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unattempted, that might bring Theodosius back again to his wife. Having tried several ways without effect, he came at length to the Emperor and Empress, and obtained of them; by extraordinary importunity to have him recalled, as a person absolutely necessary; as well for his future, as his present affairs: But Theodosius excused himself, pretending a resolution to continue where he was; the institutions of that Convent agreeing so exactly with his humor: Nevertheless this was but a copy of his countenance, and a design, that he might come to her afterwards, with more privacy when Bellisarius was gone.
The Emperor in the mean time, sent Bellisarius and Photius against Cosroes, King of the Persians, and Antonina continued at Constantinople, contrary to her custom; for till then, she had always accompanied her Husband in all his expeditions, how tedious, and how dangerous soever, fearing perhaps, least when he was alone, he should return to himself, and take up some resolution that might prove to her ruine, when freed from her inveiglements and charms: However, that she might not be wanting in any thing that might contribute to the recovering of Theodosius, she undertook to rid her self of Photius; to which purpose, she suborned several persons about Bellisarius, and perswaded them not to let a day pass without affronting Photius, and if possible, provoking him to mutiny: On the other side, Letters passed from her continually, by which, she incensed all people against
