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diff --git a/5493-h/5493-h.htm b/5493-h/5493-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8b7c37b --- /dev/null +++ b/5493-h/5493-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,25037 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Emperor, Complete, by Georg Ebers + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd7; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Emperor, Complete, by Georg Ebers + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere 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 www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Emperor, Complete + +Author: Georg Ebers + +Release Date: October 16, 2006 [EBook #5493] +Last Updated: August 25, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE EMPEROR, COMPLETE *** + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + + <h1> + THE EMPEROR + </h1> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Georg Ebers + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + Translated by Clara Bell + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE. </a><br /><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0002"> <b>THE EMPEROR</b> </a><br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> <b>BOOK 1.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0026"> <b>BOOK 2.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER X. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER XI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER XII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER XV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0038"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0039"> CHAPTER XVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0040"> CHAPTER XVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0041"> CHAPTER XIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0042"> CHAPTER XX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0043"> CHAPTER XXI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0044"> CHAPTER XXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0045"> CHAPTER XXIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0046"> CHAPTER XXIV. </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + PREFACE. + </h2> + <p> + It is now fourteen years since I planned the story related in these + volumes, the outcome of a series of lectures which I had occasion to + deliver on the period of the Roman dominion in Egypt. But the pleasures of + inventive composition were forced to give way to scientific labors, and + when I was once more at leisure to try my wings with increase of power I + felt more strongly urged to other flights. Thus it came to pass that I did + I not take the time of Hadrian for the background of a tale till after I + had dealt with the still later period of the early monastic move in “Homo + Sum.” Since finishing that romance my old wish to depict, in the form of a + story, the most important epoch of the history of that venerable nation to + which I have devoted nearly a quarter century of my life, has found its + fulfilment. I have endeavored to give a picture of the splendor of the + Pharaonic times in “Uarda,” of the subjection of Egypt to the new Empire + of the Persians in “An Egyptian Princess,” of the Hellenic period under + the Lagides in “The Sisters,” of the Roman dominion and the early growth + of Christianity in “The Emperor,” and of the anchorite spirit—in the + deserts and rocks of the Sinaitic Peninsula—in “Homo Sum.” Thus the + present work is the last of which the scene will be laid in Egypt. This + series of romances will not only have introduced the reader to a knowledge + of the history of manners and culture in Egypt, but will have facilitated + his comprehension of certain dominant ideas which stirred the mind of the + Ancients. How far I may have succeeded in rendering the color of the times + I have described and in producing pictures that realize the truth, I + myself cannot venture to judge; for since even present facts are + differently reflected in different minds, this must be still more + emphatically the case with things long since past and half-forgotten. + Again and again, when historical investigation has refused to afford me + the means of resuscitating some remotely ancient scene, I have been + obliged to take counsel of imagination and remember the saying that ‘the + Poet must be a retrospective Seer,’ and could allow my fancy to spread her + wings, while I remained her lord and knew the limits up to which I might + permit her to soar. I considered it my lawful privilege to paint much that + was pure invention, but nothing that was not possible at the period I was + representing. A due regard for such possibility has always set the bounds + to fancy’s flight; wherever existing authorities have allowed me to be + exact and faithful I have always been so, and the most distinguished of my + fellow-professors in Germany, England, France and Holland, have more than + once borne witness to this. But, as I need hardly point out, poetical and + historical truth are not the same thing; for historical truth must remain, + as far as possible, unbiassed by the subjective feeling of the writer, + while poetical truth can only find expression through the medium of the + artist’s fancy. + </p> + <p> + As in my last two romances, so in “The Emperor,” I have added no notes: I + do this in the pleasant conviction of having won the confidence of my + readers by my historical and other labors. Nothing has encouraged me to + fresh imaginative works so much as the fact that through these romances + the branch of learning that I profess has enlisted many disciples whose + names are now mentioned with respect among Egyptologists. Every one who is + familiar with the history of Hadrian’s time will easily discern by + trifling traits from what author or from which inscription or monument the + minor details have been derived, and I do not care to interrupt the course + of the narrative and so spoil the pleasure of the larger class of readers. + It would be a happiness to me to believe that this tale deserves to be + called a real work of art, and, as such, its first function should be to + charm and elevate the mind. Those who at the same time enrich their + knowledge by its study ought not to detect the fact that they are + learning. + </p> + <p> + Those who are learned in the history of Alexandria under the Romans may + wonder that I should have made no mention of the Therapeutai on Lake + Mareotis. I had originally meant to devote a chapter to them, but Luca’s + recent investigations led me to decide on leaving it unwritten. I have + given years of study to the early youth of Christianity, particularly in + Egypt, and it affords me particular satisfaction to help others to realize + how, in Hadrian’s time, the pure teaching of the Saviour, as yet little + sullied by the contributions of human minds, conquered—and could not + fail to conquer—the hearts of men. Side by side with the triumphant + Faith I have set that noble blossom of Greek life and culture—Art + which in later ages, Christianity absorbed in order to dress herself in + her beautiful forms. The statues and bust of Antinous which remain to us + of that epoch, show that the drooping tree was still destined to put forth + new leaves under Hadrian’s rule. + </p> + <p> + The romantic traits which I have attributed to the character of my hero, + who travelled throughout the world, climbing mountains to rejoice in the + splendor of he rising sun, are authentic. One of the most difficult tasks + I have ever set myself was to construct from the abundant but essentially + contradictory accounts of Hadian a human figure in which I could myself at + all believe; still, how gladly I set to work to do so! There was much to + be considered in working out this narrative, but the story itself has + flowed straight from the heart of the writer; I can only hope it may find + its way to that of the reader. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + LEIPZIG, November, 1880. + + GEORG EBERS. +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + THE EMPEROR + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK 1. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <p> + The morning twilight had dawned into day, and the sun had risen on the + first of December of the year of our Lord 129, but was still veiled by + milk-white mists which rose from the sea, and it was cold. + </p> + <p> + Kasius, a mountain of moderate elevation, stands on a tongue of land that + projects from the coast between the south of Palestine and Egypt. It is + washed on the north by the sea which, on this day, is not gleaming, as is + its wont, in translucent ultramarine; its more distant depths slowly surge + in blue-black waves, while those nearer to shore are of quite a different + hue, and meet their sisters that lie nearer to the horizon in a dull + greenish-grey, as dusty plains join darker lava beds. The northeasterly + wind, which had risen as the sun rose, now blew more keenly, wreaths of + white foam rode on the crests of the waves, though these did not beat + wildly and stormily on the mountain-foot, but rolled heavily to the shore + in humped ridges, endlessly long, as if they were of molten lead. Still + the clear bright spray splashed up when the gulls dipped their pinions in + the water as they floated above it, hither and thither, restless and + uttering shrill little cries, as though driven by terror. + </p> + <p> + Three men were walking slowly along the causeway which led from the top of + the hill down into the valley, but it was only the eldest, who walked in + front of the other two, who gave any heed to the sky, the sea, the gulls, + and the barren plain that lay silent at his feet. He stopped, and as soon + as he did so, the others followed his example. The landscape below him + seemed to rivet his gaze, and it justified the disapproval with which he + gently shook his head, which was somewhat sunk into his beard. A narrow + strip of desert stretched westward before him as far as the eye could + reach, dividing two levels of water. Along this natural dyke a caravan was + passing, and the elastic feet of the camels fell noiselessly on the road + they trod. The leader, wrapped in his white mantle, seemed asleep, and the + camel-drivers to be dreaming; the dull-colored eagles by the road-side did + not stir at their approach. To the right of the stretch of flat coast + along which the road ran from Syria to Egypt, lay the gloomy sea, overhung + by grey clouds; to the left lay the desert, a strange and mysterious + feature in the landscape, of which the eye could not see the end, either + to the east or to the west, and which looked here like a stretch of snow, + there like standing water, and again like a thicket of rushes. + </p> + <p> + The eldest of our travellers gazed constantly towards heaven or into the + distance; the second, a slave who carried rugs and cloaks on his broad + shoulders, never took his eyes off his master; and the third, a young, + free-man, looked wearily and dreamily down the road. + </p> + <p> + A broad path, leading to a stately temple, crossed that which led from the + summit of the mountain to the coast, and the bearded pedestrian turned up + it; but he followed it only for a few steps, then he turned his head with + a dissatisfied air, muttered a few unintelligible words into his beard, + turned round and hastily retraced his steps to the narrow way, down which + he went towards the valley. His young companion followed him without + raising his head or interrupting his reverie, as if he were his shadow, + but the slave lifted his cropped fair head and a stolen smile crossed his + lips as on the left hand side of the Kasius road he caught sight of a + black kid, and close beside it an old woman who, at the approach of the + three men covered her wrinkled face in alarm with her dark blue veil. + </p> + <p> + “That is the reason then!” said the slave to himself with a nod, and + blowing a kiss into the air to a black-haired girl who crouched at the old + woman’s feet. But she, for whom the greeting was intended, did not observe + this mute courtship, for her eyes followed the travellers, and especially + the young man, as if spellbound. As soon as the three were far enough off + not to hear her, the girl asked with a shiver, as if some desert-spectre + had passed by-and in a low voice “Grandmother, who was that?” + </p> + <p> + The old woman raised her veil, laid her hand on her grandchild’s mouth, + and whispered: + </p> + <p> + “It was he.” + </p> + <p> + “The Emperor?” + </p> + <p> + The old woman answered with a significant nod, but the girl squeezed + herself up, against her grandmother, with vehement curiosity stretching + out her dusky head to see better, and asked softly: “The young one?” + </p> + <p> + “Silly child! the one in front with a grey beard.” + </p> + <p> + “He? Oh, I wish the young one was the Emperor!” + </p> + <p> + It was in fact Hadrian, the Roman Emperor, who walked on in silence before + his escort, and it seemed as though his advent had given life to the + desert, for as he approached the reed-swamp, the kites flew up in the air, + and from behind a sand-hill on the edge of the broader road which Hadrian + had avoided, came two men in priestly robes. They both belonged to the + temple of Baal of Kariotis, a small structure of solid stone, which faced + the sea, and which the Emperor had yesterday visited. + </p> + <p> + “Do you think he has lost his way?” said one to the other, in the + Phoenician tongue. + </p> + <p> + “Hardly,” was the answer. “Master said that he could always find a road + again by which he had once gone, even in the dark.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet he is gazing more at the clouds than at the road.” + </p> + <p> + “Still, he promised us yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + “He promised nothing for certain,” interrupted the other. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed he did; at parting he called out—and I heard him distinctly: + ‘Perhaps I shall return and consult your oracle.’” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps.” + </p> + <p> + “I think he said ‘probably.’” + </p> + <p> + “Who knows whether some sign he has seen up in the sky may not have turned + him back; he is going to the camp by the sea.” + </p> + <p> + “But the banquet is standing ready for him in our great hall.” + </p> + <p> + “He will find what he needs down there. Come, it is a wretched morning, + and I am being frozen.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait a little longer-look there.” + </p> + <p> + “What?” + </p> + <p> + “He does not even wear a hat to cover his grey hair.” + </p> + <p> + “He has never yet been seen to travel with anything on his head.” + </p> + <p> + “And his grey cloak is not very imperial looking.” + </p> + <p> + “He always wears the purple at a banquet.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know who his walk and appearance remind me of?” + </p> + <p> + “Who?” + </p> + <p> + “Of our late high-priest, Abibaal; he used to walk in that ponderous, + meditative way, and wear a beard like the Emperor’s.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes—and had the same piercing grey eye.” + </p> + <p> + “He too used often to gaze up at the sky. They have both the same broad + forehead, too; but Abibaal’s nose was more aquiline, and his hair curled + less closely.” + </p> + <p> + “And our governor’s mouth was grave and dignified, while Hadrian’s lips + twitch and curl at all he says and hears, as if he were laughing at it + all.” + </p> + <p> + “Look, he is speaking now to his favorite—Antonius I think they call + the pretty boy.” + </p> + <p> + “Antinous, not Antonius. He picked him up in Bithynia, they say.” + </p> + <p> + “He is a beautiful youth.” + </p> + <p> + “Incomparably beautiful! What a figure and what a face! Still, I cannot + wish that he were my son.” + </p> + <p> + “The Emperor’s favorite!” + </p> + <p> + “For that very reason. Why, he looks already as if he had tried every + pleasure, and could never know any farther enjoyment.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ............................ +</pre> + <p> + On a little level close to the sea-shore, and sheltered by crumbling + cliffs from the east wind, stood a number of tents. Between them fires + were burning, round which were gathered groups of Roman soldiers and + imperial servants. Half-naked boys, the children of the fishermen and + camel-drivers who dwelt in this wilderness, were running busily hither and + thither, feeding the flames with dry stems of sea-grass and dead + desert-shrubs; but though the blaze flew high, the smoke did not rise; but + driven here and there by the squalls of wind, swirled about close to the + ground in little clouds, like a flock of scattered sheep. It seemed as + though it feared to rise in the grey, damp, uninviting atmosphere. The + largest of the tents, in front of which Roman sentinels paced up and down, + two and two, on guard, was wide open on the side towards the sea. The + slaves who came out of the broad door-way with trays on their cropped + heads-loaded with gold and silver vessels, plates, wine-jars, goblets, and + the remains of a meal had to hold them tightly with both hands that they + might not be blown over. + </p> + <p> + The inside of the tent was absolutely unadorned. The Emperor lay on a + couch near the right wall, which was blown in and bulged by the wind; his + bloodless lips were tightly set, his arms crossed over his breast, and his + eyes half closed. But he was not asleep, for he often opened his mouth and + smacked his lips, as if tasting the flavor of some viand. From time to + time he raised his eyelids—long, finely wrinkled, and blue-veined—turning + his eyes up to heaven or rolling them to one side and then downwards + towards the middle of the tent. There, on the skin of a huge bear trimmed + with blue cloth, lay Hadrian’s favorite Antinous. His beautiful head + rested on that of the beast, which had been slain by his sovereign, and + its skull and skin skilfully preserved, his right leg, supported on his + left knee, he flourished freely in the air, and his hands were caressing + the Emperor’s bloodhound, which had laid its sage-looking head on the + boy’s broad, bare breast, and now and then tried to lick his soft lips to + show its affection. But this the youth would not allow; he playfully held + the beast’s muzzle close with his hands or wrapped its head in the end of + his mantle, which had slipped back from his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + The dog seemed to enjoy the game, but once when Antinous had drawn the + cloak more tightly round its head and it strove in vain to be free from + the cloth that impeded its breathing, it set up a loud howl, and this + doleful cry made the Emperor change his attitude and cast a glance of + displeasure at the boy lying on the bear-skin, but only a glance, not a + word of blame. And soon the expression, even of his eyes, changed, and he + fixed them on the lads’s figure with a gaze of loving contemplation, as + though it were some noble work of art that he could never tire of + admiring. And truly the Immortals had moulded this child of man to such a + type; every muscle of that throat, that chest, those arms and legs was a + marvel of softness and of power; no human countenance could be more + regularly chiselled. Antinous observing that his master’s attention had + been attracted to his play with the dog, let the animal go and turned his + large, but not very brilliant, eyes on the Emperor. + </p> + <p> + “What are you doing here?” asked Hadrian kindly. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing,” said the boy. + </p> + <p> + “No one can do nothing. Even if we fancy we have succeeded in doing + nothing we still continue to think that we are unoccupied, and to think is + a good deal.” + </p> + <p> + “But I cannot even think.” + </p> + <p> + “Every one can think; besides you were not doing nothing, for you were + playing.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, with the dog.” With these words Antinous stretched out his legs on + the ground, pushed away the dog, and raised his curly head on both hands. + </p> + <p> + “Are you tired?” asked the Emperor. + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “We both kept watch for an equal portion of the night, and I, who am so + much older, feel quite wide awake.” + </p> + <p> + “It was only yesterday that you were saying that old soldiers were the + best for night-watches.” + </p> + <p> + The Emperor nodded, and then said: + </p> + <p> + “At your age while we are awake we live three times as fast as at mine, + and so we need to sleep twice as long. You have every right to be tired. + To be sure it was not till three hours after midnight that we climbed the + mountain, and how often a supper party is not over before that.” + </p> + <p> + “It was very cold and uncomfortable up there.” + </p> + <p> + “Not till after the sun had risen.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! before that you did not notice it, for till then you were busy + thinking of the stars.” + </p> + <p> + “And you only of yourself—very true.” + </p> + <p> + “I was thinking of your health too when that cold wind rose before Helios + appeared.” + </p> + <p> + “I was obliged to await his rising.” + </p> + <p> + “And can you discern future events by the way and manner of the rising of + the sun?” + </p> + <p> + Hadrian looked in surprise at the speaker, shook his head in negation, + looked up at the top of the tent, and after a long pause said, in abrupt + sentences, with frequent interruptions: + </p> + <p> + “Day is the present merely, and the future is evolved out of darkness; the + corn grows from the clods of the field; the rain falls from the darkest + clouds; a new generation is born of the mother’s womb; the limbs recover + their vigor in sleep. And what is begotten of the darkness of death—who + can tell?” + </p> + <p> + When, after saying this, the Emperor had remained for some time silent, + the youth asked him: + </p> + <p> + “But if the sunrise teaches you nothing concerning the future why should + you so often break your night’s rest and climb the mountain to see it?” + </p> + <p> + “Why? Why?” repeated Hadrian, slowly and meditatively, stroking his + grizzled beard; then he went on as if speaking to himself: + </p> + <p> + “That is a question which reason fails to answer, before which my lips + find no words; and, if I had them at my command, who among the rabble + would understand me? Such questions can best be answered by means of + parables. Those who take part in life are actors, and the world is their + stage. He who wants to look tall on it wears the cothurnus, and is not a + mountain the highest vantage ground that a man can find for the sole of + his foot? Kasius there is but a hill, but I have stood on greater giants + than he, and seen the clouds rise below me, like Jupiter on Olympus.” + </p> + <p> + “But you need climb no mountains to feel yourself a god,” cried Antinous; + “the godlike is your title—you command and the world must obey. With + a mountain beneath his feet a man is nearer to heaven no doubt than he is + on the plain.” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “I dare not say what came into my mind.” + </p> + <p> + “Speak out.” + </p> + <p> + “I knew a little girl who when I took her on my shoulder would stretch out + her arms and exclaim, ‘I am so tall!’ She fancied that she was taller than + I then, and yet was only little Panthea.” + </p> + <p> + “But in her own conception of herself, it was she who was tall, and that + decides the issue, for to each of us a thing is only that which it seems + to us. It is true they call me godlike, but I feel every day, and a + hundred times a day, the limitations of the power and nature of man, and I + cannot get beyond them. On the top of a mountain I cease to feel them; + there I feel as if I were great, for nothing is higher than my head, far + or near. And when, as I stand there, the night vanishes before my eyes, + when the splendor of the young sun brings the world into new life for me, + by restoring to my consciousness all that just before had been engulfed in + gloom, then a deeper breath swells my breast, and my lungs fill with the + purer and lighter air of the heights. Up there, alone and in silence, no + hint can reach me of the turmoil below, and I feel myself one with the + great aspect of nature spread before me. The surges of the sea come and + go, the tree-tops in the forest bow and rise, fog and mist roll away and + part asunder hither and thither, and up there I feel myself so merged with + the creation that surrounds me that often it even seems as though it were + my own breath that gives it life. Like the storks and the swallows, I + yearn for the distant land, and where should the human eye be more likely + to be permitted, at least in fancy, to discern the remote goal than from + the summit of a mountain? + </p> + <p> + “The limitless distance which the spirit craves for seems there to assume + a form tangible to the senses, and the eye detects its border line. My + whole being feels not merely elevated, but expanded, and that vague + longing which comes over me as soon as I mix once more in the turmoil of + life, and when the cares of state demand my strength, vanishes. But you + cannot understand it, boy. These are things which no other mortal can + share with me.” + </p> + <p> + “And it is only to me that you do not scorn to reveal them!” cried + Antinous, who had turned round to face the Emperor, and who with wide eyes + had not lost one word. + </p> + <p> + “You?” said Hadrian, and a smile, not absolutely free from mockery, parted + his lips. “From you I should no more have a secret than from the Cupid by + Praxiteles, in my study at Rome.” + </p> + <p> + The blood mounted to the lad’s cheeks and dyed them flaming crimson. The + Emperor observed this and said kindly: + </p> + <p> + “You are more to me than the statue, for the marble cannot blush. In the + time of the Athenians Beauty governed life, but in you I can see that the + gods are pleased to give it a bodily existence, even in our own days, and + to look at you reconciles me to the discords of existence. It does me + good. But how should I expect to find that you understand me; your brow + was never made to be furrowed by thought; or did you really understand one + word of all I said?” + </p> + <p> + Antinous propped himself on his left arm, and lifting his right hand, he + said emphatically: + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “And which,” asked Hadrian. + </p> + <p> + “I know what longing is.” + </p> + <p> + “For what?” + </p> + <p> + “For many things.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me one.” + </p> + <p> + “Some enjoyment that is not followed by depression. I do not know of one.” + </p> + <p> + “That is a desire you share with all the youth of Rome, only they are apt + to postpone the reaction. Well, and what next?” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “What prevents your speaking openly to me?” + </p> + <p> + “You, yourself did.” “I?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you; for you forbid me to speak of my home, my mother, and my + people.” + </p> + <p> + The Emperor’s brow darkened, and he answered sternly: + </p> + <p> + “I am your father and your whole soul should be given to me.” + </p> + <p> + “It is all yours,” answered the youth, falling back on to the bear-skin, + and drawing the pallima closely over his shoulders, for a gust blew coldly + in at the side of the tent, through which Phlegon, the Emperor’s private + secretary, now entered and approached his master. He was followed by a + slave with several sealed rolls under his arms. + </p> + <p> + “Will it be agreeable to you, Caesar, to consider the despatches and + letters that have just arrived?” asked the official, whose + carefully-arranged hair had been tossed by the sea-breeze. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and then we can make a note of what I was able to observe in the + heavens last night. Have you the tablets ready?” + </p> + <p> + “I left them in the tent set up especially for the work, Caesar.” + </p> + <p> + “The storm has become very violent.” + </p> + <p> + “It seems to blow from the north and east both at once, and the sea is + very rough. The Empress will have a bad voyage.” + </p> + <p> + “When did she set out?” + </p> + <p> + “The anchor was weighed towards midnight. The vessel which is to fetch her + to Alexandria is a fine ship, but rolls from side to side in a very + unpleasant manner.” + </p> + <p> + Hadrian laughed loudly and sharply at this, and said: + </p> + <p> + “That will turn her heart and her stomach upside down. I wish I were there + to see—but no, by all the gods, no! for she will certainly forget to + paint this morning; and who will construct that edifice of hair if all her + ladies share her fate. We will stay here to-day, for if I meet her soon + after she has reached Alexandria she will be undiluted gall and vinegar.” + </p> + <p> + With these words Hadrian rose from his couch, and waving his hand to + Antinous, went out of the tent with his secretary. + </p> + <p> + A third person standing at the back of the tent had heard the Emperor’s + conversation with his favorite; this was Mastor, a Sarmatian of the race + of the Taryges. He was a slave, and no more worthy of heed than the dog + which had followed Hadrian, or than the pillows on which the Emperor had + been reclining. The man, who was handsome and well grown, stood for some + time twisting the ends of his long red moustache, and stroking his round, + closely-cropped head with his bands; then he drew the open chiton together + over his broad breast, which seemed to gleam from the remarkable whiteness + of the skin. He never took his eyes off Antinous, who had turned over, and + covering his face with his hands had buried them in the bear’s hairy mane. + </p> + <p> + Mastor had something he wanted to say to him, but he dared not address him + for the young favorite’s demeanor could not be reckoned on. Often he was + ready to listen to him and talk with him as a friend, but often, too, he + repulsed him more sharply than the haughtiest upstart would repel the + meanest of his servants. At last the slave took courage and called the lad + by his name, for it seemed less hard to submit to a scolding than to + smother the utterance of a strong, warm feeling, unimportant as it might + be, which was formed in words in his mind. Antinous raised his head a + little on his hands and asked: + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” + </p> + <p> + “I only wanted to tell you,” replied the Sarmatian, “that I know who the + little girl was that you so often took upon your shoulders. It was your + little sister, was it not, of whom you were speaking to me lately?” + </p> + <p> + The lad nodded assent, and then once more buried his head in his hands, + and his shoulders heaved so violently that it would seem that he was + weeping.—Mastor remained silent for a few minutes, then he went up + to Antinous and said: + </p> + <p> + “You know I have a son and a little daughter at home, and I am always glad + to hear about little girls. We are alone and if it will relieve your + heart.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me alone, I have told you a dozen times already about my mother and + little Parthea,” replied Antinous, trying to look composed. + </p> + <p> + “Then do so confidently for the thirteenth,” said the slave. “In the camp + and in the kitchen I can talk about my people as much as I like. But you—tell + me, what do you call the little dog that Panthea made a scarlet cloak + for?” + </p> + <p> + “We called it Kallista,” cried Antinous wiping his eyes with the back of + his hand. “My father would not allow it but we persuaded my mother. I was + her favorite, and when I put my arms round her and looked at her + imploringly she always said ‘yes’ to anything I asked her.” + </p> + <p> + A bright light shone in the boy’s weary eyes; he had remembered a whole + wealth of joys which left no depression behind them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <p> + One of the palaces built in Alexandria by the Ptolemaic kings stood on the + peninsula called Lochias which stretched out into the blue sea like a + finger pointing northwards; it formed the eastern boundary of the great + harbor. Here there was never any lack of vessels but to-day they were + particularly numerous, and the quay-road paved with smooth blocks of + stone, which led from the palatial quarter of the town—the Bruchiom + as it was called—which was bathed by the sea, to the spit of land + was so crowded with curious citizens on foot and in vehicles, that all + conveyances were obliged to stop in their progress before they had reached + the private harbor reserved for the Emperor’s vessels. + </p> + <p> + But there was something out of the common to be seen at the landing-place, + for there lying under the shelter of the high mole were the splendid + triremes, galleys, long boats and barges which had brought Hadrian’s wife + and the suite of the imperial couple to Alexandria. A very large vessel + with a particularly high cabin on the after deck and having the head of a + she-wolf on the lofty and boldly-carved prow excited the utmost attention. + It was carved entirely in cedar wood, richly decorated with bronze and + ivory, and named the Sabina. A young Alexandrian pointed to the name + written in gold letters on the stern, nudging his companion and saying + with a laugh: + </p> + <p> + “Sabina has a wolf’s head then!” + </p> + <p> + “A peacock’s would suit her better. Did you see her on her way to the + Caesareum?” replied the other. + </p> + <p> + “Alas! I did,” said the first speaker, but he said no more perceiving, + close behind him, a Roman lictor who bore over his left shoulder his + fasces, a bundle of elmrods skilfully tied together, and who, with a wand + in his right-hand and the assistance of his comrades, was endeavoring to + part the crowd and make room for the chariot of his master, Titianus, the + imperial prefect, which came slowly in the rear. This high official had + overheard the citizens’ heedless words, and turning to the man who stood + beside him, while with a light fling he threw the end of his toga into + fresh folds, he said: + </p> + <p> + “An extraordinary people! I cannot feel annoyed with them, and yet I would + rather walk from here to Canopus on the edge of a knife than on that of an + Alexandrian’s tongue.