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The Conpiracy of Aston – The Final Defeat of Bohemond : The Treaty of Devol. (1107-8)
I We were, one and all, astounded at the Emperor’s dignified attitude. But although outwardly he pretended for the sake of those present to receive that message with disdain, yet inwardly he was deeply perturbed by it. Then he decided that he must leave Byzantium again and this although he knew that things at home were not going on well for him; yet he arranged matters in the palace and the Queen of Cities and appointed as guardians the eunuch Eustathius Cymineanus, the Great Drungaire of the Fleet, and Nicephorus, called the son of Decanus.

Afterwards he left Byzantium with a few companions-and those his relations-on the first day of November in the first Indiction and occupied the imperial purple tent at Geranium outside the city. But he was anxious because at his departure the Mother of God had not displayed the usual miracle in Blachernae. For this reason after spending four days in the same place, he took the return journey with his wife at sunset and secretly entered the church of the Mother of God with a few attendants.

After singing the correct hymns and making more than usually lengthy prayers, the customary miracle was shewn and consequently he left the church with high hopes. On the following day he commenced the journey to Thessalonica, and when he reached Chcerobacchi he appointed John Taronites governor of it. This man was of noble birth, had been adopted by the Emperor as a child and served him a long time as under-secretary; he was of a very energetic disposition and an expert in Roman law, and extolled the Emperor’s decrees provided the orders he gave were consonant with His Majesty.

The Conpiracy of Aston part 26

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He was so made in mind and body that both courage and passion reared their crests within him and both inclined to war. His wit was manifold and crafty and able to find a...

The Conpiracy of Aston part 25

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Announce to the EmperorAfter this he returned to Bohemund who had transferred his camp to the place he had chosen, and joining him, started on his way to the Emperor. In accordance with the...

The Conpiracy of Aston part 24

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X When they were on the point of starting on their journey to the Emperor in company with Euphorbenus Constantine Catacalon, Bohemund said that he wanted to move his army because, owing to its...

The Conpiracy of Aston part 23

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The other requests they did not reject; for instance that some of the Emperor’s less close relations should go a decent distance and receive him on his coming to visit the Emperor for the...

The Conpiracy of Aston part 22

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To this Bohemund replied, “Enough of this talk. If you have brought me any other message from the Emperor, let me hear it.” And the ambassadors said, “The Emperor who desires your safety and...

The Conpiracy of Aston part 21

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“You know very well how often I have been deceived when trusting to your oaths and promises. And did not the divine law of the gospel command Christians to forgive each other all offences,...

The Conpiracy of Aston part 20

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And now Bohemund was sorely pressed both by land and sea. (For the Emperor sat like a spectator watching the events in the Illyrian plain, yet with his whole heart and soul he stood...

The Conpiracy of Aston part 19

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VIII The Emperor meanwhile was encamped near Diabolis at the foot of the passes, and for one thing he kept in check the men who longed to desert to Bohemund and for another he...

The Conpiracy of Aston part 18

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Then they winged their ships with their sails and boldly sailed over to Illyria. But as the south wind was blowing very strongly it prevented their landing at Dyrrachium, and compelled them to sail...

The Conpiracy of Aston part 17

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Indeed it was a strange sight to see that great giant, who was really prodigious, held captive by a little dwarf of a Scythian. When sending away the captured, Cantacuzenus ordered that the Scythian...