The Romans marched through the street in close
ranks, prepared for battle if an enemy had appeared; the
strict order maintained by their general imprinted on their
minds the duty of obedience; and in an age in which custom
and impunity almost sanctified the abuse of conquest, the
genius of one man repressed the passions of a victorious
army. The voice of menace and complaint was silent, the
trade of Carthage was not interrupted; while Africa changed
her master and her government, the shops continued open and
busy; and the soldiers, after sufficient guards had been
posted, modestly departed to the houses which had been
allotted for their reception. Belisarius fixed his residence
in the palace, seated himself on the throne of Genseric,
accepted and distributed the barbaric spoil, granted their
lives to the suppliant Vandals, and laboured to restore the
damage which the suburb of Mandracium had sustained in the
preceding night. At supper he entertained his principal
officers with the form and magnificence of a royal banquet.
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