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diff --git a/43985-h/43985-h.htm b/43985-h/43985-h.htm index f61078d..f0f311b 100644 --- a/43985-h/43985-h.htm +++ b/43985-h/43985-h.htm @@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> <html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> <head> -<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> <title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Domitia by Sabine Baring-Gould</title> <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> @@ -104,25 +104,8 @@ a:hover {color:red} </style> </head> -<body class="tei"> - -<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Domitia by Sabine Baring-Gould</div> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Domitia</div> -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Sabine Baring-Gould</div> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: October 20, 2013 [eBook #43985]<br /> -[Most recently updated: January 15, 2022]</div> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DOMITIA ***</div> +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 43985 ***</div> <div class="tei tei-div" style= "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"></div> @@ -17108,448 +17091,6 @@ country where you are located before using this eBook. </table> </div></div> -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DOMITIA ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use - it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License <a href= - "#pglicense" class="tei tei-ref">included with this eBook</a> or - online at <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/license" class= - "tei tei-xref">http://www.gutenberg.org/license</a></p> - </div> - <pre class="pre tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> -Title: Domitia - -Author: Sabine Baring-Gould - -Release Date: October 20, 2013 [Ebook #43985] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DOMITIA*** -</pre> - </div> - </div> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"></div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> - <div class="tei tei-pb"></div> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> - - <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> - <img src="images/i_001.jpg" alt= - "ROME IS BOILING OVER, AND WILL SCALD MANY FINGERS." title= - "“ROME IS BOILING OVER, AND WILL SCALD MANY FINGERS.” Page 89." /> - - <div class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: center">“ROME IS - BOILING OVER, AND WILL SCALD MANY FINGERS.”</span> <span class= - "tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><a href="#Pg089" class= - "tei tei-ref" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-style: italic">Page 89</span></a><span style= - "font-style: italic">.</span></span> - </div> - </div> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> - - <div id="coverpage" class="tei tei-figure" style= - "text-align: center"><img src="images/cover.jpg" alt= - "Cover image" /></div> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-titlePage" style="text-align: center"> - <div class="tei tei-pb" style="text-align: center"></div><a name= - "Pgi" id="Pgi" class="tei tei-anchor" style="text-align: center"></a> - <span class="tei tei-docTitle" style= - "text-align: center"><span class="tei tei-titlePart" style= - "text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 173%">DOMITIA</span></span></span><br /> - <br /> - - <div class="tei tei-byline" style="text-align: center"> - BY<br /> - <span class="tei tei-docAuthor" style= - "text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 144%">S. - BARING-GOULD</span></span><br /> - Author of “The Broom-Squire,” “Bladys,” “Mehalah,” “Court Royal,” - Etc. - </div><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-titlePart" style= - "text-align: center"><span class="tei tei-hi" style= - "text-align: center"><span style="font-style: italic">Illustrated - by</span></span><br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 120%">IZORA C. CHANDLER</span></span></span><br /> - <br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-docImprint" style= - "text-align: center"><span class="tei tei-pubPlace" style= - "text-align: center">NEW YORK</span><br /> - <span class="tei tei-publisher" style="text-align: center">FREDERICK - A. STOKES COMPANY<br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 90%">PUBLISHERS</span></span></span></span> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> - <div class="tei tei-pb" style="text-align: center"></div><a name= - "Pgii" id="Pgii" class="tei tei-anchor" style= - "text-align: center"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class="tei tei-hi" - style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-style: italic">Copyright, 1898</span></span>,<br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-variant: small-caps">By Frederick A. Stokes - Company.</span></span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class="tei tei-hi" - style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">All rights - reserved.</span></span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-variant: small-caps">Presswork by</span><br /> - <span style="font-variant: small-caps">The University Press, - Cambridge, U.S.A.</span></span></p> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> - <div class="tei tei-pb"></div><a name="Pgiii" id="Pgiii" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="pdf1" id="pdf1"></a> - - <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> - <span style="font-size: 173%">Contents</span></h1> - - <ul class="tei tei-index tei-index-toc"> - <li><a href="#toc2">Book I</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc4">I. The Port of - Cenchræa</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc6">II. An - Ill-Omen</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc8">III. Corbulo</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc10">IV. There Is No - Star</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc12">V. The Ship of the - Dead</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc14">VI. I Do Not - Know</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc16">VII. The Face of the - Dead</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc18">VIII. The Sword of - the Dead</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc20">IX. Sheathed</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc22">X. Ubi - Felicitas?</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc24">XI. The Veils of - Ishtar</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc26">XII. The Fall of the - Veils</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc28">XIII. To - Rome!</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc30">XIV. A Little - Supper</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc32">XV. The - Lectisternium</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc34">XVI. In the House of - the Actor</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc36">XVII. The Saturnalia - of 69</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc38">XVIII. A - Refugee</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc40">XIX. The End of - Vitellius</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc42">XX. Changed - Tactics</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc44">XXI. The Virgin’s - Wreath</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc46">XXII. Quoniam Tu - Caius, Ego Caia!</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc48">XXIII. The End of the - Day</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc50">XXIV. - Albanum</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc52">XXV. By a - Razor</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc54">XXVI. - Intermezzo</a></li> - - <li><a href="#toc56">Book II</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc58">I. An Appeal</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc60">II. The Fish</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc62">III. In the - ‘Insula’</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc64">IV. Another - Appeal</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc66">V. Atrium - Vestæ</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc68">VI. For the - People</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc70">VII. ‘The Blues Have - It!’</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc72">VIII. The Lower - Stool</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc74">IX. Glyceria</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc76">X. The Accursed - Field</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc78">XI. Again: The Sword - of Corbulo</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc80">XII. The - Tablets</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc82">XIII. The Hour of - Twelve</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc84">XIV. In the - Tullianum</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc86">XV. Drawing to the - Light</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc88">XVI. An - Ecstasy</a></li> - - <li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc90">XVII. Hail, Gladsome - Light!</a></li> - - <li><a href="#toc92">Footnotes</a></li> - - <li><a href="#toc94">Transcriber’s Note</a></li> - </ul> - </div> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-body" style= - "margin-bottom: 6.00em; margin-top: 6.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page1">[pg 1]</span><a name="Pg001" id= - "Pg001" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.73em"> - <span style="font-size: 173%">DOMITIA.</span></p> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> - <a name="toc2" id="toc2"></a><a name="pdf3" id="pdf3"></a> - - <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> - <span style="font-size: 173%">BOOK I.</span></h1> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <a name="toc4" id="toc4"></a> <a name="pdf5" id="pdf5"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER I.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">THE PORT OF CENCHRÆA.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Flashes as of - lightning shot from each side of a galley as she was being rowed - into port. She was a bireme, that is to say, had two tiers of oars; - and as simultaneously the double sets were lifted, held for a - moment suspended, wet with brine, feathered, and again dipped, - every single blade gleamed, reflecting the declining western sun, - and together formed a flash from each side of the vessel of a sheaf - of rays.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The bireme was - approaching the entrance to the harbor of Cenchræa.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The one white - sail was filled with what little wind breathed, and it shone - against a sapphire sea like a moon.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Now, at a signal - the oars ceased to plunge. The sail was furled, and the galley was - carried into the harbor between the temple that stood on the - northern horn of the mole, and the great brazen statue of - Posei<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page2">[pg 2]</span><a name= - "Pg002" id="Pg002" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>don that occupied a - rock in the midst of the entrance, driven forward by the impulse - already given her by the muscles of the rowers and the east wind in - the sail.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This Cenchræan - harbor into which she swept was one of the busiest in the world. - Through it as through a tidal sluice rushed the current of trade - from the East to the West, and from the Occident to the Orient. It - was planted on a bay of the Saronic Gulf, and on the Isthmus of - Corinth, at the foot of that lovely range of mountains thrown up by - the hand of God to wall off the Peloponnesus as the shrine of - intellectual culture and the sanctuary of Liberty.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And a - furrow—like an artificial dyke—ran between this range and Hellas - proper, a furrow nearly wholly invaded by the sea, but still - leaving a strip of land, the Corinthian isthmus, to form a barrier - between the Eastern and the Western worlds.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On the platform - at the head of a flight of marble steps before a temple of - Poseidon, in her open litter, lounged a lady, with the bloom of - youth gone from her face, but artificially restored.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She was - handsome, with finely moulded features and a delicate white hand, - the fingers studded with rings, and a beautiful arm which was - exposed whenever any one drew near whose admiration was worth the - acquisition. Its charm was enhanced by armlets of gold adorned with - cameos.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Her arched - brows, dark in color, possibly owed their perfection of turn and - their depth of color to dye and the skill of the artist who - decorated her every day, but not so the violet-blue of her large - eyes, although these also were enhanced in effect by the tinting of - the lashes, and a touch of paint applied to their - roots.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page3">[pg 3]</span><a name= - "Pg003" id="Pg003" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The lady, whose - name was Longa Duilia, was attended by female slaves, who stood - behind the litter, and by a freedman, Plancus, who was at her side - with a set smile on his waxen face, and who bowed towards the lady - every moment to hear her remarks, uttered in a languid tone, and - without her troubling to turn her head to address him.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-corr">He</span> will soon be - here,”</span> said the lady; <span class="tei tei-q">“the bireme is - in the port. I can see the ruffle before her bows as she cuts the - water.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Like the wave in my lady’s hair,”</span> sighed - Plancus.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Abominable!”</span> exclaimed Duilia, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“when the ripple in my hair is natural and abiding, and - that in the water is made and disappears.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Because, Mistress, the wavelets look up, see, and fall - back in despair.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“That is better,”</span> said the lady.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And the swelling sail, like your divine bosom, has - fallen, as when——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Ugh! I should hope the texture of my skin was not like - coarse sail-cloth; get behind me, Plancus. Here, Lucilla, how am I - looking? I would have my lord see me to the best - advantage.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Madam,”</span> said the female slave, advancing, - <span class="tei tei-q">“the envious sun is about to hide his head - in the west. He cannot endure, after having feasted on your beauty, - to surrender it to a mortal.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Is not one eyebrow a trifle higher than the - other?”</span> asked Duilia, looking at herself in a hand mirror of - polished metal.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is indeed so, lady, but has not the Paphian Goddess - in the statue of Phidias the same characteristic? Defect it is not, - but a token of divinity.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page4">[pg 4]</span><a name="Pg004" id="Pg004" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Ah,”</span> said Duilia, <span class="tei tei-q">“it - is hereditary. The Julian race descends from Venus Genetrix, and I - have the blood of the immortal ancestress in me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Much diluted,”</span> muttered Plancus into the breast - of his tunic; he was out of humor at the failure of his little - simile of the sail.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“By the way,”</span> said the lady; <span class= - "tei tei-q">“the stay in this place Cenchræa is positively - intolerable. No society, only a set of merchants—rich and all that - sort of thing—but nobodies. The villa we occupy is undignified and - uncomfortable. The noise of the port, the caterwauling of sailors, - and the smell of pitch are most distasteful to me. My lord will - hardly tarry here?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My lord,”</span> said the freedman, pushing forward, - <span class="tei tei-q">“he who subdued the Parthians, and chained - the Armenians, to whom all Syria bowed, arrives to cast himself at - your ladyship’s feet, and be led by you as a captive in your - triumphal entry into the capital of the world.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You think so, Plancus.”</span> She shook her head, - <span class="tei tei-q">“He is an obstinate man—pig-headed—I—I mean - resolute in his own line.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Madam, I know you to be irresistible.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Well, I desire to leave this odious place. I have - yawned here through three entire months.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And during these months, the temple of Aphrodite has - been deserted, and the approaches grass-grown.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“How would my Lady like to remove to Corinth?”</span> - said Lucilla. <span class="tei tei-q">“The vessel will be taken to - Diolcus, and there placed on rollers, to be drawn across the - isthmus.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Oh! Corinth will be noisier than this place, and more - vulgar, because more pretentious. Only money-lending Jews there. - Besides, I have taken an aversion <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page5">[pg 5]</span><a name="Pg005" id="Pg005" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>to the place since the death of my physician. - As the Gods love me, I not see the good of a medical attendant who - is so ignorant as to allow himself to die, and that at such an - inconvenient moment as the present. By the Great Goddess! what - impostors there be. To think that for years I committed the care of - my precious health to his bungling hands! Plancus, have you secured - another? I suffer frightfully at sea.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“A sure token of your divine origin,”</span> said the - steward. <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= - "tei tei-corr">The</span> Foam-born (Venus) rose out of and left - the waves because the motion of them disagreed with - her.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“There is a good deal in that,”</span> observed Longa - Duilia. <span class="tei tei-q">“Plancus, have you secured another? - I positively cannot across Adria without one to hold my head and - supply anti—anti—what do you call them?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Madam,”</span> said the freedman, rubbing his hands - together, <span class="tei tei-q">“I have devoted my energies to - your service. I have gone about with a lantern seeking an honest - physician. I may not have been as successful as I desired, but I - have done my utmost.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I prithee—have done with this rodomontade and to the - point. Have you secured one? As the Gods love me! it is not only - one’s insides that get upset at sea, but one’s outside also becomes - so tousled and tumbled—that the repairs—but never mind about them. - Have you engaged a man?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Yes, my Lady, I have lighted on one Luke, a physician - of Troas; he is desirous of proceeding to Rome, and is willing to - undertake the charge of your health, in return for being conveyed - to the capital of the world at your charges.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I make you responsible for his suitability,”</span> - said Longa Duilia.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page6">[pg - 6]</span><a name="Pg006" id="Pg006" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Body of Bacchus!”</span> she exclaimed suddenly, after - a pause, <span class="tei tei-q">“Where is the child?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Where is the lady Domitia Longina?”</span> asked - Plancus, as he looked about him.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The lady Domitia, where is she?”</span> asked - Lucilla.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The lady Domitia?”</span>—passed from one to - another.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Where is she? What has become of her? As the Gods love - me—you are a pack of fools. The more of you there are, so much the - more of folly. You have let her gallop off among the odious - sailors, and she will come back rank with pitch. Lucilla, Favonia, - Syra, where is she?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Duilia sat - upright on her seat, and her eyes roamed searchingly in every - direction.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I never met with such a child anywhere, it is the - Corbulo blood in her, not mine. The Gods forbid! O - Morals!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Madam,”</span> said a slave-girl coming up. - <span class="tei tei-q">“I saw her with Eboracus.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Well, and where is Eboracus. They are always together. - He spoils the child, and she pays him too much consideration. Where - are they?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The slaves, male - and female, looked perplexedly in every direction.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Perhaps,”</span> said Plancus, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“she has gone to the altar of Poseidon to offer there - thanks for the return of her father.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Poseidon, nonsense! That is not her way. She has been - in a fever ever since the vessel has been sighted, her cheeks - flaming and in a fidget as if covered with flying ants. Find the - girl. If any harm shall have come to her through your neglect, I - will have you all flayed—and hang the cost!”</span></p><span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page7">[pg 7]</span><a name="Pg007" id="Pg007" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She plucked a - bodkin from her dress, and ran it into the shoulder of the - slave-woman, Favonia, who stood near her, and made her cry out with - pain.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You are a parcel of idle, empty-headed fools,”</span> - exclaimed the alarmed and irritated mother, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“I will have the child found, and that instantly. You - girls, you have been gaping, watching the sailors, and have not had - an eye on your young mistress, and no concern for my feelings. - There is no more putting anything into your heads than of filling - the sieves of the Danaides.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Madam,”</span> said Plancus, for once without a smile - on his unctuous face, <span class="tei tei-q">“you may rest - satisfied that no harm has befallen the young lady. So long as - Eboracus is with her, she is safe. That Briton worships her. He - would suffer himself to be torn limb from limb rather than allow - the least ill to come to her.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Well, well,”</span> said the lady impatiently, - <span class="tei tei-q">“we expect all that sort of thing of our - slaves.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Madam, but do we always get it?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“We! The Gods save me! How you talk. <span class= - "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">We!</span></span> We, - indeed. Pray what are you to expect anything?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The other day, lady,”</span> hastily continued the - steward eager to allay the ebullition he had provoked. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“The other day, Eboracus nigh on killed a man who - looked with an insolent leer at his young mistress. He is like a - faithful Molossus.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I do not ask what he is like,”</span> retorted the - still ruffled lady, <span class="tei tei-q">“I ask where she - is.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then one of the - porters of the palanquin came forward respectfully and said to the - steward:—<span class="tei tei-q">“If it may please you, sir, will - you graciously report to my Lady that I observed the young mistress - draw Eboracus aside, and whisper to him, as though urging somewhat, - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page8">[pg 8]</span><a name="Pg008" - id="Pg008" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>and he seemed to demur, but - he finally appeared to yield to her persuasions, and they strolled - together along the mole.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Longa Duilia - overheard this. It was not the etiquette for an underling to - address his master or mistress directly unless spoken to.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She said - sharply:—<span class="tei tei-q">“Why did not the fellow mention - this before? Give him thirty lashes. Where did they go, did he - say?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Along the mole.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Which mole?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Madam, Carpentarius is afraid of extending his - communication lest he increase the number of his - lashes.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Well, well!”</span> exclaimed the mistress, - <span class="tei tei-q">“We may remit the lashes—let him - answer.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Carpentarius,”</span> said the steward, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Her ladyship, out of the superabundance of her - compassion, will let you off the thirty lashes, if you say where be - Eboracus and the young lady, your mistress Domitia - Longina.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Sir,”</span> answered the porter, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“that I cannot answer positively; but—unless my eyes - deceive me, I see a small boat on the water, within it a rower and - a young girl.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“By the Immortal Brothers! he is right,”</span> - exclaimed Plancus. <span class="tei tei-q">“See, lady, yonder is a - cockle boat, that has been unmoored from the mole, and there be in - it a rower, burly, broadbacked, who is certainly the Briton, and in - the bow is as it were a silver dove—and that can be none other than - your daughter.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“As the Gods love me,”</span> gasped Duilia, throwing - herself back in the litter; <span class="tei tei-q">“what - indelicacy! It is even so, the child is besotted. She dotes on her - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page9">[pg 9]</span><a name="Pg009" - id="Pg009" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>father, whom she has not seen - since we left Antioch. And she has actually gone to meet him. O - Venus Kalypyge! What are we coming to, when children act in this - independent, indecent manner. O Times! O Morals!”</span></p> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page10">[pg 10]</span><a name="Pg010" - id="Pg010" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc6" id= - "toc6"></a><a name="pdf7" id="pdf7"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER II.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">AN ILL-OMEN.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was even - so.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The young girl - had coaxed the big Briton to take her in a boat to the galley, so - as to meet and embrace her father, before he came on shore.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She was a - peculiarly affectionate child, and jealous to boot. She knew that, - so soon as he landed, his whole attention would be engrossed by her - very exacting mother, who moreover would keep her in the - background, and would chide should the father divert his notice - from herself to his child.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She was - therefore determined to be the first to salute him, and to receive - his endearments, and to lavish on him her affection, unchecked by - her mother.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As for the - slave, he knew that he would get into trouble if he complied with - the girl’s request, but he was unable to resist her - blandishments.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now Domitia - reached the side of the galley, and a rope was cast to the boat, - caught by Eboracus, who shipped his oars, and the little skiff was - made fast to the side of the vessel.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The eyes of the - father had already recognized his child. Domitia stood in the bows - and extended her arms, poised on tiptoe, as if, like a bird about - to leap into the air and fly to his embrace.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> - - <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> - <img src="images/i_016.jpg" alt="DOMITIA EXTENDED HER ARMS." - title="“DOMITIA EXTENDED HER ARMS.” Page 10." /> - - <div class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: center">“DOMITIA - EXTENDED HER ARMS.”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi" style= - "text-align: center"><span style="font-style: italic">Page - 10.</span></span> - </div> - </div><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page11">[pg 11]</span><a name= - "Pg011" id="Pg011" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now he - caught her hand, looked into her dancing, twinkling eyes, as drops - of the very Ægean itself, set in her sweet face, and in another - moment she was clinging round his neck, and sobbing as though her - heart would break, yet not with sorrow, but through excess of - otherwise inexpressible joy.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">For an hour she - had him to herself—all to herself—the dear father whom she had not - seen for half a year, to tell him how she loved him, to hear about - himself, to pour into his ear her story of pleasures and pains, - great pleasures and trifling pains.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And yet—no, not - wholly uninterrupted was the meeting and sweet converse, for the - father said:</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My darling, hast thou no word for Lucius?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lamia! He is here?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The father, - Cnæus Domitius Corbulo, with a smile turned and beckoned.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then a young - man, with pleasant, frank face, came up. He had remained at a - distance, when father and daughter met, but had been unable to - withdraw his eyes from the happy group.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Domitia, you have not forgotten your old playmate, - have you?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With a light - blush like the tint on the petal of the rose of June, the girl - extended her hand.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Nay, nay!”</span> said Corbulo. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“A gentler, kinder greeting, after so long a - separation.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then she held up - her modest cheek, and the young man lightly touched it with his - lips.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She drew herself - away and said:</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You will not be angry if I give all my thoughts and - words and looks to my father now. When we come on shore, he will be - swallowed up by others.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page12">[pg 12]</span><a name="Pg012" id="Pg012" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lamia stepped - back.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Do not be offended,”</span> she said with a smile, and - the loveliest, most bewitching dimples came into her cheeks. - <span class="tei tei-q">“I have not indeed been without thought of - you, Lucius, but have spun and spun and weaved too, enough to make - you a tunic, all with my own hands, and a purple <span lang="la" - class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">clavus</span></span>—it nigh ruined me, the - dyed Tyrian wool cost<a id="noteref_1" name="noteref_1" href= - "#note_1"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= - "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">1</span></span></a>—I will - not say; but I wove little crossed L’s into the - texture.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What,”</span> said Corbulo. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“For Lucius and Longina?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The girl became - crimson.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lamia came to - her succor. <span class="tei tei-q">“That could not be,”</span> - said he, <span class="tei tei-q">“for Longina and Lucius are never - across, but alack! Lucius is often so with Lamia, when he has done - some stupid thing and he sees a frown on his all but father’s face, - but hears no word of reproach.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My boy,”</span> said Corbulo, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“when a man knows his own faults, then a reprimand is - unnecessary, and what is unnecessary is wrong.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lamia bowed and - retired.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now again - father and daughter were alone together in the prow observing the - arc of the harbor in which the ship was gliding smoothly.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now the - sailors had out their poles and hooks, and they ran the vessel - beside the wharf, and cast out ropes that were made fast to bronze - rings in the marble breasting of the quay.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia would at - once have drawn her father on shore, but he restrained her.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Not yet, my daughter,”</span> he said; <span class= - "tei tei-q">“the goddess must precede thee.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now ensued a - singular formality.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page13">[pg - 13]</span><a name="Pg013" id="Pg013" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">From the bows of - the vessel, the captain and steerer took a statuette of Artemis, in - bronze, the Ephesian goddess, with female head and numerous - breasts, but with the lower limbs swaddled, and the swaddling bands - decorated with representations of all kinds of beasts, birds, and - fishes.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This image was - now conveyed on shore, followed by the passengers and crew.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On the quay - stood an altar, upon which charcoal ever burnt, under the charge of - a priest who attended to it continuously, and whenever a ship - entered the port or was about to leave, added fuel, and raked and - blew up the fire.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Simultaneously - from a small temple on the quay issued a priest with veiled head, - and his attendants came to the altar, cast some grains of incense - on the embers, and as the blue fragrant smoke arose and was - dissipated by the sea breeze, he said:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The Goddess Aphrodite of Corinth salutes her divine - sister, the Many-Breasted Artemis of Ephesus, and welcomes her. And - she further prays that she may not smite the city or the port with - fire, pestilence or earthquake.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then captain, - steerman, pilot and the rest of the company advanced in procession - to the temple, and on reaching it offered a handful of sweet gums - on an altar there, before the image of the foam-born goddess of - Beauty, and said:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“We who come from the sea, having safely traversed the - Ægean, escaped rocks and sand-banks, whirlpools and storms, under - the protection of the great goddess of Ephesus, salute in her name - the goddess of Beauty, and receive her welcome with thankfulness. - And great <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page14">[pg - 14]</span><a name="Pg014" id="Pg014" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>Artemis beseeches her sister to suffer her and - the vessel with passengers and goods and crew, that she conducts - and protects, to pass across the isthmus, without let and - molestation; and she for her part undertakes to pay the accustomed - toll, and the due to the temple of Aphrodite, and that neither the - passengers nor the crew shall in any way injure or disturb the - inhabitants of Corinth or of the Isthmus.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This ceremony - concluded, all were at liberty to disperse; the sailors to attend - to the vessel, the slaves of Corbulo to look to and land such of - his luggage as he was likely to want, and Corbulo to go to his - wife, who had placed herself in an attitude to receive him.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The captain, at - the same time, entered the harbor-master’s office to arrange about - the crossing of the isthmus, and to settle tolls.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">For the vessel - was not to make more stay than a few days at the port of Cenchræa. - After Longa Duilia was ready, then she and her husband and family - were to proceed to Lechæum, the port on the Corinthian Gulf, there - to embark for Italy. The vessel would leave the harbor and go to - Diolchus, that point of the Isthmus on the east where the neck of - land was narrowest. There the ships would be hauled out of the - water, placed on rollers, and by means of oxen, assisted by gangs - of slaves, would convey the vessel over the land for six miles to - the Gulf of Corinth, where again she would be floated.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Immediately - behind the Roman general, Corbulo, the father of Domitia, walked - two individuals, both wearing long beards, and draped to the - feet.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One of these had - a characteristically Oriental head. <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page15">[pg 15]</span><a name="Pg015" id="Pg015" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>His eyes were set very close together, his - nose was aquiline, his tint sallow, his eyebrows heavy and bushy, - and his general expression one of cunning and subtlety. His - movements were stately.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The other was - not so tall. He was clumsy in movement, rugged in feature, with a - broken nose, his features distinctly Occidental, as was his bullet - head. His hair was sandy, and scant on his crown. He wore a smug, - self-complacent expression on his pursed-up lips and had a certain - <span class="tei tei-q">“I am Sir Oracle, let no dog bark”</span> - look in his pale eyes.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">These two men, - walking side by side, eyed each other with ill-concealed dislike - and disdain.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The former was a - Chaldæan, who was usually called Elymas, but affected in Greek to - be named Ascletarion.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The latter was - an Italian philosopher who had received his training in Greece at a - period when all systems of philosophy were broken up and jostled - each other in their common ruin.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">No sooner was - the ceremony at an end, and Corbulo had hastened from the wharf to - meet and embrace his wife, and Lamia had drawn off Domitia for a - few words, than these two men left to themselves instinctively - turned to launch their venom at each other.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The philosopher, - with a toss of his beard, and a lifting of his light eyebrows, and - the protrusion of his lower lip said:</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And pray, what has the profundity of Ascletarion alias - Elymas beheld in the bottom of that well he terms his - soul?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“He has been able to see what is hidden from the - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page16">[pg 16]</span><a name="Pg016" - id="Pg016" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>shallowness of Claudius - Senecio alias Spermologos<a id="noteref_2" name="noteref_2" href= - "#note_2"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= - "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">2</span></span></a> over - the surface of which shallowness his soul careers like a water - <span class="tei tei-corr">spider.</span>”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And that is, O muddiness?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Ill-luck, O insipidity.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Why so?—not, the Gods forfend, that I lay any weight - on anything you may say. But I like to hear your vaticinations that - I may laugh over them.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Hear, then. Because a daughter of Earth dared to set - foot on the vessel consecrated to and conducted by Artemis before - that the tutelary goddess had been welcomed by and had saluted the - tutelary deity of the land.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I despise your prophecies of evil, thou - crow.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Not more than do I thy platitudes, O owl!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Hearken to the words of the poet,”</span> said the - philosopher, and he started quoting the Œdipus Tyrannus: - <span class="tei tei-q">“The Gods know the affairs of mortals. But - among men, it is by no means certain that a soothsayer is of more - account than myself!”</span> And Senecio snapped his fingers in the - face of the Magus.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Conclude thy quotation,”</span> retorted Elymas. - <span class="tei tei-q">“ <span class="tei tei-q">‘A man’s wisdom - may surpass Wisdom itself. Therefore never will I condemn the seer, - lest his words prove true.’</span> How like you that?”</span> and - he snapped his fingers under the nose of the philosopher.</p> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page17">[pg 17]</span><a name="Pg017" - id="Pg017" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc8" id= - "toc8"></a><a name="pdf9" id="pdf9"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER III.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">CORBULO.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Cnæus Domitius - Corbulo was the greatest general of his time, and he had splendidly - served the State.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His sister - Cæsonia had been the wife of the mad prince Caligula. She was not - beautiful, but her flexible mouth, her tender eyes, the dimples in - her cheeks, her exquisite grace of manner and sweetness of - expression had not only won the heart of the tyrant, but had - enabled her to maintain it.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Once, in an - outburst of surprise at himself for loving her, he threatened to - put her to the torture to wring from Cæsonia the secret of her hold - on his affections. Once, as he caressed her, he broke into hideous - laughter, and when asked the reason, said, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“I have but to speak the word, and this lovely throat - would be cut.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Yet this woman - loved the maniac, and when he had been murdered in the subterranean - gallery leading from the palace to the theatre, she crept to the - spot, and was found kneeling by her dead husband with their babe in - her arms, sobbing and wiping the blood from his face. The assassins - did not spare her. They cut her down and dashed out the brains of - the infant against the marble walls.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Corbulo was not - only able, he was successful. Under <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page18">[pg 18]</span><a name="Pg018" id="Pg018" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>Nero he was engaged in the East against the - Parthians, the most redoubted enemies of the empire. He broke their - power and sent their king, Tiridates, a suppliant to Rome.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His headquarters - had been at Antioch, and there for a while his wife and daughter - had resided with him. But after a while, they were sent part way - homewards, as Corbulo himself expected his recall.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">They had been - separated from him for over six months, and had been awaiting his - arrival in a villa at Cenchræa, that had been placed at their - disposal by a Greek client.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was customary - for those who did not live in Rome but belonged to a province, to - place themselves under the patronage of a Roman noble; whereupon - ensued an exchange of <span class="tei tei-q">“cards”</span> as we - should say, but actually of engraved plates or metal fishes on - which the date of the agreement was entered as well as the names of - the contracting parties. Then, when a provincial desired assistance - at the capital, in obtaining redress for a grievance in a lawsuit, - or in recovering a debt, his patron attended to his client’s - interests, and should he visit Rome received him into his house as - an honored guest.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On the other - hand, if the patron were on a journey and came to the place where - his client could serve him, the latter threw his house open to him, - treated him with the most profound respect and accorded to him the - largest hospitality. So now the villa of a client had been placed - at the disposal of Corbulo and his family, and he occupied it with - as little hesitation as though it were his own.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was a matter - of pride to a Roman noble to have <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page19">[pg 19]</span><a name="Pg019" id="Pg019" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>a large number of silver engraved plates and - fishes suspended in his atrium, announcing to all visitors what an - extensive <span lang="fr" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= - "fr"><span style="font-style: italic">clientèle</span></span> he - had, and the provincial was not less proud to be able to flourish - the name of his distinguished patron at the capital.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On the evening - following the disembarkation, Corbulo and his wife were seated on a - bench enjoying the pleasant air that fanned from the sea; and - looking over the terraced garden at their daughter, who was - gambolling with a long silky-haired kid from Cilicia, that her - father had brought as a present to his child.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She was a lovely - girl, aged sixteen, with a remarkably intelligent face, and large, - clear, shrewd eyes.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Yet, though - lovely, none could say that she was beautiful. Her charm was like - that of her aunt, Cæsonia, in grace of form, in changefulness and - sweetness of expression, and in the brimming intellect that flashed - out of her violet eyes. And now as she played with the kid, her - every movement formed an artist’s study, and the simple joy that - shone out of her face, and the affection wherewith she glanced at - intervals at her father, invested her with a spiritual charm, - impossible to be achieved by sculptor with his chisel or by painter - with his brush.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The eyes of - Domitius Corbulo followed his child, wherever she went, whatever - she did. He was a man of somewhat advanced age, shaven, with short - shorn hair, marked features, the brow somewhat retreating, but with - a firm mouth and strong jaw. Though not handsome, there was - refinement in his countenance which gave it a character of - nobleness, and the brilliant eye and decision in the countenance - inspired universal <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page20">[pg - 20]</span><a name="Pg020" id="Pg020" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>respect. Every one could see that he was not - merely a commander of men in war, but a man of culture in the forum - and the academy.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Wife,”</span> said he, <span class="tei tei-q">“I pray - you desist. It was for this that I sent you back from Antioch. You - ever twanged one string, and I felt that your words, if overheard, - might endanger us all.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I speak but into thine ear.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“A brimming vessel overflows on all sides,”</span> said - Corbulo.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Ah well! some men make themselves by grasping at what - the Gods offer them. Others lose themselves by disregarding the - favors extended by the Immortals.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I deny that any such offer was made me,”</span> said - the general in a tone of annoyance.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What!”</span> exclaimed Longa Duilia, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“art thou so blind as not to see what is obvious to - every other eye, that the Roman people are impatient at having a - buffoon, a mimic, a fiddler wearing the purple?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Nevertheless, he wears it, by favor of the - gods.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“For how long? Domitius, believe me. In the heart of - every Roman citizen rage is simmering, and the wound of injured - pride rankles. He has insulted the majesty of eternal Rome. After - having acted the buffoon in Italy, running up and down it like a - jester on a tight-rope mouthing at the people, and with his - assassins scattered about below to cut them down if they do not - applaud—then he comes here also into Greece, to act on stages, race - chariots, before Greeks—Greeks of all people! To me this is - nothing, for all princes are tyrants more or less, and so long as - they do not prick me, I care not. But here it does come close. - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page21">[pg 21]</span><a name="Pg021" - id="Pg021" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>In every army, in the breast - of every soldier, rebellion springs up. Every general is uneasy and - looks at the face of every other and asks, Who will draw the sword - and make an end of this? O Morals! it makes me mad to see you alone - quiescent.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“When the Gods will a change, then the change will be - granted.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You speak like a philosopher and not a man of action. - If you do not draw, others will forestall you, and then—instead of - my being up at the top—I shall be down in Nowhere.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Never will I be a traitor to Rome, and go against my - oath.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Pshaw! They all do it, so why not you?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Because my conscience will not suffer me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Conscience! The haruspices have never found it yet. - They can discover and read the liver and the kidneys, but no knife - has yet laid bare a conscience as big as a bean. You were the - darling of the soldiery in Germany. You are still the idol of those - who have fought under you in Parthia and Armenia. I am sure I did - my best to push your cause. I was gracious to the soldiery—sent - tit-bits from the table to the guard. I tipped right and left, till - I spent all my pocket-money, and smiled benignantly on all military - men till I got a horrible crumple here in my cheek, do you - see?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Yes, shocking,”</span> said Corbulo, - indifferently.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“How can you be so provoking!”</span> exclaimed Duilia - pettishly. <span class="tei tei-q">“Of course there is no wrinkle, - there might have been, I did so much smiling. Really, Corbulo, one - has to do all the picking—as boys get winkles out of their shells - with a pin—to extract a compliment from <span class="tei tei-pb" - id="page22">[pg 22]</span><a name="Pg022" id="Pg022" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>you. And out comes the pin with nothing at the - end. Plancus would not have let that pass.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Do you say that Nero is here?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Yes, here, in Greece; here at our elbow, at Corinth. - He has for once got a clever idea into his head and has begun to - cut a canal through the isthmus. It has begun with a flourish of - trumpets and a dinner and a dramatic exhibition—and then I warrant - you it will end.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The Prince at Corinth!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Yes, at Corinth; and you are here with all the wide - sea between you and your troops. And docile as a lamb you have come - here, and left your vantage ground. What it all means, the Gods - know. It is no doing of mine. I warned and exhorted at Antioch, but - you might have been born deaf for all the attention you paid to my - words.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Never would I raise my sacrilegious hand against - Rome—my mother.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> - - <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> - <img src="images/i_030.jpg" alt= - "NEVER WOULD I RAISE MY SACRILEGIOUS HAND AGAINST ROME." title= - "“NEVER WOULD I RAISE MY SACRILEGIOUS HAND AGAINST ROME.” Page 22." /> - - <div class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: center">“NEVER WOULD - I RAISE MY SACRILEGIOUS HAND AGAINST ROME.”</span> <span class= - "tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-style: italic">Page 22.</span></span> - </div> - </div> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Nay—it is Rome that cries out to be rid of a man that - makes her the scorn of the world.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“She has not spoken. She has not released me of my - oath.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Because her mouth is gagged. As the Gods love me, they - say that the god Caius (Caligula) named his horse Consul. Rome may - have a monkey as her prince and Augustus for aught I care, were it - not that by such a chance the handle is offered for you to upset - him and seat yourself and me at the head of the - universe.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“No more of this,”</span> said the general. - <span class="tei tei-q">“A good soldier obeys his commander. And I - have an <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= - "la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">imperator</span></span>,”</span> he touched - his breast; <span class="tei tei-q">“a good conscience, - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page23">[pg 23]</span><a name="Pg023" - id="Pg023" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>and I go nowhere, undertake - nothing which is not ordered by my master there.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Then I wash my hands of the result.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Come hither!”</span> Corbulo called, and signed to his - daughter who, with a flush of pleasure, left her kid and ran to - him.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He took both her - hands by the wrists, and holding her before him, panting from play, - and with light dancing in her blue eyes, he said, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Domitia, I have not said one grave word to thee since - we have been together. Yet now will I do this. None can tell what - may be the next turn up of the die. And this that I am about to say - comes warm and salt from my heart, like the spring hard by, at the - Bath of Helene.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And strong, father,”</span> said the girl, with - flashes in her speaking eyes. <span class="tei tei-q">“So strong is - the spring that at once it turns a mill, ere rushing down to find - its rest in the sea.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Well, and so may what I say so turn and make thee - active, dear child,—active for good, though homely the work may be - as that of grinding flour. When you have done a good work, and not - wasted the volume of life in froth and cascade, then find rest in - the wide sea of——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Of what?”</span> sneered Duilia, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“say it out—of nobody knows what.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“That which thou sayest, dearest father, will not sleep - in my heart.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Domitia, when we sail at sea, we direct our course by - the stars. Without the stars we should not know whither to steer. - And the steering of the vessel by the stars, that is seamanship. So - in life. There are principles of right and wrong set in the - firmament——”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page24">[pg - 24]</span><a name="Pg024" id="Pg024" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Where?”</span> asked Duilia. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“As the Gods love me, I never saw them.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“By them,”</span> continued Corbulo, disregarding the - interruption, <span class="tei tei-q">“we must shape our course, - and this true shaping of our course, and not drifting with tides, - or blown hither and thither by winds—this is the seamanship of - life.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“By the Gods!”</span> said Duilia. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“You must first find your stars. I hold what you say to - be rank nonsense. Where are your stars? Principles! You keep your - constellations in the hold of your vessel. My good Corbulo, our own - interest, that we can always see, and by that we ought ever to - steer.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Father,”</span> said the girl, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“I see a centurion and a handful of soldiers coming - this way—and, if I mistake not, Lamia is speeding ahead of - them.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Well, go then, and play with the kid. Hear how the - little creature bleats after thee.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She obeyed, and - the old soldier watched his darling, with his heart in his - eyes.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Presently, when - she was beyond hearing, he said:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Now about the future of Domitia. I wish her no better - fortune than to become the wife of Lucius Ælius Lamia, whom I love - as my son. He has been in and out among us at Antioch. He returns - with me to Rome. In these evil times, for a girl there is one only - chance—to be given a good husband. This I hold, that a woman is - never bad unless man shows her the way. If, as you say, there be no - stars in the sky—there is love in the heart. By Hercules! here - comes Lamia, and something ails him.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lucius was seen - approaching through the garden. <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page25">[pg 25]</span><a name="Pg025" id="Pg025" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>His face was ashen-gray, and he was evidently - a prey to the liveliest distress.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He hastened to - Corbulo, but although his lips moved, he could not utter a - word.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You would speak with me,”</span> said the old general - rising, and looking steadily in the young man’s face.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Something he saw - there made him divine his errand.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Corbulo - turned, kissed his wife, and said—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Farewell. I am rightly served.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He took a step - from her, looked towards Domitia, who was dancing to her kid, above - whose reach she held a bunch of parsley.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He hesitated for - a moment. His inclination drew him towards her; but a second - thought served to make him abandon so doing, and instead, he bent - back to his wife, and said to her, with suppressed emotion—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Bid her from me—as my last command—Follow the Light - where and when she sees it.”</span></p> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page26">[pg 26]</span><a name="Pg026" - id="Pg026" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc10" id= - "toc10"></a><a name="pdf11" id="pdf11"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER IV.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">THERE IS NO STAR.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A quarter of an - hour had elapsed since Corbulo entered the peristyle of the villa, - when the young man Lamia came out.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He was still - pale as death, and his muscles twitched with strong emotion.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He glanced about - him in quest of Longa Duilia, but that lady had retired - precipitately to the <span lang="grc" class="tei tei-foreign" - xml:lang="grc"><span style= - "font-style: italic">gynaikonitis</span></span>, or Lady’s hall, - where she had summoned to her a bevy of female slaves and had - accumulated about her an apothecary’s shop of restoratives.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia was - still in the garden, playing with the kid, and Lamia at once went - to her, not speedily, but with repugnance.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She immediately - desisted from her play, and smiled at his approach. They were old - acquaintances, and had seen much of each other in Syria.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Corbulo had not - been proconsul, but legate in the East, and had made Antioch his - headquarters. He had been engaged against the Parthians and - Armenians for eight years, but the war had been intermittent, and - between the campaigns he had returned to Antioch, to the society of - his wife and little daughter.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The former, a - dashing, vain and ambitious woman, had made a <span lang="fr" - class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="fr"><span style= - "font-style: italic">salon</span></span> there which was frequented - by the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page27">[pg 27]</span><a name= - "Pg027" id="Pg027" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>best society of the - province. Corbulo, a quiet, thoughtful and modest man, shrunk from - the stir and emptiness of such life, and had found rest and - enjoyment in the company of his daughter.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lamia had served - as his secretary and aide-de-camp. He was a youth of much promise, - and of singular integrity of mind and purity of morals in a society - that was self-seeking, voluptuous, and corrupt.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He belonged to - the Ælian <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= - "la"><span style="font-style: italic">gens</span></span> or clan, - but he had been adopted by a Lamia, a member of a family in the - same clan, that claimed descent from Lamius, a son of Poseidon, or - Neptune, by one of those fictions so dear to the Roman noble - houses, and which caused the fabrication of mythical origins, just - as the ambition of certain honorable families in England led to the - falsification of the Roll of Battle Abbey.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pliny tells a - horrible story of the first Lamia of importance, known to authentic - history. He had been an adherent of Cæsar and a friend of Cicero. - He was supposed to be dead in the year in which he had been elected - prætor, and was placed on the funeral pyre, when consciousness - returned, but too late for him to be saved. The flames rose and - enveloped him, and he died shrieking and struggling to escape from - the bandages that bound him to the bier on which he lay.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lucius Lamia had - been kindly treated by Corbulo, and the young man’s heart had gone - out to the venerated general, to whom he looked up as a model of - all the old Roman virtues, as well as a man of commanding military - genius. The simplicity of the old soldier’s manner and the - freshness of his mind had acted as a healthful and bracing breeze - upon the youth’s moral character.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page28">[pg 28]</span><a name="Pg028" id="Pg028" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now he took - the young girl by the hand, and walked with her up and down the - pleached avenues for some moments without speaking.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His breast - heaved. His head swam. His hand that held hers worked - convulsively.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">All at once - Domitia stood still.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She had looked - up wondering at his manner, into his eyes, and had seen that they - were full.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What ails you, Lucius?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Come, sit by me on the margin of the basin,”</span> - said he. <span class="tei tei-q">“By the Gods! I conjure thee to - summon all thy fortitude. I have news to communicate, and they of - the saddest——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What! are we not to return to Rome? O Lamia, I was a - child when I left it, but I love our house at Gabii, and the lake - there, and the garden.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is worse than that, Domitia.”</span> He seated - himself on the margin of a basin, and nervously, not knowing what - he did, drew his finger in the water, describing letters, and - chasing the darting fish.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Domitia, you belong to an ancient race. You are a - Roman, and have the blood of the Gods in your veins. So nerve thy - heroic soul to hear the worst.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And still he - thrust after the frightened fish with his finger, and she looked - down, and saw them dart like shadows in the pool, and her own - frightened thoughts darted as nimbly and as blindly about in her - head.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Why, how now, Lamia? Thou art descended by adoption - from the Earth-shakes, and tremblest as a girl! See—a tear fell - into the basin. Oh, Lucius! My very kid rears in - surprise.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Do not mock. Prepare for the worst. Think what would - be the sorest ill that could befall thee.”</span></p><span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page29">[pg 29]</span><a name="Pg029" id="Pg029" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia withdrew - her eyes from the fish and the water surface rippled by his finger, - and looked now with real terror in his face.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My father?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Lamia - raised his dripping finger and pointed to the house.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She looked, and - saw that the gardener had torn down boughs of cypress, and - therewith was decorating the doorway.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At the same - moment rose a long-drawn, desolate wail, rising, falling, ebbing, - flowing—a sea of sound infinitely sad, heart-thrilling, - blood-congealing.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">For one awful - moment, one of those moments that seems an eternity, Domitia - remained motionless.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She could hear - articulate words, voices now.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Come back! O Cnæus! Come, thou mighty warrior! Come, - thou pillar of thy race! Come back, thou shadow! Return, O fleeted - soul! See, see! thy tabernacle is still warm. Return, O soul! - return!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She knew it—the - <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">conclamatio</span></span>; that cry uttered - about the dead in the hopes of bringing back the spirit that has - fled.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then, before - Lamia could stop her, Domitia started from the margin of the pool, - startling the fish again and sending them flying as rays from where - she had been seated, and ran to the house.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The gardener, - with the timidity of a slave, did not venture to forbid - passage.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A soldier who - was withdrawing extended his arm to bar the doorway. Quick as - thought she dived below this barrier, and next moment with a cry - that cut through the wail of the mourners, she cast herself on the - body of her father, that lay extended on the <span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page30">[pg 30]</span><a name="Pg030" id="Pg030" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a>mosaic floor, with a blood-stained sword - at his side, and a dark rill running from his breast over the - enamelled pavement.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Next moment - Lamia entered.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Around the hall - were mourners, slaves of the house, as also some of those of Longa - Duilia, raising their arms and lowering them, uttering their cries - of lamentation and invocations to the departed soul, some rending - their garments, others making believe to tear their hair and - scratch their faces.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the midst lay - the dead general, and his child clung to him, kissed him, chafed - his hands, endeavored to stanch his wound, and addressed him with - endearments.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But all was in - vain. The spirit was beyond recall, and were it to return would - again be expelled. Corbulo was dead.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The poor child - clasped him, convulsed with tears; her copious chestnut hair had - become unbound, and was strewed about her, and even dipped in her - father’s blood. She was as though frantic with despair; her - gestures, her cry very different from the formal expressions and - utterances of the servile mourners.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But Lamia at - length touched her, and said—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Come away, Domitia. You cannot prevent - Fate.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Suddenly she - reared herself on her knees, and put back the burnished rain of - hair that shrouded her face, and said in harsh tones:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Who slew him?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“He fell on his own sword.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Why! He was happy?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Before an answer - was given, she reeled and fell unconscious across her father’s - body.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page31">[pg - 31]</span><a name="Pg031" id="Pg031" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Lamia - stooped, gathered her up tenderly, pitifully, in his arms, and bore - her forth into the garden to the fountain, where he could bathe her - face, and where the cool air might revive her.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Why was Corbulo - dead? and why had he died by his own hand?</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Emperor Nero - was, as Duilia had told her husband, at this very time in Greece, - and further, hard by at Corinth, where he was engaged in - superintending the cutting of a canal, that was to remove the - difficulty of a passage from the Saronic to the Corinthian - Gulf.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nero had come to - Greece attended by his Augustal band of five thousand youths with - flowing locks, and gold bangles on their wrists, divided into three - companies, whose duty it was to applaud the imperial mountebank, - and rouse or lead enthusiasm, the Hummers by buzzing approval, the - Clappers by beating their hands together, and the Clashers by - kicking pots about so as to produce a contagious uproar.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nero was - possessed with the delusion that he had a fine voice, and that he - was an incomparable actor. Yet his range was so small, that when - striving to sink to a bass note, his voice became a gurgle, and - when he attempted to soar to a high note, he raised himself on his - toes, became purple in face, and emitted a screech like a - peacock.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Not satisfied - with the obsequious applause of the Roman and Neapolitan citizens - who crowded the theatre to hear the imperial buffoon twitter, he - resolved to contest for prizes in the games of Greece.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A fleet attended - him, crowded with actors, singers, <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page32">[pg 32]</span><a name="Pg032" id="Pg032" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>dancers, heaped up with theatrical properties, - masks, costumes, wigs, and fiddles.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He would show - the Greeks that he could drive a chariot, sing and strut the stage - now in male and then in female costume, and adapt his voice to the - sex he personated, now grumbling in masculine tones, then squeaking - in falsetto, and incomparable in each.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But with the - cunning of a madman, he took with him, as his court, the wealthiest - nobles of Rome, whom he had marked out for death, either because he - coveted their fortunes or suspected their loyalty.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Wherever he - went, into whatsoever city he entered, his artistic eye noted the - finest statues and paintings, and he carried them off, from temple - as from marketplace, to decorate Rome or enrich his Golden House, - the palace he had erected for himself.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Tortured by envy - of every one who made himself conspicuous; hating, fearing such as - were in all men’s mouths, through their achievements, or notable - for virtue, his suspicion had for some time rested on Domitius - Corbulo, who had won laurels first in Germany and afterwards in - Syria.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He had summoned - him to Rome, with the promise of preferments, his purpose being to - withdraw him from the army that adored him, and to destroy him.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">No sooner did - the tidings reach the tyrant at Corinth, that the veteran hero was - arrived at Cenchræa, than he sent him a message to commit suicide. - A gracious condescension that, for the property of the man who was - executed was forfeit and his wife and children reduced to beggary, - whereas the will of the testator who destroyed himself was allowed - to remain in force.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page33">[pg - 33]</span><a name="Pg033" id="Pg033" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lamia washed the - stains from the hands and locks of the girl, and bathed her face - with water till she came round.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then, when he - saw that she had recovered full consciousness, he asked to be - allowed to hasten for assistance. She bowed her head, as she could - not speak, and he entered the women’s portion of the villa to - summon some of the female slaves. These were, however, in no - condition to answer his call and be of use. Duilia had monopolized - the attentions of almost all such as had not been commissioned to - raise the funeral wail. Some, indeed, there were, scattered in all - directions, running against each other, doing nothing save add to - the general confusion, but precisely these were useless for Lamia’s - purpose.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Unwilling to - leave the child longer alone, Lucius returned to the garden, and - saw Domitia seated on the breastwork of the fountain.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Ten years seemed - to have passed over her head, so altered was she.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She was not now - weeping. The rigidity of the fainting fit seemed not to have left - her face, nor relaxed the stony appearance it had assumed. Her eyes - were lustreless, and her lips without color.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The young man - was startled at her look.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Domitia!”</span> said he.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She raised her - eyes to him, and said in reply,</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lucius!”</span> Then letting them fall, she added in - hard, colorless tones, <span class="tei tei-q">“There is one thing - I desire of thee. By some means or other, I care not what, bring me - into the presence of the monster. I know how my father has come by - his death—as have so many others, the best and the noblest. I have - but one ambition on <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page34">[pg - 34]</span><a name="Pg034" id="Pg034" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>earth, I see but a single duty before me—to - drive if it be but a silver bodkin into his heart.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Domitia!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lucius, the last words my father used to me were to - bid me look to the stars and to sail by them. I look and I see one - only star. I feel but one only duty on earth—to revenge his - death.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My friend!”</span> said Lamia, in a low tone. - <span class="tei tei-q">“Be careful of thy words. If overheard, - they might cause your blood to be mingled with his.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I care not.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But to me it matters sovereignly.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Why? Dost thou care for me?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Above all in the world.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Then revenge me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Domitia, my grief is little less than thine. If you - would revenge the loss, so would I. But what can be done? He, the - coward, is carefully guarded. None are suffered to approach him who - have not first been searched, and even then are not allowed within - arm’s length. Nothing can be done, save invoke the - Gods.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The Gods!”</span> laughed the girl hoarsely. - <span class="tei tei-q">“The Gods! They set up the base, the foul, - and crown him with roses, and trample the noble and good into the - earth. The Gods! see you now! They set a star in heaven, they grave - a duty in my heart, and the star is unattainable, and the duty, - they make impossible of achievement. Bah! There is no star. There - are no duties on earth, and no Gods in heaven.”</span></p> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page35">[pg 35]</span><a name="Pg035" - id="Pg035" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc12" id= - "toc12"></a><a name="pdf13" id="pdf13"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER V.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">THE SHIP OF THE DEAD.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is of no use in the world, Plancus, your attempting - to reason me out of a fixed resolve,”</span> said the lady Longa - Duilia, peevishly. <span class="tei tei-q">“My Corbulo shall not - have a shabby funeral.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Madam, I do not suggest that,”</span> said the steward - humbly, rubbing his hands.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Yes, you do. It is of no good your standing on one leg - like a stork. Shabby it must be—no ancestors present. As the Gods - love me, you would not have me borrow ancestors of Asclepiades, our - client, who has lent us this villa! He may have them or not, that - is no concern of mine. Will you have done preening yourself like an - old cockroach. I say it would be an indignity to have a funeral for - my Corbulo without ancestors. O Times! O Morals! What is the good - of having ancestors if you do not use them?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But, Madam, they are in your palace at Rome in the - Carinæ—or at the Gabian villa.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And for that reason they are not here. Without the - attendance of his forbears, my Corbulo shall not be buried. - Besides, who is there to impress here with the solemnity? Only a - lot of wretched sailors, ship sutlers, Jew pedlers and petty - officials, not worth considering. I have said - it.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page36">[pg - 36]</span><a name="Pg036" id="Pg036" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But, Lady, Lucius Lamia agrees with me——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lucius Ælius Lamia—it will not exhaust your lungs to - give him his name more fully—is not as yet one of the - family.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Madam, consider how Agrippina did with Germanicus—she - had his pyre at Antioch, and conveyed his ashes to - Rome.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Agrippina was able to have the funeral conducted with - solemn pomp at Antioch. There were the soldiers, the lictors, great - officers and all that sort of thing. Here—nothing at all. By the - Immortals—consider the expenses, and none to look on gaping but - tarry sailors and Jew rag-and-bone men.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Madam!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Silence. Without ancestors!—as impossible as without - wood.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To understand - the point made so much of by the widow, the Roman funeral custom - must be understood.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On the death of - a noble or high official, his face was immediately moulded in wax, - into a mask, or rather, into two masks, that were colored and - supplied with glass eyes. One was placed over the dead face, when - the corpse lay in state, and when he was conveyed to his funeral - pyre, and the first effect of the rising flames was to dissolve the - mask and disclose the dead features.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The ancient - Greeks before they burned their dead laid gold-leaf masks on their - faces, and in a still earlier time the face of the corpse was - rouged with oxide of iron, to give it a false appearance of - life.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But the second - mask was preserved for the family portrait gallery.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When a Roman - gentleman or lady was carried forth to his funeral pyre, he was - preceded by a procession <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page37">[pg - 37]</span><a name="Pg037" id="Pg037" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of - actors dressed up in the togas and military or municipal insignia - of departed ancestors, each wearing the wax mask of him he - personified. For these masks were preserved with great care in the - <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">atrium</span></span> of the house.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Now as Longa - Duilia saw, to have her husband burned at Cenchræa, without a - procession of imitation ancestors, would be to deprive the funeral - of its most impressive feature.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Plancus had - advised the burning at the port, with shorn rites, and that the - ashes should be placed in the family mausoleum at Gabii, and that - the utmost dignity should be accorded to this latter ceremony - sufficient to content the most punctilious widow.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But this did not - please the lady. The notion of a funeral with maimed pomp was - distasteful to her; moreover, as she argued, it was illegal to have - two funerals for the same man.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“That,”</span> said Plancus, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“hardly applies to one who has died out of - Italy.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is against the law,”</span> replied Duilia. - <span class="tei tei-q">“I will give no occasion to objection, - offer no handle to informers. Besides, I won’t have it. The respect - I owe to Corbulo forbids the entertainment of such an idea. Really, - and on my word, Plancus, I am not a child to be amused with shadow - pictures, and unless you are making a rabbit, a fish, or a pig - eating out of a trough, I cannot conceive what you are about with - your hands, fumbling one over the other.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Madam, I had no thought——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I know you have none. Be pleased another time when - addressing me to keep your hands quiet, it is irritating. One never - knows where they are or will <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page38">[pg 38]</span><a name="Pg038" id="Pg038" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>be, sometimes folding and unfolding them, - then—they disappear up your sleeves and project none can guess - where—like snails’ horns. Be pleased,—and now pawing your face like - a cat washing itself. Please in future hold them in front of you - like a dog when sitting up, begging. But as to the funeral—I will - not have it cheap and nasty. Without ancestors a funeral is not - worth having.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Then,”</span> said the harassed freedman, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“there is nothing for it but to engage an - embalmer.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Of course—one can be obtained at Corinth. Everything - can be had for money.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As Plancus was - retiring, the lady recalled him.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Here,”</span> said she, <span class="tei tei-q">“do - not act like a fool, and let the man charge a fancy price. Say that - I have an idea of pickling Corbulo in brine, and have brought an - <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">amphora</span></span> large enough for the - purpose. Don’t close with his terms at once.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When the steward - was gone, then Longa Duilia turned her head languidly and summoned - a slave-girl.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lucilla! The unfortunate feature of the situation is - that I must not have my hair combed till we reach Gabii. It is - customary, and for a bracelet of pearls I would not transgress - custom. You can give my head a tousled look, without being - dishevelled, I would wish to appear interesting, not - untidy.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lady! Nothing could make you other than fascinating. A - widow in tears—some stray locks—it would melt marble.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And I think I shall outdo Agrippina,”</span> said - Duilia, <span class="tei tei-q">“she carried her husband’s cinders - in an urn at the head of her berth and on appropriate occasions - howled in the most tragic and charming manner. But I shall - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page39">[pg 39]</span><a name="Pg039" - id="Pg039" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>convey the unconsumed body of - my Corbulo in state exposed on his bier, in his military - accoutrements all the way to Rhegium, then up the coast to Ostia - and so to Gabii. There will be talk!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You will be cited in history as a widow the like of - which the world has never seen. As for Agrippina, in your superior - blaze she will be eclipsed forever.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I should prefer doing what Agrippina did—make a land - journey from Brindisium, but—but—one must consider. It would be - vastly expensive, and——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But the lady did - not finish the sentence. She considered that Nero might resent such - a demonstration, as exciting indignation against himself, in having - obliged Corbulo to put an end to his life. But she did not dare to - breathe her thought even into the ear of a slave.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“No,”</span> she said; <span class="tei tei-q">“it - would come too expensive. I will do what I can to honor my husband, - but not ruin myself.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When Longa - Duilia had resolved to have her own way, and that was always, then - all the entire family of slaves and retainers, freedmen and clients - knew it must be done.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The vessel after - a brief stay at Cenchræa had left for Diolcus where it had been - placed on rollers and conveyed across the isthmus, and was launched - in the Corinthian Gulf.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nero had been - engaged for some days in excavating a canal between the two seas. - He had himself turned the first sod, but after getting some little - way, rock was encountered of so hard a quality that to cut through - it would cost time, toil and money.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He speedily - tired of the scheme, wanted the money <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page40">[pg 40]</span><a name="Pg040" id="Pg040" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>it would have cost for some dramatic - exhibition, and was urged by Helios, a freedman whom he had left in - Rome, to return to Italy, to prevent an insurrection that was - simmering. Nero did not much believe in danger, but he had laden - his fleet with the plunder of Greece, he had strutted and twittered - on every stage, carried off every prize in every contest, and was - desirous of being applauded in Italy and at Rome for what he had - achieved, and exhibit there the chaplets he had won.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Accordingly he - started, and hardly had he done so before the Artemis with spread - sail swept down the Corinthian Gulf.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The ship, a - Liburnian, of two banks of oars, was constructed very differently - from a modern vessel. The prow was armed above water-mark with - three strong and sharp blades, called the <span lang="la" class= - "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">rostra</span></span>, the beaks, which when - driven into the side of an enemy would tear her open and sink - her.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The quarter-deck - was midships, and served a double purpose, being raised as high as - the bulwarks it served as an elevated place where the captain could - stand and survey the horizon and watch the course of the vessel, - and it also served to strengthen the mast.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On this - quarter-deck, on a bed of state, lay the body of Cnæus Domitius - Corbulo, with his sword at his side, and the wax mask over his - face. At his feet was a tripod with glowing coals on which - occasionally incense and Cilician crocus were sprinkled, and on - each side of his head blazed torches of pinewood dipped in - pitch.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The poop had a - covered place, called the <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" - xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">aplaustre</span></span>, in which sat the - steerer. The hinged rudder had not then been invented, it was a - discovery of the Middle <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page41">[pg - 41]</span><a name="Pg041" id="Pg041" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>Ages, and the head of the vessel was given its - direction by the helmsman, <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" - xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">gubernator</span></span>, who worked a pair of - broad flat paddles, one on each side.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The rowers, - under the deck, were slaves, but the sailors were freemen. The - rowers were kept in stroke by a piper, who played continually when - the vessel was being propelled; and the rowers were under the - direction and command of a <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" - xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">hortator</span></span>, so called because his - voice was incessantly heard, urging, reprimanding, praising, - threatening.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The captain of a - Roman vessel was not supreme in authority on board ship as with us, - but if the vessel contained military, he was subject to the control - of the superior military officer.