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you hear what the stout man was saying about Verus?” + </p> + <p> + “The lictor wanted to take him up, but nothing is to be done with them by + violence. If they had to pay only a sesterce for every venomous word, I + tell you Pontius, the city would be impoverished and our treasury would + soon be fuller than that of Gyges at Sardis.” + </p> + <p> + “Let them keep their money,” cried the other, the chief architect of the + city, a man of about thirty years of age with highly-arched brows and + eager piercing eyes; and grasping the roll he held in his hand with a + strong grip, he continued: + </p> + <p> + “They know how to work, and sweat is bitter. While they are busy they help + each other, in idleness they bite each other, like unbroken horses + harnessed to the same pole. The wolf is a fine brute, but if you break out + his teeth he becomes a mangy hound.” + </p> + <p> + “You speak after my own heart,” cried the prefect. “But here we are, + eternal gods! I never imagined anything so bad as this. From a distance it + always looked handsome enough!” + </p> + <p> + Titianus and the architect descended from the chariot, the former desired + a lictor to call the steward of the palace, and then he and his companion + inspected first the door which led into it. It looked fine enough with its + double columns which supported a lofty pediment, but, all the same, it did + not present a particularly pleasing aspect, for the stucco had, in several + places, fallen from the walls, the capitals of the marble columns were + lamentably injured and the tall doors, overlaid with metal, hung askew on + their hinges. Pontius inspected every portion of the door-way with a keen + eye and then, with the prefect, went into the first court of the palace, + in which, in the time of the Ptolemies, the tents had stood for + ambassadors, secretaries, and the officers in waiting on the king. There + they met with an unexpected hindrance, for across the paved court-yard, + where the grass grew in tufts, and tall thistles were in bloom, a number + of ropes were stretched aslant from the little house in which dwelt the + gate-keeper; and on these ropes were hung newly-washed garments of every + size and shape. + </p> + <p> + “A pretty residence for an Emperor,” sighed Titianus, shrugging his + shoulders, but stopping the lictor, who had raised his fasces to cut the + ropes. + </p> + <p> + “It is not so bad as it looks,” said the architect positively. + “Gate-keeper! hi, gate-keeper! Where is the lazy fellow hiding himself?” + </p> + <p> + While he called out and the lictor hurried forward into the interior of + the palace, Pontius went towards the gate-keeper’s lodge, and having made + his way in a stooping attitude through the damp clothes, there he stood + still. Ever since he had come in at the gate annoyance and vexation had + been stamped on his countenance, but now his large mouth spread into a + smile, and he called to the prefect in an undertone: + </p> + <p> + “Titianus, just take the trouble to come here.” + </p> + <p> + The elderly dignitary, whose tall figure exceeded that of the architect in + height by a full head, did not find it quite so easy to pass under the + ropes with his head bent down; but he did it with good humor, and while + carefully avoiding pulling down the wet linen, he called out: + </p> + <p> + “I am beginning to feel some respect for children’s shirts; one can at any + rate get through them without breaking one’s spine. Oh! this is delicious—quite + delicious!” + </p> + <p> + This exclamation was caused by the sight which the architect had invited + the prefect to come and enjoy, and which was certainly droll enough. The + front of the gate-keeper’s house was quite grown over with ivy which + framed the door and window in its long runners. Amidst the greenery hung + numbers of cages with starlings, blackbirds, and smaller singing-birds. + The wide door of the little house stood open, giving a view into a + tolerably spacious and gaily-painted room. In the background stood a clay + model of an Apollo of admirable workmanship; above, and near this, the + wall was hung with lutes and lyres of various size and form. + </p> + <p> + In the middle of the room, and near the open door, was a table, on which + stood a large wicker cage containing several nests of young goldfinches, + and with green food twined among the osiers. There were, too, a large + wine-jar and an ivory goblet decorated with fine carving. Close to the + drinking-vessels, on the stone top of the table, rested the arm of an + elderly woman who had fallen asleep in the arm-chair in which she sat. + Notwithstanding the faint grey moustache that marked her upper-lip and the + pronounced ruddiness of her fore head and cheeks, she looked pleasant and + kind. She must have been dreaming of something that pleased her, for the + expression of her lips and of her eyes-one being half open and the other + closely shut-gave her a look of contentment. In her lap slept a large grey + cat, and by its side—as though discord never could enter this bright + little abode which exhaled no savor of poverty, but, on the contrary, a + peculiar and fragrant scent—lay a small shaggy dog, whose snowy + whiteness of coat could only be due to the most constant care. Two other + dogs, like this one, lay stretched on the floor at the old lady’s feet, + and seemed no less soundly asleep. + </p> + <p> + As the prefect came up, the architect pointed to this study of still-life, + and said in a whisper: + </p> + <p> + “If we had a painter here it would make a lovely little picture.” + </p> + <p> + “Incomparable,” answered Titianus, “only the vivid scarlet on the dame’s + cheeks seems to me suspicious, considering the ample proportions of the + wine-jar at her elbow.” + </p> + <p> + “But did you ever see a calmer, kindlier, or more contented countenance?” + </p> + <p> + “Baucis must have slept like that when Philemon allowed himself leave of + absence for once! or did that devoted spouse always remain at home?” + </p> + <p> + “Apparently he did. Now, peace is at an end.” The approach of the two + friends had waked one of the little dogs. He gave tongue, and his + companion immediately jumped up and barked as if for a wager. The old + woman’s pet sprang out of her lap, but neither his mistress nor the cat + let themselves be disturbed by the noise, and slept on. + </p> + <p> + “A watcher among a thousand!” said the architect, laughing. + </p> + <p> + “And this phalanx of dogs which guard the palace of a Caesar,” added + Titianus, “might be vanquished with a blow. Take heed, the worthy matron + is about to wake.” + </p> + <p> + The dame had in fact been disturbed by the barking. She sat up a little, + lifted her hands, and then, half singing, half muttering a few words, she + sank back again in her chair. + </p> + <p> + “This is delicious!” cried the prefect. + </p> + <p> + “Begone dull care” she sang in her sleep. + </p> + <p> + “How may this rare specimen of humanity look when she is awake?” + </p> + <p> + “I should be sorry to drive the old lady out of her nest!” said the + architect unrolling his scroll. + </p> + <p> + “You shall touch nothing in the little house,” cried the prefect eagerly. + “I know Hadrian; he delights in such queer things and queer people, and I + will wager he will make friends with the old woman in his own way. Here at + last comes the steward of this palace.” + </p> + <p> + The prefect was not mistaken; the hasty step he had heard was that of the + official they awaited. At some little distance they could already hear the + man, panting as he hurried up, and as he came, before Titianus could + prevent him, he had snatched down the cords that were stretched across the + court and flung all the washing on the ground. As soon as the curtain had + thus dropped which had divided him from the Emperor’s representative and + his companion, he bowed to the former as low as the rotund dimensions of + his person would allow; but his hasty arrival, the effort of strength he + had made, and his astonishment at the appearance of the most powerful + personage in the Nile Province in the building entrusted to his care, so + utterly took away his breath—of which he at all times was but + “scant”—that he was unable even to stammer out a suitable greeting. + Titianus gave him a little time, and then, after expressing his regret at + the sad plight of the washing, now strewn upon the ground, and mentioning + to the steward the name and position of his friend Pontius, he briefly + explained to him that the Emperor wished to take up his abode in the + palace now in his charge; that he—Titianus—was cognizant of + the bad condition in which it then was, and had come to take council with + him and the architect as to what could be done in the course of a few days + to make the dilapidated residence habitable for Hadrian, and to repair, at + any rate, the more conspicuous damage. He then desired the steward to lead + him through the rooms. + </p> + <p> + “Directly—at once,” answered the Greek, who had attained his present + ponderous dimensions through many years of rest: “I will hasten to fetch + the keys.” And as he went, puffing and panting, he re-arranged with his + short, fat fingers the still abundant hair on the right side of his head. + Pontius looked after him. + </p> + <p> + “Call him back, Titianus,” said he. “We disturbed him in the midst of + curling his hair; only one side was done when the lictor called him away, + and I will wager my own head that he will have the other side frizzled + before he comes back. I know your true Greek!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, let him,” answered Titianus. “If you have taken his measure rightly + he will not be able to give his attention without reserve to our questions + till the other half of his hair is curled. I know, too, how to deal with a + Hellene.” + </p> + <p> + “Better than I, I perceive,” said the architect in a tone of conviction. + “A statesman is used to deal with men as we do with lifeless materials. + Did you see the fat fellow turn pale when you said that it would be but a + few days before the Emperor would make his entry here? Things must look + well in the old house there. Every hour is precious, and we have lingered + here too long.” + </p> + <p> + The prefect nodded agreement and followed the architect into the inner + court of the palace. How grand and well-proportioned was the plan of this + immense building through which the steward Keraunus, who returned with his + fine curls complete all round, now led the Romans. It stood on an + artificial hill in the midst of the peninsula of Lochias, and from many a + window and many a balcony there were lovely prospects of the streets and + open squares, the houses, palaces and public buildings of the metropolis, + and of the harbor, swarming with ships. The outlook from Lochias was rich, + gay and varied to the south and west, but east and north from the platform + of the palace of the Ptolemies, the gaze fell on the never-wearying + prospect of the eternal sea, limited only by the vault of heaven. When + Hadrian had sent a special messenger from Mount Kasius to desire his + prefect Titianus to have this particular building prepared for his + reception, he knew full well what advantages its position offered; it was + the part of his officials to restore order in the interior of the palace, + which had remained uninhabited from the time of Cleopatra’s downfall. He + gave them for the purpose eight, or perhaps nine, days—little more + than a week. And in what a condition did Titianus and Pontius find this + now dilapidated and plundered scene of former magnificence—the sweat + pouring from their foreheads with their exertions as they inspected and + sketched, questioned and made notes of it all. + </p> + <p> + The pillars and steps in the interior were tolerably well preserved, but + the rain had poured in through the open roofs of the banqueting and + reception-lulls, the fine mosaic pavements had started here and there, and + in other places a perfect little meadow had grown in the midst of a hall, + or an arcade; for Octavianus Augustus, Tiberius, Vespasian, Titus and a + whole series of prefects, had already carefully removed the finest of the + mosaics from the famous palace of the Ptolemies, and carried them to Rome + or to the provinces, to decorate their town houses or country villas. In + the same way the best of the statues were gone, with which a few centuries + previously the art-loving Lagides had decorated this residence—besides + which they had another, still larger, on the Bruchiom. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of a vast marbled hall stood an elegantly-wrought fountain, + connected with the fine aqueduct of the city. A draught of air rushed + through this hall, and in stormy weather switched the water all over the + floor, now robbed of its mosaics, and covered, wherever the foot could + tread, with a thin, dark green, damp and slippery coating of mossy plants + and slime. It was here that Keraunus leaned breathless against the wall, + and, wiping his brow, panted rather than said: “At last, this is the end!” + </p> + <p> + The words sounded as if he meant his own end and not that of their + excursion through the palace, and it seemed like a mockery of the man + himself when Pontius unhesitatingly replied with decision: + </p> + <p> + “Good, then we can begin our re-examination here, at once.” + </p> + <p> + Keraunus did not contradict him, but, as he remembered the number of + stairs to be climbed over again, he looked as if sentence of death had + been passed upon him. + </p> + <p> + “Is it necessary that I should remain with you during the rest of your + labors, which must be principally directed to details?” asked the prefect + of the architect. + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered Pontius, “provided you will take the trouble to look at + once at my plan, so as to inform yourself on the whole of what I propose, + and to give me full powers to dispose of men and means in each case as it + arises.” + </p> + <p> + “That is granted,” said Titianus. “I know that Pontius will not demand a + man or a sesterce more or less than is needed for the purpose.” + </p> + <p> + The architect bowed in silence and Titianus went on. + </p> + <p> + “But above all things, do you think you can accomplish your task in eight + days and nine nights?” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly, at a pinch; and if I could only have four days more at my + disposal, most probably.” + </p> + <p> + “Then all that is needed is to delay Hadrian’s arrival by four days and + nights.” + </p> + <p> + “Send some interesting people—say the astronomer Ptolemaeus, and + Favorinus, the sophist, who await him here—to meet him at Pelusium. + They will find some way of detaining him there.” + </p> + <p> + “Not a bad idea! We will see. But who can reckon on the Empress’s moods? + At any rate, consider that you have only eight days to dispose of.” + </p> + <p> + “Good.” + </p> + <p> + “Where do you hope to be able to lodge Hadrian?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, a very small portion of the old building is, strictly speaking, fit + to use.” + </p> + <p> + “Of that, I regret to say, I have fully convinced myself,” said the + prefect emphatically, and turning to the steward, he went on in a tone + less of stern reproof than of regret. + </p> + <p> + “It seems to me, Keraunus, that it would have been your duty to inform me + earlier of the ruinous condition of the building.” + </p> + <p> + “I have already lodged a complaint,” replied the man, “but I was told in + answer to my report that there were no means to apply to the purpose.” + </p> + <p> + “I know nothing of these things,” cried Titianus. + </p> + <p> + “When did you forward your petition to the prefect’s office?” + </p> + <p> + “Under your predecessor, Haterius Nepos.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed,” said the prefect with a drawl. + </p> + <p> + “So long ago. Then, in your place, I should have repeated my application + every year, without any reference to the appointment of a new prefect. + However, we have now no time for talking. During the Emperor’s residence + here, I shall very likely send one of my subordinates to assist you!” + </p> + <p> + Titianus turned his back on the steward, and asked the architect: + </p> + <p> + “Well, my good Pontius, what part of the palace have you your eye upon?” + </p> + <p> + “The inner halls and rooms are in the best repair.” + </p> + <p> + “But they are the last that can be thought of,” cried Titianus. “The + Emperor is satisfied with everything in camp, but where fresh air and a + distant prospect are to be had, he must have them.” + </p> + <p> + “Then let us choose the western suite; hold the plan my worthy friend.” + </p> + <p> + The steward slid as he was desired, the architect took his pencil and made + a vigorous line in the air above the left side of the sketch, saying: + </p> + <p> + “This is the west front of the palace which you see from the harbor. From + the south you first come into the lofty peristyle, which may be used as an + antechamber; it is surrounded with rooms for the slaves and body-guard. + The next smaller sitting-rooms by the side of the main corridor we may + assign to the officers and scribes, in this spacious hypaethral hall—the + one with the Muses—Hadrian may give audience and the guests may + assemble there whom he may admit to eat at his table in this broad + peristyle. The smaller and well-preserved rooms, along this long passage + leading to the steward’s house, will do for the pages, secretaries and + other attendants on Caesar’s person, and this long saloon, lined with fine + porphyry and green marble, and adorned with the beautiful frieze in bronze + will, I fancy, please Hadrian as a study and private sitting-room.” + </p> + <p> + “Admirable!” cried Titianus, “I should like to show your plan to the + Empress.” + </p> + <p> + “In that case, instead of eight days I must have as many weeks,” said + Pontius coolly. + </p> + <p> + “That is true,” answered the prefect laughing. “But tell me, Keraunus, how + comes it that the doors are wanting to all the best rooms?” + </p> + <p> + “They were of fine thyra wood, and they were wanted in Rome.” + </p> + <p> + “I must have seen one or another of them there,” muttered the prefect. + </p> + <p> + “Your cabinet-workers will have a busy time, Pontius.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, the hanging-makers may be glad; wherever we can we will close the + door-ways with heavy curtains.” + </p> + <p> + “And what will you do with this damp abode of fogs, which, if I mistake + not, must adjoin the dining-hall?” + </p> + <p> + “We will turn it into a garden filled with ornamental foliage.” + </p> + <p> + “That is quite admissable—and the broken statues?” + </p> + <p> + “We will get rid of the worst.” + </p> + <p> + “The Apollo and the nine Muses stand in the room you intend for an + audience-hall—do they not?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “They are in fairly good condition, I think.” + </p> + <p> + “Urania is wanting entirely,” said the steward, who was still holding the + plan out in front of him. + </p> + <p> + “And what became of her?” asked Titianus, not without excitement. + </p> + <p> + “Your predecessor, the prefect Haterius Nepos, took a particular fancy to + it and carried it with him to Rome.” + </p> + <p> + “Why Urania of all others?” cried Titianus angrily. “She, above all, ought + not to be missing from the hall of audience of Caesar the pontiff of + heaven! What is to be done?” + </p> + <p> + “It will be difficult to find an Urania ready-made as tall as her sisters, + and we have no time to search one out, a new one must be made.” + </p> + <p> + “In eight days?” + </p> + <p> + “And eight nights.” + </p> + <p> + “But my good friend, only to get the marble—” + </p> + <p> + “Who thinks of marble? Papias will make us one of straw, rags and gypsum—I + know his magic hand—and in order that the others may not be too + unlike their new-born sister they shall be whitewashed.” + </p> + <p> + “Capital—but why choose Papias when we have Harmodius?” + </p> + <p> + “Harmodius takes art in earnest, and we should have the Emperor here + before he had completed his sketches. Papias works with thirty assistants + at anything that is ordered of him, so long as it brings him money. His + last things certainly amaze me, particularly the Hygyeia for Dositheus the + Jew, and the bust of Plutarch put up in the Caesareum; they are full of + grace and power. But who can distinguish what is his work and what that of + his scholars? Enough, he knows how things should be done; and if a good + sum is to be got by it he will hew you out a whole sea-fight in marble in + five days.” + </p> + <p> + “Then give Papias the commission but the hapless mutilated pavements-what + will you do with them?” + </p> + <p> + “Gypsum and paint must mend them,” said Pontius, “and where that will not + do, we must lay carpets on the floor in the Eastern fashion. Merciful + night! how dark it is growing; give me the plan Keraunus and provide us + with torches and lamps for to-day, and the next following ones must have + twenty-four hours apiece, full measure. I must ask you for half a dozen + trustworthy slaves Titianus; I shall want them for messengers. What are + you standing there for man? Lights, I said. You have had half a lifetime + to rest in, and when Caesar is gone you will have as many more years for + the same laudable purpose—” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke the steward had silently gone off, but the architect did not + spare him the end of the sentence; he shouted after him: + </p> + <p> + “Unless by that time you are smothered in your own fat. Is it Nile-mud or + blood that runs in that huge mortal’s veins?” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure I do not care,” said the prefect, “so long as the glorious fire + that flows in yours only holds out till the work is done. Do not allow + yourself to be overworked at first, nor require the impossible of your + strength, for Rome and the world still expect great things of you. I can + now write in perfect security to the Emperor that all will be ready for + him in Lochias, and as a farewell speech, I can only say, it is folly to + be discouraged if only Pontius is at hand to support and assist me.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <p> + The prefect ordered the lictors, who were awaiting him with his chariot, + to hasten to his house, and to conduct to Pontius several most worthy + slaves, familiar with Alexandria—some of whom he named—and at + the same time to send the architect a good couch with pillows and + coverlets, and to despatch a good meal and fine wine to the old palace at + Lochias. Then he mounted his chariot and drove through the Bruchiom along + the shore to the great edifice known as the Caesareum. He got on but + slowly, for the nearer he approached his destination the denser was the + crowd of inquisitive citizens, who stood closely packed round the vast + circumference of the building. Quite from a distance the prefect could see + a bright light; it rose to heaven from the large pans of pitch which were + placed on the towers on each side of the tall gate of the Caesareum which + faced the sea. To the right and left of this gate stood a tall obelisk, + and on each of these, men were lighting lamps which had been attached to + the sides and placed on the top, on the previous day. + </p> + <p> + “In honor of Sabina,” said the prefect to himself. “All that this Pontius + does is thoroughly done, and there is no more complete sinecure than the + supervision of his arrangements.” + </p> + <p> + Fully persuaded of this he did not think it necessary to go up to the + illuminated door-way which led into the temple erected by Octavian in + honor of Julius Caesar; on the contrary, he directed the charioteer to + stop at a door built in the Egyptian style, which faced the garden of the + palace of the Ptolemies, and which led to the imperial residence that had + been built by the Alexandrians for Tiberius, and had been greatly extended + and beautified under the later Caesars. A sacred grove divided it from the + temple of Caesar, with which it communicated by a covered colonnade. + Before this door there were several chariots and horses, and a whole host + of slaves, black and white, were in attendance with their masters’ + litters. Here lictors kept back the sight-seeking crowd, officers were + lounging against the pillars, and the Roman guard were just assembling + with a clatter of arms, to the sound of a trumpet within the door, to + await their dismissal. + </p> + <p> + Everything gave way respectfully before the chariot of the prefect, and as + Titianus walked through the illuminated arcades of the Caesareum, passing + by the masterpieces of statuary placed there, and the rows of pictures—and + reached the halls in which the library of the palace was kept, he could + not help thinking of all the care and trouble which with the assistance of + Pontius, he had for months devoted to rendering this palace which had not + been used since Titus had set out for Judaea, fit quarters for Hadrian’s + reception. The Empress now lived in the rooms intended for her husband, + and decorated with the choicest works of art, and Titianus reflected with + regret that, after Sabina had once become aware of their presence there, + it would be quite impossible to transfer them to Lochias. At the door of + the splendid room which he had intended for Hadrian he was met by Sabina’s + chamberlain who undertook to conduct him at once into the presence of his + mistress. + </p> + <p> + The roof of the hall in which the prefect found the Empress, in summer was + open to the sky; but at this season was suitably covered in by a movable + copper roof, partly to keep off the rain of the Alexandrian winter, and + partly too because, even in the warmer season Sabina was wont to complain + of cold; but beneath it a wide opening allowed the air free entrance and + exit. As Titianus entered the room a comfortable warmth and subtle perfume + met his senses; the warmth was produced by stoves of a peculiar form + standing in the middle of the room; one of these represented Vulcan’s + forge. Brightly glowing charcoal lay in front of the bellows which were + worked by an automaton, at short regular intervals, while the god and his + assistants modelled in brass, stood round the genial fire with tongs and + hammers. The other stove was a large silver bird’s-nest, in which likewise + charcoal was burning. Above the glowing fuel a phoenix, also in brass, and + in the likeness of an eagle, seemed striving to soar heavenwards. Besides + these a number of lamps lighted the saloon, which in truth looked too + large for the number of people assembled in it, and which was lavishly + furnished with gracefully-formed seats, couches, and tables, vases of + flowers and statues. + </p> + <p> + The prefect and Pontius had intended a quite different room to serve for + smaller assemblies, and had fitted it up suitably for the purpose, but the + Empress had preferred the great hall to the smaller room. The venerable + and nobly-born statesman was filled with vexation, nay, with an + embarrassment that made him feel estranged, when he had to glance round + the room to find the persons in it, collected, as they were, into small + knots. He could hear nothing but hushed voices; here an unintelligible + murmur and there a suppressed laugh, but from no one a frank speech or + full utterance. For a moment he felt as if he had found admittance to the + abode of whispering calumny, and yet he knew why here no one dared to + speak out or above a murmur. Loud voices hurt the Empress, and a clear + voice was a misery to her, and yet few men possessed so loud and + penetrating a chest voice as her husband, who was not wont to lay + restraint upon himself for any human being, not even for his wife. + </p> + <p> + Sabina sat on a large divan, more like a couch than a chair; her feet were + buried in the shaggy fell of a buffalo, and her knees and ankles wrapped + round with down-cushions covered with silk. Her head she held very + upright, and it was difficult to imagine how her slender throat could + support it, loaded as it was with strings of pearls and precious stones + which were braided in the tall structure of her reddish-gold hair, that + was arranged in long cylindrical curls pinned closely side by side. The + Empress’s thin face looked particularly small under the mass of natural + and artificial adornment which towered above her brow. Beautiful she could + never have been, even in her youth, but her features were regular, and the + prefect confessed to himself as he looked at Sabina’s face, marked as it + was with minute wrinkles and touched up with red and white, that the + sculptor who a few years previously had been commissioned to represent her + as ‘Venus Victrix’ might very well have given the goddess a certain amount + of resemblance to the imperial model. If only her eyes, which were + absolutely bereft of lashes, had not been quite so small and keen—in + spite of the dark lines painted round them—and if only the sinews in + her throat had not stood out quite so conspicuously from the flesh which + formerly had covered them! + </p> + <p> + With a deep bow Titianus took the Empress’s right hand, covered with + rings; but she withdrew it quickly from that of her husband’s friend and + relative, as if she feared that the carefully-cherished limb—useless + as it was for any practical purpose, a mere toy among hands—might + suffer some injury, and wrapped it and her arm in her upper-robe. But she + returned the prefect’s friendly greeting with all the warmth at her + command. Though formerly at Rome she had been accustomed to see Titianus + every day at her house, this was their first meeting in Alexandria; for + the previous day, exhausted by the sufferings of her sea-voyage, she had + been carried in a closed litter to the Caesareum, and this morning she had + declined to receive his visit, as her whole time was given up to her + physicians, bathing-women, and coiffeurs. + </p> + <p> + “How can you survive in this country?” she said in a low but harsh voice, + which always made the hearer feel that it was that of a dull, fractious, + childless woman. “At noon the sun burns you up, and in the evening it is + so cold—so intolerably cold!’ As she spoke she drew her robe closer + round her, but Titianus, pointing to the stoves in the middle of the hall, + said: + </p> + <p> + “I hoped we had succeeded in cutting the bowstrings of the Egyptian + winter, and it is but a feeble weapon.” + </p> + <p> + “Still young, still imaginative, still a poet!” said the Empress wearily. + “I saw your wife a couple of hours since. Africa seems to suit her less + well; I was shocked to see Julia, the handsome matron, so altered. She + does not look well.” + </p> + <p> + “Years are the foe of beauty.” + </p> + <p> + “Frequently they are, but true beauty often resists their attacks.” + </p> + <p> + “You are yourself the living proof of your assertion.” + </p> + <p> + “That is as much as to say that I am growing old.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay—only that you know the secret of remaining beautiful.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a poet!” murmured the Empress with a twitch of her thin + under-lip. + </p> + <p> + “Affairs of state do not favor the Muses.” + </p> + <p> + “But I call any man a poet who sees things more beautiful than they are, + or who gives them finer names than they deserve—a poet, a dreamer, a + flatterer—for it comes to that.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! modesty can always find words to repel even well-merited admiration.” + </p> + <p> + “Why this foolish bandying of words?” sighed Sabina, flinging herself back + in her chair. “You have been to school under the hair-splitting logicians + in the Museum here, and I have not. Over there sits Favorinus, the + sophist; I dare say he is proving to Ptolemaeus that the stars are mere + specks of blood in our eyes, which we choose to believe are in the sky. + Florus, the historian, is taking note of this weighty discussion; + Pancrates, the poet, is celebrating the great thoughts of the philosopher. + As to what part the philologist there can find to take in this important + event you know better than I. What is the man’s name?” + </p> + <p> + “Apollonius.” + </p> + <p> + “Hadrian has nick-named him ‘the obscure.’ The more difficult it is to + understand the discourses of these gentlemen the more highly are they + esteemed.” + </p> + <p> + “One must dive to obtain what lies at the bottom of the water—all + that floats on the surface is borne by the waves, a plaything for + children. Apollonius is a very learned man.” + </p> + <p> + “Then my husband ought to leave him among his disciples and his books. It + was his wish that I should invite these people to my table. Florus and + Pancrates I like—not the others.” + </p> + <p> + “I can easily relieve you of the company of Favorinus and Ptolemaeus; send + them to meet the Emperor.” + </p> + <p> + “To what end?” + </p> + <p> + “To entertain him.” + </p> + <p> + “He has his plaything with him,” said Sabina, and her thin lips curled + with an expression of bitter contempt. + </p> + <p> + “His artistic eye delights in the beauty of Antinous, which is celebrated, + but which it has not yet been my privilege to see.” + </p> + <p> + “And you are very anxious to see this marvel?” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot deny it.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet you want to postpone your meeting with Caesar?” said Sabina, and + a keen glance of inquiry and distrust twinkled in her little eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Why do you want to delay my husband’s arrival?” + </p> + <p> + “Need I tell you,” said Titianus eagerly, “how greatly I shall rejoice to + see once more my sovereign, the companion of my youth, the greatest and + wisest of men, after a separation of four years? What would I not give if + he were here already! And yet I would rather that he should arrive in + fourteen days than in eight.” + </p> + <p> + “What reason can you have?” + </p> + <p> + “A mounted messenger brought me a letter to-day in which the Emperor tells + me that he proposes to inhabit the old palace at Lochias, and not the + Caesareum.” + </p> + <p> + At these words Sabina’s forehead clouded, her gaze, dark and blank, was + fixed on her lap, and biting her under-lip, she muttered: + </p> + <p> + “Because I am here.” + </p> + <p> + Titianus made as though he had not heard these words, and continued in an + easy tone: + </p> + <p> + “There he has a wide outlook into the distance, which is what he has loved + from his youth up. But the old building is much dilapidated, and though I + have already begun to exert all the forces at my command, with the + assistance of our admirable architect, Pontius, to restore a portion of it + at any rate, and make it a habitable and not too uncomfortable residence, + the time is too short to do anything thoroughly worthy—” + </p> + <p> + “I wish to see my husband here, and the sooner the better,” interrupted + the Empress with decision. Then she turned towards the row of pillars + which stood by the right-hand wall of the hall, and which were at some + distance from her couch, calling out “Verus.” But her voice was so weak + that it did not reach the person addressed, so turning to the prefect, she + said: “I beg of you to call Verus to me, the praetor Lucius Aurelius + Verus.” Titianus immediately obeyed. + </p> + <p> + As he entered the hall he had already exchanged friendly greetings with + the man to whom the Empress wished to speak. He now did not succeed in + attracting his attention till he stood close at his elbow, for he formed + the centre of a small group of men and women who were hanging on his + words. What he was saying in a subdued voice must have been + extraordinarily diverting, for it could be seen that his hearers were + making the greatest efforts to keep their suppressed laughter from + breaking out into a shout that would shake the very hall, a noise the + Empress detested. When the prefect came up to Verus, a young girl, whose + pretty head was crowned by a perfect thicket of little ringlets, was just + laying her hand on his arm and saying: + </p> + <p> + “Nay-that is too much; if you go on like this, for the future whenever you + speak I shall stop my ears with my hands, as sure as my name is Balbilla.” + </p> + <p> + “And as sure as you are descended from King Antiochus,” added Verus + bowing. + </p> + <p> + “Always the same,” laughed the prefect, nodding to the audacious jester. + </p> + <p> + “Sabina wants to speak to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Directly, directly,” said Verus. “My story is a true one, and you all + ought to be grateful to me for having released you from that tedious + philologer who has now button-holed my witty friend Favorinus. I like your + Alexandria, Titianus; still it is not a great capital like Rome. The + people have not yet learned not to be astonished; they are perpetually in + amazement. When I go out driving—” + </p> + <p> + “Your runners ought to fly before you with roses in their hair and wings + on their shoulders like Cupids.” + </p> + <p> + “In honor of the Alexandrian ladies?” + </p> + <p> + “As if the Roman ladies in Rome, and the fair Greeks at Athens,” + interrupted Balbilla. + </p> + <p> + “The praetor’s runners go faster than Parthian horses,” cried the + Empress’s chamberlain. “He has named them after the winds.” + </p> + <p> + “As they deserve,” added Verus “Come, Titianus.” He laid his hand in a + confidential manner on the arm of the prefect, to whom he was related; and + as they went towards Sabina he whispered in his ear: + </p> + <p> + “I can keep her waiting as if I were the Emperor.” + </p> + <p> + Favorinus who had been engaged in talk with Ptolemaeus, the astronomer, + Apollonius, and the philosopher and poet Pancrates in another part of the + hall, looked after the two men and said: + </p> + <p> + “A handsome couple. One the personification of imperial and dignified + Rome; the other with his Hermes-like figure.” + </p> + <p> + “The other”—interrupted the philologist with stern displeasure, “the + other is the very incarnation of the haughtiness, the luxury pushed to + insanity, and the infamous depravity of the metropolis. That dissipated + ladies-man.