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43. The emperor Michael the Aged had spent one whole year in power. He died soon after his abdication, a private citizen.**196
The Reign of Isaac Comnenus **197
44. Having inherited the throne, Comnenus, always the...
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41. Isaac himself was neither deceived by this hollow triumph nor unduly elated. His first reaction was to suspect the extraordinary changes in his fortunes. It was typical of the man’s shrewd perception. He...
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He asked me what in my opinion was the best way to govern, what course of action he should follow in order to rival the greatest sovereigns. I recovered my spirit at these words....
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38. How my fellow-ambassadors passed that night**191 I cannot say, but to me life seemed hopeless and I thought it was a matter of minutes before I should be sacrificed like a beast. You...
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Apparently, certain seditious and troublesome persons — and here he mentioned individuals who, as we ourselves know quite well, had insinuated themselves into favour with the Senate — these persons, he said, had first...
Isaac Comnenus 18
The effect of this was instantaneous. He was like a man inspired. Immediate orders were given to the army: the men were to dismiss to their homes for the present, but to return to...
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A special imperial tent will have to be set aside for his use and a noble bodyguard must be allowed for his protection. And as for those who have served with him on this...
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We swore to preserve the secrecy of this confidential information, and he went on: ‘For the present I do not covet supreme power. I am satisfied with the position of Caesar. Let the emperor...
Isaac Comnenus 15
31. My words, assisted by numerous ether arguments, had already convinced him, when a cry rose up behind me, a cry which from that moment has never ceased to ring in my ears. It...
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And I straightway reminded them of the divine Constantine**183 and certain other rulers who had honoured their sons with the title of Caesar first and afterwards promoted them to the exalted position of emperor....