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The passage down - the Corinthian Bay was effected without difficulty, before a - favorable wind, but as the vessel was about to pass out of it, the - wind suddenly changed and blew a squall from the west. And at this - moment an accident occurred that was seriously embarrassing. Whilst - the captain was standing near the steersman giving him directions - relative to the passage of the straits, a wave rolling in caught - the paddle, and caused it by the blow to snap the bronze bolt of - the eye in which it worked, and the handle flying up and forward, - struck the captain on the forehead, threw him down, and he fell - against the bulwark so as to cut open his head. He had to be - carried below insensible.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Artemis lay - under shelter till the gale abated, and then consultation arose as - to what was to be done.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lucius Lamia - took the command, he was competent to manage the vessel, with the - advice, if needed, of the mate. He and all were reluctant to put - back to Lechæum, the port of Corinth, on the Gulf, and the broken - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page42">[pg 42]</span><a name="Pg042" - id="Pg042" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>eye in which the paddle - worked was repaired with a stout thong, which, as the steersman - said, would hold till Adria was crossed and Rhegium was - reached.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The squall had - passed, and the look of the sky was promising; moreover the wind - was again favorable.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Sir,”</span> said the mate, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“my opinion is that we should make all speed across - Adria. This is a bad season of the year. It is a month in which - sailing is overpassed. We must take advantage of our chances. While - the wind blows, let us spread sail. The rowers can ship their oars; - should the wind fail, or prove contrary, they will be required, and - they may have a hard time of it. Therefore let them husband their - strength.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“So be it,”</span> answered Lucius Lamia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now the - Artemis, with sail spread, leaning on one side, drave through the - rippling water, passed the Straits into the Adriatic, with the - mountains of Ætolia to the north, and the island of Cephalonia in - the blue west before her; and as she flew, she left behind her a - trail of foam in the water, and a waft of smoke in the air from the - torches that glowed about the dead general on the quarter-deck.</p> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page43">[pg 43]</span><a name="Pg043" - id="Pg043" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc14" id= - "toc14"></a><a name="pdf15" id="pdf15"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER VI.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span class= - "tei tei-q" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">“</span><span style="font-size: 100%">I DO NOT - KNOW.</span><span style= - "font-size: 100%">”</span></span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The day was in - decline, and although the season was winter yet the air was not - cold. The mountains of Greece lay in the wake like a bank of purple - cloud tinged with gold.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On the - quarter-deck reposed the corpse, with the feet turned in the - direction of the prow; the torches spluttered, and cast off sparks - that flew away with the smoke.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On each side - were three slave women, detailed to wail, but Longa Duilia had - issued instructions that they were not to be noisy in their - demonstration so as to disturb or swamp conversation aft.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The undulating - lament swerving through semi-tones and demi-semitones, formed a low - and sad background to the play of voices on the lower deck, where, - sheltered from the wind, the widow reclined on cushions, and her - daughter Domitia sat at her side in conversation.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A change had - come over the girl, so complete, so radical, that she seemed hardly - to be the same person as before her father’s death. This was - noticeable as being in appearance and manner,—noticeable even to - the slaves, not the most observant in matters that did not - particularly concern their comfort and interests. <span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page44">[pg 44]</span><a name="Pg044" id="Pg044" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a>She had been transmuted from a playful - child into a sad and serious woman.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The sparkle had - left her eyes to make way for an eager, searching fire. The color - had left her cheek; and her face had assumed a gloomy expression. - The change, in fact, was much like that in a landscape when a sunny - May day makes place for one that is overcast and threatening. The - natural features are unaltered, but the aspect is wholly different - in quality and character.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A mighty sorrow - contracting, bruising, oppressing the heart sometimes melts it into - a sweetness of patient endurance that inspires pity and love. But - grief seemed to have frozen Domitia and not to have dissolved her - into tears.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The philosopher - approached with solemn stalk, walking on the flat of his soles.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> - - <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> - <img src="images/i_054.jpg" alt="THE PHILOSOPHER APPROACHED." - title="“THE PHILOSOPHER APPROACHED.” Page 44." /> - - <div class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: center">“THE - PHILOSOPHER APPROACHED.”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi" style= - "text-align: center"><span style="font-style: italic">Page - 44.</span></span> - </div> - </div> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Such men were - retained in noble households as family chaplains, to advise, - comfort, and exhort. And this man at intervals approached the - widow, who on such occasions assumed a woe-begone expression, beat - her brow and emitted at intervals long-drawn sighs.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At such times, - the Magus, standing near, curled his lip contemptuously, and - endeavored by shrugs and sniffs to let the bystanders perceive how - little he valued the words of the stoic.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The philosopher - Senecio now in formal style addressed the widow, and then turned to - harangue the daughter, on the excellence of moderation in grief as - in joy, on the beauty of self-control so as to suffer the storms of - life to roll over the head with indifference. In this consisted the - Highest Good, and to attain to such stolidity was the goal of all - virtuous endeavor.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page45">[pg - 45]</span><a name="Pg045" id="Pg045" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then he thrust - his hand into the folds of his toga, and withdrew, to be at once - attacked and wrangled with by the Chaldæan.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia, who had - listened with indifference, turned to her mother as soon as he was - gone, and said—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= - "la"><span style="font-style: italic">Summum Bonum</span></span>, - the crown and glory of Philosophy is to become in mind what the - slave becomes after many bastinadoes, as callous in soul as he is - on the soles of his feet. The lesson of life is not worth the - acquisition.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I think he put it all very well.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Why are the strokes applied? Why should we bear them - without crying out? After all, what profit is there in this - philosophy?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Really, my dear, I cannot tell. But it is the correct - thing to listen to and to talk philosophy, and good families keep - their tame stoics,—even quite new and vulgar people, wretched - knights who have become rich in trade—in a word, they all do - it.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But, mother, what is this Highest Good?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You must inquire of Claudius Senecio himself. It is, I - am sure something very suitable to talk about, on such solemn - occasions as this.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But what is it? A runner in the course knows what is - the prize for which he contends, a singer at the games sees the - crown he hopes to earn—but this Highest Good, is it nothing but not - to squeal when kicked?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I really do not know.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Mother, would to the Gods I did know! My sorrow is - eating out my heart. I am miserable. I am in darkness, like Theseus - in the labyrinth, but without a clue. And the Highest Good preached - by philosophy <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page46">[pg - 46]</span><a name="Pg046" id="Pg046" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>is - to sit down in the darkness and despair of the light. I want to - know. Has my father’s life gone out forever, like an extinguished - torch cast into the sea? or is it a smouldering ember that may be - blown again into flame?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Have you not heard, Domitia, how Senecio has assured - you that your father will live.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Where?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“On the page of history.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“First assure me that the page will be written, and - that impartially. What I know of historians is that they scribble - all the scurrility they can against the great and noble, in the - hope of thereby advancing the credit of their own mean selves. Has - a man no other hope of life than one built on the complaisance of - the most malignant of men?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My dear,—positively, I do not know. You turn my head - with your questions. Call Plancus that I may scold him, to ease my - overwrought nerves. The fellow has been stopping up his wrinkles - with a composition of wax, lard and flour, and really, at his age, - and in his social position—it is absurd.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But, mother, I want to know.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Bless me, you make me squeamish. Of course we want to - know a vast number of things; and the Highest Good, I take it, is - to learn to be satisfied to know nothing. Cats, dogs, donkeys, - don’t worry themselves to know—and are happy. They have, then, the - <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">Summum Bonum</span></span>. If you want to - know more, ask the philosopher. He is paid for the purpose, and - eats at our expense, and ye gods! how he eats. I believe he finds - the Highest Good in the platter.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The lady made - signs, and a slave, ever on the watch, <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page47">[pg 47]</span><a name="Pg047" id="Pg047" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>hastened to learn her desire, and at her - command summoned the Stoic.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The philosopher - paced the deck with his chin in the air, and came aft.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My daughter,”</span> said the widow, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“is splitting my suffering head with questions. Pray - answer her satisfactorily. Here Felicula, Procula, Lucilla, help me - to the cabin.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When the lady - had withdrawn, the philosopher said:</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lady, you will propound difficulties, and I shall be - pleased to solve them.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I ask plain answers to plain questions,”</span> said - Domitia. <span class="tei tei-q">“At death—what then?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Death, young lady, is the full stop at the end of the - sentence, it is the closing of the diptychs of life, on which its - story is inscribed.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I asked not what death is—but to what it - leads?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Leads!—it—leads! ahem! Death encountered with stoic - equanimity is the highest point to which—”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I do not ask how to meet death, but what it leads to. - You seem unable or unwilling to answer a plain question. My dear - father, does he live still—as a star that for a while sets below - the horizon but returns again?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“He lives, most assuredly. In all men’s mouths—on the - snowy plains of Germany, on the arid wastes of Syria, the fame of - Cnæus Domitius Corbulo——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I asked naught about his fame, but about himself. Does - he still exist, can he still think of, care for, love me—as I still - think of, care for, love him—”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Her voice - quivered and broke.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Young lady—Socrates could say no more of the future - than that it is a brilliant hope which one may <span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page48">[pg 48]</span><a name="Pg048" id="Pg048" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a>run the risk of entertaining. And our - own Immortal Cicero declared that the hope of the soul living after - death is a dream, and not a doctrine. The Immortals have seen fit - to cut the thread of his life——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The Immortals had no scissors wherewith to do it. He - fell on his own sword. Is there a soul? And after death where does - it go? Is it a mere <span class= - "tei tei-corr">shadow?</span>”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My dear lady, philosophy teaches us to - hope——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Natural instinct does that without the cumbrous - assistance of philosophy—but what is that hope built - on?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I cannot tell.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Then of what avail is it to lead a good - life?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“On the page of history——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“That is where the great man lives—but the poor girl or - the mechanic? Of what avail is a good life? What motive have we to - induce us to lead it?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The approval of the conscience.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But why should it approve? What is good? Where is it - written that this is good and that is evil?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I cannot tell.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“So,”</span> said the girl, and she signed to Elymas to - approach. He came up with a sneer at the philosopher, who retired - in discomfiture.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You, Chaldæan, answer me that which confounds the - Stoic. You have learning in the East which we have not in the West. - Tell me—what is the human soul? and has it an existence after - death?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Certainly, lady. The soul is a ray of Divine light, an - æon out of infinite perfection. This ray is projected into space - and enters into and is entangled in matter, and that is life, in - the plant, in the fish, in the bird, in the beast, in - man.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page49">[pg - 49]</span><a name="Pg049" id="Pg049" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And what after death?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Death is the disengagement of this ray from its - envelope. It returns to the source, to the <span lang="grc" class= - "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="grc"><span style= - "font-style: italic">pleroma</span></span> or fulness of being and - light whence it emanated, and loses itself in the one urn of - splendor!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But when Pactolus and Styx run into the sea, the - waters are mingled and lost, as to their individuality.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And so with the spirits of men.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What!”</span> exclaimed Domitia. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“When I die my little ray re-enters the sun and is lost - in the general glory—and my father’s ray is also sucked in and - disappears! There is no comfort in a thought where individuality is - extinguished. But say. How know you that what you have propounded - is the truth?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Magus - hesitated and became confused.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is,”</span> said he, <span class="tei tei-q">“a - solution at which the minds of the great thinkers of the East have - arrived.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I see,”</span> said Domitia, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“it is no more than a guess. You and all alike are - stagnant pools, whose muddy bottoms ferment and generate and throw - up guesswork bubbles. One bubble looks more substantial than - another, yet are all only the disguise of equal - emptiness.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Chaldæan - withdrew muttering in his beard. Domitia looked after him and - noticed the physician Luke standing near, leaning over the - bulwarks.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He was an - elderly man, with kindly soft eyes, and a short beard in which some - strands of gray appeared. A modest man, ready when called on to - advise, but never self-assertive.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia had - noticed him already and had taken a liking to him, though she had - not spoken to him. An unaccountable impulse induced her to address - him.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page50">[pg 50]</span><a name= - "Pg050" id="Pg050" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“They are all quacks,”</span> she said.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“They must needs be seekers, and the best they can - produce, is out of themselves, and that conjecture. From the depths - of the intellect what can be brought up than a more or less - plausible guess?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And on these guesses we must live, like those who - float across the Tigris and Euphrates—on rafts supported by - inflated bladders. There is then no solid ground?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Man inflates the bladders—God lays the rocky - basis.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What mean you?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“No certainty can be attained, in all these things man - desires to know, the basis of hope, the foundation of morality, - that cannot be brought out of man. It can only be known by - revelation of God.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And till he reveals we must drift on wind-bags. Good - lack!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Do you think, Lady, that He who made man, and planted - in man’s heart a desire for a future life, and made it necessary - for his welfare that he should know to discern between good and - evil, should leave him forever in the dark—like as you said Theseus - in the labyrinth, without a clue?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But where is the clue?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Or think you that He who launched the vessel of man, - having carefully laid the keel and framed the ribs, and set in her - a pilot, should send her forth into unknown seas to certain - wreckage—to be wafted up and down by every wind—to be carried along - by every current—to fall on reefs, or be engulfed by quicksands, - and not to reach a port, and He not to set lights whereby her - course may be directed?”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page51">[pg 51]</span><a name="Pg051" id="Pg051" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But where are the lights?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At that moment, - before Luke could answer, Lamia, who had been in the fore part of - the vessel, came hastily aft, and disregarding the physician, - heedless of the conversation on which he broke in, said hurriedly - and in agitated tone:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The Imperial galley!”</span></p> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page52">[pg 52]</span><a name="Pg052" - id="Pg052" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc16" id= - "toc16"></a> <a name="pdf17" id="pdf17"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER VII.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">THE FACE OF THE DEAD.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Imperial - galley!</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia leaped - to her feet. Everything was forgotten in the one thought that - before her, on the sea, floated the man who had caused the death of - her father.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lucius I must see——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He drew her - forward, but at the same time checked her speech.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Every word dropped is fraught with danger,”</span> he - said. <span class="tei tei-q">“What know you but that yon physician - be a spy?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“He is not that,”</span> she answered, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“show him to me—him——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">They walked - together to the bows.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With the - declining of the sun, the light wind had died away, and, although - the sea heaved after the recent storm, like the bosom of a sleeping - girl, in the stillness of the air, the sail drooped and the ship - made no way.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Accordingly the - sail was furled, and, by the advice of the mate, the rowers, who - had rested during the day, were summoned to their benches and - bidden work the oars during the night.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" - id="page53">[pg 53]</span><a name="Pg053" id="Pg053" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The sky was - clear, and the stars were beginning to twinkle. No part of the - voyage in calm weather would be less dangerous than this, which - might be performed at night, across open sea, unbroken by rocks and - sand-banks.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So long as the - vessel had to thread her way between the headland of Araxus and the - Echinades, and then betwixt the isles of Cephalonia and Zacynthus, - an experienced navigator was necessary, and caution had to be - exercised both in the management of the sail and in the - manipulation of the helm. But now all was plain, and the mate had - retired below to rest. During the time he reposed Lamia took charge - of the vessel, assisted by the second mate.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You take your meridian by Polaris, Castor and Pollux, - steer due west; if there be a slight deviation from the right - course, that is a trifle. I will set it right when my watch - comes.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Such was the - mate’s injunction as he retired below.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The steersman is done up,”</span> said Lamia; - <span class="tei tei-q">“he shall rest now, and no better man can - be found to replace him than Eboracus, who has been accustomed to - the stormy seas of Britain, and whose nerves are of - iron.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Indeed, the - <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">gubernator</span></span> or helmsman had hard - work for his arms. The two enormous paddles had short cross-pieces - let into them, like the handles of a scythe, and the clumsy and - heavy mechanism for giving direction to the head of the vessel was - worked by leverage in this manner.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The sailors - managed everything on deck, the cordage, the anchors, the sail and - the boats. In rough weather they undergirded the ship; that is to - say, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page54">[pg 54]</span><a name= - "Pg054" id="Pg054" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>passed horizontal - cords round her to brace the spars together so as to facilitate - resistance to the strain when laboring against the waves. The - sailors were under the direction of the captain or trierarch, so - called whether he commanded a trireme or a Liburnian of two - benches.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On deck the - steersman occupied a sort of sentry-box in the stern, and beside - him sat the mate, the second mate, and often also the captain, - forming a sort of council for the direction of the vessel.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was a - favorite figure in the early Church to represent the Bishop as the - helmsman of the sacred vessel, and the presbyters who sat about him - as the mates occupying the stern bench. As already said, in a Roman - vessel, there was a lack of that unity in direction under the - captain to which we are accustomed. A military officer was always - supreme everywhere on sea as on land.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When the sailors - were engaged in sailing, then the rowers rested or caroused, and - when they in turn bowed over the oars, the sailors had leisure.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The sun went - down in the west, lighting up the sky above where he set with a - rainbow or halo of copper light fading into green.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The night fell - rapidly, and the stars looked out above and around, and formed - broken reflections in the sea.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In winter the - foam that broke and was swept to right and left had none of the - flash and luminosity it displayed in summer, when the water was - warm.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Already in the - wake the Greek isles and mountain ridges had faded into night.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The oars dipped - evenly, and the vessel sped for<span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page55">[pg 55]</span><a name="Pg055" id="Pg055" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>ward at a speed equal to that of a modern - Channel steamer.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At a signal from - Lamia the mourners on the quarter-deck ceased to intone their - wail.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He and Domitia - stood in the bows and looked directly before them. They could see a - large vessel ahead, of three banks of oars, but she floated - immovable on the gently heaving, glassy sea. The oars were all - shipped and she was making no way.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The deck - sparkled with lights. Torches threw up red flames, lamps gave out a - fainter yellow gleam. To the cordage lights had been suspended, and - braziers burning on the quarter-deck, fed with aromatic woods, - turned the water around to molten fire, and sent wafts of fragrance - over the sea.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The twang of a - lyre and the chirp of a feeble voice were faintly audible; and - then, after a lull, ensued a musical shout of applause in rhythmic - note.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is the Augustus singing,”</span> said Lamia in a - tone of smothered rage and mortification. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“And he has his band of adulators about - him.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But why do not the rowers urge on the vessel?”</span> - asked Domitia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Because the piper giving the stroke would be - committing high treason in drowning the song of the princely - performer. By the Gods! the grinding of the oars in the rowlocks - and the plash in the water would drown even his most supreme - trills.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Hast thou seen him on the stage, Lamia?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The Gods forbid,”</span> answered the young man - passionately, <span class="tei tei-q">“this fancy to be the first - of singers and mimes had not come on him before I left Rome for - Syria. To think of it, that he—the head of the magis<span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page56">[pg 56]</span><a name="Pg056" id="Pg056" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a>tracy, of the army, of the senate, of - the priesthood, should figure as Apollo, half naked, in a - gold-powdered wig, and with painted cheeks before sniggering - Greeks! The Gods deliver me from such a sight!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But you will behold it now. As we speed along we shall - overtake this floating dramatic booth.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I will give her a wide berth, and stop my ears with - wax, though, by the Gods! this is no siren song.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia leaned - over the side of the vessel.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Are they sharp, Lucius?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Are what sharp, Domitia?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The beaks.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Sharp as lancets.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And strong?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Strong as rams.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Then, Lucius, we will not give her wide berth. You - loved my father. You regard me. You will do what I desire, for his - sake and for mine.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What would you have of me?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Ram her!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lucius Lamia - started, and looked at the girl.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She laid her - hand on his arm, and gripped it as with an iron vice.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Run her down, Lucius! Sink the accursed murderer and - mountebank in the depths of the Ionian sea.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lamia gasped for - breath.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She looked up - into his face.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Can it be done?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“By Hercules! we could rip up her side.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Then do so.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He stood - undecided.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Hearken to me. None will suspect our intention as we - swiftly shoot up—no, none in this vessel, only <span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page57">[pg 57]</span><a name="Pg057" id="Pg057" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Eboracus must be in it. Suddenly we will - round and ram and welt her; and send the new Orion with his fiddle - to the fishes. By the Furies! We shall hear him scream. We shall - see him beat the waves. Lucius, let me have a marline-spike to dash - at him as he swims and split his skull and let out his brains for - the fishes to banquet on them.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“We risk all our lives.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What care I? My father, your friend, will be - avenged.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Still Lamia - stood in unresolve.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lucius! I will twine my white arms about your neck, - and will kiss you with my red lips, the moment his last scream has - rung in my ears.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“In the name of Vengeance—then,”</span> said Lamia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Eboracus I can count on,”</span> said Domitia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“There is the under-mate. If any one on board suspect - our purpose, we are undone.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“None need suspect,”</span> said the girl. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Say that the prince is holding festival on board the - trireme, and that it behoves us to salute. None will think other - than that we are befooling ourselves like the rest. At the right - moment, before any has a thought of thy purpose, call for the - double-stroke, and trust Eboracus—he will put the helm about, and - in a moment we run her down.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lamia walked to - the quarter-deck, bade the mourning women go below. He extinguished - the funeral torches, and threw the ashes from the tripod into the - sea. Then the Artemis was no longer distinguishable by any light - she bore.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Next Lamia - walked aft, and in a restrained voice said:</p><span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page58">[pg 58]</span><a name="Pg058" id="Pg058" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The vessel of Cæsar is before us. We dare not pass - without leave asked and granted.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“All right, sir,”</span> said the second mate. - <span class="tei tei-q">“Any orders below?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Keep on at present speed. When I call Slack, then let - them slacken. When I call Double, then at once with full force - double.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Right, sir. I will carry down - instructions.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The mate went to - the ladder and descended into the hold.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There were now - left on deck only Lamia, Domitia, the steersman, Eboracus, one - sailor and the physician, who was leaning over the bulwarks looking - north at the glittering constellation of Cassiopea’s Chair.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He was near the - quarter-deck, in the fore part of the vessel, and had been - unobserved in the darkness by Lamia and Domitia, till they returned - aft.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then the young - man started as he observed him.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Was it possible - that the man had overheard the words spoken? There was nothing in - the attitude or manner of the physician to show that he entertained - alarm. Lamia resolved on keeping an eye upon him that he did not - communicate with the crew.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Luke returned - aft when the young people came in that direction, and seated - himself quietly on a bench.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Eboracus was - rapidly communicated with and gained.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Artemis flew - forward, noiselessly, save for the plunge of the oars and the hiss - of the foam, as it rushed by like milk, and from the hold sounded - the muffled note of the <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" - xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">symphonicius</span></span> or piper.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Every moment the - vessel neared the imperial galley, and sounds of revelry became - audible. Nothing <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page59">[pg - 59]</span><a name="Pg059" id="Pg059" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>showed that any on board were aware of the - approach of a Liburnian.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was now seen - that tables were spread on the deck of the Imperial vessel, and - that the prince and his attendants, and indeed the entire crew were - engaged in revelry.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Between the - courses which were served, Nero ascended the quarter-deck, and sang - or else delivered a recitation from a Greek tragedian, or a piece - of his own composition.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">If the approach - of the bireme was observed, which did not seem to be the case, it - caused no uneasiness. The Emperor’s vessel had been accompanied by - a convoy, but the ships had been dispersed by the storm; and the - bireme, if perceived, was doubtless held to be one of the - fleet.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now Helios, - the confidant of Nero, had ascended the quarter-deck to his master, - and began to declaim the speech of the attendant in the Electra - descriptive of the conquests of Orestes—applying the words, by - significant indications to the prince returning a victor from the - Grecian games.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“He, having come to the glorious pageantry of the - sports in Greece, entered the lists to win the Delphic prizes, he, - the admired of every eye. And having started from his goal in - wondrous whirls he sped along the course, and bore away the of all - coveted prize of victory. But that I may tell thee in few words - amidst superfluity I have never known such a man of might and deeds - as he—”</span> and he bowed and waved his hands towards Nero.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A roar of - applause broke out, interrupted by a cry from Nero who suddenly - beheld a dark ship plunge <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page60">[pg - 60]</span><a name="Pg060" id="Pg060" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>out - of the night and come within the radiance of the lights on board - his vessel.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Meanwhile, on - the Artemis, with set face sat Eboracus, guiding the head of the - Liburnian as directed. He could see the twinkling lights, and hear - the sounds of rejoicing.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Slack speed,”</span> called Lamia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Slack your oars,”</span> down into the hold.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There was a - pause—all oars held poised for a moment.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Double!”</span> shouted Lamia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Double your oars!”</span> down the ladder.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Instantly the - water hissed about the bows, and the oars plunged.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Eboracus by a - violent movement threw himself and his entire weight on the handle - of one paddle, so as to turn the bireme about, and ram her midships - into the Imperial trireme, when suddenly, without a word, Luke had - drawn a knife through the thong that restrained the paddle, and - instantly the <span lang="grc" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= - "grc"><span style="font-style: italic">pedalion</span></span> - leaped out of place, and would have gone overboard, had not the - physician caught and retained it.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Immediately the - direction of the Artemis was altered and in place of running into - the trireme, she swerved and swung past the Imperial galley without - touching her.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nero, white with - alarm and rage shrieked from the quarter-deck,</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Who commands?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then to those by - him, <span class="tei tei-q">“Pour oil on the flames.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At once from the - braziers, tongues of brilliant light leaped high into the air.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The name!”</span> yelled the furious - prince.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page61">[pg - 61]</span><a name="Pg061" id="Pg061" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then came the - reply:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Cnæus Domitius Corbulo.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And by the glare - he saw, standing by the mast, distinct against the darkness of the - night behind, the form of a man—and the face was the face of the - murdered general.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nero staggered - back—and would have fallen unless caught by Helios.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The dead pursue me,”</span> he gasped. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Wife, mother, brother, and now, Corbulo!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> - - <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> - <img src="images/i_072.jpg" alt="THE DEAD PURSUE ME." title= - "“THE DEAD PURSUE ME.” Page 61." /> - - <div class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: center">“THE DEAD - PURSUE ME.”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi" style= - "text-align: center"><span style="font-style: italic">Page - 61.</span></span> - </div> - </div> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page62">[pg 62]</span><a name="Pg062" - id="Pg062" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc18" id= - "toc18"></a><a name="pdf19" id="pdf19"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER VIII.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">THE SWORD OF THE DEAD.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is well done,”</span> said Eboracus in an undertone - to the physician; <span class="tei tei-q">“Otherwise there had been - the cross for you and me. The thong broke.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I severed it,”</span> said Luke.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“That I saw,”</span> said the slave, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“I shall report that it yielded. One must obey a master - even to the risk of the cross. Did’st see the noble Lamia, how - ready he was? He assumed the mask of my dead master and we have - slipped by and sent a shiver through the whole company of the - Trireme, and the August too, I trow,—for they have thought us the - Ship of the Dead.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After a pause he - said,—<span class="tei tei-q">“In my home we hold that all souls go - to sea in a phantom vessel; and sail away to the West, to the Isles - of the Blessed. At night a dark ship with a sail as a thundercloud - comes to the shore, and those near can hear the dead in trains go - over the beach and enter the ghostly vessel, till she is laden, and - then she departs.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Artemis made - her way without disaster to Rhegium, and thence coasted up Italy to - the port of Rome. She had gained on the Imperial vessel, that was - delayed at Brundusium to collect the scattered fleet. Nero would - not land until he reached Neapolis, and then not till all his - wreaths and golden apples, as <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page63">[pg 63]</span><a name="Pg063" id="Pg063" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>well as his entire wardrobe of costumes and - properties had arrived.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then only did he - come ashore, and he did so to commence a triumphal progress through - the Peninsula, the like of which was never seen before nor will be - seen again.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This was on the - 19th March, the anniversary of the murder of his mother. On the - same day a letter was put into his hands announcing the revolt of - the legions in Gaul and the proclamation of Galba, at that time - Governor of Spain.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So engrossed, - however, was his mind with preparation for his theatrical - procession, that he paid no heed to the news, nor was he roused - till he read the address of Vindex, who led the revolt, denouncing - him as a <span class="tei tei-q">“miserable fiddler.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This touched him - to the quick, and he addressed an indignant despatch to the Senate, - demanding that Vindex should be chastised, and appealed to the - prizes he had gained as testimony to his musical abilities.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So he started - for Rome.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Eighteen hundred - and eight heralds strutted before him, bearing in their hands the - crowns that had been awarded him and announcing when and how he had - succeeded in winning the award.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He entered Rome - in this leisurely manner, in a triumphal chariot, wearing a purple - robe, embroidered with gold, an olive garland about his head. - Beside him a harper struck his instrument and chanted his - praises.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The houses were - decorated with festoons, the streets were strewn with saffron; - singing birds, comfits, flowers were scattered by the people before - him. If the Sen<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page64">[pg - 64]</span><a name="Pg064" id="Pg064" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>ate - expected that now the prince was in Rome, he would attend to - business, it was vastly mistaken. His first concern was to arrange - for a splendid exhibition in which he might gratify the public with - a finished study of his acting and singing.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Solicitude about - his triumph, his voice, his reception, had so completely filled the - shallow mind of Nero, that he gave no further thought to the vessel - that had shot out of the darkness, nearly fouled his galley, and - which had been apparently commanded by one of his noblest - victims.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Longa Duilia - arrived on the Gabian estate, with the corpse of her husband, her - daughter, Lucius Lamia, and her entire <span class= - "tei tei-q">“family,”</span> as the company of household slaves was - termed, without accident and without deter.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Gabii lay eleven - miles from Rome at the foot of one of the spurs of the Alban - mountains. The town stood on a small knoll rising out of the - Campagna. The stone of which it was built was dark, being a - volcanic peperino; it was perhaps one of the least attractive sites - for a country residence, which a Roman noble could have selected; - but this was not without its advantage, when Emperors acted as did - Ahab, and cut off those whose villas and vineyards attracted their - covetous eyes.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A lake occupied - the crater of an extinct volcano; the water was dark as ink, but - this was due rather to the character of the bottom, than to depth, - which was inconsiderable.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The villa and - its gardens lay by the water’s edge. The old city not flourishing, - but maintaining a languid existence, was famous for nothing but a - peculiarity in girding the toga adopted by the men, by the - dingi<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page65">[pg 65]</span><a name= - "Pg065" id="Pg065" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>ness of its building - stone, and by its temple of Juno, an object of pilgrimage when the - deities of other shrines had proved unwilling or unable to help, a - sort of pis-aller of devotion.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Longa Duilia - hated the place; it was dull, and she would never have frequented - it, had it not been the fashion at the period for all people of - good family to affect a love of retirement into the country, and to - pretend a taste for simplicity of rural life. Some fine fops had - their <span class="tei tei-q">“chambers of poverty”</span> to which - on occasions they retired, to lie on mats upon the ground, and eat - pulse out of common earthenware. Such periods of self-denial added - zest to luxury.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia, on the - other hand, was attached to the place. It was associated with the - innocent pleasures of earliest childhood. Its spring flowers were - the loveliest she had ever culled, its June strawberries the most - delicious she had ever eaten. And the lake teeming with char gave - opportunities for boating and fishing.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Here was the - family burial-place; and here Corbulo was to be burnt, and then his - ashes collected and consigned to the mausoleum.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Messengers had - been sent forth to invite the attendance of all relations, - acquaintances and dependents.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The invitation - was couched, according to unalterable custom, in antiquated terms, - hardly intelligible. When on the day appointed for the ceremony, - vast numbers were collected, the funeral procession started.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">First went the - musicians under the conduct of a Master of the Ceremonies. By law, - the number of <a name="corr065" id="corr065" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">flautists</span> - was limited to ten.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then followed - the professional mourners, hired for the occasion from the temple - of Libitina, the priests <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page66">[pg - 66]</span><a name="Pg066" id="Pg066" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of - which were the licensed undertakers. These <a name="corr066" id= - "corr066" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class= - "tei tei-corr">mourners</span> chanted the nænia, a lament composed - for the purpose of lauding the acts of the deceased and of reciting - his honors. When they paused at the conclusion of a strophe, horns - and trumpets brayed. Immediately after the wailers walked a train - of actors, one of whom was dressed in the insignia of the deceased - and wore a mask representing him. He endeavored to mimic each - peculiarity of the man he personated, and buffoons around by their - antics and jests provoked the spectators to laughter. This farcical - exhibition was calculated to moderate the excessive grief - superinduced by the lament of the wailers.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then came the - grand procession of the ancestors, especially dear to the heart of - the <span class="tei tei-corr">widow.</span> Not only did the - effigies of the direct forefathers appear, but all related families - trotted out their ancestors, to attend the illustrious dead, so - that there cannot have been less than a hundred present.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As already - mentioned, the wax masks of the dead of a family ornamented every - nobleman’s hall, usually enclosed in boxes with the titles of the - defunct inscribed on them in gold characters. These were now - produced. The mimes were costumed appropriately, as senators, - generals, magistrates, with their attendants, wearing the wax - masks, and artificial heads of hair.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The idea - represented was that of the ancestors having returned from the land - of Shadows to fetch their descendant and accompany him to the - nether world. The corpse, that lay on a bier in the hall, was now - taken up, and carried forth to a loud cry from all in the house of - <span class="tei tei-q">“Vale! Farewell! Fare thee well!”</span> - Between the lips of the dead man was a coin, placed there as - payment <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page67">[pg 67]</span><a name= - "Pg067" id="Pg067" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of the toll across - the River of Death in the ferry-boat of Charon. On each side of the - bier walked attendants carrying lighted torches. In ancient times - all funerals had been conducted at night. Now the only reminiscence - of this custom was in the bearing of lights; but the torches served - as well a practical purpose, as they were employed to kindle the - pyre.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Before the dead - were carried the insignia of his offices, pictures of the battles - he had won and statues of the kings and chiefs he had conquered. - The corpse was followed by a number of manumitted slaves, all - wearing the cap of liberty, in token of their freedom. Finally came - the members of the family, friends, retainers, and the sympathizing - public.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Longa Duilia and - Domitia Longina walked in their proper place, with dishevelled - hair, unveiled heads, and in the <span lang="la" class= - "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">ricinium</span></span> or black garment thrown - over their tunics; the men all wore the <span lang="la" class= - "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">pænula</span></span>, or short travelling - cloak.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The procession - advanced into the marketplace of Gabii, where Lucius Lamia ascended - the <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= - "la"><span style="font-style: italic">rostrum</span></span> to - pronounce the funeral oration.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Immediately, - ivory chairs and inlaid stools were ranged in a crescent before - him, and on these the ancestors seated themselves, the bier being - placed before them.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The panegyric - was addressed to the crowd outside the circle of mimes with wax - faces. Lamia had a gift of natural eloquence, his feelings were - engaged, but his freedom of speech was hampered by necessity of - caution in allusion to the death of Corbulo, lest some word should - be let slip which might be caught up and tortured into a - treasonable reference to Nero.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page68">[pg 68]</span><a name="Pg068" id="Pg068" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Laudation - ended, the entire assembly arose and re-formed in procession to the - place of burning, which by law must be sixty feet from any - building. There a pit had been excavated and a grating placed above - it. On this grating the pyre was erected, consisting of precious - woods, sprinkled with gums and spices.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To this the - corpse was conveyed. But, previous to its being placed on the - fagots, a surgeon amputated one of the fingers, which was preserved - for burial, and then a handful of earth was thrown over the face of - the deceased.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Anciently the - Roman dead had been buried, and when the fashion for incineration - came in, a trace of the earlier usage remained in the burial of a - member and the covering of the face with soil.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now ensued a - repulsive scene, one without which no great man’s funeral would - have been considered as properly performed.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Through the - crowd pushed two small parties of gladiators, three in each, hired - for the occasion of a company that let them out. Then ensued a - fight—not mimic, but very real, in front and round the pyre. Now a - hard-pressed gladiator ran and was pursued, turned sharply and - hacked at his follower. This was continued till three men had - fallen and had been stabbed in the breast. Whereupon, the survivors - sheathed their swords, bowed and withdrew.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The torches were - now put into the hands of Duilia and Domitia, and with averted - faces they applied the fire to the fagot, and a sheet of flame - roared up and enveloped the dead man.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now the - mourners raised their loudest cries, tore their hair, scarified - their cheeks with their nails; <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page69">[pg 69]</span><a name="Pg069" id="Pg069" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>pipes, flutes, horns were blown. In a paroxysm - of distress, partly real, partly feigned, a rush was made to the - pyre, and all who got near cast some offering into the - flames—cakes, flowers, precious stuffs, rings, bracelets, and - coins.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Duilia, in - tragic woe, disengaged a mass of artificial hair from her head, and - cast it into the fire. Then rang out the sacramental - cry:—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span lang="la" class= - "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style="font-style: italic">I, - licet!</span></span> You are permitted to retire,”</span> and - gladly, sick at heart and faint, Domitia was supported rather than - walked home.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Some hours - later, when the ashes of the defunct had been collected and - deposited in an urn, which was conveyed to the mausoleum, Lucius - Lamia came to the house and inquired for the ladies.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He was informed - that the widow was too much overcome by her feelings to see any - one, but that Domitia was in the <span lang="la" class= - "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">tablinum</span></span> and would receive - him.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He at once - entered the hall and stepped up into the apartment where she was - seated, looking pale and worn, with tear-reddened eyes.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She rose, and - with a sweet sad smile, extended her hand to Lamia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“No, Domitia,”</span> said he gently, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“as your dear father gave me permission on the wharf at - Cenchræa, I will claim the same privilege now.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She held her - cold, tear-stained cheek to him without a word, then returned to - and sank on her stool.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I thank you, dear friend, and almost brother,”</span> - she said. <span class="tei tei-q">“You spoke nobly of my father, - though not more nobly than he deserved. Here, my Lucius, is a - present for you, I intrust it to you—his sword, which he used so - gallantly, on which he fell, and still marked with his - blood.”</span></p> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page70">[pg 70]</span><a name="Pg070" - id="Pg070" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc20" id= - "toc20"></a><a name="pdf21" id="pdf21"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER IX.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">SHEATHED.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">According to an - Oriental legend, the dominion of Solomon over the spirits resided - in the power of his staff on which he stayed himself. So long as he - wielded that, none might disobey.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But the Jins - sent a white ant up through the floor, that ate out the heart of - the rod, so that when he leaned on it, it gave way and resolved - itself into a cloud of fine powder. Solomon fell, and his authority - was at an end forever.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The termites - that consumed the core of the sceptre of Nero were his own vices - and follies. Its power was at an end and his fall as sudden as in - the case of Solomon, and as unexpected.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In March he was - possessed of dominion over the world, and was at the head of - incalculable forces. In June all was dissolved in the dust of - decay; he was prostrate, helpless, bereft of the shadow of - authority, unable to command a single slave. The first token of - what was about to take place was this.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In Rome the - rabble was kept in good humor by the Cæsars distributing among them - bread gratis, and entertaining them with shows free of charge.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">During the - winter, contrary winds had delayed the corn-ships from Egypt, and - the amount of bread distributed was accordingly curtailed. Games - were, in<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page71">[pg 71]</span><a name= - "Pg071" id="Pg071" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>deed, promised, but - these would serve as condiments to the bread and not as - substitutes. Then a vessel arrived in port, and the hungry people - believed that she was laden with the wished-for corn. When, - however, they learned that her cargo was white sand for strewing - the arena at the sports, they broke into a storm of discontent and - swept, howling insulting words, under Nero’s windows.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Next day all - Rome heard that Galba, at the head of the legions of Spain and - Gaul, was marching into Italy, and that none of the troops of Nero - sent to guard the frontier of the Alps would draw a sword in his - defence.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The prince, now - only seriously alarmed, bade his household guard conduct him to - Ostia, where he would mount the vessel that had discharged its load - of sand, and escape to Egypt. They contemptuously refused, and - disbanded. Then, in an agony of fear, Nero left the Palatine, and - fled across the river to the Servilian mansion that adjoined the - racecourse, to light which he had burned Christians swathed in - tarred wraps.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There he found - none save his secretary Epaphroditus, whom he had sent there to be - chained at the door, and to act as porter because he had offended - him. Guards, freedmen, courtiers, actors, all had taken to their - heels, but not before they had pillaged the palace.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He wandered - about the house, knocking at every door, and nowhere meeting with - an answer.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Night by this - time had settled in, murk and close, but at intervals electric - flashes shivered overhead.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then suddenly - the earth reeled, and there passed a sound as of chariot wheels - rolling heavily through the streets; yet the streets were deserted. - Trembling, despairing, Nero crouched on his bed, bit his nails till - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page72">[pg 72]</span><a name="Pg072" - id="Pg072" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>he had gnawed them to the - quick, then started up and hunted for his jewel case. He would fly - on foot, carrying that, hide in some hovel, till danger was past. - But a thievish slave had stolen it.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Sick at heart, - picking, then biting at his nails, shrinking with apprehension at - the least noise, wrapping a kerchief about a finger where blood - came, he looked with dazed eyes at the red flare of the heavenly - fires pulsating through his open door.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He heard a step - and ran out, to encounter a freedman, Phaon by name, who was coming - along the passage, holding aloft a torch, attended by two - slaves.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The wretched - prince clung to him, and entreated that he might not be left alone; - that Phaon would protect him, and contrive a means of escape.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Augustus!”</span> answered the freedman, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“I am not ungrateful for favors shown me, but my - assistance at this hour is unavailing. I am but one man, a - stranger, a Greek, and all Rome, all Italy, the entire world, have - risen against you.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I must fly. They will allow me to earn my livelihood - on the stage. Of what value to any man is my life?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My lord, in what value have you held the lives of the - thousands that you have taken? Each life cut off has raised against - you a hundred enemies. All will pursue, like a pack of hounds - baying for the blood of him who murdered their kinsfolk. Even now I - passed one—Lucius Ælius Lamia,—and he stayed me to inquire where - you might be found. In his hand he held an unsheathed - sword.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nero shrieked - out; then looked timidly about him, terrified at the sound of his - own voice.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page73">[pg - 73]</span><a name="Pg073" id="Pg073" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Let us hide. Disguise me. Get me a horse. I cannot - run, I am too fat; besides, I have on my felt slippers - only.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Phaon spoke to - one of his slaves, and the man left.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Master,”</span> said the freedman, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Do not deceive yourself. There is no escape. Prepare - to die as a man. Slay yourself. It is not hard to die. Better so - fall than get into the hands of implacable enemies.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I cannot. I have not the courage. I will do it only - when everything fails. I have many theatrical wigs. I can paint my - face.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Sire! the people are so wont to see your face - besmeared with color, that they are less likely to recognize a face - bleached to tallow.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I have a broad-brimmed fisherman’s hat. I wear it - against becoming freckled. That will shade my face. Find me an - ample cloak. Here, at length, comes Sporus.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">An eunuch - appeared in the doorway.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Breathless, in - short, broken sentences, Nero entreated him to look out in his - wardrobe for a sorry mantle, and to bring it him.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But whither will—can you go?”</span> asked Phaon. - <span class="tei tei-q">“The Senate has been assembled—it has been - convoked for midnight to vote your deposition and - death.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I will go before it. Nay! I will haste to the Forum, I - will mount the Tribune. I will ask to be given the government of - Egypt. That at least will not be refused me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My lord, the streets are filling with people. They - will tear you to pieces ere you reach the Forum.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Think you so! Why so? I have amused the people so - well. Good Phaon, hire me a swift galley, and I will <span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page74">[pg 74]</span><a name="Pg074" id="Pg074" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a>take refuge with Tiridates. I restored - to him the crown of Armenia. He will not be ungrateful.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My lord, it will not be possible for you to leave - Italy.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Then I will retire to a farm. I will grow cabbages and - turnips. The god Tiberius was fond of turnips. O Divine Powers that - rule the fate of men! shall I ever eat turnips again? Phaon, hide - me for a season. Men’s minds are changeable. They are heated now. - They will cool to-morrow. They cannot kill such a superlative - artist as myself.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I have a villa between the Salarian and the Nomentane - Roads. If it please you to go thither——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“At once. I think I hear horse-hoofs. O Phaon, save - me!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Sporus came up, - offering an old moth-eaten cloak. The wardrobe had been plundered, - only the refuse had been abandoned.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A voice was - heard pealing through the empty corridors: <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Horses! horses at the door!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Who calls so loud? Silence him. He will betray - us!”</span> said Nero. <span class="tei tei-q">“Hah! It is - Epaphroditus.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At the entrance, - chained to a cumbrous log, was the Greek, Epaphroditus, formerly a - pampered favorite. But two days previously he had ventured to - correct a false quantity in some verses by his master, and Nero, in - a burst of resentment and mortified vanity, had ordered him to be - fastened to a beam as doorkeeper to the Servilian Palace.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The horses are here,”</span> shouted the freedman. - <span class="tei tei-q">“May it please my lord to mount. Sporus and - the slaves can run afoot.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nero unwound the - kerchief from his hand and <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page75">[pg - 75]</span><a name="Pg075" id="Pg075" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>wrapped it about his throat, drew the - broad-brimmed hat over his head, enveloped himself in the blanket - cloak, and shuffled in his slippers to the door.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The chained - Greek at once cried out: <span class="tei tei-q">“Master! my chain - has become entangled and is so knotted that I cannot stir. I have - been thus since noon, and none have regarded me. I pray thee, let - me go.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Thou fool! cease hallooing!”</span> retorted Nero - angrily. <span class="tei tei-q">“Dost think I carry about with me - the key of thy shackles?”</span> Then to those who followed, - <span class="tei tei-q">“Smite him on the mouth and silence him, or - he will call attention to me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The gods smite thee!”</span> yelled the scribe, - striving to reach an upright posture, but falling again, owing to - the tangle in the links. <span class="tei tei-q">“May they blight - thee as they have stricken Livia’s laurel!”</span><a id="noteref_3" - name="noteref_3" href="#note_3"><span class= - "tei tei-noteref"><span style= - "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">3</span></span></a></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mounted on an - old gray horse, Nero rode to the Ælian Bridge, where stands now - that of St. Angelo, crossed it and began to traverse the Campus - Martius.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Electric flashes - quivered across the sky. Then again an earthquake made the city - rock as if drunk; the buildings were rent, and masses of cornice - fell down.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A glare of white - lightning illumined the whole field and lighted up the mausoleum of - Augustus, and the blank faces of such men as were abroad.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The horse - trembled and refused to move. It was some time before the alarm of - the brute could be allayed, and it could be coaxed to go forward - and begin the ascent of the Quirinal. The advance was slow; and - Nero’s fears became greater as the road <span class="tei tei-pb" - id="page76">[pg 76]</span><a name="Pg076" id="Pg076" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>approached the Prætorian Camp, and he expected - recognition by the sentinels. Yet in the midst of his fear wild - flashes of hope shot, and he said to Phaon:</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What think you, if I were to enter the camp? Surely - the Prætorians would rally about me, and I might dissolve the - Senate.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Sire, they have destroyed your images, and have - proclaimed Galba. They would take off your head and set it on a - pike.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nero uttered a - groan, and kicked the flanks of his steed. At that moment a - passer-by saluted him.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“By the Immortals! I am recognized.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“We have but to go a little further.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Phaon, what if the Senate declare me an enemy of the - State?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Then you will fare in the customary - manner.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“How is that?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The prince put - his trembling hand to his brow and in his agitation knocked off his - hat.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The freedman - picked it up.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The customary manner, sire! your neck will be put in - the cleft of a forked stick and you will be beaten, lashed, kicked - to death. Better take the sword and fall on it.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Oh, Phaon! not yet! I cannot endure pain. I have a - spring nail now—and it hurts! it hurts!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Ride on, my lord; at the cypress hedge we will turn - our horses loose, and by a path through the fields reach my - villa.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Half an hour - after Nero had left the Servilian palace, where now stands the - Lateran, Lamia arrived followed by two servants. He found the - secretary in a heap at the door, vainly writhing in his knotted - chains. Lamia <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page77">[pg - 77]</span><a name="Pg077" id="Pg077" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>at - once asked him about the prince, whether he was there.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I will both answer and show you whither he is - fled,”</span> said Epaphroditus, <span class="tei tei-q">“if you - will release me. Otherwise my tongue is tied like my - limbs.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Is he here?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Nay, he has been here, but is gone. Whither I alone - can say. The price of the information is release.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Tell me where I can find tools.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Epaphroditus - gave the required information and Lamia despatched a servant to - bring hammer and chisel. They were speedily produced; but some time - was taken up in cutting through the links.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This, however, - was finally effected, and the secretary gathered up a handful of - the broken chain and clenched it in his fist.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Now I will lead the way,”</span> said he, stretching - himself.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The wretched, - fallen emperor had in the meanwhile scrambled through hedges and - waded through a marsh, and had at last found a temporary shelter in - a garden tool-house of the villa. Phaon feared to introduce him - into his house.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Wearied out, he - cast himself on a sort of bier on which the gardeners carried - citron trees to and from the conservatory. The cloak had fallen - from him and lay on the soil.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His feet were - muddy and bleeding. He had tried to eat some oat-cake that had been - offered him, but was unable to swallow.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He continued to - be teased with, and to pick or bite at his spring nails.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I hear steps!”</span> he cried. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“They will kill me!”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" - id="page78">[pg 78]</span><a name="Pg078" id="Pg078" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Sire, play the man.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Phaon offered - him a couple of poniards.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nero put the - point of one to his breast, shrunk and threw it away.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is too blunt, it will not enter,”</span> he - said.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He tried the - other and dropped it.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is over sharp. It cuts,”</span> he said.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At that moment - the door opened and Lamia and Epaphroditus entered.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nero cried out - and covered his face:</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Sporus! Phaon! one or both! kill yourselves and show - me how to do it.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“To do it!”</span> said Lamia sternly. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“That is not difficult. Do you need a sword? Here is - one—the sword of Corbulo.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He extended the - weapon to the prince, who accepted it with tremulous hand, looking - at Lamia with glassy eyes.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Oh! a moment! I feel sick.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Phaon said: - <span class="tei tei-q">“Sire—at once!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Nero, with - all power going out of his fingers, pointed the blade to his - throat.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I cannot,”</span> he gasped, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“my hand is numb.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Immediately, - Epaphroditus with his hand full of chain, brought the weighted fist - against the haft, and drove the sword into the coward’s throat.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He sank back on - the bier.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Lamia - stooped, gathered up the moth-eaten cloak, and threw it over the - face of the dying man.</p> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page79">[pg 79]</span><a name="Pg079" - id="Pg079" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc22" id= - "toc22"></a><a name="pdf23" id="pdf23"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER X.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">UBI FELICITAS?</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Push, my dear Domitia, Push. Of course. What else - would you have, but Push?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But, sweetest mother, that surely cannot give what I - ask.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Indeed, my child, it does. It occupies all one’s - energies, it exerts all one’s faculties, and it fills the - heart.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But—what do you gain?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Gain, child?—everything. The satisfaction of having - got further up the ladder; of exciting the envy of your late - companions, the admiration of the vulgar, the mistrust of those - above you.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Is that worth having?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Of course it is. It is—that very thing you desire, - Happiness. It engages all your thoughts, stimulates your abilities. - You dress for it; you prepare your table for it, accumulate - servants for it, walk, smile, talk, acquire furniture, statuary, - bronzes, and so on—for it. It is charming, ravishing. I live for - it. I desire nothing better.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But I do, mother. I do not care for this.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The girl spoke - with her eyes on a painting on the wall of the atrium that - represented a young maiden running in pursuit of a butterfly. - Beneath it were the words <span class="tei tei-q">“Ubi - Felicitas?”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page80">[pg - 80]</span><a name="Pg080" id="Pg080" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Because you are young and silly, Domitia. When older - and wiser, you will understand the value of Push, and appreciate - Position. My dear, properly considered, everything can be made use - of for the purpose—even widowhood, dexterously dealt with, becomes - a vehicle for Push. It really is vexatious that in Rome there - should just now be such broils and effervescence of minds, - proclamation of emperors, cutting of throats, that I, poor thing, - here in Gabii run a chance of being forgotten. It is too provoking. - I really wish that this upsetting of Nero, and setting up of Galba, - and defection of Otho, and so on, had been postponed till my year - of widowhood were at an end. One gets no chance, and it might have - been <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= - "font-style: italic">so</span></span> effective.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And when you have obtained that at which you have - aimed?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Then make that the start for another push.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And if you fail?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Then, my dear, you have the gratification of being - able to lay the blame on some one else. You have done your - utmost.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“When you have gained what you aimed at, you are not - content.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“That is just the beauty of Push. No, always go on to - what is beyond.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Look at that running girl, mother, she chases a - butterfly, and when she has caught the lovely insect she crushes it - in her hand. The glory of its wings is gone, its life is at an end. - What then?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“She runs after another butterfly.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And despises and rejects each to which she has - attained?”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page81">[pg - 81]</span><a name="Pg081" id="Pg081" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Certainly!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After a pause - Longa Duilia said, as she signed to Lucilla the slave to fan her, - <span class="tei tei-q">“That was the one defect in your dear - father’s character, he had no Push.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Mother! can you say that after his splendid victories, - over the Chauci, over the Parthians, over——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I know all about them. They should have served as - means, child, not as ends.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I do not understand.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Poor simple man, he fought the enemies of Rome and - defeated them, because it was, as he said, his duty to his country, - to Rome, to do so. But, by Ops and Portumna! that was talking like - a child. What might he not have been with those victories? But he - couldn’t see it. He had it not in him. Some men are born to squint; - some have club feet; and your poor dear father had no - ambition.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After a pause - the lady added: <span class="tei tei-q">“When I come to consider - what he might have done for me, had he possessed Push, it makes my - spleen swell. Just consider! What is Galba compared with him? What - any of these fellows who have been popping up their heads like carp - or trout when the May flies are about? My dear, had your dear - father been as complete a man as I am a woman, at this moment I - might be Empress.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“That would have contented you.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It would have been a step in that - direction.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What more could you desire?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Why, to be a goddess. Did not the Senate pronounce - Poppæa divine, and to be worshipped and invoked, after Nero had - kicked her and she died? And that baby of his—it died of fits in - teething—that became a goddess also. Nasty little thing! I saw it, - it <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page082">[pg 082]</span><a name= - "Pg082" id="Pg082" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>did nothing but - dribble and squall, but is a god for all that. My dear Domitia, - think! the Divine Duilia! Salus Italiæ, with my temples, my altars, - my statues. By the Immortal Twelve, I think I should have tried to - cut out Aphrodite, and have been represented rising from the foam. - Oh! it would have been too, too lovely. But there! it makes me - mad—all that <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= - "font-style: italic">might</span></span> have been, and - <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= - "font-style: italic">would</span></span> have been to a certainty, - had your dear father listened to me at Antioch. But he had a - head.”</span> She touched her brow. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Something wrong there—no Push.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But, dearest mother, this may be an approved motive - for such as you and for all nobles. But then—for the artisan, the - herdsman, the slave, Push can’t be a principle of life to such as - they.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My child, how odd you are! What need we consider them? - They may have their own motives, I can’t tell; I never was a - herdsman nor a slave—never did any useful work in my life. As to a - slave, of course Push is a motive—he pushes to gain his - freedom.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And when he has got that?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Then he strives to accumulate a fortune.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And then?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Then he will have a statue or a bust of himself - sculptured, and when he gets old, erect a splendid - mausoleum.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And so all ends in a handful of dust.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Of course. What else would you have?—Remember, a - splendid mausoleum.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Yes, enclosing a pot of ashes. That picture teaches a - sad truth. Pursue your butterfly: when you have caught it, you find - only dust between your fingers.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Domitia! as the Gods love me! I wish you would - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page83">[pg 83]</span><a name="Pg083" - id="Pg083" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>refrain from this talk. It is - objectionable. It is prematurely oldening you, and what ages you - reflects on me—it advances my years. I will listen to no more of - this. If you relish it, I do not; go, chatter to the Philosopher - Claudius Senecio, he is paid to talk this stuff.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I will not speak to him. I know beforehand what he - will say.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“He will give you excellent advice, he is hired to do - it.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“O yes—to bear everything with equanimity. That is the - sum and substance of his doctrine. Then not to be too wise about - the Gods; to aim to sit on the fulcrum of a see-saw, when I prefer - an end of the plank.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Equanimity! I desire it with my whole - soul.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But why so, mother? It is not running thought, but - stagnation.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Because, my dear, it keeps off wrinkles.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Mother, you and I will never understand each - other.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“As the Gods love me, I sincerely hope not. Send me - Plancus, Lucilla. I must scold him so as to soothe my ruffled - spirits.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And, Euphrosyne, go, send the Chaldæan to me in the - garden,”</span> said the girl.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The slave obeyed - and departed.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Ubi Felicitas? Running, pursuing and finding - nothing,”</span> said Domitia as she went forth.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The sun was hot. - She passed under an arched trellis with vines trained over it; the - swelling bunches hung down within.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At intervals in - the arcade were openings through <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page84">[pg 84]</span><a name="Pg084" id="Pg084" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>which could be seen the still lake, and beyond - the beautiful ridges of the limestone Sabine Mountains. The air was - musical with the hum of bees.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia paced up - and down this walk for some while.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Presently the - Magus appeared at the end, under the guidance of the girl - Euphrosyne.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He approached, - bowing at intervals, till he reached Domitia, when he stood - still.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Ubi Felicitas?”</span> asked she. And when he raised - his eyebrows in question, she added in explanation: <span class= - "tei tei-q">“There is a picture in the atrium representing a damsel - in pursuit of a butterfly, and beneath is the legend I have just - quoted. When she catches the butterfly it will not content her. It - will be a dead pinch of dust. It is now some months since you spoke - on the Artemis, when I asked you a question, and then you were - forced to admit that all your science was built up on conjecture, - and that there was no certainty underlying it. But a guess is - better than nothing, and a guess that carries the moral sense with - it in approval, may come near to the truth. I recall all you then - said. Do not repeat it, but answer my question, <span lang="la" - class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">Ubi Felicitas?</span></span> I asked it of my - mother, and she said that it was to be found in Push. If I asked - Senecio, he would say in Equanimity. Where say you that it is to be - found?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The soul of man is a ray out of the Godhead,”</span> - answered the Magus, <span class="tei tei-q">“it is enveloped, - depressed, smothered by matter; and the straining of the spirit in - man after happiness is the striving of his divine nature to - emancipate itself from the thraldom of matter and return to Him - from whom the ray emanated.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page85">[pg 85]</span><a name="Pg085" id="Pg085" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Then felicity is to be found—?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“In the disengagement of the good in man from matter, - which presses it down, and which is evil.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Evil!”</span> exclaimed Domitia, looking through one - of the gaps in the arcade, at the lake; on a balustrade above the - water stood a dreaming peacock, whilst below it grew bright - flowers. Beyond, as clouds, hung the blue Sabine hills.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The Divine ray,”</span> said the girl, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“seems rarely to delight in its incorporation in - Matter, and to find therein its expression, much as do our thoughts - in words. May it not be that Primordial Idea is inarticulate - without Matter in which to utter itself?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Felicity,”</span> continued the Chaldæan, disregarding - the objection, <span class="tei tei-q">“is sought by many in the - satisfying of their animal appetites, in pleasing eye and ear and - taste and smell. But in all is found the after-taste of satiety - that gluts. True happiness is to be sought in teaching the mind to - dispense with sensuous delights, and to live in absorption in - itself.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Why, Elymas!”</span> said Domitia. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“In fine, you arrive by another method at that Apathy - which Senecio the Stoic advocates. I grant you give a reason—which - seems to me lame—but it is a reason, whereas he supplies none. But - I like not your goal—Apathy is the reverse from Felicity. Leave - me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Magus - retired, mortified at his doctrine being so ill received.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Euphrosyne - approached timidly.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia, who was - in moody thought, looked up. The girl could not venture to speak - till invited to do so by her mistress.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Your lady mother has desired me to announce to - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page86">[pg 86]</span><a name="Pg086" - id="Pg086" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>you that Lucius Ælius Lamia - hath ridden over from Rome.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I will come presently,”</span> said Domitia; - <span class="tei tei-q">“I am just now too troubled in mind. You, - child, tell me, where is the physician, Luke?