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not defend his character,” said Favorinus in his pleasant voice, + and with an elegance in his pronunciation of Greek which delighted even + the grammarian. “His ways and doings are disgraceful; still you must allow + that his manners are tinged with the charm of Hellenic beauty, that the + Charites kissed him at his birth, and though, by the stern laws of virtue + we must condemn him, he deserves to be crowned with praise and garlands + from the point of view of the feeling for beauty.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! for the artist who wants a model he is a choice morsel.” + </p> + <p> + “The Athenian judges acquitted Phryne because she was beautiful.” + </p> + <p> + “They did wrong.” + </p> + <p> + “Hardly in the eyes of the gods, whose fairest works must deserve our + respect.” + </p> + <p> + “Still poison may be kept in the most beautiful vessels.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet body and soul always to a certain extent correspond.” + </p> + <p> + “And can you dare to call the handsome Verus the admirable Verus?” + </p> + <p> + “No, but the reckless Lucius Aurelius Verus is at the same time the gayest + and pleasantest of all the Romans, free alike from spite or carefulness, + he troubles himself with no doctrines of virtue, and as when a thing + pleases him, he desires to possess it, he endeavors to give pleasure to + every one else.” + </p> + <p> + “He has wasted his pains so far as I am concerned.” + </p> + <p> + “I do as he wishes.” + </p> + <p> + The last words both of the philologer and the sophist were spoken somewhat + louder than was usual in the presence of the Empress. Sabina, who had just + told the praetor which residence her husband had decided on inhabiting, + drew up her shoulders and pinched her lips as if in pain, while Verus + turned a face of indignation—a face which was manly in spite of all + the delicacy and regularity of the features—on the two speakers, and + his fine bright eyes caught the hostile glance of Apollonius. + </p> + <p> + An intimation of aversion to his person was one of the things which to him + were past endurance; he hastily passed his hand through his blue-black + hair, which was only slightly grizzled at the temples and flowed uncurled, + but in soft waving locks round his head, and said, not heeding Sabina’s + question as to his opinion of her husband’s latest instructions: + </p> + <p> + “He is a repulsive fellow, that wrangling logician; he has an evil eye + that threatens mischief to us all, and his trumpet voice cannot hurt you + more than it does me. Must we endure him at table with us every day?” + </p> + <p> + “So Hadrian desires.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I shall start for Rome,” said Verus decidedly. “My wife wants to be + back with her children, and as praetor, it is more fitting that I should + stay by the Tiber than by the Nile.” + </p> + <p> + The words were spoken as lightly as though they were nothing more than a + proposition to go to supper, but they seemed to agitate the Empress + deeply, for her head, which had seemed almost a fixture during her + conversation with Titianus, now shook so violently that the pearls and + jewels rattled in the erection of curls. There she sat for some seconds + staring into her lap. + </p> + <p> + Verus stooped to pick up a gem that had fallen from her hair, and as he + did so she said hastily: + </p> + <p> + “You are right. Apollonius is intolerable. Let us send him to meet my + husband.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I will remain,” answered Verus, as pleased as a wilful boy who has + got his own way. + </p> + <p> + “Fickle as the wind,” murmured Sabina, threatening him with her finger. + “Show me the stone—it is one of the largest and finest; you may keep + it.” + </p> + <p> + When an hour later, Verus quitted the hall with the prefect, Titianus + said: + </p> + <p> + “You have done me a service cousin, without knowing it. Now can you + contrive that Ptolemaeus and Favorinus shall go with Apollonius to meet + the Emperor at Pelusium?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing easier” was the answer. + </p> + <p> + And the same evening the prefect’s steward conveyed to Pontius the + information that he might count on having probably fourteen days for his + work, instead of eight or nine only. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <p> + In the Caesareum, where the Empress dwelt, the lights were extinguished + one after another; but in the palace of Lochias they grew more numerous + and brighter. In festal illuminations of the harbor pitch cressets on the + roof, and long rows of lamps that accumulated architectonic features of + the noble structure, were always kindled; but inside it, no blaze so + brilliant had ever lighted it within the memory of man. The harbor + watchmen at first gazed anxiously up at Lochias, for they feared that a + fire must have broken out in the old palace; they were soon reassured + however, by one of the prefect’s lictors, who brought them a command to + keep open the harbor gates that night, and every night till the Emperor + should have arrived, to all who might wish to proceed from Lochias to the + city, or from the city to the peninsula, under the orders of Pontius the + architect. And till long past midnight not a quarter of an hour passed in + which the people whom the architect had summoned to his aid were not + knocking at the harbor gates, which, though not locked were all guarded. + The little house belonging to the gate-keeper was also brightly lighted + up; the birds and cats belonging to the old woman whom the prefect and his + companions had found slumbering by her wine-jar, were now fast asleep, but + the little dogs still flew loudly yelping into the yard each time a + new-comer entered by the open gate. + </p> + <p> + “Come, Aglaia, what will folks think of you? Thalia, my beauty, behave + like a good dog; come here, Euphrosyne, and don’t be so silly!” cried the + old lady in a voice which was both pleasant and peremptory, as she + stood-wide awake now-behind her table, folding together the dried clothes. + The little barking beasts who were thus endowed with the names of the + three Graces did not trouble themselves much about her affectionate + admonitions; to their sorrow, for it happened more than once to each of + them, when they had got under the feet of some new-comer, to creep, + whining and howling, into the house again to seek consolation from their + mistress, who would pick up the sufferer and soothe it with kisses and + coaxing. + </p> + <p> + The old lady was no longer alone, for in the background, on a long and + narrow couch which stood in front of the statue of Apollo, lay a tall, + lean man, wearing a red chiton. A little lamp hanging from the ceiling + threw a dull light on him and on the lute he was playing. To the faint + sound of the instrument, which was rather a large one, and which he had + propped on the pillow by his side, he was singing, or rather murmuring a + long ditty. Twice, thrice, four times he repeated it in the same way. Now + and again he suddenly let his voice sound more loudly—and though his + hair was quite grey his voice was not unpleasing—and sang a few + phrases full of expression and with artistic delivery; and then, when the + dogs barked too vehemently, he would spring up, and with his lute in his + left-hand and a long pliable rattan in his right, he would rush into the + court-yard, shout the names of the dogs, and raise his cane as if he would + kill them; but he always took care not to hit them, only to beat on the + pavement near them. When, returning from such an excursion, he stretched + himself again on his couch, the old woman, pointing to the hanging-lamp + which the impatient creature often knocked with his head, would call out, + “Euphorion, mind the oil.” + </p> + <p> + And he each time answered with the same threatening gesture and the same + glare in his black eyes: + </p> + <p> + “The little brutes!” + </p> + <p> + The singer had been diligently practising his musical exercises for about + an hour, when the dogs rushed into the court-yard, not barking this time, + but yelping loudly with joy. The old woman laid aside the washing and + listened, but the tall man said: + </p> + <p> + “As many birds come flying before the Emperor as gulls before a storm. If + only they would leave us in peace—” + </p> + <p> + “Hark, that is Pollux; I know by the dogs,” said the woman, hastening as + fast as she could over the threshold and out to meet him. But the expected + visitor was already at the door. He picked up the three four-footed Graces + who leaped round him, one after the other by the skin of the neck, and + gave each a tap on its nose. Then, seeing the old woman, he took her head + between his hands, and kissed her forehead, saying, “Good-evening, little + Mother,” and shook hands with the singer, adding, “How are you, great, big + Father?” + </p> + <p> + “You are as big as I am,” replied the man thus addressed, and he drew the + younger man towards him, and laid one of his broad hands on his own grey + head and the other on that of his first-born, with its wealth of brown + hair. + </p> + <p> + “As if we were cast in the same mould,” cried the youth; and in fact he + was very like his father—like, no doubt, as a noble hunter is like a + worn-out hack—as marble is like limestone—as a cedar is like a + fir-tree. Both were remarkably tall, had thick hair, dark eyes, and + strongly aquiline noses, exactly of the same shape; but the cheerful + brightness which irradiated the countenance of the youth had certainly not + been inherited from the lute-player, but from the little woman who looked + up into his face and patted his arm. + </p> + <p> + But whence did he derive the powerful, but indescribable something which + gave nobility to his head, and of which it was impossible to say whether + it lay in his eye, or in the lofty brow, arched so differently to that of + either parent? + </p> + <p> + “I knew you would come,” cried his mother. “This afternoon I dreamed it, + and I can prove that I expected you, for there, on the brazier, stands the + stewed cabbage and sausage waiting for you.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot stay now,” replied Pollux. “Really, I cannot, though your kind + looks would persuade me, and the sausage winks at me out of the + cabbage-pan. My master, Papias, is gone on ahead, and in the palace there + we are to work wonders in less time than it generally takes to consider + which end the work should be begun at.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I will carry the cabbage into the palace for you,” said Doris, + standing on tip-toe to hold a sausage to the lips of her tall son. Pollux + bit off a large mouthful and said, as he munched it: + </p> + <p> + “Excellent! I only wish that the thing I am to construct up there may turn + out as good a statue as this savory cylinder—now fast disappearing—was + a superior and admirable sausage.” + </p> + <p> + “Have another?” said Doris. + </p> + <p> + “No mother; and you must not bring the cabbage either. Up to midnight not + a minute must be lost, and if I then leave off for a little while you must + by that time be dreaming of all sorts of pleasant things.” + </p> + <p> + “I will carry you the cabbage then,” said his father, “for I shall not be + in bed so early at any rate. The hymn to Sabina, composed by Mesomedes, is + to be performed with the chorus, as soon as the Empress visits the + theatre, and I am to lead the upper part of the old men, who grow young + again at the sight of her. The rehearsal is fixed for to-morrow, and I + know nothing about it yet. Old music, note for note, is ready and safe in + my throat, but new things—new things!” + </p> + <p> + “It is according to circumstances,” said Pollux, laughing. + </p> + <p> + “If only they would perform your father’s Satyr-play, or his Theseus!” + cried Doris. + </p> + <p> + “Only wait a little, I will recommend him to Caesar as soon as he is proud + to call me his friend, as the Phidias of the age. Then, when he asks me + ‘Who is the happy man who begot you?’ I will answer: It is Euphorion, the + divine poet and singer; and my mother, too, is a worthy matron, the + gate-keeper of your palace, Doris, the enchantress, who turns dingy + clothes into snow-white linen.” + </p> + <p> + These last words the young artist sang in a fine and powerful voice to a + mode invented by his father. + </p> + <p> + “If only you had been a singer!” exclaimed Euphorion. + </p> + <p> + “Then I should have enjoyed the prospect,” retorted Pollux, “of spending + the evening of my life as your successor in this little abode.” + </p> + <p> + “And now for wretched pay, you plant the laurels with which Papias crowns + himself!” answered the old man shrugging his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “His hour is coming, too,” cried Doris, “his merit will be recognized; I + saw him in my dreams, with a great garland on his curly head!” + </p> + <p> + “Patience, father-patience,” said the young man, grasping his father’s + hand. “I am young and strong, and do all I can. Here, behind this + forehead, good ideas are seething; what I have succeeded in carrying out + by myself, has at any rate brought credit and fame to others, although it + is all far from resembling the ideal of beauty that here—here—I + seem to see far away and behind a cloud; still I feel that if, in a moment + of kindness, Fortune will but shed a few fresh drops of dew on it all I + shall, at any rate, turn out something better than the mere ill-paid + right-hand of Papias, who, without me does not know what he ought to do, + or how to do it.” + </p> + <p> + “Only keep your eyes open and work hard,” cried Doris. + </p> + <p> + “It is of no use without luck,” muttered the singer, shrugging his + shoulders. + </p> + <p> + The young artist bid his parents good-night, and was about to leave, but + his mother detained him to show him the young goldfinches, hatched only + the day before. Pollux obeyed her wish, not merely to please her, but + because he liked to watch the gay little bird that sat warming and + sheltering her nestlings. Close to the cage stood the huge wine-jar and + his mother’s cup, decorated by his own hand. His eye fell on these, and he + pushed them aside in silence. Then, taking courage, he said, laughing: + “The Emperor will often pass by here, mother; give up celebrating your + Dionysiac festival. How would it do if you filled the jar with one-fourth + wine and three-fourths water? It does not taste badly.” + </p> + <p> + “Spoiling good gifts,” replied his mother. + </p> + <p> + “One-fourth wine-to please me,” Pollux entreated, taking his mother by the + shoulders and kissing her forehead. + </p> + <p> + “To please you, you great boy!” said Doris, as her eyes filled with tears. + “Why for you, if I must, I would drink nothing but wretched water. + Euphorion you may finish what is left in the jar presently.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ......................... +</pre> + <p> + Pontius had already begun his labors, at first with aid only of his + assistants who had followed him on foot. Measuring, estimating, sending + short notes and writing figures, names and suggestions on the plan, and on + his folding wax-tablets, he was not idle for an instant, though frequently + interrupted by the appointed superintendents of the workshops and + manufactures in Lochias, whose co-operation he required. They only came at + this late hour because they were called upon by the prefect’s orders. + </p> + <p> + Papias, the sculptor, introduced himself among the latest, though Pontius + had written to him with his own hand that he had to communicate to him a + very remunerative and particularly pressing commission for the Emperor, + which might, perhaps, be taken in hand that very night. The matter in + question was a statue of Urania, which must be completed in eight days by + the same method which Papias had introduced at the last festival of + Adonis, and to the scale which he, Pontius, indicated, in the palace of + Lochias itself. With regard to several works of restoration which had to + be carried out with equal rapidity, and as to the price to be paid, they + could agree at the same time and place. + </p> + <p> + The sculptor was a man of foresight and did not appear on the scene alone + but with his best assistant, Pollux, the son of the worthy couple at the + gate, and several slaves who dragged after him sundry trunks and carts + loaded with tools, boards, clay, gypsum and other raw materials of his + art. On the road to Lochias he had informed the young sculptor of the + business in hand, and had told him in a condescending tone that he would + be permitted to try his skill in reconstructing the Urania. At the gate he + had permitted Pollux to greet his parents, and had gone alone into the + palace to open his bargain with the architect without the presence of + witnesses. + </p> + <p> + The young artist perfectly understood his master. He knew that he would be + expected to carry out the statue of Urania, while his task-master, after + making some trifling alterations in the completed work, would declare that + it was his own. Pollux had for two years been obliged, more than once, to + put up with similar treatment; and now, as usual, he submitted to this + dishonest manoeuvre because, under his master there was plenty to do, and + the delight of work was to him the greatest he could have. + </p> + <p> + Papias, to whom he had gone early as an apprentice and to whom he owed the + knowledge he possessed, was no miser, still Pollux needed money, not for + himself alone but because he had taken on himself the charge of a widowed + sister and her children as if they were his own family. He was always glad + to take some comfort into the narrow home of his parents, who were poor, + and to maintain his younger brother Teuker—who had devoted himself + to the same art—during the years of his apprenticeship. Again and + again he had thought of telling his master that he should start on his own + footing and earn laurels for himself, but what then would become of those + who relied on his help, if he gave up his regular earnings and if he got + no commissions when there were so many unknown beginners eager for them? + Of what avail were all his ability and the most honest good-will if no + opportunity offered for his executing his work in noble materials? With + his own means he certainly was in no position to do so. + </p> + <p> + While he was talking to his parents Papias had opened his transactions + with the architect. Pontius explained to the sculptor what was required + and Papias listened attentively; he never interrupted the speaker, but + only stroked his face from time to time, as if to make it smoother than it + was already, though it was shaved with peculiar care and formed and + colored like a warm mask; meanwhile draping the front of his rich blue + toga, which he wore in the fashion of a Roman senator, into fresh folds. + </p> + <p> + But when Pontius showed him, at the end of the rooms destined for the + Emperor, the last of the statues to be restored, and which needed a new + grin, Papias said decisively: + </p> + <p> + “It cannot be done.” + </p> + <p> + “That is a rash verdict,” replied the architect. “Do you not know the + proverb, which, being such a good one, is said to have been first uttered + by more than one sage: ‘That it shows more ill-judgment to pronounce a + thing impossible than to boast that we can achieve a task however much it + may seem to transcend our powers.’” + </p> + <p> + Papias smiled and looked down at his gold-embroidered shoes as he said: + </p> + <p> + “It is more difficult to us sculptors to imagine ourselves waging Titanic + warfare against the impossible, than it is to you who work with enormous + masses. I do not yet see the means which would give me courage to begin + the attack.” + </p> + <p> + “I will tell you,” replied Pontius quickly and decidedly. “On your side + good-will, plenty of assistants and night-watchers; on ours, the Caesar’s + approval and plenty of gold.” + </p> + <p> + After this the transaction came to a prompt and favorable issue, and the + architect could but express his entire approbation, in most cases, of the + sculptor’s judicious and well-considered suggestions. + </p> + <p> + “Now I must go home,” concluded Papias. “My assistants will proceed at + once with the necessary preparations. The work must be carried on behind + screens, so that no one may disturb us or hinder us with remarks.” + </p> + <p> + Half an hour later a scaffolding was already erected in the middle of the + hall where the Urania was to stand. + </p> + <p> + It was concealed from; public gaze by thick linen stretched on tall wooden + frames, and behind these screens Pollux was busied in framing a small + model in wax, while his master had returned home to make arrangements for + the labors of the following day. + </p> + <p> + It wanted only an hour of midnight, and still the supper sent to the + palace for the architect by the prefect remained untouched. Pontius was + hungry enough, but before attacking the meal that a slave had set out on a + marble table—the roast meat which looked so inviting, the orange-red + crayfish, the golden-brown pasty and the many-hued fruits—he + conceived it his duty to inspect the rooms to be restored. It was needful + to see whether the slaves who had been set, in the first place to clean + out all the rooms, were being intelligently directed by the men set over + them, whether they were doing their duty and had all that they required; + they had got some hours to work, then they were to rest and to begin again + at sunrise, reinforced by other laborers both slave and free. + </p> + <p> + More and better lighting was universally demanded, and when, in the hall + of the Muses, the men who were cleaning the pavement and scraping the + columns loudly clamored for torches and lamps, a young man’s head peered + over the screen which shut in the place reserved for the restoration of + the Urania, and a lamentable voice cried out: + </p> + <p> + “My Muse, with her celestial sphere, is the guardian of star-gazers and is + happiest in the dark—but not till she is finished. To form her we + must have light and more light—and when it is lighter here the voice + of the people down there, which does not sound very delightful up in this + hollow space, will diminish somewhat also. Give light, then, O, men! Light + for my goddess, and for your scrubbers and scourers.” + </p> + <p> + Pontius looked up smiling at Pollux, who had uttered this appeal, and + answered: + </p> + <p> + “Your cry of distress is fully justified, my friend. But do you really + believe in the power of light to diminish noise?” + </p> + <p> + “At any rate,” replied Pollux, “where it is absent, that is to say in the + dark, every noise seems redoubled.” + </p> + <p> + “That is true, but there are other reasons for that,” answered the + architect. “To-morrow in an interval of work we will discuss these + matters. Now I will go to provide you with lamps and lights.” + </p> + <p> + “Urania, the protectress of the fine arts, will be beholden to you,” cried + Pollux as the architect went away. + </p> + <p> + Pontius meanwhile sought his chief foreman to ask him whether he had + delivered his orders to Keraunus, the palace-steward, to come to him, and + to put the cressets and lamps commonly used for the external + illuminations, at the service of his workmen. + </p> + <p> + “Three times,” was the answer “have I been myself to the man, but each + time he puffed himself out like a frog and answered me not a word, but + only sent me into a little room with his daughter—whom you must see, + for she is charming—and a miserable black slave, and there I found + these few wretched lamps that are now burning.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you order him to come to me?” + </p> + <p> + “Three hours ago, and again a second time, when you were talking with + Papias.” + </p> + <p> + The architect turned his back upon the foreman in angry haste, unrolled + the plan of the palace, quickly found upon it the abode of the + recalcitrant steward, seized a small red-clay lamp that was standing near + him, and being quite accustomed to guide himself by a plan, went straight + through the rooms, which were not a few, and by a long corridor from the + hall of the Muses, to the lodging of the negligent official. An unclosed + door led him into a dark ante-chamber followed by another room, and + finally into a large, well-furnished apartment. All these door-ways, into + what seemed to be at once the dining and sitting-room of the steward, were + bereft of doors, and could only be closed by stuff curtains, just now + drawn wide open. Pontius could therefore look in, unhindered and + unperceived, at the table on which a three-branched bronze lamp was + standing between a dish and some plates. The stout man was sitting with + his rubicund moon-face towards the architect, who, indignant as he was, + would have gone straight up to him with swift decision, if, before + entering the second room, a low but pitiful sob had not fallen on his ear. + </p> + <p> + The sob proceeded from a slight young girl who came forward from a door + beyond the sitting-room, and who now placed a platter with a loaf on the + table by the steward. + </p> + <p> + “Come, do not cry, Selene,” said the steward, breaking the bread slowly + and with an evident desire to soothe his child. + </p> + <p> + “How can I help crying,” said the girl. “But tomorrow morning let me buy a + piece of meat for you; the physician forbade you to eat bread.” + </p> + <p> + “Man must be filled,” replied the fat man, “and meat is dear. I have nine + mouths to fill, not counting the slaves. And where am I to get the money + to fill us all with meat?” + </p> + <p> + “We need none, but for you it is necessary.” + </p> + <p> + “It is of no use, child. The butcher will not trust us any more, the other + creditors press us, and at the end of the month we shall have just ten + drachmae left us.” + </p> + <p> + The girl turned pale, and asked in anxiety: + </p> + <p> + “But, father, it was only to-day that you showed me the three gold pieces + which you said had been given you as a present out of the money + distributed on the arrival of the Empress.” + </p> + <p> + The steward absently rolled a piece of bread-crumb between his fingers and + said: + </p> + <p> + “I spent that on this fibula with an incised onyx—and as cheap as + dirt, I can tell you. If Caesar comes he must see who and what I am; and + if I die any one will give you twice as much for it as I paid. I tell you + the Empress’s money was well laid out on the thing.” Selene made no + answer, but she sighed deeply, and her eye glanced at a quantity of + useless things which her father had acquired and brought home because they + were cheap, while she and her seven sisters wanted the most necessary + things. + </p> + <p> + “Father,” the girl began again after a short silence, “I ought not to go + on about it, but even if it vexes you, I must—the architect, who is + settling all the work out there, has sent for you twice already.” + </p> + <p> + “Be silent!” shouted the fat man, striking his hand on the table. “Who is + this Pontius, and who am I!” + </p> + <p> + “You are of a noble Macedonian family, related perhaps even to the + Ptolemies; you have your seat in the Council of the Citizens—but do, + this time, be condescending and kind. The man has his hands full, he is + tired out.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor have I been able to sit still the whole day, and what is fitting, is + fitting. I am Keraunus the son of Ptolemy, whose father came into Egypt + with Alexander the Great, and helped to found this city, and every one + knows it. Our possessions were diminished; but it is for that very reason + that I insist on our illustrious blood being recognized. Pontius sends to + command the presence of Keraunus! If it were not infuriating it would be + laughable—for who is this man, who? I have told you his father was a + freedman of the former prefect Claudius Balbillus, and by the favor of the + Roman his father rose and grew rich. He is the descendant of slaves, and + you expect that I shall be his obedient humble servant, whenever he + chooses to call me?” + </p> + <p> + “But father, my dear father, it is not the son of Ptolemy, but the + palace-steward that he desires shall go to hire.” + </p> + <p> + “Mere chop-logic!—you have nothing to say, not a step do I take to + go to him.” + </p> + <p> + The girl clasped her hands over her face, and sobbed loudly and pitifully. + Keraunus started up and cried out, beside himself. + </p> + <p> + “By great Serapis. I can bear this no longer. What are you whimpering + about?” + </p> + <p> + The girl plucked up courage and going up to the indignant man she said, + though more than once interrupted by tears. + </p> + <p> + “You must go father—indeed you must. I spoke to the foreman, and he + told me coolly and decidedly that the architect was placed here in + Caesar’s name, and that if you do not obey him you will at once be + superseded in your office. And if that were to happen, if that—O + father, father, only think of blind Helios and poor Berenice! Arsinoe and + I could earn our bread, but the little ones—the little ones.” + </p> + <p> + With these words the girl fell on her knees lifting her hands in entreaty + to her obstinate parent. The blood had mounted to the man’s face and eyes, + and pressing his hand to his purple forehead he sank back in his chair as + if stricken with apoplexy. His daughter sprang up and offered him the cup + full of wine and water which was standing on the table; but Keraunus + pushed it aside with his hands, and panted out, while he struggled for + breath: + </p> + <p> + “Supersede me—in my place—turn me out of this palace! Why + there, in that ebony trunk, lies the rescript of Euergetes which confers + the stewardship of this residence on my ancestor Philip, and as a + hereditary dignity in his family. Now Philip’s wife had the honor of being + the king’s mistress—or, as some say, his daughter. There lies the + document, drawn up in red and black ink on yellow papyrus and ratified + with the seal and signature of Euergetes the Second. All the princes of + the Lagides have confirmed it, all the Roman prefects have respected it, + and now—now.” + </p> + <p> + “But father” said the girl interrupting her father, and wringing her hands + in despair, “you still hold the place and if you will only give in.” + </p> + <p> + “Give in, give in,” shrieked the corpulent steward shaking his fat hands + above his blood-shot face. “I will give in—I will not bring you all + to misery—for my children’s sake I will allow myself to be + ill-treated and down-trodden, I will go—I will go directly. Like the + pelican I will feed my children with my heart’s blood. But you ought to + know what it costs me, to humiliate myself thus; it is intolerable to me, + and my heart is breaking—for the architect, the architect has + trampled upon me as if I were his servant; he wished—I heard him + with these ears—he shrieked after me a villainous hope that I might + be smothered in my own fat—and the physician has told me I may die + of apoplexy! Leave me, leave me. I know those Romans are capable of + anything. Well—here I am; fetch me my saffron-colored pallium, that + I wear in the council, fetch me my gold fillet for my head. I will deck + myself like a beast for sacrifice, and I will show him—” + </p> + <p> + Not a word of this harangue had escaped the ears of the architect who had + been at first indignant and then moved to laughter, and withal it had + touched his heart. A sluggish and torpid character was repugnant to his + vigorous nature, and the deliberate and indifferent demeanor of the stout + steward, on an occasion which had prompted him and all concerned to act as + quickly and energetically as possible, had brought words to his lips which + he now wished that he had never spoken. It is true that the steward’s + false pride had roused his indignation, and who can listen calmly to any + comment on a stain on his birth? But the appeal of this miserable father’s + daughter had gone to his heart. He pitied the fatuous simpleton whom, with + a turn of his hand, he could reduce to beggary, and who had evidently been + far more deeply hurt by his words than Pontius had been by what he had + overheard, and so he followed the kindly impulse of a noble nature to + spare the unfortunate. + </p> + <p> + He rapped loudly with his knuckles on the inside of the door-post of the + ante-room, coughed loudly, and then said, bowing deeply to the steward on + the threshold of the sitting-room: + </p> + <p> + “Noble Keraunus—I have come, as beseems me, to pay you my respects. + Excuse the lateness of the hour, but you can scarcely imagine how busy I + have been since we parted.” + </p> + <p> + Keraunus had at first started at the late visitor, then he stared at him + in consternation. He now went towards him, stretched out both hands as if + suddenly relieved of a nightmare, and a bright expression of such warm and + sincere satisfaction overspread his countenance that Pontius wondered how + he could have failed to observe what a well-cut face this fat original + had. + </p> + <p> + “Take a seat at our humble table,” said Keraunus. “Go Selene and call the + slaves. Perhaps there is yet a pheasant in the house, a roast fowl or + something of the kind—but the hour, it is true, is late.” + </p> + <p> + “I am deeply obliged to you,” replied the architect, smiling. “My supper + is waiting for me in the hall of the Muses, and I must return to my + work-people. I should be grateful to you if you would accompany me. We + must consult together as to the lighting of the rooms, and such matters + are best discussed over a succulent roast and a flask of wine.” + </p> + <p> + “I am quite at your service,” said Keraunus with a bow. + </p> + <p> + “I will go on ahead,” said the architect, “but first will you have the + goodness to give all that you have in the way of cressets, lights and + lamps to the slaves, who, in a few minutes, shall await your orders at + your door.” + </p> + <p> + When Pontius had departed, Selene exclaimed with a deep sigh + </p> + <p> + “Oh! what a fright I have had! I will go now and find the lamps. How + terribly it might have ended.” + </p> + <p> + “It is well that he should have come,” murmured Keraunus. “Considering his + birth and origin, the architect is certainly a well-bred man.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> + <p> + Pontius had gone to the steward’s room, with a frowning brow, but it was + with a smile on his strongly-marked lips, and a brisk step that he + returned to his work-people. The foreman came to meet him with looks of + enquiry as he said. “The steward was a little offended and with reason; + but now we are capital friends and he will do what he can in the matter of + lighting.” + </p> + <p> + In the hall of the Muses he paused outside the screen, behind which Pollux + was working, and called out: + </p> + <p> + “Friend sculptor, listen to me, it is high time to have supper.” + </p> + <p> + “It is, indeed,” replied Pollux, “else it will be breakfast.” + </p> + <p> + “Then lay aside your tools for a quarter of an hour and help me and the + palace-steward to demolish the food that has been sent me.” + </p> + <p> + “You will need no second assistant if Keraunus is there. Food melts before + him like ice before the sun.” + </p> + <p> + “Then come and save him from an overloaded stomach.” + </p> + <p> + “Impossible, for I am just now dealing most unmercifully with a bowl full + of cabbage and sausages. My mother had cooked that food of the gods and my + father has brought it in to his first-born son.” + </p> + <p> + “Cabbage and sausages!” repeated the architect, and its tone betrayed that + his hungry stomach would fain have made closer acquaintance with the + savory mess. + </p> + <p> + “Come in here,” continued Pollux, “and be my guest. The cabbage has + experienced the process which is impending over this palace—it has + been warmed up.” + </p> + <p> + “Warmed-up cabbage is better than freshly-cooked, but the fire over which + we must try to make this palace enjoyable again, burns too hotly and must + be too vigorously stirred. The best things have been all taken out, and + cannot be replaced.” + </p> + <p> + “Like the sausages, I have fished out of my cabbages,” laughed the + sculptor. “After all I cannot invite you to be my guest, for it would be a + compliment to this dish if I were now to call it cabbage with sausages. I + have worked it like a mine, and now that the vein of sausages is nearly + exhausted, little remains but the native soil in which two or three + miserable fragments remain as memorials of past wealth. But my mother + shall cook you a mess of it before long, and she prepares it with + incomparable skill.” + </p> + <p> + “A good idea, but you are my guest.” + </p> + <p> + “I am replete.” + </p> + <p> + “Then come and spice our meal with your good company.” + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me, sir; leave me rather here behind my screen. In the first + place, I am in a happy vein, and on the right track; I feel that something + good will come of this night’s work.” + </p> + <p> + “And tomorrow—” + </p> + <p> + “Hear me out.” + </p> + <p> + “Well.” + </p> + <p> + “You would be doing your other guest an ill-service by inviting me.