only
way to meet this difficulty seemed to be to strip the people of all the hopes
they had centred on Diogenes by spreading abroad a rumour that he had been secretly
blinded.) So they collected and sent out a few men to impart this news as a secret
to everybody, although such an idea had never yet entered the Emperor’s mind.
And this report, though slight at first, yet proceeded to do its work, as my story
will soon make clear. When the sun bad stepped over the horizon and leapt up in
his glory, those of the Emperor’s suite who had not been parties to [231] Diogenes’
treachery, and the soldiers who from of old were his appointed bodyguard, came
to the Emperor’s tent first, some wearing swords, others carrying spears or their
heavy iron axes on their shoulders and ranged themselves in the form of a crescent
at a certain distance from his throne, embracing him as it were; they were all
under the sway of anger, and if they did not whet their swords, they certainly
did their souls. ‘Me body of his kinsmen and connections stood close to the throne,
and to the right and left of those were the armour-bearers. The Emperor sat, an
imposing figure, on his seat, clad in military, rather than imperial, garb, but
did not seem to be seated very high, as his stature was not tall. But his throne
was overlaid with gold, and gold too was above his head. His brows were drawn
together, and emotion had dyed his cheeks a deeper red, his eyes, tense with anxiety,
were an index to the thoughts that filled his mind. All crowded towards the tent,
in a state of fear, and by reason of their terror were almost constrained to belch
forth their souls into thin air, some were pricked by their conscience more sharply
than by an arrow, while others dreaded vain suspicion. Not a sound was uttered
by anybody, but they all stood scared, looking fixedly at the man standing guard
at the door of the tent. This man was wise in speech and powerful in action and
his name was Taticius. The Emperor glanced at this man and by his look signified
to him to let the people outside enter. Whereupon he at once granted them entrance.
And in spite of being frightened they came in with their eyes averted and walking
slowly. When they had taken up their positions in rows, they waited eagerly for
what would happen, each afraid and feeling as if he were about to run the last
lap of his life’s course.
The Emperor himself was not altogether at his ease (I speak humanly, without
regard to the fact that he trusted every thing to God), for considering the mixed
character of the meeting he feared that they might be meditating some unforeseen
and horrible thing against him. However he composed himself by vigorous reasoning
and once he had braced himself to the struggle lie began his speech to them (whilst
they stood more dumb even than fish, as if their tongues had been cut out). He
said, “You know that Diogenes never suffered any ill-treatment at my hands. For
it was not I that snatched the sceptre of this Empire from his father’s hand,
but another ; nor have I ever done anything to cause him hurt or pain. And when
this Empire was transferred to my hands by the [232] entire will of God, not only
did I guard him and his brother alike, but I loved and treated them like my own
children. And as often as I have detected Nicephorus plotting against me, so often
have I granted him pardon. And although he would not better his ways, I bore with
him and concealed most of his outbursts against me, being aware of the general
dislike in which they were held. Yet not one of my kind deeds towards him has
changed his naturally treacherous disposition, but in return for all of them he
decreed my death.” At these words all broke into shouts crying that they did not
wish to see another man in his place on the imperial throne. This was not the
true feeling of the majority. but they made fawning speeches as they were devising
by these means to escape from the immediate danger. The emperor grasped the opportunity
by the forelock and granted a general pardon to the majority, because the ringleaders
of the plot had previously been condemned to banishment. At this a mighty noise
arose, such as no ears have heard before or since, so say those that were present,
for some were praising the King and marvelling at his forbearance and gentleness,
while others traduced the men who had been banished and declared that they deserved
to die, for such is the way of men. For the man they load with blessings and escort
and hold in high respect to-day, they treat in exactly the opposite way without
feeling any shame, when they see the throw of his life’s die changed. But the
Emperor silenced them by a gesture and again spoke, saying, ” There is no need
for you to make a noise or try to subvert the decision I have taken. For, as I
said, I for my part have granted pardon to all, and shall shew myself the same
towards you hereafter as I did before.”
While the Emperor was granting pardon to these men, the originators of the
plan sent, without the Emperor’s knowledge, and had Diogenes blinded. They further
decreed that the same thing should be done to Cecaumenos Catacalon as he had been
Diogenes’ fellow-conspirator. This was the day of the commemoration of the Chief
Apostles. This deed has been the subject of discussion from that day until now;
but whether the Emperor was let into the secret by its authors, and gave in, or
whether he really initiated it himself, God alone knows; up to the present I have
been unable to find out for certain.
X Such then were the troubles which beset the Emperor through Diogenes, and
the invincible hand of the Highest miraculously preserved him from imminent danger.
However [233] his nerve was not weakened by any of these occurrences, but, as
he had proposed, he marched straight to Dalmatia. When Bolcanus heard that the
Emperor had arrived at Lipenium and saw him in occupation, and realized the impossibility
of defying the Roman lines in their close formation and full strategic equipment,
he at once asked for terms of peace, proposing at the same time to send those
long-promised hostages and never again to commit any hostile act. So the Emperor
received the barbarian with pleasure, for he hated the idea of, and wished to
avert, civil war; for though they were Dalmatians, they were still Christians.
Then Bolcanus took heart, and soon came bringing some relations and the chief
of the Zupani [*=Zoupans, the feudatory lords] with him, and readily handed over
his nephews as hostages to the Emperor, Uresis and Stephanus Bolcanus by name,
and others as well, bringing up the number in all to twenty. For he could not
possibly have made arrangements for the future on any other conditions. The Emperor,
having thus peacefully solved what is usually accomplished by blood and iron,
returned to the capital.
However he never ceased caring for Diogenes, and was heard to sigh deeply for
him; he displayed great kindness towards him and tried to console him and reinstated
him in most of the possessions of which he had been deprived. But Diogenes was
frantic with grief, detested town-life and was fond of living on his own estate
and devoting himself entirely to the works of the ancient writers which others
read aloud to him. For as he was bereft of sight he used the eyes of others for
reading. He was a man of such wonderful capabilities that even without eyes he
easily understood things that people with eyes find difficult to follow. Then
he went through all the later learning, and what is strangest, he even studied
that famous science, geometry, under the guidance of a philosopher, whom he ordered
to get him the figures made in solid material (or in relief). For by feeling these
all over with his hands he gained comprehension of all the theorems and figures
of geometry, just as the famous Didymus, who by his intellectual keenness reached
the very height of music and geometry, although he was blind. Notwithstanding
Didymus was led astray into a ridiculous heresy after his studies in these subjects,
for his mind was blinded by vainglory, as his eyes were by suffering. Everyone
who hears this about Diogenes is astonished, but I have seen the man and marvelled
at him and heard him speaking of these subjects; and being personally not quite
untrained in them, [234] I recognized that he had an accurate knowiedge of the
theorems. In spite of his pre-occupation with literature, he never forgot his
old grudge against the Emperor. but nourished throughout a smouldering expectation
of royal power. Nay, he even told a few friends again of this secret expectation,
and one of them went and told the Emperor of his planning. He therefore summoned
Diogenes and enquired the details of his plot and the names of those who had joined
him in it. Diogenes confessed everything without hesitation and immediately received
pardon.
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