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lady, I do not know; he quitted us on reaching - Rome.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Stay, Euphrosyne. Thine is a cheerful spirit. Where is - felicity to be found?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My gracious mistress, I find mine in serving thee—in - my duty.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Ah, child! That is the sort of reply my father might - have made. In the discharge of what he considered his duty, he was - of a wondrous sweet and equable temper. Is it so, that Felicity is - only to be found in the discharge of duty? And those torpid flies, - the young loafers of our noble families, whose only occupation is - to play ball, and whose amusements are vicious; they have it not - because none has set them tasks. The ploughman whistles as he - drives his team; the vineyard rings with laughter at the gathering - of the grapes. The galley-slaves chant as they bend over the oar, - and the herdboy pipes as he tends the goats. So each is set a task, - and is content in discharge thereof, and each sleeps sweetly at - night, when the task is done. But what! is happiness reserved to - the bondsman, and not for the master? And only then for the former - when the duty imposed is reasonable and honest?—For there is none - when such an order comes as to fall on the sword or to open the - veins. How about us great ladies? And the noble loafers? No task is - set us and them.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Surely, lady, to all God has given - duties!”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page87">[pg - 87]</span><a name="Pg087" id="Pg087" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Nay—when, where, how? Look at me, Euphrosyne. When I - was a little child here, we had a neighbor, Lentulus. He was a - lie-abed, and a sot. He let his servants do as they liked, make - love, quarrel, fight, the one lord it over the other, and all idle, - because on none was imposed any duty. It was a villainous - household, and the estate went to the hammer. It seems to me, - Euphrosyne, as if this whole world were the estate of Lentulus on a - large scale, where all the servants squabbled, and one by sheer - force tyrannizes over the others, and none know why they are placed - there, and what is their master’s will, and what they have to do. - There is no day-table of work. There is either no master over such - a household, or he is an Olympian Lentulus.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But, mistress, is that not impossible?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It would seem so, and yet—Where is the Day-Table? Show - me that—and, by the Gods! it will be new life to me. I shall know - my duty—and see Happiness.”</span></p> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page88">[pg 88]</span><a name="Pg088" - id="Pg088" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc24" id= - "toc24"></a><a name="pdf25" id="pdf25"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XI.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">THE VEILS OF ISHTAR.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia did not - go into the house, as desired, to receive Lamia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She was well - aware that he would come to her into the garden, if she did not - present herself within, and she preferred to speak with him away - from her mother.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She therefore - continued to walk under the vines. She looked up at the sunlight - filtering through the broad green flaky shade, with here and there - a ray kissing a purple, pendent bunch of grapes.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then she looked - at the dreaming peacock, the sun flashing on its metallic - plumage.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">No! matter was - not evil. Matter, indeed, without life was not even like the - statue—for that was a copy of what lived, and failed just in this, - that it fell short of life. Domitia felt as though she were - touching the edge of a great verity, but had not set her foot upon - it. Then she considered what Euphrosyne had said to her, and she to - her slave. Wherever the path of duty lay, there violets bloomed and - verbena scented the air. Was not life itself, devoid of the - knowledge of its purport, and its obligations and its destiny, like - matter uninformed by Life? Or if any life entered into it, it was - the disintegrating life of decay and decomposition?</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She, for her - part, had no obligations laid on her. <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page89">[pg 89]</span><a name="Pg089" id="Pg089" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>If, however, she were married to Lamia, then - at once duties would spring up, and her way would be rosy. Till - then her happiness hung in suspense, like that of her mother, - during the period of widowhood in which she was expected and - required to live in retirement. Out of society, not elbowing and - shouldering her way forward—that was a year of blank and of - unhappiness to Longa Duilia, in which she found no consolation save - in badgering her steward, and in scheming for the future.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lamia, as - Domitia expected he would, came to her under the trellis, and she - received him with that dimple in her cheek which gave her - expression so much sweetness mingled with pathos,</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lucius,”</span> she said, <span class="tei tei-q">“you - are good to come. My mother is, oh! so dull, and restless - withal.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is well that she should be away from Rome, my - Domitia. I have told her as much. On no account must you leave - Gabii. Rome is boiling over, and will scald many fingers. None know - who will be up to-morrow, and which down. Galba is dead, almost - torn to pieces by those who worshipped him yesterday. Otho is - proclaimed by the Senate. Yet there is fresh trouble brewing and - threats sound from the provinces. Methinks every general at the - head of an army is marching upon Rome to snatch the purple for his - own shoulders. Otho has but a poor chance. He can command the - <span class="tei tei-corr">prætorians</span> and the household - troops—none others. Soldiers that have disbanded themselves and - gangs of robbers prowl the streets, waylay men of substance and - plunder them, break into houses and strip them of their contents. - Murders are frequent. Thus far your palace in the Carinæ is - <span class= - "tei tei-corr">undisturbed.</span>”</span></p><span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page90">[pg 90]</span><a name="Pg090" id="Pg090" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Oh, Lucius! my mother has so fretted over that house, - as it stands back, and makes no show behind its bank of yews and - laurels, and yet those evergreens, I believe, saved it in the fire. - She says that the house is unworthy of our dignity.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You may rejoice that it is so in such times of - anarchy. Order in the city is now at an end, none are safe unless - attended by armed slaves; and, by the Gods! no man is quite safe - even from his own slaves.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What did my mother say to that?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“She sighed and said—”</span> there was a twinkle in - Lamia’s eye, <span class="tei tei-q">“that she was glad the - disturbances were taking place now, as at no time could they have - happened so happily, when she was obliged to live in - retirement.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lucius, what do you think will be the end?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“That the gods alone can tell. At present the soldiers - are masters in the State, and the Senate proclaims whomsoever they - set up. Rome is dishonored in the face of the - Barbarians.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What think you, my Lucius,—shall we ask the Chaldee if - he can unveil the future?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Not of the State, Domitia, that were too dangerous. - Women have lost their lives, or been banished on such a charge. No, - do not risk it.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Nay, Lucius, like my mother, the State concerns me - only so far as its affairs affect my own silly little interests. - But I do want to know something of my future. Elymas is reputed to - look into destiny. He hath glimpses beyond the strain of a - philosopher’s eye. I have offended him by my quips and objections, - and would humor him now by asking him to read in the <span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page91">[pg 91]</span><a name="Pg091" id="Pg091" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a>stars, or where he will, what the gods - have in store for me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I believe not in such vision.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Nor I greatly, Lucius. Yet I heard say that he had - prognosticated evil on the day my dear father set foot in - Cenchræa.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It needed no prophet to foretell that.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Shall we seek him, Lucius?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“As you will. I will attend thee. Only, no questions - relative to the prince, as to his life, his reign, his health. No - questions concerning the State—promise me that.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It shall be so, Lucius. Come with me to the Temple of - Isis. He is there.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The two young - people walked to a small shrine or ædiculum at the extremity of a - terrace above the lake.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the colonnade - in front of the door was the Magus. He was out of humor, offended - at his treatment by Domitia. His sole satisfaction was that - Senecio, the Stoic, was placed below him in her estimation.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Now the girl - went up to him, with a pretty, winning smile, and said:</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Sir! I fear me greatly that I gave you occasion to - think I held your theories cheaply. Indeed it is not so, they are - too weighty to be dismissed at once; they take time to digest. - There is one thing you may do for me, that I desire of you - heartily, and in which I will not controvert your authority. It is - said that the stars rule the destinies of men, and that in the far - East, on the boundless plains of Mesopotamia, you and your people - have learned to read them. I would fain know what the heavens have - in store for me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Indeed, lady, to consult the stars is a long and - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page92">[pg 92]</span><a name="Pg092" - id="Pg092" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>painful business, that I will - gladly undertake, but it cannot be done hastily. It will require - time. There are, however, other ways of reading the future than by - the stars. There is Ishtar, whom the Egyptians call Isis, whom thou - mayest consult in this temple.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I am ready.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“That also cannot be undertaken at once. I must even - send for my assistant Helena. It is not I who see, save mediately. - The goddess has her chosen instrument, and such is Helena. Lady! - Ishtar is the Truth, she has no image. She is invisible to us - veiled in matter. She hides herself behind seven veils, or rather - our eyes are so wrapped about that we cannot see her who is visible - only in spirit. Thou knowest that in the Temple floor is a rent, - and through that rent the breath of the gods ascends. I will place - Helena over that rent, and she will fall into a trance, and if I - say certain prayers and use certain invocations, then the veils - will fall away, and in pure spiritual essence she will look into - the face of Ishtar and read therein the Truth, past, present, and - future. Is it your pleasure to consult the goddess?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Indeed I do desire it,”</span> said Domitia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Thou hast no fear?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Fear! fear of what?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Of the future. It is well for us that the gods hide - this from our eyes.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia turned - and looked at Lamia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“No,”</span> she said with a smile, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“I have no fear for my future.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“That which is anticipated does not always come, but - rather that which is unexpected.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Then when forewarned, one is - forearmed.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page93">[pg - 93]</span><a name="Pg093" id="Pg093" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“If it be thy pleasure, lady, return at sunset. Then - Helena shall be here, and I shall have made my - preparations.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“That is but an hour hence. Be it so. Come, Lamia. Thou - shalt row me on the lake till Elymas call.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“So be it,”</span> said Lucius; and as they withdrew, - he added, <span class="tei tei-q">“I like that not. If it pleased - the gods to show us what is in store, then they would reveal it to - us. I mistrust me, this man is either an impostor or he deals with - the spirits of evil.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Nay, think not so. Why should not the Truth lie behind - seven veils, and if so, and we are able, why not pluck away those - veils?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“In good sooth, Domitia, thou hast more daring in thy - little soul than have I.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The girl and - Lucius Lamia had been so much together in Syria, that they had come - to regard each other with the affection of brother and sister. In - Greek life the females occupied a separate portion of the house to - the males, and did not partake of meals with them. There was no - common family life.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Old Roman - domestic arrangements had been very different from this. There the - wife and mother occupied a place of dignity, with her daughters - around her, and sat and span in the atrium, where also the men - assembled. She prepared the meals, and partook of them with her - husband, and the sisters with their brothers. The only difference - between them at table was that the men reclined to eat, whereas the - women sat on stools. But this home life, which had been so - wholesome and so happy, in the luxury and wealth of the age at the - fall of the Commonwealth and the rise <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page94">[pg 94]</span><a name="Pg094" id="Pg094" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>of Imperialism, had become an element of - demoralization. For the conversation of the men had grown - shameless, the exhibitions at banquets of coarse drunkenness, and - of dancing girls, and the singing of ribald songs by musicians, had - driven away shame from the cheeks of the women, and corrupted the - freshness of the children’s innocence.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Yet there were, - through even the worst periods, households in which the healthy old - Roman simplicity and familiarity between the sexes remained, good - fathers and mothers who screened their children’s eyes from evil - sights, devoted husbands and wives full of mutual reverence. Such - had been the house of Corbulo, whether in Rome, or in Syria. He had - been a strict and honorable soldier, and a strict and honorable - father in his family.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Thus it was that - Lucius Lamia, and Domitia had seen much of each other, and that - affection for each other mingled with respect had grown up - naturally and vigorously in their hearts.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now Lucius - was paddling on the glassy tarn. He used but little action. - Occasionally he dipped the paddles, then allowed the skiff to glide - forward till she ceased to be moving, when again he propelled her - with one stroke. He was musing; so also was Domitia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">All at once he - roused himself.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Domitia,”</span> said he, <span class="tei tei-q">“Do - you know that there is a rumor about that Nero is not dead, but has - fled to the Parthians, and that he will return?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You do not say so!”</span> The girl’s color died - away.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I do not believe it. It cannot be. The sword of your - father would not bite so feebly as to let him live. <a name="Pg095" - id="Pg095" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Yet the tale is circulating. - Men are uneasy—expecting something.</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“If he be dead and burnt, he cannot return.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“No,”</span> said Lucius, <span class="tei tei-q">“he - cannot return from the dead. And yet—there be strange rumors. Among - the Christians, I am told, there has risen up a seer, who hath been - taken with an ecstasy, and hath beheld wonderful visions. And this - is reported, that he saw a beast arising out of the sea, having - seven heads, and on each head a golden crown. And one of those - heads, the fifth, received a death-wound. Then arose two other - heads, and after them the wounded head arose once again and - breathed fire and slaughter, and the second state was worse than - the first.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But, Lucius, what can this signify?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“They say it signifies the Empire of Rome, and that the - heads are the princes, and the fifth head, that is wounded as unto - death, but not slain, is Nero, and that after two have arisen, then - he will return.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia - shuddered.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“If he return, Lamia, he will not forget thee. Well, we - will ourselves look behind the veils; that is better than hearing - through others what some unknown prophet hath said. See, on the - shore stands Elymas, calling us.”</span></p> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page96">[pg 96]</span><a name="Pg096" - id="Pg096" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc26" id= - "toc26"></a><a name="pdf27" id="pdf27"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XII.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">THE FALL OF THE VEILS.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lucius and - Domitia stepped out of the boat; he moored it to the side, and they - walked together to the little temple. This was not one to which a - college of priests was attached, nor even an ædiculum, with a - guardian who had charge of it, to open it on special festivals; it - had been erected by the father of Corbulo in deference to the wish - of his wife, who had taken it into her head to become a votary of - Isis, this having become a fashionable cult. But on her death the - doors had been closed, and it had fallen into neglect, till the - return of Longa Duilia from the East with the Chaldee Magus from - Antioch. It was now fashionable to dabble in sorcery, and a - distinguished lady liked to be able to talk of her Magus, to seek - his advice, and, at table, air a superficial familiarity with the - stars, and the Powers and Æons, the endless genealogies of - emanations from the primæval and eternal Light.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Longa had - engaged the Magus when at Antioch, but when somewhat summarily sent - to Europe by her husband, she had not taken her Chaldæan magician - with her. As, however, she had no wish to appear in Rome without - him, she had laid it on her husband when he returned to bring the - man with him, and if he did not return himself, to despatch the - Magus to her.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page97">[pg - 97]</span><a name="Pg097" id="Pg097" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On her arrival - in the villa at Gabii, she had given up the temple of Isis to - Elymas, and he had converted it into a place for study.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Before the door - hung a heavy curtain, and this Lamia raised to allow Domitia to - pass within. The interior would have been wholly dark, but that a - brazier with glowing charcoal stood within, and into the fire the - magician threw gums, that flamed up and diffused a fragrant - smoke.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">By the flicker - Domitia observed that a bed was laid above a small fissure in the - marble floor—a rent caused by earthquake—through which vapor of an - intoxicating nature issued.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On this bed lay - a woman, or rather a figure that Domitia took to be that of a - woman, but it was covered with much drapery that concealed face and - hands.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The brazier was - near the head, and by it stood Elymas in a tall headdress, with - horns affixed, that met in front. He wore a black garment reaching - to the feet.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the darkness - nothing could be seen save his erect figure, and face shining out - like a lamp, when he cast resinous drops on the fire, and the - motionless couched form of the woman.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia, - somewhat frightened, put her hand on the arm of Lamia, to make sure - that he was present and could assist her, should need for - assistance arise;—that is to say, should her courage fail, or the - visions she expected to see prove too alarming.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then the Magus - said:</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“As I have told thee, lady, out of the ineffable Light - stream rays that are both luminous and life-producing. These rays - penetrate to the lowest profundity of <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page98">[pg 98]</span><a name="Pg098" id="Pg098" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>matter, and as they pass through the higher - atmospheres, gather about them the particles of vapor, and become - angels and demons. But other rays passing further down, and - assuming grosser envelopes, become men and women, some more animal - than others, some with higher spiritual natures than the rest, - according as in them matter or spirit dominates. And the rays - darting into further depths become the beasts of the field, the - fishes of the sea, even the very worm that bores in the soil. As - thou knowest, he who stands on a high mountain can see far horizons - to right and to left as well as the objects below him. So, to the - Eternal, all is visible, the past on one side, the present before - Him, and the future on the other side, all in one vision. To Him - there is no past, and no present, and no future, for Time is - not—all is comprehended in one view. But we, who are below, see - only the present, remember the past, and conjecture what is future. - If we would see future as well as past, we must rise above matter, - mount from our base level to the altitude of spirit. Thence all is - clear. But this is not possible to all, only to those elect ones in - whom the flesh is subdued, and to it the spirit remains attached - only by a fibre. Such is Helena. Through her thou shalt see what - thou desirest. Now behold!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He pointed into - the darkness before him, and both Domitia and Lucius saw a spark - that grew in intensity and shone like a star.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“That,”</span> said Elymas, <span class="tei tei-q">“is - a crystal. It is the lens through which the rays of the Eternal and - Immortal Light pass to the soul of Helena, out of Infinite Altitude - and Illimitable Space. She is enveloped in seven veils. Now she - lieth in a trance, and seeth naught. <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page99">[pg 99]</span><a name="Pg099" id="Pg099" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>But I will invoke this Fount of Life and Light - and Knowledge, and will gather the rays together into her soul - through yonder crystal, and she will see in vision what thou - desirest. Seven veils cover her, and seven are the revelations that - will be made. I cannot assure thee that all will be future—some may - be scenes of the past, for to the All-Seeing, the Eye of Eternity, - there is neither past nor future; all is present.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Well, so be it,”</span> said Lamia, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“By the past we can judge the future. Let us see things - that have been and we can form some notion of what is shown us as - future. If the one be incorrect, then the other is - untrustworthy.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Thou shalt behold nothing,”</span> said the Magus, - <span class="tei tei-q">“for it is not thou who consultest me, but - the lady Domitia Longina.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“How shall I see, and not he who stands beside - me?”</span> asked the girl. Her heart fluttered with - apprehension.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The sorcerer - stooped, and drew from under the covering the right hand of the - prostrate woman, and bade Domitia hold it.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She took the - hand in hers; it was stiff and cold as that of a corpse, and she - shuddered.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Hold her hand in thine,”</span> said Elymas, - <span class="tei tei-q">“and I will invoke the Source of Spirits, - and as I withdraw each veil that covers her face, she will see - something, and she seeing it, the sense of sight will pass through - her hand to thee, and thou wilt see also, inwardly, yet very - really. Only let not go her hand, or all will become - dark.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then he went - before the crystal, that stood on an altar like a truncated column; - and he uttered words rapidly in a strange tongue, then turned, - threw a hand<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page100">[pg - 100]</span><a name="Pg100" id="Pg100" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>ful of spices upon the coals, and a dense - aromatic smoke filled the interior. It dissipated, and Domitia - uttered a faint <span class="tei tei-corr">cry.</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What ails thee?”</span> asked Lucius.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Thinking she was - frightened, he added—<span class="tei tei-q">“Let us go forth. This - is mere jugglery.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But I see,”</span> she said in tremulous tones.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What dost thou see?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“O Lucius! It is the garden at Cenchræa—and my father! - O, my father!”</span> she sobbed.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One veil had - been withdrawn.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Enough,”</span> said Lucius. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“I think naught of this: every one is aware how the - noble Cnæus Corbulo came by his death.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Then see again,”</span> said the Magus. He took hold - of a second veil that covered the prostrate woman, drew it off, and - let it fall on the ground.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lucius felt the - left hand of Domitia contract suddenly on his arm. He looked before - him, but saw nothing save the crystal, in which moved lights. It - was iridescent as an opal.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Domitia - exclaimed:</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It was he! the physician Luke—who cut the thong. But - for him, we should have run down the Imperial trireme. He did - it!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What mean you?”</span> asked the young man in - surprise.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lucius, I see it all—the sea, the vessel on which is - Nero carousing;—ourselves—we are running at her. And he has cut the - thong, the paddle flies up, and our course is altered.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then the Magus - uttered a few words, and withdrew the third veil.</p><span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page101">[pg 101]</span><a name="Pg101" id="Pg101" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The young man - heard his companion breathing heavily; but she said nothing. He - waited awhile and then, stooping to her, asked:</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Seest thou aught?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Yes,”</span> she answered in a whisper. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Yet not with my bodily eyes, I know not how—but I - see—”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The end of Nero. Now thou hast thrown the mantle over - his face—enough!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Elymas - turned and said:</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Hitherto thou hast beheld that which is past. - Sufficeth it? or wilt thou even look into that which is to - be?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It sufficeth,”</span> said Lucius, and would have - drawn his companion away. But she held to the hand of the woman on - the bed, and said firmly:</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“No, my friend. Now I have seen things that are past, I - will even look into the future. It was for this I came - hither.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now again - did the magician utter prayers, and wave his hands. Thereupon - strange lights and changes appeared in the crystal, and it seemed - of milky moonlight hue, yet with shoots as of lightning traversing - it. All at once the Magus took off the fourth veil and cast it on - the marble floor.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lucius remained - motionless, looking at the changing light in the crystal, and - feeling the nervous hand of Domitia twitching on his arm. He - thought that he heard her laugh, but almost immediately with a cry, - she loosed her hand from the unconscious woman on the couch, threw - her arms round the neck of Lamia, and sank sobbing on his - breast.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was some time - before she was sufficiently re<span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page102">[pg 102]</span><a name="Pg102" id="Pg102" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>covered to speak, and then was reluctant to - disclose what she had seen. Lucius, however, urged her with gentle - persuasion, and, clinging to him, between sobs, in whispers she - confided:</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Oh, Lucius! I thought—I—I saw that the day had come - when you and I—Lucius, when I went to your house and was lifted - across the threshold, and then, as I stretched my hands to you and - took yours—then, all at once, a red face came up behind—whence I - know not—and two long hands thrust us apart. Then I let go—I let - go—and—and I saw no more.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“When that day comes, my Domitia, no hands shall divide - us, no face be thrust between. Now come forth. You have seen - enough.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Nay, I will look to the end.”</span> She took the hand - of Helena, into which some flexibility and warmth were - returning.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Art thou willing?”</span> asked the Magus.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She nodded, and - the fifth veil fell.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">For full five - minutes Domitia stood rigid, without moving a muscle, hardly - breathing.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Lucius - said:</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“See what a purple light shines out of the crystal. - What is thy vision now, Domitia? By the light that beams, it should - be right royal.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is royal,”</span> she said in faint tones. - <span class="tei tei-q">“Lucius! what that Christian prophet spoke, - that have I also seen—the beast with seven heads, one wounded to - the death, and there cometh up another out of the deadly wound, - and—it hath the red face I saw but just now. And it climbeth to a - throne and lifteth me up to sit thereon. Away with the vision. It - offendeth me. It maketh my blood turn ice - cold!”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page103">[pg - 103]</span><a name="Pg103" id="Pg103" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Hast thou a desire to see further?”</span> asked the - Magus.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I can see naught worse than this,”</span> said - Domitia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A shudder ran - through her, and her teeth chattered as with frost.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Elymas - again waved his hands, and chanted, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Askion, Kataskion, lix, Tetras, damnameneus,”</span> - and raised and cast down the sixth veil.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At once from the - crystal a red light shone forth, and suffused the whole cell of the - temple with a blood-colored illumination, and by it Lucius could - see that there was in it no image present, only a dense black veil - behind the altar on which the stone glowed like a carbuncle. He - heard the breath pass through the teeth of Domitia, like the - hissing of a serpent. He looked at her, her face was terrible, - inflamed. The eyes stiffened, the teeth were set, the brow knitted - and lowering. Then she said:</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I stand on the beast, and the sword of my father - pierces his heart.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lucius wondered; - there was a look of hate, a hideousness in her face, such as he had - not conceived it possible so beautiful and sweet a countenance - could have assumed.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Elymas cast - off the last veil.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">For a moment all - was darkness. The red light in the crystal had expired. In - stillness and suspense, not without fear, all waited, all standing - save Helena, who had recovered from her trance, and she paused - expectant on her couch.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then a minute - spark appeared in the crystal, of the purest white light, that - grew, rapidly sending out wave on wave of brilliance, so intense, - so splendid, so daz<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page104">[pg - 104]</span><a name="Pg104" id="Pg104" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>zling, that the magician, unable to endure the - effulgence, turned and threw himself into a corner, and wrapped his - head about with his mantle. And the medium turned with a cry, as - though the light caused her physical pain, buried her face in the - pillow, and groped on the floor for the veils to cast over her head - to exclude the light.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lucius, unable - to endure the splendor, covered his eyes with his palm.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But Domitia - looked at it, and her face grew soft, the scowl went from her brow, - and a wondrous tenderness and sorrow came into her eyes; great - tears rose and rolled down her cheeks, and glittered like diamonds - in the dazzling beam.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then she said - with a sob:</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“<span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= - "la"><span style="font-style: italic">Ubi lux—ibi - Felicitas.</span></span>”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Suddenly an - explosion. The orb was shattered into a thousand sparks, and all - was black again in the temple—black as deepest night.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Lucius - caught Domitia to him, put his hand behind him, drew back the - curtain, and carried her forth into the calm evening air, and the - light of the aurora hanging over the setting sun.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She sobbed, - gradually recovered herself, drew a profound sigh, and said:</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Oh, Lucius! where is light, there is - felicity!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> - - <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> - <img src="images/i_118.jpg" alt= - "SHE SAID WITH A SOB: UBI LUX—IBI FELICITAS." title= - "“SHE SAID WITH A SOB: ‘UBI LUX—IBI FELICITAS.’ ” Page 104." /> - - <div class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: center">“SHE SAID - WITH A SOB: <span class="tei tei-q" style= - "text-align: center">‘UBI LUX—IBI FELICITAS.’</span> ”</span> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style= - "text-align: center"><span style="font-style: italic">Page - 104.</span></span> - </div> - </div> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page105">[pg 105]</span><a name= - "Pg105" id="Pg105" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc28" id= - "toc28"></a><a name="pdf29" id="pdf29"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XIII.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">TO ROME!</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Plancus, come hither!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The lady Longa - Duilia was in an easy-chair, and a slave-girl, Lucilla, was engaged - in driving away the flies that, perhaps attracted by her cosmetics, - came towards the lady.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Summer was over, - and winter storms were beginning to bluster, and the flies were - dull with cold and only maintained alive by the warmth of the - chambers, heated by underground stoves, and with pipes to convey - the hot air carried through every wall.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Plancus, did you hear me speak?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I am here, my lady, at your service.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Really; you have become torpid like the flies. Has the - chill made you deaf as well as sluggish?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My lady, I can always hear when you speak.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Do you mean to imply that I shout like a - fishwife?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I mean not that. But when a harp is played, it sets - every thread in every other stringed instrument a-chiming; and so - is it with me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The simile is wiredrawn. What I want you for is—no, I - will have no stroking of your face like a cat!—is to go to Rome and - see that the palace is made ready to receive us. The stoves must be - well heated, and everything properly aired, The country at best of - times is <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page106">[pg - 106]</span><a name="Pg106" id="Pg106" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>tedious; in winter, intolerable. Besides, I - have no right to remain here buried. I must consider—Plancus, why - are you scratching? I must consider my daughter. She is in a fit of - the blues, and has nothing to say to amuse me. You need not blow - like a sea-horse, breathe more evenly and equably;—Plancus, you are - becoming unendurable. I must not consider my bereaved feelings, but - her welfare, her health. The air or the situation of Gabii does not - suit her. Rome is an extraordinarily healthy place in winter. I - myself am never better anywhere than I am there. I was pretty well - at Antioch; there were military there, and I find the soil and - climate salubrious where there are military. Plancus?—as the Gods - love me, you have been in the stables. I know it by infallible - proofs. Stand at a distance, I insist. And, Plancus! you are not - showing off conjuring tricks, that you should fold and unfold your - hands. You go to Rome and take such of the family with you as are - necessary. I am not going to be mewed up here any longer, because - my two years of widowhood are not over. You are making faces at me, - positively you are, Plancus. Do, I entreat you, look as if you were - not a mountebank mouthing at a crowd.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I fly, mistress, as though winged at heel like - Mercury.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Much more like Mercury’s tortoise. Send me Claudius - Senecio. I must know what ails Domitia. She has the - vapors.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I obey,”</span> said Plancus,</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Am I much worn, Lucilla?”</span> asked the lady, as - soon as her steward had withdrawn. <span class="tei tei-q">“The - laceration of the heart tells on a sensitive nature, and - precipitates wrinkles and so on.”</span></p><span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page107">[pg 107]</span><a name="Pg107" id="Pg107" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Madam, you bloom as in a second spring.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“A second spring, Lucilla!”</span> exclaimed Longa, - sitting bolt upright. <span class="tei tei-q">“You hussy, how dare - you? A second spring, indeed! Why, by the zone of Venus, I am not - through my first summer yet.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You misconceive me, dear lady. When a virgin has been - wedded, then come on her the cares of matronhood, the caprices, the - ill-humors of her husband—and to some, not without cause, the - vexation of his jealousy. But when the Gods have removed him, it - sometimes happens that the ravages caused by the annoyances of - marriage disappear, and she reverts to the freshness and loveliness - of her virginity.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“There is something in what you say; of course it is - true only of highly privileged natures, in which is some divine - blood. A storm ruffles the surface of the lake. When the storm is - past, the lake resumes its placidity and beauty—exactly as it was - before. I have noted it a thousand times. Yes, of course it is so. - Here comes Senecio; he waddles just like the Hindu nurse I saw at - Antioch, laboring about with two fat babies.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Philosopher - approached.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I will trouble you to come in front of me,”</span> - said the widow. <span class="tei tei-q">“Have you eaten so heavy a - meal as to shrink from so much unnecessary exertion? I cannot talk - with my neck twisted. The windpipe is not naturally constructed - like a thread in a rope. I am returning to Rome.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“To Rome, madam! I do not advise that. The place is in - commotion. There have been sad scenes of riot and pillage in the - capital.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“As the Gods love me! what care I so long as they do - not invade the house in the Carinæ?”</span></p><span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page108">[pg 108]</span><a name="Pg108" id="Pg108" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But there have been also massacres.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Well, when princes shift about, that is inevitable. - They all do it. For my part, I rather like—that is, I don’t object - to massacres in their proper places and confined to the proper - persons.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Madam, you are secure where you are. Why, there was - Galba,—he had not been in Rome seven months before he was killed, - and he did not enter the city save over the bodies of seven - thousand men, butchered on the Flaminian Way.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Well! I am not a man. Moreover, I thank the Gods, my - house is not on the Flaminian Way, nor is it in the Velabrum, nor - the Suburra, nor in the Forum Boarium either. We happen to live in - the Carinæ, and I conceive that there have been no massacres and - all that sort of thing there.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“No, my dear lady, but when the entire city is - disturbed——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And here, in Gabii, down to the lizards—dead asleep. - Give me massacres rather than stagnation. I shall get back to Rome - before the Ides of December, on account of my daughter’s health. By - the way, will you believe it? She gave away the sword of my dear - Corbulo to Lucius Lamia. Just conceive!—how effective that sword - would be in my house—in the tablinum, the atrium, anywhere—and how - I could point to it, and my feelings!—I can imagine nothing more - striking. I have told Lamia to restore it. I would not lose it for - a great deal. Well now, come. Any news from the - capital?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Madam, you are aware that Galba fell, and that Otho - threw himself on his sword after a reign of ninety days; and now - the new Cæsar Vitellius is men<span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page109">[pg 109]</span><a name="Pg109" id="Pg109" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>aced. I hear that the East has risen, and that - Vespasian has been proclaimed in Syria. The legions in Illyria have - also declared for him and are marching into Italy. Egypt has - pronounced against Vitellius, and it is but seven months since Otho - died by his own hand.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Vespasian, did you say?”</span> exclaimed the lady. - <span class="tei tei-q">“My good Senecio, he is a sort of cousin, a - country cousin, just one of those cousins that can be cultivated - into kinship, or dropped out of relationship as circumstances - decide. His father was a pottering sort of a man, an auctioneer, - and commissioner of drains and dirt and all that sort of thing. A - worthy fellow, I dare say; I believe he had a statue erected to him - somewhere because he did the scavengering so well. He married above - his position, one Vespasia Polla; I have seen and heard of her, a - round-faced woman like a pudding; he took her for her blood, but - she was only a knight’s daughter; and those city knights, as the - Gods love me! what a money-grubbing low set they are! His son, - Flavius Vespasianus is proclaimed! It is really funny. It is, O - Morals! I must laugh. Now, if my good man had but listened to me. - But there, I shall become mad.—I don’t know how long it is since - you have been pecking, or whether you eat all day long? But you - have crumbs sticking in your beard. Another time be good enough to - comb your beard before approaching me. Tell me, what has given - Domitia the dumps?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I believe, madam, she has been frightened by that - unscrupulous impostor, Elymas, or Ascleparion, or whatever he is - called. I do not know particulars, but believe that he pretended to - show her the future.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The future! Delicious! And what did she - see?”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page110">[pg - 110]</span><a name="Pg110" id="Pg110" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“That I cannot say, but she has looked wan ever since, - neither smiles nor speaks, but sits, when the sun shines, on the - balustrade above the water, looking into it, as in a dream. I hear - that she holds converse with none, save her maid, - Euphrosyne.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I wonder what she has seen! Anything concerning - me?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Madam, that braggart and intriguer is made up of lies. - He has frightened her with pretended predictions. If I might - advise, I would counsel his expulsion from the house.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I should like to hear what are the chances for Flavius - Vespasian. I think I shall inquire myself. I knew Vespasian once, - of course he is vastly my senior. If he be successful, he may get a - proconsulship for our Lamia. He! Flavius Vespasian a Cæsar! There - is push for you! As the Gods love me, there is nothing like push. I - must go to Rome. Positively two years retirement for a widow is - unreasonable. In the good old days of the Republic one was thought - enough. I would not have the Republic back for anything else, - though of course we all talk about Liberty and Cato, and all that - sort of thing—it is talk—nothing else. I must go to Rome. Flavius - Sabinus is præfect of the city, and he is the elder brother of - Vespasian. I might show him some little inconspicuous - civilities—give a little cosy, quiet supper. By the way—yes, he is - married to an old hunks, I remember. Oh! if his brother gets to the - top, he can divorce her. Yes, positively I shall not be able to - breathe till I get back to Rome. By the way, draw me up on a couple - of tablets some moral philosophizing suitable to widowhood, pepper - it well with lines from lyric poets. I will learn it all by - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page111">[pg 111]</span><a name= - "Pg111" id="Pg111" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>heart in my litter, - and serve out as occasion offers. I positively must be home before - the Ides; why—”</span> with a start of pleasure—<span class= - "tei tei-q">“The Ides of December! that is the dedication feast of - the temple of Tellus in the Carinæ. There you have it! Devotion to - the gods—an excuse for a little supper—a wee little supper—but so - good and so nicely turned out.”</span></p> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page112">[pg 112]</span><a name= - "Pg112" id="Pg112" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc30" id= - "toc30"></a><a name="pdf31" id="pdf31"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XIV.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">A LITTLE SUPPER.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Longa Duilia and - her entire household had returned to the capital, and were - installed in the family mansion in the Carinæ.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Happily, as - Corbulo had considered it, this house had escaped in the - conflagration of Rome under Nero. This, however, was a matter of - some regret to Duilia, who would have preferred to have had it - burnt, so that it might have been rebuilt in greater splendor and - in newer style.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nevertheless, - although externally dingy, it was a commodious mansion within, and - was well furnished, especially with carpets and curtains of - Oriental texture, that had been wrought at, or purchased at the - bazaars of Antioch and Damascus.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The centre of - the house was occupied by the <span lang="la" class= - "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">atrium</span></span>, or hall, open to the sky - above the water tank in the midst. On each side at the further end - from the entrance extended the <span class= - "tei tei-q">“wings”</span> that contained the family portraits - enclosed in gilded boxes or shrines, the doors of which were thrown - open on festal occasions. In the centre, between the wings was the - <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">tablinum</span></span>, the reception-room of - the house, and on the right side of the entrance was the family - money-chest, girded with iron.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page113">[pg 113]</span><a name="Pg113" id="Pg113" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On the ledge of - the water tank before the reception room, smoked a little altar - before an image of Larpater, the ancestor and founder of the - family, regarded as the tutelary deity of the house.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The <span lang= - "la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">penates</span></span>, the subsidiary - household gods, that had formerly been retained in the hall, near - the altar—curious, smoked, and badly-shaped dolls, some in rags, - some in wood, others in terra cotta—were sometimes consigned to a - family chapel, but in the house of the widow of Corbulo, as in many - another, they had been relegated to a shelf in the kitchen near the - hearth, and a lamp was maintained perpetually burning before - them.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In primitive - times, when life was simple, the hall had been the common room of - the house, in which the wife cooked the meals at the hearth, and - where also on seats, father, wife, children and domestics partook - together of the common meal. But now all this was altered.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In winter the - hall was too cold to be sat in. It was inconvenient to have the - cooking done before all eyes. Consequently a separate kitchen and - separate dining-rooms were constructed, and the smoking altar and - the image by it alone remained in the hall as a reminiscence of the - family hearth that once stood there.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It is more - difficult to understand the meals and meal times of the old Romans, - than the arrangement of their houses.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">They rose vastly - early in the morning, and took a snack of breakfast of the simplest - description, which lasted them till lunch at 10 a. m. But such as - were occupied abroad rarely returned home for this meal. At noon - they bathed, and then came the great feed of <span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page114">[pg 114]</span><a name="Pg114" id="Pg114" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the day, the <span lang="la" class= - "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">cœna</span></span>, which we translate - <span class="tei tei-q">“supper,”</span> but which was begun at - half-past one in winter and an hour later in summer.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This lasted the - entire afternoon, and even on great occasions into the night. Some - revellers did not break up till midnight, or even prolonged the - orgy to dawn.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was not till - the Goths and Vandals overflowed the classic world, that the supper - was postponed until the evening.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Roman - citizen’s day was from dawn till noon. Then he had his snooze and - his bath, and the remainder of the day was devoted to the mighty - meal and to reading, conversation, and amusement.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I am so pleased to see you,”</span> said Longa Duilia, - stepping forward to receive the Præfect of Rome, to her little - supper.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He was a - gray-headed, plain, blunt man, with very ordinary features; he was - attended by two lictors, and by his son, Sabinus.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I thank you, madam, for the courteous - invitation.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I could kill myself with vexation not to have made - your acquaintance earlier. You see, for some years I have been at - Antioch, with my dearest husband, whose sword—that sword which - drank the blood of Germans, Parthians and Armenians—excuse these - tears—you see it—suspended yonder. But, as I was saying, we have - been from Rome so long, and since my return I have lived in such - seclusion, that we have not met—and yet, considering our - relationship——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My dear lady, I was unaware that I was entitled to - such an honor.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Oh! yes, of course, cousins.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Cousins!”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page115">[pg 115]</span><a name="Pg115" id="Pg115" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Through Vespasia Polla, your mother. What a sweet - creature she was! So distinguished in her manner. She had such an - intelligent face, and, as I remember her, the remains of great - beauty. Of course I was then quite a mite of a child.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“This is indeed flattering.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You men have other things to consider beside pedigree. - Cousins we certainly are. And how is that sweet lady, your wife? By - all accounts as frail as the last autumn leaf on an <span class= - "tei tei-corr">acacia.</span>”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I am glad to say that, on the contrary, she enjoys - rude health.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You do not say so! What fibs are told! Your son - Clemens is not here? I—I have heard, does not go into society, a - little peculiar in his views. We are not all made alike. But this, - your son Sabinus, is formed like an Apollo. And your daughter - Plautilla—so sorry! infected in the same way. Will not go to - dinners or shows—ah! well it is her loss. It is a pleasure to - reunite family ties. Alas! you know of my irreparable loss. I do - not know whether you saw the sword of my darling. He fell on it. - Bathed it with his blood. Every night I bedew the sacred blade with - my tears. Excuse me—my emotion overcomes me. I would have buried - myself at Gabii, clasping the sword to my wounded bosom for the - remainder of my shattered life, had it not been for the health of - my child. A mother’s thoughts are with her <span class= - "tei tei-corr">offspring.</span> Well, now to <span class= - "tei tei-corr">table.</span> A widow’s fare, only a small supper in - a house of mourning—though more than a twelvemonth since the - funeral—indeed, two years since my dear one died—on that sword. Oh! - I turn away my eyes! The sight of that blade. But, <span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page116">[pg 116]</span><a name="Pg116" id="Pg116" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a>come—that is my daughter. Salute her. A - cousin. Give me your hand, Flavius. The table calls us.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The house of a - wealthy Roman at this period had not only a summer dining-room, - open to the air, but one also for winter, well heated by stoves. - Three tables were placed, so as to accommodate nine persons, three - at each, leaving the ends of two and an open square in the - middle.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Into this hollow - the servants ran the <span class="tei tei-q">“repository,”</span> a - sort of what-not, on wheels, consisting of a tier of shelves, all - laden with dishes; and the guests put forth their hands and - selected such meats as they fancied.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Knives they had, - but no forks. In place of these latter they were furnished with - spoons, having the extremity of the handle turned down as claw or - hoof, or sharpened to a point, so as to serve to hold the meat - whilst it was being cut. When so employed, the bowl of the spoon - was held in the hollow of the hand; but when used as a spoon, then - the end was reversed.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A sideboard was - piled up with silver and gold plate. In addition in a corner stood - a round table with three feet; on which were laid napkins neatly - tied up with blue and red bands. These napkins contained trinkets, - rings, brooches, comfits, mottoes, and were to be given to the - guests along with the dessert. Our presentation of Christmas - crackers is a reminiscence of the old Roman custom of making - presents to the guests at the close of a banquet.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The males lay at - table on couches, with their legs extended behind them, their left - elbows reposed on pillows. It was against ancient Roman custom for - ladies to recline, but recently some empresses had <span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page117">[pg 117]</span><a name="Pg117" id="Pg117" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a>broken through the rule, and when they - set the example of lounging, others followed. Duilia, however, was - a stickler in some things, and she somewhat affected archaic - usages, as a mark of distinction, as a token of the antiquity of - the family, whose customs had acquired an almost sacred sanction. - Ladies sat on stools.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The couches and - seats were sumptuous, inlaid with mother-of-pearl, tortoise-shell - and silver, and were covered with Oriental carpets.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Every guest was - attended by a slave, bearing an ewer and napkin, so that he might - cleanse his fingers directly they became greasy—a necessity of - constant recurrence, on account of the absence of proper forks.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A baldachin of - embroidered silk was stretched above the table, and the heads of - the banqueters. This was done for the purpose of cutting off the - draught, as immediately above, in the ceiling, was the <span lang= - "la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">lacunar</span></span>, an opening through - which the steam and savor of dinner might escape, and through - which, when the canopy was not spread, rose-leaves, violets, a - spray of scent, even garlands were scattered over the - revellers.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A Roman dinner - began, like one in Russia at the present day, with a <span lang= - "la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">gustus</span></span>, a snack of something - calculated to stimulate the appetite or to help digestion.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then came in - soft-boiled eggs, the invariable first dish, just as invariably, - the meal closed with apples.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With the eggs - were served salads and sauer-kraut, cabbage shredded in vinegar, - Brussels sprouts boiled with saltpetre to enhance their green, - turnips and carrots in mustard and vinegar. Melons were eaten with - pepper, salt, and vinegar; artichokes were consumed raw, with oil; - mallows and sorrel, olives, mush<span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page118">[pg 118]</span><a name="Pg118" id="Pg118" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>rooms and truffles were favorite vegetables, - and were eaten along with large snails, oysters, sardines, and - chopped lizards.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">All this was - preparatory.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Now entered the - repository, groaning under meats and fish. At the same moment a - slave produced and handed round a menu card. But before eating, a - benediction was pronounced, the household gods were invoked and - promised a share of the good things from the table.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It is - unnecessary to catalogue the solids and <span lang="fr" class= - "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="fr"><span style= - "font-style: italic">entrées</span></span> sent up at such a - supper. Pork was a favorite dish, and there were fifty ways in - which a pig could be served up. Octopus was much relished, as it is - to this day in Italy. Wild fowl was stuffed with garlic, mutton - with asafœtida, and some meats were not considered in condition - till decomposition had begun.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The strong savor - produced by those dishes was dissipated by servants holding large - fans, and counteracted by the diffusion of aromatic smoke, and the - sprinkling of guests and table with essences.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A supper - consisted of several courses, but a considerable interval elapsed - between each, which interval was filled in with conversation, or - enlivened with the antics of buffoons, or with music, or the - recitation of poetry.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nothing in the - smallest degree unseemly was allowed in the house of Longa Duilia, - at such entertainments.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">We read a good - deal, in the ancient authors, of the license allowed at such times, - but this was not general, certainly was not suffered except in very - <span class="tei tei-q">“fast”</span> houses, and such were - attended by none who respected themselves.</p><span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page119">[pg 119]</span><a name="Pg119" id="Pg119" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The widow knew - how to make herself agreeable. Flavius Sabinus, the præfect, was a - great talker, and there was a little rivalry between the two as to - which should lead the conversation. Domitia hardly spoke, but the - guests generally entertained themselves heartily.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lamia was there, - and near his betrothed, but found it difficult to carry on - conversation with her. Since the questioning of Ishtar in the - Temple at Gabii, she had been haunted by the visions presented to - her inner sight, and she was unable to shake off the oppression of - spirits and distress of mind, they had caused.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When supper was - ended, previous to the dessert, all rose, a grace was said, and - again the household gods were invoked.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">All were thus - standing, in solemn hush, whilst a portion for the deities was - being taken away, when the curtain before the door was roughly - drawn aside, and a young man ran in—then halted, bewildered by the - lights and the company, and hesitated before advancing further.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A faint cry - escaped the breast of Domitia; and she staggered back, and caught - Lamia convulsively by the wrist.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Flavius - Sabinus said apologetically to his hostess:</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“This youth is my nephew, Titus Flavius Domitianus, the - younger son of my brother Vespasian. Pardon his lack of breeding, - lady—I bade him find me here, if matters of importance demanded my - attention. Excuse me, I pray, if I retire with him and hear what - news of weight he bears.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Duilia bowed, - and the præfect, leaving his place, went to meet his - nephew.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page120">[pg - 120]</span><a name="Pg120" id="Pg120" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lamia felt that - Domitia was trembling. He looked in her face and it alarmed him. - With wide eyes she was staring at the intruder; her lips were - slightly parted, every trace of color had deserted them; and - between them gleamed her teeth.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Not till the - curtain had fallen, and hidden the form of the young man, as he - left with his uncle, did she breathe freer.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then she heaved - a long sigh, and said in a faint voice:</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is he—the eighth crowned head—the fifth come - again—the new Nero. O Lamia! Terrible is Fate!”</span></p> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page121">[pg 121]</span><a name= - "Pg121" id="Pg121" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc32" id= - "toc32"></a><a name="pdf33" id="pdf33"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XV.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">THE LECTISTERNIUM.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My dear child,”</span> said Duilia, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“I never did a better stroke of policy than that supper - a few evenings ago. It went off quite charmingly, without a hitch. - I allowed that good Flavius Sabinus to talk; and he is just one of - those men who enjoys himself best where he is given full flow for - his twaddle. A good, worthy, commonplace man. I doubt if he has - push in him, but he is just so situated now that he must go ahead. - The news is most encouraging. Mucianus is on his way to Italy at - the head of an army. Primus, with his legions, is approaching; he - has beaten the troops sent against him, and has sacked Cremona; - there are positively none who hold by Vitellius except his brother - in Campania, and his German bodyguard. Domitia,”</span> the widow - dropped her voice, <span class="tei tei-q">“we can do better than - with that milksop Ælius Lamia.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Mother, I will have no other.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Then we must push him up into position. But come, my - dear, we must show ourselves at the Lectisternia. It will be - expected of us, and be setting a good example, and all that sort of - thing, and it is positively wicked to mope indoors when we ought to - be seen in the streets and the forum. So there, make yourself - ready. I am going instantly. I have ordered round <span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page122">[pg 122]</span><a name="Pg122" id="Pg122" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the palanquins, and, as you may - perceive, I am dressed and my hair done to go out. That supper was - <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= - "font-style: italic">quite</span></span> a success.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The time was now - that of the Saturnalia, lasting seven days, beginning on the 17th - December with a strange institution, a banquet of the gods. Usually - the several gods had their feasts in their own temples and invited - others to them, but on certain solemn occasions all banqueted - together in public. The distress, the butcheries, the general - confusion caused by the setting up and casting down of - emperors—three in ten months—and now, eight months after, a fourth - tottering; and every change involving massacre, plunder, - disturbance of order;—this had moved the priests to decree a solemn - lectisternium and supplication for the restoration of tranquillity - and the cessation of civil broil.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The banquet was - to take place in the forum.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You shall come in the <span lang="la" class= - "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">lectica</span></span> (palanquin) with - me,”</span> said Duilia. <span class="tei tei-q">“It will have - quite a pathetic aspect—the widow and the orphan together. Besides, - I want some one to talk to. What do you think of Flavius - Domitianus? A modest lad, to my mind.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Shy and clumsy,”</span> observed Domitia. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“The sight of him is a horror to me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My dear child, only a fool will take sprats when he - can have whitebait. Look out to better yourself.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Oh, mother!—what is that?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“A god going to supper,”</span> said the lady. - <span class="tei tei-q">“We shall see plenty of them - presently.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">That which had - attracted her daughter’s attention was a bier supported on the - shoulders of priests, on which lay a figure dressed handsomely, in - the attitude <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page123">[pg - 123]</span><a name="Pg123" id="Pg123" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of - a man at table, raised on his left elbow that was buried in a - pillow, the head erect and the right arm extended, balanced in the - air. The body was probably of wood under the drooping drapery, but - the face and hands and feet were of wax. In jolting over the - pavement, the sleeve had become disarranged, and showed the wooden - prop that sustained the waxen right hand. The face was colored, the - eyes were of glass, and real hair was affixed to the head; the - lower jaw, hung on wires, opened and shut with the jostling. The - staring figure swaying on the shoulders of the bearers, had a - sufficiently startling effect, sweeping round a corner, wagging its - beard, and past the palanquin in which were the ladies.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“A thing like that can’t eat,”</span> said Domitia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Oh, my dear child, no. The gods only sniff at the - food. After it has been set before them, it is carried away, and - the people scramble for it.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“They are naught but wax and woodwork,”</span> said the - girl contemptuously.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My child, how often have I not had to quote to you - that text, <span class="tei tei-q">‘It is not well to be overwise - about the gods?’</span> Here we are! What a crowd!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The forum of - Rome, that wondrous basin towered over on one side by the Capitol, - inclosed on another by the Palatine, and on the third by the - densely packed blocks of houses in the Suburra below the Quirinal, - Viminal and Esquiline Hills, was itself crowded with temples and - basilicas, yet not then as dense with monuments as later, when the - open spaces were further encroached upon by the <a name="corr123" - id="corr123" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class= - "tei tei-corr">Antonines</span>.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Domitia,”</span> said Longa Duilia, in her ear, - <span class="tei tei-q">“all things are working out excellently. - Vitellius is aware <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page124">[pg - 124]</span><a name="Pg124" id="Pg124" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>that he has no chance, and has been consulting - with our cousin in the Temple of Concord yonder, and they have - nearly settled between them that Vespasian is to assume the purple - without further opposition. Vitellius will retire to some country - villa on a handsome annuity. That will prevent more bloodshed and - confiscation, and all that sort of thing. It is always advisable to - avoid unpleasantnesses if possible. There, child, there are quite a - bevy of gods already at table. See that dear old doll, Summanus, - without a head—you know it was struck off by lightning in the time - of Pyrrhus. It was of clay, and rolled all the way to the Tiber and - plopped in. Since then he has been without a head, the - darling!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“How can he either smell or eat, mother?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My child, I don’t ask. It is not well to be overwise - about the gods. There go the Arval Brothers with the image of Aca - Larentia seated—of course not lying. You will see some venerable - curiosities, who put in an appearance on days like this so as not - to be wholly forgotten.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The sight - presented by the forum was indeed strange. A space had been cleared - and shut off from the intrusion of the crowd, and there lay and sat - the images at tables that were spread with viands. All were either - life-size or larger. Some were skilfully modelled, and wore - gorgeous clothing, but others were of the rudest moulding in terra - cotta, or carved wood, and evidently of very ancient date, of - Etruscan workmanship little influenced by Greek art.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia looked - on in astonishment. The populace laughed and commented on the - images, without the least reverence; and the priests and their - assistants <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page125">[pg - 125]</span><a name="Pg125" id="Pg125" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>laid the dishes before the puppets, then - whisked them off and carried them without the barriers. Thereupon - ensued a struggle who should get hold of the savory morsels that - were being conveyed from the table of the gods; even the vessels - used for the viands and for the wine were snatched at and carried - away, and the priests offered no resistance.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia was - completely transported out of herself by astonishment at the sight. - Every now and then the hum of voices spluttered into a burst of - laughter at some ribald joke, and then roared up into a hubbub of - sound over the trays of meats and wine that were being fought - for.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Already the - short winter day was closing in, and torches were being brought - forth and stood beside the images. Then the tables were cleared and - removed.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A trumpet blast - sounded, and instantly the barriers were cast down, and the second - act of this extraordinary spectacle ensued. This was the - supplication. Instantly the temper of the mob changed from - scepticism and mockery to enthusiastic devotion, and those pressed - forward to kneel and touch the cushions and drapery on which the - gods reposed, and to entreat their assistance, whose lips had but - recently uttered a scoff.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nothing so - completely differentiates Christian worship from that of Pagan Rome - as the congregational character of the former contrasted with the - uncongregational nature of the latter. At the present day in Papal - Rome the priests may be seen behind glass doors in little chapels - annexed to S. Peter’s and S. Maria Maggiore saying their offices, - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page126">[pg 126]</span><a name= - "Pg126" id="Pg126" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>indifferent to there - being no laity present, indeed, with no provision made that they - should assist. This is a legacy of Pagan Rome. The sacrifices, the - services in the temples and other sanctuaries, were entirely - independent of the people, some performed within closed doors. The - only popular religious service was the <span lang="la" class= - "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">supplication</span></span>, which took place - but occasionally. Then the public streamed to the images of the - gods, uttering fervent prayer, chanting hymns, prostrating - themselves before the couches, catching at their bed-coverings, - esteeming themselves blessed if they could lay their hands on the - sacred pillows. But there was no general consent as to which of the - gods and goddesses were most potent. Some cried out that Mother - Orbona had helped them, others that Fortuna was a jade and promised - but performed nothing. One fanatic, in a transport, shrieked that - these gods were good for naught, for his part he trusted only in - Consus, whose temple was in ruins, whose altar was buried in earth - by the circus of Tarquin. But there were others who swept in a - strong current towards the couch of Jupiter and of that of Venus. - Another strong current, howling ‘Io Saturne! Salve Mater Ops!’ made - for the images of the Old God of Time and his divine Mate.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Simultaneously - came a cross current of vendors of cakes and toys from the Suburra, - regardless of the devotion of the people, careful only to sell - their goods—for the Saturnalia was a period at which the children - were regaled with gingerbread, and treated to dolls of terra cotta, - of ivory and of wood. Hawkers selling pistachio nuts, the cones of - the edible pine, men with baked chestnuts, others with trays of - Pomponian pears <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page127">[pg - 127]</span><a name="Pg127" id="Pg127" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>and Mattian apples, vociferating and belauding - their wares, increased the clamor.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Whilst this was - at its height, down from the Palatine by the New Way came the - German Imperial Body-Guard, forcing a passage through the mob, - their short swords drawn, bellowing imprecations, whirling their - blades, striking with the flat of the steel, threatening to cut - down such as impeded their progress.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Some <span lang= - "la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">vigiles</span></span>, or city police, came - up. There was no love lost between them and the pampered foreigners - employed in the palace, and they opposed the household troops. - Remonstrances were employed and cast away. Then a German was struck - in the face by a pine cone, another tripped, fell, and a hawker - with a barrow-load of dolls, in his eagerness to escape, ran his - vehicle over the prostrate guardsman. At once the Germans’ blood - was up, they rushed upon the police, and a fray ensued in which now - this side, then that, gained advantage. The populace, densely - packed, came in for blows and wounds. When a guardsman fell, and - they could lay hold of him, he was dragged away, and almost torn to - pieces by eager hands stripping him of his splendid uniform.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Præfect, who - was in the Forum, summoned three cohorts to his aid, to drive back - the household troops, and in a moment the trough between the hills - was converted into a scene of the wildest confusion, some women - screaming that they had lost their children, others crying to the - gods to help them. Boys had scrambled up the bases of the statues, - and one urchin sat with folded legs on the shoulders of Julius - Cæsar, hallooing, and occasionally pelting with nuts where they did - not fear retaliation.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page128">[pg - 128]</span><a name="Pg128" id="Pg128" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The vendors of - cakes and toys cursed as their trays were upset, or their barrows - clashed. Men fought each other, for no other reason than that the - soldiers were engaged, and they were unable to keep their itching - hands off each other.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Down a stair - from the palace came the Emperor Vitellius, carried on the - shoulders of soldiers, while slaves bore flambeaux before him.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He was seen to - gesticulate, but in the uproar none heard what he said.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Meanwhile, the - priests were endeavoring to remove the gods, and met with the - greatest difficulty. Some frantic women clung to the images and - refused to allow them to be taken away. Some of the figures had - been upset, and the servants of the temples to which they belonged - made rings about them with interlaced arms, to protect them from - being trampled under foot. Jupiter Capitolinus had been injured and - lost his nose.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A priest with - the help of a torch, was melting the wax and fastening it on again, - whilst the guard of the temple kept off the rabble.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The currents of - human beings, driven by diverse passions, jostled, broke across - each other, resolved themselves into swirls of living men and women - carried off their feet.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The litter of - the lady Duilia and her daughter tossed like a boat in a whirlpool, - and the widow shrieked with terror.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then two - powerful arms were thrust within the curtains of the palanquin, and - the slave Eboracus laid hold of Domitia, and said:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“There is no safety here. Trust me. I will battle - through with you. Come on my arm. Fear not.”</span></p><span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page129">[pg 129]</span><a name="Pg129" id="Pg129" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Save <span class="tei tei-corr">me!</span> Me, - also!”</span> screamed Duilia, <span class="tei tei-q">“I shall be - thrown out, trodden under foot! O my wig! My wig!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But Eboracus, - regardless of the widow, holding his young mistress on his left - arm, with the right armed with a cudgel, which he whirled like a - flail, and with which, without compunction he broke down all - opposition, drove, battered his way through the throng where most - dense, across the currents most violent, and did not stay till he - had reached a comparatively unobstructed spot, in one of the narrow - lanes between the Fish Market and the Hostilian Court.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> - - <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> - <img src="images/i_144.jpg" alt= - "ARMED WITH A CUDGEL, WHICH HE WHIRLED LIKE A FLAIL." title= - "“ARMED WITH A CUDGEL, WHICH HE WHIRLED LIKE A FLAIL.” Page 129." /> - - <div class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: center">“ARMED WITH - A CUDGEL, WHICH HE WHIRLED LIKE A FLAIL.”</span> <span class= - "tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-style: italic">Page 129.</span></span> - </div> - </div> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page130">[pg 130]</span><a name= - "Pg130" id="Pg130" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc34" id= - "toc34"></a> <a name="pdf35" id="pdf35"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XVI.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">IN THE HOUSE OF THE ACTOR.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Hardly had - Eboracus conveyed Domitia out of the Forum into a place of safety, - than a rush of people down the street threatened to drive him back - in the direction whence he had come. The drifting mob, as it - cascaded down, cried: <span class="tei tei-q">“The Prætorians are - coming from their camp!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was so. Down - the hill by the Tiburtine way marched a compact body of - soldiery.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The danger was - imminent; Eboracus and his young charge were between two masses of - military, entangled in a seething mob of frightened people, mostly - of the lowest class.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My lady!”</span> said the slave. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“There is but one thing to be done.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He drew her to a - door, knocked, and when a voice asked who demanded admittance, - answered,</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Open speedily—Paris!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The door was - furtively unbarred and opened sufficiently to admit the slave and - Domitia, and then hastily bolted and locked again.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Excuse me, dear mistress,”</span> said Eboracus. - <span class="tei tei-q">“I could do no other. In this <span lang= - "la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">insula</span></span> live the actor Paris and - Glyceria. They were both slaves in your household, but were given - their freedom by your father, my <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page131">[pg 131]</span><a name="Pg131" id="Pg131" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>late master, when he went to the East. They - will place themselves at your service, and offer you shelter in - their humble dwelling, the first flat on the right.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The house was - one of those <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= - "la"><span style="font-style: italic">insulæ</span></span>, islets - of Rome in which great numbers of the lower classes were housed. - They consisted in square blocks, built about a court, and ran to - the height of seven and even more stories. The several flats were - reached by stone stairs that ran from the central yard to the very - summit of these barrack-like buildings. They vastly resembled our - modern model lodging-houses, with one exception, that they had no - exterior windows, or at most only slits looking into the street; - doors and windows opened into the central quadrangle. These houses - were little towns, occupied by numerous families, each family - renting two or more chambers on a flat, and as in a city there are - diversities in rank, so was it in these lodging-houses; the most - abjectly poor were at the very top, or on the ground floor. The - first flat commanded the highest rent, and the price of rooms - gradually dwindled, the greater the elevation was. Glass was too - great a luxury, far too costly to be employed except by the most - wealthy for filling their windows. Even talc was expensive; in its - place thin films of agate were sometimes used; but among the poor - there was little protection in their dwellings against cold. The - doors admitted light and air and cold together, and were always - open, except at night, and then a perforation in the wood, or a - small window in the wall, too narrow to allow of ingress, served - for ventilation.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In a huge block - of building like the <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" - xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">insula</span></span>, there were no chimneys. - All cooking was done at the <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page132">[pg 132]</span><a name="Pg132" id="Pg132" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>hearth in the room that served as kitchen and - dining-room, often also as bedroom, and the smoke found its way out - at the doorway into the central court.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But, in fact, - little cooking of food was done, except the boiling of pulse. The - meals of the poor consisted mainly of salads and fruit, with oil in - abundance.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Dressed always - in wool, in cold weather multiplying their wraps, the Roman - citizens felt the cold weather much less than we might suppose - possible. In the rain—and in Rome in winter it raineth almost every - day—the balconies were crowded, and then the women wove, men - tinkered or patched sandals, children romped, boys played marbles - and knuckle-bones, and sometimes a minstrel twanged a lyre and the - young girls danced to keep themselves warm. There were little - braziers, moreover, one on every landing, that were kept alight - with charcoal, and here, when the women’s fingers were numb, they - were thawed, and children baked chestnuts or roasted apples.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia had - never been in one of these blocks of habitations of the lower - classes before, and she was surprised. The quadrangle was almost - like an amphitheatre, with its tiers of seats for spectators; but - here, in place of seats, were balconies, and every balcony was - alive with women and children. Men were absent; they had gone out - to see the commencement of the Saturnalia, and of women there were - few compared to the numbers that usually thronged these - balconies.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Eboracus - conducted his young mistress up the first flight of steps, and at - once a rush of children was made to him to ask for toys and cakes. - He brushed them aside, and when the mothers saw by the purple edge - to her dress that Domitia belonged to a noble family, <span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page133">[pg 133]</span><a name="Pg133" id="Pg133" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a>they called their youngsters away, and - saluted her by raising thumb and forefinger united to the lips.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The slave at - once conducted Domitia through a doorway into a little chamber, - where burnt a fire of olive sticks, and a lamp was suspended, by - the light of which she could see that a sick woman lay on a low - bed.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia shrank - back; but Eboracus said encouragingly:</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Be not afraid, dear young mistress; this is no - catching disorder; Glyceria suffers from an accident, and will - never be well again. She is the sister of your servant - Euphrosyne.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then, - approaching the sick woman, he hastily explained the reason for his - taking refuge with his mistress in this humble lodging.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The sick woman - turned to Domitia with a sweet smile, and in courteous words - entreated her to remain in her chamber so long as was - necessary.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My husband, Paris, the actor, is now out; but he will - be home shortly, I trust—unless,”</span> her face grew paler with - sudden dread, <span class="tei tei-q">“some ill have befallen him. - Yet I think not that can be, he is a quiet, harmless - man.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I thank you,”</span> answered Domitia, and took a seat - offered her by Eboracus.