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know the steward then?” + </p> + <p> + “From my earliest youth, I am the son of the gatekeeper of the palace.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, ho! then you came from that pretty little lodge with the ivy and the + birds, and the jolly old lady.” + </p> + <p> + “She is my mother—and the first time the butcher kills she will + concoct for you and me a dish of sausages and cabbage without an equal.” + </p> + <p> + “A very pleasing prospect.” + </p> + <p> + “Here comes a hippopotamus—on closer inspection Keraunus, the + steward.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you his enemy?” + </p> + <p> + “I, no; but he is mine—yes,” replied Pollux. “It is a foolish story. + When we sup together don’t ask me about it if you care to have a jolly + companion And do not tell Keraunus that I am here, it will lead to no + good.” + </p> + <p> + “As you wish, and here are our lamps too.” + </p> + <p> + “Enough to light the nether world,” exclaimed Pollux, and waving his hand + to the architect in farewell he vanished behind the screens to devote + himself entirely to his model. + </p> + <p> + It was long past midnight, and the slaves who had set to work with much + zeal had finished their labors in the hall of the Muses. They were now + allowed to rest for some hours on straw that had been spread for them in + another wing of the building. The architect himself wished to take + advantage of this time to refresh himself by a short sleep, for the + exertions of the morrow, but between this intention and its fulfilment an + obstacle was interposed, the preposterous dimensions namely of his guest. + He had invited the steward on purpose to give him his fill of meat, and + Keraunus had shown himself amenable to encouragement in this respect. But + after the last dish bad been removed the steward thought that good manners + demanded that he should honor his entertainer by his illustrious presence, + and at the same time the prefect’s good wine loosened the tongue of the + man, who was not usually communicative. + </p> + <p> + First he spoke of the manifold infirmities which tormented him and + endangered his life, and when Pontius, to divert his talk into other + channels, was so imprudent as to allude to the Council of Citizens, + Keraunus gave full play to his eloquence, and, while he emptied cup after + cup of wine, tried to lay down the reasons which had made him and his + friends decide on staking everything in order to deprive the members of + the extensive community of Jews in the city of their rights as citizens, + and to expel them, if possible, from Alexandria. So warm was his zeal that + he totally forgot the presence of the architect, and his humble origin, + and declared to be indispensable, that even the descendants of + freed-slaves should be disenfranchised. + </p> + <p> + Pontius saw in the steward’s inflamed eyes and cheeks that it was the wine + which spoke within him, and he made no answer; and determined that the + rest he needed should not be thus abridged, he rose from table and briefly + excusing himself he retired to the room in which the couch had been + prepared for him. After he had undressed he desired his slave to see what + Keraunus was about, and soon received the reassuring information that the + steward was fast asleep and snoring. + </p> + <p> + “Only listen,” said the slave, to confirm his report. “You can hear him + grunting and snuffing as far as this. I pushed a cushion under his head, + for otherwise, so full as he is, the stout gentleman might come to some + harm.” + </p> + <p> + Love is a plant which springs up for many who have never sown it, and + grows into a spreading tree for many who have neither fostered nor tended + it. How little had Keraunus ever done to win the heart of his daughter, + how much on the contrary which could not fail to overshadow and trouble + her young life. And yet Selene, whose youth—for she was but nineteen—needed + repose and to whom the evening with the reprieve of sleep brought more + pleasure than the morning with its load of cares and labor, sat by the + three-branched lamp and watched, and tormented herself more and more as it + grew later and later, at her father’s long absence. About a week before + the strong man had suddenly lost consciousness; only, it is true, for a + few minutes, and the physician had told her that though he appeared to be + in superabundant health, the attack indicated that he must follow his + prescriptions strictly and avoid all kinds of excess. A single + indiscretion, he had declared, might swiftly and suddenly cut the thread + of his existence. After her father had gone out in obedience to the + architect’s invitation, Selene had brought out her youngest brothers’ and + sisters’ garments, in order to mend them. Her sister Arsinoe, who was her + junior by two years, and whose fingers were as nimble as her own, might + indeed have helped her, but she had gone to bed early and was sleeping by + the children who could not be left untended at night. Her female slave, + who had been in her grandmother’s service, ought to have assisted her; but + the old half-blind negress saw even worse by lamp-light than by daylight, + and after a few stitches could do no more. Selene sent her to bed and sat + down alone to her work. + </p> + <p> + For the first hour she sewed away without looking up, considering, + meanwhile, how she could best contrive to support the family till the end + of the month on the few drachmae she could dispose of. As it got later she + grew wearier and wearier, but still she sat at the work, though her pretty + head often sank upon her breast. She must await her father’s return, for a + potion prepared by the physician stood waiting for him, and she feared he + would forget it if she did not remind him. + </p> + <p> + By the end of the second hour sleep overcame her, and she felt as if the + chair she was sitting on was giving way under her, and as if it was + sinking at first slowly and then quicker and quicker, into a deep abyss + that opened beneath her. Looking up for help in her dream, she could see + nothing but her father’s face, which looked aside with indifference. As + her dream went on she called him and called him again, but for a long time + he did not seem to hear her. At last he looked down at her and when he + perceived her he smiled, but instead of helping her he picked up stones + and clods from the edge of the gulf and threw them on her hands with which + she had clutched the brambles and roots that grew out of the rift of the + rocks. She entreated him to cease, implored him, shrieked to him to spare + her, but not a muscle moved in the face above her; it seemed set in a + vacant smile, and even his heart was dead too, for he ruthlessly flung + down now a pebble, now a clod, one after the other, till her hands were + losing their last feeble hold and she was on the point of falling into the + fatal gulf below. Her own cry of terror aroused her, but during the brief + process of returning from her dream to actuality, she saw through swiftly + parting mists—only for an instant, and yet quite plainly—the + tall grass of a meadow, spangled with ox-eye daisies, white and gold, with + violet-hued blue bells and scarlet poppies, among which she was lying—as + in a soft green bed, while near the sward lay a sparkling blue lake and + behind it rose beautiful swelling hills, with red cliffs, and green + groves, and meadows bright in the clear sunshine. A clear sky, across + which a soft breeze gently blew light silvery flakes of cloud, bent over + the lovely but fleeting picture, which she could not compare with anything + she had ever seen near her own home. + </p> + <p> + She had only slept for a short time, but when, once more thoroughly awake, + she rubbed her eyes, she thought her dream must have lasted for hours. + </p> + <p> + One flame of the three-branched lamp had flickered into extinction and the + wick of another was beginning to waste. She hastily put it out with a pair + of tongs that hung by a chain, and then after pouring fresh oil into the + lamp that was still burning she carried the light into her father’s + sleeping room. + </p> + <p> + He had not yet returned. She was seized with a mortal terror. Had the + architect’s wine bereft him of his senses? Had he on his way back to his + rooms been seized with a fresh attack of giddiness? In spirit she saw the + heavy man incapable of raising himself, dying perhaps where he had fallen. + </p> + <p> + No choice remained to her; she must go at once to the hall of the Muses + and see what had happened to her father, pick him up, give him help or—if + he still were feasting—endeavor to tempt him back by any excuse she + could find. Everything was at stake; her father’s life and with it + maintenance and shelter for eight helpless creatures. + </p> + <p> + The December night was stormy, a keen and bitter wind blew through the + ill-closed opening in the roof of the room as Selene, before she began her + expedition, tied a handkerchief over her head and threw over her shoulders + a white mantle which had been worn by her dead mother. In the long + corridor which lay between her father’s rooms and the front portion of the + palace, she had to screen the flickering light of the little lamp with her + left hand, carrying it in her right; the flame blown about by the draught + and her own figure were mirrored here and there in the polished surface of + the dark marble. The thick sandals she had tied on to her feet roused loud + echoes in the empty rooms as they fell on the stone pavements, and terror + possessed Selene’s anxious soul. Her fingers trembled as they held the + lamp and her heart beat audibly as, with bated breath, she went through + the cupolaed hall in which Ptolemy Euergetes ‘the fat’ was said, some + years ago, to have murdered his own son, and in which even a deep breath + roused an echo. + </p> + <p> + But even in this room she did not forget to look to the right and left for + her father. She breathed a sigh of relief when she perceived a streak of + light which shone through the gaping rift of a cracked side-door of the + hall of the Muses and fell in a broken reflection on the floor and the + wall of the last room through which she had to pass. She now entered the + large hall which was dimly lighted by the lamps behind the sculptor’s + screen, and by several tapers, now burnt down low. These were standing on + a table knocked together out of blocks of wood and planks at the extreme + end of the hall, and behind this her father was sound asleep. + </p> + <p> + The deep notes brought out of the sleeper’s broad chest, were echoed in a + very uncanny way from the bare walls of the vast empty room, and she was + frightened by them and still more by the long black shadows of the + pillars, that lay, like barriers, across her path. She stood listening in + the middle of the hall and soon recognized in the alarming tones a sound + that was only too familiar. Without a moment’s hesitation she started to + run, and hastened to the sleeper, shook him, pushed him, called him, + sprinkled his forehead with water, and appealed to him by the tenderest + names with which her sister Arsinoe was wont to coax him. When, in spite + of all this, he neither spoke nor stirred, she flung the full light of the + lamp on his face. Then she thought she perceived that a bluish tinge had + overspread his bloated features, and she broke into the deep, agonized, + weeping which, a few hours previously had touched the architect’s heart. + </p> + <p> + There was a sudden stir behind the screens which enclosed the sculptor and + the work in progress. Pollux had been working for a long time with zeal + and pleasure, but at last the steward’s snoring had begun to disturb him. + The body of the Muse had already taken a definite form and he could begin + to work out the head with the earliest dawn of day. He now dropped his + arms wearily, for as soon as he ceased to create with his whole heart and + mind he felt tired, and saw plainly that without a model he could do + nothing satisfactory with the drapery of his Urania. So he pulled his + stool up to a great chest full of gypsum to get a little repose by leaning + against it. + </p> + <p> + But sleep avoided the artist who was too much excited by his rapid night’s + work, and as soon as Selene opened the door he sat upright and peeped + through an opening between the frames of his place of retirement. When he + saw the tall draped figure in whose hand a lamp was trembling, when he + watched her cross the spacious hall, and then suddenly stand still, he was + not a little startled, but this did not hinder him from noting every step + of the nocturnal spectre with far more curiosity than alarm. Then, when + Selene looked round her, and the lamp illuminated her face, be recognized + the steward’s daughter, and immediately knew what she must be seeking. + </p> + <p> + Her vain attempts to rouse the sleeper, though somewhat pathetic, had in + them at the same time something irresistibly ludicrous, and Pollux felt + sorely tempted to laugh. But as soon as Selene began to weep so bitterly + he hastily pushed apart two of the laths of the screen, went up and called + her name, at first softly not to frighten her, and then more loudly. When + she turned her head he begged her warmly not to be alarmed far he was no + ghost, only a very humble and ordinary mortal, in fact-as she might see—nothing + more, alas! than the son of Euphorian, the gate-keeper, good for nothing + as yet, but treading the path to something better. + </p> + <p> + “You, Pollux?” asked the girl with surprise. + </p> + <p> + “The very man. But you—can I help you?” + </p> + <p> + “My poor father,” sobbed Selene. “He does not stir, he is immovable—and + his face—oh! merciful gods.” + </p> + <p> + “A man who snores is not dead,” said the sculptor. “But the doctor told + him—” + </p> + <p> + “He is not even ill! Pontius only gave him stronger wine to drink than he + is used to. Let him be; he is sleeping with the pillow under his neck, as + comfortably as a child. When he began just now to trumpet a little too + loud I whistled as loud as a plover, for that often silences a snorer; but + I could more easily have made those stone Muses dance than have roused + him.” + </p> + <p> + “If only we could get him to bed.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, if you have four horses at hand.” + </p> + <p> + “You are as bad as you ever were!” + </p> + <p> + “A little less so, Selene, only you must become accustomed again to my way + of speaking. This time I only mean that we two together are not strong + enough to carry him away.” + </p> + <p> + “But what can I do, then? The doctor said—” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind the doctor. The complaint your father is suffering from is one + I know well. It will be gone to-morrow, perhaps by sundown, and the only + pain it will leave behind, he will feel under his wig. Only leave him to + sleep.” + </p> + <p> + “But it is so cold here.” + </p> + <p> + “Take my cloak and cover him with that.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you will be frozen.” + </p> + <p> + “I am used to it. How long has Keraunus had dealings with the doctor?” + </p> + <p> + Selene related the accident that had befallen her father and how justified + were her fears. The sculptor listened to her in silence and then said in a + quite altered tone: + </p> + <p> + “I am truly sorry to hear it. Let us put some cold water on his forehead, + and until the slaves come back again I will change the wet cloth every + quarter of an hour. Here is a jar and a handkerchief—good, they + might have been left on purpose. Perhaps, too, it will wake him, and if + not the people shall carry him to his own rooms.” + </p> + <p> + “Disgraceful, disgraceful!” sighed the girl. + </p> + <p> + “Not at all; the high-priest of Serapis even is sometimes unwell. Only let + me see to it.” + </p> + <p> + “It will excite him afresh if he sees you. He is so angry with you—so + very angry.” + </p> + <p> + “Omnipotent Zeus, what harm have I done you, fat father! The gods forgive + the sins of the wise, and a man will not forgive the fault committed by a + stupid lad in a moment of imprudence.” + </p> + <p> + “You mocked at him.” + </p> + <p> + “I set a clay head that was like him on the shoulders of the fat Silenus + near the gate, that had lost its own head. It was my first piece of + independent work.” + </p> + <p> + “But you did it to vex my father.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not, Selene; I was delighted with the joke and nothing more.” + </p> + <p> + “But you knew how touchy he is.” + </p> + <p> + “And does a wild boy of fifteen ever reflect on the consequences of his + audacity? If he had but given me a thrashing his annoyance would have + discharged itself like thunder and lightning, and the air would have been + clear again. But, as it was, he cut the face off the work with a knife, + and deliberately trod the pieces under foot as they lay on the ground. He + gave me one single blow—with his thumb—which I still feel, it + is true, and then he treated me and my parents with such scorn, so coldly + and hardly, with such bitter contempt—” + </p> + <p> + “He never is really violent, but wrath seems to eat him inwardly, and I + have rarely seen him so angry as he was that time.” + </p> + <p> + “But if he had only settled the account with me on the spot! but my father + was by, and hot words fell like rain, and my mother added her share, and + from that time there has been utter hostility between our little house and + you up here. What hurt me most was that you and your sister were forbidden + to come to see us and to play with me.” + </p> + <p> + “That has spoilt many pleasant hours for me, too.” + </p> + <p> + “It was nice when we used to dress up in my father’s theatrical finery and + cloaks.” + </p> + <p> + “And when you made us dolls out of clay.”. + </p> + <p> + “Or when we performed the Olympian games.” + </p> + <p> + “I was always the teacher when we played at school with our little + brothers and sisters.” + </p> + <p> + “Arsinoe gave you most trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! and what fun when we went fishing!” + </p> + <p> + “And when we brought home the fishes and mother gave us meal and raisins + to cook them.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you remember the festival of Adonis, and how I stopped the runaway + horse of that Numidian officer?” + </p> + <p> + “The horse had knocked over Arsinoe, and when we got home mother gave you + an almond-cake.” + </p> + <p> + “And your ungrateful sister bit a great piece out of it and left me only a + tiny morsel. Is Arsinoe as pretty as she promised to become? It is two + years since I last saw her; at our place we never have time to leave work + till it is dark. For eight months I had to work for the master at + Ptolemais, and often saw the old folks but once in the month.” + </p> + <p> + “We go out very little, too, and we are not allowed to go into your + parents’ house. My sister—” + </p> + <p> + “Is she pretty?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I think she is. Whenever she can get hold of a piece of ribbon she + plaits it in her hair, and the men in the street turn round to look at + her. She is sixteen now.” + </p> + <p> + “Sixteen! What, little Arsinoe! Why, how long then is it since your mother + died?” + </p> + <p> + “Four years and eight months.” + </p> + <p> + “You remember the date very exactly; such a mother is not easily + forgotten, indeed. She was a good woman and a kinder I never met. I know, + too, that she tried to mollify your father’s feeling, but she could not + succeed, and then she need must die!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Selene gloomily. “How could the gods decree it! They are often + more cruel than the hardest hearted man.” + </p> + <p> + “Your poor little brothers and sisters!” + </p> + <p> + The girl bowed her head sadly and Pollux stood for some time with his eyes + fixed on the ground. Then he raised his head and exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “I have something for you that will please you.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing ever pleases me now she is dead.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes indeed,” replied the young sculptor eagerly. “I could not forget + the good soul, and once in my idle moments I modelled her bust from + memory. To-morrow I will bring it to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” cried Selene, and her large heavy eyes brightened with a sunny + gleam. + </p> + <p> + “Now, is not it true, you are pleased?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes indeed, very much. But when my father learns that it is you who have + given me the portrait—” + </p> + <p> + “Is he capable of destroying it?” + </p> + <p> + “If he does not destroy it, he will not suffer it in the house as soon as + he knows that you made it.” Pollux took the handkerchief from the + steward’s head, moistened it afresh, and exclaimed as he rearranged it on + the forehead of the sleeping man: + </p> + <p> + “I have an idea. All that matters is that my bust should serve to remind + you often of your mother; the bust need not stand in your rooms. The busts + of the women of the house of Ptolemy stand on the rotunda, which you can + see from your balcony, and which you can pass whenever you please; some of + them are badly mutilated and must be got rid of. I will undertake to + restore the Berenice and put your mother’s head on her shoulders. Then you + have only to go out and look at her. Will that do?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Pollux; you are a good man.” + </p> + <p> + “So I told you just now. I am beginning to improve. But time—time! + if I am to undertake to repair Berenice I must begin by saving the + minutes.” + </p> + <p> + “Go back to your work now; I know how to apply a wet compress only too + well.” + </p> + <p> + With these words Selene threw back her mantle over her shoulders so as to + leave her hands free for use, and stood with her slender figure, her pale + face, and the fine broadly-flowing folds of rich stuff, like a statue in + the eyes of the young sculptor. + </p> + <p> + “Stop—stay so—just so,” cried Pollux to the astonished girl, + so loudly and eagerly that she was startled. + </p> + <p> + “Your cloak hangs with a wonderfully-free flow from your shoulders—in + the name of all the gods do not touch it. If only I might model from it I + should in a few minutes gain a whole day for our Berenice. I will wet the + handkerchief at intervals in the pauses.” Without waiting for Selene’s + answer the sculptor hastened into his nook and returned first with one of + the lamps he worked by in each hand, and some small tools in his mouth, + and then fetched his wax model which he placed on the outer side of the + table, behind which the steward was sleeping. The tapers were put out, the + lamps pushed aside, and raised or lowered, and when at last a tolerably + suitable light was procured Pollux threw himself on a stool, straddled his + legs, craned his head forward as far as his neck would allow, looking, + with his hooked nose, like a vulture that strives to descry his distant + prey-cast his eyes down, raised them again to take in something fresh, and + after a long gaze looked down again while his fingers and nails moved over + the surface of the wax-figure, sinking into the plastic material, applying + new pieces to apparently complete portions, removing others with a decided + nip and rounding them off with bewildering rapidity to use them for a + fresh purpose. + </p> + <p> + He seemed to be seized with cramp in his hands, but still under his + knotted brow his eye shone earnest, resolute and calm, and yet full of + profound and speechless inspiration. Selene had said not a word that + permitted his using her as a model; but, as if his enthusiasm was + infectious, she remained motionless, and when, as he worked, his gaze met + hers she could detect the stern earnestness which at this moment possessed + her eager companion. + </p> + <p> + Neither of them opened their lips for some time. At last he stood back + from his work, stooping low to look first at Selene and then at his + statuette with keen examination from head to foot; and then, drawing a + deep breath, and rubbing the wax over with his finger, he said: + </p> + <p> + “There, that is how it must go! Now I will wet your father’s handkerchief + and then we can go on again. If you are tired you can rest.” + </p> + <p> + She availed herself but little of this permission and presently he began + work again. As he proceeded carefully to replace some folds of her drapery + which had fallen out of place, she moved her foot as if to draw back, but + he begged her earnestly to stand still and she obeyed his request. + </p> + <p> + Pollux now used his fingers and modelling tools more calmly; his gaze was + less wistful and he began to talk again. + </p> + <p> + “You are very pale,” he said. “To be sure the lamp-light and a sleepless + night have something to do with it.” + </p> + <p> + “I look just the same by daylight, but I am not ill.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought Arsinoe would have been like your mother, but now I see many + features of her face in yours again. The oval of their form is the same + and, in both, the line of the nose runs almost straight to the forehead; + you have her eyes and the same bend of the brow, but your mouth is smaller + and more sharply cut, and she could hardly have made such a heavy knot of + her hair. I fancy, too, that yours is lighter than hers.” + </p> + <p> + “As a girl she must have had still more hair, and perhaps she may have + been as fair as I was—I am brown now.” + </p> + <p> + “Another thing you inherit from her is that your hair, without being + curly, lies upon your head in such soft waves.” + </p> + <p> + “It is easy to keep in order.” + </p> + <p> + “Are not you taller than she was?” + </p> + <p> + “I fancy so, but as she was stouter she looked shorter. Will you soon have + done?” + </p> + <p> + “You are getting tired of standing?” + </p> + <p> + “Not very.” + </p> + <p> + “Then have a little more patience. Your face reminds me more and more of + our early years; I should be glad to see Arsinoe once more. I feel at this + moment as if time had moved backwards a good piece. Have you the same + feeling?” + </p> + <p> + Selene shook her head. + </p> + <p> + “You are not happy?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “I know full well that you have very heavy duties to perform for your + age.” + </p> + <p> + “Things go as they may.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay. I know you do not let things go haphazard. You take care of + your brothers and sisters like a mother.” + </p> + <p> + “Like a mother!” repeated Selene, and she smiled a bitter negative. + </p> + <p> + “Of course a mother’s love is a thing by itself, but your father and the + little ones have every reason to be satisfied with yours.” + </p> + <p> + “The little ones are perhaps, and Helios who is blind, but Arsinoe does + what she can.” + </p> + <p> + “You certainly are not content, I can hear it in your voice, and you used + formerly to be as merry and happy as your sister, though perhaps not so + saucy.” + </p> + <p> + “Formerly—” + </p> + <p> + “How sadly that sounds! And yet you are handsome, you are young, and life + lies before you.” + </p> + <p> + “But what a life!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, what?” asked the sculptor, and taking his hands from his work he + looked ardently at the fair pale girl before him and cried out fervently: + </p> + <p> + “A life which might be full of happiness and satisfied affection.” + </p> + <p> + The girl shook her head in negation and answered coldly: + </p> + <p> + “‘Love is joy,’ says the Christian woman who superintends us at work in + the papyrus factory, and since my mother died I have had no love. I + enjoyed all my share of happiness once for all in my childhood, now I am + content if only we are spared the worst misfortunes. Otherwise I take what + each day brings, because I can not do otherwise. My heart is empty, and if + I ever feel anything keenly, it is dread. I have long since ceased to + expect any thing good of the future.” + </p> + <p> + “Girl!” exclaimed Pollux. “Why, what has been happening to you? I do not + understand half of what you are saying. How came you in the papyrus + factory?” + </p> + <p> + “Do not betray me,” begged Selene. “If my father were to hear of it.” + </p> + <p> + “He is asleep, and what you confide to me no one will ever hear of again.” + </p> + <p> + “Why should I conceal it? I go every day with Arsinoe for two hours to the + manufactory, and we work there to earn a little money.” + </p> + <p> + “Behind your father’s back?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he would rather that we should starve than allow it. Every day I + feel the same loathing for the deceit; but we could not get on without it, + for Arsinoe thinks of nothing but herself, plays draughts with my father, + curls his hair, plays with the children as if they were dolls, but it is + my part to take care of them.” + </p> + <p> + “And you, you say, have no share of love. Happily no one believes you, and + I least of all. Only lately my mother was telling me about you, and I + thought you were a girl who might turn out just such a wife as a woman + ought to be.” + </p> + <p> + “And now?” + </p> + <p> + “Now, I know it for certain.” + </p> + <p> + “You may be mistaken.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no! your name is Selene, and you are as gentle as the kindly + moonlight; names, even, have their significance.” + </p> + <p> + “And my blind brother who has never even seen the light is called Helios!” + answered the girl. + </p> + <p> + Pollux had spoken with much warmth, but Selene’s last words startled him + and checked the effervescence of his feelings. Finding he did not answer + her bitter exclamation, she said, at first coolly, but with increasing + warmth: + </p> + <p> + “You are beginning to believe me, and you are right, for what I do for the + children is not done out of love, or out of kindness, or because I set + their welfare above my own. I have inherited my father’s pride, and it + would be odious to me if my brothers and sisters went about in rags, and + people thought we were as poor and helpless as we really are. What is most + horrible to me is sickness in the house, for that increases the anxiety I + always feel and swallows up my last coin; the children must not perish for + want of it. I do not want to make myself out worse than I am; it grieves + me too to see them drooping. But nothing that I do brings me happiness—at + most it moderates my fears. You ask what I am afraid of?—of + everything, everything that can happen to me, for I have no reason to look + forward to anything good. When there is a knock, it may be a creditor; + when people look at Arsinoe in the street, I seem to see dishonor lurking + round her; when my father acts against the advice of the physician I feel + as if we were standing already roofless in the open street. What is there + that I can do with a happy mind? I certainly am not idle, still I envy the + woman who can sit with her hands in her lap and be waited on by slaves, + and if a golden treasure fell into my possession, I would never stir a + finger again, and would sleep every day till the sun was high and make + slaves look after my father and the children. My life is sheer misery. If + ever we see better days I shall be astonished, and before I have got over + my astonishment it will all be over.” + </p> + <p> + The sculptor felt a cold chill, and his heart which had opened wide to his + old playfellow shrank again within him. Before he could find the right + words of encouragement which he sought, they heard in the hall, where the + workmen and slaves were sleeping, the blast of a trumpet intended to awake + them. Selene started, drew her mantle more closely round her, begged + Pollux to take care of her father, and to hide the wine-jar which was + standing near him from the work-people and then, forgetting her lamp, she + went hastily toward the door by which she had entered. Pollux hurried + after her to light the way and while he accompanied her as far as the door + of her rooms, by his warm and urgent words which appealed wonderfully to + her heart, he extracted from her a promise to stand once more in her + mantle as his model. + </p> + <p> + A quarter of an hour later the steward was safe in bed and still sleeping + soundly, while Pollux, who had stretched himself on a mattress behind his + screen, could not for a long time cease to think of the pale girl with her + benumbed soul. At last sleep overcame him too, and a sweet dream showed + him pretty little Arsinoe, who but for him must infallibly have been + killed by the Numidian’s restive horse, taking away her sister Selene’s + almond-cake and giving it to him. The pale girl submitted quietly to the + robbery and only smiled coldly and silently to herself. