Classical Shout Out Friday: Illustrious Turn

For it was impossible either to avoid detection by swarms of spies, or if caught to escape death in its most agonizing form. Indeed, even in the company of my nearest relations I felt far from safe.
Procopius, Anecdota(widely published as The Secret History).

Tireless secretary to Belisarius, courtier to Justinian, had another history to write. He had before toiled as the stenographer of War(Gothic, Vandal, Persian) and penned tribute to imperial edifices. Even the favor of Emperor Justinian galled. The titles and sinecures, Prefect of the City, brought shame. His last task was to expose the horrors behind the narrative. Would that we had more like minded insiders now.