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She looked - attentively at the sick woman’s face. She was no longer young, she - had at one time been beautiful, she had large, lustrous dark eyes, - and dark hair, but pain and weakness had sharpened her features. - Yet there was such gentleness, patience, love in her face, a - something which to Domitia was so new, a something so new in that - old world, that she could not <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page134">[pg 134]</span><a name="Pg134" id="Pg134" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>take her eyes off her, wondering what the - fascination was.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Glyceria did not - speak again, modestly waiting till the lady of rank chose to - address her.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Presently - Domitia asked:</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Have you been long ill?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“A year, lady.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And may I inquire how it came about?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Alas! It is a sad story. My little boy——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You have a son?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I had——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I ask your pardon for the interruption; say - on.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My little boy was playing in the street, when a - chariot was driven rapidly down the hill, and I saw that he would - be under the horses’ feet, so I made a dart to save - him.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And then?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I was too late to rescue him, and I fell, and the - wheel went over me. I have been unable to rise since.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What! like this for all these months! What say the - doctors?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Alack, lady! they give me no hope.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But for how long may this last?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I cannot say.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“As the gods love me! if this befell me, I should - refuse my food and starve myself to death!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I cannot do that.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What! you lack the resolution?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I can bear what is on me laid by God.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“There is no need to endure what can be avoided. I - would make short work of it, were this my lot. And your - husband?”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page135">[pg - 135]</span><a name="Pg135" id="Pg135" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“He is here.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Through the door - came the actor, a handsome man, of Greek type, with a package in - his arms. He would have walked straight to his wife, but had to - turn at the door and drive off a clamorous pack of urchins who had - pursued him, believing that he was laden with toys.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“There, Glyceria!”</span> he exclaimed joyously; - <span class="tei tei-q">“they are all for you. There is such a riot - and disturbance and such a crush in the street, that I had hard - work to push through. I misdoubt me some are broken.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Oh, Paris! do you not observe?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What? I see nothing but thy sweet face?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Our dear master’s daughter, the lady Domitia - Longina.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The actor turned - sharply, and was covered with confusion at the unexpected sight, - and almost let his parcel fall.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Eboracus - explained the circumstances. Then Paris expressed his happiness, - and the pride he felt in being honored by the visit under his - humble ceiling, of the lady, the daughter of the good and beloved - master who had given him and Glyceria their freedom.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Go forth, Eboracus,”</span> said Domitia, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“and I prithee learn how it has fared with my mother. - Bring me word speedily, if thou canst.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When the slave - had withdrawn, she addressed Paris and Glyceria.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I beseech you, suffer me to remain here in quiet, and - concern not yourselves about me. I have been alarmed, and this has - shaken me. I would fain rest in this seat and not speak. Go on with - what ye have to say and do, and consider me not. So will you best - please me.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page136">[pg - 136]</span><a name="Pg136" id="Pg136" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The actor was - somewhat constrained at first, but after a little while overcame - his reserve. He drew a low table beside his wife’s couch, and, - stooping on one knee, began to unlade his bundle. He set out a - number of terra cotta figures on the table, representing cocks and - hens, pigs, horses, cows and men; some infinitely comical; at them - Glyceria laughed.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then, as she put - forth a thin white hand to take up one of the quaintest images, - Domitia noticed that Paris laid hold of it, and pressed it to his - lips.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A lump rose in - the girl’s throat.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“No,”</span> thought she; <span class="tei tei-q">“if I - had one so to love me and consider me, though I were sick and in - pain, I would not shorten my days. I would live to enjoy his - love.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then again, - falling into further musing, she said to herself:</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“In time to come, if it chance that I become ill, will - my Lamia be to me as is this actor to his poor wife? Will he think - of and care for me? But—and if evil were to befall him, would not I - minister to him, care for him night and day, and seek to relieve - his sorrow? Would I grow indifferent when he most needed me? Then - why think that he should become cold and neglect me? Are women more - inclined to be true than men?—Yet see this actor—this Paris. By the - Gods! Is Lamia like to be a more ignoble man than a poor freedman - that gains his living on the stage?—I should even be happy serving - him sick and suffering. Happy in doing my duty.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And still - musing, she said on to herself:</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Duty! Yes, I should find content and rest of mind in - that; but to what would it all lead? Only to a heap of dust in the - end. His light would be extinguished, <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page137">[pg 137]</span><a name="Pg137" id="Pg137" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>and then I, having nothing else to live for, - would die also—by mine own hand:—there is nothing beyond. It all - leads to an ash-heap.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Glyceria, - observing the girl’s fixed eye, thought it was looking inquiringly - at her, and said in her gentle voice that vibrated with the - tremulousness given by suffering:</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Ah, lady! the neighbors and their children are very - kind. There is more of goodness and piety in the world than you - would suppose, seeing men and women only in an amphitheatre. I can - do but very little. One boy fetches me water—that is Bibulus, and - my Paris has bought him this little horseman—and Torquata, a little - girl, daughter of a cobbler, she sweeps the floor; and Dosithea, - that is a good widow’s child; she does other neighborly acts for - me;—and they thrust me on my bed to the side of the hearth, and - bring me such things as I need, that I may prepare the meals for my - husband. And Claudia, the wife of a seller of nets, she makes my - bed for me; but all the shopping is done for me by Paris, and I - warrant you, lady, he is quite knowing, and can haggle over a fish - or a turnip with a market-woman like any housewife.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“He is very good to you,”</span> said Domitia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Paris - turned, and, putting his hand on his wife’s mouth, said:</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lady! you can little know what a wife my Glyceria is - to me. I had rather for my own sake have her thus than hale as of - old. Somehow, sorrow and pain draw hearts together - wondrously.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“He is good,”</span> said Glyceria, twisting her mouth - from his covering hand. <span class="tei tei-q">“We have had a hard - year; on <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page138">[pg - 138]</span><a name="Pg138" id="Pg138" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>account of the troubles, there has been little - desire among the people for the theatre, and he has earned but a - trifle. I have cost him much in physicians that have done me no - good, yet he never grumbles, he is always cheerful, always - tender-hearted and loving.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Hush, wife!”</span> said Paris. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“The lady desires rest. Keep silence.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then again - Domitia fell a-musing, and the player and his wife whispered to - each other about the destination of the several toys.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Somehow she had - hitherto not thought of the classes of men and women below her - station as having like feelings, like longings, like natures to her - own. They had been to her as puppets, even as those clay figures - ranged on the table, mostly grotesque. Now that great pulse of love - that throbs through the world of humanity made itself felt, it was - as though scales fell from her eyes, and the puppets became beings - of flesh and blood to be considered, capable of happiness and of - suffering, of virtue as well as of vice.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I have a little lamp here—with a fish—<span class= - "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">the</span></span> - fish on it,”</span> said Paris in a whisper. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is for Luke, the Physician.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What!”</span> exclaimed Domitia, starting from her - reverie, <span class="tei tei-q">“you know him? We had a talk once, - and it was broken off and never concluded. I would hear the end of - what he was saying—some day.”</span></p> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page139">[pg 139]</span><a name= - "Pg139" id="Pg139" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc36" id= - "toc36"></a> <a name="pdf37" id="pdf37"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XVII.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">THE SATURNALIA OF 69.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Eboracus brushed - aside some urchins and girls blocking the door, looking in with - eager, twinkling eyes at the strange lady and at the set out of - dolls on the table.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There passed - whispers and nudges from one to another—but all ceased as the - British slave put together his hands as a swimmer and plunged - through them.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Get away you sprats and gudgeons,”</span> said he, - good-humoredly.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then entering, - he said to Domitia:</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lady, your mother has reached home in safety. I - chanced to run across Amphibolus, sent out in quest of you, and the - good-for-naught had turned sulky, because it is the Saturnalia, - when, said he, the mistress should do the slave’s bidding. - <span class="tei tei-q">‘That can be,’</span> said he, <span class= - "tei tei-q">‘but at one time in the year, and should not be - forgotten.’</span> And the lanes are clear of rabble. If Paris here - will walk on one side of you and I on the other, it will be well. - That rascal Amphibolus I bade wait, but not he, said he, - <span class="tei tei-q">‘Io Saturne!’</span> ”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I will attend with joy,”</span> announced the - actor.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia rose to - leave, she tendered thanks to Glyceria and took two steps towards - the entrance, halted, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page140">[pg - 140]</span><a name="Pg140" id="Pg140" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>turned back, and taking the thin hand of the - sick woman in hers, somewhat shyly said:</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I may come again and see you?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Before Glyceria - could reply, so great was her surprise, Domitia was gone.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The streets were - nearly empty, they were mere lanes between huge blocks of - windowless buildings, towering into the sky, but from the forum - could be heard a hubbub of voices, cries, the clash of arms, and - anon a cheer.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> - Presently—<span class="tei tei-q">“Stand aside!”</span> said Paris, - and there swept down the lane a number of young fellows masked and - tricked out in ribbons and scraps of tawdry finery.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I am the king!”</span> shouted one, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Præfect of the guard, arrest those people. Ha! a - woman. She shall be my captive and grace my triumph.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Eboracus - administered a blow with his fist, planted between the eyes of the - youth in pasteboard armor who came towards his young mistress. The - blow sent him flying backwards against the king and upset him on - the pavement.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A roar of - laughter from his mates, and one shouted,</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Hey Tarquinius! thou must e’en fare like the rest, - Nero, Galba, Otho—and hem! we know not who else—but down thou art - with the others.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Let us go on,”</span> said Paris, and without further - attempt at molestation from the revellers they pursued their - way.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On reaching the - palace inhabited by Longa Duilia, a fresh difficulty arose. - Eboracus knocked, but there was no porter at the door to answer. He - knocked again and continued to rattle against the panels, till - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page141">[pg 141]</span><a name= - "Pg141" id="Pg141" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>at length the bolt - was withdrawn, and Euphrosyne with timid face, and holding a lamp - appeared in the entrance.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Why have you kept us so long waiting?”</span> asked - the Briton.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Eboracus, I could not help myself. It is the - Saturnalia, and the slaves will do no menial work. They are - carousing in the triclinium and, though they heard the rap well - enough, none would rise and respond. Then, for very shame I came, - for I thought it might be my dear mistress.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As Domitia - crossed the atrium, she heard song and laughter and the click of - goblets issue from the dining-room. She hurried by and entered her - mother’s chamber.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Longa Duilia was - in a condition of resentment and irritation.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You have arrived at last!”</span> said the lady. - <span class="tei tei-q">“I’ll have that British slave’s hide well - basted when the Seven Days are over, for disregarding me and - considering your safety alone. Body of Bacchus! This time of the - Saturnalia is insufferable. Not a servant will do a stroke of work, - nor execute a single order. They are all, forsooth, lords and - ladies for seven days, and we must wait on them. Well! if it were - not an old custom, I’d get up a procession of all the matrons of - Rome to entreat the Senate to abolish the usage.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Oh, mother dear, how did you escape?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My child! it was as bad as that bit of storm we had - getting out of the Gulf of Corinth, tossed about in my palanquin I - hardly knew whether I were thinking with my head or with my toes. - But after a while they got me through. Never, never again will I go - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page142">[pg 142]</span><a name= - "Pg142" id="Pg142" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>gadding after the - Gods to their Lectisternia. As the Gods love me! this is a - topsy-turvy time indeed. At the Saturnalia no strife is - permissible, not a lawsuit, all quarrels are supposed to cease, not - even a malefactor may be executed, and there are those precious - Immortals with their glass eyes, and extended hands snuffing up the - fumes of their dinner, and they allow fighting to go on before - them, under their immortal noses, and never interfere! But I don’t - wonder. There was Summanus, God of the night thunders—and will you - believe it, his own head was struck off by the heavenly bolt. Ye - Gods! if ye cannot mind your own heads ye are not to be trusted - with ours.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The lady was in - a condition of towering indignation. She was affronted—she, - highborn, with a drop of Julian blood in her, somewhere,—she had - been tossed about among the heads and over the shoulders of a - dirty, garlic-smelling asafœtida chewing rabble—had been exposed to - danger from the swords of the Vigiles on one side, of the Palatine - guard on the other. And when finally, she reached home ruffled in - garments, her hair in disorder, and her heart beating fast, she - found the house in disorder, the slaves in possession keeping high - holiday, and disregarding her shrilly uttered, imperiously - expressed orders.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I shall go to bed,”</span> said the lady, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“I’d lie in bed all these horrible seven days, but that - I know no one will bring me my meals. Never mind—when the - Saturnalia are over, I shall remember which were insolent and - disobliging, and they shall get whippings.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But in the - house, on the morrow the condition of affairs was not quite so bad. - The servants were alive to the fact that they had liberty for seven - days only, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page143">[pg - 143]</span><a name="Pg143" id="Pg143" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>and that their mistress had a faculty of - remembering and punishing disobedience; not indeed during the - holiday period, nor ostensibly because of faults then committed, - but by administering double chastisement for light offences - committed later.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Some of the - slaves, moreover, made no attempt to use their liberty so as to - cause inconvenience to their mistress.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But if some sort - of order was established within the palace, none reigned without. - There civil war raged, at the same time that the citizens observed - the festival, and so long as they kept out of the way of the - soldiery, it did not much concern them whether the city force or - the palace garrison prevailed. Primus, at the head of the Illyrian - legions was rapidly advancing on Rome. News had arrived that Spain - and Gaul had declared for Vespasian. Britain had renounced - allegiance to Vitellius, only Africa still remained faithful.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Next tidings - arrived that the army of Vitellius that was at Narnia had - surrendered. Thereupon the gross, aged Emperor dressed in black, - surrounded by his servants, and carrying his son, still a child, - came howling and sobbing from the Palatine through the Forum, to - surrender the insignia of Empire into the hands of the Consul, in - the Temple of Concord. But the Consul refused to receive them, and - then the German guard, having wind of his intention, became - clamorous, and cried out for the head of Flavius Sabinus. - Vitellius, unable to resign, and incapable of reigning, wandered - from one residence to another, asking advice of all his friends as - to what he ought to do, but taking none.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Meanwhile the - fighting in the streets of Rome had recommenced. Titus Flavius - Sabinus, for security <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page144">[pg - 144]</span><a name="Pg144" id="Pg144" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>escaped into the Capitol, and took with him - his sons and daughter, and his nephew Domitian. There he was - formally besieged by the Imperial guard; and Sabinus, doubting his - ability to hold out long, sent off a despatch to Primus to bid him - hasten to his assistance.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Madam!”</span> exclaimed Eboracus rushing in, - <span class="tei tei-q">“I pray you come on the roof of the - house.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What is the matter? Ye Gods! surely Rome is not on - fire again!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Madam! The household guard are assaulting the Capitol - and have indeed set fire to the houses below, I doubt if the - Præfect can hold out till Primus arrives.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Duilia ascended - to the flat top of the house. The palace of the family was in the - Carinæ, on the slope of the Esquiline hill, hard by the gardens of - Nero’s Golden House. Being on high ground it commanded the Forum - and the Capitol, and looked over the tops of the vulgar <span lang= - "la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">insulæ</span></span> in the dip of the - Suburra.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was the - evening of the second day. Heavy clouds had lowered throughout the - hours of daylight and the evening had prematurely closed. There had - been desultory fighting all day, but as the night approached a - determined set was made by the German guard to capture the Capitol, - and the citadel of Rome that adjoined it, connected by only a small - neck of hill. They knew that Primus was close at hand, and they - were determined not to be caught between a foe before and another - behind.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Capitol is a - rocky height rising precipitately above the Forum, and enormous - substructures had strengthened it and formed a platform on which - rose the Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus that stood to Rome almost in - the relation that the Temple did to Jeru<span class="tei tei-pb" - id="page145">[pg 145]</span><a name="Pg145" id="Pg145" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>salem, as the centre of its religious and - civil institutions.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was almost - the paladium of the city, the fate of Rome was held to be bound up - with its preservation.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now Domitia - and her mother looked on in the gathering darkness at the temple - looming out as of gold against the purple black clouds behind, lit - with the glare of the flames of the houses below that had been - fired by the soldiery.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The roar of - conflict came up in waves of sound.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Really,”</span> said Duilia, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Revolutions are only tolerable when seen from a - house-top; that is, to cultivated minds—the common rabble like - them.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Shrill above the - roar came the scream of a whistle, that a boy was blowing as he - went down the street.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Suddenly the - clamor boiled up into a mighty spout or geyser of noise, and the - reason became manifest in another moment. The whole sky was lit by - a sheet of flame of golden yellow. The conflagration had caught an - oil merchant’s stores that were planted against the substructures - supporting the temple. Columns, shoots of dazzling light rushed up - against the rocks and the walls, recoiled, swept against them - again, overleaped them and curled like tongues around the - temple.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Instantly every - sound ceased. The soldiers sheathed their swords. The citizens held - their breath. Nothing for a few minutes was audible, save the - mutter of the fire.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My lady,”</span> said Euphrosyne, coming to the roof, - and addressing Longa Duilia, <span class="tei tei-q">“A priest of - Jupiter is below, and desires to speak with you.”</span></p> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page146">[pg 146]</span><a name= - "Pg146" id="Pg146" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc38" id= - "toc38"></a><a name="pdf39" id="pdf39"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XVIII.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">A REFUGEE.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“A priest of Jupiter here!”</span> exclaimed Duilia. - <span class="tei tei-q">“When his temple is on fire! Bid him be - off—but stay. Who let him in?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lady, the Chaldæan introduced him.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“He had no right to do so. Let him entertain him. I - desire to see the end. Run. The roof is on fire—the eagles will be - down—or melt away.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lady! the Magian commissioned me to assure you that he - bears an important communication.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Say I am engaged.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A minute later, - the Chaldæan himself arrived on the housetop and addressed the - mistress.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I cannot attend to your abracadabra,”</span> said she, - in reply to his request to be heard. <span class="tei tei-q">“Look - there. The Capitol is in flames, the temple of Jupiter Optimus - Maximus blazes. I know what he wants—he has come begging. They all - beg. I have no money. I am interested in the fire, the Revolution, - and all that sort of thing.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lady Longa,”</span> said Elymas, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“There are moments that are turning points in every - life. A great chance offers. Take it, or put it away - forever.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You worry me past endurance. What is it? Look! the - flames are licking Jupiter in his chariot.”</span></p><span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page147">[pg 147]</span><a name="Pg147" id="Pg147" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“If you will step aside I will speak. Not - here.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Duilia with an - impatient toss of her head and shrug of her shoulders, gathered up - her garment with one hand, stepped to a distant part of the roof, - and said, sulkily—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Well, what is this about?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You know that the Præfect of Rome who supped at your - house the other day is besieged in the Capitol.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Well—this is no news.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And that for security, lest they should be put to - death by Vitellius or the soldiery, he took his children and his - nephew there with him.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“So I have been told. That does not concern me. Why did - he not take also his fat wife? she would have fed the - flames.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My lady—the Capitol cannot hold out another half hour, - and then all within will be butchered.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Can I help that? They all do it. This sort of thing - happens in revolutions invariably. I cannot alter the course of the - world.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But, madam, the son of Vespasian, Flavius Domitianus - has escaped through the Tabularium, by a little door into the - Forum.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“He might have escaped by turning a somersault over the - walls for aught I care.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“His life is in extreme jeopardy. If discovered he will - be assassinated, most assuredly.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Well, that is the way these things go.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I have brought him hither—disguised as a - priest.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The lady became - rigid, eyes, mouth and nostrils.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“He escaped disguised as a priest of Jupiter. As - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page148">[pg 148]</span><a name= - "Pg148" id="Pg148" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>such, with veiled - head he has passed unmolested, even through the ranks of the - soldiery and people, inclined to tear him to pieces, for they are - all on the side of the reigning prince.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Domitian here! What a fool you are, Elymas. I’ll have - you tossed off the roof, in punishment. By Hercules! you compromise - me. If it be suspected that he is here, I shall have the house - ransacked, and all my valuables plundered, and the Gods alone know - what may become of me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“That is true, lady, and you must run the - risk.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I will not,”</span> said Duilia, stamping angrily on - the concrete of the roof. <span class="tei tei-q">“Is it not enough - to have the house turned upside down with this detestable - Saturnalia! Age of Gold indeed! Age of tomfoolery and - upside-downedness. If my poor dear man had but done what he ought, - there would have been none of these commotions, and I—well—I—I - would have put down the Saturnalia.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Madam, this is all beside the mark. Domitian, the son - of Flavius Vespasian, whom the world has saluted Emperor, and sworn - to, is under your roof as a suppliant.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“How unfortunate!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“How fortunate!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I cannot see that.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Then, madam, the clouds of night must have got into - your brain. Do you not see that you are running a very slight risk. - None suspect that he is in concealment here, as I smuggled him into - the house.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“There are my slaves.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“They regard him as a priest escaping from the fire and - the siege,”</span> said the soothsayer. He continued—<span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page149">[pg 149]</span><a name="Pg149" id="Pg149" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-q">“Before morning - the Illyrian legions will have arrived in Rome. Do you suppose the - German bodyguard can stand against them? What other troops has - Vitellius to fall back on? None—he is deserted. His cause is - fatally smitten. By to-morrow evening he will be dead, cast down - the Gemonian stair. Vespasian will be proclaimed in the Forum. Your - risk will be at an end, and you will have obtained the lasting - gratitude of the Imperial father, who will do anything you desire, - to show his thankfulness to you for having saved the life of his - son.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“There is something in that,”</span> said Duilia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And suppose now that Domitian is here, that you bid - your slaves eject him, and he falls into the hands of Vitellius, - how will you be regarded by the Flavian family? Do you not suppose - that you will be the first to suffer the resentment of the - Augustus?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“There is a good deal in that,”</span> said Duilia, to - which the Magus said,—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I have no fear of betrayal from any in the house save - Senecio, that owl-like philosopher. He is not like the slaves, he - may suspect, and trip me up.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My good Elymas,”</span> interrupted Duilia, - <span class="tei tei-q">“do not concern yourself about him. He is - not a man to chew nutshells when he can munch kernels.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Domitian is in my apartment, will you see him, - lady?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“By all means. I have a notion. Go, fetch Domitia, - bring her down there to me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Longa - descended to that portion of the mansion where were situated the - rooms given up to the soothsayer; they were on one side of a small - court, and the philosopher occupied chambers on the other side. - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page150">[pg 150]</span><a name= - "Pg150" id="Pg150" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Across the water tank - in the midst many an altercation had taken place.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Senecio was not - there now. He was probably out taking a philosophic view of the - internecine strife, and moralizing over the burning of the - Capitol.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With a benignant - smile and a tear in her eye, Duilia almost ran to Domitian, her two - hands extended. She had just looked round the court to make sure - she was unobserved and that there was no one within earshot.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I am so grateful to the Gods,”</span> she said, with a - tremor in her voice, <span class="tei tei-q">“that they should - allow me the honor and happiness of offering you an asylum. Blood - is thicker than water. Though I perish for my advocacy of your dear - father—I cannot help it. Cousins must be cousinly. It is with us a - family peculiarity—we hang together like a swarm of - bees.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The young man - cautiously removed his white veil or head-covering, and exposed his - face, that was somewhat pale. He had a shy modest appearance, a - delicate complexion that flushed and paled at the changes of - emotion in his heart. His eyes were a watery gray, large, but he - screwed the eyelids together, as though near-sighted. He was fairly - well built, but had spindle legs, no calves, and his toes as if cut - short.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In manner he was - awkward, without ease in his address; owing to the low associates - with whom he had consorted, having been kept short of money, and to - his lack of acquaintance with the courtesies of the cultured - classes.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I thank you. My life is in danger. I came hither, as - my uncle supped here the other day, and I knew something about - kinship. I had nowhere else whither to go. I would have been hunted - out and murdered <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page151">[pg - 151]</span><a name="Pg151" id="Pg151" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>had I gone to my uncle—my mother’s brother. - They would have sought me there first of all.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You shall stay here till all danger is past. I should - esteem myself the vilest of women were I to refuse you my - protection at such a time as this. Senecio, my philosopher, is out, - gadding about—of course. You shall occupy his room, and I shall - give strict orders that he be not admitted. I will not have - philosophers careering in and out of my house, at all hours, as - pleases them. This is not a rabbit warren, as the Gods love me! But - here comes my daughter to unite with me in assurance of welcome and - protection.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia had - entered, in obedience to the command transmitted by the - sorcerer.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There was but - one oil lamp on a table in the chamber, and consequently at first - she did not discern who was there addressed by her mother. But - Duilia stepped aside and allowed the light to flash over the face - of Domitian.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The moment the - girl saw it, she started back and put her hands to her bosom.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My dear child,”</span> said Longa Duilia, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“you will thank the Lares and Penates, that our cousin - has taken refuge with us. The Capitol is in flames, the Imperial - guards are storming the walls, there is, I fear, no hope for our - dear good friend Flavius Sabinus. Poor man, how he enjoyed himself - at supper here the other day! We may hope for the best, but not - expect impossibilities. Revolutions and all these sorts of things - have their natural exits, the sword, the Tullianum and the Gemonian - steps—horrible, but inevitable. Domitian has fled to us, disguised - as a priest of Jupiter. O my dear, what a nice thing it is that - there is so much religion <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page152">[pg - 152]</span><a name="Pg152" id="Pg152" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>left among the common people that they - respected his cloth. Well, here he is, and we must do what we can - for him.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Cast him out,”</span> said Domitia hoarsely.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What, my love?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Cast him out—the beast, the crowned beast, the new - Nero. The fifth that was and the eighth that will be.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Duilia raised - her eyebrows.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My dear, I don’t in the least understand enigmas. I - was never clever at them, though my parts are not generally - accounted bad.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Mother, I pray you, I beseech you as you desire my - happiness, do not harbor him under your roof. Cast him forth. What - ho! Slaves!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitian started - and caught the girl by the shoulders.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You would betray me?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I would have you thrust forth into the - street.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“To be murdered—torn to pieces by the blood-thirsty - mob?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is to save myself.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Thyself! I do thee no harm.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Do not attend to her. It is childish, maidenly - timidity,”</span> said Duilia, frowning at Domitia and shaking her - finger at her. <span class="tei tei-q">“She knows that, to screen - you, we run great risks ourselves. We may be denounced—we may.—As - the Gods love me! There is no saying what we may be called on to - suffer. But I say, perish all the family rather than offend against - hospitality.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Mother,”</span> said Domitia. Her face was white as - ashes. <span class="tei tei-q">“Send him forth. If he were not a - coward, a mean coward, he would not come here, to the house of two - women, and shelter himself behind their <span class="tei tei-pb" - id="page153">[pg 153]</span><a name="Pg153" id="Pg153" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>skirts. Titus Flavius Domitianus, dost thou - call thyself a man?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He looked - furtively at the girl, and muttered something that was - unintelligible.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“If thou art a man, go forth, run us not into danger. - If thou tarry here—I esteem thee as the basest of men.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I praise the Gods!”</span> said Longa Duilia, in - towering wrath, <span class="tei tei-q">“she does not command in - this house. That do I; and when I say welcome, there you stay, and - she shall not gainsay me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Mother—to welcome him, is to exile, to destroy - me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“This is rank folly.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Mother, eject him!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I will not. I prithee, Domitian, when your dear father - is proclaimed in Rome,—forget this girl’s folly, and remember only - that I sheltered thee.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I will remember. I am not one to forget.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“There is no escape,”</span> sighed Domitia. - <span class="tei tei-q">“Whom the Gods will destroy—they pursue - remorselessly. Well, be it so.—Stay then, coward! I am - undone.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> - - <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> - <img src="images/i_170.jpg" alt="STAY THEN, COWARD." title= - "“STAY THEN, COWARD.” Page 153." /> - - <div class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: center">“STAY THEN, - COWARD.”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi" style= - "text-align: center"><span style="font-style: italic">Page - 153.</span></span> - </div> - </div> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page154">[pg 154]</span><a name= - "Pg154" id="Pg154" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc40" id= - "toc40"></a> <a name="pdf41" id="pdf41"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XIX.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">THE END OF VITELLIUS.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I never made a greater mistake in my life,”</span> - said Longa Duilia, <span class="tei tei-q">“and I cannot think how - you allowed me to make it.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What mistake?”</span> asked the Chaldæan.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The mistake of inviting the uncle in place of the - nephew to my little supper. As to that supper, I flatter myself it - was perfect—so finished in every detail, as becomes our position; - so delicately flavored with reserve, as became <span class= - "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">my</span></span> - position as a widow; and you recommended me to invite Flavius - Sabinus, the Præfect,—and now he <span class= - "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">has - been</span></span>. That delicate little supper thrown away, and my - attentions so nicely adjusted to the circumstances, all that - trouble and thought gone for nothing. Do you know that Flavius - Sabinus is now in bits? He has been positively hacked to pieces. It - is not the supper itself I regret, and my best Falernian wine—but I - gave him a gold signet-ring with a cameo, representing Daphne. It - had belonged to my dear Corbulo, and was valuable. But I considered - it as a means to an end. And now—where is that ring? But for your - counsel, I might have invited the nephew.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Madam, I counselled aright.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You have the face to say that? Do you not know that - Sabinus has had his head struck off, and his body <span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page155">[pg 155]</span><a name="Pg155" id="Pg155" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a>dragged by hooks down the Gemonian - stair, and then positively torn to pieces—but there? Who has got - hold of the ring? I have lost it—through you. <span class= - "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">You</span></span> - pretend to read the stars and peer into futurity!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lady, I do see into what is to be, and counsel - accordingly.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Oh, yes! glimpses as of light in a wood through thick - foliage. Plenty of obscurity, very little light.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Madam, consider. Had you not invited the Præfect who - has been, you would not have seen the nephew who is, and who came - in at the supper to call his uncle away. It was thus he arrived at - a knowledge of your house, and your friendly disposition, and thus - it was that he was induced to throw himself on your - protection.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“There is something in that,”</span> observed Duilia. - <span class="tei tei-q">“But how much better had the invitation - been sent to Domitian himself.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“On the contrary, that would not have been judicious, - therefore I did not recommend it. Had the nephew come here along - with his servants, immediately his escape from the Capitol was - discovered, and they were tortured to disclose his place of - concealment, they would have betrayed this house: but as it has - happened they could not suppose he would take refuge - here.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“There is a good deal in that,”</span> answered Duilia - meditatively. <span class="tei tei-q">“Well, it is only the ring - that I regret. If I had but known—something of inconsiderable value - but showy would have sufficed. Moreover, I might have done without - that dish of British oysters—very expensive, and, as you see, - thrown away. Yet! well, I enjoyed them.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Even that ring is not lost.”</span></p><span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page156">[pg 156]</span><a name="Pg156" id="Pg156" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“How so?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is on Domitian’s finger.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You really say so?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“When the Præfect bade his nephew and sons attempt to - escape from the Capitol, he recommended the former to engage your - protection, and in token of this, he put the ring that you had - given him, on his nephew’s finger, that he might present it to - you—should there be mistrust, in pledge that he came from Flavius - Sabinus. I encountered Domitian in the street, I knew him and - conducted him to your door, and obtained his admission. There was - no necessity for him to show his ring, as I stood sponsor for - him.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You are a good old creature,”</span> said Duilia, - <span class="tei tei-q">“I withdraw any offensive expressions I may - have used. To gratify you, I will pay that old woman, Senecio, his - wage and bid him pack.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Then, madam, my services shall be amply repaid. The - man himself is harmless. Engage him as a clown,—he is consumed with - conceit, and so renders himself a laughing-stock. That is all he is - qualified to be.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Go—send me Domitia. She has behaved like a - fool.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Shortly after - the girl entered the room where was her mother. The latter at once - exclaimed:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My dear, the ring is not <span class= - "tei tei-corr">lost.</span> Domitian has it. By the foresight of - the Gods, Sabinus removed it from his finger, and confided it to - his nephew, before unhappy circumstances arose which might have led - to the ring getting into the hands of any Cyrus or - Dromo.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Was it to hear this that you sent for me?”</span> - asked Domitia sullenly.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“No, it was not. Your conscience must upbraid you. - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page157">[pg 157]</span><a name= - "Pg157" id="Pg157" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class= - "tei tei-corr">You</span> have acted in an insensate manner. You - have flouted and angered the son of him who in—perhaps half an - hour—will be an Augustus, supreme in the state.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Mother, I do not like him.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Ye Gods of the Capitol!—confound them, by the way, - they are all burnt! O Tellus and Terminus! Do you suppose we are to - see and be courteous only to those whom we like? What cared I for - that paragon of virtue, Flavius Sabinus, who talked to such an - extent that I could not get in a word edgeways. But I gave him a - nice little supper—and oysters from Britain, my best Falernian, and - that ring of your father’s, because I thought he might be useful. - And now Titus Flavius Domitianus is our guest—in hiding till - matters are settled one way or the other—and you insult him to his - face. It is not conduct worthy of your mother. You interfere with - my plans.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What plans?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My dear child, Vespasian is old—about sixty I think, - and has but two sons, of whom Domitian is the youngest. The elder, - Titus Flavius Sabinus Vespasianus has but a daughter. Do you not - see? Do you not smell?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I do neither, mother.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“More the pity. You sadly take after your father, who - had no ambition. Give the old fellow ten years before he becomes a - god; the eldest son, if the worst comes, may succeed and be - Augustus for another ten, and then,—the second son, Domitian, will - be prince. My dear, what opportunities! What gorgeous - opportunities!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Opportunities for what?”</span></p><span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page158">[pg 158]</span><a name="Pg158" id="Pg158" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“For push, my dear, push to the purple. Your dear - father, ah, well! We are not all made of the same clay.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Mother, that is precisely what fills me with dread. He - will then be the eighth, for these adventurers of a few months do - not count,—the new Nero.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But consider—the purple. My dear, do you remember how - Valeria caught the dictator Sulla. She sat behind him in the - theatre, and picked some flue off his toga. He turned round and - caught her doing it. <span class="tei tei-q">‘Sir,’</span> said - she, <span class="tei tei-q">‘I am but endeavoring to get to myself - some of the luck that adheres to you!’</span> I could have loved - that woman. It was so happy, so neat. That bit of wool drew Sulla - and the Dictatorship to her. You, what a blunderer you are. You - have offended Domitian, who may some day be greater than was Sulla, - when you had it in your power by a word, a look, a dimpled smile, - to win him, and with him the purple.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Mother, I do not covet it. You forget—I am promised to - Lucius Ælius Lamia.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Oh! Lamia! He could be bought off with a - proconsulship.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I do not desire to be separated from him. I love him, - and have loved him since we were children together.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Well, you have done for your chances. If I surmise - aright, the young man entertains a great grudge against - you.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At that moment - Eboracus came in.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Madam,”</span> said he, <span class="tei tei-q">“the - Illyrian legions have entered the city, under Primus, and there is - fighting in the streets. The people on the housetops cheer on - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page159">[pg 159]</span><a name= - "Pg159" id="Pg159" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>this side or that, as - though they were at a show of gladiators.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Well—those things happen. We shall know for certain - which shall be uppermost, and if fate favors Vitellius—Then, - daughter, I shall not scruple to give the young man up.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The condition of - the capital was frightful. Vitellius had called in levies from the - country to support him, and the prætorian soldiers stood firm. But - many men of direction were with the partisans of Vespasian, who - advanced steadily over the bodies of the troops opposing them. - Fifty thousand persons lost their lives in these eventful days of - the Saturnalia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The legions - under Primus succeeded in recapturing the Capitol, which was still - smoking, and pushed forward into the Forum.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Meanwhile, - Vitellius, in the Palatine palace, a prey to irresolution, had - filled himself with wine, and then fled along with his cook and - pastrycook to his wife’s house on the Aventine. Then deceived by a - false report that his troops were successful, he returned to the - Palatine, and found it deserted, but a roar of voices rose from the - Forum below, and from the Capitol the cries of the legionaries were - wafted towards him along with the smoke.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He hastened to - collect all the gold he could lay his hands on, stuffed it into his - cincture, assumed an old ragged suit, and then again attempted to - escape; but now he found every avenue blocked. Filled with terror - he crawled into the dog-kennel where the hounds, resenting the - intrusion, fell on him and bit his neck and hands and legs. But now - Vespasian’s soldiery invaded the palace, and a tribune, Julius - Placidius, dis<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page160">[pg - 160]</span><a name="Pg160" id="Pg160" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>covering the bloated, bleeding wretch, drew - him out by the foot, and he came forth thus, his hands full of - dirty straw, and strands adhering to his hair and garments. A - howling rabble at once surrounded him, leaping, jeering, throwing - mud and stones; a few soldiers succeeded in surrounding him. His - hands were bound behind his back, and a rope passed about his neck. - Thus he was dragged through the streets an object of insult to the - people. Some struck him in the face, some plucked out his hair. In - the Forum the rabble were breaking his statues and dragging them - about. One ruffian thrust a pike under the unfortunate prince’s - chin and bade him hold up his head. Then said Vitellius:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Thou, who thus addressest me—a tribune thou art, - remember I was once thy commander!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Thereupon a - German soldier, desirous of shortening his misery, struck him down - with a blow of his sword, and in so doing cut off the ear of the - tribune who had insulted the fallen Emperor.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At once the body - of the prince, from whom the life was not sped, was dragged to the - Gemonian stair, a flight of steps down which the corpses of - malefactors were flung, and there he was despatched with - daggers.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Longa Duilia had - been kept well informed as to all that took place.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">No sooner was - she assured that Vitellius was dead, than she rushed into the - apartment given up to Domitian.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Salve, Cæsar! As the Gods love me, I am the first to - so salute you, son of the Augustus! Oh, I am so happy! And it might - have been otherwise, but <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= - "font-style: italic">you</span></span> they never would have - reached save over my body.”</span></p> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page161">[pg 161]</span><a name= - "Pg161" id="Pg161" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc42" id= - "toc42"></a> <a name="pdf43" id="pdf43"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XX.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">CHANGED TACTICS.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The anarchy - which had lasted from the 11th June, 68, when Nero perished, came - to an end on the 20th December, in the ensuing year. In that - terrible year of 69, three emperors had died violent deaths, and - Rome had been in a condition of disorder on each occasion, and - intermittent violence had lasted all the time. Men now drew a long - breath, they were disposed to blot out the memory of those eighteen - months of misery and national humiliation, as though it had not - been, and to reckon the strong Vespasian as prince next after Nero. - Indeed, on the morrow of the death of Vitellius, when the Senate - assembled and decreed the honors of the former princes, they - recited those of the first Cæsars, but ignored the three last who - had perished within a twelvemonth, as though they had never been, - and were to be forgotten as an evil dream.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">That same day - also, Domitian received the title of Cæsar, and was made Prince of - the Youths, and Præfect of Rome in the place of his uncle, who had - been murdered.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">That day, also, - Mucianus arrived with the Syrian legions, and with plenitude of - authority from Vespasian to act in his name.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To Duilia’s vast - delight Domitian did not forget his <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page162">[pg 162]</span><a name="Pg162" id="Pg162" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>obligation to her, but paid frequent visits to - her house, and it was a matter of pride to her to have his - attendant lictors standing outside her door, as in former days.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When he came, - she made a point of summoning her daughter, and requiring her to be - present during the interview. But she could not make her speak or - compel her to graciousness of manner towards the visitor.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The young - prince’s eyes watched the girl with question in them, but he - addressed all his conversation to the mother.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Longa Duilia did - her utmost to disguise her child’s incivility, attributed it to - shyness, and used all her blandishments to make a visit to her - house agreeable to Domitian.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At length, the - irksomeness caused by Domitia’s irresponsive manner seemed to - satisfy the mother that she did more harm than good in enforcing - her attendance, and she ceased to require the girl to appear.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Some months - passed, and Domitia had not given a thought to Glyceria, and her - offer to revisit the sick woman, when, all at once, in a fit of - weariness with all things that surrounded her, and a sense of - incapacity to find enjoyment anywhere, she started from her languor - to bid Eboracus go forth, buy honey-cakes and toys, and accompany - her on a visit to the Suburra.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As she was on - her way, Domitian came by with his lictors and other attendants. - Since his elevation from poverty and insignificance to ease and - importance, he had acquired a swagger that made his manner more - offensive than before in his phase of cubbishness.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He at once - addressed her, for though veiled he recognized her.</p><span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page163">[pg 163]</span><a name="Pg163" id="Pg163" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“May I attend you? I have at the moment nothing of - importance to occupy me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I am bound for the Suburra.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“For the Suburra! What can take you into the slums of - Rome?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I am going to see the wife of Paris, the tragic - actor.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Oh! the wife of the actor, Paris,”</span> with a - sneer.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I said so—the wife of Paris the actor,”</span> she - withdrew her veil and looked him straight in the eyes. He - winced.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And pray—is she a visiting acquaintance of the - family?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“She is our freedwoman. Paris was freed by my father - likewise. Are you content? I may add that she has met with an - accident and is crippled and confined to her bed.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Oh!”</span> with a vulgar laugh, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“and you are infected with the Christian malady, and go - among the sick and starving.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I know naught of this Christian malady. What is - it?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“We have had the contagion touch us. There is my cousin - Clemens, and his wife Domitilla, both taken badly with it. He is a - poor, mean-spirited fool. He has been offered excellent situations, - with money to be made in them, in bushels, but he refuses—will not - swear by the genius of my father, will not offer sacrifice to the - Gods. Such thin gruel minds I cannot away with. Were I Augustus, - such as would not serve the Commonwealth should be sent to kick - their heels in a desert island. These Christians are the enemies of - the human race.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What, because they visit the sick and relieve the - poor?”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page164">[pg - 164]</span><a name="Pg164" id="Pg164" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The sick are smitten by the Gods and should be left to - die. The poor are encumbrances and should be left to rot away. But - a man of rank and of family—”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Flavius Clemens! of what family?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitian bit his - lip. The Flavians were of no ancestry; money-lenders, - tax-collectors, jobbers in various ways, with no connections save - through the mother of Vespasian, and that middle-class only.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I say that a man who will not serve his country should - be pitched out of it.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“About that I have no opinion.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Clemens was cast to the lions by Nero, but some - witchcraft charmed them, and they would not touch him.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia said - nothing to this. She was desirous of being rid of her self-imposed - escort.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You must wish me success,”</span> said the young - prince. <span class="tei tei-q">“I am off to Germany. There has - been revolt there, and I go to subdue it.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“By all means carry with you a pair of - shears.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What mean you?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“To obtain a crop of golden hair from the German women, - wherewith to grace your triumph.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitian knitted - his brows.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You have a sharp tongue.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I need one. It is a woman’s sole defence.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Come, if a cousin, as your mother asserts,—though by - the Gods! I know not where the kinship comes in,—wish me well. Such - words as yours are of ill-omen.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I wish confusion and destruction to the worst enemies - of Rome,”</span> answered Domitia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“That suffices. I will offer the spoils to - you.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Thank you, I do not yet wear - wigs.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page165">[pg - 165]</span><a name="Pg165" id="Pg165" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He turned away - with an expression of irritation.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You are either silent, or stick pins into me,”</span> - he muttered.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia - continued her course, but as she entered the <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Island”</span> in which was the home of Paris, she - observed the young Cæsar still in the street, at a corner watching - her.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Much annoyed, - and with her temper ruffled by this meeting, she ascended the steps - to the first story and at once turned towards the apartments of - Paris and Glyceria, but had to thread her way among poor people, - women weaving and spinning, and children romping and running - races.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She was welcomed - with pleasure, Glyceria would have raised herself, had she been - able; as it was, she could show her respect only by a salutation - with the hand, and her pleasure by a smile and a word.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The chamber was - fragrant with violets.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia looked - round and saw a small marble table on which stood a statuette of a - shepherd with panpipes, and a lamb across his shoulders. Violets in - a basin stood before the figure.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Ah! Hermes,”</span> said Domitia, and plucking a - little bunch of the purple flowers from her bosom she laid it in - the bowl with the rest.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Nay, dear Lady, not Hermes,”</span> said Glyceria, - <span class="tei tei-q">“though indeed it was sculptured to - represent him—but to me that figure has another meaning. And I hold - your offering of the violets as made to Him who to me is the Good - Shepherd.”</span><a id="noteref_4" name="noteref_4" href= - "#note_4"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= - "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">4</span></span></a></p><span class="tei tei-pb" - id="page166">[pg 166]</span><a name="Pg166" id="Pg166" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Whom mean you? Atys?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Not Atys.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia was not - particularly interested in the matter. She presumed that some - foreign cult was followed by Glyceria, and foreign cults at this - time swarmed in Rome.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Do you believe me, Glyceria,”</span> said Domitia, - <span class="tei tei-q">“as I came hither, the Cæsar Domitian - accompanied me, and said that I must be a Christian to care for the - sick and suffering. What are these Christians?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I am one,”</span> answered the paralyzed woman.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What! and Paris?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Nay, he hovers between two opinions. His business - holds him and he will not give that up, he thinks that, were he to - do so, he and I might starve. But with the mind I think he is - one.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And what are these Christians?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Those who believe in Christ.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And he?—is that his image?”</span> pointing to the - Good Shepherd.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Oh Lady! it is only so much His image as the words - Good Shepherd written in characters are such, they call up a notion - and so does that figure. But in our worship we have no images, no - sacrifices.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What is Christianity?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“That is long to answer, but I may say in two words - what it is to me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Say on.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The Daylight of the soul.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“How mean you?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I once was in darkness. I knew not why I was set in - the world, whither I was going, what I ought to worship, what were - my duties, where was right and <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page167">[pg 167]</span><a name="Pg167" id="Pg167" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>what was wrong. I had no light, no road, no - law. Now I have all.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“So every votary of every new religion says. Where is - your guarantee that you are not in delusion?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Madam, when the sun rises and there is day, you do not - suppose the light, the splendor, the confidence inspired by it is a - delusion. You know that you see, and see that you may walk, and act - with purpose and direction. The soul has eyes as well as the body. - These eyes behold the light and cannot doubt it, by internal - conscience that distinguishes between the truth and falsehood. By - that internal conscience I am assured that the light is as real as - that seen by eyes of flesh.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I cannot understand you,”</span> said Domitia. - <span class="tei tei-q">“Now for other matters—I have made Eboracus - bring you some dainties for yourself and presents for the children - who are so kind to you. Where is your husband?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“He is rehearsing. Better times have arrived, and he is - now occupied.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And you see less of him.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Yes—but we must live. When away from me, I know that - in heart he is with me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You are sure of that?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Yes.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What, by the conscience that establishes between truth - and falsehood?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Nay—by trust. We must trust some one and some thing. - We trust God, we trust His Revelation, we trust in the goodness - there is in mankind.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“There is evil rather than good.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“There is good—but that is oft astray because of the - darkness, and does not know its course.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia did not - remain long in the Insula. She <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page168">[pg 168]</span><a name="Pg168" id="Pg168" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>bade farewell to the wife of the actor and - promised to revisit her. The presence of Glyceria refreshed, - soothed, sweetened the mind of the girl that was heated, ruffled - and soured by contact with so much there was in pagan life that - jarred against her noble instincts, by the uncongeniality of her - mother, and by the disgust she felt at association with - Domitian.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When she arrived - at the palace, she heard that her mother had been inquiring after - her, and she at once went to her apartments.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Duilia asked - where she had been, but did not listen for an answer, or pay - attention to what was said, when the reply came.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What is this I hear?”</span> said Duilia, in a tone of - irritation. <span class="tei tei-q">“Lucilla tells me you have been - chatting with Domitian, and in the street too——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I had no wish to speak with him. He came after - me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Oh! he went after you, did he? And pray what had he to - say?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“He is going to Germany to conclude a campaign already - fought out and come back and triumph for another man’s - victories.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You did not say so to him?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Not in so many words.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My dear, it is true. He is going, and whether he be - successful or not, will return wearing the title Germanicus. I - shall have a little supper.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“For whom?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“For whom, do you ask? For him to be sure, to wish him - good success on the expedition.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You will allow me not to be present.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“As you will, perverse girl. My dear,”</span> in a - confidential tone, <span class="tei tei-q">“if kittens can’t catch - rats, cats can.”</span></p> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page169">[pg 169]</span><a name= - "Pg169" id="Pg169" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc44" id= - "toc44"></a> <a name="pdf45" id="pdf45"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XXI.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">THE VIRGIN’S WREATH.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My dear,”</span> said Longa Duilia to her daughter, - <span class="tei tei-q">“with wit such as you have, that might be - drawn through a needle’s eye, it is positively necessary to have - you married as quickly as possible. I can no longer bear the - responsibility of one so full of waywardness and humors as - yourself.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“That, mother, is as Lamia chooses. You know that I can - marry only him.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And I do not ask you to take another. I will get it - settled forthwith. I’ll see his father by adoption and have the - settlements looked to. You are a good match. I presume you are - aware of that, and this explains certain poutings and bad temper. - Well—reserve them for Lamia, and don’t vex me. I wash my hands of - you, when that you are married. A camel carries his own hump, but a - man his wife’s humors.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia was - sufficiently acquainted with her mother’s elasticity of spirit and - fertility of invention to be satisfied that she had a motive for - pressing on her marriage, and what that motive was seemed obvious. - But it was one that distressed her greatly.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My dearest mother,”</span> she said timidly, - <span class="tei tei-q">“I hope—I mean, since you are so good as - not to urge me further to break my engagement with Lamia, that you - have not set your mind—I mean your heart——”</span></p><span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page170">[pg 170]</span><a name="Pg170" id="Pg170" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My excellent child,”</span> answered Longa Duilia - cutting her daughter short, <span class="tei tei-q">“make no - scruple of blurting out what is on your tongue. You allude to - Domitian. Well! If you had common sense, you would know that to get - on in life, one must fit one’s heart with the legs of a - grasshopper, so as to be able to skip from an inconvenient, into - any suitable position. When a dish of ortolans is set on table, - none but a fool will dismiss it untasted to be devoured by the - servants in the kitchen!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But, mother, he is quite young.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“By the favor of the Gods, Domitia, youths always fall - in love with women somewhat older than themselves. The Gods ordered - it for their good. If they, I mean the young men—would only follow - their—I mean the Gods’—direction, there would be fewer unhappy - marriages. For my part, I can’t see anything attractive in - half-baked girls.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But the thoughts - of her own future, and approaching happiness took up the whole of - Domitia’s brain, and left no space for consideration of her - mother’s schemes, and their chances of success.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The young prince - was away. It was, as had been feared, too late for him to reap - laurels in Germany, the revolt had been quelled by Cerealis, but as - there was a ferment working in Gaul, it was deemed advisable that - Domitian should go thither and overcome the dissatisfied instead of - crossing the Alps. He had accordingly changed his route, and had - appeared in Lyons.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The marriage - between Domitia and Lamia could not take place so speedily as - Duilia desired. She was wishful to have it over before the return - to Rome of Domitian, so that she might be left a freer hand, and - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page171">[pg 171]</span><a name= - "Pg171" id="Pg171" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>her daughter put out - of the way who, she thought, exercised a peculiar fascination over - the young prince; but she was unable to decide in her own mind - whether what drew his eyes towards Domitia was dislike or love; - possibly it was a commingling of resentment at her treatment of - him, and admiration for her loveliness.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But hindrances - arose. Lamia was absent on his estates in Sicily, where there had - been disturbances among the slaves, and till matters were settled - there, he could not return.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then came the - month of May in which no marriages might be performed owing to the - hauntings of the <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= - "la"><span style="font-style: italic">Lemures</span></span>, or - ghosts of bad men, and such as had not received burial. These, seen - in the forms of walking skeletons or bugbears, rioted in that - sweetest month of the whole year. Then they obtained opportunities - among the incautious to slip into their bodies, and possess them - with madness, or to take up their abodes in dwelling-houses and - disturb the living occupants by phantom appearances and mysterious - sounds.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On three days in - the month of May special means were adopted to propitiate or scare - away these spectres. On the 9th, 11th, and 13th, at midnight, the - master of a house, or, in the event of his death or absence, his - widow or wife, walked barefoot before the door to a flowing - fountain, where the hands were thrice washed, and then the - propitiator of the ghosts returned home, and threw black beans over - the shoulder, saying: <span class="tei tei-q">“These I give to you, - and with these beans I ransom myself and mine.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was supposed - that the ghost scrambled for the beans, and so enabled the owner of - the house to reach <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page172">[pg - 172]</span><a name="Pg172" id="Pg172" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>the door before them. There stood the servants - beating brazen vessels, pots and pans, shouting, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Out with you! Out with you, ye ghosts!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At the beginning - of June was the cleansing of the Temple of Vesta, and till that was - completed, on the 15th, marriages were forbidden.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Consequently the - wedding could not take place much before midsummer, and to this - Longa Duilia had to submit.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia was - content and happy. She had not been so happy since her father’s - death. Indeed till now she had not been able to shake off the pain - she had felt at his loss. For to her, that father was the model of - noble manhood, high-minded, full of integrity, strong yet gentle. - She had often marvelled at the manner in which he had dealt with - her mother, whom she indeed loved but who somewhat rasped her. With - his wife he had ever been firm yet forbearing. He allowed her to - form her little schemes, but always managed to thwart them when - foolish or mischievous, without her perceiving who had put a spoke - in the wheel.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lucius Ælius - Lamia she looked upon as formed in her father’s school, upon his - model. He was modest, honorable, true; a good man to whom she could - give her whole heart with full assurance that he would treasure the - gift, and that she could trust him to be as true to her as she - would be true to him.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Since her - father’s death, Domitia had felt more than previously the - incompatibility of her mind with that of her mother. They had no - thoughts, no wishes, no feelings in common. Domitia was a dreamer, - speculative, ever with eager mind seeking the things beyond what - was known, whereas Duilia had not a thought, a <span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page173">[pg 173]</span><a name="Pg173" id="Pg173" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a>care that were not material. The lady - Duilia cared not a rush about philosophy or the theory of - emanations. It was to her a matter of complete indifference whether - the established paganism was true or false. For she had no - apprehension of the importance of Truth. And she had no wish that - could not be gratified by money or the acquisition of position.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Now also the - haunting horror of those waking dreams that she had seen in the - Temple of Isis passed from the heart of the young girl, like the - vapors that roll away and disclose the blue heavens and the - glorious sun. She had been drifting purposeless; now she saw that - she was about to enter on a condition of life in which she would - have an object, and would find complete happiness in the pursuit of - that object,—in the fulfilment of her duties as housewife to a - loved husband, in whom she would find strength, sympathy and - love.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now also, - for the first time since the death of Corbulo, she sang as she went - about the house, or worked at her bridal dress.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lamia, on his - return from Sicily was surprised to note the change in her - appearance. She had been as a beautiful flower bowed by rain and - pinched with cold, and now, as in renewed sunshine, she bloomed - with expanded petals. Light danced in her blue eyes, and a delicate - rose suffused her smooth cheeks. She had stepped back into the - childhood out of which she had passed on that terrible day at - Cenchræa.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And as he looked - at her, her eyes sparkling with love and tears of joy, he thought - he had never seen one sweeter and to whom he could so wholly devote - himself as to his dear Domitia.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page174">[pg 174]</span><a name="Pg174" id="Pg174" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then arrived the - eve of the marriage.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The young girl - was in the garden, stooping, picking the flowers of which her - virginal crown was to be woven, and singing as she plucked.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then she came - with her lap full of herbs and blossoms to her mother, who - said:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“That is right. None may gather the flowers but the - bride. By the way, have you heard? Domitian is back from Gaul. I - was rejoiced at the news, and have despatched an invitation to him - to attend the wedding.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Oh, mother! it is a bad omen.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At the mention - of the name, the vision of the red face, seen at Gabii between her - own and that of Lamia, started up before her, and she let drop the - lap of flowers, and they fell at her feet.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“By the Gods! what a silly thing thou art! Quick, - gather up the herbs and then go fetch thy dolls and toys of - childhood, they must all this evening be offered on the altar of - the household gods.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I have them not, mother.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Not your dolls!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Not one.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But what have you done with them? I know they were all - brought from Antioch.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Mother, they have been given away.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Given away! to whom?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“To Glyceria, the sister of Euphrosyne.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But what can have induced you to do this?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“She is paralyzed, and served by little children in the - story of the <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= - "la"><span style="font-style: italic">Insula</span></span> where - she lives. I considered that it would amuse her to dress the dolls - afresh, and perhaps mend broken limbs, and after that she will - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page175">[pg 175]</span><a name= - "Pg175" id="Pg175" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>distribute them among - the little willing children that help her in her - infirmity.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“As the Gods love me!”</span> exclaimed Duilia, - <span class="tei tei-q">“Whoever heard before of such madness. - Hellebore would not cure it. Verily the more you labor at a hole - the greater the hollow. You are a fool, and your folly grows daily - greater. You <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= - "font-style: italic">must</span></span> present your toys of - childhood to the <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= - "la"><span style="font-style: italic">Lares</span></span>, they - expect it—it is the custom, it is right.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But I have none left.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Mother Ops! what is to be done? Run, Eboracus,—run and - buy me half a dozen dolls—dressed if possible. Domitia, you are - determined to bring ill-luck on yourself. There is nothing else to - be done but for you to spend an hour in playing with the dolls, and - then you can present them at the altar, and the Gods will be none - the wiser. Between me and you and the pillars of the peristyle, - they are bigger fools than us mortals, and easier - gulled.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia stooped - to collect the fallen flowers.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What is that?”</span> asked her mother—<span class= - "tei tei-q">“Oh! right enough, <span lang="la" class= - "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">natrix</span></span>,<a id="noteref_5" name= - "noteref_5" href="#note_5"><span class= - "tei tei-noteref"><span style= - "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">5</span></span></a> that - drives away ghosts and nightmare. And that of course is in the - virginal wreath, <span class="tei tei-foreign"><span style= - "font-style: italic">myosotis</span></span> (Forget-me-not) it - dries tears. An Egyptian slave I had—he fell ill, so I exposed him - on the isle between the two Bridges—he told me that if one ate the - root in the month of Thoth—that is August, one escaped sore eyes - for a twelvemonth. That is right also, the scarlet anemone, it - betokens the flame of love—and that evergreen its continuance. The - centaury—that is the herb of union, it will close a wound so as - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page176">[pg 176]</span><a name= - "Pg176" id="Pg176" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>not to show even a - scar—and in marriage, no better symbol than that. What have you - here? The <span class="tei tei-foreign"><span style= - "font-style: italic">lysimachia</span></span>, that gives harmony - and agreement of mind. They say that a plant of it fastened to the - pole of a chariot will make the wildest and most impatient horses - pull together. And the herb of the Twelve Gods! quite right, always - remember the gods, they come in useful. The vervain—of course, it - will give you all you will. But, ye Gods of Olympus! What have you - done to pluck cypress! My dear Domitia, are you mad? Thyme, mint, - if you will—but cypress! the tree of the infernal gods, and—as the - Gods love me! let me look at your hands! They are red—what have you - plucked—plucked till your hands are dyed—the <span lang="la" class= - "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">androsœmum!</span></span> Oh! Domitia! - ill-fated child—look, look at your hands, the juice has stained - them, they are dipped in blood.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> - - <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> - <img src="images/i_196.jpg" alt= - "ILL-FATED CHILD, LOOK AT YOUR HANDS." title= - "“ILL-FATED CHILD, LOOK AT YOUR HANDS.” Page 176." /> - - <div class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: center">“ILL-FATED - CHILD, LOOK AT YOUR HANDS.”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi" - style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-style: italic">Page 176.</span></span> - </div> - </div> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page177">[pg 177]</span><a name= - "Pg177" id="Pg177" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc46" id= - "toc46"></a> <a name="pdf47" id="pdf47"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XXII.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">QUONIAM TU CAIUS, EGO CAIA!</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At the earliest - rays of dawn the auguries were taken, not as of old by the flight - of birds, but by inspection of the liver and heart of a sheep, that - was slaughtered for the purpose by the Aruspices, and this done - they came to the palace of Duilia, bearing the skin of the sheep, - to announce that the portents were favorable, in fact, were of - extraordinarily good promise.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“That is as I hoped,”</span> said Longa Duilia, - <span class="tei tei-q">“and that will counteract and bring to - naught the disastrous tokens of the wreath. Why, by Venus’s girdle, - the girl has not been able to get her hands white yet. The stain of - that nefast herb is on them still. But—ah! here she comes in her - flame-colored veil. By the Body of Bacchus! after all it means no - ill, for do not her hands agree in hue with her - head-gear?”</span><a id="noteref_6" name="noteref_6" href= - "#note_6"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= - "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">6</span></span></a></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia had laid - aside her maidenly dress, the <span lang="la" class= - "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">toga prætextata</span></span> woven with - horizontal stripes, for the dress of a married woman, the - <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">toga recta</span></span>, with vertical - stripes. About her waist was a woollen girdle fastened in a - peculiar manner, with the so-called knot of Hercules, that was - regarded as a charm against the evil eye, and was also employed in - binding up wounds and fractured bones. The girl’s dress, as well as - a net of red silk <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page178">[pg - 178]</span><a name="Pg178" id="Pg178" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>threads in which her hair had been tied up on - the previous day, had been offered on the altars of the ancestral - deities worshipped in the house.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Her hair had - been divided that morning, not by a comb, but by the head of a - lance, into six tresses that were plaited with colored ribbons. And - about her head, beneath the veil, was the virgin’s wreath woven out - of the flowers she had herself picked—but the ill-omened cypress - and the blood distilling <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" - xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">androsœmum</span></span> had been <span class= - "tei tei-corr">omitted.</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now with - pipes and cymbals came the bridegroom attended by all his friends, - to fetch the bride home. The house door was decorated with laurels, - and incense smoked on the domestic altars, in the vestibule, and in - the atrium. The boxes that contained the ancestral wax masks were - open, and each face was wreathed about with flowers. Green lines - connecting the boxes united all to one trunk forming a family tree. - The household gods were not ignored, lamps burned before them, - flowers adorned their heads, and cakes and wine were placed on - shelves below them.