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> + <h3> + Alexandria was in the greatest excitement. + </h3> + <p> + The Emperor’s visit now immediately impending had tempted the busy hive of + citizens away from the common round of life in which, day after day,—swarming, + hurrying, pushing each other on, or running each other down—they + raced for bread and for the means of filling their hours of leisure with + pleasures and amusements. The unceasing wheel of industry to-day had pause + in the factories, workshops, storehouses and courts of justice, for all + sorts and conditions of men were inspired by the same desire to celebrate + Hadrian’s visit with unheard-of splendor. All that the citizens could + command of inventive skill, of wealth, and of beauty was called forth to + be displayed in the games and processions which were to fill up a number + of days. The richest of the heathen citizens had undertaken the management + of the pieces to be performed in the Theatre, of the mock fight on the + lake, and of the sanguinary games in the Amphitheatre; and so great was + the number of opulent persons that many more were prepared to pay for + smaller projects, for which there was no opening. Nevertheless the + arrangements for certain portions of the procession, in which even the + less wealthy were to take a share, the erection of the building in the + Hippodrome, the decorations in the streets, and the preparations for + entertaining the Roman visitors absorbed sums so large that they seemed + extravagant even to the prefect Titianus, who was accustomed to see his + fellow-officials in Rome squander millions. + </p> + <p> + As the Emperor’s viceroy it behoved him to give his assent to all that was + planned to feast his sovereign’s eye and ear. On the whole, he left the + citizens of the great town free to act as they would; but he had, more + than once, to exert a decided opposition to their overdoing the thing; for + though the Emperor might be able to endure a vast amount of pleasure, what + the Alexandrians originally proposed to provide for him to see and hear + would have exhausted the most indefatigable human energy. + </p> + <p> + That which gave the greatest trouble, not merely to him, but also to the + masters of the revels chosen by the municipality, were the never-dormant + hostility between the heathen and the Jewish sections of the inhabitants, + and the processions, since no division chose to come last, nor would any + number be satisfied to be only the third or the fourth. + </p> + <p> + It was from a meeting, where his determined intervention had at last + brought all these preliminaries to a decision beyond appeal, that Titianus + proceeded to the Caesareum to pay the Empress the visit which she expected + of him daily. He was glad to have come to some conclusion, at any rate + provisionally, with regard to these matters, for six days had slipped away + since the works had been begun in the palace of Lochias, and Hadrian’s + arrival was nearing rapidly. + </p> + <p> + He found Sabina, as usual, on her divan, but on this occasion the Empress + was sitting upright on her cushions. She seemed quite to have got over the + fatigues of the sea-voyage, and in token that she felt better she had + applied more red to her cheeks and lips than three days ago, and because + she was to receive a visit from the sculptors, Papias and Aristeas, she + had had her hair arranged as it was worn in the statue of Venus Victrix, + with whose attributes she had, five years previously—though not, it + is true, without some resistance—been represented in marble. When a + copy of this statue had been erected in Alexandria, an evil tongue had + made a speech which was often repeated among the citizens. + </p> + <p> + “This Aphrodite is triumphant to be sure, for all who see her make haste + to fly; she should be called Cypris the scatterer.” + </p> + <p> + Titianus was still under the excitement of the embittered squabbles and + unpleasing exhibitions of character at which he had just been present when + he entered the presence of the Empress, whom he found in a small room with + no one but the chamberlain and a few ladies-in-waiting. To the prefect’s + respectful inquiries after her health, she shrugged her shoulders and + replied: + </p> + <p> + “How should I be? If I said well it would not be true; if I said ill, I + should be surrounded with pitiful faces, which are not pleasant to look + at. After all we must endure life. Still, the innumerable doors in these + rooms will be the death of me if I am compelled to remain here long.” + </p> + <p> + Titianus glanced at the two doors of the room in which the Empress was + sitting, and began to express his regrets at their bad condition, which + had escaped his notice; but Sabina interrupted him, saying: + </p> + <p> + “You men never do observe what hurts us women. Our Verus is the only man + who can feel and understand—who can divine it, as I might say. There + are five and thirty doors in my rooms! I had them counted-five and thirty! + If they were not old and made of valuable wood I should really believe + they had been made as a practical joke on me.” + </p> + <p> + “Some of them might be supplemented with curtains.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! never mind—a few miseries, more or less in any life do not + matter. Are the Alexandrians ready at last with their preparations?” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure I hope so,” said the prefect with a sigh. “They are bent on + giving all that is their best; but in the endeavor to outvie each other + every one is at war with his neighbor, and I still feel the effects of the + odious wrangling which I have had to listen to for hours, and that I have + been obliged to check again and again with threats of ‘I shall be down + upon you.’” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed,” said the Empress with a pinched smile, as if she had heard some + thing that pleased her. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me something about your meeting. I am bored to death, for Verus, + Balbilla and the others have asked for leave of absence that they may go + to inspect the work doing at Lochias; I am accustomed to find that people + would rather be any where than with me. Can I wonder then that my presence + is not enough to enable a friend of my husband’s to forget a little + annoyance—the impression left by some slight misunderstanding? But + my fugitives are a long time away; there must be a great deal that is + beautiful to be seen at Lochias.” + </p> + <p> + The prefect suppressed his annoyance and did not express his anxiety lest + the architect and his assistants should be disturbed, but began in the + tone of the messenger in a tragedy: + </p> + <p> + “The first quarrel was fought over the order of the procession.” + </p> + <p> + “Sit a little farther off,” said Sabina pressing her jewelled right-hand + on her ear, as if she were suffering a pain in it. The prefect colored + slightly, but he obeyed the desire of Caesar’s wife and went on with his + story, pitching his voice in a somewhat lower key than before: + </p> + <p> + “Well, it was about the procession, that the first breach of the peace + arose.” + </p> + <p> + “I have heard that once already,” replied the lady, yawning. “I like + processions.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” said the prefect, a man in the beginning of the sixties—and + he spoke with some irritation, “here as in Rome and every where else, + where they are not controlled by the absolute will of a single individual, + processions are the children of strife, and they bring forth strife, even + when they are planned in honor of a festival of Peace.” + </p> + <p> + “It seems to annoy you that they should be organized in honor of Hadrian?” + </p> + <p> + “You are in jest; it is precisely because I care particularly that they + should be carried out with all possible splendor, that I am troubling + myself about them in person, even as to details; and to my great + satisfaction I have been able even to subdue the most obstinate; still it + was scarcely my duty—” + </p> + <p> + “I fancied that you not only served the state but were my husband’s + friend.” + </p> + <p> + “I am proud to call myself so.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye—Hadrian has many, very many friends since he has worn the + purple. Have you got over your ill temper Titianus? You must have become + very touchy. Poor Julia has an irritable husband!” + </p> + <p> + “She is less to be pitied than you think,” said Titianus with dignity, + “for my official duties so entirely claim my time that she is not often + likely to know what disturbs me. If I have forgotten to dissimulate my + vexation before you, I beg you to pardon me, and to attribute it to my + zeal in securing a worthy reception for Hadrian.” + </p> + <p> + “As if I had scolded you! But to return to your wife—as I understand + she shares the fate I endure. We poor women have nothing to expect from + our husbands, but the stale leavings that remain after business has + absorbed the rest! But your story—go on with your story.” + </p> + <p> + “The worst moments I had at all were given me by the bad feeling of the + Jews towards the other citizens.” + </p> + <p> + “I hate all these infamous sects—Jews, Christians or whatever they + are called! Do they dare to grudge their money for the reception of + Caesar?” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary Alabarchos, their wealthy chief, has offered to defray + all the cost of the Naumachia and his co-religionist Artemion.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, take their money, take their money.” + </p> + <p> + “The Greek citizens feel that they are rich enough to pay all the + expenses, which will amount to many millions of sesterces, and they wish + to exclude the Jews, if possible, from all the processions and games.” + </p> + <p> + “They are perfectly right.” + </p> + <p> + “But allow me to ask you whether it is just to prohibit half the + population of Alexandria doing honor to their Emperor!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Hadrian will, with pleasure, dispense with the honor. Our conquering + heroes have thought it redounded to their glory to be called Africanus, + Germanicus and Dacianus, but Titus refused to be called Judaicus when he + had destroyed Jerusalem.” + </p> + <p> + “That was because he dreaded the remembrance of the rivers of blood which + had to be shed in order to break the fearfully obstinate resistance of + that nation. The besieged had to be conquered limb by limb, and finger by + finger, before they would make up their minds to yield.” + </p> + <p> + “Again you are speaking half poetically, or have these people elected you + as their advocate?” + </p> + <p> + “I know them and make every effort to secure them justice, just as much as + any other citizen of this country which I govern in the name of the Empire + and of Caesar. They pay taxes as well as the rest of the Alexandrians; nay + more, for there are many wealthy men among them who are honorably + prominent in trade, in professions, learning and art, and I therefore mete + to them the same measure as to the other inhabitants of this city. Their + superstition offends me no more than that of the Egyptians.” + </p> + <p> + “But it really is above all measure. At Aelia Capitolina which Hadrian had + decorated with several buildings, they refused to sacrifice to the statues + of Zeus and Hera. That is to say they scorn to do homage to me and my + husband!” + </p> + <p> + “They are forbidden to worship any other divinity than their own God. + Aelia rose up on the very soil where their ruined Jerusalem had stood, and + the statues of which you speak stand in their holy places.” + </p> + <p> + “What has that to do with us?” + </p> + <p> + “You know that even Caius—[Caligula]—could not reduce them by + placing his statue in the Holy of Holies of their temple; and Petronius, + the governor, had to confess that to subdue them meant to exterminate + them.” + </p> + <p> + “Then let them meet with the fate they deserve, let them be exterminated!” + cried Sabina. + </p> + <p> + “Exterminated?” asked the prefect. “In Alexandria they constitute nearly + half of the citizens, that is to say several hundred thousand of obedient + subjects, exterminated!” + </p> + <p> + “So many?” asked the Empress in alarm. “But that is frightful. Omnipotent + Jove! supposing that mass were to revolt against us! No one ever told me + of this danger. In Cyrenaica, and at Salamis in Cyprus, they killed their + fellow-citizens by thousands.” + </p> + <p> + “They had been provoked to extremities and they were superior to their + oppressors in force.” + </p> + <p> + “And in their own land one revolt after another is organized.” + </p> + <p> + “By reason of the sacrifices of which we were speaking.” + </p> + <p> + “Tinnius Rufus is at present the legate in Palestine. He has a horribly + shrill voice—but he looks like a man who will stand no trifling, and + will know how to quell the venomous brood.” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly” replied Titianus. “But I fear that he will never attain his end + by mere severity; and if he should he will have depopulated his province.” + </p> + <p> + “There are already too many men in the empire.” + </p> + <p> + “But never enough good and useful citizens.” + </p> + <p> + “Outrageous contemners of the gods and useless citizens!” + </p> + <p> + “Here in Alexandria, where many have accommodated themselves to Greek + habits of life and thought, and where all have adopted the Greek tongue, + they are undoubtedly good citizens, and wholly devoted to Caesar.” + </p> + <p> + “Do they take part in the rejoicings?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, as far as the Greek citizens will allow them.” + </p> + <p> + “And the arrangement of the water-fight?” + </p> + <p> + “That will not be given over to them, but Artemion will be permitted to + supply the wild beasts for the games in the Amphitheatre.” + </p> + <p> + “And he was not avaricious about it?” + </p> + <p> + “So far from it that you will be astonished. The man must know the secret + of Midas, of turning stones into gold.” + </p> + <p> + “And are there many like him among your Jews?” + </p> + <p> + “A good number.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I wish that they would attempt a revolt, for if this led to the + destruction of the rich ones, their gold, at any rate, would remain.” + </p> + <p> + “Meanwhile I will try and keep them alive, as being good rate-payers.” + </p> + <p> + “And does Hadrian share your wish?” + </p> + <p> + “Without doubt.” + </p> + <p> + “Your successor may perhaps bring him to another mind.” + </p> + <p> + “He always acts according to his own judgment, and for the present I am in + office,” answered Titianus haughtily. + </p> + <p> + “And may the God of the Jews long preserve you in it!” retorted Sabina + scornfully. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> + <p> + Before Titianus could open his lips to reply, the principal door of the + room was opened cautiously but widely, and the praetor Lucius Aurelius + Verus, his wife Domitia Lucilla, the young Balbilla and, last of all, + Annaeus Florus, the historian, entered. All four were in the best spirits, + and immediately after the preliminary greetings, were eager to report what + they had seen at Lochias; but Sabina waved silence with her hand, and + breathed out: + </p> + <p> + “No, no; not at present. I feel quite exhausted. This long waiting, and + then—my smelling-bottle, Verus. Leukippe, bring me a cup of water + with some fruit-syrup—but not so sweet as usual.” + </p> + <p> + The Greek slave-girl hastened to execute this command, and the Empress, as + she waved an elegant bottle carved in onyx, under her nostrils, went on: + </p> + <p> + “It is a little eternity—is it not, Titianus, that we have been + discussing state affairs? You all know how frank I am and that I cannot be + silent when I meet with perverse opinions. While you have been away I have + had much to hear and to say; it would have exhausted the strength of the + strongest. I only wonder you don’t find me more worn out, for what can be + more excruciating for a woman, that to be obliged to enter the lists for + manly decisiveness against a man who is defending a perfectly antagonistic + view? Give me water, Leukippe.” + </p> + <p> + While the Empress drank the syrup with tiny sips twitching her thin lips + over it, Verus went up to the prefect and asked him in an under tone: + </p> + <p> + “You were a long while alone with Sabina, cousin?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied Titianus, and he set his teeth as he spoke and clenched his + fist so hard that the praetor could not misunderstand, and replied in a + low voice: + </p> + <p> + “She is much to be pitied, and particularly just now she has hours—” + </p> + <p> + “What sort of hours?” asked Sabina taking the cup from her lips. + </p> + <p> + “These,” replied Verus quickly, “in which I am not obliged to occupy + myself in the senate or with the affairs of state. To whom do I owe them + but to you?” + </p> + <p> + With these words he approached the mature beauty, and taking the goblet + out of her hand with affectionate subservience, as a son might wait on his + honored and suffering mother, he gave it to the Greek slave. The Empress + bowed her thanks again and again to the praetor with much affability, and + then said, with a slight infusion of cheerfulness in her tones: + </p> + <p> + “Well—and what is there to be seen at Lochias?” + </p> + <p> + “Wonderful things,” answered Balbilla readily and clasping her little + hands. + </p> + <p> + “A swarm of bees, a colony of ants, have taken possession of the palace. + Hands black, white and brown—more than we could count, are busy + there and of all the hundreds of workmen which are astir there, not one + got in the way of another, for one little man orders and manages them all, + just as the prescient wisdom of the gods guides the stars through the + ‘gracious and merciful night’ so that they may never push or run against + each other.” + </p> + <p> + “I must put in a word on behalf of Pontius the architect,” interposed + Verus. “He is a man of at least average height.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us admit it to satisfy your sense of justice,” returned Balbilla. + “Let us admit it—a man of average height, with a papyrus-roll in his + right-hand and a stylus in the left, controls them. Now, does my way of + stating it please you better?” + </p> + <p> + “It can never displease me,” answered the praetor. “Let Balbilla go on + with her story,” commanded the Empress. + </p> + <p> + “What we saw was chaos,” continued the girl, “still in the confusion we + could divine the elements of an orderly creation in the future; nay, it + was even visible to the eye.” + </p> + <p> + “And not unfrequently stumbled over with the foot,” laughed the praetor. + “If it had been dark, and if the laborers had been worms, we must have + trodden half of them to death—they swarmed so all over the + pavement.” + </p> + <p> + “What were they doing?” + </p> + <p> + “Every thing,” answered Balbilla quickly. “Some were polishing damaged + pieces, others were laying new bits of mosaic in the empty places from + which it had formerly been removed, and skilled artists were painting + colored figures on smooth surfaces of plaster. Every pillar and every + statue was built round with a scaffolding reaching to the ceiling on which + men were climbing and crowding each other just as the sailors climb into + the enemy’s ships in the Naumachia.” + </p> + <p> + The girl’s pretty cheeks had flushed with her eager reminiscence of what + she had seen, and, as she spoke, moving her hands with expressive + gestures, the tall structure of curls which crowned her small head shook + from side to side. + </p> + <p> + “Your description begins to be quite poetical,” said the Empress, + interrupting her young companion. “Perhaps the Muse may even inspire you + with verse.” + </p> + <p> + “All the Pierides,” said the praetor, “are represented at Lochias. We saw + eight of them, but the ninth, that patroness of the arts, who protects the + stargazer, the lofty Urania, has at present, in place of a head—allow + me to leave it to you to guess divine Sabina?” + </p> + <p> + “Well—what?” + </p> + <p> + “A wisp of straw.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas,” sighed the Empress. “What do you say, Florus? Are there not among + your learned and verse spinning associates certain men who resemble this + Urania?” + </p> + <p> + “At any rate,” replied Florus, “we are more prudent than the goddess, for + we conceal the contents of our heads in the hard nut of the skull, and + under a more or less abundant thatch of hair. Urania displays her straw + openly.” + </p> + <p> + “That almost sounds,” said Balbilla laughing and pointing to her abundant + locks, “as if I especially needed to conceal what is covered by my hair.” + </p> + <p> + “Even the Lesbian swan was called the fair-haired,” replied Florus. + </p> + <p> + “And you are our Sappho,” said the praetor’s wife, drawing the girl’s arm + to her bosom. + </p> + <p> + “Really! and will you not write in verse all that you have seen to-day?” + asked the Empress. + </p> + <p> + Balbilla looked down on the ground a minute and then said brightly: “It + might inspire me, everything strange that I meet with prompts me to write + verse.” + </p> + <p> + “But follow the counsel of Apollonius the philologer,” advised Florus. + “You are the Sappho of our day, and therefore you should write in the + ancient Aeolian dialect and not Attic Greek.” Verus laughed, and the + Empress, who never was strongly moved to laughter, gave a short sharp + giggle, but Balbilla said eagerly: + </p> + <p> + “Do you think that I could not acquire it and do so? To-morrow morning I + will begin to practise myself in the old Aeolian forms.” + </p> + <p> + “Let it alone,” said Domitia Lucilla; “your simplest songs are always the + prettiest.” + </p> + <p> + “No one shall laugh at me!” declared Balbilla pertinaciously. “In a few + weeks I will know how to use the Aeolian dialect, for I can do anything I + am determined to do—anything, anything.” + </p> + <p> + “What a stubborn little head we have under our curls!” exclaimed the + Empress, raising a graciously threatening finger. + </p> + <p> + “And what powers of apprehension,” added Florus. + </p> + <p> + “Her master in language and metre told me his best pupil was a woman of + noble family and a poetess besides—Balbilla in short.” + </p> + <p> + The girl colored at the words, and said with pleased excitement: + </p> + <p> + “Are you flattering me or did Hephaestion really say that?” + </p> + <p> + “Woe is me!” cried the praetor, “for Hephaestion was my master too, and I + am one of the masculine scholars beaten by Balbilla. But it is no news to + me, for the Alexandrian himself told me the same thing as Florus.” + </p> + <p> + “You follow Ovid and she Sappho,” said Florus; “you write in Latin and she + in Greek. Do you still always carry Ovid’s love-poems about with you?” + </p> + <p> + “Always,” replied Verus, “as Alexander did his Homer.” + </p> + <p> + “And out of respect for his master your husband endeavors, by the grace of + Venus, to live like him,” added Sabina, addressing herself to Domitia + Lucilla. + </p> + <p> + The tall and handsome Roman lady only shrugged her shoulders slightly in + answer to this not very kindly-meant speech; but Verus said, while he + picked up Sabina’s silken coverlet, and carefully spread it over her + knees: + </p> + <p> + “My happiest fortune consists in this: that Venus Victrix favors me. But + we are not yet at the end of our story; our Lesbian swan met at Lochias + with another rare bird, an artist in statuary.” + </p> + <p> + “How long have the sculptors been reckoned among birds?” asked Sabina. “At + the utmost can they be compared to woodpeckers.” + </p> + <p> + “When they work in wood,” laughed Verus. “Our artist, however, is an + assistant of Papias, and handles noble materials in the grand style. On + this occasion, however, he is building a statue out of a very queer + mixture of materials.” + </p> + <p> + “Verus may very well call our new acquaintance a bird,” interrupted + Balbilla, “for as we approached the screen behind which he is working he + was whistling a tune with his lips, so pure and cheery, and loud, that it + rang through the empty hall above all the noise of the workmen. A + nightingale does not pipe more sweetly. We stood still to listen till the + merry fellow, who had no idea that we were by, was silent again; and then + hearing the architect’s voice, he called to him over the screen. ‘Now we + must clap Urania’s head on; I saw it clearly in my mind and would have had + it finished with a score of touches, but Papias said he had one in the + workshop. I am curious to see what sort of a sugarplum face, turned out by + the dozen, he will stick on my torso—which will please me, at any + rate, for a couple of days. Find me a good model for the bust of the + Sappho I am to restore. A thousand gadflies are buzzing in my brain—I + am so tremendously excited! What I am planning now will come to + something!’” + </p> + <p> + Balbilla, as she spoke the last words, tried to mimic a man’s deep voice, + and seeing the Empress smile she went on eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “It all came out so fresh, from a heart full to bursting of happy vigorous + creative joy, that it quite fired me, and we all went up to the screen and + begged the sculptor to let us see his work.” + </p> + <p> + “And you found?” asked Sabina. + </p> + <p> + “He positively refused to let us into his retreat,” replied the praetor; + “but Balbilla coaxed the permission out of him, and the tall young fellow + seems to have really learnt something. The fall of the drapery that covers + the Muse’s figure is perfectly thought out with reference to possibility—rich, + broadly handled, and at the same time of surprising delicacy. Urania has + drawn her mantle closely round her, as if to protect herself from the keen + night-air while gazing at the stars. When he has finished his Muse, he is + to repair some mutilated busts of women; he was fixing the head of a + finished Berenice to-day, and I proposed to him to take Balbilla as the + model for his Sappho.” + </p> + <p> + “A good idea” said the Empress. “If the bust is successful I will take him + with me to Rome.” + </p> + <p> + “I will sit to him with pleasure,” said the girl. “The bright young fellow + took my fancy.” + </p> + <p> + “And Balbilla his,” added the praetor’s wife; “he gazed at her as a + marvel, and she promised him that, with your permission, she would place + her face at his disposal for three hours to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “He begins with the head,” interposed Verus. “What a happy man is an + artist such as he! He may turn about her head, or lay her peplum in folds + without reproof or repulse, and to-day when we had to get past bogs of + plaster, and lakes of wet paint, she scarcely picked up the hem of her + dress, and never once allowed me—who would so willingly have + supported her—to lift her over the worst places.” + </p> + <p> + Balbilla reddened and said angrily: + </p> + <p> + “Really Verus, in good earnest, I will not allow you to speak to me in + that way, so now you know it once for all; I have so little liking for + what is not clean that I find it quite easy to avoid it without + assistance.” + </p> + <p> + “You are too severe,” interrupted the Empress with a hideous smile. “Do + not you think Domitia Lucilla, that she ought to allow your husband to be + of service to her?” + </p> + <p> + “If the Empress thinks it right and fitting,” replied the lady raising her + shoulders, and with an expressive movement of her hands. Sabina quite took + her meaning, and suppressing another yawn she said angrily: + </p> + <p> + “In these days we must be indulgent toward a husband who has chosen Ovid’s + amatory poems as his faithful companion. What is the matter Titianus?” + </p> + <p> + While Balbilla had been relating her meeting with the sculptor Pollux, a + chamberlain had brought in to the prefect an important letter, admitting + of no delay. The state official had withdrawn to the farther side of the + room with it, had broken the strong seal and had just finished reading it, + when the Empress asked her question. + </p> + <p> + Nothing of what went on around her escaped Sabina’s little eyes, and she + had observed that while the governor was considering the document + addressed to him he had moved uneasily. It must contain something of + importance. + </p> + <p> + “An urgent letter,” replied Titianus, “calls me home. I must take my + leave, and I hope ere long to be able to communicate to you something + agreeable.” + </p> + <p> + “What does that letter contain?” + </p> + <p> + “Important news from the provinces,” said Titianus. + </p> + <p> + “May I inquire what?” + </p> + <p> + “I grieve to say that I must answer in the negative. The Emperor expressly + desired that this matter should be kept secret. Its settlement demands the + promptest haste, and I am therefore unfortunately obliged to quit you + immediately.” + </p> + <p> + Sabina returned the prefect’s parting salutations with icy coldness and + immediately desired to be conducted to her private rooms to dress herself + for supper. + </p> + <p> + Balbilla escorted her, and Florus betook himself to the “Olympian table,” + the famous eating-house kept by Lycortas, of whom he had been told wonders + by the epicures at Rome. + </p> + <p> + When Verus was alone with his wife he went up in a friendly manner and + said: + </p> + <p> + “May I drive you home again?” + </p> + <p> + Domitia Lucilla had thrown herself on a couch, and covered her face with + her hands, and she made no reply. “May I?” repeated the praetor. As his + wife persisted in her silence, he went nearer to her, laid his hand on her + slender fingers that concealed her face, and said: + </p> + <p> + “I believe you are angry with me!” She pushed away his hand, with a slight + movement, and said: “Leave me.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, unfortunately I must leave you. Business takes me into the city and + I will—” + </p> + <p> + “You will let the young Alexandrians, with whom you revelled through the + night, introduce you to new fair ones—I know it.” + </p> + <p> + “There are in fact women here of incredible charm,” replied Verus quite + coolly. “White, brown, copper-colored, black—and all delightful in + their way. I could never be tired of admiring them.” + </p> + <p> + “And your wife?” asked Lucilla, facing him, sternly. “My wife? yes, my + fairest. Wife is a solemn title of honor and has nothing to do with the + joys of life. How could I mention your name in the same hour with those of + the poor children who help me to beguile an idle hour.” + </p> + <p> + Domitia Lucilla was used to such phrases, and yet on this occasion they + gave her a pang. But she concealed it, and crossing her arms she said + resolutely and with dignity: + </p> + <p> + “Go your way—through life with your Ovid, and your gods of love, but + do not attempt to crush innocence under the wheels of your chariot.” + </p> + <p> + “Balbilla do you mean,” asked the praetor with a loud laugh. “She knows + how to take care of herself and has too much spirit to let herself get + entangled in erotics. The little son of Venus has nothing to say to two + people who are such good friends as she and I are.” + </p> + <p> + “May I believe you?” + </p> + <p> + “My word for it, I ask nothing of her but a kind word,” cried he, frankly + offering his hand to his wife. Lucilla only touched it lightly with her + fingers and said: + </p> + <p> + “Send me back to Rome. I have an unutterable longing to see my children, + particularly the boys.” + </p> + <p> + “It cannot be,” said Verus. “Not at present; but in a few weeks, I hope.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not sooner?” + </p> + <p> + “Do not ask me.” + </p> + <p> + “A mother may surely wish to know why she is separated from her baby in + the cradle.” + </p> + <p> + “That cradle is at present in your mother’s house, and she is taking care + of our little ones. Have patience, a little longer for that which I am + striving after, for you, and for me, and not last, for our son, is so + great, so stupendously great and difficult that it might well outweigh + years of longing.” + </p> + <p> + Verus spoke the last words in a low tone, but with a dignity which + characterized him only in decisive moments, but his wife, even before he + had done speaking, clasped his right-hand in both of hers and said in a + low frightened voice: + </p> + <p> + “You aim at the purple?” He nodded assent. + </p> + <p> + “That is what it means then!” + </p> + <p> + “What?” + </p> + <p> + “Sabina and you—” + </p> + <p> + “Not on that account only; she is hard and sharp to others, but to me she + has shown nothing but kindness, ever since I was a boy.” + </p> + <p> + “She hates me.” + </p> + <p> + “Patience, Lucilla; patience! The day is coming when the daughter of + Nigrinus, the wife of Caesar, and the former Empress—but I will not + finish. I am, as you know, warmly attached to Sabina, and sincerely wish + the Emperor a long life.” + </p> + <p> + “And he will adopt.” + </p> + <p> + “Hush!—he is thinking of it, and his wife wishes It.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it likely to happen soon?” + </p> + <p> + “Who can tell at this moment what Caesar may decide on in the very next + hour. But probably his decision may be made on the thirtieth of December.” + </p> + <p> + “Your birthday.” + </p> + <p> + “He asked what day it was, and he is certainly casting my horoscope, for + the night when my mother bore me—” + </p> + <p> + “The stars then are to seal our fate?” + </p> + <p> + “Not they alone. Hadrian must also be inclined to read them in my favor.” + </p> + <p> + “How can I be of use to you?” + </p> + <p> + “Show yourself what you really are in your intercourse with the Emperor” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you for those words—and I beg you do not provoke me any + more. If it might yet be something more than a mere post of honor to be + the wife of Verus, I would not ask for the new dignity of becoming wife to + Caesar.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not go into the town to-day; I will stay with you. Now are you + happy?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” cried she, and she raised her arm to throw it round her + husband’s neck, but he held her aside and whispered: + </p> + <p> + “That will do. The idyllic is out of place in the race for the purple.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> + <p> + Titianus had ordered his charioteer to drive at once to Lochias. The road + led past the prefect’s palace, his residence on the Bruchiom, and he + paused there; for the letter which lay hidden in the folds of his toga, + contained news, which, within a few hours, might put him under the + necessity of not returning home till the following morning. Without + allowing himself to be detained by the officials, subalterns, or lictors, + who were awaiting his return to make communications, or to receive his + orders, he went straight through the ante-room and the large public rooms + for men, to find his wife in the women’s apartments which looked upon the + garden. He met her at the door of her room, for she had heard his step + approaching and came out to receive him. + </p> + <p> + “I was not mistaken,” said the matron with sincere pleasure. “How pleasant + that you have been released so early to-day. I did not expect you till + supper was over.” + </p> + <p> + “I have come only to go again,” replied Titianus, entering his wife’s + room. “Have some bread brought to me and a cup of mixed wine; why—really! + here stands all I want ready as if I had ordered it. You are right, I was + with Sabina a shorter time than usual; but she exerted herself in that + short time to utter as many sour words as if we had been talking for half + a day. And in five minutes I must quit you again, till when?—the + gods alone know when I shall return. It is hard even to speak the words, + but all our trouble and care, and all poor Pontius’ zeal and pains-taking + labor are in vain.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke the prefect threw himself on a couch; his wife handed him the + refreshment he had asked for, and said, as she passed her hand over his + grey hair: + </p> + <p> + “Poor man! Has Hadrian then determined after all to inhabit the + Caesareum?” + </p> + <p> + “No. Leave us, Syra—you shall see directly. Please read me Caesar’s + letter once more. Here it is.” Julia unfolded the papyrus, which was of + elegant quality, and began: + </p> + <p> + “Hadrian to his friend Titianus, the Governor of Egypt. The deepest + secrecy—Hadrian greets Titianus, as he has so often done for years + at the beginning of disagreeable business letters, and only with half his + heart. But to-morrow he hopes to greet the dear friend of his youth, his + prudent vicegerent, not merely with his whole soul, but with hand and + tongue. And now to be more explicit, as follows: I come to-morrow morning, + the fifteenth of December, towards evening, to Alexandria, with none but + Antinous, the slave Mastor, and my private secretary, Phlegon. We land at + Lochias, in the little harbor, and you will know my ship by a large silver + star at the prow. If night should fall before I arrive there, three red + lanterns at the end of the mast shall inform you of the friend that is + approaching. I have sent home the learned and witty men whom you sent to + meet me, in order to detain me, and gain time for the restoration of the + old nest in which I had a fancy to roost with Minerva’s birds—which + have not, I hope, all been driven out of it—in order that Sabina and + her following may not lack entertainment, nor the famous gentlemen + themselves be unnecessarily disturbed in their labors. I need them not. If + perchance it was not you who sent them, I ask your pardon. An error in + this matter would certainly involve some humiliation, for it is easier to + explain what has happened than to foresee what is to come. Or is the + reverse the truth? I will indemnify the learned men for their useless + journey by disputing this question with them and their associates in the + Museum. The rapid movement to which the philologer was prompted on my + account will prolong his existence; he bristles with learning at the tip + of every hair, and he sits still more than is good for him. + </p> + <p> + “We shall arrive in modest disguise and will sleep at Lochias; you know + that I have rested more than once on the bare earth, and, if need be, can + sleep as well on a mat as on a couch. My pillow follows at my heels—my + big dog, which you know; and some little room, where I can meditate + undisturbed on my designs for next year, can no doubt be found. + </p> + <p> + “I entreat you to keep my secret strictly. To none—man nor woman—and + I beseech you as urgently as friend or Caesar ever besought a favor—let + the least suspicion of my arrival be known. Nor must the smallest + preparation betray whom it is you receive. I cannot command so dear a + friend as Titianus, but I appeal to his heart to carry out my wishes. + </p> + <p> + “I rejoice to see you again; what delight I shall find in the whirl of + confusion that I hope to find at Lochias. You shall take me to see the + artists, who are, no doubt, swarming in the old castle, as the architect + Claudius Venator from Rome, who is to assist Pontius with his advice. But + this Pontius, who carried out such fine works for Herodes Atticus, the + rich Sophist, met me at his house, and will certainly recognize me. Tell + him, therefore, what I propose doing. He is a serious and trustworthy man, + not a chatterbox or scatter-brained simpleton who loses his head. Thus you + may take him into the secret, but not till my vessel is in sight. May all + be well with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, what do you say to that?” asked Titianus, taking the letter from + his wife’s hand. “Is it not more than vexatious—our work was going + on so splendidly.