[Footnote *: Fallmerayer (Geschichte des Kaiserthums von
Trapezunt, p. 29, 33) has highly drawn the character of
Andronicus. In his view the extermination of the Byzantine
factions and dissolute nobility was part of a deep-laid and
splendid plan for the regeneration of the empire. It was
necessary for the wise and benevolent schemes of the father
of his people to lop off those limbs which were infected
with irremediable pestilence -
"and with necessity, The tyrant's plea, excused his devilish
deeds!!" - Still the fall of Andronicus was a fatal blow to
the Byzantine empire. - M.]