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Slaves ran to - and fro, and ran against each other. Ten witnesses, kinsmen of the - bride and bridegroom, assembled to take cognizance of the marriage - contract. Two seats were introduced into the hall, and the legs - bound together, and over both was spread the skin of the sheep - slaughtered that morning for the auspices.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then bride and - bridegroom were seated on these stools, the marriage contract was - read aloud, and they received the salutations of their <span class= - "tei tei-corr">friends. The</span> <span lang="la" class= - "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">pronuba</span></span>, a married female - relative united their hands, and that accomplished, the bridegroom - rose, and attended by the friends and kinsfolk of both parties, - departed for <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page179">[pg - 179]</span><a name="Pg179" id="Pg179" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>the Temple of Jupiter, where the flamen Dialis - offered sacrifice to the gods of marriage, to Jupiter, Juno, - Tellus, and the old Latin half-forgotten deities of Picumnus and - Pilumnus.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Whilst the - sacred sacrifice was being performed, in the house of the bride all - was being made ready for the wedding or meal after midday.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The bride was - now esteemed to have passed out of the family of her father into - that of her husband, his gods would be her gods, his house her - house, his name hers. In signification of this the formula was used - by her, <span class="tei tei-q">“Since thou art Caius, I am - Caia.”</span> At a remote period it would have been <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Since thou art Lucius I am Lucia,”</span> and she - would have lost her name of Domitia. But this was no longer - customary, only the liturgical form of surrender was employed.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was past noon - when the procession returned, swelled by more friends and by all - well-wishers, and as it entered the house, with a shiver Domitia - observed the glowing face and water-blue eyes of the young prince, - attended by his lictors. She caught his glance, but he dropped his - eyes the moment they encountered hers, and she saw his cheeks - pucker, as though with laughter. But she had no time to give - thought to him; she was required to acknowledge the felicitations - of the visitors, and to entreat them to partake of the hospitality - of the hour, and to offer a pinch of incense and a libation to her - happiness.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The supper was - lengthy—many partook and came in relays, so that the entire - afternoon was consumed by it. To the relief of Domitia, the prince - Domitian had withdrawn. As each left the table he saluted the bride - with the exclamation, <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" - xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">Feliciter</span></span>.</p><span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page180">[pg 180]</span><a name="Pg180" id="Pg180" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">For this long - and tedious ceremonial feast, she was allowed to rest on a couch, - next to her husband, at the table, in the place of honor.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The meal lasted - till evening, and then there ensued a movement.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The household - goods of the bride, her spindle and distaff, her chest containing - robes, were brought forth, and placed on biers to be conveyed to - the new house.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Domitia - rose, with tears in her eyes, and went to the several chambers she - had occupied, to say farewell to the kitchen, to salute the hearth, - to the shelf that served as chapel, to bid farewell to the - ancestral gods, to the wax forefathers in the hall, then to kiss - her mother, finally to turn, kneel and embrace the doorposts of the - paternal dwelling, and kiss the threshold from which she - parted.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Without, the - procession waited. She was gently disengaged from her mother’s - arms, and to the cries of <span class= - "tei tei-foreign"><span style="font-style: italic">Talasse!</span></span> - amidst a shower of walnuts thrown among the boys by the bridegroom, - the procession started.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia was - attended by three lads, one went before carrying a torch, the other - two walked, one on each side, carrying spindle and distaff. The - torch, according to rule, was of whitethorn wood, and on arrival at - the house of the bridegroom would be scrambled for and ripped to - pieces by the guests, as every shred was esteemed to carry good - luck.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Now rose a burst - of song, the so-called Fescennian lays, some old and some new, - accompanied by the flutes of musicians and the clash of castanets - and cymbals of dancing girls.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The procession - descended the hill to the Forum, crowds lining the way and shouting - <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">Feliciter</span></span>!</p><span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page181">[pg 181]</span><a name="Pg181" id="Pg181" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At a corner - there was a little clearing, for there lay a pallet, and on it a - sick woman, who had been brought from her dwelling to see the - sight. She extended and waved her hand, holding something as - Domitia approached, and the bride through her tears noticed her, - halted, went towards her, and said:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Glyceria! you here to wish me happiness!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And to give thee, dear lady, a little - present.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She extended to - her a small amulet, that Domitia accepted gratefully, and stooping - kissed the paralyzed woman on the brow.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">An unheard-of - thing! unparalleled! A thing she would not have done, had she been - in full control over herself—a thing she would not have done, had - not her heart brimmed with love for all, at that moment. She, a - noble lady, belonging to one of the greatest houses in Rome, kissed - a poor actor’s wife, an enfranchised slave—and that before all - eyes.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">About Glyceria - was a dense throng of men and women and children, the occupants of - the <span class="tei tei-q">“Island”</span> in which she lived. It - was they, who, pitying her sufferings, desirous that she should see - the procession, had opened a space before her, and held it open, - that none might impede a full view of the marriage train.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And this throng - of rude artisans, shoemakers, cordwainers, leather-sellers, hawkers - and their wives and children saw this act of Domitia. For a moment - they were silent, and then they broke into a roar of <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Feliciter! feliciter! the Gods be with thee, dear - lady! The Gods protect thee! The Gods shower blessings on - thee!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But Domitia - might not tarry; confused, half ashamed of what she had done, half - carried off her feet by the thrill of joy that went from the crowd - to her, she advanced.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page182">[pg - 182]</span><a name="Pg182" id="Pg182" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The train - descended by the lake of Nero, now occupied by the Colosseum, then - ascended the Celian Hill to the house of Lamia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On reaching his - door, the procession spread out, and gave space for the bride to - advance.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Modestly, - trembling with love, timidity, hope in her heart, she anointed the - doorposts with oil and then passed woollen strings round them.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This - accomplished, two young men started forward, caught her up, made a - seat for her of their hands, and bore her over the threshold, which - she might not touch with her feet, lest by accident or nervousness - she should stumble, and so her entry into the new house be - ill-omened. On being admitted into the habitation of her husband, - it was her duty to go to the hearth and make up the fire, then to - the fountain and draw water; next to worship the household - gods.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The house was - pretty. It had been fresh painted, and was bright with color, and - sweet with flowers, for every pillar was wreathed and each door - garlanded. Numerous lamps illumined the chambers, and in the atrium - were reflected in the water tank. The air was vibrating with music, - as choirs sang Fescennian songs, and timbrels tinkled and pipes - twittered.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia was - received by the wife of L. Ælius Lamia, who had adopted Domitia’s - husband. He was a quiet man, who had no ambition, had taken no - offices, and had passed his time in taming birds. He was the son of - a better known man, who had been a friend of Horace.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The old woman, - gentle in manner, took Domitia by the hand and led her into the - tablinum, where was old Lamia, a cripple through gout, and he - kissed the girl, patted her hands and spoke an affectionate - welcome.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page183">[pg - 183]</span><a name="Pg183" id="Pg183" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Claudia and I,”</span> said he, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“were childless and so we adopted Lucius. He has been a - good son to us, and this is a happy day to all three,—to him who - has secured the sweetest flower of Rome, and to Claudia and me who - obtain so good a daughter. But, ah! we are old and have our humors, - I, with my gout, am liable to be peevish. You must bear with our - infirmities. You will have a worthy husband, one cut out of the old - rock of which were the ancient Romans, and not of the Tiberine mud - of which the present generation are moulded.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Come now,”</span> said the old woman, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“the guests are about to depart, bid them - farewell.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then she led the - young girl back into the atrium.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There stood the - Chaldæan, dark, stern, ominous.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia in - exuberant joy smiled at him, and said:</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Elymas! You see my happiness. Isis has for once been - in error—we, my Lamia and I, are united, and there have been no - hands thrust forth to part us.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My lady,”</span> said the astrologer, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“the day is not yet over.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And the auguries were all propitious.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The promise of the augurs may not jump with thy - desire,”</span> he replied.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She had no time - for more words, as her hand was caught by L. Ælius Lamia, who drew - her aside into the <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" - xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">lararium</span></span> or chapel.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My dearest,”</span> he said, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“this is a day of trial to thee—but we shall be left - undisturbed shortly. The guests depart and the riot will - cease.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She looked at - him, with eyes that brimmed with tears, and a sob relieved her - heart, as she cast herself on his breast and said:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Quoniam tu Caius, ego Caia.”</span></p> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page184">[pg 184]</span><a name= - "Pg184" id="Pg184" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc48" id= - "toc48"></a> <a name="pdf49" id="pdf49"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XXIII.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">THE END OF THE DAY.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A rumor, none - knew from whom it arose, spread rapidly in whispers, sending a - quiver of alarm, distress, pity, through the entire wedding party, - reaching last of all him most concerned.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">None dared - breathe in his ear what all feared; but none would separate till it - was surely ascertained whether what was surmised was a fact or - not.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The slaves knew - it and looked wistfully at Lamia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He was engaged - in making trifling presents to the many guests and well-wishers, - moving from one to another, attended by slaves with trays piled up - with gifts.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Eboracus burst - on him, through the throng, forgetting, in his agitation and fear, - the diffidence that belonged to his position.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Sir! Where is the mistress?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lamia, without - looking at him, or desisting from what he was about, answered:</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Within, being freed from her veil and bridal - ornaments.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Sir! Lucius! she has been stolen from you! she has - been carried away.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lamia stood as - one petrified.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“How dare you utter such a - jest?”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page185">[pg - 185]</span><a name="Pg185" id="Pg185" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is no jest—she has been conveyed hence. She is not - in your house.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Without another - word, Lamia flew into the portion of the house to which Domitia had - retired.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There all was in - confusion. The female slaves were either struck down with terror, - or crying out that they were not to blame.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Where is she?”</span> asked Lamia, hardly realizing - that there was actual loss, thinking this was some frolic of his - young companions, who on such occasions allowed themselves great - licence.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To add to the - confusion, a tame magpie with clipped wing, belonging to the gouty - old Lamia, got in the way of every one, and screamed when run over; - and the elder man roared out reproach and brandished his crutch - when the life of his pet was endangered.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Claudia, like a - pious woman, had rushed to the <span lang="la" class= - "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">lararium</span></span> to supplicate the - assistance of the Gods, especially of Lamius, son of Hercules and - Omphale, the reputed half-divine ancestor of the family.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia had - disappeared.—How?—none could say. She had been spirited away, one - said in this manner, another said in that. One held it as his - opinion that she had been carried off by some disbanded Vitellian - soldiers who were said to lurk about the suburbs of Rome and commit - depredations. Some thought that in maiden shyness she had fled - home; some whispered that the Gods had translated her; others that - a former lover had suborned the servants to admit him, and that he - had conveyed her from her husband’s house to his own.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But in what - direction had she been taken? There again opinions differed, and - tongues gave conflicting <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page186">[pg - 186]</span><a name="Pg186" id="Pg186" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>accounts. One had seen a litter hurried down - the <a name="corr186" id="corr186" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">Clivus</span> - Scauri. One declared that he had seen a girl running in the - direction of Nero’s lake, and suggested that this was Domitia who - had gone thither to destroy herself. One had noticed - suspicious-looking men wrapped in military cloaks lounging about, - and these had disappeared—he had even seen the backs of some near - the Porta Metrovia. Then one cried out:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What else can be expected when such an ill-omened bird - is kept in the house, as a magpie?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Not until all - guests, visitors, had been excluded from the house, could anything - be learned with certainty, and that was little. During the - afternoon, shortly before the arrival of the procession, several - male and female slaves had arrived under the direction of a - Chaldæan soothsayer, who announced that he had been sent along with - them to the house of the bridegroom by the bride’s mother, the Lady - Duilia, and that they formed a portion of Domitia’s attendance, who - had been associated with her in her former home, and would be about - her person in her new quarters. No suspicion had been roused, and - as the Magian spoke with authority, and gave directions, which it - was presumed he was commissioned to do, and as old Lamia was - crippled with gout and moreover indisposed to attend to such - matters, and the old lady was simple to childishness, these - strangers were suffered to do much what they pleased; and on the - bride retiring to be divested of the flame colored veil, her wreath - and other ornaments, had been allowed to take possession of - her.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">What happened - further they did not know. In the excitement of the arrival of - visitors nothing had been <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page187">[pg - 187]</span><a name="Pg187" id="Pg187" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>observed till some of the household servants - remarked that the servants of the family of Duilia had left,—that - there had been a bustle in the garden court, and that a litter had - departed, borne by men who ran under their load. But even then no - notion that the bride had been carried off was entertained. For - some time no suspicion of mischief arose. When the slaves became - aware that their new mistress was no longer in the house, there was - first some surprise entertained that she was not seen, then a - notion that she might be unwell or over-tired—but the first word - that suggested that she had been conveyed away came from without - the house, from a guest who inquired casually what lady had left - the house, in a litter, borne by trotting porters. Lamia, in - violent agitation, at once hurried to the house whence Domitia had - come, to ask for an explanation. There he <a name="corr187" id= - "corr187" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class= - "tei tei-corr">learned</span> nothing satisfactory. No servants had - been sent beforehand. Domitia had taken with her two female slaves, - but they had attended her in the procession. The sorcerer, it was - true, had disappeared and had not returned.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lamia was - obliged to return home, without his anxiety being in any way - removed.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On reaching his - palace on the Cœlian, he learned something further. In the room in - which Domitia had been divested of her bridal ornaments, which lay - scattered in disorder, was a crystal cup that contained the dregs - of wine, and this wine was drugged with a powerful narcotic. Of - this the slave who acted as house-surgeon and physician was - certain. He had tasted it and detected the presence of an opiate. - Nothing further could be learned, neither whence came the strange - slaves nor whither they had gone.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page188">[pg 188]</span><a name="Pg188" id="Pg188" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the mean time - a party surrounding a closed litter had passed through the Porta - Capena, and was hurrying along the Appian Way.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Directly the - city was left, a tall man who directed the convoy called a - halt;—then approaching the litter, he drew back the curtains, and - said:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Asleep! Two of you take her up, lift her, set her on - her feet and rouse her.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He was obeyed - and a helpless body was removed, sustained between two stout - slaves, and made to stand on the causeway.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Shake her,”</span> said the director, who was none - other than the Chaldæan. <span class="tei tei-q">“If she sleep on, - she will never wake. Roused and made to walk she must be. We need - fear no pursuit. I have left those behind who will spread a false - rumor, and send such as think she has been carried away along the - wrong road. Make her walk.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The helpless - girl—it was Domitia—staggered with drowsiness and stumbled.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Let me sleep,”</span> she murmured.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It must not be, lady. To let you sleep is to consign - you to death. You must be constrained to walk.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Let me sleep!”</span> <span class= - "tei tei-corr">she</span> fretfully said.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“If you sleep you die.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I want to die—only to sleep. I am dead - weary.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Make her move along,”</span> said the sorcerer in a - low tone, and the slaves who held her up drew her forward. She - scarce moved her feet.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Oh, you are cruel. I want to sleep. An hour! half an - hour. For one moment longer!”</span> she pleaded.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Still the - bearers drew her forward, they did not lift <span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page189">[pg 189]</span><a name="Pg189" id="Pg189" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a>her so that she need not move her feet. - She was constrained to step forward.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I pray you! I will give you gold. You shall have all - my jewels. Lay me down. Let go your hold, and I will lie where I - am, and sleep.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Draw her further.—Hark! here come horses. Aside! - behind that tomb!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The party stole - from off the road and secreted itself behind one of the mausoleums - that line the sides of the Appian Way.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Shake her—lest she doze off in your arms,”</span> said - Elymas, and the slaves obeyed.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Domitia - began to sob. <span class="tei tei-q">“Have pity! only for a little - while, I am so tired. The day has been so long and so - wearying.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“They are passed—mere travellers,”</span> said the - sorcerer. <span class="tei tei-q">“Into the road again. Force her - to walk.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then she called, - <span class="tei tei-q">“Lamia—my Lucius! come to me, drive these - men away. They will not let me sleep,”</span> and she struggled to - free herself, and unable to do so by a spasmodic effort, began to - sob, and sobbed herself into a half doze.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“She is sleeping. Run with her,”</span> called the - Magus.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In vain did she - weep, entreat, threaten, naught availed, she was forced to advance; - now to take a few steps, to rest on her feet, to walk in actuality. - The very anger she felt at not being allowed to cast herself down, - fold her hands under her head, and drop off into unconsciousness, - tended to rouse her.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After about half - an hour, her entreaties to be allowed to rest became less frequent, - and alternated with inquiries as to where she was, whither she was - going, why she was forced to walk, and that at night. <span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page190">[pg 190]</span><a name="Pg190" id="Pg190" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Then she ceased altogether to complain - of drowsiness, and finding she met with no response to her - inquiries as to her destination, she became silent; she was now - conscious, but her brain was clouded, perplexed. She could remember - nothing that would account for her present position. Whether she - were in a dream, laboring under nightmare, she could not tell, and - purposely she struck her foot against one of the paving blocks of - lava, and by the pain assured herself that she was actually - awake.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But where was - she?</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She looked up. - The sky was besprent with stars, a sky limpid, tender, vaporless - and vast, out of which the stars throbbed with iridescent light in - all the changeful flicker of topaz, emerald and ruby. And the air - was full of flying stars, in tens of thousands, they settled on - rushes by the roadside in chains of fire, they flashed across the - eyes, they settled down on the dress; and out of the cool grass - shone the steady lustre of innumerable glow-worms.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The milky way, - like an illumined veil, crossed the vault, vaporous, transparent - with stars shining through it.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">From the black - monuments on each side hooted the owls, bats swept by, diving out - of night to brush by the passers along the road and plunge back - into night, like old forgotten fancies of the dreaming mind, that - recur and vanish again, in waking hours. Out of the grass the - crickets shrilled, and frogs called with flutelike tones at - intervals, whilst others maintained an incessant chatter.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Where was she? - What were these great fantastic edifices on each side of the road? - They were no <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page191">[pg - 191]</span><a name="Pg191" id="Pg191" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>houses, for out of none glimmered a light. No - occupants stood in the doors, or sang and piped on the threshold. - These were no taverns, for no host invited to rest within, and - praised his fare. The road was forsaken, still as death, and these - mansions were the dwellings of the dead. She knew this now—that she - was on one of the roads that led from the gates of Rome, lined with - tombs. How she had got there she knew not. Least of all did she - know for what reason she was being dragged along it. She had thus - trudged for a considerable time; she had ceased to speak. She was - occupied with her thoughts. Weary she was, but in too great anguish - of mind to be aware how weary she was, till tripping on a stone she - fell.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then a voice - said:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“She is full awake now. There is naught to fear. Let - her again mount the litter.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Elymas!”</span> exclaimed the girl, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“I know you, I know your voice. What means this? - Whither am I being taken?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Madam,”</span> said the sorcerer in reply, after a - pause, <span class="tei tei-q">“your own eyes shall answer the - question better than my lips, to-morrow.”</span></p> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page192">[pg 192]</span><a name= - "Pg192" id="Pg192" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc50" id= - "toc50"></a><a name="pdf51" id="pdf51"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XXIV.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">ALBANUM.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Sleep-drunk, - with clouded brain, eyes that saw as in a dream, feet that moved - involuntarily, Domitia descended from the litter and tottered in at - a doorway when informed that she had reached her destination.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Where that was - she did not care, whose house this was mattered nothing to her in - her then condition of weariness.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Female slaves - bearing lights received her and directed her steps to a chamber - where they would have divested her of her garments and put her to - bed, had she not refused their assistance, thrown herself on the - couch and in a moment fallen fast asleep.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The slaves - looked at each other, whispered, and resolved not to torment by - rousing her; they accordingly drew the heavy curtains of the - doorway and left her to her slumbers.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But weary though - Domitia was, her sleep was not dreamless, the song of a thousand - nightingales that made the night musical reached her ears and - penetrated the doorways of her troubled brain and wove fantasies; - the ever-present sense of fear, not dissipated by slumber, weighed - on her and gave sombre color to her dreams; the motion of the - palanquin had communicated itself in her fancy, to the bed, and - that <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page193">[pg 193]</span><a name= - "Pg193" id="Pg193" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>tossed and swayed - under her. Her weary feet seemed stung and burnt as though they had - been held too close to the fire. Now she saw Lamia’s face, and then - it was withdrawn; now her mother seemed to be calling to her from - an ever-increasing distance.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Yet troubled - though her sleep was, it afforded her brain some rest, and she woke - in the morning at a later hour than usual, when by the strip of - warm light below the curtains she was made aware that the sun had - risen.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She started from - sleep, passed her hand across her face, pressed her brows, stepped - to the doorway, pushed the curtains aside and looked out into a - little atrium, in which plashed a fountain, and where stood boxes - of myrtles in full flower, steeping the atmosphere with - fragrance.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At once two - female servants came to her, bowed low and desired permission to - assist in dressing her.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With some - hesitation she consented.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Where am I?”</span> she asked.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“By the lake of Alba,”</span> answered a dark-faced - servant with hard lustrous eyes, and in a foreign dialect.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“In whose house?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The slaves - looked at each other, and made no reply.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Again she put - the question.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lady, we are forbidden to say,”</span> answered one of - the slaves.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“At Alba?”</span> muttered Domitia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then, as the - woman divested her of her tunic, something fell from her bosom on - the mosaic floor. The maid stooped, picked it up and handed it to - Domitia, who turned it in her palm and looked at it, at first - without comprehension. Then she recollected what <span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page194">[pg 194]</span><a name="Pg194" id="Pg194" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a>this was—the amulet given her by - Glyceria. It was a red cornelian fish pierced at one end and a fine - gold ring inserted in the hole, so that the stone might be - suspended.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia was not - in a condition of mind to pay attention to the ornament, but she - bade one of the servants thread a piece of silk through the ring - that she might wear the amulet about her neck, and then she allowed - herself to be conducted to the bath.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With suspicious - eyes the girl observed everything. She was obviously in a country - villa belonging to some Roman noble, and that villa beside the - Alban Lake.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Ælii Lamiæ - had no country-house at this place, of that she was aware. She had - heard some of the friends of her mother speak of the beauties of - the Alban Lake, and then her mother had lamented that the family - estate lay by the Gabian puddle. But she could not recall that any - one of them had a villa there.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When she left - the bath she walked out of the doorway through the vestibule and - stood on the terrace.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Below was the - sombre lake, almost circular, with the rolling woods of oak and - beech flowing down the slopes to the very water’s edge, here and - there the green covering interrupted by precipitous crags of tuffa. - Yonder was the great ridge on which gleamed white the Temple of - Jupiter Latiaris, the central shrine of the Latin races, the great - pilgrimage place to which the country people turned in every - distress.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She had not - previously seen the Alban Lake, although Gabii had been her - residence for some months, and that was seated on a low spur of the - mountains, in the crater of one of which slept this tranquil and - lovely sheet of water. But she knew enough about it by <span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page195">[pg 195]</span><a name="Pg195" id="Pg195" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a>hearsay to be sure that she was not - misinformed by the slaves as to where she now was. She certainly - was beside that lake, near which once stretched Alba Longa, the - cradle of the Roman race—a race of shepherds driven from its first - seat by volcanic fires, to settle beside the Tiber on the Palatine - Hill.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">That road along - which she had been conveyed during the night was the great Appian - Way. It could have been none other, and that led, as she was aware, - along the spurs of the Alban mountains.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She walked the - terrace, her brow moist with anxious thought.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Why had she been - carried off?</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">By whom had she - been swept as by a hurricane from her husband’s side?</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A sense of - numbness was on her brain still, caused by the shock. To Lucius - Lamia her heart had turned with the reverence she had borne to her - father, with the sweetness and glow of girlish love for one who - would be linked with her by a still nearer tie. She could not - realize that she was parted from Lamia finally, irrevocably. She - was in a waking dream: a dream of great horror, but yet a dream - that would roll away and reality would return. She would wake from - it in the arms of her dear husband, looking into his eyes, clinging - to his heart, hearing his words soothing her mind, allaying her - terrors.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">If at this time - she could have conceived that to be possible which nevertheless was - to take place, she would have run to the lake and plunged into its - blue waters.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Singularly - enough no thought of the vision in the temple of Isis recurred to - her. Possibly she was in too <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page196">[pg 196]</span><a name="Pg196" id="Pg196" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>stunned a condition of mind; possibly the - effects of the narcotic still hung about her, like the vapors that - trail along the landscape after a storm of rain at the break of the - weather. No thought of hers connected this outrage with Domitian. - This was due to the impression produced in her by conversation with - her mother, who, she believed, was designing to secure <a name= - "corr196" id="corr196" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class= - "tei tei-corr">Domitian</span> for herself.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Moreover, the - young prince had never shown her any favor. He had studiously - neglected her, that he might address himself to Duilia. He had - taunted her, sneered at her, but never spoken to her words that - might be construed as a declaration of love. She recalled how she - had urged her mother to expel him from the house when he sought - refuge there; how she had sought to thrust him forth to certain - death, to deny him the rights of hospitality. Such was enough to - provoke resentment, not to awaken love. Her mother, on the other - hand, had bound him to her by the tie of gratitude, for she had - saved him at that time of extreme peril.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Seeing the dark - slave girl, Domitia signed to her to approach, and asked:</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Where are some of my family? Is not Euphrosyne here—or - Eboracus?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lady—none came with you save the servants of our - master.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And he?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Madam, I may not say.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“There is that Magus, Elymas; send him to - me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After some delay - the sorcerer appeared, and approached, bowed and stood silent with - hands crossed on his breast.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page197">[pg 197]</span><a name="Pg197" id="Pg197" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Elymas,”</span> said Domitia, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“I require you to enlighten me. What is the meaning of - this? Why have I been carried away to Albanum? By whose orders has - this been done?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He bowed - again—paused, and then, with obvious uneasiness in his manner - replied:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Destiny will be fulfilled.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What mean you? Destiny! some drive it before them as a - wheelbarrow, and such seem you to be. Why am I here and not in - Lamia’s house in Rome?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Did you not, lady, behold in vision that which was to - be?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She started, - lost color and shivered.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What mean you?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The purple.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The purple! I desire no purple. You speak - enigmatically. You have acted a treacherous part in forwarding this - act of violence. I have been snatched from my dear husband’s side, - the Gods who gave me to him have been outraged, I—I, a member of a - noble house, a daughter of Domitius Corbulo, have been treated as - though the prey of a party of slave-hunters. What next? Am I to be - taken into the market-place, and sold by auction? Or am I carried - off by freebooters—to be let go for a price? Name me the captain of - this robber band, and the price at which I may be ransomed. I - promise it shall be paid. But that condign chastisement be - inflicted for this insult, that I will also guarantee. I thank the - Gods, Rome is not on the confines of the world, that these deeds - can be perpetrated with impunity. We are not at Nizibis or Edessa - to be fallen upon by Parthians, or held to ransom by - Armenians——”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page198">[pg - 198]</span><a name="Pg198" id="Pg198" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Young lady,”</span> said the Magian, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“your words are high-sounding, but your threats are - such as cannot be executed, nor is any price asked for your - redemption. When you set your foot on the Clivus Scauri, it is a - narrow way, between high walls—and there is no option, you must go - on. You cannot turn aside to right or left.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I can turn back.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The way is broken up behind. You must go - forward.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Whither?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Look!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A number of male - slaves came forth from the villa; they were in white.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Do you know that livery?”</span> asked the - sorcerer.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Domitia - uttered a cry of despair, and threw herself on the ground. Now she - did know where she was, in whose power she was, and how hopeless it - was for her to expect to escape.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The white was - the Imperial livery.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> - - <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> - <img src="images/i_220.jpg" alt= - "DOMITIA THREW HERSELF UPON THE GROUND." title= - "“DOMITIA THREW HERSELF UPON THE GROUND.” Page 198." /> - - <div class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: center">“DOMITIA - THREW HERSELF UPON THE GROUND.”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi" - style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-style: italic">Page 198.</span></span> - </div> - </div> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page199">[pg 199]</span><a name= - "Pg199" id="Pg199" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc52" id= - "toc52"></a><a name="pdf53" id="pdf53"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XXV.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">BY A RAZOR.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Two days passed, - and Domitia remained undisturbed. No tidings reached her from Rome, - but to her great relief the Cæsar Domitian did not appear. That a - meeting with him must take place, she was aware, but in what manner - he would address her, that she could not guess; whether he would - take occasion to exhibit ignoble revenge for her treatment of him - on the night when he sought refuge in her house, or whether he - would approach her as a lover. This the sequel could alone - disclose. The second alternative was what she mainly dreaded.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On the third - day, hearing a bustle in the hall, and conjecturing that some one - had arrived, and that the critical moment had come, Domitia waited - in her chamber with beating heart, and long-drawn sighs. When the - curtains were sharply withdrawn, to her surprise and delight her - mother entered, radiant in her best toilette, her face, as far as - could be judged through the paint, wreathed with smiles.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Well!”</span> said she.—<span class="tei tei-q">“But - first a seat. You sly fox! who would have thought it? But there—I - am content. I have sent out no invitations to a little supper, - there is now no occasion for it, and one does not care to - spend—without an expectation of it leading to results. To look at - your face no one would have supposed that <span class="tei tei-pb" - id="page200">[pg 200]</span><a name="Pg200" id="Pg200" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>depth in you—and to play us all such a trick, - poor Lamia and me. It would really make a widow of a week old - laugh. Don’t smother me, my dear, and above all, don’t cry—that is - to say, if you cry do not let your tears fall on my cheek, you know - I am—well—well—it might spoil my complexion.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Mother,”</span> gasped the unhappy girl—<span class= - "tei tei-q">“O, how can you speak to me in this manner. You know, - you must know, I have been carried away against my will. O mother, - Lucius does not suppose that——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My dear child, it does not concern me in the least, - whether the kitten carried off the rat, or the rat the kitten. Here - you are in the rat’s hole, and all you have to look to is to eat - your rat and not let the rat eat you.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Oh, mother! mother! take me home with you.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Domitia, do not be a baby. Of course you cannot - return. You have bidden farewell to the household Gods, and - renounced the paternal threshold.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Mother—I have embraced the gate-posts of the - Lamiæ.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But the Gods of that family have been unable or - unwilling to retain you, they have resigned you to—I cannot say, in - conscience, nobler hands, for the Flavian family—well, we know what - we know,—but to more powerful hands, that will not let you go. - Besides, my dear, I have no wish to have you home again. When a - bird has flown, it has said farewell to the nest, to its cracked - eggshells and worms, and must find another.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Do not be cruel!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I am not cruel—but what has happened must be accepted, - that is the true philosophy of life, better than all that nonsense - declaimed by philosophers.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page201">[pg 201]</span><a name="Pg201" id="Pg201" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Mother! I will not stay here.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Domitia, here you must stay till somebody comes to - take you away. Why! as the Gods love me! I expect yet to hear you - proclaimed Augusta, and to have to offer incense and to pour a - libation on your altar. Think—what an honor to have your wax head - among the ancestors, as a divinity to be worshipped—but no—I am - wrong there, you would be in the <span lang="la" class= - "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">lararium</span></span>, or set up in the - vestibule, a deified ancestress or member of the family is exalted - from the atrium to the temple. I really will go out of my way and - have a little supper to honor the occasion. I see it all—we shall - before long have a college of Flavian priests, and all the whole - bundle of mouldy old usurers, and tax-collectors, and their frowsy - womankind will be gods, with temples and a cult, and you, my dear! - It makes my mouth water.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But, mother, why am I carried away?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Why! O you jocose little creature, <span class= - "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">why</span></span>? - because some person I know of has taken a fancy to your monkey ways - and baby face.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I belong to Lamia. I have been married to - him.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Oh! that is easily settled. I thank the Immortals, - divorce is easily obtained in Rome—with money, influence in Rome—to - the end of time, my dear.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I do not desire to be divorced—I will not be divorced. - I love Lucius and he loves me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You are a child—just away from your dolls, and know - nothing of life.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But, mother, there are laws. I will throw myself on - the protection of the Senate.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Longa Duilia - laughed aloud. <span class="tei tei-q">“Silly fool! laws bind the - subjects and the weak, not princes and the strong. <span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page202">[pg 202]</span><a name="Pg202" id="Pg202" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Make your mind up to accept what has - happened. It is the work of destiny.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is an infamous crime.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My child, do not use such words, what might be crime - among common folk is pleasantry among princes. They all do it. It - is their right. It is of no avail your attempting resistance. - Domitian has taken a fancy to you—he is young, good-looking, Cæsar, - all sorts of honors have been heaped on him, and he has but to put - out a rake and comb together all the good in the world. - And”</span>—she drew nearer to her daughter,—<span class= - "tei tei-q">“he may be Emperor some day. Titus has but one lumpy, - ugly girl—no son.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I care not. I hate him! let me go back to - Lamia!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“That is impossible.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Not if I will!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You cannot. You would be stayed by the servants - here.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But you—cannot you help me? O mother, if you have any - love for me! For the sake of my dear, dear father!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Even if I would, I could not. Why, there is not a - court in Rome, not the Senate even can afford you protection and - release. The Flavians are up now.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I will appeal to Vespasian, to the - Emperor!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“He is in Egypt.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The girl panted - and beat her head with her hands.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lamia! he shall release me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“He needs some one to release him.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“How so?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“He insulted Domitian in the Senate House—all because - of you, and is under arrest. For less matters, than what he has - done, lives have been lost.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page203">[pg 203]</span><a name="Pg203" id="Pg203" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“He will never—no, never!”</span> she could not finish - her sentence, her heart was boiling over, and she burst into a - paroxysm of sobs.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The Gods! the Gods help me!”</span> she cried.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My dear Domitia, you might as well call on the walls - to assist you. The Gods! They are just as bad as mortals. You may - cry, but they will look between their fingers, accept your prayers - and offerings and laugh at you as a fool. Why, as the Gods love me! - Does not the family derive from Lamius, and was not he the child of - Hercules and Omphale? It was very naughty and shocking, and all - that sort of thing—but they all do it, and are not in the least - disposed to assist you. On the contrary, they will back up the - ravisher.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Then I have no help—save in myself. I will never be - his.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Be advised by me, you foolish child. When you come - under a cherry tree you pluck all the ripe fruit; and what you - cannot eat yourself you give to your friends. Do you not perceive - that having been fortunate enough to catch the fancy of the young - Cæsar, you can use this fancy and make large profit out of it? He - is already very freely distributing offices to all his friends and - such as most grossly flatter him. What may not you obtain for me! - That is if I take a liking for any one and wish to marry him, you - must positively obtain the proconsulship of Syria or Egypt for him. - And as to Lamia, he can be choked off with a - prætorship.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The veil was - plucked aside, and Domitian entered.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Longa Duilia - rose; not so Domitia Longina.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He stood for a - moment looking at the girl.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page204">[pg 204]</span><a name="Pg204" id="Pg204" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Saucy still?”</span> he said.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Wrathful at this treatment,”</span> she answered, with - her eyes on the ground, and her hands clasped. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Because I would have denied to you a suppliant, the - hospitality of our house, must I, unsoliciting it, be forced to - accept yours?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Domitia, has your mother informed you what I have - designed for you?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I should prefer that you concerned yourself with your - prætorial duties.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitian bit his - lip. He had been invested with the office of prætor of the city, - but in his overweening conceit deemed it unworthy of him to - discharge the duties of the office.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is my intent, Domitia, to elevate you into the - Flavian family.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“O how gracious!”</span> sneered the girl,—<span class= - "tei tei-q">“taken up like Trygdeus.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Domitia!”</span> exclaimed her mother, then at once - perceiving that the allusion was lost on the uneducated prince, she - said:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Quite so, on the wings of the Bird of - Jove.”</span><a id="noteref_7" name="noteref_7" href= - "#note_7"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= - "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">7</span></span></a></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The young man - became crimson. He was convinced that there was some bitter sneer - in the words of Domitia, and he was ashamed at his inability to - comprehend the allusion.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What I intend for you,”</span> said he, moving from - the doorway to where he could observe her face, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“what I intend for you is what there is not another - woman in Rome who would not give her jewels to obtain.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Then I pray you address yourself to them. Pay - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page205">[pg 205]</span><a name= - "Pg205" id="Pg205" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>your debts with their - subscriptions, and leave me who am content to be disregarded, in - the tranquillity I so love—with my husband, Ælius - Lamia.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lamia!”</span> laughed Domitian. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“You are to be divorced from him. Your mother is - willing.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My mother has no more power over me. I am out of the - paternal family.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You will consent yourself.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Who will make me?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“That will I. It is easy to rend apart——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Any fool can break, not all can bind.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Domitia, be advised and do not incense me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I care not for myself. I have but one wish. Let me go. - Take, if you will, what is my property, take that of Lamia, but let - us retire together to some little farm and be quiet there, drive - us, if you will, out of Italy—but do not separate us.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You talk at random. Follow me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He led the way, - stood in the entrance, holding back the curtain, and Duilia drew - her daughter from her seat.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Come,—Lamia awaits you,”</span> said Domitian.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then the girl - started to her feet.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“He is here! You will be generous,—like a - prince!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Come with me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She now followed - with beating heart. Her cheeks were flushed, a sparkle was in her - eye, her breath came fast through her nostrils, her teeth were - set.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Without were - many lictors lining the way, filling the court.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He led into that - portion of the villa where were the baths and entered the warm - room. There Domitia saw at once Lamia, stripped almost to the skin, - held <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page206">[pg 206]</span><a name= - "Pg206" id="Pg206" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>by soldiers of the - prince’s guard, his mouth gagged, and a surgeon standing by with a - razor.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She would have - sprung to him and thrown her arms around him, had she not been - restrained.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Domitia,”</span> said the young Cæsar; <span class= - "tei tei-q">“you will see how that to divorce you is in my power, - unless you consent to it yourself, and give yourself to - me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia trembled - in every limb. She looked with distended eyes at Lamia, who had no - power to speak, save with his eyes, and they were fixed on her.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A large marble - bath stood near, and both hot and cold water could be turned on - into it.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She knew but too - well what the threat was. Seneca had so perished under Nero,—by the - cutting of the veins he had bled to death.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Petronius, - master of the Revels to the same tyrant, had suffered in the same - manner, and as his blood flowed he had mocked and hearkened to - ribald verses till the power to listen and to flaunt his - indifference were at an end.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now the - second Nero, not yet full blown, but giving earnest of what he - would be, was threatening Lamia with the same death. It was not a - gradual and painless extinction, but a death of great suffering, - for it led to agonizing cramps, knotting the muscles, and - contracting the limbs. Domitia knew this—she had heard the dying - agonies of Seneca and Petronius described,—and she looked with - quivering lips and bloodless cheeks on him whom she loved best—on - the only one in the world she loved, threatened with the same awful - death.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She would do - anything short of taking the Cæsar Domitian as her husband in place - of him to whom she <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page207">[pg - 207]</span><a name="Pg207" id="Pg207" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>was bound by the most sacred ties,—anything - short of that to save the life of Lamia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The struggle in - her bosom was terrible; her head spun, she tried to speak but could - frame no words.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She sought some - guidance in Lamia’s eyes, but her own swam with tears, and she - could not read what he would advise.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My child,”</span> said her mother, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“of course it is all very sad, and that sort of - thing—but it is and must be so. If a wilful girl will not be - brought to reason in any other way—well, it is a pity.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitian turned - to Domitia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“His life is in your power,”</span> said he. - <span class="tei tei-q">“He has insulted me before the Conscript - Fathers, and is under arrest. I have brought him hither—to die. But - I give his life to you on the one condition that you allow divorce - to be pronounced between you and him, and that in his place you - accept me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia turned - her face away.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“So be it,”</span> said he. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Surgeon, open his veins.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With a slash of - the razor across the arm at the fold, an artery was severed, and - the black blood spurted forth.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Uttering a cry - of horror, Domitia battled with those who held her, to reach and - clasp her husband.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Cut the other arm,”</span> commanded the prince, - <span class="tei tei-q">“then cast him into the bath.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I yield,”</span> gasped Domitia, burying her face in - her hands and sinking to her knees.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Then bind up his wound, and let him go!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Destiny must be fulfilled,”</span> said Elymas who - stood behind. <span class="tei tei-q">“You were born for the - purple.”</span></p> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page208">[pg 208]</span><a name= - "Pg208" id="Pg208" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc54" id= - "toc54"></a><a name="pdf55" id="pdf55"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XXVI.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">INTERMEZZO.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The dramatic - composer has this great advantage over the novelist, that when he - has to allow for a certain amount of time,—it may be for years—to - elapse between the parts of his play, he lowers the curtain, the - first or second act is concluded, ices, oranges are taken round in - the stalls; the orchestra strikes up an overture, the gentlemen - retire to the promenade gallery for a cigar, and the ladies discuss - their acquaintances, and the toilette of those in the boxes, after - having explored the theatre with their glasses.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At Munich and - Bayreuth, at the performance of Wagner’s operas, the space allowed - between the acts is sufficient for a walk and for a meal. Thus the - lapse of time between the parts of a drama is given a real - expression, and the minds of those who have followed the first part - of the story are prepared to accept a change in the conditions of - the performers, such as could be brought about solely by the - passage of time.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But a novelist - has no such assistance, he is not able to produce such an illusion; - even when his story appears in a serial, he is without this - advantage, for the movement of his tale, when it is rapid, is - artificially delayed by the limitations laid down by the editors of - the magazines, and the space allotted to him, and when <span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page209">[pg 209]</span><a name="Pg209" id="Pg209" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a>he does require a pause to allow for the - gliding away of a certain number of years, that pause consists of - precisely the same number of days as intervened in the serial - publication, between chapters in which the action should have been - continuous.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The writer must, - therefore, throw himself on the indulgence of the reader, and plead - to be allowed like a Greek chorus to stand forward and narrate what - has taken place, during a period of time concerning which he - proposes to pass over without detailed account, before he resumes - the thread of his narrative.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When Vespasian - was hailed Emperor by the troops he was aged sixty-one, and none - supposed that his reign would be long. He associated his eldest son - Titus with him in government, but would not allow the younger, - Domitian, any power.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When the Emperor - reached the capital, he learned the misuse Domitian had made of - that which he had arrogated to himself, or which had been granted - to him by the Senate, in his father’s absence. The old Emperor was - vastly displeased at the misconduct of his younger son, and would - perhaps have dealt severely with him, had he not been dissuaded - from so doing by Titus, who pointed out, that as he himself had no - son, in all probability Domitian would at some time succeed to the - purple.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The young man, - kept in the background, not even allowed the command in any - military expedition, carefully watched and restrained from giving - vent to his natural disposition, chafed at his enforced inactivity, - and at the marked manner in which he was set behind his elder - brother, a man who, by the capture of Jerusalem, had gained a name, - and had attached the sol<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page210">[pg - 210]</span><a name="Pg210" id="Pg210" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>diery to him. Domitian was known to the - military only by his abortive attempt to pluck the laurels in - Germany from the brow of his kinsman Cerealis, for the adornment of - his own head.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitian was - granted none of the titles that indicated association in the - Empire. He was not suffered to take part in public affairs. His - insolence in neglecting the duties of prætor of the city, as - beneath his dignity, was punished in this manner. When Titus - celebrated his triumph after the Jewish war, with unusual - magnificence, he and his father rode in chariots of state, but - Domitian was made to follow on horseback. When Vespasian and his - eldest son showed themselves in public, they were carried on - thrones, whereas Domitian was made to attend in the rear in a - litter.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The envious, - ambitious young prince, under this treatment was driven to wear a - mask, and he affected a love of literature, and indifference to the - affairs of state. Titus, who knew less of him than his father, was - deceived, but Vespasian was too well aware of the radically evil - heart of his younger son to trust him in any way.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia was - unable to escape from compulsary association with this imperial - cub. Vespasian was unwilling to undo the past, and have the scandal - raked up again, and public attention called to it. The minds of the - volatile Romans had forgotten the circumstances and were occupied - with new matters of gossip. Domitian married Domitia Longina, and - the old Emperor after some consideration concluded that she should - remain his wife.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But the - relations between her and the prince were <span class="tei tei-pb" - id="page211">[pg 211]</span><a name="Pg211" id="Pg211" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>strained. She hated him for what he had done, - and she made no attempt to affect a liking she did not feel.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lamia remained - unmarried; he had cared for no other woman, and he felt that there - was not to be found one who could ever be to him what he had hoped - Domitia would have proved.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Once Titus asked - him his reason for not marrying.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Why do you inquire?”</span> said Lamia, with a bitter - smile, <span class="tei tei-q">“do you also wish to carry off my - wife?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On the death of - the old Emperor, Titus succeeded without any difficulties being - raised. His father had already associated him in the Empire and had - gradually transferred the conduct of affairs to his hands.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Hitherto the - brothers had lived on very good terms with each other, at all - events in appearance, and Domitian had been sufficiently prudent to - veil his jealousy of Titus, who had shown himself kindly disposed - towards his younger brother.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On the accession - of Titus, Domitian hoped to be associated with him in government in - the same manner as Titus had been with his father. In this he was - disappointed, his disappointment got the better of his prudence, - and he declared that his brother had falsified the will of - Vespasian, who had divided the power equally between them.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On the first day - of his reign, Titus designated Domitian as his successor, but he - allowed him no independent power; and the young prince at once - involved himself in intrigues and sought to rouse the troops to - revolt, and to proclaim him in place of Titus.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The condition of - Domitia would have been more intolerable than it was, but that - Vespasian, up to his <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page212">[pg - 212]</span><a name="Pg212" id="Pg212" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>death, retained his younger son about his - person, in Rome, and it was but rarely that the prince was able to - escape to his villa, at Albanum, where Domitia remained in - seclusion. And his visits there were not only few and far between, - but also brief.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He was in bad - humor when there, at liberty to vent his irritation at the manner - in which he was treated by his father, and the behavior towards him - of Domitia was not calculated to dispel his vapors.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A considerable - change had come over her face. The expression had altered; it had - been full of sweetness, and the muscles had been flexible. Now it - was hard-set and stern.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitian cursed - her for the fascination she still exercised over him. It was - perhaps her unyielding temper, her openly expressed scorn, and her - biting sarcasms which stung him to maintain his grip on her, - knowing that this was to her torture. Yet her beauty exercised over - him a hold from which he could not escape. His feelings towards her - were a mixture of passionate admiration and savage resentment. From - every one else he met with adulation, or at least respect, from her - neither. His will was a law to a legion of sycophants, to her it - was something she seemed to find a pleasure in defying.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia nursed - her resentment, and this soured her nature and reflected itself in - her features.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the long - Chiaramonte Gallery of the Vatican Museum is an exquisite and - uninjured bust of Domitia Longina as a girl; the face is one that - holds the passer-by, it is so sweet, so beautiful, so full of a - glorious soul.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the Florence - Gallery is one of the same woman <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page213">[pg 213]</span><a name="Pg213" id="Pg213" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>after Domitian had snatched her away from - Lamia, and hidden her in his Alban villa. Lovely the face is still, - but the beautiful soul has lost its light, the softness has gone - out of the face, and the shadow of a darkened life broods over - it.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At Albanum the - solitary Domitia had the satisfaction of being attended by her - servant Euphrosyne, and the faithful Eboracus was also allowed to - be there as her minister.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She occasionally - visited her mother in Rome, but the chasm between them widened. - Duilia could not understand her daughter’s refusal to accept the - inevitable and failure to lay hold of her opportunities, and, as - she termed it, <span class="tei tei-q">“eat her rat.”</span> The - older Duilia grew, the less inclined she was to acknowledge her - age, and the more frivolous and scheming she became. She was never - weary of weaving little webs of mystery and of contriving plans; - and the initiating of all these was a supper. She was well off, - liked ostentation, yet was withal of a frugal mind, and never - ordered costly dishes, or broached her best wine without - calculation that they would lead to valuable results.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was possible - that Vespasian might have interfered in favor of Domitia, had he - been made to understand how strongly she disliked the union, but - Domitia herself was never able to obtain an interview with the aged - Emperor, and Duilia took pains to assure him that the marriage had - been contracted entirely with her approval, that the union with - Lamia had been entered on without feeling on either side, in - obedience to an expressed wish of Corbulo before his death, and - that her daughter was quite content to be released.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The period was - not one in which the personal feel<span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page214">[pg 214]</span><a name="Pg214" id="Pg214" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>ings of a girl were counted as deserving of - much thought, certainly not of being considered by an Emperor, and - Vespasian took no steps to relieve Domitia. Titus was better aware - of the facts, and had some notion of the wrench it had been to the - young married people, but he was not desirous of having the matter - reopened. It would not conduce to the credit of the Flavian house, - and that was in his eyes a matter of paramount consideration—as the - process of deification of the Flavians had already begun.</p> - </div> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page215">[pg 215]</span><a name="Pg215" - id="Pg215" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc56" id= - "toc56"></a><a name="pdf57" id="pdf57"></a> - - <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> - <span style="font-size: 173%">BOOK II.</span></h1> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <a name="toc58" id="toc58"></a><a name="pdf59" id="pdf59"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER I.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">AN APPEAL.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What can I do for thee, Domitia?”</span> asked Titus, - who was pacing the room; he halted before the young wife of his - brother, who was kneeling on the mosaic floor.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She had taken - advantage of her introduction into the Imperial palace to make an - appeal to Titus, now Emperor. She had not been allowed to appear - there during the reign of Vespasian.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Titus was a - tall, solidly built man, with the neck of a bull; he had the same - vulgarity of aspect that characterized both his father and brother, - and which was also conspicuous in his daughter Julia. The whole - Flavian family looked, what it was, of ignoble origin,—there was - none of the splendid beauty that belonged to Augustus, and to the - Claudian family that succeeded. Their features were fleshy and - coarse, their movements without grace, their address without - dignity.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">If they - attempted to be gracious, they spoiled the graciousness by - clumsiness in the act; if they did a generous thing, it carried its - shadow of meanness trailing behind it.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Titus had not - borne a good character before his elevation to the purple. He had - indulged in coarse vices, had shown himself callous toward human - suffering. Yet there was in his muddy nature a spark of good - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page216">[pg 216]</span><a name= - "Pg216" id="Pg216" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>feeling, a desire to - do what was right, a rough sense of justice and much family - affection.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was a - disappointment to him that he had but one child, a daughter, a - gaunt, stupid girl, big-boned, amiable and ugly.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He knew that - Domitian, his younger brother, would in all probability succeed - him, but he also was childless. Next to him, the nearest of male - kin, were the sons of that Flavius Sabinus, who had been butchered - by the Vitellians, and their names were Sabinus and Clemens.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The former was - much liked by the people, he was an upright grave man. The second - was regarded with distrust, as a Christian. It was not the fact of - his following a strange religion that gave offence. To that Romans - were supremely indifferent, but that which they could not - understand and allow was a man withdrawing himself from the public - service, the noblest avocation of a man, because he scrupled to - worship the image of the Emperor, and to swear by his genius. They - regarded this as a mere excuse to cover inertness of character, and - ignobility of mind.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">For the like - reason, Christians could not attend public banquets or go to - private entertainments as the homage done to the gods, and the - idolatrous offerings associated with them, stood in their way. The - profession of Christianity, accordingly, not only debarred from the - public service, but interfered with social amenities. Such - withdrawal from public social life the Romans could not understand, - and they attributed this conduct to a morbid hatred entertained by - the Christians for their fellow-men.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The public shows - were either brutal or licentious. The Christians equally refused to - be present at the gladiato<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page217">[pg - 217]</span><a name="Pg217" id="Pg217" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>rial combats and at the coarse theatrical - representations of broad comedy and low buffoonery. This also was - considered as indicative of a gloomy and unamiable spirit.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There were - indeed heathen men who loathed the frightful butchery in the arena, - such was the Emperor Tiberius,—and Pliny in his letters shows us - that to some men of his time they were disgusting, but nevertheless - they attended these exhibitions, as a public duty, and contented - themselves with expressing objection to them privately. The - objection was founded on taste, not principle, and therefore called - for no public expression of reprobation.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Clemens was - quite out of the question as a successor. If he was too full of - scruple to take a prætorship, he was certainly unfit to be an - emperor. Not so Flavius Sabinus his elder brother. Him accordingly, - Domitian looked upon with jealousy.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What can I do for thee?”</span> again asked Titus, and - his heavy face assumed a kindly expression; <span class= - "tei tei-q">“my child, I know that thou hast had trouble and art - mated to a fellow with a gloomy, uncertain humor; but what has been - done cannot be undone——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Pardon me,”</span> interrupted Domitia, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“it is that I desire; let me be separated from him. I - never, never desired to leave my true husband, Lamia, I was - snatched away by violence—let me go back.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What! to Lamia! That will hardly do. Would he have - thee?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Tainted by union with Domitian, perhaps not!”</span> - exclaimed Domitia fiercely. <span class="tei tei-q">“Right - indeed—he would not.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Nay, nay,”</span> said Titus, his brow clouding, - <span class="tei tei-q">“such a word as that is impious, and in - another would be trea<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page218">[pg - 218]</span><a name="Pg218" id="Pg218" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>son. Domitia, you have a bitter tongue. I have - heard my brother say as much. But I cannot think that Lamia would - dare to receive thee again after having been the wife of a Flavian - prince.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia’s lip - curled, but she said nothing. These upstart Flavians made a brag of - their consequence.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Then,”</span> said she, <span class="tei tei-q">“let - me go to my old home at Gabii. I have lived in seclusion enough at - Albanum to find Gabii in the current of life—and my mother and her - many friends will come there anon. Let me go. Let there be a - divorce—and I will go home and paddle on the lake and pick flowers - and seek to be heard of no more.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It would not do for you and Lamia to be married again. - It would be a political error; it might be dangerous to us - Flavians.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I should have supposed, in your brand-new divinity - that a poor mouse like myself could not have scratched away any of - the newly-laid-on gold leaf.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Domitia,”</span> said Titus, who had resumed his walk, - <span class="tei tei-q">“be careful how you let that tongue act—it - is a file, it has already removed some of the gilding.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A smile broke - out on his face at first inclined to darken.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“There! There!”</span> said he, laughing; <span class= - "tei tei-q">“I am not a fool. I know well enough what we were, as I - feel what we have become. Caligula threw mud, the mud of Rome, into - the lap of my grandfather, because he had not seen to the efficient - scouring of the streets. It was ominous—the soil of Rome has been - taken away from the divine race of Julius—and has been cast into - the lap of us money-lenders, pettyfogging attorneys of Reate. Well! - the Gods willed it, Domitia—it is necessary for us to make a - display.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page219">[pg - 219]</span><a name="Pg219" id="Pg219" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Push, as my mother would say.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Well—push—as you will it. But, understand, Domitia, - though I am not ignorant of all this, I don’t like to have it - thrown in my teeth; and my brother is more sensitive to this than - myself. Domitia, I will do this for you. I will send for him, and - see if I can induce him to part from you. I mistrust - me,”</span>—Titus smiled, looked at Domitia, with one finger - stroked her cheek, and said,—<span class="tei tei-q">“By the Gods! - I do not wonder at it. I would be torn by wild horses myself rather - than abandon you, had I been so fortunate——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Sire, so wicked——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Well, well! you must excuse Domitian. Love, they say, - rules even the Gods, and is stronger than wine to turn men’s - heads.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He clapped his - hands. A slave appeared. <span class="tei tei-q">“Send hither the - Cæsar,”</span> he ordered. The slave bowed and withdrew.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitian entered - next moment. He must have been waiting in an adjoining - apartment.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Come hither, brother,”</span> said Titus. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“I have a suppliant at my feet, and what suppose you - has been her petition?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitian looked - down. He had a pouting disdainful lip, a dogged brow, and eyes in - which never did a sparkle flash; but his face flushed readily, not - with modesty, but shyness or anger.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Brother,”</span> said Domitian, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“I know well enough at what she drives. From the - moment, the first moment I knew her, she has treated me to quip and - jibe and has sought to keep me at a distance. I know not whether - she use a love-philtre so as to hold me? I know not if it be her - very treatment of me which makes <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page220">[pg 220]</span><a name="Pg220" id="Pg220" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>me love her the more. Love her! It is but the - turning of a hair whether I love or hate her most. I know what is - her petition without being told, and I say—I refuse - consent.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Listen to what I have to propose,”</span> said Titus, - <span class="tei tei-q">“and do not blurt out your family quarrels - before I speak about them. It is not I only, but all Rome, that - knows that your life together is not that of Venus’s doves. It is - unpleasant to me, it detracts from the dignity of the Flavian - family”</span>—he glanced aside at his sister-in-law, and his lips - quivered, <span class="tei tei-q">“that this cat-and-dog existence - should become the gossip of every noble house, and a matter of - tittle-tattle in every wine-shop. Make an end to it and repudiate - her.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitian kept - his eyes on the floor. Domitia looked at him for his answer with - eagerness. He turned on her with a vulgar laugh and said:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Vixen! I see thee—naught would give thee greater joy - than for me to assent. I should see thee skip for gladness of - heart, as I have never seen thee move thy little feet since thou - hast been with me! I should hear thee laugh—and I have heard no - sound save flout from thee as yet. I should see a sun dance in - thine eyes, that perpetually lower or are veiled in tears. Is it - not so?”</span>—He paused and looked at her with truculence in his - face—<span class="tei tei-q">“and therefore, for that alone, I will - not consent.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Listen further to me, Domitian,”</span> said Titus; - <span class="tei tei-q">“I have a proposition to make. Separate - from Domitia, send her back——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What, into the arms of Lamia?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“No, to Gabii. She shall be guarded there, she shall - not remarry Lamia.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I shall take good heed to that.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Hear me out, Domitian. I have but one child, - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page221">[pg 221]</span><a name= - "Pg221" id="Pg221" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Julia. The voice of - the people has proclaimed itself well pleased with our house. We - have given to Rome peace and prosperity at home, and victory - abroad. I believe that there are few who regard me unfavorably. But - it is not so with thee. Thy folly, thy disorders, thy violence, - before our father came to Rome, have not been forgotten or - forgiven, and Senate and people look on thee with mistrust. I will - give thee Julia to wife. It is true she is thy niece—but since - Claudius took Agrippina——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Thanks, Titus, I have no appetite for - mushrooms.”</span><a id="noteref_8" name="noteref_8" href= - "#note_8"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= - "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">8</span></span></a></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Tut! you know Julia, a good-hearted jade.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I will not consent,”</span> said Domitian surlily.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Hear me out, brother, before making thy decision. If - thou wilt not take Julia, then I shall give her to - another——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“To whom?”</span> asked Domitian looking up. He at once - perceived that a danger to himself lurked behind this proposal. The - husband of Julia might contest his claims to the throne, should the - popularity of Titus grow with years, and his own decline.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I shall give her to our cousin, Flavius - Sabinus.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitian was - silent, and moved his hands and feet uneasily.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Looking - furtively out of the corners of his eyes, he saw a flash of hope in - those of Domitia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He held up his - head, and looking with leaden eyes at his brother, said:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Still I refuse.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The consequences—have you considered them?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitian turned - about, and made a tiger-like leap at Domitia and catching her by - her shoulders said:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I hate her. I will risk all, rather than let her go - free.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> - - <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> - <img src="images/i_244.jpg" alt="I HATE HER!" title= - "“I HATE HER!” Page 221." /> - - <div class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: center">“I HATE - HER!”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi" style= - "text-align: center"><span style="font-style: italic">Page - 221.</span></span> - </div> - </div> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page222">[pg 222]</span><a name= - "Pg222" id="Pg222" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc60" id= - "toc60"></a><a name="pdf61" id="pdf61"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER II.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">THE FISH.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitian had - been accorded by his brother a portion of the palace of Tiberius on - the Palatine Hill, that was crowded with imperial residences; and - Domitia had been brought there from Albanum.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She was one day - on the terrace. The hilltop was too much encumbered with buildings - to afford much space for gardens, but there were platforms on which - grew cypresses, and about the balustrades roses twined and poured - over in curtains of flower. Citrons and oleanders also stood in - tubs, and against the walls glistened the burnished leaves of the - pomegranate; the scarlet flowers bloomed in spring and the warm - fruit ripened till it burst in the hot autumn.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia, seated - beside the balustrade, looked over mighty Rome, the teeming forum, - roofs with gilded tiles of bronze, lay below her, flashing in the - sun, and beyond on the Capitol, white as snow, but glinting with - gold, was the newly completed temple of Jupiter, rebuilt in greater - splendor than before since the disastrous fire.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The hum of the - city came up to her as the murmur of a sea, not a troubled one, but - a sea of a thousand wavelets trifling with the pebbles of a beach, - and dancing in and out among the teeth of a reef; a hum not unlike - that of the bees—but somewhat louder, and pitched on a lower - note.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page223">[pg - 223]</span><a name="Pg223" id="Pg223" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia paid no - attention to the scene, nor to the sounds, she was engaged with her - jewel-box, that she had brought forth into the sun, in order that - she might count over her treasures.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At a respectful - distance sat Euphrosyne spinning.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia had some - Syrian filagree gold work in her hand—it formed a decoration for - the head, to be fastened by two pins; the heads were those of owls - with opals for eyes.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She laid it - aside and looked at her rings and brooches. There was one of the - latter, a cameo given her by her mother, of coral of two hues, a - Medusa’s head, a beautiful work of art. Then she took up a necklace - of British pearls from the Severn, she twisted it about her arm and - lovely were the pure pearls against her delicate flesh,—like the - dainty tints on the rose and white coral of the brooch she had laid - aside.