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” said Julia thoughtfully and with a meaning smile. “Perhaps it might + not have been finished in time. As matters now stand it need not be + complete, and Hadrian will see the good intention all the same. I am glad + about the letter, for it takes a great responsibility off your otherwise + overloaded shoulders.” + </p> + <p> + “You always see the right side,” cried the prefect. “It is well that I + came home, for I can await Caesar with a much lighter heart. Let me lock + up the letter, and then farewell. This parting is for some hours from you, + and from all peace for many days.” + </p> + <p> + Titianus gave her his hand. She held it firmly and said: + </p> + <p> + “Before you go I must confess to you that I am very proud.” + </p> + <p> + “You have every right to be.” + </p> + <p> + “But you have not said a word to me about keeping silence.” + </p> + <p> + “Because you have kept other tests—still, to be sure, you are a + woman, and a very handsome one besides.” + </p> + <p> + “An old grandmother, with grey hair!” + </p> + <p> + “And still more upright and more charming than a thousand of the most + admired younger beauties.” + </p> + <p> + “You are trying to convert my pride into vanity, in my old age.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no! I was only looking at you with an examining eye, as our talk led + me to do, and I remembered that Sabina had lamented that handsome Julia + was not looking well. But where is there another woman of your age with + such a carriage, such unwrinkled features, so clear a brow, such deep kind + eyes, such beautifully-polished arms—” + </p> + <p> + “Be quiet,” exclaimed his wife. “You make me blush.” + </p> + <p> + “And may I not be proud that a grandmother, who is a Roman, as my wife is, + can find it so easy to blush? You are quite different from other women.” + </p> + <p> + “Because you are different from other men.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a flatterer; since all our children have left us, it is as if we + were newly married again.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! the apple of discord is removed.” + </p> + <p> + “It is always over what he loves best that man is most prompt to be + jealous. But now, once more, farewell.” + </p> + <p> + Titianus kissed his wife’s forehead and hurried towards the door; Julia + called him back and said: + </p> + <p> + “One thing at any rate we can do for Caesar. I send food every day down to + the architect at Lochias, and to-day there shall be three times the + quantity.” + </p> + <p> + “Good; do so.” + </p> + <p> + “Farewell, then.” + </p> + <p> + “And we shall meet again, when it shall please the gods and the Emperor.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ........................ +</pre> + <p> + When the prefect reached the appointed spot, no vessel with a silver star + was to be seen. + </p> + <p> + The sun went down and no ship with three red lanterns was visible. + </p> + <p> + The harbor-master, into whose house Titianus went, was told that he + expected a great architect from Rome, who was to assist Pontius with his + counsel in the works at Lochias, and he thought it quite intelligible that + the governor should do a strange artist the honor of coming to meet him; + for the whole city was well aware of the incredible haste and the lavish + outlay of means that were being given to the restoration of the ancient + palace of the Ptolemies as a residence for the Emperor. + </p> + <p> + While he was waiting, Titianus remembered the young sculptor Pollux, whose + acquaintance he had made, and his mother in the pretty little gate-house. + Well disposed towards them as he felt, he sent at once to old Doris, + desiring her not to retire to rest early that evening, since he, the + prefect, would be going late to Lochias. + </p> + <p> + “Tell her, too, as from yourself and not from me,” Titianus instructed the + messenger, “that I may very likely look in upon her. She may light up her + little room and keep it in order.” + </p> + <p> + No one at Lochias had the slightest suspicion of the honor which awaited + the old palace. + </p> + <p> + After Verus had quitted it with his wife and Balbilla, and when he had + again been at work for about an hour the sculptor Pollux came out of his + nook, stretching himself, and called out to Pontius, who was standing on a + scaffold: + </p> + <p> + “I must either rest or begin upon something new. One cures me of fatigue + as much as the other. Do you find it so?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, just as you do,” replied the architect, as he continued to direct + the work of the slave-masons, who were fixing a new Corinthian capital in + the place of an old one which had been broken. + </p> + <p> + “Do not disturb yourself,” Pollux cried up to him. “I only request you to + tell my master Papias when he comes here with Gabinius, the dealer in + antiquities, that he will find me at the rotunda that you inspected with + me yesterday. I am going to put the head on to the Berenice; my apprentice + must long since have completed his preparations; but the rascal came into + the world with two left-hands, and as he squints with one eye everything + that is straight looks crooked to him, and—according to the law of + optics—the oblique looks straight. At any rate, he drove the peg + which is to support the new head askew into the neck, and as no historian + has recorded that Berenice ever had her neck on one side, like the old + color-grinder there, I must see to its being straight myself. In about + half an hour, as I calculate, the worthy Queen will no longer be one of + the headless women.” + </p> + <p> + “Where did you get the new head?” asked Pontius. “From the secret archives + of my memory,” replied Pollux. “Have you seen it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “And do you like it?” + </p> + <p> + “Very much.” + </p> + <p> + “Then it is worthy to live,” sang the sculptor, and, as he quitted the + hall, he waved his left-hand to the architect, and with his right-hand + stuck a pink, which he had picked in the morning, behind his ear. + </p> + <p> + At the rotunda his pupil had done his business better than his master + could have expected, but Pollux was by no means satisfied with his own + arrangements. His work, like several others standing on the same side of + the platform, turned its back on the steward’s balcony, and the only + reason why he had parted with the portrait of Selene’s mother, of which he + was so fond, was that his playfellow might gaze at the face whenever she + chose. He found, however, to his satisfaction, that the busts were held in + their places on their tall pedestals only by their own weight, and he then + resolved to alter the historical order of the portrait-heads by changing + their places, and to let the famous Cleopatra turn her back upon the + palace, so that his favorite bust might look towards it. + </p> + <p> + In order to carry out this purpose then and there, he called some slaves + up to help him in the alteration. This gave rise, more than once, to a + warning cry, and the loud talking and ordering on this spot, for so many + years left solitary and silent, attracted an inquirer, who, soon after the + apprentice had begun his work, had shown herself on the balcony, but who + had soon retreated after casting a glance at the dirty lad, splashed from + head to foot with plaster. This time, however, she remained to watch, + following every movement of Pollux as he directed the slaves; though, all + the time and whatever he was doing, he turned his back upon her. + </p> + <p> + At last the portrait-head had found its right position, shrouded still in + a cloth to preserve it from the marks of workmen’s hands. With a deep + breath the artist turned full on the steward’s house, and immediately a + clear merry voice called out: + </p> + <p> + “What, tall Pollux! It really is tall Pollux; how glad I am!” + </p> + <p> + With these words the girl on the balcony loudly clapped her hands; and as + the sculptor hailed her in return, and shouted: + </p> + <p> + “And you are little Arsinoe, eternal gods! What the little thing has come + to!” She stood on tip-toe to seem taller, nodded at him pleasantly, and + laughed out: “I have not done growing yet; but as for you, you look quite + dignified with the beard on your chin, and your eagle’s nose. Selene did + not tell me till to-day that you were living down there with the others.” + </p> + <p> + The artist’s eyes were fixed on the girl, as if spellbound. There are + poetic natures in which the imagination immediately transmutes every new + thing that strikes the eyes or the intelligence, into a romance, or + rapidly embodies it in verse; and Pollux, like many of his calling, could + never set his eyes on a fine human form and face, without instantly + associating them with his art. + </p> + <p> + “A Galatea—a Galatea without an equal!” thought he, as he stood with + his eyes fixed on Arsinoe’s face and figure. “Just as if she had this + instant risen from the sea—that form is just as fresh, and joyous, + and healthy; and her little curls wave back from her brow as if they were + still floating on the water; and now as she stoops, how full and supple in + every movement. It is like a daughter of Nereus following the line of the + as the waves as they rise into crests and dip again into watery valleys. + She is like Selene and her mother in the shape of her head and the Greek + cut of her face, but the elder sister is like the statue of Prometheus + before it had a soul, and Arsinoe is like the Master’s work after the + celestial fire coursed through her veins.” + </p> + <p> + The artist had felt and thought all this out in a few seconds, but the + girl found her speechless admirer’s silence too long, and exclaimed + impatiently: + </p> + <p> + “You have not yet offered me any proper greeting. What are you doing down + there?” + </p> + <p> + “Look here,” he replied, lifting the cloth from the portrait, which was a + striking likeness. + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe leaned far over the parapet of the balcony, shaded her eyes with + her hand and was silent for more than a minute. Then she suddenly cried + out loudly and exclaiming: + </p> + <p> + “Mother—it is my mother!” She flew into the room behind her. + </p> + <p> + “Now she will call her father and destroy all poor Selene’s comfort,” + thought Pollux, as he pushed the heavy marble bust on which his gypsum + head was fixed, into its right place. + </p> + <p> + “Well, let him come. We are the masters here now, and Keraunus dare not + touch the Emperor’s property.” He crossed his arms and stood gazing at the + bust, muttering to himself: + </p> + <p> + “Patchwork—miserable patchwork. We are cobbling up a robe for the + Emperor out of mere rags; we are upholsterers and not artists. If it were + only for Hadrian, and not for Diotima and her children, not another finger + would I stir in the place.” + </p> + <p> + The path from the steward’s residence led through some passages and up a + few steps to the rotunda, on which the sculptor was standing, but in + little more than a minute from Arsinoe’s disappearance from the balcony + she was by his side. With a heightened color she pushed the sculptor away + from his work and put herself in the place where he had been standing, to + be able to gaze at her leisure at the beloved features. Then she exclaimed + again: + </p> + <p> + “It is mother—mother!” and the bright tears ran over her cheeks, + without restraint from the presence of the artist, or the laborers and + slaves whom she had flown past on her way, and who stared at her with as + much alarm as if she were possessed. + </p> + <p> + Pollux did not disturb her. His heart was softened as he watched the tears + running down the cheeks of this light-hearted child, and he could not help + reflecting that goodness was indeed well rewarded when it could win such + tender and enduring love as was cherished for the poor dead mother on the + pedestal before him. + </p> + <p> + After looking for some time at the sculptor’s work Arsinoe grew calmer, + and turning to Pollux she asked: + </p> + <p> + “Did you make it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he replied, looking down. + </p> + <p> + “And entirely from memory?” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know what?” + </p> + <p> + “Well.” + </p> + <p> + “This shows that the Sibyl at the festival of Adonis was right when she + sang in the Jalemus that the gods did half the work of the artist.” + </p> + <p> + “Arsinoe!” cried Pollux, for her words made him feel as if a hot spring + were seething in his heart, and he gratefully seized her hand; but she + drew it away, for her sister Selene had come out on the balcony and was + calling her. + </p> + <p> + It was for his elder playfellow and not for Arsinoe that Pollux had set + his work in this place, but, just now, her gaze fell like a disturbing + chill on his excited mood. + </p> + <p> + “There stands your mother’s portrait,” he called up to the balcony in an + explanatory tone, pointing to the bust. + </p> + <p> + “I see it,” she replied coldly. “I will look at it presently more closely. + Come up Arsinoe, father wants to speak to you.” + </p> + <p> + Again Pollux stood alone. + </p> + <p> + As Selene withdrew into the room, she gently shook her pale head, and said + to herself: + </p> + <p> + “‘It was to be for me,’ Pollux said; something for me, for once—and + even this pleasure is spoilt.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> + <p> + The palace-steward, to whom Selene had called up his younger daughter, had + just returned from the meeting of the citizens; and his old black slave, + who always accompanied him when he went out, took the saffron-colored + pallium from his shoulders, and from his head the golden circlet, with + which he loved to crown his curled hair when he quitted the house. + Keraunus still looked heated, his eyes seemed more prominent than usual + and large drops of sweat stood upon his brow, when his daughter entered + the room where he was. He absently responded to Arsinoe’s affectionate + greeting with a few unmeaning words, and before making the important + communication he had to disclose to his daughters, he walked up and down + before them for some time, puffing out his fat cheeks and crossing his + arms. Selene was alarmed, and Arsinoe had long been out of patience, when + at last he began: + </p> + <p> + “Have you heard of the festivals which are to be held in Caesar’s honor?” + </p> + <p> + Selene nodded and her sister exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Of course we have! Have you secured places for us on the seats kept for + the town council?” + </p> + <p> + “Do not interrupt me,” the steward crossly ordered his daughter. “There is + no question of staring at them. All the citizens are required to allow + their daughters to take part in the grand things that are to be carried + out, and we all were asked how many girls we had.” + </p> + <p> + “And how are we to take part in the show?” cried Arsinoe, joyfully + clapping her hands. + </p> + <p> + “I wanted to withdraw before the summons was proclaimed, but Tryphon, the + shipwright, who has a workshop down by the King’s Harbor, held me back and + called out to the assembly that his sons said that I had two pretty young + daughters. Pray how did he know that?” + </p> + <p> + With these words the steward lifted his grey brows and his face grew red + to the roots of his hair. Selene shrugged her shoulders, but Arsinoe said: + </p> + <p> + “Tryphon’s shipyard lies just below and we often pass it; but we do not + know him or his sons. Have you ever seen them Selene? At any rate it is + polite of him to speak of us as pretty.” + </p> + <p> + “Nobody need trouble themselves about your appearance unless they want to + ask my permission to marry you,” replied the steward with a growl. + </p> + <p> + “And what did you say to Tryphon?” asked Selene. + </p> + <p> + “I did as I was obliged. Your father is steward of a palace which at + present belongs to Rome and the Emperor; hence I must receive Hadrian as a + guest in this, the dwelling of my fathers, and therefore I, less than any + other citizen—cannot withhold my share in the honors which the city + council has decreed shall be paid to him.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we really may,” said Arsinoe, and she went up to her father to give + him a coaxing pat. But Keraunus was not in the humor to accept caresses; + he pushed her aside with an angry: “Leave me alone,” and then went on: + </p> + <p> + “If Hadrian were to ask me ‘Where are your daughters on the occasion of + the festival?’ and if I had to reply, ‘They were not among the daughters + of the noble citizens,’ it would be an insult to Caesar, to whom in fact I + feel very well disposed. All this I had to consider, and I gave your names + and promised to send you to the great Theatre to the assembly of young + girls. There you will be met by the noblest matrons and maidens of the + city, and the first painters and sculptors will decide to what part of the + performance your air and appearance are best fitted.” + </p> + <p> + “But, father,” cried Selene, “we cannot show ourselves in such an assembly + in our common garments, and where are we to find the money to buy new + ones?” + </p> + <p> + “We can quite well show ourselves by any other girls, in clean, white + woollen dresses, prettily smartened with fresh ribbons,” declared Arsinoe, + interposing between her father and her sister. + </p> + <p> + “It is not that which troubles me,” replied the steward; “it is the + costumes, the costumes! It is only the daughters of the poorer citizens + who will be paid by the council, and it would be a disgrace to be numbered + among the poor—you understand me, children.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not take part in the procession,” said Selene resolutely, but + Arsinoe interrupted her. + </p> + <p> + “It is inconvenient and horrible to be poor, but it certainly is no + disgrace! The most powerful Romans of ancient times, regarded it as + honorable to die poor. Our Macedonian descent remains to us even if the + state should pay for our costumes.” + </p> + <p> + “Silence,” cried the steward. “This is not the first time that I have + detected this low vein of feeling in you. Even the noble may submit to the + misfortunes entailed by poverty, but the advantages it brings with it he + can never enjoy unless he resigns himself to being so no longer.” + </p> + <p> + It had cost the steward much trouble to give due expression to this idea, + which he did not recollect to have heard from another, which seemed new to + him, and which nevertheless fully represented what he felt; and he slowly + sank, with all the signs of exhaustion, into a couch which formed a divan + round a side recess in the spacious sitting-room. + </p> + <p> + In this room Cleopatra might have held with Antony those banquets of which + the unequalled elegance and refinement had been enhanced by every grace of + art and wit. On the very spot where Keraunus now reclined the dining-couch + of the famous lovers had probably stood; for, though the whole hall had a + carefully-laid pavement, in this recess there was a mosaic of stones of + various colors of such beauty and delicacy of finish that Keraunus had + always forbidden his children to step upon it. This, it is true, was less + out of regard for the fine work of art than because his father had always + prohibited his doing so, and his father again before him. The picture + represented the marriage of Peleus and Thetis, and the divan only covered + the outer border of the picture, which was decorated with graceful little + Cupids. + </p> + <p> + Keraunus desired his daughter to fetch him a cup of wine, but she mixed + the juice of the grape with a judicious measure of water. After he had + half drunk the diluted contents of the goblet, with many faces of disgust, + he said: + </p> + <p> + “Would you like to know what each of your dresses will cost if it is to be + in no respect inferior to those of the others?” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Arsinoe anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “About seven hundred drachmae;—[$115 in 1880]—Philinus, the + tailor, who is working for the theatre, tells me it will be impossible to + do anything well for less.” + </p> + <p> + “And you are really thinking of such insane extravagance,” cried Selene. + “We have no money, and I should like to know the man who would lend us any + more.” + </p> + <p> + The steward’s younger daughter looked doubtfully at the tips of her + fingers and was silent, but her eyes swimming in tears betrayed what she + felt. Keraunus was rejoiced at the silent consent which Arsinoe seemed to + accord to his desire to let her take part in the display at whatever cost. + He forgot that he had just reproached her for her low sentiments, and + said: + </p> + <p> + “The little one always feels what is right. As for you, Selene, I beg you + to reflect seriously that I am your father, and that I forbid you to use + this admonishing tone to me; you have accustomed yourself to it with the + children and to them you may continue to use it. Fourteen hundred drachmae + certainly, at the first thought of it, seems a very large sum, but if the + material and the trimming required are bought with judgment, after the + festival we may very likely sell it back to the man with profit.” + </p> + <p> + “With profit!” cried Selene bitterly, “not half is to be got for old + things-not a quarter! And even if you turn me out of the house—I + will not help to drag us into deeper wretchedness; I will take no part in + the performances.” + </p> + <p> + The steward did not redden this time, he was not even violent; on the + contrary, he simply raised his head and compared his daughters as they + stood—not without an infusion of satisfaction. He was accustomed to + love his daughters in his own way, Selene as the useful one, and Arsinoe + as the beauty; and as on this occasion all he cared for was to satisfy his + vanity, and as this end could be attained through his younger daughter + alone, he said: + </p> + <p> + “Stay with the children then, for all I care. We will excuse you on the + score of weak health, and certainly, child, you do look extremely pale. I + would far rather find the means for the little one only.” + </p> + <p> + Two sweet dimples again began to show in Arsinoe’s cheeks, but Selene’s + lips were as white as her bloodless cheeks as she exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “But, father—father! neither the baker nor the butcher has had a + coin paid him for the last two months, and you will squander seven hundred + drachmae!” + </p> + <p> + “Squander!” cried Keraunus indignantly, but still in a tone of disgust + rather than anger. “I have already forbidden you to speak to me in that + way. The richest of our noble youths will take part in the games; Arsinoe + is handsome and perhaps one of them may choose her for his wife. And do + you call it squandering, when a father does his utmost to find a suitable + husband for his daughter. After all, what do you know of what I may + possess?” + </p> + <p> + “We have nothing, so I cannot know of it,” cried the girl beside herself. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed!” drawled Keraunus with an embarrassed smile. “And is that nothing + which lies in the cup board there, and stands on the cornice shelf? For + your sakes I will part with these—the onyx fibula, the rings, the + golden chaplet, and the girdle of course.” + </p> + <p> + “They are of mere silver-gilt!” Selene interrupted, ruthlessly. “All my + grandfather’s real gold you parted with when my mother died.” + </p> + <p> + “She had to be cremated and buried as was due to our rank,” answered + Keraunus; “but I will not think now of those melancholy days.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, do think of them, father.” + </p> + <p> + “Silence! All that belongs to my own adornment of course I cannot do + without, for I must be prepared to meet Caesar in a dress befitting my + rank; but the little bronze Eros there must be worth something, Plutarch’s + ivory cup, which is beautifully carved, and above all, that picture; its + former possessor was convinced that it had been painted by Apelles himself + herein Alexandria. You shall know at once what these little things are + worth, for, as the gods vouchsafed, on my way home I met, here in the + palace, Gabinius of Nicaea, the dealer in such objects. He promised me + that when he had done his business with the architect he would come to me + to inspect my treasures, and to pay money down for anything that might + suit him. If my Apelles pleases him, he will give ten talents for that + alone, and if he buys it for only the half or even the tenth of that sum, + I will make you enjoy yourself for once, Selene.” + </p> + <p> + “We will see,” said the pale girl, shrugging her shoulders, and her sister + exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Show him the sword too, that you always declared belonged to Caesar, and + if he gives you a good sum for it you will buy me a gold bracelet.” + </p> + <p> + “And Selene shall have one, too. But I have the very slenderest hopes of + the sword, for a connoisseur would hardly pronounce it genuine. But I have + other things, many others. Hark! that is Gabinius, no doubt. Quick, + Selene, throw the chiton round me again. My chaplet, Arsinoe. A well-to-do + man always gets a higher price than a poor one. I have ordered the slave + to await him in the ante-room; it is always done in the best houses.” + </p> + <p> + The curiosity dealer was a small, lean man, who, by prudence and good + luck, had raised himself to be one of the most esteemed of his class and a + rich man. Having matured his knowledge by industry, and experience, he + knew better than any man how to distinguish what was good from what was + indifferent or bad, what was genuine from what was spurious. No one had a + keener eye; but he was abrupt in his dealings with those from whom he had + nothing to gain. In circumstances where there was profit in view, he + could, to be sure, be polite even to subservience and show inexhaustible + patience. He commanded himself so far as to listen with an air of + conviction to the steward as he told him in a condescending tone that he + was tired of his little possessions, that he could just as well keep them + as part with them; he merely wanted to show them to him as a connoisseur + and would only part with them if a good round sum were offered for what + was in fact idle capital. One piece after another passed through the + dealer’s slender fingers, or was placed before him that he might + contemplate it; but the man spoke not, and only shook his head as he + examined every fresh object. And when Keraunus told him whence this or + that specimen of his treasures had been obtained, he only murmured—“Indeed” + or “Really.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think so?” After the last piece of property had passed through his + hands, the steward asked: + </p> + <p> + “Well, what do you think of them?” + </p> + <p> + The beginning of the sentence was spoken confidently, the end almost in + fear, for the dealer only smiled and shook his head again before he said: + </p> + <p> + “There are some genuine little things among them, but nothing worth + speaking of. I advise you to keep them, because you have an affection for + them, while I could get very little by them.” + </p> + <p> + Keraunus avoided looking towards Selene, whose large eyes, full of dread, + had been fixed on the dealer’s lips; but Arsinoe, who had followed his + movements with no less attention, was less easily discouraged, and + pointing to her father’s Apelles, she said: “And that picture, is that + worth nothing?” + </p> + <p> + “It grieves me that I cannot tell so fair a damsel that it is inestimably + valuable,” said the dealer, stroking his gray whiskers. “But we have here + only a very feeble copy. The original is in the Villa belonging to Phinius + on the Lake of Larius, and which he calls Cothurnus. I have no use + whatever for this piece.” + </p> + <p> + “And this carved cup?” asked Keraunus. “It came from among the possessions + of Plutarch, as I can prove, and it is said to have been the gift of the + Emperor Trajan.” + </p> + <p> + “It is the prettiest thing in your collection,” replied Gabinius; “but it + is amply paid for with four hundred drachmae.” + </p> + <p> + “And this cylinder from Cyprus, with the elegant incised work?” The + steward was about to take up the polished crystal, but his hand was + trembling with agitation and pushed instead of lifting it from the table. + It rolled away on the floor and across the smooth mosaic picture as far as + the couches. Keraunus was about to stoop to pick it up, but his daughters + both held him back, and Selene cried out: + </p> + <p> + “Father, you must not; the physician strictly forbade it.” + </p> + <p> + While the steward pushed the girls away grumbling, the dealer had gone + down on his knees to pick up the cylinder, but it seemed to cost the + slightly-built man much less effort to stoop than to get up again, for + some minutes had elapsed before he once more stood on his feet, in front + of Keraunus. His countenance had put on an expression of eager attention, + and he once more took up the painting attributed to Apelles, sat down with + it on the couch, and appeared wholly absorbed in the contemplation of the + picture, which hid his face from the bystanders. + </p> + <p> + But his eye was not resting on the work before him, but on the + marriage-scene at his feet, in which he detected each moment some fresh + and unique beauty. As the dealer sat there for some minutes with the + little picture on his knee, the steward’s face brightened, Selene drew a + deep breath, and Arsinoe went up to her father to cling to his arm and + whisper in his ear: + </p> + <p> + “Do not let him have the Apelles cheap—remember my bracelet.” + </p> + <p> + Gabinius now rose, glanced at the various objects lying on the table and + said in a much shorter and more business-like tone than before: + </p> + <p> + “For all these things I can give you—wait a minute—twenty-seventy-four + hundred—four hundred and fifty—I can give you six hundred and + fifty drachmae, not a sesterce more!” + </p> + <p> + “You are joking,” cried Keraunus. + </p> + <p> + “Not a sesterce more,” answered the other coldly. “I do not want to make + anything, but you as a business man will understand that I do not wish to + buy with a certain prospect of loss. As regards the Apelles—” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “It may be of some value to me, but only under certain conditions. The + case is quite different as regards buying pictures. Your two young damsels + know of course that my line of business leads me to admire and value all + that is beautiful, but still I must request you to leave me alone with + your father for a little while. I want to speak with him about this + curious painting.” Keraunus signed to his daughters, who immediately left + the room. Before the door was closed upon them the dealer called after + them: + </p> + <p> + “It is already growing dark, might I ask you to send me as bright a light + as possible by one of your slaves.” + </p> + <p> + “What about the picture?” asked Keraunus. + </p> + <p> + “Till the light is brought let us talk of something else,” said Gabinius. + </p> + <p> + “Then take a seat on the couch,” said Keraunus. “You will be doing me a + pleasure and perhaps yourself as well.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as the two men were seated on the divan, Gabinius began: + </p> + <p> + “Those little things which we have collected with particular liking, we do + not readily part with—that I know by long experience. Many a man who + has come into some property after he has sold all his little antiquities + has offered me ten times the price I have paid him to get them back again, + generally in vain, unfortunately. Now, what is true of others is true of + you, and if you had not been in immediate need of money you would hardly + have offered me these things.” + </p> + <p> + “I must entreat you,” began the steward, but the dealer interrupted him, + saying: + </p> + <p> + “Even the richest are sometimes in want of ready money; no one knows that + better than I, for I—I must confess—have large means at my + command. Just at present it would be particularly easy for me to free you + from all embarrassment.” + </p> + <p> + “There stands my Apelles,” exclaimed the steward. “It is yours if you make + a bid that suits me.” + </p> + <p> + “The light—here comes the light!” exclaimed Gabinius, taking from + the slave’s hand the three-branched lamp which Selene had hastily supplied + with a fresh wick, and he placed it, while he murmured to Keraunus, “By + your leave,” down on the centre of the mosaic. The steward looked at the + man on his left hand, with puzzled inquiry, but Gabinius heeded him not + but went down on his knees again, felt the mosaic over with his hand, and + devoured the picture of the marriage of Peleus with his eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Have you lost anything?” asked Keraunus. + </p> + <p> + “No-nothing whatever. There in the corner—now I am satisfied. Shall + I place the lamp there, on the table? So—and now to return to + business.” + </p> + <p> + “I beg to do so, but I may as well begin by telling you that in my case it + is a question not of drachmae but of Attic talents.”—[ The Attic + talent was worth about L200, or $1000 dollars in the 1880 exchange rate.] + </p> + <p> + “That is a matter of course, and I will offer you five; that is to say a + sum for which you could buy a handsome roomy house.” + </p> + <p> + Once more the blood mounted to the steward’s head; for a few minutes he + could not utter a word, for his heart thumped violently; but presently be + so far controlled himself as to be able to answer. This time at any rate, + he was determined to seize Fortune by the forelock and not to be taken + advantage of, so he said: + </p> + <p> + “Five talents will not do; bid higher.” + </p> + <p> + “Then let us say six.” + </p> + <p> + “If you say double that we are agreed.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot put it beyond ten talents; why, for that sum you might build a + small palace.” + </p> + <p> + “I stand out for twelve.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, be it so, but not a sesterce more.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot bear to part with my splendid work of art,” sighed Keraunus. + “But I will take your offer, and give you my Apelles.