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.