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She replaced the - chain, and took up a cornelian fish.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Euphrosyne,”</span> said Domitia, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“come hither! observe this fish. Thy sister gave it me - the day I was married, but alack! it brought me no luck. Think you - it is an omen of ill? But Glyceria would not have given me one - such.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Nay, lady, the fish brings the greatest - happiness.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What is its meaning? It is a strange symbol. It must - have some purport.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The slave - hesitated about answering.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then, hearing - steps on the pavement, and looking round, Domitia - called—<span class="tei tei-q">“Thou! Elymas! who pretendest to - know all things, answer me this, I have an amulet—a fish—what doth - it portend?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What?—the murex? That gives the imperial - purple.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page224">[pg - 224]</span><a name="Pg224" id="Pg224" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Bah! It is no murex, not a sea snail but a fish. What - is the signification?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lady, to one so high, ever-increasing - happiness.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Away! you are all wrong. Happiness is not where you - deem it. False thou art, false to thy creed. <span class= - "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thou</span></span> - speak of a divine ray in every man and woman! an emanation from the - Father of Light, quivering, battling, straining to escape out of - its earthly envelope and soar to its source!—thou speak of this, - and in all thy doings and devisings seekest what is sordid and - dark!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The gloomy man - folded his cloak about him, and looking at her from under his - penthouse brows answered:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Thou launchest forth against me without reason. - Knowest thou what is a comet? It is a star that circles about the - sun and from it drinks in all the illumination it can absorb, like - as the thirsty soil in summer sucks in the falling rain, or the - fields the outflow of the Alban Lake; then it flies away into - space, and as it flies it sheds its effulgence, becoming ever more - dim till it reaches infinite darkness and is there black in the - midst of absolute nigritude. Then it turns and comes back to - replenish its urn.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Nay,”</span> said Domitia, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“that can never be. When all light is gone, then all - desire for return goes likewise. I know that in myself—I—I am such - a comet. When I was a child I longed, I hungered for the light, and - in my days of adolescence it was the same, only stronger—it was as - a famine. I was the poor comet sweeping up towards my sun; but - where my sun was, that—in the vast abyss of infinity—I knew not. I - sought and found not, I sought and shed my glory, till there was - but a faint glimmer left in me; <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page225">[pg 225]</span><a name="Pg225" id="Pg225" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>and now—now all light is extinguished, and - with it desire to know, to love, to be happy, to - return.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Madam, you, as the comet, are reaching your apogee, - your extreme limit; you must shed all your light before you can - return to the source of light.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What! is that your philosophy? The Father of Light - sends forth his ray to expire in utter darkness, predestined this - ray of light to extinction. If so—then He is not good. And - yet,”</span> she sighed, <span class="tei tei-q">“it is so. I am - such. In blackness of night. Look you, Elymas, when I was a child, - I laughed and danced; I cannot dance, I can but force a laugh now. - I once loved the flowers and the butterflies; I love them no more. - My light is gone. The faculty of enjoyment is gone with it. Do I - want to return? To what? To the source of light that launched me - into this misery? No, not into that cold and cruel fate. Let me go - on my inky way, I have no more light to lose—I look only to go out - as a fallen star and leave nothing behind me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What! when a great future is before you?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What future? you have none to offer me that I value. - Away with your hints concerning the purple—it is the sable of - mourning to me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She panted. The - tears came into her eyes.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is you who have wrecked my life—you—you. It was you - who devised that crime—when I was snatched away from the only man I - loved—the only man with whom I could have been happy—whom - I—”</span> she turned aside and hid her face. Then recovering - herself, but with a cheek glistening with tears, she said: - <span class="tei tei-q">“I admit it, I love still, and ever shall - love. And he loves me. He has taken none to wife, for he thinks on - me. There, could darkness be deeper than <span class="tei tei-pb" - id="page226">[pg 226]</span><a name="Pg226" id="Pg226" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>my now condition? And you did it, you betrayed - me into the hands—”</span> she had sufficient self-control not to - say to whom, before this man and her slave.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lady, it is not I, but Destiny.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And you, with your tortuous ways, work to ends that - you desire, and excuse it by saying, It is Destiny.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What, discussing the lore of emanations, little - woman?”</span> asked the Emperor, coming suddenly up.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Elymas stood - back and assumed a deferential attitude. Titus waved him to - withdraw, and was obeyed. Then he took Domitia by the hand.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“A philosopher, are you?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“No, I ask questions, but get no answers that content - me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Ah! you asked a favor of me the other day and spiced - it with a sneer—your jibes hit me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I meant not to give pain.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I have come to you touching this very matter. I am not - sure, child, that the scandal is not greater so long as you and - Domitian remain linked together, and pulling opposite ways, than if - you were parted. Your quarrels are now the talk of Rome, and many a - cutting jest is put into your pretty mouth at our expense; invented - by others, attributed to you.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You will have us divorced!”</span> her breath came - quick and short.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Listen to what I propose. Domitia, I am not well. I - have this accursed Roman fever on me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Sire, I mark suffering in your face.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It has been vexing me for some days, and it is my - intent to leave Rome and be free from business and take my cure at - Cutiliæ—our old estate in the Sabine country. Perhaps the air, the - waters of the old home, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page227">[pg - 227]</span><a name="Pg227" id="Pg227" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>the nest of our divine family—”</span> his - mouth twitched, but there was a sad expression in his - face—<span class="tei tei-q">“they may do me good. It is something, - Domitia, to stand on the soil that was turned by one’s forbears, - when they bent as humble farmers over the plough. They were honest - men and happy; and when one is down at heart, there is naught like - home—the old home where are the bones of one’s ancestors, though - they may have been yeomen, and one a commissioner, and another an - usurer, and so on. They were honest men. Aye! the rate-collector, - he was an honest man. Here all is false, and unreal, and—Domitia—I - feel that I want to stand on the soil where my worthy, humble, dear - old people worked and worshipped, and laid them down to - <span class="tei tei-corr">die.</span>”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You are downcast indeed,”</span> said Domitia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And because downcast, I have been brooding over your - troubles, little sister-in-law. Come! I did something for your poor - Lamia,—I made him consul, and I will do more. Can you be patient - and tarry till my strength is restored? I shall return from my - family farm in rude health, I trust, and by the Gods! the first - matter I will then take in hand will be yours. I know what my - brother is. By Jupiter Capitolinus! if Rome should ever have him as - its prince, it will weep tears of blood. I know his savage humor - and his sullen mind. No, Domitia, you cannot be happy with him. A - cruel wrong was done you, and when I return from Cutiliæ I will - right it. You shall be separated!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She threw - herself at his feet.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He smiled, and - withdrawing from her clasp, said:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I will do more than that for your very good friend, in - whom you still take such a lively interest. <span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page228">[pg 228]</span><a name="Pg228" id="Pg228" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a>I shall find means to advance him to - some foreign post—he knows Antioch, I will give him the - proconsulship of Syria and Cilicia, and so move him away from Rome. - And then—”</span> he took a turn, looked smilingly at Domitia, and - said,—<span class="tei tei-q">“I do not see that you need mope at - Gabii. You know Antioch; you were there for some years. It is, I - believe, not well for a governor to take his wife with him; she has - the credit of being a very horse-leech to the province. But I can - trust thee, little woman! There, no thanks, I seek mine own - interest, and to protect our divine images and the new gilding from - the rasp of that tongue. That is the true motive of my making this - offer. Do not thank me. On my return from Cutiliæ you may reckon on - me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then hastily - brushing away her thanks, and evading her arms, extended to clasp - him, he walked from the terrace.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Euphrosyne!”</span> cried Domitia, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“did you hear! The comet has reached its extreme limit, - it is turning—it is drawing to the light—to hope. Happiness is - near—ah!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In her - excitement she had struck her jewel-case that stood on the marble - balustrade, and sent it, with all its costly contents, flying down - the precipice into the thronged lanes at the back of the forum in a - glittering rain.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Ye Gods!”</span> gasped Domitia, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“the omen! O ye Gods! the bad omen.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lady,”</span> said Euphrosyne, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“all is not lost”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What remains? Ah! the Fish!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Yes, mistress dear, when all else is lost, remember - the Fish.”</span></p> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page229">[pg 229]</span><a name= - "Pg229" id="Pg229" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc62" id= - "toc62"></a><a name="pdf63" id="pdf63"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER III.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">IN THE</span> <span class="tei tei-q" style= - "text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">“</span><span style= - "font-size: 100%">INSULA.</span><span style= - "font-size: 100%">”</span></span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Now, for a while I am as one who has cast off a - nightmare,”</span> said Domitia to herself. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“He is away—why he has attended Titus to the Sabine - land I know not, unless the Emperor could not trust him in Rome—or - may be, in his goodness he has done it to relieve me of his - presence. I will go see my mother.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia ordered - her litter and bearers. She had no trinkets to put on, save the - fish of cornelian. Her mother liked to see her tricked out, and - usually when Domitia paid her a visit she adorned herself to please - the old lady,—now she could not assume jewelry as she had lost all - her articles of precious stones and metal. So she hung the - cornelian amulet about her neck.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When a Roman - lady went forth in palanquin, it was in some state. Before her went - two heralds in livery, to clear the way and announce her coming at - the houses where she purposed calling, then she had six bearers, - and attendants of her own sex, carrying her scent bottles, - kerchiefs, fans, and whatever she might think it possible she would - require.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia was - impatient of display, but it had been imposed on her by the - Emperor. <span class="tei tei-q">“The Flavians,”</span> said he - smiling, <span class="tei tei-q">“must make a show in - public.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A Roman lady was - at this period expected to wear yellow hair, if she would be in the - fashion. Under the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page230">[pg - 230]</span><a name="Pg230" id="Pg230" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>Flavians, it was a compliment to the reigning - princes to affect this color. It was true that the word <span lang= - "la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">flavus</span></span> meant anything in color, - from mud upwards to what might be termed yellow by courtesy. It was - employed as descriptive of the Tiber, that was of the dingiest of - drabs, and of the Campagna when every particle of vegetation was - burnt up on it, and the tone was that of the dust-heaps. But now - that the parsnip-haired Flavians were divine and all-powerful, the - adjective was employed to describe the harvest field and gold. - Ladies talked of their hair as <span class= - "tei tei-q">“flavan”</span> when it had been dyed with saffron and - dusted with gold. Not to have yellow hair was expressive of - disaffection to the dynasty—so every lady who would be in the - fashion, and every husband who wanted office, first bleached and - then dyed their hair, and as hair was occasionally thin, they - employed vast masses of padding and borrowed coils from German - <span class="tei tei-q">“fraus”</span> to make the utmost show of - their loyalty to the august house of the divine Flavii.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia dared - not be out of fashion, and she was constrained to submit to having - her chestnut hair dredged with gold-dust before she went forth on - her visit. For her, conspicuously to wear her hair in its natural - color would at once have provoked animadversion, and been - interpreted as a publication, in most defiant manner, of the - domestic discord that was a topic of gossip in the saloons of - Rome.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When she had - entered her palanquin, she gave her orders and was carried lightly - down the sloping road into the Forum. This was crossed, and then, - drawing back the curtains of her litter, she said:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Eboracus, tell the fellows not to go at once to the - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page231">[pg 231]</span><a name= - "Pg231" id="Pg231" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Carinæ. I have a - fancy to see the wife of Paris the actor, in the <span lang="la" - class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">Insula</span></span> of Castor and - Pollux.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She was playing - with the fish suspended on her bosom, as she was being conveyed - down the hill, and the thought had come to her that she had not - seen Glyceria for a long time, and that now was a good occasion as - her husband—whom these visits annoyed, and who had in fact - forbidden them—was absent from Rome.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The porters at - once entered the narrow, tortuous lanes, where the lofty blocks of - buildings cut off all sun and made twilight in midday.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As Domitia - stepped out of her litter, she saw coming down the street, a man - much in the company of Domitian, for whom she entertained a - particular dislike. He was a very dark man, and blind; his face was - pointed, and his nose long; he ran with projecting head, turning - his sharp nose from side to side, like a dog after game. His name - was Valerius Messalinus.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One of his - slaves whispered something into his ear, and he twisted about his - head, and then came trotting in the direction of the litter of - Domitia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Quick,”</span> said she, <span class="tei tei-q">“I - must go in; I will not speak with that man. If he asks for me, say - I am out—out of the litter.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She at once - entered the block of lodgings, and impatiently waved back her - heralds, who would have ascended the stairs before her and - pompously announced her arrival.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Taking - Euphrosyne along with her, Domitia made her way towards the - apartments of the crippled woman. But already the news had spread - that men in the im<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page232">[pg - 232]</span><a name="Pg232" id="Pg232" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>perial livery had entered the building, and - there was a rush to the balustrade to see them.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When Domitia - reached the first landing, she saw that the women and children, and - such men as were there, had ranged themselves on either side, to - give her passage, every face was smiling, and lit with pleasure, - the men raised their forefingers and thumbs to their mouths, and - the women and children strove to catch her hand, or kneeling to - touch, raise and kiss the hem of her dress.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">If, at one time - it had caused surprise that she a rich lady, should enter a common - haunt of the poor, it was now a matter of more than surprise, of - admiration and delight—to welcome the sister-in-law of the Emperor, - one who it was whispered would some day be herself Empress, - Augusta, and an object of religious worship.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This sort of - welcome always went to the heart of Domitia, and gave her a choke - in the throat.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The great people - never regarded the poor, save as nuisances. An emperor had said of - the populace that it was a wolf he held by the ears. And it was - wolf-like because brutally treated, pampered as to food given - without pay, supplied with scenes of bloodshed, also without cost, - in the arena, every encouragement to work taken from it, every - demoralizing, barbarizing influence employed to degrade it.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The great people - were supremely indifferent to the sufferings of the small, provided - no hospitals for the poor who were sick, no orphanages for the - homeless children—let them die—and the faster the better,—that was - one wish of the great;—then shall we be alone on the earth with our - slaves.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Had these poor - people hopes, ambitions, cares, sor<span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page233">[pg 233]</span><a name="Pg233" id="Pg233" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>rows? Did they love their wives, and hold to - their hearts their cubs of children? Did they have any desire that - their children should grow up to be good men and virtuous women? - Oh, no! such rabble were not of one blood with the rich. They had - no fine feelings, they were like the beasts; they were without - human souls; and so, when the poor died their bodies were rammed - down wells contrived to contain a thousand corpses at a time, and - then heaped over with a little earth.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But Domitia had - learned that it was not as supposed. Amidst the falsity, barbarity - of heart, and coarseness of mind of such as were of the noble Roman - order,—the cultured, the rich, the philosophic—there was no - sincerity, no truth. She felt happier and better after one of these - visits to the <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= - "la"><span style="font-style: italic">Insula</span></span> in the - Suburra as though her lungs had inhaled a purer atmosphere. To the - smiles and kisses and blessings lavished on her, she answered with - kindly courtesy—and then stepped into the room of the paralyzed - woman. Glyceria was as much a cripple as when first visited. She - was more wasted—some time had passed—but she hardly seemed older, - only more beautiful in her purity, a diaphanous lamp of - mother-of-pearl through which shone a supernatural light.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia drew a - deep sigh.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Glyceria,”</span> she said, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“when I come here, it is to me like seeing a glimpse of - blue sky after a day of rain, or—like the scent of violets that - came on me the first time I visited you.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And when you, lady, come to me, it is as though a - sunbeam shone into my dark chamber.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Nay, nay—no flattery from thee, or I shall hate - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page234">[pg 234]</span><a name= - "Pg234" id="Pg234" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>thee. I get that till - it cloys. But tell me now, times have been better, and why has not - Paris moved into superior quarters? Surely he is in better employ - and pay than of old.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is so, but only to a small degree,”</span> answered - the actor’s wife. <span class="tei tei-q">“Paris performs in the - grand old dramas in Greek only; in those of Æschylus and Eurypides - and Sophocles, he is a tragic actor,—and—”</span> the poor woman - smiled, <span class="tei tei-q">“perhaps home troubles have taken - the laughter out of him. He is a sad bungler in comedy. Now the - taste of Rome is not for the masterpieces of the ancients. The - people clamor to see an elephant dance on a tight-rope, and a man - crucified who pours forth blood enough to swamp the stage—the - Laureolus! that is the piece to bring down the house. Or some bit - of buffoonery and indecency. To that the people crowd. However, we - live; I hang as a log about my Paris’s neck, but thank God, he - loves his log and would not be rid of it, so I am - content.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But if you will suffer me to assist you,”</span> said - Domitia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Glyceria shook - her head. <span class="tei tei-q">“No, dear lady, do not take it - ill if I refuse your kind offer, made, not for the first time. I am - very happy here, very—with these dear kind people about me, running - in and out all the day, offering their gracious good wishes, - lending their ready help. On my word, lady! I do believe that they - would all be in tears and feel it as a slight if I were to go; and - for myself, I could never be happy away from them.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia stood up - and went to the door. Her heart swelled in her bosom.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“None but the poor know,”</span> said the cripple, - <span class="tei tei-q">“how kind, how tender the poor are to one - another. Poverty is a brotherhood—we are all of one blood, and one - heart.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page235">[pg - 235]</span><a name="Pg235" id="Pg235" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And I—”</span> said the great lady, looking out on the - balcony with its swarm of people, some busy, some idle, most - merry—<span class="tei tei-q">“And I—”</span> said she, - dreamily—<span class="tei tei-q">“I love the poor.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Then,”</span> said a low firm voice, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“thou art not far from the Kingdom of - Heaven.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She turned and - started.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She recollected - him, that stately man with deep, soft eyes. Luke, the - Physician.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I am not surprised,”</span> he added, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“if you be His disciple,”</span> and he touched the - cornelian fish.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was not - strange that in this splendid lady with golden hair he did not - recognize the timid, crushed girl with auburn locks, he had seen on - the Artemis.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But the - recollection of that night came back with a rush like a tidal wave, - over Domitia, and she threw forth the question, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Why did you cut the thong?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He did not - comprehend her. She saw it, and added, <span class="tei tei-q">“You - do not recollect me. Do you not recall when we nearly ran down the - galley of that monster Nero? On that night, we would have sent him - to the bottom of the sea, but for you,—you spoiled it all; you cut - the thong of the rudder. Why did you prevent us from doing - it?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Because,”</span> answered the physician, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith - the Lord. It was not for you to do it. You were not called to be - the minister of His sentence.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I understand you not.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My daughter——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Hold!”</span> said Domitia, rearing herself up. - <span class="tei tei-q">“Dost thou know to whom thou addressest - thyself? I—I thy daughter? I am Domitia Longina, daughter of the - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page236">[pg 236]</span><a name= - "Pg236" id="Pg236" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>great Corbulo, - and—”</span> but she would not add, <span class="tei tei-q">“wife - of the <span class="tei tei-corr">Cæsar</span> - Domitian.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Well, lady,”</span> said Luke, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“forgive me. I thought, seeing that sign on thy breast, - and hearing thee say that thou didst love the poor, that thou wast - one whom, whatever thy rank and wealth and position I might so - address, not indeed as one of the Brethren, but as a hearer and a - seeker—enough—I was mistaken.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What means this fish?”</span> asked Domitia, her - wounded pride oozing away at once. <span class="tei tei-q">“I pray - you forgive me. I spoke hastily.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The fish,”</span> said he—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But before he - could offer any explanation, Paris appeared, his face expressive of - alarm; he had seen the servants in the imperial white below, and - knew therefore whom to find in his wife’s lodgings.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He hastily - saluted her and said:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lady! I beseech thee to go at once. Something has - occurred most grave. Return immediately to the palace.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What is it? Tell me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Madam, I dare not name it, lest it be untrue. To speak - of it if untrue were to be guilty of High Treason.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“High Treason!”</span> gasped Domitia. She knew what - such a charge entailed.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The Cæsar Domitian has passed at full gallop through - the streets, his attendants behind him.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Whither has he gone?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“To the Prætorian barracks.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Ye <span class="tei tei-corr">Gods!</span>”</span> - spoke Domitia, she could not raise her voice above a whisper. - <span class="tei tei-q">“Then the worst has happened. My light is - out once more.”</span></p> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page237">[pg 237]</span><a name= - "Pg237" id="Pg237" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc64" id= - "toc64"></a><a name="pdf65" id="pdf65"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER IV.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">ANOTHER APPEAL.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On reaching the - street, Domitia saw at once that the aspect of the populace was - changed. Instead of the busy hum of trade, the calls of hucksters, - the laugh of the mirthful, a stillness had come on every one; no - face smiled, no voice was raised, scarcely any person moved.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Those who had - been bustling here and there stood motionless, trade had ceased. A - sudden frost had arrested the flow of life and reduced all its - manifestations to the lowest term. Such as had been running about - collected in clusters, and conversed in whispers. Blank faces - looked at Domitia as she entered her litter, with awed respect.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Eboracus! What is the meaning of this?”</span> asked - the lady.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Madam, I know not. None will confide what they seem to - know or to suspect.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Go forward,”</span> said she, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“I will visit my mother in the Carinæ. She will know - everything.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In another - moment her train was in movement, and as she passed along, all - bowed and saluted with their hands; they had done as much - previously, but without the earnestness that was now observable. In - the heart of Domitia was as it were a blade of ice transpiercing - it. She was in deadly alarm lest her surmise should prove - true.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page238">[pg - 238]</span><a name="Pg238" id="Pg238" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She would not - draw the curtains of her litter, but looked at everything in the - streets, and saw that all were in the same condition of - stupefaction.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On reaching the - entrance to the palace occupied by her mother, Domitia noticed - another palanquin and attendants.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The Vestal Abbess, Cornelia, is with the Lady - Duilia,”</span> said Eboracus.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I will go in!—I know her well, and esteem her,”</span> - said Domitia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She passed the - vestibule, traversed the Atrium and entered the Tablinum. But Longa - Duilia was not there. A slave coming up, said that she had entered - with the Great Mother into a private apartment, where she might not - be disturbed.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Well! I am no stranger. Lead the way.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In another - instant she was ushered into her mother’s presence, and at once - Duilia bowed to her with profound respect.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Mother—what does this mean?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Here is the Lady Abbess, Cornelia, let me present her - to your Highness.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Mother—I salute the Lady Cornelia—what is this that - has cast a shadow over Rome and frightened the people as with an - eclipse?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My dear, of course you have heard. It may be only - rumor and yet,—he was suffering when he left Rome.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Ye Gods! do not say so! Mother, withdraw your words of - bad omen. Naught has befallen him! It was but a slight - fever.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“So we esteemed it, but——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But, mother——”</span> Domitia panted.</p><span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page239">[pg 239]</span><a name="Pg239" id="Pg239" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The news are weighty, and concern you vastly, my - daughter.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is too horrible for me to think. Surely, surely, - mother, it is false.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Hearken, my dear,—Lady Cornelia, come also to the top - of the house. It is a fine situation for seeing and hearing, and - out of all reach of eavesdroppers. I hear shouts, I hear horns - blowing. Come—speedily! let us to the house-top.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Laying hold of - Domitia and the Vestal Superior by the wrists, she drew them with - her to the roof.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The silence that - had fallen on Rome had passed away, the town was now resonant with - horns and trumpets pealing from the Prætorian camp, with the - shouting of many voices from the same quarter. In the streets, - messengers were running, armed with knotted sticks, and were - hammering at the doors of Senators to summon them to an - extraordinary meeting. The clash of arms resounded, so also the - tramp of feet, as the city police marched in the direction of the - Palatine. Here and there rose loud cries, but what they signified - could not be judged.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In another - moment Eboracus came out on the housetop, and hastening to his - mistress, said:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Madam, the Augustus—Titus, <span class= - "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">has - been</span></span>. The Cæsar Domitian is proclaimed Emperor by the - troops. The <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= - "la"><span style="font-style: italic">vigiles</span></span> are - hastening in cohorts to swear allegiance.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I congratulate you—I congratulate you with all my - heart!”</span> exclaimed Longa Duilia, throwing her arms round her - daughter. <span class="tei tei-q">“I have reached the summit of my - ambition. I vow a kid to Febronia for her opportune—ahem!—but who - would have thought the Roman fever would have been so speedy in - bringing <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page240">[pg - 240]</span><a name="Pg240" id="Pg240" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>us - luck. Run, Eboracus, summon the housekeeper; order the ancestral - masks to be exposed, all the boxes opened, dust the noses with the - feather brush; let the <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" - xml:lang="la"><span style="font-style: italic">lares</span></span> - be garlanded. Tell Paulina to bring out the best incense, not the - cheapest this time, and I vow I will throw a double pinch on the - altar of the household gods. Who would have thought it! I—I, mother - to an empress. I would dance on the house-top, but that my wig is - not properly pinned, and might come off. I must, I positively must - embrace you again, Domitia; and you too, Cornelia, I am so - happy!—As the Gods love me! Wig pinned or not, I must - dance.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Let us go down,”</span> said Domitia in a hard - tone.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Come down, by all means,”</span> acquiesced her - mother. <span class="tei tei-q">“I must see that the Gods be - properly thanked. I stepped this morning out of bed left leg - foremost.<a id="noteref_9" name="noteref_9" href= - "#note_9"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= - "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">9</span></span></a> I knew - some happiness would come to me to-day. As the Gods love me! I’ll - give a little supper. Domitia! whom shall I invite? None of your - second-class men now. There!—I thought as much; my wig has come - off. Never mind! no men can see me, and women don’t - count.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On reaching the - private apartment of the lady, Domitia said:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Mother—a word.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She was white, - save that a flame was kindled on each cheek-bone and her eyes - scintillated like burning coals.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Well, my dear, I am all ears—even to my - toes.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Mother, he murdered him. I know it—I feared there was - mischief meant, when Domitian attended him to Cutiliæ and took - Elymas with him. It was not fever that——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> - - <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> - <img src="images/i_266.jpg" alt="MOTHER, HE MURDERED HIM." title= - "“MOTHER, HE MURDERED HIM.” Page 240." /> - - <div class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: center">“MOTHER, HE - MURDERED HIM.”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi" style= - "text-align: center"><span style="font-style: italic">Page - 240.</span></span> - </div> - </div><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page241">[pg 241]</span><a name= - "Pg241" id="Pg241" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My dear, don’t bother your head about these matters. - They all do it. We women, I thank the Gods, are outside of - politics. But—well—well, you must not say such things, not even - think them. It is all for the best in the best of worlds. I never - had the smallest wish to see behind the scenes. Always eat your - meat cooked and spiced, and don’t ask to see it as it comes from - the shambles. If you are quite positive, then I won’t throw away - the kid on Febronia. It is of no use wasting money on a goddess who - really has not helped.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Mother,”</span> said Domitia, her whole frame - quivering with excitement; <span class="tei tei-q">“I am sure of - it. Did not the Augustus give his daughter Julia to Flavius - Sabinus? I know that Domitian was alarmed at that. I saw it in his - looks, I heard it in his voice; his movements of hand and foot - proclaimed it. He feared a rival. He feared what the will of Titus - might be—whom he might name as his successor. Mark me, my mother; - the first to fall will be Flavius Sabinus.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Hist! the word is of bad omen.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It was of bad omen to Sabinus and to Titus alike when - Julia was given to her cousin.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Well, my dear,”</span> said Longa Duilia, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“I do not see that we need concern ourselves about - politics. You see,—every night, stars drop out of the heavens; the - firmament is overcrowded, and those stars that are firmest planted - elbow out the weakest. It is their way in heaven, and what other - can you expect on earth? Of course, it were much to be desired—and - all that sort of thing; but we did not make the world, neither do - we rule it. All eggs in a nest do not hatch out, some - addle.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page242">[pg - 242]</span><a name="Pg242" id="Pg242" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Mother, I will not go back to him.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Folly! you cannot do other.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I will not. My condition was bad enough before, it - will be worse now.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Domitia, set your mind at rest. I have no doubt that - there have been little unpleasantnesses. Man and wife do not always - agree. Your poor father would not be ruled by me. If he had—ah - me!—Things would have been very different in Rome. But he suffered - for his obstinacy. You must be content to take things as you find - them. Most certainly it would be better in every way if peacocks - had eyes on both sides of their tails, but as they have not, only - very silly peacocks turn about and expose the eyeless side. Make - the best of matrimony. It is not many marriages are like young - walnuts, that you can peel off the bitter and eat only the sweet. - In most, the skin adheres so tightly that you have to take the - sweet with the gall, and be content that there is any sweet at - all.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I shall go away. I will not return to the - palace.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Go whither? the world belongs to Domitian. There is - not a corner where you can hide. There are officials, and when not - officials—spies. I have no doubt that the fish in that tank put up - their heads and wish they were butterflies to soar above the roof - and get away and sport among the flowers, instead of going - interminably about the <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" - xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">impluvium</span></span>. But, my dear, they - can’t do it, so they acquiesce in tank existence. Yours is the - finest and best lot in the world,—and you would surrender it! From - being a lioness you would decline to be a house cat!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia turned - abruptly away, tears of anger and disappointment were in her - eyes.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page243">[pg - 243]</span><a name="Pg243" id="Pg243" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She said in a - muffled voice:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lady Cornelia, will you come with me?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I am at your service,”</span> answered the Vestal.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The ladies - departed together, and at the portal each entered her own - litter.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“To the Atrium Vestæ,”</span> said Domitia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Her retinue - started, and a moment after followed that of the Vestal - Cornelia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The streets were - full of excited multitudes, currents running up one side, down - another, meeting, coming to a standstill, clotting, and choking the - thoroughfares, then breaking up and flowing again.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">If it had not - been for the liveries of the two heralds, the palanquin of Domitia - could not have got through, but when it was observed whose litter - and servants were endeavoring to make way, the crowd readily - divided, and every obstacle gave way immediately. But the Vestal - Superior needed not that the Cæsar’s wife should open the road for - her. As much respect was accorded to her as to Domitia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Both trains, the - one following immediately after the other, entered and traversed - the Forum, passed the Temple of Julius, and at the south extremity - reached the Atrium of the Vestal Virgins, a long building without a - window, communicating with the outer world by a single door.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At this door - Domitia descended from her litter, and awaited the Abbess.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Cornelia also - stepped from her litter. She was a tall and stately lady of forty - years, who had once been beautiful, but whose charms were faded. - She smiled—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You will pay me a visit, as you go your way? that is a - gracious favor.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page244">[pg 244]</span><a name="Pg244" id="Pg244" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“A lengthy visit,”</span> said Domitia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Time will never seem long in your sweet - society,”</span> answered the Vestal and taking Domitia’s hand led - her up the steps to the platform.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">No sooner was - Domitia there, than she ran to the altar of the Goddess on which - burned the perpetual fire, within a domed Temple, and clasped it. - Cornelia had followed her, and looked at her with surprise.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I claim the protection of the Goddess,”</span> said - Domitia. <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= - "tei tei-corr">I</span> will not return to the palace! I will be - free from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= - "font-style: italic">him</span></span>.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Cornelia became - grave.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“If your Goddess has any might, any grace, she will - protect me. Do you fear? Have you lost your rights? I claim - them.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Be it so,”</span> said the Abbess. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“None have appealed to the Goddess in vain, none taken - sanctuary with her, who have been rejected. She will maintain your - cause.”</span></p> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page245">[pg 245]</span><a name= - "Pg245" id="Pg245" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc66" id= - "toc66"></a><a name="pdf67" id="pdf67"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER V.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">ATRIUM VESTÆ.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When the Romans - were a pastoral people at Alba, then it was the duty of the young - girls to attend to the common hearth and keep the fire ever - burning. To obtain fresh fire was not always possible, and at the - best of times not easy.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Fire was - esteemed sacred, being so mysterious, and so indispensable, and - reverence was made to the domestic hearth (hestia) as the altar of - the Fire goddess.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When the Roman - settlement was made on the banks of the Tiber, one hut of a - circular form was constituted the central hearth, and provision was - made that thence every household should obtain its fire. This hut - became the Temple of Hestia or Vesta, and certain girls were set - apart to watch the fire that it should never become - extinguished.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This was the - origin of the institution of the Vestal Virgins, an institution - which lasted from the founding of Rome in B. C. 753, to the - disestablishment of Paganism, and the expulsion of the last Vestal, - in A. D. 394, nearly eleven hundred and fifty years.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">No girl under - six or above ten years of age was admissible as priestess of the - sacred fire, and but six damsels were allowed,—their term of - service was thirty years, after which the Vestal was free to return - home and to marry. The eldest of the Vestals was <span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page246">[pg 246]</span><a name="Pg246" id="Pg246" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a>termed Maxima, and she acted as superior - or abbess over the community.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">They enjoyed - great possessions and privileges and were shown the most - extraordinary respect. Seats of honor were accorded to the Vestals - in the theatres, the amphitheatre and the circus.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Vestals had - other duties to perform beside that of maintaining the perpetual - fire. They preserved the palladia of Rome, those mysterious - articles on which the prosperity, nay, the very existence of the - city was thought to depend. What these were was never known. The - last Vestal carried them away and concealed them. With her death - the secret was lost. Moreover, they took charge of the wills of - great men, emperors and nobles, and in times of civil war they - mediated between the conflicting parties.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Cornelia gently - detached the hands of Domitia from the altar of Vesta, and led her - within the college of the Vestals, the only door to which opened on - the platform on which stood the Temple.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On entering, she - found herself in an oblong court surrounded on all four sides by a - cloister, the prototype of those to be in later days erected in the - several convents and abbeys, and collegiate buildings of - Christendom. In the open space in the midst was the circular - treasury of the palladia, at one end was the well whence the - virgins drew their water. The cloister was composed of marble - columns, and sustained an upper gallery, also open to the court but - roofed over and the roof supported on columns of red marble.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Between the - columns below and above stood statues of the Superiors, who had - merited commemoration. <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page247">[pg - 247]</span><a name="Pg247" id="Pg247" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>There was no garden, the place for walking was - the cloister.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Cornelia - conducted Domitia into the reception-chamber, and kissing her - said:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Under the protection of the Goddess you are - safe.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I trust I in no way endanger your safety.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Mine!”</span> Cornelia laughed. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“There is none above me save the supreme pontiff, and - so long as I do no wrong, no one can molest me. But tell me—what - wilt thou do?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“In the first place send out and bid my servants return - home; and if they ask when to come for me, answer, when I send for - them.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“That is easily done,”</span> said the Abbess. She - clapped her hands and a slave girl answered and received this - commission.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Now,”</span> said she, <span class="tei tei-q">“now we - come to the real difficulty. Here you are, but here you cannot - tarry for long. For six days we may accord sanctuary, but for no - more. After that we must deliver over the person who has taken - refuge with us if required.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I have for some time considered what might be done. I - have been so miserable, so degraded, so impatient, that I have - racked my brain how to escape, and I see but one course. When we - were at Cenchræa, my mother and I, we were in the house of a Greek - client of our family, who was very kind to us, and his wife loved - me well. If I could escape thither in disguise, then I think he - would be able to secrete me, there are none so astute as are the - Greeks, and who so love to outwit their masters.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But how is this possible?”</span></p><span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page248">[pg 248]</span><a name="Pg248" id="Pg248" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“That I know not—only let me get away from Rome, then - trust my craft to enable me to evade pursuit. Let it be given out - that I am here in fulfilment of a vow, then no suspicion will be - roused, and I can take my measures.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is not possible,”</span> said Cornelia in some - alarm. <span class="tei tei-q">“Have you considered what your - mother said? the Augustus is all-seeing and all-powerful, and has - his hand everywhere.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Get me out of Italy, and I shall be safe. I will not - return to the Palatine. If my life was hateful to me before, what - will it be made now? Then <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= - "font-style: italic">he</span></span> had some fear of his father - and of his brother, now he has none to fear.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Vestal said, - <span class="tei tei-q">“Let me have time to think this over—and - yet, it doth not seem to me feasible.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Get me but a beggar’s suit, and walnut juice, that I - may stain my face and hands and arms. I will wash all this - gold-dust from my hair—and I warrant you none will know me, with a - staff and a wallet, I will go forth, right willingly. I will not - return to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= - "font-style: italic">him</span></span>.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“That is impossible. You—with your beauty—your - nobility——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My nobility is of no account with me now.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You think so, and so it may be whilst untouched, but I - am certain the least ruffle would make your pride flash - out.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia - remembered her resentment at the physician’s apparent - familiarity.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Well—my beauty will be disguised.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“That nothing can conceal.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Oh! do not speak thus, or I shall mistrust you, as I - mistrust every one else—except my slave Euphro<span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page249">[pg 249]</span><a name="Pg249" id="Pg249" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a>syne, and Eboracus, and Glyceria the - actor’s wife. These seem to me the only true persons in the world. - I would cast myself on them, but two are slaves and the other is - paralyzed. Consider now, Cornelia, do you not understand how that - one may reach a condition of mind or soul, call it which you will, - when we become desperate. One must make an effort to break away - into a new and free and better life, or succumb and become bad, and - dead to all that is noble and true and good, hard of heart, callous - to right and wrong. I am at that point. I know, if I were to return - to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= - "font-style: italic">him</span></span>, and to be Empress of the - Roman world, that I should have but one thing to live for—the pride - of my place and the blazoning of my position; and to all that which - lies deep within me, bleeding, crying out, hungering, and with dry - lips—dead.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My dear lady, you were never made for what you are - forced to become.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Then, why do the Gods thrust me on to a throne that I - hate, tie me to a man that I loathe, surround me with a splendor - that I despise. Tell me why? O Vesta! immaculate Goddess! how I - would that I had been as one of thy consecrated virgins, to spend - my days in this sweet house, and pure, peaceful cloister! Do you - see? I must away. I am lost to all good—if I remain. I must away! - it is my soul that speaks, that spreads its hands to thee, - Cornelia! save me!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She threw - herself on her knees and extended her arms to the Vestal Abbess, - caught her dress and kissed it.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Cornelia was - deeply moved,</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I beseech you, rise,”</span> she said, lifting the - kneeling <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page250">[pg - 250]</span><a name="Pg250" id="Pg250" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>suppliant, clasping her in her arms, and - caressing her as a child.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Hearken to me, Domitia, I can think but of one person - that can assist us; that is my cousin Celer. He is a good man, and - whatever I desire, he will strive to execute as a sacred duty. Yet - the risk is great.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I pray you!—I pray you get him to assist me to - escape.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“He must furnish you with attendants. It will not be - secure for you to be accompanied by any of your own servants. They - might be traced. Celer has got a villa. Stay, I will go forth at - once and see him. He can give counsel. Do nothing till my - return.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Vestal - Great-Mother left, and Domitia was glad to be alone.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The habitation - of the Vestals was wonderfully peaceful, in the midst of busy, - seething Rome, and in the centre of its greatest movement. As - already said, it had no windows, and but one door that opened on - the outer world. It drew all its air, all its light, from the patch - of sky over the central court. Figures of Vestals glided about like - spirits, and the white statues stood ghostlike on their - pedestals.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But to be - without flowers, without a peristyle commanding a landscape of - garden and lake and trees and mountains! That was terrible. It - would have been an unendurable life, but that the Vestal college - was possessed of country seats, to which some of the elder of the - sisterhood were allowed occasionally to go and take with them some - one or two of the novices.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Although there - were no flowers in the quadrangle, there was abundance of birds. In - and out among the variegated marbles, perching on balustrades, - fluttering <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page251">[pg - 251]</span><a name="Pg251" id="Pg251" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>among the statues, were numerous pigeons, as - marbled in tint as the sculptured stonework, and looking like - animated pieces of the same; and a tame flamingo in gorgeous - plumage basked himself, then strutted, and on seeing a Vestal - approach hopped towards her. When, moreover, the same maiden drew - water from the well, the pigeons came down like a fall of snow - about her, clustering round the bucket to obtain a dip and a - drink.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Several hours - passed. At length the Abbess returned. She at once sought Domitia, - who rose on her entry. Cornelia took both her hands within her own - and said:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“We women are fools, that is what Celer said, when I - told him your plan. As he at once pointed out, it is impossible for - you to lie hid anywhere in Italy—and impossible to escape from it, - unknown to the Augustus. Any one endeavoring to assist you to - escape would lose his life, most assuredly. <span class= - "tei tei-q">‘I cannot sell smoke to a clown,’</span> said he - bluntly—he is a plain man—<span class="tei tei-q">‘I will not put - out a finger to assist in such an attempt, which would bring ruin - on us all. But,’</span> he said, <span class="tei tei-q">‘this may - be done; let the Lady Domitia retire to one of her own villas, in - the country, and commit the matter to the Vestals. Your entreaty is - powerful, and if attended by two of the sisters—or perhaps better - alone, for this is not a matter to be made public—go to the prince, - and plead in the lady’s name, that thou feelest unequal to the - weight of duties that will now fall on the Augusta, and that thy - health is feeble and thou needest repose and country air—then he - may yield his consent, at least to a temporary retreat.’</span> But - my kinsman Celer advised nothing beyond this. In very truth, - nothing else can be done. Most men’s noses are crooked,—he - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page252">[pg 252]</span><a name= - "Pg252" id="Pg252" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>said—and he is a - blunt man—and those who have straight ones do not like to follow - them. But in your case, Lady Domitia, there is practically no other - way.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Then I will to Gabii,”</span> said Domitia with a - sigh. <span class="tei tei-q">“If he will force me back—there is - the lake.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then, said - Cornelia, <span class="tei tei-q">“Dost thou know that blind-man - Messalinus?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Full well—he hangs on to the Cæsar Domitian, like a - leech.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Since thou didst enter the house of us Vestals, he - hath been up and down the Via Nova and the Sacred Way, never - letting this place out of his eye—blind though he be. Some say he - scents as doth a dog, and that is why he works his head about from - side to side snuffing the wind. When I went forth he detached two - of his slaves to follow—and they went as far as myself and stood - watching outside the door of the knight Celer, and when I came - forth they were still there, and when I returned to the Atrium of - Vesta, I found Messalinus peering with his sightless eyes round the - corner. But, I trow, he sees through his servants’ - eyes.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“He is a bird of ill omen,”</span> said Domitia, - <span class="tei tei-q">“a vulture scenting his prey.”</span></p> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page253">[pg 253]</span><a name= - "Pg253" id="Pg253" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc68" id= - "toc68"></a><a name="pdf69" id="pdf69"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER VI.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">FOR THE PEOPLE.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia was at - Gabii. Cornelia, the Vestal Great Mother had sent her thither in - her own litter, and attended by her own servants, but with the - assistance of the knight Celer, who had gone before to Gabii to - make preparations.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Gabii had none - of the natural beauties of Albanum, but Domitia cared little for - that. It was a seat that had belonged to her father and here his - ashes reposed. The villa was by no means splendid; but then—nor had - been that of Albanum when she was first carried thither. Domitian - had bought it immediately after the proclamation of his father, and - it had then been a modest, but very charming country residence. - Since then, he had lavished vast sums upon it, and had converted it - into a palace, without having really improved it thereby. To - Albanum he had become greatly attached; to it he retired in his - moody fits, when resentful of his treatment by his father, envious - of his brother, and suspicious of his first cousin Sabinus. There - he had vented his spleen in harassing his masons, bullying his - slaves, and in sticking pins through flies.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But if Gabii was - less beautiful and less sumptuous, it had the immeasurable - advantage of not being occupied by Domitian. There, for a while, - Domitia was <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page254">[pg - 254]</span><a name="Pg254" id="Pg254" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>free from his hateful society, his endearments - and his insults, alike odious to her.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And she enjoyed - the rest; she found real soothing to her sore heart in wandering - about the garden, and by the lake, and visiting familiar nooks.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Only into the - temple of Isis she did not penetrate, the recollection of the - vision there seen was too painful to be revived.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On the third day - after she had been in the Gabian villa, Celer came out from Rome. - He was a plain middle-aged man with a bald head, and a short - brusque manner, but such a man as Domitia felt she could trust.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He informed her - that Cornelia had been before the Augustus and had entreated him to - allow his wife to absent herself from the palace, and from his - company. She had made the plea that Domitia Longina was out of - health, overstrained by the hurry of exciting events, and that she - needed complete rest.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But I demand more than that,”</span> said she.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Madam, more than that, my cousin, the Great Mother, - dared not ask. The prince was in a rough mood, he was highly - incensed at your having withdrawn without his leave, and he saw - behind Cornelia’s words the real signification. He behaved to her - with great ill-humor, and would give no answer one way or the - other—and that means that here you are to remain, till it is his - pleasure to recall you.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And may that never be,”</span> sighed Domitia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The Augustus is moreover much engaged at - present.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What has he been doing? But stay—tell me now—is there - news concerning Sabinus?”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page255">[pg 255]</span><a name="Pg255" id="Pg255" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Ah lady! he has been.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I knew it would be so. On what <span class= - "tei tei-corr">charge?</span>”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The Augustus was incensed against him, because under - the god Vespasian he had put his servant in the white livery, when - Flavius Sabinus was elected to serve as consul for the ensuing - year. Unhappily, the herald in announcing his election gave him the - title of Emperor in place of consul, through a mere slip of the - tongue. But it was made an occasion of delation. Messalinus snapped - at the opportunity, and at once the noble Sabinus was found guilty - of High Treason, and sentenced to death.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And what has become of Julia, daughter of the god - Titus, the wife of Sabinus?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“She has been brought by the Augustus to the - Palatine.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Next day, the - slave Euphrosyne arrived. She had been sent for by Domitia, and was - allowed to go to her mistress. She also brought news.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The town was in - agitation. It was rumored that the Emperor was about to divorce - Domitia, and to marry his niece.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It would be welcome to me were this to take - place,”</span> said Domitia. <span class="tei tei-q">“Come, now, - Euphrosyne, bring me spindle and distaff, I will be as a spinster - of old.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So days passed, - occasionally tidings came from Rome, but these were uncertain - rumors. Domitia was enjoying absolute peace and freedom from - annoyance in the country. And she had in Euphrosyne one with whom - she talked with pleasure, for the girl had much to say that showed - novelty, springing out of a mind very different in texture from - that usual among slaves.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is a delight to me to be still. Child!—I can well - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page256">[pg 256]</span><a name= - "Pg256" id="Pg256" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>think it, after a - toilsome and discouraging life, it is pleasant to fold the hands, - lay the head on the sod, and go to sleep, without a wish to further - keep awake.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Yes, when there is a prospect of waking - again.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But even without that, is life so pleasant that one - would incline to renew it? Not I for one.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia looked - up at the fresco of the Quest of Pleasure, and said—<span class= - "tei tei-q">“Once I wondered at that picture yonder, and that all - pleasure attained should resolve itself into a sense of - disappointment. It is quite true that we pursue the butterfly, - after we have ceased to value it, but that is because we must - pursue something, not that we value that which is attained or to be - attained.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Ah, lady, we must pursue something. That is in our - nature—it is a necessity.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is so; and what else is there to follow after - except pleasure?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“There is knowledge.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Knowledge! the froth-whipping of philosophers, the - smoke clouds raised by the magicians, the dreams and fancies of - astronomers—pshaw! I have no stomach for such knowledge. No! I want - nothing but to be left alone, to dream away my remainder of - life.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“No, lady, that would not content you. You must seek. - We are made to be seekers, as the bird is made to fly, and the fish - to swim.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“If we do not seek one thing, we seek another, and in - every one, find—what the pinched butterfly is—dust.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“No, mistress, not if we seek the truth. The knowledge - of the truth, the <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= - "la"><span style="font-style: italic">Summum - Bonum</span></span>.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But where, how are we to seek - it?”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page257">[pg - 257]</span><a name="Pg257" id="Pg257" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“In God,”</span> answered the slave.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The Gods! of them we know only idle tales, and in - place of the tales, when taken away, there remains but guesswork. - There again—the pinch of dust.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lady, if we are created to seek, as the fish to swim, - there must be an element in which to pursue our quest, an end to - attain. That is inevitable, unless we be made by a freakish - malevolent power that plants in us desire that can feed only on - dust, ever, ever dust. No, that cannot be, the soul runs because it - sees its goal—”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And that?—”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A bustle, and in - a moment, in sailed Longa Duilia, very much painted, very yellow in - hair, and with saffron eyelashes and brows.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Little fool!”</span> said the mother. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Come, let me embrace thee, yet gently lest you crumple - me, and be cautious of thy kisses, lest thou take off the bloom of - my cheek. Thou art ever boisterous in thy demonstrations. There, - give me a seat, I must put up my feet. As the Gods love me! what a - hole this Gabii is! How dingy, how dirty, how shabby it all looks! - As the Gods—but how art thou? some say ill, some say sulky, some - say turned adrift. As the Gods love me! that last is a lie, and I - can swear it. The Augustus distills with love, like a dripping - honeycomb. You must positively come back with me. I have come—not - alone. Messalinus is with me—a charming man—but blind, blind as a - beetle.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What, that fourfolder!”</span><a id="noteref_10" name= - "noteref_10" href="#note_10"><span class= - "tei tei-noteref"><span style= - "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">10</span></span></a></p><span class="tei tei-pb" - id="page258">[pg 258]</span><a name="Pg258" id="Pg258" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Now, now, no slang! I detest it, it is vulgar. - Besides, they all do it, and what all do can’t be wrong. One must - live, and the world is so contrived that one lives upon another; - consequently, it must be right.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Well have the Egyptians represented the God who made - men as a beetle—blind, and this world as a pellet of dung rolled - about blindly by him.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My dear, I am not a philosopher and never wish to be - one. Come, we have brought the Imperial retinue for taking you - back.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Whither? To your house in the Carinæ?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Oh, my Domitia! How ridiculous! Of course you go to - the Palatine, to your proper place. My dear, you will be proclaimed - Augusta, and receive worship as a divinity. The Senate are only - pausing to adjudge you a goddess, to know whether the Emperor - intends to repudiate you or no. It is absolutely necessary that you - come back with me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My godhead is determined by the question whether I be - divorced or not!”</span> exclaimed Domitia contemptuously. - <span class="tei tei-q">“I cannot go with you, mother.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Then,”</span> said Duilia, looking carefully about, - <span class="tei tei-q">“that jade, big-boned and ugly as a - mule—you know to whom I refer, will get the upper hand, and your - nose will be broken.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Mother, I ask but to be left alone.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I will not suffer it. By my maternal - authority——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Alas, mother! I have passed out of that—I did so at my - marriage.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Well then, in your own interest.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“If I consider that I remain here.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Avaunt nonsense! Your position, your - opportu<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page259">[pg - 259]</span><a name="Pg259" id="Pg259" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>nities! Just think! There is cousin Cnæus must - be given a help up. He is a fool—but that don’t matter, you must - get him a proconsulship. Then there is Fulvia, you must exert - yourself to find her a wealthy husband. As the Gods love me! you - can push up all your father’s family, and mine to boot. Come, get - the girls to dress you becomingly and make haste.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I cannot go.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You must. The Augustus wills it.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And if I refuse?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You cannot refuse.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I do so now.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My dear, by the Good Event! you shall come. You can no - more refuse him than you can Destiny.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Let him send his lictors and lead me to - death.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lead you to—how can you talk such rubbish? You must - come. This is how the matter stands. There has been a good deal of - disturbance in Rome. As the Gods love me! I do not know why it is, - but the people like thee vastly, and the rumor has got about that - thou wast about to be repudiated, and that raw-boned filly taken in - your place. First there were murmurings, then pasquinades affixed - to the statues of the august Domitian. Then bands of rioters passed - under his windows howling out mocking songs and blasphemies against - his majesty, and next they clustered in knots, and that Insula of - Castor and Pollux is a nest of insubordination. In fact, return you - must to quiet men’s minds. You know what a disturbance in Rome is, - we have gone through several. By Jupiter! I shall never forget the - rocking I went through that night of the Lectisternium. These sort - of things are only unobjectionable when seen from a distance. But - they <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page260">[pg 260]</span><a name= - "Pg260" id="Pg260" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>leave a taste of - blood behind them. When the riot is over, then come proscription; - the delators have a fine time of it, and the rich and noble are - made to suffer.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But, mother, let Julia do what she will, I care - not.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Rome does. The Roman rabble will not have it so. You - have been familiar with the base and vile multitude. Can’t think - how you could do it! However, it has succeeded this time and turned - out a good move, for the people are clamorous for your return. The - Augustus is but recently proclaimed and allegiance is still - fresh—and I believe his cousin Ursus has been at him to have you - back so as to humor the public.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Yet, if I refuse to gratify him.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Then, my dear, of course, it will be a pity, and all - that sort of thing; but they all do it, and it must be right. The - Augustus would prefer not to use severity—but if severe he must be, - he will put down this disturbance with a hand of iron. He bears no - actor’s sword, the blade of which is innocuous. I will call in - Messalinus. He will tell you more.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She clapped her - hands; in obedience to her order a slave went outside the villa, - and presently returned with the blind man.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He entered, - working his sharp nose about, and then made a cringing bow towards - the wall—not knowing where stood Domitia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Catullus Messalinus,”</span> said Duilia, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“have the goodness to inform my daughter of the - intentions of the Augustus relative to the rabble in the Insula of - Castor and Pollux, whence all the agitation proceeds.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Madam,”</span> said the blind informer, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“my god-like prince has already given command to clear - the streets <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page261">[pg - 261]</span><a name="Pg261" id="Pg261" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>by - means of the prætorian swords. As to that herd in the block of - Castor and Pollux, they are reserved for condign punishment, unless - my dear lady return at once. They will all—men, women and children, - be driven into the circus. There are a pair of British war - chariots, with scythes affixed to the axles, and the green drivers - will be commanded to hustle round the ring at full speed among this - rebellious rabble, to trample them down, and mow them as barley - with the scythes—till not one remains alive as a seed of - disaffection. What I say is—if a thing has to be done, do it - thoroughly. It is true kindness in the end. Of course some must - suffer, and one may praise the Gods that in this case it is only - the common people.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The common people,”</span> gasped Domitia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Her eyes were - glazed with horror. She saw the <span lang="la" class= - "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">Insula</span></span>, its crowds of busy, - kindly, happy people, so good to one another, so affectionate to - Glyceria, so grateful to her for visiting among them. And it was - <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= - "font-style: italic">she</span></span>, she by winning their love - who was bringing this punishment upon them. In their blind, foolish - way, they had misconceived her flight, and in their blind and - stupid way, had resented an imaginary wrong offered to her, and - because of their generous championship—they must suffer.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With bursting - heart, and with a scalding rush of tears over her cheeks, Domitia - extended her hand to her mother:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I go back,”</span> she said, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“My people! my poor people, my dear people! It must be - so.—For their sake—<span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" - xml:lang="la"><span style="font-style: italic">pro - populo</span></span>.”</span></p> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page262">[pg 262]</span><a name= - "Pg262" id="Pg262" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc70" id= - "toc70"></a> <a name="pdf71" id="pdf71"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER VII.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span class= - "tei tei-q" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">“</span><span style="font-size: 100%">THE BLUES - HAVE IT!</span><span style= - "font-size: 100%">”</span></span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On her return to - Rome and the palace, Domitia did not see the Emperor, but he sent - her notice to be prepared to appear with him in public at the - opening of the Circensian Games that he gave to the people in honor - of his accession to the principate. This was to take place on the - morrow. The games began at an early hour and lasted all day, with - an interruption for the <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" - xml:lang="la"><span style="font-style: italic">cena</span></span> - or supper at two o’clock.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Circus was - close under the Palatine Hill and occupied the valley between it - and the Aventine. The site has now been taken possession of for - gas-works.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was a long - structure, with one end like a horseshoe, the other was straight, - or rather diagonal, a contrivance to enable horses and chariots - when starting abreast to have equal lengths to run, which would not - have been the case had the end been drawn straight across the - circus.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This end was - dignified with two towers, with a central gate between them and - four arched doors on each side closed with ornamental wooden - gates.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The seats of the - spectators rose in tiers on all sides, except that of the straight - side, where above the great entrance was the seat of the director - of the sports. On one side of the Circus near the winning post was - the imperial box.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page263">[pg - 263]</span><a name="Pg263" id="Pg263" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Down the middle - of the course ran a wall with statues planted on it, but at each - end was a peculiar structure; that near the winning post sustaining - seven white balls like eggs, that at the other extremity supporting - as many bronze dolphins.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Each race - consisted of seven circuits of the course, and a servant of the - management at each end attended to the number of rounds made, and - as each concluded, an egg was removed at one end, and a dolphin - turned round at the other.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There was a - separate entrance, with waiting-room for the prince and his party. - Domitia with her train arrived first, and remained in the - waiting-room till his arrival.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She was dressed - in blue, with gold woven into the garment, and her hair was tied up - with blue. She looked very lovely, slender and delicate in color, - with large earnest indigo eyes, the darkest blue points about her. - The sadness of her expression could not be dissipated by forced - smiles.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the - waiting-chamber she could hear the mutter of voices in the circus; - all Rome would be there. As she had descended from the Palatine she - had seen scarce a soul in the forum or the streets, save watchmen - and beggars.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Now pealed the - trumpets, and next moment the prince, attended by his lictors, and - with his niece Julia at his side, entered. He scowled at Domitia, - and beckoned her to approach, then, without another word he went - out of the door into the Imperial box. Hitherto it had been - customary for the Empress to sit with the Vestal Virgins. But Nero - had broken this rule and Domitian, the more to emphasize his - reconciliation <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page264">[pg - 264]</span><a name="Pg264" id="Pg264" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>with Domitia, so as to please the people, - followed the example of Nero.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia entered - and moved to the seat on his right; Julia, that on his left. Behind - them poured a glittering retinue of lictors and soldiers, officers - of the guard, and officials of the city and chamberlains. At once - the whole concourse stood, and thundering cheers with clapping of - hands rose from the circus. The Emperor made a hasty, ungracious - sign of acknowledgment and took his seat.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The applause, - however, did not die away, it broke out afresh, in spurts of - enthusiasm, and the name of the Empress was audible—whereupon the - cheers were prolonged with immense vehemence.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitian heard - it. His brow darkened and his face flushed blood-red. He made a - signal with his hand, at once three priests attended by men bearing - pick and shovel entered the course, and directed their way to the - end of the dividing wall or spine; there they threw up the soil, - till a buried altar was reached, on which at once burning coals - were placed, and all the concourse rose whilst incense and a - libation and prayers were offered to the God Consus.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">That ended, the - fire was extinguished by the earth being thrown over it. Again the - altar was buried, and the soil stamped above it.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This ceremony - was hardly complete before the great central gates were thrown - open, to a peal of trumpets, and heralds entered to proclaim the - opening of the sports given by the Emperor, the Cæsar Domitian, the - Augustus, son of the God Vespasian, high priest, holder of the - tribunician power, consul, perpetual Censor, and father of his - country; sports given for the <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page265">[pg 265]</span><a name="Pg265" id="Pg265" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>pleasure of his well-beloved, the citizens of - Rome, senators, knights, and people generally, and of such - strangers as might at the time be in Rome, the centre of the - world.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Again rose a - roar of approbation, men stood up, stamped, jumped on their seats, - and clapped their hands.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then through the - Triumphal Gate came the Circensian procession. This was properly a - ceremonial of the 13th September; but in honor of the proclamation - of the accession of Domitian to the throne, and to his giving the - shows at his own charge, it was now again produced.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">First came boys - on horseback and on foot, gayly clothed, and immediately behind - them the jockeys and runners who were to take part in the games. - The racers were divided into four classes, each wearing the color - of one season of the year. Green stood for spring, red for summer, - blue for autumn, and white for winter. The riders and drivers were - dressed according to the class to which they belonged. The chariots - were drawn by four horses abreast, and each furnished with an - outrider in the same colors, armed with a whip. At once cries rose - from all sides, for every jockey and every horse was known by name, - some cheered the drivers, some shouted the names of the horses, - some proposed bets and others booked such as they had made.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then came - huntsmen with hounds, armed with lances, and behind them dancing - soldiers, who clashed shields and swords in rhythm, accompanying - their dance with choric song.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Next entered a - set of men dressed in sheep’s and <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page266">[pg 266]</span><a name="Pg266" id="Pg266" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>goats’ skins, and with fluttering ribbons, and - lastly images of the gods on biers. The <span class= - "tei tei-q">“pomp,”</span> though a quaint and pretty sight, was - looked on with some impatience, as wanting in novelty, and as but a - prelude to the more exciting races.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The procession - having made the circuit of the arena, retired, and with great - rapidity the first four racing chariots were got into their - <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">caveæ</span></span>, the vaults on the right - side of the entrance with four doors opening on to the circus.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now a - chalked line was rapidly stretched across the course in front of - the gates. A trumpet sounded, the gates were thrown open and the - four chariots issued forth and were drawn up abreast behind the - line, and lots cast to determine their positions.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Domitian - stretching forth his hand, threw a white napkin into the arena, the - white cord fell, and instantly the chariots started.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The spectators - swayed and quivered, shouted and roared, women waved their veils, - men clashed potsherds; some yelled out bets, and one or two from - behind stumbled forward and fell among the occupants of the benches - in front.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At the further - end, where the circus described a horseshoe, a gallery of wood - projected over the heads of those on the lower stages, to - accommodate still more spectators; and these hammering on the - boards with feet and fists greatly increased the din.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The roar of - voices rolled like a wave along the right side of the circus, then - broke into a billow at the curved end, and then surged down to the - further extremity, again to swell and run and revolve, as an egg - was dismounted, and a dolphin turned.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" - id="page267">[pg 267]</span><a name="Pg267" id="Pg267" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At each end of - the spine, detached from it, were three obelisks, or conical masses - of stone, sculptured like clipped yew trees. These were the - <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">Metæ</span></span>.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Attending every - charioteer was, as already said, an outrider in his colors, to lash - the horses, and to assist in case of accident. Moreover, boys stood - about with pitchers of water, to dash over the axles of the wheels - when they became heated, or to wash away blood stains, should there - be an accident.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia sat - watching the race, at first with inattention. Yet the general - excitement was irresistible, it caught and carried her out of - herself, and the color mounted into her ivory cheek.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Emperor paid - no attention to her, he studiously avoided speaking to her, and - addressed his conversation to Julia alone—who was constrained to be - present notwithstanding that the execution of her husband had taken - place but a few days previously. But her heavy face gave no - indication of acute sorrow. It was due to her position and - relationship to the prince to be there, and when he commanded her - attendance, it did not occur to her to show opposition.