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not that picture I am dealing for,” replied Gabinius. “It is of + trifling value, and you may continue to enjoy the possession of it. It is + another work of art in this room that I wish to have, and which has + hitherto seemed to you scarcely worth notice. I have discovered it, and + one of my rich customers has asked me to find him just such a thing.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know what it is.” + </p> + <p> + “Does everything in this room belong to you?” + </p> + <p> + “Whom else should it belong to?” + </p> + <p> + “Then you may dispose of it as you please?” + </p> + <p> + “Undoubtedly.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, then—the twelve Attic talents which I offer you are to + be paid for the picture that is under our feet.” + </p> + <p> + “The mosaic! that? It belongs to the palace.” + </p> + <p> + “It belongs to your residence, and that, I heard you say yourself, has + been inhabited for more than a century by your forefathers. I know the + law; it pronounces that everything which has remained in undisputed + possession in one family, for a hundred years, becomes their property.” + </p> + <p> + “This mosaic belongs to the palace.” + </p> + <p> + “I assert the contrary. It is an integral portion of your family dwelling, + and you may freely dispose of it.” + </p> + <p> + “It belongs to the palace.” + </p> + <p> + “No, and again no; you are the owner. Tomorrow morning early you shall + receive twelve Attic talents in gold, and, with the help of my son, later + in the day I will take up the picture, pack it, and when it grows dark, + carry it away. Procure a carpet to cover the empty place for the present. + As to the secrecy of the transaction—I must of course insist on it + as strongly—and more so—than yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “The mosaic belongs to the palace,” cried the steward, this time in a + louder voice, “Do you hear? it belongs to the palace, and whoever dares + touch it, I will break his bones.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke Keraunus stood up, his huge chest panting, his cheeks and + forehead dyed purple, and his fist, which he held in the dealer’s face, + was trembling. Gabinius drew back startled, and said: + </p> + <p> + “Then you will not have the twelve talents!” + </p> + <p> + “I will—I will!” gasped Keraunus, “I will show you how I beat those + who take me for a rogue. Out of my sight, villain, and let me hear not + another word about the picture, and the robbery in the dark, or I will + send the prefect’s lictors after you and have you thrown into irons, you + rascally thief!” + </p> + <p> + Gabinius hurried to the door, but he there turned round once more to the + groaning and gasping colossus, and cried out, as he stood on the + threshold: + </p> + <p> + “Keep your rubbish! we shall have more to say to each other yet.” + </p> + <p> + When Selene and Arsinoe returned to the sitting-room they found their + father breathing hard and sitting on the couch, with his head drooping + forward. Much alarmed, they went close up to him, but he exclaimed quite + coherently: + </p> + <p> + “Water—a drink of water!—the thief!—the scoundrel!” + </p> + <p> + Though hardly pressed, it had not cost him a struggle or a pang to refuse + what would have placed him and his children in a position of ease; and yet + he would not have hesitated to borrow it, aye, or twice the sum, from rich + or poor, though he knew full certainly that he would never be in a + position to restore it. Nor was he even proud of what he had done; it + seemed to him quite natural in a Macedonian noble. It was to him + altogether out of the pale of possibility that he should entertain the + dealer’s proposition for an instant. + </p> + <p> + But where was he to get the money for Arsinoe’s outfit? how could he keep + the promise given at the meeting? + </p> + <p> + He lay meditating on the divan for an hour; then he took a wax tablet out + of a chest and began to write a letter on it to the prefect. He intended + to offer the precious mosaic picture which had been discovered in his + abode, to Titianus for the Emperor, but he did not bring his composition + to an end, for he became involved in high-flown phrases. At last he + doubted whether it would do at all, flung the unfinished letter back into + the chest, and disposed himself to sleep. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> + <p> + While anxiety and trouble were brooding over the steward’s dwelling, while + dismay and disappointment were clouding the souls of its inhabitants, the + hall of the Muses was merry with feasting and laughter. + </p> + <p> + Julia, the prefect’s wife, had supplied the architect at Lochias with a + carefully-prepared meal,—sufficient to fill six hungry maws, and + Pontius’ slave—who had received it on its arrival and had unpacked + it dish after dish, and set them out on the humblest possible table had + then hastened to fetch his master to inspect all these marvels of the + cook’s art. The architect shook his head as he contemplated the + superabundant blessing, and muttered to himself: + </p> + <p> + “Titianus must take me for a crocodile, or rather for two crocodiles,” and + he went to the sculptor’s little tabernacle, where Papias the master was + also, to invite the two men to share his supper. + </p> + <p> + Besides them he asked two painters, and the chief mosaic worker of the + city, who all day long had been busied in restoring the old and faded + pictures on the ceilings and pavements, and under the influence of good + wine and cheerful chat they soon emptied the dishes and bowls and + trenchers. A man who for several hours has been using his hands or his + mind, or both together, waxes hungry, and all the artists whom Pontius had + brought together at Lochias had now been working for several days almost + to the verge of exhaustion. Each had done his best, in the first place, no + doubt, to give satisfaction to Pontius, whom all esteemed, and to himself; + but also in the hope of giving proof of his powers to the Emperor and of + showing him how things could be done in Alexandria. When the dishes had + been removed and the replete feasters had washed and dried their hands, + they filled their cups out of a jar of mixed wine, of which the dimensions + answered worthily to the meal they had eaten. One of the painters then + proposed that they should hold a regular drinking-bout, and elect Papias, + who was as well known as a good table orator as he was as an artist, to be + the leader of the feast. However, the master declared that he could not + accept the honor, for that it was due to the worthiest of their company; + to the man namely, who, only a few days since, had entered this empty + palace and like a second Deucalion had raised up illustrious artists, such + as he then saw around him in great numbers, and skilled workmen by + hundreds, not out of plastic stone but out of nothing. And then—while + declaring that he understood the use of the hammer and chisel better than + that of the tongue, and that he had never studied the art of making + speeches—he expressed his wish that Pontius would lead the revel, in + the most approved form. + </p> + <p> + But he was not allowed to get to the end of this evidence of his skill, + for Euphorion the door-keeper of the palace, Euphorion the father of + Pollux, ran hastily into the hall of the Muses with a letter in his hand + which he gave to the architect. + </p> + <p> + “To be read without an instant’s delay,” he added, bowing with theatrical + dignity to the assembled artists. “One of the prefect’s lictors brought + this letter, which, if my wishes be granted, brings nothing that is + unwelcome. Hold your noise you little blackguards or I will be the death + of you.” + </p> + <p> + These words, which so far as the tone was concerned, formed a somewhat + inharmonious termination to a speech intended for the ears of great + artists, were addressed to his wife’s four-footed Graces who had followed + him against his wish, and were leaping round the table barking for the + slender remains of the consumed food. + </p> + <p> + Pontius was fond of animals and had made friends with the old woman’s + pets, so, as he opened the prefect’s letter, he said: + </p> + <p> + “I invite the three little guests to the remains of our feast. Give them + anything that is fit for them, Euphorion, and whatever seems to you most + suitable to your own stomach you may put into it.” + </p> + <p> + While the architect first rapidly glanced through the letter and then read + it carefully, the singer had collected a variety of good morsels for his + wife’s favorites on a plate, and finally carried the last remaining pasty, + with the dish on which it reposed, to the vicinity of his own hooked nose. + </p> + <p> + “For men or for dogs?” he asked his son, as he pointed to it with a rigid + finger. + </p> + <p> + “For the gods!” replied Pollux. “Take it to mother; she will like to eat + ambrosia for once.” + </p> + <p> + “A jolly evening to you!” cried the singer, bowing to the artists who were + emptying their cups, and he quitted the hall with his pasty and his dogs. + Before he had fairly left the hall with his long strides, Papias, whose + speech had been interrupted, once more raised his wine-cup and began + again: + </p> + <p> + “Our Deucalion, our more than Deucalion—” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me,” interrupted Pontius. “If I once more stop your discourse + which began so promisingly; this letter contains important news and our + revels must be over for the night. We must postpone our symposium and your + drinking-speech.” + </p> + <p> + “It was not a drinking-speech, for if ever there was a moderate man—” + Papias began. But Pontius stopped him again, saying: + </p> + <p> + “Titianus writes me word that he proposes coming to Lochias this evening. + He may arrive at any moment; and not alone, but with my fellow-artist, + Claudius Venator from Rome, who is to assist me with his advice.” + </p> + <p> + “I never even heard his name,” said Papias, who was wont to trouble + himself as little about the persons as about the works of other artists. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder at that,” said Pontius, closing the double tablets which + announced the Emperor’s advent. + </p> + <p> + “Can he do anything?” asked Pollux. + </p> + <p> + “More than any one of us,” replied Pontius. “He is a mighty man.” + </p> + <p> + “That is splendid!” exclaimed Pollux. “I like to see great men. When one + looks me in the eye I always feel as if some of his superabundance + overflowed into me, and irresistibly I draw myself up and think how fine + it would be if one day I might reach as high as that man’s chin.” + </p> + <p> + “Beware of morbid ambition,” said Papias to his pupil in a warning voice. + “It is not the man who stands on tiptoe, but he who does his duty + diligently, that can attain anything great.” + </p> + <p> + “He honestly does his,” said the architect rising, and he laid his hand on + the young sculptor’s shoulder. “We all do; to-morrow by sunrise each must + be at his post again. For my colleague’s sake it will be well that you + should all be there in good time.” + </p> + <p> + The artists rose, expressing their thanks and regrets. “You will not + escape the continuation of this evening’s entertainment,” cried one of the + painters, and Papias, as he parted from Pontius, said: + </p> + <p> + “When we next meet I will show you what I understand by a drinking-speech. + It will do perhaps for your Roman guest. I am curious to hear what he will + say about our Urania. Pollux has done his share of the work very well, and + I have already devoted an hour’s work to it, which has improved it. The + more humble our material, the better I shall be pleased if the work + satisfies Caesar; he himself has tried his hand at sculpture.” + </p> + <p> + “If only Hadrian could hear that!” cried one of the painters. “He likes to + think himself a great artist—one of the foremost of our time. It is + said that he caused the life of the great architect, Apollodorus—who + carried out such noble works for Trajan—to be extinguished—and + why? because formerly that illustrious man had treated the imperial + bungler as a mere dabbler, and would not accept his plan for the temple of + Venus at Rome.” + </p> + <p> + “Mere talk!” answered Pontius to this accusation. “Apollodorus died in + prison, but his incarceration had little enough to do with the Emperor’s + productions—excuse me, gentlemen, I must once more look through the + sketches and plans.” + </p> + <p> + The architect went away, but Pollux continued the conversation that had + been begun by saying: + </p> + <p> + “Only I cannot understand how a man who practises so many arts at once as + Hadrian does, and at the same time looks after the state and its + government, who is a passionate huntsman and who dabbles in every kind of + miscellaneous learning, contrives, when he wants to practise one + particular form of art, to recall all his five senses into the nest from + which he has let them fly, here, there, and everywhere. The inside of his + head must be like that salad-bowl—which we have reduced to emptiness—in + which Papias discovered three sorts of fish, brown and white meat, oysters + and five other substances.” + </p> + <p> + “And who can deny,” added Papias, “that if talent is the father, and meat + the mother of all productiveness, practice must be the artist’s teacher! + Since Hadrian took to sculpture and painting it has become the universal + fashion here to practise these arts, and among the wealthier youth who + come to my workroom, many have very good abilities; but not one of them + brings anything to any good issue, because so much of their time is taken + up by the gymnasium, the bath, the quail-fights, the suppers, and I know + not what besides, so that they do nothing by way of practice.” + </p> + <p> + “True,” said a painter. “Without the restraint and worry of apprenticeship + no one can ever rise to happy and independent creativeness; and in the + schools of rhetoric or in hunting or fighting no one can study drawing. It + is not till a pupil has learned to sit steady and worry himself over his + work for six hours on end that I begin to believe he will ever do any good + work. Have you any of you seen the Emperor’s work?” + </p> + <p> + “I have,” answered a mosaic worker. “Many years ago Hadrian sent a picture + to me that he had painted; I was to make a mosaic from it. It was a fruit + piece. Melons, gourds, apples, and green leaves. The drawing was but + so-so, and the color impossibly vivid, still the composition was pleasing + from its solidity and richness. And after all, when one sees it, one + cannot but feel that such superfluity is better than meagreness and + feebleness. The larger fruits, especially under the exuberant sappy + foliage, were so huge that they might have been grown in the garden of + luxury itself, still the whole had a look of reality. I mitigated the + colors somewhat in my transcript; you may still see a copy of the picture + at my house, it hangs in the studio where my men draw. Nealkes, the rich + hanging-maker, has had a tapestry woven from it which Pontius proposes to + use as a hanging for a wall of the work-room, but I have made a fine frame + on purpose for it.” + </p> + <p> + “Say rather for its designer.” + </p> + <p> + “Or yet rather,” added the most loquacious of the painters, “for the visit + he may possibly pay your workshops.” + </p> + <p> + “I only wish the Emperor may come to ours too! I should like to sell him + my picture of Alexander saluted by the priests in the temple of Jupiter + Ammon.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope that when you agree about the price you will remember we are + partners,” said his fellow-artist smugly. + </p> + <p> + “I will follow your example strictly,” replied the other. + </p> + <p> + “Then you will certainly not be a loser,” cried Papias, “for Eustorgius is + fully aware of the worth of his works. And if Hadrian is to order works + from every master whose art he dabbles in, he will require a fleet on + purpose to carry his purchases to Rome.” + </p> + <p> + “It is said,” continued Eustorgius, laughing, “that he is a painter among + poets, a sculptor among painters, an astronomer among musicians, and a + sophist among artists—that is to say, that he pursues every art and + science with some success as his secondary occupation.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke the last words Pontius returned to the table where the artists + were standing round the winejar; he had heard the painter’s last remark + and interrupted him by saying: + </p> + <p> + “But my friend you forget that he is a monarch among monarchs—and + not merely among those of today—in the fullest meaning of the word. + Each of us separately can produce something better and more perfect in his + own line; but how great is the man who by earnestness and skill can even + apprehend everything that the mind has ever been able to conceive of, or + the creative spirit of the artist to embody! I know him, and I know that + he loves a really thorough master, and tries to encourage him with + princely liberality. But his ears are everywhere, and he promptly becomes + the implacable enemy of those who provoke his resentment. So bridle your + restive Alexandrian tongues, and let me tell you that my colleague from + Rome is in the closest intimacy with Hadrian. He is of the same age, + resembles him greatly, and repeats to him everything that he hears said + about him. So cease talking about Caesar and pass no severer judgments on + dilettanti in the purple than on your wealthy pupils, who paint and chisel + for the mere love of it, and for whom you find it so easy to lisp out + ‘charming,’ or ‘wonderfully pretty,’ or ‘remarkably nice.’ Take my warning + in good part, you know I mean it well.” + </p> + <p> + He spoke the last words with a cordial, manly feeling, of which his voice + was peculiarly capable, and which was always certain to secure him the + confidence even of the recalcitrant. + </p> + <p> + The artists exchanged greetings and hand-shakings and left the hall; a + slave carried away the wine-jar and wiped the table, on which Pontius + proceeded to lay out his sketches and plans. But he was not alone, for + Pollux was soon at his side, and with a comical expression of pathos and + laying his finger on his nose, he said: + </p> + <p> + “I have come out of my cage to say something more to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “The hour is approaching when I may hope to repay the beneficent deeds, + which, at various times, you have done to my interior. My mother will + to-morrow morning, set before you that dish of cabbage. It could not be + done sooner, because the only perfect sausage-maker, the very king of his + trade, prepares these savory cylinders only once a week. A few hours ago + he completed the making of the sausages, and to-morrow morning my mother + will warm up for our breakfasts the noble mess, which she is preparing for + us this evening—for, as I have told you, it is in its warmed-up + state that it is the ideal of its kind. What will follow by way of sweets + we shall owe again to my mother’s art; but the cheering and invigorating + element—I mean the wine that I drives dull care away, we owe to my + sister.” + </p> + <p> + “I will come,” said Pontius, “if my guest leaves me an hour free, and I + shall enjoy the excellent dish. But what does a gay bird like you know of + dull care?” + </p> + <p> + “The words fit into the metre,” replied Pollux. “I inherit from my father—who, + when he is not gate-keeping, sings and recites—a troublesome + tendency whenever anything incites me to drift into rhythm.” + </p> + <p> + “But to-day you have been more silent than usual, and yet you seemed to me + to be extraordinarily content. Not your face only, but your whole length—a + good measure—from the sole of your foot to the crown of your head + was like a brimming cask of satisfaction.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, there is much that is lovely in this world!” cried Pollux, + stretching himself comfortably and lifting his arms with his hands clasped + far above his head towards heaven. + </p> + <p> + “Has anything specially pleasant happened to you?” + </p> + <p> + “There is no need for that! Here I live in excellent company, the work + progresses, and—well, why should I deny it? There was something + specially to mark to-day; I met an old acquaintance again.” + </p> + <p> + “An old one?” + </p> + <p> + “I have already known her sixteen years; but when I first saw her she was + in swaddling clothes.” + </p> + <p> + “Then this venerable damsel friend is more than sixteen, perhaps + seventeen! Is Eros the friend of the happy, or does happiness only follow + in his train?” As the architect thoughtfully said these words to himself, + Pollux listened attentively to a noise outside, and said: + </p> + <p> + “Who can be passing out there at this hour? Do you not hear the bark of a + big dog mingle with the snapping of the three Graces?” + </p> + <p> + “It is Titianus conducting the architect from Rome,” replied Pontius + excitedly. + </p> + <p> + “I will go to meet him. But one thing more my friend, you too have an + Alexandrian tongue. Beware of laughing at the Emperor’s artistic efforts + in the presence of this Roman. I repeat it: the man who is now coming is + superior to us all, and there is nothing more repellant to me than when a + small man assumes a strutting air of importance because he fancies he has + discovered in some great man a weak spot where his own little body happens + to be sound. The artist I am expecting is a grand man, but the Emperor + Hadrian is a grander. Now retire behind your screens, and tomorrow morning + I will be your guest.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. + </h2> + <p> + Pontius threw his pallium over the chiton he commonly wore at his work and + went forward to meet the sovereign of the world, whose arrival had been + announced to him in the prefect’s letter. He was perfectly calm, and if + his heart beat a little faster than usual, it was only because he was + pleased once more to meet the wonderful man whose personality had made a + deep impression on him before. + </p> + <p> + In the happy consciousness of having done all that lay in his power and of + deserving no blame, he went through the ante-chambers and chief entrance + of the palace into the fore-court, where a crowd of slaves were busied by + torch-light in laying new marble slabs. Neither these workmen nor their + overseers had paid any heed to the barking of the dogs and the loud + talking which had for some little time been audible in the vicinity of the + gate-keeper’s lodge; for a special rate of payment had been promised to + the laborers and their foremen if they should have finished a set piece of + the new pavement by a certain hour, to the satisfaction of the architect. + No one who heard the deep man’s-voice ring through the court from the + doorway guessed to whom it belonged. + </p> + <p> + The Emperor had been delayed by adverse winds and had not run into the + harbor till a little before midnight. + </p> + <p> + Titianus, who was watching for him, he greeted as an old friend with + heartfelt warmth, and with him and Antinous he stepped into the prefect’s + chariot, while Phlegon the secretary, Hermogenes his physician, and Mastor + with the luggage, among which were their campbeds, were to follow in + another vehicle. The harbor watchmen hastened to array themselves + indignantly to oppose the chariot, as it rolled noisily along the street, + and the huge dog that destroyed the peace of the night with its baying; + but as soon as they recognized Titianus they respectfully made way. The + gate-keeper and his wife, obedient to the prefect’s warning, had remained + up, and as soon as the singer heard the chariot approaching which bore the + Emperor, he hastened to open the palace-gates. The broken-up pavement and + the swarms of men engaged in repairing it, obliged Titianus and his + companions to quit the chariot here and to pass close to the little + gate-house. Hadrian, whose observation nothing ever escaped which came in + his way and seemed worth noticing, stood still before Euphorion’s door and + looked into the comfortable little room, with its decoration of flowers + and birds and the statue of Apollo; while dame Doris in her newest + garments, stood on the threshold to watch for the prefect. And Titianus + greeted her warmly, for he was wont whenever he came to Lochias to + exchange a few merry or wise words with her. The little dogs had already + crept into their basket, but as soon as they caught sight of a strange dog + they rushed past their mistress into the open air, and dame Doris found + herself obliged, while she returned the kindly greeting of her patron, to + shout at Euphrosyne, Thalia and Aglaia more than once by their pretty + names. + </p> + <p> + “Splendid, splendid!” cried Hadrian, pointing into the little house. “An + idyl, a perfect idyl. Who would have expected to find such a smiling nook + of peace in the most restless and busy town in the empire.” + </p> + <p> + “I and Pontius were equally surprised at this little nest, and we + therefore left it untouched,” said the prefect. + </p> + <p> + “Intelligent people understand each other, and I owe you thanks for + preserving this little home,” answered the Emperor. “What an omen, what a + favorable, in every way favorable augury, it offers me. The Graces receive + me here into these old walls, Aglaia, Thalia and Euphrosyne!” + </p> + <p> + “Good luck to you, Master,” old Doris called out to the prefect. + </p> + <p> + “We come late,” said Hadrian. + </p> + <p> + “That does not matter,” said the old woman. “Here at Lochias for the last + week we have quite forgotten to distinguish day from night, and a blessing + can never come too late.” + </p> + <p> + “I have brought with me to-day an illustrious guest,” said Titianus. “The + great Roman architect Claudius Venator. He only disembarked a few minutes + since.” + </p> + <p> + “Then a draught of wine will do him good. We have in the house some good + white Mareotic from my daughter’s garden by the lake. If your friend will + do us humble folks so much honor, I beg he will step into our room; it is + clean, is it not sir? and the cup I will give him to drink it out of would + not disgrace the Emperor himself. Who knows what you will find up in the + midst of all the muddle yonder?” + </p> + <p> + “I will accept your invitation with pleasure,” answered Hadrian. “I can + see by your face that you have a pleasure in entertaining us, and any one + might envy you your little house.” + </p> + <p> + “When the climbing-rose and the honey-suckle are out it is much prettier,” + said Doris, as she filled the cup. “Here is some water for mixing.” + </p> + <p> + The Emperor took the cup carved by Pollux, looked at it with admiration, + and before putting it to his lips said: + </p> + <p> + “A masterpiece, dame; what would Caesar find to drink out of here where + the gate-keeper uses such a treasure? Who executed this admirable work, + pray?” + </p> + <p> + “My son carved it for me in his spare time.” + </p> + <p> + “He is a highly-skilled sculptor,” Titianus explained. + </p> + <p> + When the Emperor had half emptied the cup with much satisfaction he set it + on the table, and said: + </p> + <p> + “A very noble drink! I thank you, mother.” + </p> + <p> + “And I you, for styling me mother: there is no better title a woman can + have who has brought up good children; and I have three who need never be + ashamed to be seen.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish you all luck with them, good little mother,” replied the Emperor. + </p> + <p> + “We shall meet again, for I am going to spend some days at Lochias.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, in all this bustle?” asked Doris. + </p> + <p> + “This great architect,” said Titianus, in explanation, “is to advise and + help our Pontius.” + </p> + <p> + “He needs no help!” cried the old woman. “He is a man of the best stamp. + His foresight and energy, my son says, are incomparable. I have seen him + giving his orders myself, and I know a man when I see him!” + </p> + <p> + “And what particularly pleased you in him?” asked Hadrian, who was much + amused with the shrewd old woman’s freedom. + </p> + <p> + “He never for a moment loses his temper in all the hurry, never speaks a + word too much or too little; he can be stern when it is necessary, but he + is kind to his inferiors. What his merits are as an artist I am not + capable of judging, but I am quite certain that he is a just and able + man.” + </p> + <p> + “I know him myself,” replied Caesar, “and you describe him rightly; but he + seemed to me sterner than he has shown himself to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Being a man he must be able to be severe; but he is so only when it is + necessary, and how kind he can be he shows himself every day. A man grows + to the mould of his own mind when he is a great deal alone; and this I + have noticed, that a man who is repellant and sharp to those beneath him + is not in himself anything really great; for it shows that he considers it + necessary to guard against the danger of being looked upon as of no more + consequence than the poorer folks he deals with. Now, a man of real worth + knows that it can be seen in his bearing, even when he treats one of us as + an equal. Pontius does so, and Titianus, and you who are his friend, no + less. It is a good thing that you should have come—but, as I said + before, the architect up there can do very well without you.” + </p> + <p> + “You do not seem to rate my capacity very highly, and I regret it, for you + have lived with your eyes open and have learned to judge men keenly.” + </p> + <p> + Doris looked shrewdly at the Emperor with her kindly glance, as if taking + his mental measure, and then answered confidently: + </p> + <p> + “You—you are a great man too—it is quite possible that you + might see things that would escape Pontius. There are a few choice souls + whom the Muses particularly love and you are one of them.” + </p> + <p> + “What leads you to suppose so?” + </p> + <p> + “I see it in your gaze—in your brow.” + </p> + <p> + “You have the gift of divination, then?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I am not one of that sort; but I am the mother of two sons on whom + also the Immortals have bestowed the special gift, which I cannot exactly + describe. It was in them I first saw it, and wherever I have met with it + since in other men and artists—they have been the elect of their + circle. And you too—I could swear to it, that you are foremost of + the men among whom you live.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not swear lightly,” laughed the Emperor. “We will meet and talk + together again little mother, and when I depart I will ask you again + whether you have not been deceived in me. Come now, Telemachus, the dame’s + birds seem to delight you very much.” + </p> + <p> + These words were addressed to Antinous, who had been going from cage to + cage contemplating the feathered pets, all sleeping snugly, with much + curiosity and pleasure. + </p> + <p> + “Is that your son?” asked Doris. + </p> + <p> + “No, dame, he is only my pupil; but I feel as if he were my son.” + </p> + <p> + “He is a beautiful lad!” + </p> + <p> + “Why, the old lady still looks after the young men!” + </p> + <p> + “We do not give that up till we are a hundred or till the Parcae cut the + thread of life.” + </p> + <p> + “What a confession!” + </p> + <p> + “Let me finish my speech.—We never cease to take pleasure in seeing + a handsome young fellow, but so long as we are young we ask ourselves what + he may have in store for us, and as we grow old we are perfectly satisfied + to be able to show him kindness. Listen young master. You will always find + me here if you want anything in which I can serve you. I am like a snail + and very rarely leave my shell.” + </p> + <p> + “Till our next meeting,” cried Hadrian, and he and his companions went out + into the court. + </p> + <p> + There the difficulty was to find a footing on the disjointed pavement. + Titianus went on in front of the Emperor and Antinous, and so but few + words of friendly pleasure could be exchanged by the monarch and his + vicegerent on the occasion of their meeting again. Hadrian stepped + cautiously forward, his face wearing meanwhile a satisfied smile. The + verdict passed by the simple shrewd woman of the people had given him far + greater pleasure than the turgid verse in which Mesomedes and his compeers + were wont to sing his praises, or the flattering speeches with which he + was loaded by the sophists and rhetoricians. + </p> + <p> + The old woman had taken him for no more than an artist; she could not know + who he was, and yet she had recognized—or had Titianus been + indiscreet? Did she know or suspect whom she was talking to? Hadrian’s + deeply suspicious nature was more and more roused; he began to fancy that + the gate-keeper’s wife had learnt her speech by heart, and that her + welcome had been preconcerted; he suddenly paused and desired the prefect + to wait for him, and Antinous to remain behind with the clog. He turned + round, retraced his steps to the gatehouse and slipped close up to it in a + very unprincely way. He stood still by the door of the little house which + was still open, and listened to the conversation between Doris and her + husband. + </p> + <p> + “A fine tall man,” said Euphorion, “he is a little like the Emperor.” + </p> + <p> + “Not a bit,” replied Doris. “Only think of the full-length statue of + Hadrian in the garden of the Paneum; it has a dissatisfied satirical + expression, and the architect has a grave brow, it is true, but pure + friendly kindness lights up his features. It is only the beard that + reminds you of the one when you look at the other. Hadrian might be very + glad if he were like the prefect’s guest.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he is handsomer—how shall I say it—more like the gods + than that cold marble figure,” Euphorion declared. “A grand noble, he is + no doubt, but still an artist too; I wonder whether he could be induced by + Pontius or Papias or Aristeas or one of the great painters to take the + part of Calchas the soothsayer in our group at the festival? He would + perform it in quite another way than that dry stick Philemon the ivory + carver. Hand me my lute; I have already forgotten again the beginning of + the last verse. Oh! my wretched memory! Thank you.” + </p> + <p> + Euphorion loudly struck the strings and sang in a voice that was still + tolerably sweet and very well trained: + </p> + <p> + “‘Sabina hail! Oh Sabina!—Hail; victorious hail to the conquering + goddess Sabina!’ If only Pollux were here he would remind me of the right + words. ‘Hail; victorious hail, to the thousand-fold Sabina!’—That is + nonsense. ‘Hail, hail! divine hail to thee O all-conquering Sabina.’ No it + was not that either. If a crocodile would only swallow this Sabina I would + give him that hot cake in yonder dish with pleasure, for his pudding. But + stay—I have it. ‘Hail, a thousand-fold hail to the conquering + goddess Sabina!’” + </p> + <p> + Hadrian had heard all he wanted; while Euphorion went on repeating his + line a score or more of times to impress it on his recalcitrant memory. + Caesar turned his back on the gate-house, and while he and his companions + picked their way not without difficulty through the workmen who squatted + here and there and everywhere on the ground, he clapped Titianus more than + once on his shoulder, and after he had been received and welcomed by + Pontius, he exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “I bless my decision to come here now! I have had a good evening, a quite + delightful evening.” + </p> + <p> + The Emperor had not felt so cheerful and free from care for years as on + this occasion, and when in spite of the late hour he found the workmen + still busy everywhere, and saw all that had already been restored in the + old palace and what was being done for its renovation, the restless man + could not resist expressing his satisfaction, and exclaimed to Antinous: + </p> + <p> + “Here we may see that even in our sordid times miracles may be wrought by + good-will, industry, and skill. Explain to me my good Pontius how you were + able to construct that enormous scaffold.