The Sending of the Embassy to Comnenus
15. The emperor therefore, after waiting a few days, asked me to come to terms with Comnenus. I was to lead an embassy on his behalf, with secret proposals to the enemy. By my eloquence and powers of argument I was to soften him down and induce a change of attitude to the emperor.
My first reaction to this idea, which came upon me like a bolt from the blue, was to refuse the honour. ‘I would not voluntarily undertake such a commission,’ I said, ‘fraught as it is with considerable danger, the outcome of which, so far from being a matter of doubt, is quite obvious to anyone. It is clear that a man who has just won a victory and is elated by his success will not agree to surrender his superior position, or so debase himself as to accept inferior office.’
16. The emperor had a prompt reply to this. Shaking his head and accusing me of forgetting all the ties of friendship and mutual attachment, he went on: ‘So the purpose of your unceasing studies was to cultivate a persuasive eloquence, but when your friends suffer misfortune, or rather your masters — God forgive me for using the word! — you care not a jot how you may give them assistance.
When I became emperor, my relations with you underwent no change: I speak with you as I have always done: I greet you and embrace you in my usual way, and every day — it is right that it should be so — “I taste the honey of your lips.” But I thought to be repaid in equal measure. But you — you do not even give me as much consideration as a gentleman accords an enemy when he is down and out. Ah well, I will go along the path that destiny has prepared for me, and as for you, be sure that some day someone will bring on you censure and reproach for having betrayed your master and friend.’
17. At the sound of these words I was almost struck dumb with amazement. It was impossible to maintain my original objection, so I suddenly changed my attitude. ‘But, Sire,’ I objected, ‘I am not refusing to carry out your instructions because I am afraid of this duty.
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