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The keenest - rivalry existed <a name="corr267" id="corr267" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">between</span> the - parties of the circus, at a time when political partisanship was - dangerous except to the sycophants of the regnant prince, all - faction feeling was concentrated on the colors of the race-course. - Caligula had championed the green, so had Nero, who had even strewn - the course with green sand when he himself, in a green suit, had - driven on it. And now Domitian accepted the green as the color that - it comported with the dignity of his <span lang="fr" class= - "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="fr"><span style= - "font-style: italic">parvenu</span></span> dynasty to favor. It was - also generally preferred to the other, at any rate in the betting, - be<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page268">[pg 268]</span><a name= - "Pg268" id="Pg268" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>cause it was known - that the Imperial favorites were allowed to win the majority of the - races.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Yet the jockeys - and horses and chariots belonged to different and rival companies, - and were hired by the givers of games. It was not in the interest - of the other colors to be beaten too frequently. They therefore - arranged among themselves how many and which races were, as a - matter of course, to be won by the green, and the rest of the races - were open to be fairly contested. But the public generally were not - let into the secret; though indeed the secret was usually sold to a - few book-makers.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Hah! down went - the red. In turning the <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" - xml:lang="la"><span style="font-style: italic">metæ</span></span> - at the further end, the wheel had caught in that of the white, - throwing the latter out, but not upsetting the chariot, whereas the - car of the red jockey overturned, one horse went down, sprang up - again, and would have dragged the driver along, had he not - dextrously whipped a curved knife out of his girdle and cut the - reins. This was necessary, as the reins of all four horses were - thrown over the shoulder and wrapped round the body. Consequently a - fall was certain to be fatal unless the driver had time and - presence of mind at once to shear through the leathers.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“He is out! the red is out!”</span> roared the mob. - Then, <span class="tei tei-q">“The white! the white is lagging—he - cannot catch up!—the red did for him? Out of the way! Out ye two! - ye cumber the course.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The white - struggled on, driver and outrider lashed the steeds, they strained - every muscle, but there was no recovering from the loss of time - caused by the lock of wheels, and on reaching the doors on the - right, which were at once swung open, both chariots retreated into - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page269">[pg 269]</span><a name= - "Pg269" id="Pg269" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the <span lang="la" - class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">caveæ</span></span>, amidst the groans of such - as had bets on their favor.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It lies now between green and blue!”</span> was the - general shout. <span class="tei tei-q">“On with the - Panfaracus!”</span> <span class="tei tei-q">“Nay! hit the off - horse, he sulks, Euprepes!”</span> <span class="tei tei-q">“Well - done, Nereus! Pull well, Auster! Brave horses! brave greens! greens - for ever! The Gods befriend the greens!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then some one - looking in the direction of the imperial box noticed Domitia in her - blue habit, with her blue eyes wide distended, and the blue ribbons - in her hair. Suddenly in a clear voice he cried,—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The blue! the blue! It is the color of the Augusta! - The blue! Sabaste! I swear by her divinity! I invoke her aid! The - blue will win.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Like an electric - shock there went a throb through the vast concourse—there were - nearly three hundred thousand persons present. At once there rose a - roar, it was loud, thrilling, imperious:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The blue! It shall win! The color of the Augusta! of - the divine Augusta, the friend of the Roman people! The blue! the - blue! we will have the blue!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The drivers - lashed furiously, the outriders swung themselves in their saddles - to beat the horses. But the gallant steeds needed no scourging, - they were as keen in their rivalry as were their drivers and their - supporters.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The last egg! the last dolphin! Again! the green is - ahead!”</span> a groan broken by only a few cheers. Wonderful! In - the sudden contagion even those who had betted on the green, - cheered the rival color.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Who was that cried out for the blue?”</span> asked - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page270">[pg 270]</span><a name= - "Pg270" id="Pg270" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Domitian, turning - sharply about. <span class="tei tei-q">“Find him, cast him to the - dogs to be torn.”</span><a id="noteref_11" name="noteref_11" href= - "#note_11"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= - "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">11</span></span></a></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His kinsman - Ursus whispered in his ear,—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is the actor Paris. Yet do nothing now. It would be - inauspicious.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The command was - grudgingly withdrawn.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A - gasp—stillness, the extreme <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" - xml:lang="la"><span style="font-style: italic">meta</span></span> - had been turned; then a restless, quivering sound, men, women, too - agitated to shout, held their breath, but muttered and moved their - feet—the blue! the blue gains; nay! the green is forging ahead—Ha! - Ha! at the last moment in swung the blue, across the white line, - one stride ahead of the green.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then there - rolled up a thunder of applause.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The blue! the dear blue! the blue of the Augusta has - it! Ye Gods be praised! I vow a pig to Eppona! The blue has it. All - hail to the Augusta! to heaven’s blue!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitian turned - with a look of hate at his wife, and whispered:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nevertheless she - shall come in second.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> - - <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> - <img src="images/i_298.jpg" alt= - "NEVERTHELESS SHE SHALL COME IN SECOND." title= - "“NEVERTHELESS SHE SHALL COME IN SECOND.” Page 270." /> - - <div class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-q" style= - "text-align: center">“NEVERTHELESS SHE SHALL COME IN - SECOND.”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi" style= - "text-align: center"><span style="font-style: italic">Page - 270.</span></span> - </div> - </div> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page271">[pg 271]</span><a name= - "Pg271" id="Pg271" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc72" id= - "toc72"></a><a name="pdf73" id="pdf73"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER VIII.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">THE LOWER STOOL.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Come now!”</span> said the Emperor, rising from his - seat; <span class="tei tei-q">“it is time that we should eat. My - lady Longina, may it please you to sup with us?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There was a - malevolent glance in his pale watery eye. But Domitia did not see - it, she looked at him as little as might be.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She rose at - once. So also did Julia, the daughter of Titus, and the Emperor and - his train left the circus; but as they withdrew there rose ringing - cheers, the people standing on their benches and applauding—not the - Cæsar, the Augustus, the Imperator—but her, Domitia, the blue. The - people’s own true blue. He heard it, and ground his teeth—his face - waxed red as blood. Domitia heard it, and her heart filled and her - eyes brimmed with tears.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Domitian - turned and looked at her savagely, as a dog might look at another - against which it was meditating an onslaught, and said:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Remove that blue—I hate it, and come to the - banquet.”</span> Then with an ugly leer—<span class="tei tei-q">“I - have sent for the actor to amuse you.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What actor?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Paris, madam, the inimitable, the admired Paris, that - he may recite from Greek plays to our pleasure. These Greek - tragedians are at a discount. Our people do not care for the - dismals. But they are wrong, do <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page272">[pg 272]</span><a name="Pg272" id="Pg272" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>not estimate true art. You do that really! You - like tragedy! and tragedy you shall have, I warrant - you.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The blood - mounted to the brow of Domitia at the sneers and covert - insinuations. Paris! what was Paris to her? what but the struggling - husband of Glyceria? Was it impossible for her to do a kind act, to - give expansion to her heart, without misinterpretation, without the - certainty of incurring outrage?</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She withdrew to - her apartments and changed her dress, from the blue to white with - purple stripe and fringes. Then she entered the <span lang="la" - class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">triclinium</span></span> where the meal was - spread.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitian was - already there, together with Julia, Messalinus, Ursus, and some - other friends. The Emperor, standing apart from the latter, said - with a sneer to Domitia,—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“So you have shed your blue—a cloud has passed over the - azure! That is well. And now, madam, I granted you the first place - at the games, in the circus, to humor the people; but in my palace - it shall be as I will, not as they. Julia shall take the - precedence, and she shall occupy the first position at table, and - everywhere. She is the daughter of the God Titus, granddaughter of - the God Vespasian-”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And great grand-daughter of the Commissioner of - Nuisances.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Silence,”</span> roared Domitian, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“she has the sacred Flavian blood, she is of Divine - race, and shall sit by me, recline by me, in the position of honor, - and you occupy a stool at my feet. Julia and I will have a - lectisternium of the Gods! Am not I divine?—and she - divine?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Certainly,”</span> answered Domitia, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“she is the daughter of a victor who has triumphed, I - the wife of a man who <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page273">[pg - 273]</span><a name="Pg273" id="Pg273" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>will filch laurels from his generals, and - himself has never seen a battle.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitian - clenched his teeth and hands, and glared at her.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I wish to the Gods I could find it in my heart to have - thee strangled, thou demon cat.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I can understand that, having let out the divine blood - of the Flavii from the throat of your cousin Sabinus, you would - stoop to me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What—what—what is this?”</span> exclaimed Messalinus, - thrusting his pointed face in the direction of the prince and - Domitia; he scented an altercation.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As for her—she - wondered at herself, having the courage to defy the Lord of the - World. She could not keep down the disgust, the hatred she felt for - the man who had wrecked her life, it must out, and she valued not - her life sufficiently to deny herself the gratification of throwing - off her mind the taunts that rose in it, and lodged on her - tongue.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitian signed - to table—Julia, with a flutter of clumsy timidity, shrank from the - place of honor, and looked hesitatingly at her sister-in-law, who - without a word seated herself on the stool indicated by the - Emperor. There was no vulgar pride, no ambition in the daughter of - Titus.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The guests - looked at each other, as Julia was forced by the command of her - uncle to recline on the couch properly belonging to his wife, and - whispered to each other.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What, what? Who is where?”</span> asked the - ferret-faced Messalinus. <span class="tei tei-q">“What has been - done? Here, Lycus,”</span> to a slave, who always attended him, - <span class="tei tei-q">“Tell me, what has been done. In my ear, - quick, I burn to know.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Something was - communicated in an undertone, and <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page274">[pg 274]</span><a name="Pg274" id="Pg274" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>Messalinus broke into a cackle, that he - quickly smothered—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“That is admirable, great and god-like is our prince! - As a Jew physician said to me, he sets down one and setteth up - another, at his pleasure. That is divine caprice. The Gods alone - can act without having to account for what they do. I like - it—vastly.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now at once - the sycophant herd began to pay their addresses to Julia, and to - neglect Domitia. The former was overloaded with flattery, her every - word was repeated, passed on from one to another, as though - oracular. Domitian, conspicuously and purposely ignored his wife - made to sit at his feet; and raising himself on the left elbow upon - his <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= - "la"><span class="tei tei-corr"><span style= - "font-style: italic">pulvinar</span></span></span>, or cushion of - gold brocade, talked with his niece, who also reclined instead of - sitting.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia remained - silent with lowered eyes, carnations flowered in her cheeks. She - made no attempt to speak; eat she could not. She felt the slight. - Her pride was cut to the quick. The humiliation, before such as - Messalinus was numbing. She would have endured being ordered to - execution, she would have arranged her hair with alacrity, for the - bowstring that would have finished her troubles, but this outrage - before members of the court, before the imperial slaves,—and the - knowledge that it would be the talk on the morrow of Roman society, - covered her with confusion, and filled her soul with wrath, for she - had pride—not a little.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Ursus, a kinsman - of the Emperor, an elderly man, of good character and upright walk, - was near her. He alone seemed to feel the indignity put upon the - Empress. His eyes, full of pity, rested on her, and he waited - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page275">[pg 275]</span><a name= - "Pg275" id="Pg275" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>an opportunity to - speak to her unheard by others. Then he said, turning his head - towards Domitia,—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lady, recall the fable of the oak and the bulrush. - Humor the prince and you can do with him what you will. Believe me, - and I speak sincerely,—he loves you still, loves you madly—but you - repel him and that offends his pride. All things are his, in - earth,—I may almost say in heaven—and he cannot endure that one - frail woman’s heart should alone be denied him.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“There are certain waters,”</span> answered Domitia, - <span class="tei tei-q">“that turn to stone whatever is exposed to - them—even a bird’s feather. It is as though I had been subjected to - this treatment. My heart is petrified.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Not so, dear lady, it beats at the present moment with - anger. It can also beat with love.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Never towards him who has maltreated me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“By the Gods! forbear. I am endangered by listening to - such words.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What—what—what is Ursus saying?”</span> asked - Messalinus, who caught a word or two. <span class="tei tei-q">“He - is beside the Augusta—what did he say—and in a low tone also. No - treason hatching at the table of our Divine Lord, I - trust.”</span><a id="noteref_12" name="noteref_12" href= - "#note_12"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= - "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">12</span></span></a></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Here come the jesters and the mimes,”</span> said - Ursus, <span class="tei tei-q">“and may the god of Laughter provide - such matter for mirth as will satisfy Catullus - Messalinus.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Then it must be a tragedy,”</span> said another guest, - <span class="tei tei-q">“for to our blind friend here, naught is - jocose unless to some other it be painful.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“We have all our gifts,”</span> said Messalinus, - smirking.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then entered - some acrobats who went through <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page276">[pg 276]</span><a name="Pg276" id="Pg276" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>evolutions, casting knives and catching them, - forming human pyramids, ladders, wheels, balancing poles on their - chins whilst a boy went through contortions at the top.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But there was no - novelty in the exhibition. The Emperor wearied of it, and ordered - the performers to withdraw.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Next appeared - mimes, who performed low buffoonery in gesture and dialogue, - interspersed with snatches of song, that were so offensive to - decency that Domitia, who had never seen and heard anything of the - kind at her mother’s house, sprang to her feet with flaming cheeks, - brow and bosom, and made a motion to leave. She knew it—this - disgusting performance had been commanded by the prince, for the - purpose of humiliating her. She would go. But Domitian, whose - malignant glance was on her, saw her purpose and called out,—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is my will, Domitia, that you remain in your seat. - The cream of the entertainment has yet to come.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Ursus put his - hand to her garment and gently drew her down on her seat.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Endure it,”</span> he whispered, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“it will soon be over.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is the worst outrage of all,”</span> said she with - heaving breast, and the blood so surged into her eyes and ears that - she could see and hear no more.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Indeed, she was - hardly conscious when the buffoons withdrew, her eyes rested on the - marble floor, strewn with the remains of the feast.<a id= - "noteref_13" name="noteref_13" href="#note_13"><span class= - "tei tei-noteref"><span style= - "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">13</span></span></a> But - suddenly she started from the dream, or the stupefaction into which - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page277">[pg 277]</span><a name= - "Pg277" id="Pg277" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>she had fallen, by - hearing the voice of Paris, the tragic actor.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She looked up - sharply, and saw him, a tall, handsome man, of Greek profile, and - with curly dark hair. He was clad in a long mantle, and wore the - buskins. Behind him were minor performers, to take a part in - dialogue, or to chant a chorus.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lord and Augustus, what is it your pleasure that we - represent in your presence?”</span> asked the actor.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Repeat the speech of Œdipus Coloneus to Theseus - towards the close of the drama. That, I mean, which begins, - <span class="tei tei-q">‘<span class="tei tei-corr">O</span> son of - Ægeus, I will teach the things that are in <span class= - "tei tei-corr">store.</span>’</span> ”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Paris bowed, and - drawing himself up, closing his eyes to represent the blindness of - the old king he personated, and with hands extended began:</p> - - <div class="tei tei-lg" style= - "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> - <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> - <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“O son of - Ægeus, I will teach the things that are in store.</span> - </div> - - <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> - Myself unguided, straightway go, ye follow, I before. - </div> - - <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> - The spot where I am doomed to die—That spot will I reveal. - </div> - - <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> - <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">But on your - lips, I pray you set, to that a holy seal.”</span> - </div> - </div> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> - - <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> - <img src="images/i_306.jpg" alt= - "I WILL TEACH THE THINGS THAT ARE IN STORE." title= - "“I WILL TEACH THE THINGS THAT ARE IN STORE.” Page 277." /> - - <div class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: center">“I WILL - TEACH THE THINGS THAT ARE IN STORE.”</span> <span class= - "tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-style: italic">Page 277.</span></span> - </div> - </div> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Do you mark, Domitia?”</span> called the Emperor with - bantering tone.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I have looked under the table, sire, to see whether, - like your kinsman Calvisius, you keep there a prompter who has read - Eurypides.”</span><a id="noteref_14" name="noteref_14" href= - "#note_14"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= - "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">14</span></span></a></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Some of the - guests hardly controlled their laughter. The deficiency in the - education of Domitian was well known.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Go on, fellow,”</span> ordered he surlily. - <span class="tei tei-q">“Skip some lines—it is tedious, draw to the - end.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page278">[pg - 278]</span><a name="Pg278" id="Pg278" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Paris - resumed:—</p> - - <div class="tei tei-lg" style= - "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> - <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> - <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Now let me to - that place repair; an impulse from on high,</span> - </div> - - <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> - A sacred impulse carries me to where I’m doomed to die. - </div> - - <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> - O daughter! I must show the way—aye, I, myself, the guide, - </div> - - <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> - To you who hitherto did lead, or clave unto my side. - </div> - - <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> - Nay! touch me not, but suffer me, myself to find the road - </div> - - <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> - That leadeth to the silent tomb, and to the dark abode. - </div> - - <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> - O Hermes! guardian of the soul that fleeteth from this breast! - </div> - - <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> - O Goddess of the darkest night—Give to thy weary rest! - </div> - - <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> - O light! beloved, glorious light! that once did fill these - eyes. - </div> - - <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> - Now I embrace thy sacred beams, then turn where shadow lies. - </div> - - <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> - O dearest friends, when well with you, and with this land, - recall - </div> - - <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> - <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Me, as about - my bowed head Death’s purple shadows fall.”</span> - </div> - </div> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then the chorus, - in rhythmic dance sang:—</p> - - <div class="tei tei-lg" style= - "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> - <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> - <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“If it be - meet—O Goddess thou, unseen whom all men dread,</span> - </div> - - <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> - If it be meet—O awful King who rulest o’er the dead, - </div> - - <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> - Be pitiful unto this man, a stranger in the land, - </div> - - <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> - And gently, without pain acute, conduct him by the hand - </div> - - <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> - From out the world of light into the Stygian deeps below, - </div> - - <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> - Remember how that ever here, he suffered want and woe! - </div> - - <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> - Ye polished iron gates unclose, and as ye backward roll, - </div> - - <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> - Let not the rav’nous monster leap and lacerate the soul. - </div> - - <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> - And then on son of Tartarus advance with pity sweet, - </div> - - <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> - <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">The - fluttering, frightened, parted soul, approaching gently - greet!”</span> - </div> - </div> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Enough,”</span> said Domitian, and waved his hand. - <span class="tei tei-q">“How likest thou that, Domitia?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Methinks, sire, the words are <span class= - "tei tei-corr">ominous.</span> Suffer me I pray thee to retire—for - I am not well.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As she rose, she - looked at Paris. Their eyes met, and at once a horror—a premonition - of evil fell on her, and turned her blood to ice.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He raised his - hand to his lips and said in a low tone as she passed him:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Morituri te salutant.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I’ faith it is an excellent jest!”</span> said - Messalinus—<span class="tei tei-q">“I relish it vastly.”</span></p> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page279">[pg 279]</span><a name= - "Pg279" id="Pg279" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc74" id= - "toc74"></a><a name="pdf75" id="pdf75"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER IX.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">GLYCERIA.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia returned - to her apartments, quivering like an aspen in a light air; but no - sooner was she there, than she summoned Eboracus, and said to - him:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Be speedy. Follow Paris, and protect him. There is - evil planned against him. Fly—lest you be too late.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The slave - departed at once.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia paced - the room, in an agony of mind, now shivering with cold, then with - face burning. But it was not the humiliations to which she had been - subjected that so affected her,—it was fear of what she suspected - was meditated against the actor, and through him against - Glyceria.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A cold sweat - broke out on her brow, and icy tears formed on her long eyelashes. - It seemed to her that for her to show favor to any one, was to - bring destruction on that person. And hatred towards the Emperor - became in her heart more intense and bitter.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She could think - of nothing else but the danger that menaced Paris. She went out on - the terrace, and the wind blowing over her moist brow chilled her; - she drew her mantle more closely around her, and re-entered the - palace. Already night was falling, for the days were becoming - short.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Her heart cried - out for something to which to cling, <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page280">[pg 280]</span><a name="Pg280" id="Pg280" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>for some one to whom to appeal against the - overwhelming evil and tyranny that prevailed.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Was there no - power in earth above the Cæsar? There was none. No power in heaven? - She could not tell; all there was dark and doubtful. There was a - Nemesis—but slow of step, and only overtaking the evil-doer when - too late to prevent the misery he wrought, sometimes so lagging as - not to catch him at all, and so blind as often to strike the - innocent in place of the guilty. No cry of the sufferer could reach - this torpid Nemesis and rouse her to quicker action. She was a - deity bungling, deaf and blind.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Again she - tramped up and down the room. She could endure to have no one with - her. She sent all her servants away.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But the air - within was stifling. She could not breathe, the ceiling came down - on her head, and again she went forth.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Now she could - hear voices below in the Sacred Way. She could see lights, coming - from several quarters, and drawing together to one point where they - formed a cluster, and from this point rose a wail—the wail of the - dead.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She wiped her - brow. She was sick at heart, and again went within, and found - Eboracus there, cast down and silent.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Speak,”</span> she said hoarsely.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It was too late. He had been stabbed in the back, - whilst leaving the palace, and a pupil was assassinated at the same - time, because somewhat resembling him.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia stood - cold as marble. She covered her mouth for a moment with her right - hand, and then in a hard voice said:—</p><span class="tei tei-pb" - id="page281">[pg 281]</span><a name="Pg281" id="Pg281" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Inform Euphrosyne. I cannot.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then she turned - away, went to her bed-chamber, and was seen of none again that - night. Several of her female slaves sought admission to undress - her, but were somewhat roughly dismissed.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In that long - night, Domitia felt as one drowning in a dark sea. She stretched - out her hands to lay hold of something—to stay her up, and found - nothing. She had nothing to look forward to, no shore to which she - might attain by swimming, nothing to care for, nothing to cling to. - There was no light above, only the unsympathetic stars that looked - down on the evil there was, the wrong that was done, and cared not. - The pulsation of their light was not quickened by sense of - injustice, they did not veil their rays so as to hide from them the - horrors committed on earth. There was no light below, save the - reflection of the same passionless eyes of heaven.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She felt as - though she were still capable of the sense of pain, but not of - being sensible to pleasure.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The faculty of - being happy was gone from her forever, and life presented to her a - prospect of nothing better than gray tracts of monotonous - existence, seamed with earthquake chasms of suffering.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Next day she - rose white and self-restrained, she summoned to her Euphrosyne, but - did not look at her tear-reddened eyes.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Euphrosyne,”</span> said she, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“I bid you go, and take with you Eboracus, I place you - both wholly at the disposal of your sister—and bid her spare no - cost, but give to him who has been, a splendid funeral at my - expense. Here is money. And—”</span> she paused a moment to obtain - mastery over herself, as her emotion <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page282">[pg 282]</span><a name="Pg282" id="Pg282" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>threatened to get the upper hand—<span class= - "tei tei-q">“and, Euphrosyne, tell Glyceria that I shall go to see - her later. Not for a few days, not till the first agony of her - grief is over; but go I will—for go I must—and I pray the Gods I - may not be a cause of fresh evil. O, Euphrosyne, does she curse - me?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Glyceria curses none, dear mistress, least of all you. - Do not doubt, she will welcome you when you do her the honor of a - visit.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“If she were to curse me, I feel as if I should be - glad—glad, too, if the curse fell heavy on my head—but you know—she - knows—I meant to do well, to be kind—to—but go your way—I can speak - no more. Tell Glyceria not to curse me—no—I could not bear that—not - a curse from her.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Euphrosyne saw - by her mistress’s manner, by her contradictory words, how deeply - she was moved, how great was her suffering. She stooped, took up - the hem of her garment, and kissed the purple fringe. Then sobbing, - withdrew.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">That day tidings - came to Domitia to render her pain more acute.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The kindly, - sympathetic people in the <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" - xml:lang="la"><span style="font-style: italic">insula</span></span> - of Castor and Pollux, in poetic, picturesque fashion had come with - baskets of violets and late roses, and had strewn with the flowers - the spot stained with the blood of Paris.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This was - reported to the Emperor, and he sent his guards down the street to - disperse the people, and in doing this, they employed their swords, - wounding several and killing two or three, of whom one was a - child.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Three days - later, Domitia ordered her litter and at<span class="tei tei-pb" - id="page283">[pg 283]</span><a name="Pg283" id="Pg283" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>tendants that she might go to the Insula in - the Suburra.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She had said - nothing of her intentions, or probably Domitian would have heard of - them—she was surrounded by spies who reported in his ear whatever - she did—and he would have forbidden the visit.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Only when the - Forum had been crossed, did she instruct the bearers as to the - object of her excursion.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On entering the - block of lodgings and ascending the stairs Domitia was received - with respect but with some restraint. The people did not press - about her with enthusiasm as before; they knew that it was through - her that evil had overtaken them, and they dreaded her visit as - inauspicious.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Yet there was no - look of resentment in any face, only timorous glances, and - reverential bows, and salutations with the hand to the lips. The - poor folk knew full well that it was through no ill-will on her - part that Paris and his pupil, and some of their own party had - fallen.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was already - bruited about that Julia daughter of Titus was honored in the - palace, and advanced above Domitia, the Empress. Some said that - Domitian would repudiate his wife, that he might marry his niece, - and that he waited only till the months of mourning for her husband - were passed, so as not to produce a scandal. Others said that he - would not repudiate Domitia, but treat her as Nero had treated - Octavia, trump up false charges against her and then put her to - death.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Already Domitia - was regarded as unlucky, and on the matter of luck attaching to or - deserting certain persons, the Roman populace were vastly - superstitious.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page284">[pg - 284]</span><a name="Pg284" id="Pg284" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now, - although these poor creatures loved the beautiful woman of imperial - rank who deigned to come among them, and care for one of their most - broken and bruised members, yet they feared for themselves, lest - her presence should again draw disaster upon them.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia was - conscious rather than observant of this as she passed along the - gallery to the apartment of Glyceria.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At the door to - the poor woman’s lodgings she knocked, and in response to a call, - opened and entered. She waved her attendants to remain without and - suffer none to enter.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then she - approached the bed of the sick woman, hastily, and threw herself on - her knees beside it.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Glyceria,”</span> she said, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“can you forgive me?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The crippled - woman took the hands of Domitia and covered them with kisses, - whilst her tears flowed over them.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This was more - than the Empress could bear. She disengaged her hands, threw her - arms about the widow, and burst into convulsive weeping.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Nay, nay!”</span> said Glyceria, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“do not give way. It was not thy doing.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But you fear me,”</span> sobbed Domitia, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“they do so—they without. Not one touched, not one - kissed me. They think me of evil omen.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“There is nothing unlucky. Everything falls out as God - wills; and whatever comes, if we bow under His hand, He will give - sweetness and grace.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You say this! You who have lost - everything!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Oh, no! lady,”</span> then the cripple touched the - cornelian fish. <span class="tei tei-q">“This remains.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is a charm that has brought no - luck.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page285">[pg - 285]</span><a name="Pg285" id="Pg285" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is no charm. It is a symbol—and to you dark. To me - full of light and joy in believing.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I cannot understand.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“No—that I know full well. But to one who does, there - is comfort in every sorrow, a rainbow in every cloud, roses to - every thorn.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Glyceria,”</span> said Domitia, and she reared herself - upon her knees, and took hold of both the poor woman’s hands; so - that the two, with tear-stained cheeks, looked each other full in - the face. <span class="tei tei-q">“My Glyceria! wilt thou grant me - one favor?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I will give thee, lady, anything that thou canst ask. - I should be ungrateful to deny thee ought.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is a great matter, a sharp wrench I ask of - thee,”</span> said the daughter of Corbulo.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I will do all that I can,”</span> replied the - widow.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Then come with me to the palace. Here you have none to - care for you, none to earn a livelihood for you,—I want you - there.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Glyceria - hesitated.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Do you fear?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I fear nothing for myself.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Nor I,”</span> said Domitia. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Oh, Glyceria, I am the most miserable woman on earth. - I thought I could not be more unhappy than I was—then come—I will - not speak of it,—thy loss—caused unwillingly by me, because I came - here—and that has broken my heart. I have done the cruellest hurt - to the one I loved best. I am most miserable—most - miserable.”</span> She covered her face, sank on the bed and - wept.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The widow of the - player endeavored to soothe her with soft words and caresses.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then again - Domitia spoke. <span class="tei tei-q">“I have no one, I have - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page286">[pg 286]</span><a name= - "Pg286" id="Pg286" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>nothing to look to, I - am as one dead, and the only life in me is hate, that bites and - writhes as a serpent.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And that thou must lay hold of and strangle as did - Hercules.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I cannot, and I will not.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“That will bring thee only greater - suffering.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I cannot suffer more.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is against the will of God.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But how know we His will?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It has been revealed.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Again Domitia - threw her arms about the sick woman, she pressed her wet cheek to - her tear-moistened face, and said:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Come with me, and tell me all thou knowest—and about - the Fish. Come with me, and give me a little happiness, that I may - think of thee, comfort thee, read to thee, talk with thee—I care - for no other woman. And Euphrosyne, thy sister, she is with me, and - I will keep thee as the apple of mine eye.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Oh, lady! this is too great!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What? anon thou wouldst deny me naught, and now - refusest me this.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“In God’s name so be it,”</span> said Glyceria. - <span class="tei tei-q">“But when?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Now. I will have no delay, see—”</span> she went to - the door and spoke with her slaves. <span class="tei tei-q">“They - shall bear thee in my litter, at once. Euphrosyne shall tarry here - and collect thy little trifles, and the good Eboracus, he shall - bear them to thy new home. O Glyceria! For once I see a - sunbeam.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Never could the - dwellers in the Insula have dreamt of beholding that which this day - they saw. The actor’s crippled widow lifted by imperial slaves and - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page287">[pg 287]</span><a name= - "Pg287" id="Pg287" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>placed in the litter - of the Empress, the Augusta, to whom divine honors had been - accorded. And, further, they saw the cripple borne away, down the - lane of the Suburra in which was their block of lodgings, and the - Empress walked by the side, holding the hand of the patient who lay - within.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">They did not - shout, they uttered no sound indicative of approval, no applause. - They held their breaths, they laid their hands on their mouths, - they looked each other in the eyes—and wondered what this marvel - might portend. A waft of a new life had entered into the evil - world, whence it came, they knew not, what it would effect, that - also they could not conceive—whom it would touch, how transform, - all was hid from their eyes.</p> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page288">[pg 288]</span><a name= - "Pg288" id="Pg288" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc76" id= - "toc76"></a><a name="pdf77" id="pdf77"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER X.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">THE ACCURSED FIELD.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">No notice was - taken by Domitian of the presence in the palace of the murdered - actor’s widow. It concerned him in no way, and he allowed the - unfortunate woman to remain there, under the care of his wife, and - without making any protest.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia found an - interest and a delight in the society of the paralyzed woman, so - simple in mind, gentle in thought, always cheerful, ever serene, - who lived in an atmosphere of love and harbored no resentments.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She marvelled at - what she saw, but it was to her an unattainable condition. Her own - affections were seared, and a gnawing hate against the man who had - blighted her life, and to whom she was tied, ever consumed her.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She was like a - dead plant in the midst of spring vegetation. It looks down on the - beautiful life about its feet, but itself puts forth no buds, shows - no signs of mounting sap.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Every now and - then Glyceria approached the topic of the Fish, and the mysteries - involved in the symbol, but would not disclose them, for she saw - that Domitia, however miserable she felt, however hopeless, was not - in a frame of mind to receive and welcome the interpretation. For - in her, the one dominating passion was <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page289">[pg 289]</span><a name="Pg289" id="Pg289" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>hate—a desire to have her wrongs revenged, and - a chafing at her powerlessness to do anything to revenge them.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Her treatment by - Domitian was capricious. At one time he neglected her; then he went - sometimes out of his way to offer her a slight; at others he made - real efforts to heal the breach between them, and to show her that - he loved her still.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But he met with - not merely a frosty but a contemptuous reception, that sent him - away, his vanity hurt, and his blood in a ferment.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In her - indifference to life, she was able to brave him without fear, and - he knew that if he ordered her to execution she would hail death as - a welcome means of escape from association with himself.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His blundering - and brutal tyranny was no match for her keen wit cutting into him, - and maddening him. He revenged himself by a coarse insult or by a - side blow at her friends. She was without ambition. Many a woman - would have endured his treatment without repining, for the sake of - the splendor with which she could surround herself, and the - towering position which she occupied. But neither had any - attraction for Domitia. The one thing she did desire, to be left - alone in retirement, in the country, that he could not, he would - not accord her.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Usually, when he - was in his splendid villa at Albanum, she elected to remain in - Rome, and when he came to the palace on the Palatine, if permitted, - she escaped to Albanum; but he would not always suffer this.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Thus a wretched - life was dragged on, and the heart of Domitia became harder every - day. It would have become as adamant but for the presence of - Glyceria, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page290">[pg - 290]</span><a name="Pg290" id="Pg290" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>whom the Empress sincerely loved, and who - exercised a subtle, softening and purifying influence on the - princess.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Glyceria saw how - the Empress suffered, and she pitied her, saw how hopeless the - conditions were for improvement; she saw also what was hidden to - other eyes, that circumstances were closing round and drawing - towards a crisis.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Beyond a certain - point Glyceria could effect nothing, once only did she dare to - suggest that the Augusta should assume a gentler demeanor towards - the sovereign of the world, but she was at once cut back with the - words:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“There, Glyceria, I allow no interference. He has - wronged me past endurance. I can never forgive. I have but one - hope, I make but one prayer—and that for revenge.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When Domitian - was at Albanum, the Empress enjoyed greater freedom. She was not - compelled when she went out, to journey in state; and she could - make excursions into the country as she pleased. The absence of - gardens on the Palatine and the throng of servants and officers - made it an almost intolerable residence to her, beautiful as the - situation was, and splendid as were the edifices on it. Nor was - this all. Domitian had not rested content with the palaces already - erected and crowding the summit of the rock,—those of Augustus, of - Tiberius, and of Caligula, he must build one himself, and to find - material, he tore down the golden house of Nero.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But the - construction of his palace served still further to reduce the - privacy of the Palatine, for it was thronged with masons, - carpenters and plasterers. In<span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page291">[pg 291]</span><a name="Pg291" id="Pg291" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>deed the Palatine hill-top was almost as - crowded and as noisy as was the Forum below.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">From this, then, - Domitia was glad to escape to a little villa on the Via Nomentana, - on a height above the Anio, commanding a view of the Sacred - Mount.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On one occasion, - when Domitian was away at Albanum, she had been at this modest - retreat, where she was surrounded by a few servants, and to which - she had conveyed Glyceria, to enjoy the pure air and rest of the - country.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But she was - obliged to return to Rome; and with a small retinue, and without - heralds preceding her, she started, and in the morning arrived at - the Porta Collina. Then Eboracus, coming to the side of the litter, - said:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lady, there is a great crowd, and the street is full - to choking. What is your good pleasure? shall we announce who you - are, and command a passage?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Nay,”</span> answered the princess, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“my good Eboracus, let us draw aside, and the swarm - will pass, then we can go our way unconcerned. I am in no - precipitate haste, and, in faith, every minute I am outside Rome, - the better satisfied am I.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But, madam, it is an ill spot, we are opposite the - Accursed Field.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“That matters not. It is but for a brief while. Go - forward, Eboracus, and inquire what this crowd signifies. Methinks - the people are marvellously still. I hear no shout, not even a - murmur.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“There be priests leading the way.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is some religious rite. Run forward, Eboracus, and - make inquiries. That boy bears an inverted torch.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The sight was - extraordinary. A procession of priests <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page292">[pg 292]</span><a name="Pg292" id="Pg292" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>was advancing in silence, and an enormous - crowd followed through the gate, pouring forth like water from a - sluice, yet without a word spoken. The only sound was that of the - tramp of feet.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The place where - Domitia had halted was just outside the Collina gateway, where was - the wall of Servius Tullius and in its moat, thirty feet deep, but - dry, out of which rose the wall of massive blocks to another thirty - above the level of the ground.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This ditch was a - pestilential refuse place into which the carcasses of beasts, foul - rags, sometimes even the bodies of men, and all the unmentionable - filth of a great city were cast. So foul was the spot, so - unwholesome the exhalations that no habitations were near it, and - the wide open space before the wall went by the designation of the - Accursed Field.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now, through - the gateway came a covered hearse, and at each corner walked a - youth in mourning garb, one bearing a lamp and oil, another milk in - a brass vessel, a third water, and a fourth bread. Now, and now - only, with a shudder of horror, did Domitia suspect what was about - to take place. She saw how that as the crowd deployed, it thickened - about one portion of the bank of the ditch, and she saw also the - battlements above crowded with the faces of men and women leaning - over to look down into the dyke. And there, at one spot in the - fosse stood three men. Instinctively Domitia knew who they were—the - executioner and his assistants.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But who was to - be put to death—and on what charge, and by what means?</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Now the hearse - was slowly brought to the edge of the moat and the curtains were - raised.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page293">[pg - 293]</span><a name="Pg293" id="Pg293" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Domitia saw - how that within, prostrate, lay a woman, bound hand and foot to the - posts by leather straps, with her face covered, and her mouth - muffled that her cries might not be heard.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She saw the - attendants of the priests untie the thongs and the unfortunate - woman was raised to a sitting posture, yet still her face was - veiled, and her hands were held by servants of the pontiff. Now one - by one the attendants descended into the moat bearing the lamp and - the bread and milk, and each handed what he had borne in the - procession to the executioner, who gave each article as received to - one of his deputies; and the man immediately disappeared with - it.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia’s heart - beat furiously, she put forth her head to look, and discovered a - hole at the base of the wall, and through this hole she discerned - the twinkling light of the lamp as it passed within, then it was - lost. The bread followed, the milk and the water, all conveyed into - some underground cellar.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now the - chief pontiff present plucked the veil from the face of the victim, - and with a gasp—she could not cry out, the power was taken from - her—the Empress recognized Cornelia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She made an - effort to escape from her litter, and fly to her friend with - outstretched arms, but Eboracus, who with white face had returned, - caught and restrained her.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Madam,”</span> he said in a low tone, vibrating with - emotion, <span class="tei tei-q">“I pray you, for the sake of the - Gods—do nothing rash. Stay where you are. No power—not that of the - Sacred Twelve can save her.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Ye Gods! But what has she done?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“She has been accused of breach of her vows, and - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page294">[pg 294]</span><a name= - "Pg294" id="Pg294" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>condemned by the - Augustus, as Chief Priest—”</span> in a lower tone, hardly above a - whisper, <span class="tei tei-q">“unheard in her - defence.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I must go to her.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You must not. Nothing can save her. Pray for a speedy - death.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With glazed - eyes, with a surging in her ears, and throbbing in the temples—as - in some paralyzing nightmare—Domitia looked on.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now the gag - was removed, and with dignity the Great Mother of the Vestals - descended from the bier. She stood, tall and with nobility in her - aspect, and looked round on the crowd, then down into the moat, at - the black hole under the roots of the wall.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Citizens, by the sacred fire of Vesta, I swear I am - innocent of the charge laid against me, and for which I am - sentenced. No witnesses have been called. I have not been suffered - to offer any defence. I knew not, citizens, until I was told that I - was sentenced, that any accusation had been trumped up against me. - Thou, O Eternal God—above all lights in the firmament, Thou, O - Sovereign Justice that holdest true balances—I invoke Thee—I summon - the Chief Pontiff who has sentenced me, before your just thrones, - to answer for what is done unto me this day. I summon him for - midnight three days hence.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then the deputy - of the Chief Pontiff, who presided at the execution, Domitian being - absent at Albanum (he being Pontifex Maximus), raised his arms to - heaven in silent prayer.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His prayer - ended, he extended his hand to Cornelia, but she refusing his help, - unaided descended into the fosse.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page295">[pg 295]</span><a name="Pg295" id="Pg295" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The vast - concourse was as though turned to stone by a magician’s wand—so - immovable was it and so hushed. Some swallows swept screaming along - the moat, and their shrill cries sent a shudder through the entire - concourse, wrought to such a tension, that even the note of the - birds was an intolerable addition.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Vestal - reached the mouth of the pit—the ends of a ladder could be seen at - the threshold of this opening. It was evident that the opening gave - access to a vault of some depth.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Beside it were - stones from the wall piled up, and mortar. As soon as the Abbess - reached the opening, she turned, and again declared her innocence. - <span class="tei tei-q">“The Emperor,”</span> said she in clear, - firm tones, <span class="tei tei-q">“has adjudged me guilty, - knowing that my prayers have obtained for him victory, triumph and - an immortal name. I repeat my summons. I bid him answer before the - throne on high, at midnight, three days hence.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then she looked - steadily at the blue sky—then up at the sun,—to take a last view of - light. With calmness, with fortitude, she turned, and entering the - opening began to disappear, descending the ladder.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In so doing her - veil caught in one of the ends of the side poles of the ladder. She - must have reascended a step or two, for her hand was visible - disengaging the white veil, and then—hand and veil disappeared.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Immediately - stones were caught up, trowels and mortar seized, and with - incredible celerity the opening was walled up. The pontiff applied - his leaden seal.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Be speedy! Remove her! Run—”</span> shouted Eboracus, - for his mistress had fallen back in the litter in a dead - faint,—<span class="tei tei-q">“At once—to the Palace!”</span></p> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page296">[pg 296]</span><a name= - "Pg296" id="Pg296" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc78" id= - "toc78"></a> <a name="pdf79" id="pdf79"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XI.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">AGAIN: THE SWORD OF CORBULO.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Eboracus was - able to open a way for the litter through the crowd, now clustered - on the bank of the dyke, watching as the workmen threw down earth - and stones, and buried deep that portion of the wall in which was - the vault where the unhappy Abbess Cornelia was buried alive. And - now the populace broke forth in sighs and tears, and in murmurings - low expressed at the injustice committed in sentencing a woman - without allowing her to know that she had been accused, and of - saying a word in her own defence. Some of the crowd was drifting - back into Rome, and by entering this current, the train of Domitia - travelled along.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Eboracus - returned from the head of the litter repeatedly to the side, to - look within and ascertain whether his mistress were recovering. At - the first fountain he stopped the convoy and obtained for her water - to bathe her face, and at a little tavern, he procured strong - Campanian wine, which he entreated her to sip, so as to nerve - her.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As the litter - approached the Forum, the crowd again coagulated and at last - remained completely stationary. Again the street was blocked.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Eboracus went - forward and forced his way through, that he might ascertain the - cause, and whether the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page297">[pg - 297]</span><a name="Pg297" id="Pg297" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>block was temporary and would speedily cease. - He came back in great agitation, and said hastily to his - mistress:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lady, you cannot proceed. Suffer me to recommend that - you go to the Carinæ and tarry there—with your lady mother for a - while, till your strength is restored, and till the streets be more - open.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Eboracus—what is going on? tell me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Madam, there is something being transacted in the - <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">comitium</span></span> that causes all the - approaches to be packed with people. We might make a circuit—but, - lady! I think if you would deign to repose for an hour at your - mother’s house, after what you have suffered, it would be - advisable.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Tell me what is taking place in the <span lang="la" - class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">comitium</span></span>.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I should prefer, lady, not to be asked.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But I have asked.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Then, dear mistress, do not require of me to make - answer.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Answer truly. Tell me no lie. What is it?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He hesitated. - Then Domitia said:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Look at my hand, it is firm, it does not tremble. - Nothing that I hear can be worse than what I have seen.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lady—your strength has already failed.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And now I have gathered my resolution together, and - can bear anything. I adjure you, by your duty to me—answer me, what - is taking place in the <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" - xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">comitium</span></span>, what is it that causes - the streets leading thereto to be impassable.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“If I must reply——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“If you do not, I will have you scourged.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Nay, lady, that is not like thee. It is not fear that - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page298">[pg 298]</span><a name= - "Pg298" id="Pg298" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>will make me speak, - but because I know that if I do not, the information can be got - from another.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Well—what is it?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The knight Celer, on the same charge as that which - lost the Great Mother Cornelia, is being whipped to death with the - scorpion.”</span><a id="noteref_15" name="noteref_15" href= - "#note_15"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= - "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">15</span></span></a></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“By the same orders? To my mother’s in the - Carinæ.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Hastily Domitia - drew the curtains of her litter, and was seen no more, spoke no - more till she reached the door of Longa Duilia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Here she - descended and entered the house.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My dear Domitia! my august daughter! What a pleasure! - What an honor!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The lady Duilia - started up to embrace the Empress.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia received - the kiss coldly, and sank silent on a stool.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Her mother - looked at her with surprise. Domitia was waxen white, her eyes with - dark rings about them, and unnaturally large and bright. The color - had left her lips and these were leaden in hue.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia did not - speak, did not move. She remained for some moments like a - statue.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“As the Gods love me!”</span> exclaimed her mother - after a long pause, <span class="tei tei-q">“you are not going to - be ill, surely—nothing dangerous, nothing likely to end unhappily. - Ye Gods! and I have so much I want you to do for me. Tell me, I - entreat you. Hide nothing from me. You are suffering. Where is it? - What is it? Shall I send for a doctor?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Mother, no doctor can cure me. It is here,”</span> - Domitia pressed her hands to her heart—<span class="tei tei-q">“and - here,”</span> <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page299">[pg - 299]</span><a name="Pg299" id="Pg299" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>to - her temples. <span class="tei tei-q">“I am the most miserable, the - most unfortunate of women.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Ye Gods! He has divorced you?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“No, mother. I would that he had.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Then what is the matter? Have you eaten what disagrees - with you? As the Gods love me! you should not come out such a - figure. Who was your face-dresser to-day? she ought to be - crucified! Not a particle of paint—white as ivory. Intolerable—and - it has given me such a turn.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia made no - reply.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But what is it? What has made you look like Parian - marble?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The Great Mother Cornelia—”</span> Domitia could say - no more, a lump rose in her throat and choked her. Then all at once - she began to shiver as though frost-stricken and her teeth - chattered.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-corr">I</span> have an - essence—you must take that,”</span> said the lady Duilia. - <span class="tei tei-q">“My dear, I know all about that. An - estimable lady. I mean she was so till the Augustus decreed - otherwise. I am sorry, and all that—but you know—well, these things - do happen and must, and I dare be bound that some are glad, as it - makes an opening for another needy girl, of good family of course. - What is one person’s loss is another’s gain. The world is so and we - can’t alter it, and a good thing, I say, that it is so.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Mother—she was innocent.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Well, well, we know all about that. Of course it was - all nonsense what was charged against her, that we quite - understand. It would never have done for the real truth to have - been advertised.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And what was the truth?”</span></p><span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page300">[pg 300]</span><a name="Pg300" id="Pg300" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My dear Domitia! How can you ask such a silly, - infantile question? It was your doing, you must understand that. - You threw yourself on her protection, embraced the altar of Vesta, - and Cornelia with the assistance of Celer did what she could to - further your object in leaving Rome. If people will do donkey-like - things they must get a stick across their backs. It is so, and - always will be so in this world, and we cannot make it - otherwise.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I thought so. I was sure it was so,”</span> said - Domitia gravely. There was an infinity of sadness, of despair in - her tone. <span class="tei tei-q">“Mother, I bring misfortune upon - all with whom I have to do.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Ye Gods! not on me! I hope to be preserved from that! - Do not speak such unlucky words—they are of bad omen.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I cannot help it, mother, it is true. I am the most - unfortunate of women myself——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You speak rank folly. Ye Gods forgive me! saying such - a thing to one who is herself divine. But, it is so—you are - positively the most fortunate of women. What more do you desire? - You are the Augusta, the people swear by your genius and - fortune.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“By <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= - "font-style: italic">my</span></span> fortune! Alack poor - souls!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And is it not a piece of good fortune to be raised so - high that there is none above you?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My fortune! The Gods know—if they know anything—that I - would gladly exchange my lot with that of a poor woman in a cottage - who spins and sings, or of a girl among the mountains who keeps - goats and is defended by a boisterous dog. Mother, listen to me. I - have brought misfortune on Lucius Lamia, I have caused the death of - that harmless actor Paris, I have <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page301">[pg 301]</span><a name="Pg301" id="Pg301" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>been the occasion of Cornelia being—buried - alive—watching the expiring of the one lamp. Ye Gods! Ye Gods! I - shall go mad—and of Celer also.—He——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She held her - face, rocked herself on the seat and sobbed as if her heart would - break.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Yes,”</span> said the old lady, roused to anger at her - daughter’s lack of appreciation of the splendor of her position. - <span class="tei tei-q">“Yes, child, and mischief you will work on - every one, if you continue in the same course. Do men say that the - Augustus is morose? Who made him so?—you by your behavior. Do they - say that he is severe in his judgments? Who has hardened him and - made him cruel?—You—who have dried up all the springs of tenderness - in his breast. He was not so at first. If he be what men think—it - is your work. You with your stinging words goaded him to madness - and as he cannot or will not beat you, as you deserve, he deals the - blows on some one else. Of course he cuts away such as you regard - and love—because they obtain that to which he has a right, but - which you deny him.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“He—he—a right!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia started - up, anger, resentment, hatred flared in her eyes, stiffened the - muscles of her whole face, made her hair bristle above her - brow.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“He a right, mother! he who tore me away from my dear - Lamia, to whom I had given my whole heart, to whom I had been - united by your sanction and our union blessed by the Gods! He who - violated hospitality, the most sacred rights that belong to a - house, who repaid your kindness in saving his life—when he was - hunted like a wolf, by breaking and destroying, by trampling under - his accursed heel, the brittle, innocent heart of the daughter of - her who had protected <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page302">[pg - 302]</span><a name="Pg302" id="Pg302" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>him! No, mother, I owed him no love. I have - never given him any, because he never had a right to any. - Mother—this must have an end.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She sank into - silence that continued for some while.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Duilia did not - speak. She did not desire another such explosion, lest the slaves - should hear and betray what had been said. Presently, however, she - whispered <span class="tei tei-corr">coaxingly:—</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My dear Domitia, you are overwrought. You have eaten - something that has affected your temper. I find gherkins always - disagree with me. There, go and take a little ginger in white wine, - and sleep it off.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia rose, - stiffly, as though all her joints were wooden.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Yes, mother, I will go. But there is one thing I - desire of thee. I have long coveted it, as a remembrancer of my - father—may I take it?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Anything—anything you like.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia went to - the wall and took down the sword of Corbulo, there suspended.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is this, mother. I need it.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then she - departed.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“That sword—ah!”</span> said Duilia. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“It has been a little overdone. I have caught my guests - exchanging winks when I alluded to it, and dropped a tear. O by all - means she shall have it. It has ceased to be of use to - me.”</span></p> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page303">[pg 303]</span><a name= - "Pg303" id="Pg303" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc80" id= - "toc80"></a> <a name="pdf81" id="pdf81"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XII.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">THE TABLETS.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Elymas the - sorcerer stood bowing before Domitia, his hands crossed upon his - breast.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She looked - scrutinizingly into his dark face, but could read nothing there. He - remained immovable and silent before her, awaiting the announcement - of her will.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I have sent for thee,”</span> she said. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“How long, I would know, before the sixth veil - falls?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lady and Augusta,”</span> answered the Magian, - <span class="tei tei-q">“remember that when thou lookest out upon - the Sabine Mountains, on one day all is so distinct that thou - wouldst suppose a walk of an hour would bring thee to them. On the - morrow, the range is so faint and so remote, that thou wouldst - consider it must require days of travel to attain their roots. It - is so with the Future. We look into its distance and behold - forms—but whether near or far we know not. This only do we say with - confidence, that we are aware of their succession, but not of their - nearness or remoteness.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What! and the stars, will they not help - thee?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“There is at this time an ominous conjuncture of - planets.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I pray thee, spare me the details, and tell me that - which they portend.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Is it thine own future, Augusta, thou desirest to look - into?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Elymas, my story has been unfolded—to what an - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page304">[pg 304]</span><a name= - "Pg304" id="Pg304" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>extent it has been - managed by such as thyself, that I cannot judge. But of a certainty - it was thou who didst contrive that I was carried away from my - husband’s house. Then what followed, the Gods know how far thou - wast in it, but I have heard it said that the God Titus would not - have had his mortal thread cut short but that, when in fever, thou - didst persuade him to a bath in snow water. It is very easy to - predict what will be, when with our hands we mould the future. And - now—I care not whether thou makest or predictest what is to be—but - an end there must be, and that a speedy one—for thine own safety - hangs thereon.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“How so, lady?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The Augustus has been greatly alarmed of late at - sinister omens and prophesies; and he attributes them to thee. - Perhaps,”</span> with a scornful intonation, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“he also is aware that fulfilment is assured before a - prophesy is given out.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Magus - remained motionless, but his face became pale.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I know, because at supper with his intimates, Messala - and Regulus and Carus, he swore by the Gods he would have you cast - to savage dogs, and he would make an example of such as filled - <span class="tei tei-corr">men’s</span> minds with expectation of - evil.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lady——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But Domitia - interrupted him. <span class="tei tei-q">“Thou thinkest that I say - this to alarm thee and bend thee to my will. If the Augustus has - his spies that watch and repeat to him whatsoever I do, whomsoever - I see, almost every word I say—shall not I also have a watch put - upon him? Even now, Magus, that I have sent for thee, and that thou - art closely consulted by me this has <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page305">[pg 305]</span><a name="Pg305" id="Pg305" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>been carried to his ears, and as he knows how - I esteem him, he will think this interview bodes him no - good.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“When, Lady Augusta, was this said?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The Emperor is this day returned from Albanum, and the - threat was made but yesterday. Who can say but that the order has - already been given for thy arrest, and for the gathering together - of the dogs that are to rend thee.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The man became - alarmed and moved uneasily.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Magus,”</span> said Domitia, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“I cannot save thee, thine own wits must do that. Find - it written in the stars that thy life is so bound up with that of - the Cæsar, that the death of one is the extinction of the other; or - that thou holdest so potent a charm that if thou wilt thou canst - employ it for his destruction. It is not for me to point out how - thou mayest twist out of his grasp—thou art a very eel for - slipperiness, and a serpent for contrivance. What I desire to know - is—How much longer is this tyranny to last, and how long am I to - suffer?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then the - magician looked round the room, to make sure that he was - unobserved; he raised the curtain at the door to see that none - listened outside, and satisfied that he was neither observed nor - overheard, he pointed to a clepsydra.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This was an - ingenious, but to our minds a clumsy, contrivance for measuring - time. It consisted of a silver ball, with a covered opening at the - top, through which the interior could be replenished. About the - base of the globe were minute perforations through which the liquid - that was placed in the vessel slowly oozed, and oozing ran together - into a drop at the bottom which fell at intervals into the bucket - of a tiny wheel.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When the bucket - was full, the wheel revolved and <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page306">[pg 306]</span><a name="Pg306" id="Pg306" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>decanted the liquid whilst presenting another - bucket to the distilling drops.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At each movement - of the wheel a connection with it gave motion to the hand of a - statuette of Saturn, who with his scythe indicated a number on an - arc of metal. The numbers ranged from one to twelve, and the - contrivance answered for half the twenty-four hours.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lady,”</span> said the Magus, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“before Saturn has pointed to the twelfth - hour——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Steps were - heard, approaching the room, along the mosaic-laid passage, and - next moment, the curtain was snatched aside, and Domitian, his face - blazing with anger, entered the apartment of his wife.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“So?”</span> said he, <span class="tei tei-q">“you are - in league with astrologers and magicians against me! But, by the - Gods! I can protect myself.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He clapped his - hands, and some of the guard appeared in the doorway.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Remove him,”</span> said the Emperor. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“I have given orders concerning him already. Hey! - Magus! knowest thou what will be thy doom, thou who pretendest to - read the fate of men in the <span class= - "tei tei-corr">stars?</span>”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Augustus,”</span> answered the necromancer, - <span class="tei tei-q">“I have read that I should be rent by wild - dogs.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Sayest thou so? Then by Jupiter! I will make thy - forecast come to naught. Go, Eulogius!—it is my command that he be - at once, mark you, this very night, burned alive. We will see - whether his prophecies come true. Here is my order.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitian plucked - a packet of tablets from his bosom, bound together with a string, - drew forth one, and wrote hastily on it, then pressed his seal on - the wax that covered the slab and handed it to the - officer.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page307">[pg - 307]</span><a name="Pg307" id="Pg307" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then the guard - surrounded the astrologer, and led him away.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitian waved - his hand.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Every one out of earshot,”</span> ordered he, and he - walked to the window and looked forth.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was already - night; to the south the sky was quivering with lightning, summer - flashes, without thunder.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“A storm, a storm is coming on,”</span> said the - Emperor; <span class="tei tei-q">“there’ll be storms everywhere, - and lightning falling on all sides—portents they say. So be it! as - the sword of heaven smites, so does mine. But it falls not on me, - but on my enemies. Domitia,”</span> said he, leaving the window, - <span class="tei tei-q">“there has been a conspiracy entered into - against my life, and the fools thought to set up Clemens—he, that - weakling, that coward; but I have sent him to his death, and those - who were associated with him, the sentence is gone forth against - them also.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I marvel only that any in Rome are suffered to - live.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Minerva gives me wisdom—to defend myself.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Any wild beast can employ teeth and claws.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Domitia,”</span> he came close to her, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“I am the most lonely of men. I have no friends; my - kinsmen either have been, or hate me; my friends are the most - despicable of flatterers, who would betray their own parents to - save their own throats; I use them, but I scorn them. You know not - what it is to be alone!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I! I have been alone ever since you tore me from - Lamia.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lamia!”</span> he ground his teeth; <span class= - "tei tei-q">“still Lamia! But by the Gods! not for long. And - you—you my wife whom I have loved, for whom I would have done - anything—you are against me; you take counsel with a <span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page308">[pg 308]</span><a name="Pg308" id="Pg308" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Chaldæan how long I have to live; the - Senate, the nobles hate me, and by Jupiter, they have good cause, - for I cut them with a scythe like ripe wheat. That was a good - lesson of Tarquin to his son Sextus to nip off the heads of the - tallest poppies. And the people—you have been currying favor with - them—against me; the soldiers alone love me, because I have doubled - their pay; let another offer to treble it and, to a man, they will - desert me. By the Immortals! it is terrible to be alone—and to be - plotted against, even by one’s wife.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He walked the - room, flourishing his tablets, then halted in front of the - clepsydra.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What said that star-gazer about the twelfth - hour?”</span> he asked. <span class="tei tei-q">“Walls have ears, - nothing is said that does not reach me. So, old Saturn, with thy - scythe, dost thou threaten? Then I defy thee—ha! I saw the storm - was coming up over Rome.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A long-drawn - growl of thunder muttered through the passages of the palace.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I saw no flash,”</span> said the prince, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“yet lightning falls somewhere, maybe to kindle the - pyre on which that sorcerer will burn; I care not. Fire of heaven - fall and strike where and whom thou wilt!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He went again to - the window and looked forth. The air was still and close. The sky - was enveloped in vapor and not a star could be seen. A continuous - quiver of electric light ran along the horizon. Then the heavens - seemed to be rent asunder and a blaze of lightning shot forth, - blinding to the eyes.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitian turned - away, and laid the tablets on the marble sideboard as he pressed - his hands to his eyeballs.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page309">[pg 309]</span><a name="Pg309" id="Pg309" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“By the Gods!”</span> he exclaimed a moment later, - <span class="tei tei-q">“here comes the rain; it descends in - cataracts; it falls with a roar.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He paced the - room, halted, stood in front of the clepsydra and looked at the - dropping water. The water had been reddened, and it seemed like - blood sweated out of the silver globe. At that moment the wheel - revolved, and sent a crimson gush into the receiver. With a jerk - Saturn raised his scythe and indicated the hour ten.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Emperor - turned away, and came in front of Domitia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“None have ever loved me,”</span> he said bitterly, - <span class="tei tei-q">“how then can it be expected that I shall - love any? my father disliked me, my brother distrusted me—and - you—my wife, have ever hated me. I need not ask the cause of that. - It is Lamia, always Lamia. Because he has never married you think - he still harbors love for you; and you—you hate me because of him. - It is hard to be a prince, and to be alone. If I hear a play—I - think I catch allusions to me; if it be a comedy—there is a jest - aimed at me; if a tragedy, it expresses what men wish may befall - me. If I read a historian, he declaims on the glories of a - commonwealth before these men, these Cæsars became tyrants, and as - for your philosophers—away with them, they are wind-bags, but the - wind is poisonous, it is malarious to me. When I am at the circus, - because I back green—you, the entire hoop of spectators cheer, bet - on the blue—to show me that they hate me. At the Amphitheatre, if I - favor the big shields, then every one else is for the small - targets. A prince is ever the most solitary of men. If you had - protested that you loved me, had <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page310">[pg 310]</span><a name="Pg310" id="Pg310" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>fondled me, I would have held you in - suspicion, mistrusted your every word and look and gesture. Perhaps - it is because that you have never given me good word, gentle look, - and gesture of respect that I feel you are true—cruelly true, and I - have loved you as the only true person I know. Now answer me—you - asked after my death?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Yes,”</span> answered Domitia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I knew it.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And,”</span> said she, in cold, hard tones, looking - straight into his agitated, twitching countenance, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“I bear to you a message.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“From whom?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“From Cornelia, the Great Mother.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Well, and what——”</span> he stopped, some one - approached the door. <span class="tei tei-q">“What would you - have?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The mime Latinus - appeared.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Well—speak.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Sire, the rain extinguished the pyre, before that the - astrologer was much burnt; then the dogs fell on him, as he was - unbound, and they tore him and he is dead.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Ye Gods!”</span> gasped Domitian, putting up his hand. - <span class="tei tei-q">“His word has come true after - all.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia signed - to the actor to withdraw.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You have not heard the message of - Cornelia.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He did not - speak.