BOOK IX. Turkish War : Dalmatian Interlude (1092-4) :
Conspiracy of Nicephorus Diogenes (1094)
[214]
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.