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“She has summoned you, the Augustus, the Chief Pontiff, - the unjust Judge, to answer before the All-righteous Supreme - Justice, above—before the scythe points to Twelve.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitian - answered not a word, he threw his mantle about his face and left - the room.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He had left his - tablets on the table.</p> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page311">[pg 311]</span><a name= - "Pg311" id="Pg311" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc82" id= - "toc82"></a> <a name="pdf83" id="pdf83"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XIII.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">THE HOUR OF TWELVE.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">For some moments - Domitia remained without stirring. But then, roused by a glare of - lightning, succeeded by a crash so loud as to shake the palace, she - saw in the white blaze the tablets of the Emperor lying on the - table.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At once, aware - of the importance of what she had secured, she seized them, and - went to the lamp to open them.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">They consisted - of thin citron-wood boards, framed and hinged on one side, the - surfaces within covered with a film of wax, on which notes were - inscribed with a <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= - "la"><span style="font-style: italic">stile</span></span> or iron - pen. There were stray leaves that served for correspondence, orders - and so forth, but what Domitia now held was a diptych, that is to - say, two leaves hinged, like a book-cover, which had included loose - sheets and were bound together by strings.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She at once - opened the diptych, and saw on the first page:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“To be executed immediately:—<br /> - In the Tullianum, by strangulation,<br /> - Lucius Ælius Lamia Plautius Ælianus.<br /> - To be torn by dogs:—<br /> - The Chaldæan Elymas, otherwise called - Ascletarion.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page312">[pg - 312]</span><a name="Pg312" id="Pg312" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On the second - leaf:</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“To be executed on the morrow:—<br /> - By decapitation:<br /> - Petronius Secundus, Præfect of the Prætorium.<br /> - Norbanus, likewise Præfect of the Prætorium.<br /> - By strangling, in the Tullianum:<br /> - Parthenius and Sigerius, Chamberlains of the - Palace.<br /> - To be bled to death:<br /> - Stephanus: steward to my niece Domitilla.<br /> - Entellus: Secretary <span lang="la" class= - "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">a</span> <span class= - "tei tei-corr"><span style= - "font-style: italic">libellis</span></span></span>.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The words - applying to Lamia acted on her as a blow against her heart. She - staggered to a stool, sank on it and struggled for breath.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But the urgency - of the danger allowed no delay—she rallied her strength - immediately, flew from the room and summoned Eboracus.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To him, - breathless, she said: <span class="tei tei-q">“Fly—summon me at - once Stephanus the steward, Petronius and Norbanus, præfects, and - the chamberlains Parthenius and Sigerius. Bid them come to me at - once—not make a moment’s delay.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She sank again - on the stool and put her hands to her temples and pressed them.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The lightning - continued to flare and the thunder to roll. There ensued a turmoil, - and a sound of voices crying; then a rush of feet. Euphrosyne - entered with startled mien—<span class="tei tei-q">“My mistress! - The bolt of heaven has fallen on the Palatine, and the chamber of - the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page313">[pg 313]</span><a name= - "Pg313" id="Pg313" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Augustus has been - struck. The Temple of the Flavians is on fire, and is burning in - despite of the rain.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The chamberlain, - Parthenius, entered.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Augusta!”</span> said he, <span class="tei tei-q">“the - lightning has struck that part of the palace occupied by Cæsar. He - must have his apartment for the night on this side.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“That is well,”</span> answered Domitia. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Parthenius, have you received my message from - Eboracus?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“No, lady.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Then read this,”</span> she extended to him the wax - tablets.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The chamberlain - turned ash gray and trembled.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Parthenius,”</span> said Domitia, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“it is no vain augury that lightning has struck the - Temple of the Flavians, and driven Cæsar from his apartments. Let - his place of rest be to-night in the room adjoining this—and—if he - wakes—”</span> she looked at the clepsydra, as at that moment with - a click the wheel turned and Saturn moved his scythe—<span class= - "tei tei-q">“there is but an hour in which the fate of more than - yourself, of Lamia—of Entellus must be decided. Take the - tablets.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Scarce had she - spoken, before quick steps were heard, and in a moment Domitian - entered.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Parthenius - hastily concealed the tablets by throwing a fold of his garment - over the hand that held them. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Sire,”</span> said he, <span class="tei tei-q">“I have - come to announce that thy chamber must be on this side.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Go thy way,”</span> said Domitian roughly, - <span class="tei tei-q">“see to it that I have a bed brought at - once. Hast heard, Domitia, the fire has fallen!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Sire,”</span> said Parthenius, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“I haste to obey and pray the Gods that in spite of - thunder and lightning you may sleep sound and not - wake.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page314">[pg - 314]</span><a name="Pg314" id="Pg314" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Emperor - walked to the clepsydra, and laughed scornfully. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“The bolt of Jove has missed me,”</span> said he. - <span class="tei tei-q">“The red-handed One made a mistake. I am - wont to be in bed at this hour—by good luck, this night I was not. - He has levelled his bolt at my pillow and burnt that—I am escaped - scot-free. Now I have no further fear.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The temple of your divine family is in - flames.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What care I? I will rebuild it—the majesty, the - divinity of the Flavians resides not in stones and marble—it is - incorporate in Me. I may have been in danger for a moment. Now I - snap my fingers in the face of that blunderer Jove, who burnt a - hole in my pillow instead of transfixing my head. And yon old - Chronos—”</span> he made a sign of contempt towards scythed Time, - <span class="tei tei-q">“I defy thee and thy bucket of blood. - Twelve o’clock! In spite of Jove’s bolt, and the summons of - Cornelia—I shall be asleep by that hour.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I pray the Gods it may be so.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Domitian - went out precipitately. His defiant attitude, his daring talk did - not serve to disguise the alarm which he felt. Suddenly, after - having left the room he turned, came back and said, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Domitia! What sword is that? What need has a woman - with a sword?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He pointed to - that of Corbulo, suspended against the wall.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He went to it - and took it down.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Leave it,”</span> said she harshly. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is that on which my father fell. It is stained - likewise with the blood of Nero.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He held it by - the scabbard. She caught the handle and, as he turned, drew forth - the blade.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At the same - moment he heard steps in the passage <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page315">[pg 315]</span><a name="Pg315" id="Pg315" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>approaching the door, and without noticing - that he held but the sheath, or else purposing to demand the weapon - itself later, when the interruption was over, he walked towards the - entrance uttering an expression of impatience, holding the empty - scabbard in his right hand.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the doorway - stood Stephanus, a freedman, the steward of Flavia Domitilla, wife, - or rather widow of Clemens, whom Domitian had recently put to - death. Domitilla had been exiled, and the Emperor had appropriated - to his own use the estates of his kinsman.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Why camest thou hither?”</span> asked the prince - roughly. <span class="tei tei-q">“I shall have enough to say to - thee on the morrow because of thy embezzlements.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Augustus! I am innocent.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“A thief, a vile purloiner, a blood-sucking leech, that - has fattened as do all thy kind on thy masters. Go thy way—I want - thee not here.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And striding - towards him, with Corbulo’s scabbard he struck the freedman across - the face.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Stephanus - uttered a cry of rage and pain, and instantly smote at the Emperor - with a dagger he had held concealed in his sleeve.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What, hound! You dare! You shall be flayed alive! Ho! - to my aid!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Stephanus threw - himself on the Emperor.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Domitia - stepped between the struggling men and the doorway, and with one - hand drew together the curtains so as to muffle the cries.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“To my aid! to my aid!”</span> called Domitian, as the - powerful steward grappled him, and struck his dagger into the thigh - of the prince.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“To my aid! Ho, a sword!”</span> shouted the Emperor, - and he grasped the weapon of the steward but <span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page316">[pg 316]</span><a name="Pg316" id="Pg316" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a>so that, holding the blade with his - hand, the weapon cut it across and the blood streamed forth.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He now made an - effort to reach the doorway; and the steward, holding him, strove - to wrench away the dagger and inflict a mortal wound. But Domitian, - aware of his object, with his bleeding hand retained his grasp of - the blade.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">All at once, the - Emperor let go his hold, and seizing the steward by the head drove - his thumbs into his eyes.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Stephanus - instantly dropped the dagger in his attempt to save himself from - being blinded.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The two men - twisted and writhed in grapple with each other. The freedman was a - powerful man—it was for this reason he had been sent to despatch - the prince. But Domitian was battling for his life. Though his legs - were thin and out of proportion to his body, he was a strong man—he - had ever maintained his vigor by exercise of the muscles and had - never weakened himself by excess in eating and drinking.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">By a happy turn - he flung Stephanus, but clasped by him fell with him on the - floor.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now the two - men rolled and tossed in a tangled mass together. Their snorts and - gasps and the bestial growl of rage filled the room.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Quick! Domitia—the sword! At once—the sword—the - sword!”</span> said the Emperor. He spoke in gulps and gasps.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He had Stephanus - under him; his knee was on his chest and his hand, the gashed left - hand flowing with blood, contracted the prostrate man’s throat.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Domitia! the sword!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> - - <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> - <img src="images/i_348.jpg" alt="DOMITIA! THE SWORD!" title= - "“DOMITIA! THE SWORD!” Page 316." /> - - <div class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: center">“DOMITIA! - THE SWORD!”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi" style= - "text-align: center"><span style="font-style: italic">Page - 316.</span></span> - </div> - </div> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But she stood, - stern, cold, without stirring a step, <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page317">[pg 317]</span><a name="Pg317" id="Pg317" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>and she folded the sword of her father to her - breast, with her arms crossed over it.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Because of Paris—No!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The sword! be speedy. I will finish him!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Because of Cornelia—No!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Domitia—help!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Because of Lucius Lamia—No!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She went to the - curtains, drew them apart, and called down the passage to - Norbanus.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The two - Prætorian præfects were there with the chamberlains—but they were - ill able to restrain the guard who suspected that their prince and - Emperor was in danger and scented treachery.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Instantly a rush - was made. Some of the soldiers, with the præfect Norbanus, came on - running, whilst the other, Petronius Secundus, endeavored by his - authority to restrain the rest.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But from the - other end of the passage came gladiators running, hastily brought - together by Parthenius.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">For a moment - there was a jam in the doorway, a burly gladiator and a soldier of - the guard were wedged together, each endeavoring to hold the other - back and force himself in.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Meanwhile - Petronius continued to exhort his soldiers to stand back, and - Parthenius to promise rewards to the gladiators who pressed on. The - tumult became terrible. Men came to blows without, there was a - running together of slaves and freedmen—of frightened women and - pages from all sides. Some had leaped from their beds, roused from - sleep, and were not clothed. Some bore lamps—but again certain - others attempted to extinguish the lights. Some cried <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Treason!”</span> Others <span class="tei tei-q">“Away - with the monster!”</span> <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page318">[pg - 318]</span><a name="Pg318" id="Pg318" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>Some called out <span class="tei tei-q">“Nerva - is the <span class="tei tei-corr">Emperor!</span>”</span> others - <span class="tei tei-q">“Domitian is the Augustus!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then the - gladiator at the door, by dint of elbowing, forced his way within, - but he was unarmed.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Next moment the - Prætorian guardsman held back by the gladiator entered and struck - at Stephanus, dealing a frightful blow.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Relieved by this - assistance, Domitian staggered to his feet and glared about him. He - was too much out of breath to speak, and in at the door came others - pressing, some crying one thing, some another.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Domitia - unfolded her arms, and taking the sword of Corbulo in her right - hand, extended it to the gladiator and said—<span class= - "tei tei-q">“Make an end.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The man snatched - at the haft; and with a blow drove the blade into the breast of the - Emperor.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Still the prince - remained standing, and stretched forth his hands gropingly for a - weapon.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Parmenas leaped - at him, and with a knife struck him in the throat.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then he reeled; - in another moment he was surrounded, blows from all sides were - rained on him. Again the sword of Corbulo was lifted and again - smote, and he fell as a heap on the body of Stephanus.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">For a moment - there was stillness.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then in that - hush sounded a click and a gush. The bucket of the clepsydra had - discharged, and with a jerk Saturn raised his scythe and pointed to - the hour of midnight.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“He has answered his summons before the seat of Divine - Justice!”</span> said Domitia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She stooped and - plucked the signet ring from the finger of the murdered prince.</p> - </div> - <hr class="page" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page319">[pg 319]</span><a name= - "Pg319" id="Pg319" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc84" id= - "toc84"></a> <a name="pdf85" id="pdf85"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XIV.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">IN THE TULLIANUM.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">No sooner had - Domitia got the signet from the finger of the dead Emperor, than - she hastened from the room, trembling, almost blind as to her - course, but armed with more than her natural strength to force her - way through those who filled the passage.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Parmenas was now - there, and he cleared a way for her, and in a loud voice forbade - any of the slaves to leave the palace; Petronius at the same time - gave orders to the soldiers of the guard to remain where they were, - keeping watch that none left to spread the tidings, until Cocceius - Nerva had been communicated with, and the Senate had been - summoned.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia, - however, made her way from among the excited and alarmed throng, - and finding some of her own slaves, bade them bring Eboracus to - her.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I am here, lady,”</span> answered the Briton.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Then quick—with me. Not a moment is to be lost. Light - a torch and lead the way.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Whither, mistress?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“To the Tullianum.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He stared at her - in amazement.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Quick—a life, a precious life is at stake. Not a - minute must we delay or it will be too late.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I am ready, lady.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He snatched a - torch from an attendant, and advanced towards a postern gate that - communicated with a flight of steps leading to the Forum. It was - employed almost <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page320">[pg - 320]</span><a name="Pg320" id="Pg320" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>wholly by the servants and was used for - communication between the kitchen and the markets.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Shall we take any one else with us?”</span> asked - Eboracus. He answered himself—<span class="tei tei-q">“Yes—here is - Euphrosyne. She shall attend, and a boy shall carry the link. At - night—and on such a night, I must have both arms at my - disposal.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia said - nothing. She was eager to be on her way, was impatient of the - smallest delay. Euphrosyne came up, and obeyed a sign from the - Briton. He caught a scullion who was rubbing his sleepy eyes, and - wondering what had caused the commotion, and had roused him from - his bed. Eboracus thrust the torch into his hand and opened the - door for the Empress.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia stepped - out to the head of the stairs. The rain had ceased, but the steps - were running with water. The eaves dripped. The shrubs were laden - with rain, they stooped their boughs and shed a load of moisture on - the soil, then raised their leaves again, once more to accumulate - the wet, and again to stoop and shower it down. Runnels conveying - water from the roof were flowing as streams, noisily: the ground - covered with pools, reflected the torch; as also every gleam from - the retiring storm. Still in the distance thunder muttered, but it - was a grumble of discontent at having failed to achieve all it had - been sent to execute.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On such a night - few would be abroad, except the patrols of the <span lang="la" - class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">Vigiles</span></span> and them there would be - no difficulty in passing as the watchword was known to Eboracus, - the word which allowed those only who could say it to traverse the - streets at night in the respectable portions of the city. But there - were no lamps, not even the feeble glimmer of a lantern slung in - the midst of the street. Notwithstanding all the civili<span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page321">[pg 321]</span><a name="Pg321" id="Pg321" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a>zation of ancient Rome the art of - lighting the thoroughfares at night was unknown. Such as were - constrained to walk abroad after dark were attended by slaves - bearing torches.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The streets of - Rome had for long been of bad repute for the brawls and murders - committed in them at night. Tipsy youths and rufflers had assaulted - honest men, and should a woman be out after dark, she was certain - of insult. Nero himself had distinguished himself in such vulgar - performances. But under the Flavian princes much had been done to - establish order and to ensure protection to life and purse of such - as were out after dark, so that now, except in the slums, a citizen - could visit his friends, a doctor his patients, by night, without - fear of molestation.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And of all - portions of Rome, the Forum with its splendid monuments, its rich - temples, especially that of Saturn, that contained the city - treasures, was most patrolled and therefore the safest. Eboracus - had little expectation that his mistress would meet with rudeness - or encounter danger, the rain must have swept the street of all - idlers.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The long flight - of steps was descended with caution, as they were slippery with - rain, indeed with more caution than Domitia approved, so impatient - was she to reach the object of her journey. The distance was not - great. She had but to traverse the upper end of the Forum.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">That at which - she aimed was the prison of Rome. It lay at the foot of the - Capitoline Hill, and consisted of an ancient well or subterranean - chamber in which flowed a small spring. Above this was the prison, - consisting of a series of cells that rose in stages to a - considerable height, against the rock, the chambers being in part - scooped out of the travestine. From the top <span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page322">[pg 322]</span><a name="Pg322" id="Pg322" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of the hill ran a set of steps called - the Gemonian stair, and it was customary for State prisoners who - had been condemned to death, after execution to be cast from the - upper chamber of the Tullianum down the stairs; whence with hooks - the corpses were dragged across the Forum and then flung into the - Tiber.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To the house of - the jailer, Domitia with her attendants made her way. She had been - stopped once in crossing the Forum, but the watch recognized her, - and saluted with respect, though with an expression of astonishment - on his countenance at seeing Cæsar’s wife abroad at such a time of - the night, in such weather and with such scant attendance.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On reaching the - jailer’s door, Eboracus knocked. No answer was given. He knocked - again and louder, and continued knocking, till at length a gruff - voice from within called to know who was without, and what was - wanted.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Open—in the name of the Augustus,”</span> said the - British slave; and at once the keeper of the prison let down the - bars and withdrew the bolts and chains, then carrying a lamp, - peered out at those who demanded admittance.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Domitia - stood forward.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You have a prisoner here—Lucius Ælius - Lamia?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Yes.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You must lead me to him.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-corr">The</span> jailer appeared disconcerted, he held his - lamp aloft and eyed the woman who spake. He did not know her, his - light was feeble, and as it happened, he had seen little of the - Empress.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You do not know me,”</span> said Domitia. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Know you this ring?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The - prison-keeper held the flame of his lamp to the <span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page323">[pg 323]</span><a name="Pg323" id="Pg323" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a>signet, and made the usual sign of - respect and recognition.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You are required to lead me within,”</span> said - Domitia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The jailer at - once stood aside, and suffered the Empress and her attendants to - enter. Then he barred and bolted the door again.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And now,”</span> said Domitia, impatient at the - leisurely proceeding of the man, <span class="tei tei-q">“lead me - to him.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Without another - word he went forward, holding his lamp down that those who followed - might see the steps and not stumble at them.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“This way,”</span> said he, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“and bow your heads, the entrance is low; but most of - them that pass this way have to hold their heads still lower when - they are taken out. Look at these stones—great blocks built by the - Kings—by Servius Tullus, they say. By Hercules! this is not a - tavern where men tarry long, nor do they relish our fare. One thing - I must say in our favor, we make no charge for our - hospitality.”</span> Thus the jailer muttered as he went along.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Look there—on your right—there is the cell where Simon - Bar Gioras, the Jew, was strangled—he who was the last to maintain - the struggle against the God Titus, in defence of Jerusalem; and - see—”</span> he threw open a door. <span class="tei tei-q">“Here is - the Bath of Mamertius in which Jugurtha was starved, all in - blackness of darkness and soaking in ice-cold water. What! - Impatient—do you not care to see the sights and hear my gossip? - Well, well—but I have pretty things to show. I have a shankbone of - Appius Claudius, who committed suicide in yon cell, and a garment - of Sejanus, and the very bowstring wherewith—I am going on as fast - as may be. See! we have had Christians here also. There was another - Jew, Simon Petrus by name, he was in this <span class="tei tei-pb" - id="page324">[pg 324]</span><a name="Pg324" id="Pg324" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>cell, and I have the chain whereby he was - bound, and I sell the links to the followers of the - Nazarene,”</span> he began to cackle. <span class="tei tei-q">“By - Hercules! the chain is long enough. They come for more links than - there would be, were the chain to reach across the Tiber. But any - bit of old iron will serve, and they are not particular—take any - scrap and pay in silver. I am going as fast as may be. I am not - young. Fast enough I warrant. He is in no hurry—not Lamia. He can - wait. All the same to him whether we reach him now or an hour - hence.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Domitia, - whose brow was beaded with cold sweat, like the stones of the vault - that ran with moisture, laid hold of the prison-keeper’s arm and - said:—<span class="tei tei-q">“Tell me—is he—”</span> she could not - say the word, her heart beat so furiously, and everything swam - before her eyes.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Aye, aye, you shall see for yourself. Come from the - Augustus to satisfy him that we do our work properly, I trow. I - have not much strength in these old-hands, but my two sons are - lusty—and say the word—they will bend your back and snap the spine, - smite and shear off your head like a pumpkin under a scythe, twist, - and the life is throttled out of you. Here—here we are. Go in and - see for yourself that we are good workmen.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He threw open a - door and raised his lamp.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A low vaulted - chamber was faintly illumined by the flame, the torch held by - Eboracus was behind Domitia and the jailer; he had taken it from - the link boy at the prison door. He and Euphrosyne attended their - mistress, the boy was left without.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The old - prison-keeper stood on one side.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The order came yesterday,”</span> said he, - <span class="tei tei-q">“and we are not slack in the - execution.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia saw the - figure of a man lying on the stone floor. She started - forward—</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page325">[pg - 325]</span><a name="Pg325" id="Pg325" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“He sleeps!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I warrant you—right soundly.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She uttered a - smothered cry.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Put down the lamp!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She turned and - faced the jailer. <span class="tei tei-q">“Leave me alone with him. - I will wake him. I know he but sleeps.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The man - hesitated.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Eboracus - pressed forward and laid hold of the jailer and - whispered—<span class="tei tei-q">“Go without, it is the - Augusta!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The keeper of - the prison started, raised his hand to his lips, bowed, set the - lamp on the moist floor and drew back.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Without! Without all!”</span> ordered Domitia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Eboracus - pulled the jailer out of the cell. Euphrosyne stood doubtful - whether to remain with her mistress or obey—but an impatient sign - from the Empress drove her forth, and the British slave closed the - door.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“He is dead,”</span> said the jailer. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Did the Augustus desire to withdraw the order? His - signet has arrived too late. The prisoner has been throttled by my - sons.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The old man and - the two slaves remained for some quarter of an hour in the passage - almost smothered by the smoke emitted by the torch.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">From within they - heard a voice—at intervals, now raised in weeping, then uttering - low soothing tones, then raised in a cry as the <span lang="la" - class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">conclamatio</span></span> of hired wailers for - the dead, calling on Lamia by name to return, to return, to leave - the Shadowland and come back into light.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And then—a - laugh.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A laugh so - weird, so horrible, so unexpected, that with a thrust, without - scruple, Eboracus threw open the door.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" - id="page326">[pg 326]</span><a name="Pg326" id="Pg326" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On the stone - pavement sat Domitia, her hair dishevelled, and on her lap the head - of the dead man. She was wiping his brow with her veil, stooping, - kissing his lips, weeping, then laughing again—then pointing to - purple letters, crossed L’s woven into his tunic.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Eboracus saw it - all—her reason was gone.</p> - </div> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <a name="toc86" id="toc86"></a> <a name="pdf87" id="pdf87"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XV.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">DRAWING TO THE LIGHT.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the old home - of Gabii, under the tender care of Euphrosyne and in the soothing - company of Glyceria, little by little, stage by stage, Domitia - recovered.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There was a - horrible past to which no reference might be made. The true British - slave, Eboracus, was ever at hand to help—when needed. Never a day, - never half a day, but his honest face appeared at the door to - inquire after his dear lady, and as her senses came flickering - back, it was he to whom she clung to take her in his arms into the - trellised walk, or when stronger to lead her where she could pick - violets for Glyceria, and to pile about the feet of the little - statue of the Good Shepherd. He took her a row on the lake and let - her fish—he found nests of young birds and brought them to her; and - all at once disclosed great powers of story-telling; he told - marvellous British tales as to a little child, of the ploughing of - Hu Cadarn, of Ceridwen and her cauldron. And he would sing—he - fashioned himself a harp, of British shape, and sang as he - accompanied himself, but his ballads were all in the Celtic tongue - that Domitia could not understand—<span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page327">[pg 327]</span><a name="Pg327" id="Pg327" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>nevertheless it soothed and pleased her to - listen to his music.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Longa Duilia did - not visit her often. She made formal duty calls at long intervals, - and as Domitia became better, these visits grew proportionately - fewer.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Duilia, as she - herself said, was not created to be a nurse. She knew that some - were fitted by nature to attend to the sick, and all that sort of - thing—but it was not her gift. Society was her sphere in which she - floated and which she adorned, but she was distraught and drooping - in a sick-room. She wished she had the faculty—and all that sort of - thing—but all women were not cast in the same mould, run out of the - same metal—and, my dear, parenthetically—some are of lead, others - of Corinthian brass—and which are which it is not for me to say—she - thanked the Gods it was so.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nor did the - visits and efforts to amuse, of Duilia, avail anything towards - Domitia’s cure. On the contrary, she was always worse after her - mother had been with her. The old lady ripped up ill-healed sores, - harped on old associations, could not check her tongue from - scolding.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My poor dear child—I never made a greater blunder in - my life—I, too, who have the pedigree at my finger’s ends—as to - fancy that there was any connection with those Flavians. My dear! - yellow hair is quite out of fashion now, quite out. Look at mine, a - raven’s wing is not darker. It was through Vespasia Polla—I thought - we were related—stupid that I was—it was the Vipsanians we were - allied to, not those low and beggarly Vespasians. As the Gods love - me, I believe Polla’s father was an army contractor. But I have - made it all right. I have smudged out the line I had <span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page328">[pg 328]</span><a name="Pg328" id="Pg328" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a>added to the family tree, and as for the - wax heads of those Flavians, I have had them melted up. Will you - believe it—I had the mask of Domitian run into a pot and that - stupid Lucilla did not put a cover on it, and the rats have eaten - it—eaten all the wax. I hope it has clogged their stomachs and - given them indigestion. They doubtless thought it was dripping. But - I really have made a most surprising discovery. I find there was an - alliance with the Cocceii—most respectable family, very ancient, - admirable men all—and so there is a sort of cousinship with the - present admirable prince. His brother Aulus—rather old perhaps—but - an estimable man—is—well—may be—in a word, I intend to give a - little supper—a dainty affair—all in the best style—so sorry you - can’t be there, my dear Domitia—but of course absolutely - impossible. Your state of health and all that sort of thing. Don’t - be surprised if you hear—but there, there—he is rather old though, - for one who is only just turning off the very bloom of life and - beauty.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After such a - visit and such talk the mind of Domitia was troubled for several - days. She became timid, alarmed at the least noise, and distraught. - But then the poor crippled woman succeeded in comforting and laying - her troubles, and the painful expression faded from her face. It - became placid, but always with a sadness that was inseparable from - the eyes, and a tremulousness of the lips, as though a very - little—a rough word or two—would dissolve her into tears.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With the spring, - the growing light, the increasing warmth, the bursting life in - plant and insect, she began to amend more steadily, and relapses - became fewer.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One sweet spring - day, when Glyceria had been car<span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page329">[pg 329]</span><a name="Pg329" id="Pg329" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>ried forth into the garden, and Domitia sat on - the turf near her with purple anemones in her lap, that she was - binding into a garland, the paralyzed woman was startled by hearing - Domitia suddenly speak of the past.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She spoke, and - continued weaving the flowers, <span class="tei tei-q">“My - Glyceria, I intend this for the little temple of my father. It is - all I can do for him—to give flowers where his ashes lie—but it - does not content me. There were two whom I loved and looked up to - as the best of men, and both are gone—gone to dust: my own dearest - father, and my lover, my husband, Lamia. I cannot bear to think of - them as heaps of ashes or as wandering ghosts. When that thought - comes over me, I seem to be as one drowning, and then darkness is - before my eyes. I cannot cry—I smother.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Why should you think of them as wandering ghosts or as - heaps of dust?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I know that they are dust—I suppose they are shadows. - But of anything else, all is guess-work, we know nothing—and that - is so horrible. I love two only—have loved two only—and they are no - more than shadows. No, no! I mean not that.”</span> She flung her - arms about Glyceria, and laid her cheek against that of the sick - woman. <span class="tei tei-q">“No, I do love you, and I love - Euphrosyne and I love Eboracus. But I mean—I mean in a different - manner. One was my father, and the other my husband. It is so - terribly sad to think they are lost to me like yesterday or last - summer.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“They are not lost. You will see them - again.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“See my father! See my Lamia!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Yes—I know it will be so.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“O, Glyceria, do not say such things. You make my heart - jump. How can it be? They have been.”</span></p><span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page330">[pg 330]</span><a name="Pg330" id="Pg330" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“They are and will be. Death is swallowed up in - Life.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“That is impossible. Death is death and nothing - more.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Glyceria - took the hand of Domitia, and looking into her eyes, said solemnly: - <span class="tei tei-q">“Dost thou remember having asked me about - the Fish?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Yes—this amulet,”</span> answered the noble lady, and - she detached the cornelian from her throat, and held it in the hand - not engaged by Glyceria. <span class="tei tei-q">“Yes—I - recollect—there was some mystery, but what was it?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“The Fish is a symbol, as I said once before, and it is - no amulet.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Of what is it the symbol?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Of One who died—who tasted of the bitterness of the - parting of soul and body, and who went into the region of Shadows - and returned—the soul to the body, and rose from the dead, and by - the virtue of His resurrection gives power to all who believe in - Him to rise in like manner.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And he could tell about what the ghosts do—how they - wander?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I cannot say that. There would be no comfort in that. - He rose to give us joy and to rob death of its terrors.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But what has this to do with the Fish?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You know what the word Fish is in Greek.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Very well.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Take each letter of that word, and each letter is the - first of words that contain the very substance of the Christian - belief—Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Saviour.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia looked - at the little cornelian fish; she could not - understand.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page331">[pg - 331]</span><a name="Pg331" id="Pg331" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I believe that one could die and wake again. I have - fainted and come round. And he might say what was in the spirit - world into which he had been—but the region of ghosts is very - dreary, very sad.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Nay, He can do more. As He rose, He can raise us to - new life, and He will do it, for He is God. He made us, and He will - recall us from death.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What—my father! Lucius! I shall see them again—not as - shadows, but as they were—?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Not so—not as they were, mortal; but raised to an - immortal life.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I shall kiss my darling father—put my arms around my - Lucius from whom I have been parted so long, and so cruelly, and - who has been so—so true to me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Domitia - burst into tears.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Glyceria stroked - her hand.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“There—you see how joyous is our hope. Death is - nothing—it is only a good-bye for a bit to meet again.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“O, Glyceria! O, if I could see them—O Glyceria! O, you - should not have said this if it be not true. My heart will break. - O, if it might be so! if I could! but once only—for a - moment——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Nay, that would not suffice; forever, never to be - separated; no more tears, no more death.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“O, Glyceria—not another word—I cannot bear it. My - heart is over full. Another time. My head, my head! O, if it - might—it could be!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Next day - Glyceria saw by the red eyes of Domitia that she had slept little - and had wept much. She did not turn the conversation to the same - topic; she wisely waited for the noble lady to begin on it herself, - and she judged that she would take some time to consider what had - been spoken about and to digest it.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page332">[pg 332]</span><a name="Pg332" id="Pg332" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And in fact - Domitia made no further allusion to the matter for some days. But - after about a week, when alone with the paralyzed woman, she said - to her abruptly: <span class="tei tei-q">“You have never been in - Syria?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“No, dear lady.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I have—and I have been on the confines of the desert - and looked away, as far as the eye could reach, and have seen - nothing but sand and barren rock. Behind me a rose-garden, - syringas, myrtle and citron trees, and murmuring streams, before - me—no green leaf, only death. It is to me, as I stand now and look - back on my life as if it were that barren desert; and the fearful - thing is—I dare not turn and look the other way, for it is into - impenetrable night. But no, my life is not all desolation, there - are just two green spots in it where the date palms stand and there - are wells—my childhood, when I sat on my father’s knee and cuddled - into his arms; and once again, when I was recovering from the loss - of him and was basking in the joy of my love for Lucius Lamia. All - the rest—”</span> she made a gesture of despair—<span class= - "tei tei-q">“Death.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Dearest lady! I would like to turn you about and show - you that where you think only blackness reigns, lies a beautiful - garden, a paradise, and One at the gate who beckons and says, Come - unto Me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give - you rest.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Ah! but that may be all fancy and dream work like the - promises of the Magi, and the mysteries of Isis.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Glyceria got no - further than this. Domitia was disposed to talk with her on her - hope, and on the Christian belief, but always with reserve and some - mistrust.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There were old - prejudices to be overcome, there was the consciousness that the - promises so largely made <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page333">[pg - 333]</span><a name="Pg333" id="Pg333" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>by - the votaries of the many cults from East and South who came to Rome - were unfulfilled, and this made her unable to place confidence in - the new religion held by slaves and ignorant people, however - alluring it might seem.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Among the very - few who came to Gabii during her illness and convalescence, was - Flavia Domitilla, the widow of Flavius Clemens, who had been put to - death by Domitian. Domitilla had been banished, but returned - immediately on the death of the tyrant. She had suffered as had - Domitia. In her manner and address there was something so gentle - and assuring, that the poor ex-empress, in the troubled condition - of her brain, was drawn to her, and after her visits felt better. - She knew, or rather supposed, that Domitilla was a Christian. Her - husband had been one, and had suffered for his faith.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was with real - pleasure that she ran to welcome her one morning, when the steward - entered and announced: <span class="tei tei-q">“The Lady Flavia - Domitilla.”</span></p> - </div> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <a name="toc88" id="toc88"></a><a name="pdf89" id="pdf89"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XVI.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">AN ECSTASY.</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I have come, dear Domitia, with a petition,”</span> - said the widow of Flavius Clemens. <span class="tei tei-q">“And it - is one you will wound me if you refuse.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But who would wound so gentle a breast?”</span> - answered Domitia, kissing her visitor. <span class="tei tei-q">“He - must be heartless who draws a bow against a dove.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Hearken first to what I ask. I am bold—but my very - feebleness inspires me with audacity.”</span></p><span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page334">[pg 334]</span><a name="Pg334" id="Pg334" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“What is it, then?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“That you come with me to my villa for a little change - of scene, air and society. It will do you good.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And I cannot refuse. It is like your sweet spirit to - desire nothing save what is kindly intended and does good to - others.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“As you have assented so graciously, I will push my - advance a little further and say—Return with me to-day. Let us - travel together. If you will—I have a double litter—and we can - chatter as two magpies together.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Magpies bring sorrow.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Nay, two—mirth—we have cast our sorrows behind us. You - said I was a dove, so be it—a pair of doves, perhaps wounded, - lamed—but we coo into each other’s ear, and lay our aching hearts - together and so obtain solace.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I will refuse you nothing,”</span> said Domitia, again - kissing her visitor.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Accordingly, a - couple of hours later the two ladies started, Domitia taking with - her some attendants, but travelling, as was proposed, in the large - litter of Domitilla.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This latter lady - was, as already mentioned, the widow of Clemens, one of the two - sons of Flavius Sabinus, præfect of the city, who had held the - Capitol against the Prætorians of Vitellius and had been murdered - but a few hours before Rome was entered by the troops that favored - his brother Vespasian. On that occasion his sons had escaped, and - the elder was married to Julia, daughter of Titus, but had been put - to death by Domitian. The younger brother, Clemens, a quiet, - inoffensive man, who took no part in public affairs, had been - executed as well, shortly before Domitian himself - perished.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page335">[pg - 335]</span><a name="Pg335" id="Pg335" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now Flavia - Domitilla lived quietly on her estate not far from the Ardeatine - Gate of Rome.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“How!”</span> said Flavia, suddenly, as she espied the - little cornelian suspended on the bosom of Domitia, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“you have the Fish!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Yes, Glyceria gave it me—long ago.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Do you know what it means?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Glyceria told me—but it is a dream, a beautiful fancy, - nothing more. There is no evidence.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Domitia, you have not sought for it.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“My cousin, Rome is full of religions. Some say the - truth is in Sabazius, some in Isis, some in the stars, some in - Mithras—a new importation—and some will go back to the old Gods of - our Latin ancestors. But one and another all are - naught.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“How know you that?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“By the spirit that is within me. It can discern - between what is true and false. Not that which promises best is the - most real.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You are right, Domitia—that is truest and most real - which meets and satisfies the seeking, aching heart.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And where is that?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Where you have not sought for it.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“If I were sure I would seek. But I am weary of - disillusionings and disappointments.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Well—will you hear?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I am not sure. I have met with too many - disappointments to desire another.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nothing further - was said on this topic till the villa was reached. Domitia showed - that she did not desire to have it pursued.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As Flavia - alighted from her litter, a young man <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page336">[pg 336]</span><a name="Pg336" id="Pg336" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>approached, handed her something and asked for - an answer.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The widow of - Clemens opened a tied diptych and read some words written - therein.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She seemed - disconcerted and doubtful. She looked questioningly at Domitia, and - then asked leave of the latter to say a word in private to - Euphrosyne. Leave was granted and a whispered communication passed - between them.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Again Flavia - looked inquiringly at Domitia, and it was with considerable - hesitation that she signed to the young man to approach, and - said:—<span class="tei tei-q">“Be it so. The Collect shall be - here.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">That evening - before she and her guest parted for the night, Flavia took Domitia - by the hand and said:—<span class="tei tei-q">“You are right—the - faculty of determination is seated in every breast. Inquire and - choose.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A few days - passed, and then the hostess became uneasy. Evidently she had - something that she desired to say, but was afraid of broaching the - subject.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At length, - abruptly, she began on it.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Domitia, I show you the utmost confidence. I must tell - you something. You know how that the Christians have been - persecuted under—I mean of late, and how we have suffered. My dear - husband shed his blood for the cause, and he was but one among - many. Now there is a respite granted, but how long it will last we - know not. The laws against us stand unrepealed and any one who - wishes us ill can set them in motion for our - destruction.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You do not think, Cousin——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Nay, hear me out, Domitia. You saw a young man - approach me as we arrived here. He is what we <span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page337">[pg 337]</span><a name="Pg337" id="Pg337" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a>term a deacon, and he came to announce - that, if I saw fit, the Church would assemble in my house next - first day of the week, that is the day after the Jewish Sabbath. It - is customary with us to assemble together for prayer on that day, - early, before dawn, sometimes in one house, then in another, so as - to escape observation. And now, on the morrow—this assembly, which - we term the Collect, will take place. Do thou tarry in thy chamber, - and thou shalt be summoned when all have dispersed.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Nay, I would see and hear what takes - place.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“That may not be, Domitia, that is only for the - initiated.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But why secrecy if there be naught of which to be - ashamed?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Our Master said, Give not that which is holy unto - dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine. Tell me, Domitia, - how would you endure were your father made a mock of, his sayings - and acts parodied on the stage, and turned into a matter of low - buffoonery?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia’s brow - flamed and her eyes flashed.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I see your answer in your face. So with our Great - Master. His mysteries are holy, and we would preserve them from - outrage. Now you understand why you cannot be present.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“But I would not mock.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“It is our rule, to avoid the chance of - profanity.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“As you will.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“There is one thing more,”</span> said Flavia. - <span class="tei tei-q">“You will not be angry if I have sent to - have poor Glyceria brought here. Owing to her infirmity she has not - been able to be present at a gathering of the Church <span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page338">[pg 338]</span><a name="Pg338" id="Pg338" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a>for a long time, and nothing could give - her greater consolation and happiness.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I am willing for anything that can cheer her,”</span> - answered Domitia; then in a tone of vexation, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“So—a freedwoman, and Euphrosyne, a slave, will be - admitted where I am shut out—I, who was Empress——”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Do not be offended. Is it not so in every sodality, - that the members of the Club alone attend the gatherings of the - Club.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You are a Club then?”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“We are the worshippers of God.”</span><a id= - "noteref_16" name="noteref_16" href="#note_16"><span class= - "tei tei-noteref"><span style= - "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">16</span></span></a></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia was - silent, then Flavia started up. <span class="tei tei-q">“I hear - them—they have come with Glyceria. I must see that she be cared - for. The long journey to that frail and broken frame will have - exhausted her slender powers.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“And I will go, too”</span>—with a tinge of jealousy in - her manner. Domitia little liked that another should interest - herself about the poor woman, and should stand to her in a more - intimate relation than herself.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On going forth, - all feeling of envy disappeared at once before a sense of - alarm.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">An accident had - occurred on the way. Owing to some fault in the paving of the road, - one of the bearers had stumbled and, in falling, the litter had - been thrown down and the woman within injured.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia saw by - the ashen face and the green hue about the mouth and temples that - Glyceria was in great pain. But her eyes were bright and sought her - at once and a world of love flowed out of them, she put forth her - thin hand to lay hold of the great lady. <span class="tei tei-pb" - id="page339">[pg 339]</span><a name="Pg339" id="Pg339" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>Domitia at once flashed into anger. - <span class="tei tei-q">“This comes of bringing her here. Had she - been left at Gabii it would never have happened. Where is the - fellow who threw her down?—Flavia! have him whipped with the - scorpion.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Glyceria caught - her hand. <span class="tei tei-q">“It was an accident. He was not - in fault. I am happy. It is the will of God—that is everything to - me.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“You suffer.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The paralyzed - woman could not speak more. She was being lifted out of the litter, - and fainted as she was moved. She was conveyed, in a condition of - unconsciousness, to the room she was to occupy, a room opening out - of the same corridor as that given up to Domitia.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The family - physician was summoned; he gave little hopes of the poor woman - recovering from the shock, her natural strength and recuperative - power had long ago been exhausted.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">All that evening - Domitia remained silent, apparently in ill humor, or great - distress, and Flavia Domitilla was unable to get many words from - her.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She retired - early to rest, but could not sleep. Before going to her bed, she - had visited the sick woman, and she convinced herself with her own - eyes that the flame of the lamp of life was flickering to - extinction.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Domitia loved - the actor’s widow with all the passion of her stormy heart; and the - thought of losing her was to her unendurable.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The night was - still, balmy, and the heavens star-besprent. She looked from the - corridor at the lights above, and then dropped the curtains over - her door. She threw herself on her cushions, but her thoughts - turned and tossed in her head.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page340">[pg 340]</span><a name="Pg340" id="Pg340" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She pressed her - knuckles to her eyeballs to close her eyes, but could not force on - sleep.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was to her as - though every person whom she loved was taken from her; till she had - no one left to whom her heart could cling.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I vow a pig to Æsculapius!”</span> she said, - <span class="tei tei-q">“if he will recover her!”</span> and then - impatiently turned to the wall. <span class="tei tei-q">“What can - Æsculapius do? Whom has he succored at any time? He is but a - name.”</span> To whom could she cry? What god of Olympus would - stoop to care for—even to look at an actor’s widow, a poor Greek - <span class="tei tei-corr">freedwoman.</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The gods! They - revelled and drank Ambrosia; made love and deceived the simple, and - lied and showed themselves to be arrant knaves. They were greedy of - sacrifices, they accepted all that was given—but they gave nothing - in return. Their ears were open to flattery, not to prayer. They - were gods for the merry and rich, not for the miserable and - poor.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She thought she - heard hasty steps in the passage, then voices. <span class= - "tei tei-q">“And He! the God of Glyceria—why had not He saved her - from this fall? Was He as powerless, as regardless, of His votaries - as those of Olympus?”</span> Yes—something was the matter—there was - a stir in the house—at that hour—at dead of night—Domitia’s heart - bounded. Was Glyceria passing away?</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She threw a - mantle about her, and barefooted as she was, ran forth into the - gallery.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She saw at the - further end a light at the door of the sick room, and sounds issued - thence.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Instantly she - flew thither, plucked aside the curtain, and stood in the doorway, - arrested by the sight.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Euphrosyne was - seated on the bed, and had raised <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page341">[pg 341]</span><a name="Pg341" id="Pg341" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>her sister in her arms; the sick woman rested - against her in a sitting posture; Flavia Domitilla was there as - well. Directly she saw Domitia she signed to her to approach.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But - Glyceria!—she was at once transfigured. Her face seemed to shine - with a supernatural light—it had acquired a loveliness and - transparency as of an angel—her eyes were upraised and fixed as in - a trance, and her arms were outspread. She seemed not to weigh on - Euphrosyne, but to be raised and sustained by supernatural - power.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The joy, the - rapture in that sublimated countenance were beyond description. She - saw, she knew, she felt none of those things that usually meet the - senses. And yet Domitia, Flavia, were convinced that those - illumined happy eyes looked on some One—were gazing into a light to - themselves unseen.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">From her lips - poured rapturous prayer.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“I see Thee! Thou—the joy of my heart, my hope and my - portion forever! Thee whom I have loved and longed for! I hold - Thee—I clasp Thy feet! O give her to me—the dear mistress! Take me, - take me to Thyself—but ere I go—by Thy wounded hands—by Thy - thorn-crowned head—by Thy pierced side—bring her to the light! To - the light! To the light!”</span> And suddenly—with an instantaneous - eclipse the illumination died off from her face, the tension was - over, the arms, the entire body sank heavily against the bosom of - Euphrosyne, the eyes closed; she heaved a long sigh, but a smile - lingered about her lips.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Awed, not daring - to draw nearer, unwilling to go back, Domitia stood looking. - Neither did Flavia Domitilla stir.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After a little - while, however, the latter signed to <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page342">[pg 342]</span><a name="Pg342" id="Pg342" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>Domitia to depart, and made as though she also - would go.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“She sleeps,”</span> she said.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Glyceria’s - bright eyes opened, and she said:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Not till after the Collect—at that I must be—bear me - down—then only——”</span></p> - </div> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <a name="toc90" id="toc90"></a> <a name="pdf91" id="pdf91"></a> - - <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> - <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XVII.</span><br /> - <br /> - <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= - "font-size: 100%">HAIL, GLADSOME LIGHT!</span></span></h2> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Before the day - began to break, from various quarters came men and women, in twos - and threes to the house of Flavia Domitilla.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The visitor to - Rome may see the very spot where stood her house and garden. For - this good woman converted the latter into a place of sepulture for - the Christians, and the catacomb that bears her name is one of the - most interesting of those about Rome. Not only so, but the ruins of - her villa remain, on the farm of Tor Marancia, or the Ardeatine - Way. Here lived the widow of the martyr Clemens, with her - sister-in-law, Plautilla, and her niece, of the same name as - herself, all three holy women, serving God and ministering to the - necessities of the poor.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Collect, or - assembly of the Faithful, was to take place in the atrium or hall - of the villa. Domitilla had only Christian slaves with her in her - country residence, and could trust them.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the large - mansions of the Roman nobility there were grand reception halls, - called basilicas, with rows of pillars down the sides dividing them - into a nave and <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page343">[pg - 343]</span><a name="Pg343" id="Pg343" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>aisles, with an apse, or <span lang="la" - class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">bema</span></span> as it was termed, at the - end, in which the master of the house sat to receive his visitors. - Here he and his clients, his parasites and friends walked, talked, - declaimed, listened to readings, when the weather was wet or cold. - At a later period, when the nobility became Christian, many of them - gave up their basilicas to be converted into churches, and such is - the origin of several churches of Rome. They never were, as some - have erroneously supposed, halls of justice—they were, as - described, the halls attached to the great Roman palaces.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But at the time - I am speaking of, no such surrenders had been made. The great - families had not been converted, only here and there, at rare - intervals, some of their members had embraced the Gospel. But - smaller people had become Christian, and these did temporarily give - up the more public portion of the house, the atrium and tablinum - for Christian worship. It was dangerous to thus assemble, and it - would have been infinitely more dangerous had the assemblies taken - place always at the same house. Accordingly it was contrived to - vary the place of meeting and to give secret notice to the faithful - where the gathering would be on the ensuing Lord’s day.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The danger of - these Collects was further reduced by their being held sometimes in - the churches underground in the catacombs, or in the <span lang= - "la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">cellæ</span></span> near the tombs; and these - gatherings passed uncommented on, as it was customary for the - pagans to meet for a solemn banquet in the decorated chambers - attached to their places of interment on the anniversaries of the - death of their friends.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The various - guilds also had their meeting for the <span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page344">[pg 344]</span><a name="Pg344" id="Pg344" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>transaction of business, a sacred meal, and a - sacrifice to the gods, and the early Christians were able so to - copy the customs of the guilds or sodalities, as to carry on their - worship undetected by the authorities, who supposed their - assemblies were mere guild gatherings.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The hour was so - early that lights were necessary, and lamps were suspended in the - tablinum, which was raised a couple of steps above the floor of the - hall.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Round the arc of - the chamber, which was semi-circular, seats had been arranged, and - in the centre against the wall one of more dignity than the rest, - covered with white linen. In the midst of the tablinum at the top - of the two steps was a table, and on one side a desk on legs.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Great care was - taken at the door to admit none but such as could give the sign - that they were Christians. The <span lang="la" class= - "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">ostiarius</span></span> or porter in the early - Church held a very important office, on his discretion much of the - safety of the Church depended. He had to use the utmost caution - lest a spy should slip in.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The hall rapidly - filled.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Before the steps - into the apse lay Glyceria on a sort of bier, her hands folded, and - her earnest eyes upraised! She had been gently, carefully conveyed - thither, to be for the last time united in worship with the Church - on earth, before she passed into the Church beyond.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On each side of - the tablinum were curtains, that could be easily and rapidly drawn - along a rod and so close the apse.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the atrium - itself there were few lights. They were not needed, day would soon - break.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the tablinum, - against the wall, sat the presbyters with Clement, the bishop, in - the centre. He was an <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page345">[pg - 345]</span><a name="Pg345" id="Pg345" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>old man, with a gentle face, full of love. He - had been a freedman of the Flavians, and it was out of respect to - them that he had taken the name of Clement, which was one of those - in use in their family.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At his side, on - the right hand, was one far more aged than he—one we have seen - before, Luke the Physician and Evangelist.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Now one with a - pair of clappers gave a signal and all rose who had been - seated.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A deacon - standing at the top of the step said:—<span class="tei tei-q">“Let - us pray for the Emperor.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Whereupon all - the congregation responded as with a single voice: <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Lord, have mercy.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Clement, - the Bishop, prayed:—<span class="tei tei-q">“We beseech Thee, O - Father, to look down upon the Emperor and to strengthen him against - his foes, and to illumine his mind that he may rule in Justice, and - be Thou his defence and strong tower.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Thereupon the - deacon called again:—<span class="tei tei-q">“Let us pray for the - magistrates.”</span> To which the people responded in the same - manner, and the Bishop prayed in few terse words for the - magistrates. In precisely similar manner was prayer made for the - bishops and clergy, for all the faithful, for those in chains, - working in mines, for the sick and the sorrowful, for the widows - and orphans; it was as though a flood of all-embracing charity - flowed forth.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then the - intercessions ended, Luke came to the desk, and a deacon brought - the roll of the Law and unfolded it before him, and another held - aloft a torch.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He read as - follows:—<span class="tei tei-q">“This commandment which I command - thee this day, it is not hidden from thee neither is it far off.... - But the word is very nigh <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page346">[pg - 346]</span><a name="Pg346" id="Pg346" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a>thee in thy heart and in thy mouth, that thou - mayest do it. See, I have set before thee life and good, and death - and evil.... I call heaven and earth to record this day that I have - set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore - choose life ... that thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and - that thou mayest obey His voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto - Him.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then the - Evangelist closed the roll and returned it to the deacon, and he - spake some words of exhortation thereon.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Next came - another deacon and unfolded the roll of the Prophets; and Luke - read:—<span class="tei tei-q">“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon - me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto - the meek; He hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to - proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to - them that are bound. To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, - and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn.... - To give to them that mourn beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for - mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that - they might be called Trees of Righteousness, the Planting of the - Lord, that He might be glorified.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then again Luke - spoke a few simple words and declared how that the prophecy of old - was fulfilled in Christ who was the healer of all sick souls, and - the strengthener of all who were feeble, the restorer of the halt, - the comforter of all that mourn, and the planter in the field of - the Church of such as would grow up plants of righteousness to bear - their fruit in due season.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= - "page347">[pg 347]</span><a name="Pg347" id="Pg347" class= - "tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And when he - ceased, the congregation sang a psalm: <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Praise the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me - praise His holy name.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the first age - of the Church the liturgical service grew out of that of the - synagogue. As in the latter there were the two lessons from Law and - Prophet, so was there in the Church, but after the Psalm there were - added to these, two more lessons, one from an Epistle by an Apostle - and one from a Gospel.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At the time of - our narrative the service was in process of formation and was not - yet formed; and the sequence of Epistle and Gospel had not as yet - been established. However, now Luke stood forward and said:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Beloved, we have a letter written by the Blessed - John—the Disciple that Jesus loved, and therefrom I will read a few - words.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then he unfolded - a short roll and read as follows:—</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed - upon us, that we should be called the sons of God! therefore the - world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we - the sons of God; and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but - we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we - shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in him - purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He ceased, for a - strange sound reached the ears of all—a sound that swelled and rose - and then fell away and became all but inaudible.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Once again he - began to read—and again this sound was heard.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“This is the message that ye heard from the beginning, - that we should love one another.”</span></p><span class= - "tei tei-pb" id="page348">[pg 348]</span><a name="Pg348" id="Pg348" - class="tei tei-anchor"></a> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Again he ceased, - and looked round, and listened. For once more this strange wailing - sound arose.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But as it - declined, he resumed his reading.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= - "tei tei-q">“Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. We - know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the - brethren.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He was - constrained to cease.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then at a - signal, two deacons went in the direction of the sound. And the - whole congregation was hushed. But Glyceria, on her bed, lifted her - hands and her eyes shone with expectation.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Presently the - deacons returned:—<span class="tei tei-q">“A woman—a weeping woman - in a dark room.”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Luke - descended from the <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" - xml:lang="la"><span style="font-style: italic">bema</span></span>, - and attended by them went in the direction of the voice, and came, - where crouching, concealed, Domitia lay on the ground, sobbing as - if her heart would break—they could not stay her—they did not - try—they waited.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And presently - she raised her face, streaming with tears, and said—<span class= - "tei tei-q">“The light! the glorious light!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And the sun rose - over the roof, and shone down into the atrium, on the face of - Glyceria.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Flavia - Domitilla stooped over her, laid her hand on her eyes and - said:—<span class="tei tei-q">“In the Joy of thy Lord, Face to - Face!”</span></p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> - - <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> - <img src="images/i_382.jpg" alt="THE LIGHT! THE GLORIOUS LIGHT!" - title="“THE LIGHT! THE GLORIOUS LIGHT!” Page 348." /> - - <div class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> - <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: center">“THE LIGHT! - THE GLORIOUS LIGHT!”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi" style= - "text-align: center"><span style="font-style: italic">Page - 348.</span></span> - </div> - </div> - </div> - </div> - </div> - - <div class="tei tei-back" style= - "margin-bottom: 2.00em; margin-top: 6.00em"> - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> - <hr class="doublepage" /> - - <div id="footnotes" class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <a name="toc92" id="toc92"></a> - - <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> - <span style="font-size: 173%">Footnotes</span></h1> - - <dl class="tei tei-list-footnotes"> - <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_1" name="note_1" href= - "#noteref_1">1.</a></dt> - - <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Double-dyed Tyrian wool cost over - £40 in English money per lb.</dd> - - <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_2" name="note_2" href= - "#noteref_2">2.</a></dt> - - <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The term used of St. Paul by the - wise men of Athens. It means a picker up of unconsidered trifles - which he strings together into an unintelligible system.</dd> - - <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_3" name="note_3" href= - "#noteref_3">3.</a></dt> - - <dd class="tei tei-notetext">A laurel on the Palatine, planted by - the wife of Augustus. It died suddenly just before the end of - Nero.</dd> - - <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_4" name="note_4" href= - "#noteref_4">4.</a></dt> - - <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The statuette of the Good Shepherd, - of beautiful art, 2d century, in the Lateran Museum. It is an - error to suppose in early Christians a complete emancipation from - old usages and modes of thought.</dd> - - <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_5" name="note_5" href= - "#noteref_5">5.</a></dt> - - <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Probably <span lang="la" class= - "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">Dictamnus Fraxinella</span></span>. For - properties of these plants see Pliny, H. N. <span lang="la" - class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">lib.</span></span> xxv., xxvi., xxvii.</dd> - - <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_6" name="note_6" href= - "#noteref_6">6.</a></dt> - - <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Our word <span lang="la" class= - "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">nuptial</span></span> comes from the veil - wherewith the bride’s head was covered.</dd> - - <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_7" name="note_7" href= - "#noteref_7">7.</a></dt> - - <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The reference was to the - <span class="tei tei-q">“Peace”</span> of Aristophanes. Trygdeus - was carried up to the Gods on the back of a dung-beetle.</dd> - - <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_8" name="note_8" href= - "#noteref_8">8.</a></dt> - - <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The allusion was to the death of - Claudius attributed to poisoned mushrooms administered to him by - his wife-niece Agrippina.</dd> - - <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_9" name="note_9" href= - "#noteref_9">9.</a></dt> - - <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The left was lucky with the Romans, - the reverse with the <span class= - "tei tei-corr">Greeks.</span></dd> - - <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_10" name="note_10" - href="#noteref_10">10.</a></dt> - - <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Informers were so termed, because - they obtained a quarter of the goods of such as they denounced - and who were condemned. The Latin word is <span lang="la" class= - "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= - "font-style: italic">quadruplator</span></span>.</dd> - - <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_11" name="note_11" - href="#noteref_11">11.</a></dt> - - <dd class="tei tei-notetext">On another occasion, a show of - gladiators, this savage order was actually given and carried out - under the eyes of Domitian.</dd> - - <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_12" name="note_12" - href="#noteref_12">12.</a></dt> - - <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The titles of lord and god were - given to Domitian by his flatterers, and accepted and used by - him, as of right.</dd> - - <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_13" name="note_13" - href="#noteref_13">13.</a></dt> - - <dd class="tei tei-notetext">There are mosaic pavements at Rome - representing a floor after a dinner, with crawfish heads, oyster - shells, nuts, picked bones, flower leaves, strewn about.</dd> - - <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_14" name="note_14" - href="#noteref_14">14.</a></dt> - - <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Calvisius Sabinus, a rich and - ignorant man, made one of his slaves learn Homer by heart, - another Hesiod and others the nine Greek lyric poets. When he - gave a dinner, he concealed them under the table to prompt him - with quotations.</dd> - - <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_15" name="note_15" - href="#noteref_15">15.</a></dt> - - <dd class="tei tei-notetext">A scourge of leather thongs and - nails knotted in them.</dd> - - <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_16" name="note_16" - href="#noteref_16">16.</a></dt> - - <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The Roman benefit Clubs were under - the invocation of some god or goddess, and the members were - called Cultores Apollinis, or Jovi, as the case might be.</dd> - </dl> - </div> - </div> - <hr class="doublepage" /> - - <div class="boxed tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> - <a name="pdf93" id="pdf93"></a><a name="toc94" id="toc94"></a> - - <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> - <span style="font-size: 173%">Transcriber’s Note</span></h1> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Variations in - hyphenation (<span class="tei tei-q">“reception room”</span>, - <span class="tei tei-q">“reception-room”</span>) and spelling have - not been changed. In several places, punctuation and quotation marks - have been silently corrected.</p> - - <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Other changes, - which have been made to the text:</p> - - <table summary="This is a list." class="tei tei-list" style= - "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> - <tbody> - <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> - <th class="tei tei-label"></th> - - <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr065" class= - "tei tei-ref">page 65</a>, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Gautists”</span> changed to <span class= - "tei tei-q">“flautists”</span></td> - </tr> - - <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> - <th class="tei tei-label"></th> - - <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr066" class= - "tei tei-ref">page 66</a>, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“mournners”</span> changed to <span class= - "tei tei-q">“mourners”</span></td> - </tr> - - <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> - <th class="tei tei-label"></th> - - <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr123" class= - "tei tei-ref">page 123</a>, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Antenines”</span> changed to <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Antonines”</span></td> - </tr> - - <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> - <th class="tei tei-label"></th> - - <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr186" class= - "tei tei-ref">page 186</a>, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Clivius”</span> changed to <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Clivus”</span></td> - </tr> - - <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> - <th class="tei tei-label"></th> - - <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr187" class= - "tei tei-ref">page 187</a>, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“learn”</span> changed to <span class= - "tei tei-q">“learned”</span></td> - </tr> - - <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> - <th class="tei tei-label"></th> - - <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr196" class= - "tei tei-ref">page 196</a>, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Domitia”</span> changed to <span class= - "tei tei-q">“Domitian”</span></td> - </tr> - - <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> - <th class="tei tei-label"></th> - - <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr267" class= - "tei tei-ref">page 267</a>, <span class= - "tei tei-q">“beween”</span> changed to <span class= - "tei tei-q">“between”</span></td> - </tr> - </tbody> - </table> - </div> - <hr class="doublepage" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> - <div id="pgfooter" class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> - <pre class="pre tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> -***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DOMITIA*** -</pre> - <hr class="doublepage" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> - <a name="rightpageheader95" id="rightpageheader95"></a><a name= - "pgtoc96" id="pgtoc96"></a><a name="pdf97" id="pdf97"></a> - - <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= - "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> - <span style="font-size: 173%">Credits</span></h1> - - <table summary="This is a list." class="tei tei-list" style= - "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> - <tbody> - <tr> - <th class="tei tei-label tei-label-gloss">October 20, - 2013 </th> - </tr> - - <tr> - <td class="tei tei-item tei-item-gloss"> - <table summary="This is a list." class="tei tei-list" - style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> - <tbody> - <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> - <th class="tei tei-label"></th> - - <td class="tei tei-item">Project Gutenberg TEI - edition 1</td> - </tr> - - <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> - <th class="tei tei-label"></th> - - <td class="tei tei-item"><span class= - "tei tei-respStmt"><span class= - "tei tei-resp">Produced by sp1nd, Stefan Cramme and - the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at - http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from - images generously made available by The Internet - Archive)</span></span></td> - </tr> - </tbody> - </table> - </td> - </tr> - </tbody> - </table> - </div> - <hr class="doublepage" /> - - <div class="tei tei-div" style= - "margin-bottom: 3.00em; 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