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. + </h2> + <p> + More pleasant hours were to follow on the amusing arrival of the Emperor + at his half-finished residence at Lochias that night. Pontius proposed to + him to inspect several well-preserved rooms, which had in the first + instance been reserved for the gentlemen of his suite; and one of these + with an open outlook on the harbor, the town, and the island of + Antirrhodus he suggested should be provisionally furnished for the + Emperor’s reception. Thanks to the architect’s foresight, to Mastor’s + practised hand, and to the numbers of men employed in the palace who were + accustomed to all kinds of service—provision was soon made for the + night, for Hadrian and his companions. The comfortable couch which the + prefect had sent to Lochias for Pontius was carried into the Emperor’s + sleeping-room, and the camp-beds for Antinous and the suite were soon set + up in the other rooms. Tables, pillows, and various household vessels + which had already been sent in from the manufactories of Alexandria, and + which stood packed in bales and cases in the large central court of the + palace were soon taken out, and so far as they were applicable for use + were carried into the hastily-arranged rooms. Even before Hadrian, under + the prefect’s guidance, had reached the last room in which restorations + were being carried out, Pontius was ready with his arrangements, and could + assure the Emperor that to-night he would find a good bed and very + tolerable quarters, and that by to-morrow he should have a really + elegantly-furnished room. + </p> + <p> + “Charming, quite delightful,” cried the Emperor, as he entered his room. + “One might fancy you had some industrious demons at your command. Pour + some water over my hands, Mastor, and then to supper! I am as hungry as a + beggar’s clog.” + </p> + <p> + “I think we shall find all you need,” replied Titianus, while Hadrian + washed his hands and his bearded face. + </p> + <p> + “Have you eaten all that I sent down to Lochias to-day, my dear Pontius?” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! we have,” sighed Pontius. + </p> + <p> + “But I gave orders that a supper for five should be sent.” + </p> + <p> + “It sufficed for six hungry artists,” answered the architect, “if only I + could have guessed for whom the food was intended! And now what is to be + done? There are wine and bread still in the hall of the Muses, meanwhile.” + </p> + <p> + “That must satisfy us,” said the Emperor, as he wiped his face. “In the + Dacian war, in Numidia, and often when out hunting, I have been glad if + only one or the other was to be obtained.” + </p> + <p> + Antinous, who was very hungry and tired, made a melancholy face at these + words of his master, and Hadrian perceiving it, added with a smile: + </p> + <p> + “But youth needs something more to live upon than bread and wine. You + pointed out to me just now the residence of the palace-steward. Might we + not find there a morsel of meat or cheese, or something of the kind?” + </p> + <p> + “Hardly,” replied Pontius. “For the man stuffs his fat stomach and his + eight children with bread and porridge. But an attempt will at any rate be + worth making.” + </p> + <p> + “Then send to him; but conduct us at once to the hall where the Muses have + preserved some bread and wine for me and these good fellows, though they + do not always provide them for their disciples.” + </p> + <p> + Pontius at once conducted the Emperor into the hall. On the way thither, + Hadrian asked: + </p> + <p> + “Is the steward so miserably paid that he is forced to content himself + with such meagre fare?” + </p> + <p> + “He has a residence rent free, and two hundred drachmae a month.” + </p> + <p> + “That is not so very little. What is the man’s name, and of what kith and + kin is he?” + </p> + <p> + “He is called Keraunus, and is of ancient Macedonian descent. His + ancestors from time immemorial have held the office he now fills, and he + even supposes himself to be related to the extinct royal dynasty through + the mistress of some one of the Lagides. Keraunus sits in the town council + and never stirs out in the streets without his slave, who is one of the + sort which the merchants in the slave market throw into the bargain with + the buyer. He is as fat as a stuffed pig, dresses like a senator, loves + antiquities and curiosities, for which he will let himself be cheated of + his last coin, and bears his poverty with more of pride than of dignity; + and still he is an honorable man, and can be made useful, if he is taken + on the right side.” + </p> + <p> + “Altogether a queer fellow. And you say he is fat, is he jolly?” + </p> + <p> + “As far from it as possible.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, people who are fat and cross are my aversion. What is this by way of + an erection?” + </p> + <p> + “Behind that screen works Papias’ best scholar. His name is Pollux, and he + is the son of the couple who keep the gate-house. You will be pleased with + him.” + </p> + <p> + “Call him here,” said the Emperor. + </p> + <p> + But before the architect could comply with his desire the sculptor’s head + had appeared above the screen. The young man had heard the approaching + voices and steps; he greeted the prefect respectfully from his elevated + position, and after satisfying his curiosity was about to spring down from + the stool on which he had climbed when Pontius called to him that Claudius + Venator, the architect from Rome, wished to make his acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + “That is very kind in him, and still more kind in you,” Pollux answered + from above, “since it is only from you that he can know that I exist + beneath the moon, and use the hammer and chisel. Allow me to descend from + my four-legged cothurnus, for at present you are forced to look up to me, + and from all I have heard of your talents from Pontius, nothing can be + more absolutely the reverse of what it ought to be.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, stop where you are,” answered Hadrian. “We, as fellow-artists, may + waive ceremony.—What are you doing in there?” + </p> + <p> + “I will push the screen back in a moment and show you our Urania. It is + very good for an artist to hear the opinion of a man who thoroughly + understands the thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Presently, friend-presently; first let me enjoy a scrap of bread, for the + severity of my hunger might very possibly influence my judgment.” + </p> + <p> + As he was speaking the architect offered the Emperor a salver with bread, + salt, and a cup of wine, which his own slave had carried to him. When + Pollux observed this modest meal, he called out: + </p> + <p> + “That is prisoners’ fare, Pontius; have we nothing better in the house + than that?” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly you yourself assisted in demolishing the dainty dishes I had + sent down for the architect,” cried Titianus, pretending to threaten him. + </p> + <p> + “You are defacing a fair memory,” sighed the sculptor, with mock + melancholy. “But, by Hercules, I did my fair share of the work of + destruction. If only now—but stay! I have an idea worthy of + Aristotle himself! that breakfast, to which I invited you to-morrow + morning, most noble Pontius, is all ready at my mother’s, and can be + warmed up in a few minutes. Do not be alarmed, worthy sir, but the dish in + question is cabbage with sausages—a mess which, like the soul of an + Egyptian, possesses at the instant of resurrection, nobler qualities than + when it first sees the light.” + </p> + <p> + “Excellent,” cried Hadrian. “Cabbage and sausages!” He wiped his full lips + with his hand, smiling with gratification, and he broke into a hearty + laugh of amusement as he heard a loud “Ah!” of satisfaction from Antinous, + who drew nearer to the canvas screen. “There is another whose mouth waters + and whose imagination revels in a happy future,” said the Emperor to the + prefect, pointing to his favorite. + </p> + <p> + But he had misinterpreted the lad’s exclamation, for it was the mere name + of the dish—which his mother had often set on the table of his + humble home in Bithynia—which reminded him of his native country and + his childhood, and transplanted him in thought back into their midst. It + was a swift leap at his heart, and not merely the pleasant watering of his + gums, that had forced the “Ah” to his lips. Still, he was glad to see his + native dish again, and would not have exchanged it against the richest + banquet. Pollux had meanwhile come out of his nook, and said: + </p> + <p> + “In a quarter of an hour I shall set before you the breakfast which has + been turned into a supper. Mitigate your worst hunger with some bread and + salt, and then my mother’s cabbage-stew will not only satisfy you, but + will be enjoyed with calm appreciation.” + </p> + <p> + “Greet dame Doris from me,” Hadrian called after the sculptor; and when + Pollux had quitted the hall he turned to Titianus and Pontius and said: + </p> + <p> + “What a splendid young fellow. I am curious to see what he can do as an + artist.” + </p> + <p> + “Then follow me,” replied Pontius, leading the way. + </p> + <p> + “What do you say to this Urania? Papias made the head of the Muse, but the + figure and the drapery Pollux formed with his own hand in a few days.” + </p> + <p> + The imperial artist stood in front of the statue, with his arms crossed, + and remained there for some time in silence. Then he nodded his bearded + head approvingly, and said gravely: + </p> + <p> + “A well-considered work, and carried out with remarkable freedom; this + mantle drawn over the bosom would not disgrace a Phidias. All is broad, + characteristic and true. Did the young artist work from the model here at + Lochias?” + </p> + <p> + “I have seen no model, and I believe that he evolved the whole figure out + of his head,” replied Pontius. + </p> + <p> + “Impossible, perfectly impossible,” cried the Emperor, in the tone of a + man who knows well what he is talking about. “Such lines, such forms not + Praxiteles himself could have invented. He must have seen them, have + formed them as he stood face to face with the living copy. We will ask + him. What is to be made out of that newly-set-up mass of clay?” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly the bust of some princess of the house of the Lagides. To-morrow + you shall see a head of Berenice by our young friend, which seems to me to + be one of the best things ever done in Alexandria.” + </p> + <p> + “And is the lad a proficient in magic?” asked Hadrian. “It seems to me + simply impossible that he should have completed this statue and a woman’s + bust in these few days.” + </p> + <p> + Pontius explained to the Emperor that Pollux had mounted the head on a + bust already to hand, and as he answered his questions without reserve, he + revealed to him what stupendous exertions of the arts had been called into + requisition to give the dilapidated palace a suitable and, in its kind, + even brilliant appearance. He frankly confessed that here he was working + only for effect, and talked to Hadrian exactly as he would have discussed + the same subject with any other fellow-artist. + </p> + <p> + While the Emperor and the architect were thus eagerly conversing, and the + prefect was hearing from Phlegon, the secretary, all the experience of + their journey, Pollux reappeared in the hall of the Muses accompanied by + his father. The singer carried before him a steaming mess, fresh cakes of + bread, and the pasty which a few hours previously he had carried home to + his wife from the architect’s table. Pollux held to his breast a tolerably + large two-handled jar full of Mareotic wine, which he had hastily wreathed + with branches of ivy. + </p> + <p> + A few minutes later the Emperor was reclining on a mattress that had been + laid for him, and was making his way valiantly through the savory mess. He + was in the happiest humor; he called Antinous and his secretary, heaped + abundant portions with his own hand on their plates, which he bade them + hold out to him, declaring as he did so that it was to prevent their + fishing the best of the sausages out of the cabbage for themselves. He + also spoke highly of the Mareotic wine. When they came to opening the + pasty the expression of his face changed; he frowned and asked the prefect + in a suspicious tone, severely and sternly: + </p> + <p> + “How came these people by such a pasty as this?” + </p> + <p> + “Where did you get it from?” asked the prefect of the singer. + </p> + <p> + “From the banquet which the architect gave to the artists here,” answered + Euphorion. “The bones were given to the Graces and this dish, which had + not been touched, to me and my wife. She devoted it with pleasure to + Pontius’ guest.” + </p> + <p> + Titianus laughed and exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “This then accounts for the total disappearance of the handsome supper + which we sent down to the architect. This pasty-allow me to look at it—this + pasty was prepared by a recipe obtained from Verus. He invited us to + breakfast yesterday and instructed my cook how to prepare it.” + </p> + <p> + “No Platonist ever propagated his master’s doctrines with greater zeal + than Verus does the merits of this dish,” said the Emperor, who had + recovered his good humor as soon as he perceived that no artful + preparation for his arrival was to be suspected in this matter. “What + follies that spoilt child of fortune can commit! Does he still insist on + cooking with his own hands?” + </p> + <p> + “No, not quite that,” replied the prefect. “But he had a couch placed for + him in the kitchen on which he stretched himself at full length and told + my cook exactly how to prepare the pasty, of which you are—I should + say, of which the Emperor is particularly fond. It consists of pheasant, + ham, cow’s udder and a baked crust.” + </p> + <p> + “I am quite of Hadrian’s opinion,” laughed the Emperor; doing all justice + to the excellent pie. “You entertain me splendidly my friend, and I am + very much your debtor. What did you say your name is young man?” + </p> + <p> + “Pollux.” + </p> + <p> + “Your Urania, Pollux, is a fine piece of work, and Pontius says you + executed the drapery without a model. I said, and I repeat, that it is + simply impossible.” + </p> + <p> + “You judge rightly, a young girl stood for it.” + </p> + <p> + The Emperor glanced at the architect, as much as to say, I knew it! + </p> + <p> + Pontius asked in astonishment: + </p> + <p> + “When? I have never seen a female form within these walls.” + </p> + <p> + “Recently.” + </p> + <p> + “But I have never quitted Lochias for a minute. I have never gone to rest + before midnight, and have been on my legs again long before sunrise.” + </p> + <p> + “But still there were several hours between your going to sleep, and + waking up again,” replied Pollux. “Ah, youth—youth!” exclaimed the + Emperor, and a satirical smile played upon his lips. + </p> + <p> + “Part Damon and Phyllis by iron doors, and they will find their way to + each other through the key-hole.” + </p> + <p> + Euphorion looked seriously at his son, the architect shook his head and + refrained from further questions, but Hadrian rose from his couch, + dismissed Antinous and his secretary to bed, requested Titianus to go home + and to give his wife his kindly greetings, and then desired Pollux to + conduct him within this screen, since he himself was not tired and was + accustomed to do with only a few hours sleep. + </p> + <p> + The young sculptor was strongly attracted by this commanding personage. It + had not escaped him that the gray-bearded stranger greatly resembled the + Emperor; but Pontius had prepared him for the likeness, and in fact there + was much in the eyes and mouth of the Roman architect that he had never + traced in any portrait of Hadrian ‘Imperator.’ And as they stood before + his scarcely-finished statue his respect increased for the new visitor to + Lochias; for, with earnest frankness, he pointed out to him certain + faults, and while praising the merits of the rapidly-executed figure he + explained in a few brief and pithy phrases his own conception of the ideal + Urania. Then shortly but clearly, he stated his views as to how the + plastic artist must deal with the problems of his art. + </p> + <p> + The young man’s heart beat faster, and more than once he turned hot and + cold by turns as he heard things uttered by the bearded lips of this + imposing man, in a rich voice and in lucid phrases, which he had often + divined or vaguely felt, but for which, while learning, observing, and + working, he had never sought expression in words. And how kindly the great + master took up his timid observations, how convincingly he answered them. + Such a man as this he had never met, never had he bowed with such full + consent before the superiority and sovereign power of another mind. + </p> + <p> + The second hour after midnight had begun, when Hadrian, standing before + the rough-cast clay bust, asked Pollux: + </p> + <p> + “What is this to be?” + </p> + <p> + “A portrait of a girl.” + </p> + <p> + “Probably of the complaisant model who ventures into Lochias at night?” + </p> + <p> + “No; a lady of rank will sit to me.” + </p> + <p> + “An Alexandrian?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no. A beauty in the train of the Empress.” + </p> + <p> + “What is her name? I know all the Roman ladies.” + </p> + <p> + “Balbilla.” + </p> + <p> + “Balbilla? There are many of that name. What is she like, the lady you + mean?” asked Hadrian, with a cunning glance of amusement. + </p> + <p> + “That is easier to ask than to answer,” replied the artist, who, seeing + his gray-bearded companion smile, recovered his gay vivacity, “But stay—you + have seen a peacock spread its tail—now only imagine that every eye + in the train of Hera’s bird was a graceful round curl, and that in the + middle of the circle there was a charming, intelligent girl’s face, with a + merry little nose, and a rather too high forehead, and you will have the + portrait of the young damsel who has graciously permitted me to model from + her person.” + </p> + <p> + Hadrian laughed heartily, threw off his cloak, and exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Stand aside—I know your maiden—and if I mean a different one + you shall tell me.” + </p> + <p> + While he was still speaking he had plunged his powerful hands into the + yielding clay, and kneading and pinching like a practised modeller, wiping + off and pressing on, he formed a woman’s face with a towering structure of + curls, which resembled Balbilla, but which reproduced every conspicuous + peculiarity with such whimsical exaggeration that Pollux could not contain + his delight. When at last Hadrian stepped back from the happy caricature + and called upon him to say whether that were not indeed the Roman lady, + Pollux exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “It is as surely she, as you are not merely a great architect, but an + admirable sculptor. The thing is coarse, but unmistakably characteristic.” + </p> + <p> + The Emperor himself seemed to enjoy his artistic joke hugely, for he + looked at it, and laughed again and again. Pontius, however, seemed to + view it differently; he had listened with eager sympathy to the + conversation between Hadrian and the sculptor, and had watched the former + as he began his work; but as it went on he turned away, for he hated that + distortion of fine forms, which he often found that the Egyptians took a + special delight in. It was positively painful to him to see a graceful, + highly-gifted and defenceless creature, to whom, too, he felt himself + bound by ties of gratitude, mocked at in this way by such a man as + Hadrian. He had only to-day met Balbilla for the first time, but he had + heard from Titianus that she was staying at the Caesareum with the + Empress, and the prefect had also told him that she was the granddaughter + of that same governor, Claudius Balbillus, who had granted freedom to his + own grandfather, a learned Greek slave. + </p> + <p> + He had met her with grateful sympathy and devotion; her bright and lively + nature had delighted him, and at each thoughtless word she uttered he + would have liked to give her some warning sign, as though she were near to + him through some tie of blood, or some old established friendship that + might warrant his right to do so. The defiant, half gallant way in which + Verus, the dissipated lady-killer, had spoken to her had enraged him and + filled him with anxiety, and long after the illustrious visitors had left + Lochias he had thought of her again and again, and had resolved, if it + were possible, to keep a watchful eye on the descendant of the benefactor + of his family. He felt it as a sacred duty to shelter and protect her, + seeming to him as she did, an airy, pretty, defenceless song-bird. + </p> + <p> + The Emperor’s caricature had the same effect on his feelings as though + some one had insulted and scorned, before his eyes, something that ought + to be regarded as sacred. And there stood the monarch, a man no longer + young, gazing at his performance and never weary of the amusement it + afforded him. It pained Pontius keenly, for like all noble natures, he + could not bear to discover anything mean or vulgar in a man to whom he had + always looked up as to a strong exceptional character. As an artist + Hadrian ought not to have vilified beauty, as a man he ought not to have + insulted unprotected innocence. + </p> + <p> + In the soul of the architect, who had hitherto been one of the Emperor’s + warmest admirers, a slight aversion began to dawn, and he was glad, when, + at last, Hadrian decided to withdraw to rest. + </p> + <p> + The Emperor found in his room every requisite he was accustomed to use, + and while his slave undressed him, lighted his night-lamp and adjusted his + pillows, he said: + </p> + <p> + “This is the best evening I have enjoyed for years. Is Antinous + comfortably in bed?” + </p> + <p> + “As much so as in Rome.” + </p> + <p> + “And the big dog?” + </p> + <p> + “I will lay his rug in the passage at your door.” + </p> + <p> + “Has he had any food?” + </p> + <p> + “Bones, bread and water.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you have had something to eat this evening.” + </p> + <p> + “I was not hungry, and there was plenty of bread and wine.” + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow we shall be better supplied. Now, good-night. Weigh your words + for fear you should betray me. A few days here undisturbed would be + delightful!” + </p> + <p> + With these words the Emperor turned over on his couch and was soon asleep. + </p> + <p> + Mastor, too, lay down to rest after he had spread a rug for the dog in the + corridor outside the Emperor’s sleeping-room. His head rested on a curved + shield of stout cowhide under which lay his short sword; the bed was but a + hard one, but Mastor had for years been used to rest on nothing better, + and still had enjoyed the dreamless slumbers of a child; but to-night + sleep avoided him, and from time to time he pressed his hand on his + wearily open eyes to wipe away the salt dew which rose to them again and + again. For a long time he had restrained these tears bravely enough, for + the Emperor liked to see none but cheerful faces among his servants; nay, + he had once said that it was in consequence of his bright eyes that he had + entrusted to him the care of his person. Poor, cheerful Mastor! He was + nothing but a slave, still he had a heart which lay open to joy and + suffering, to pleasure and trouble, to hatred and to love. + </p> + <p> + In his childhood his native village had fallen into the hands of the foes + of his race. He and his brother had been carried away as slaves, first + into Asia Minor, and then as they were both particularly pretty + fair-haired boys, to Rome. There they had been bought for the Emperor; + Mastor had been chosen to wait on Hadrian’s person, his brother had been + put to work in the gardens. Nothing was lacking to either except his + liberty; nothing tormented them but their longing for their native home, + and even this altogether faded away after he had married the pretty little + daughter of a superintendent of the gardens, a slave like himself. She was + a lively little woman with sparkling eyes, whom no one could pass by + without noticing. + </p> + <p> + The slave’s duties left him but little time to enjoy the society of his + pretty partner and of the two children she bore him, but the consciousness + of possessing them made him happy when he followed his master to the + chase, or in the journeys through the empire. Now, for seven months he had + heard nothing of his family; but a short letter had reached him at + Pelusium, which had been sent with the despatches for the Emperor from + Ostia to Egypt. He could not read, and in consequence of the Emperor’s + rapid travelling, it was not till he reached Lochias, that he was put in + possession of its contents. + </p> + <p> + Before going to rest Antinous had read him the letter, which had been + written for his brother by a public scribe, and its contents were enough + to wreck the heart even of a slave. His pretty little wife had fled from + her home and from the Emperor’s service to follow a Greek ship’s captain + across the world; his eldest child, a boy, the darling of his heart, was + dead; and his fair-haired tender little Tullia, with her pearly teeth, her + round little arms, and her pretty tiny fingers that had often tried to + pull his close-cropped hair, and had fondly stroked and patted it, had + been carried off to the miserable refuge, under whose squalid roof the + children of deceased slaves were reared. Only two hours since, and in + fancy he had possessed a home, and a group of human beings, whom he could + love. Now, this was all over and with however hard a hand the deepest woes + might fall on him, he might not sob or groan aloud, or even roll from side + to side as again and again he was violently prompted to do, for his lord + slept lightly and the least noise might wake him. At sunrise he must + appear before the Emperor as cheerful as usual, and yet he felt as if he + must himself perish miserably as his happiness had done. His heart was + bursting with anguish, still he neither groaned nor stirred. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h2> + <p> + The night had been almost as sleepless to Keraunus’ daughter Selene as it + had been to the hapless slave. Her father’s vain wish to let Arsinoe take + a part with the daughters of the wealthier citizens had filled the girl’s + heart with fresh terrors. It was the final blow which would demolish the + structure of their social existence, standing as it did on quaking ground, + and which must fling her family and herself into disgrace and want. When + their last treasure of any value was sold, and the creditors could no + longer be put off, particularly during the Emperor’s presence in the city, + when they should try to sell up all her father’s little property, or to + carry him off to a debtor’s prison, was it not then as good as certain + that some one else would be appointed to fill his place, and that she and + the other children would fall into misery? And there lay Arsinoe by her + side, and slept with as calm and deep a breath as blind Helios and the + other little ones. + </p> + <p> + Before going to bed she had tried with all the fervency and eloquence of + which she was mistress, to persuade, entreat, and implore the heedless + girl to refuse as positively as she herself had refused to take any part + in the processions; but Arsinoe had at first repulsed her crossly, and + finally had defiantly declared that means might yet very likely be found, + and that what her father permitted, Selene had no right to interfere in, + still less to forbid. And when afterwards she saw Arsinoe sleeping so + calmly by her side, she felt as if she would like to shake her; but she + was so accustomed to bear all the troubles of the family alone, and to be + unkindly repelled by her sister whenever she attempted to admonish her, + that she forbore. + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe had a good and tender heart, but she was young, pretty, and vain. + With affectionate persuasion she might be won over to anything, but + Selene, when ever she remonstrated with her, made her feel her superiority + over herself, acquired from her care of the family and her maternal + character. Thus, not a day passed without some quarrelling and tears + between these two sisters who were so dissimilar, and yet, both so well + disposed. Arsinoe was always the first to offer her hand for a + reconciliation, but Selene would rarely have a kinder answer ready to her + affectionate advances than, “Let be,” or “Oh yes, I know!” and their + outward intercourse bore an aspect of coolness, which was easily worked up + to an outbreak of hostile speeches. Hundreds of times they would go to bed + without wishing each other ‘good-night,’ and still more often would they + avoid any morning greeting when they first met in the day. + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe liked talking, but in Selene’s presence she was taciturn; there + were few things in which Selene took pleasure, while her sister delighted + in every thing which can charm youth. It was the steward’s eldest daughter + who attended to the daily needs of the children, their food and clothes; + it was the second who superintended their games, and their dolls. The + eldest watched and taught them with anxious care, detecting in every + little fault the germ of some evil tendency in the future, while the other + enticed them into follies, it is true, but opened their minds to joyous + impressions, and attained more by kisses and kind words than Selene could + by fault-finding. The children would call Selene when they wanted her, but + would fly to Arsinoe as soon as they saw her. Their hearts were hers, and + Selene felt this bitterly; it seemed to her to be unjust, for she saw + clearly that her sister could reap, from mere frivolous play in her idle + hours, a sweeter reward than she could earn by the anxiety, trouble and + exhausting toil, in which she often spent her nights. + </p> + <p> + But children are not unjust in this way. It is true that they keep an + account in their heart and not in their head. Those who give them the + warmth of affection they pay back most honestly. + </p> + <p> + On this particular night it was not, it is certain, with very sisterly + feelings that Selene looked at the sleeping Arsinoe, and the words on the + girl’s lips as she had dropped asleep, had sounded very unkind; but, + nevertheless, they felt warmly towards each other, and any one who should + have attempted to say a word against the one in the presence of the other + would soon have found out how close a bond held together these two hearts, + dissimilar as they were. But no girl of nineteen can pass a night + altogether without sleeping, however sadly she may turn and turn over and + over again in her bed. So slumber overmastered Selene every now and then + for a quarter of an hour, and each time she dreamed of her sister. + </p> + <p> + Once she saw Arsinoe dressed out like a queen, followed by beggar children + and pelted with bad words—then she saw her on the rotunda below the + balcony romping with Pollux, and in their bold sport they broke her + mother’s bust. At last she dreamed that she herself was playing—as + in the days of her childhood—in the gate-keeper’s garden with the + sculptor. They were making cakes of sand together, and Arsinoe jumped on + the cakes as soon as they were made, and trod them all into dust. + </p> + <p> + The pretty pale girl had for a long time ceased to know the refreshing, + dreamless, sound sleep of youth, for the sweetest slumbers are more apt to + seek out those who by day have some rest, than those who are worn out by + fatigue, and evening after evening Selene was one of these. Every night + she had dreams, but tonight they were almost exclusively sad in character, + and so terrifying that she woke herself repeatedly with her own groaning, + or disturbed Arsinoe’s peaceful sleep by loud cries. + </p> + <p> + These cries did not disturb her father, he—to-night, as every night—had + begun to snore soon after he had gone to rest, never to cease till it was + time to rise again. + </p> + <p> + Selene was always busy in the house before any one, even before the + slaves; and the approach of day this time seemed to the sleepless girl a + real release. When she rose it was still perfectly dark, but she knew that + the rising of the December sun could not be long to wait for. + </p> + <p> + Without paying any heed to the sleepers, or making any special effort to + tread noiselessly, or to do what she had to do without disturbing them, + she lighted her little lamp, at the night-lamp, washed herself, arranged + her hair, and then knocked at the doors of the old slaves. + </p> + <p> + As soon as they had yawned out “directly,” or a sleepy “very well,” she + went into her father’s room and took his jug to fetch him fresh water in + it. The best well in the palace was on a small terrace on the west side; + it was supplied by the city aqueducts, and was constructed of five marble + monsters, bearing up on twisted fishtails a huge shell, in which sat a + bearded river-god. Their horse-shaped heads poured water into a vast + basin, which, in the lapse of centuries, had grown full of a green and + filmy vegetation. + </p> + <p> + In order to reach this fountain, Selene had to go along the corridor where + lay the rooms occupied by the Emperor and his followers. She only knew + that an architect from Rome had taken up his quarters at Lochias, for, + some time after midnight, she had been to get out meat and salt for him, + but in what rooms the strangers had been lodged no one had told her. But + this morning as she followed the path she was accustomed to tread day by + day at the same hour, she felt an anxious shiver. She felt as if + everything were not quite the same as usual, and just as she had set her + foot on the cop step of the flight leading to the corridor, she raised her + lamp to discover whence came the sound she thought she could hear, she + perceived in the gloom a fearful something which as she approached it + resembled a dog, and which was larger—much larger—than a dog + should be. + </p> + <p> + Her blood ran cold with terror; for a few moments she stood as if + spellbound, and was only conscious that the growling and snarling that she + heard meant mischief and threatening to herself. At last she found + strength to turn to fly, but at the same instant a loud and furious bark + echoed behind her and she heard the monster’s quick leaps as he flew after + her along the stone pavement. + </p> + <p> + She felt a violent shock, the pitcher flew out of her hand and was + shattered into a thousand fragments, and she sank to the ground under the + weight of a warm, rough, heavy mass. Her loud cries of alarm resounded + from the hard bare walls, and roused the sleepers and brought them to her + side. + </p> + <p> + “See what it is,” cried Hadrian to his slave, who had immediately sprung + up and seized his shield and sword. + </p> + <p> + “The dog has attacked a woman who wanted to come this way,” replied + Mastor. + </p> + <p> + “Hold him off, but do not beat him,” the Emperor shouted after him. “Argus + has only done his duty.” The slave hastened down the passage as fast as + possible, loudly calling the dog by his name. But another had been + beforehand and had dragged him off his victim, and this was Antinous, + whose room was close to the scene of action, and who, as soon as he had + heard the dog’s bark and Selene’s scream, had hurried to hold back the + brute which was really dangerous when on guard and in the dark. + </p> + <p> + When Mastor appeared the lad had just succeeded in dragging the dog away + from Selene, who was lying on the stairs leading to the corridor. Before + Antinous could reach her Argus was standing over her gnashing his teeth + and growling. Argus, who was quickly quieted by his friends’ tone of + kindly admonition, stood aside silent and with his head down while + Antinous knelt by the senseless girl on whom the pale light of early dawn + fell through—wide window. The boy looked with alarm on her pale + face, lifted her helpless arm, and sought on her light-colored dress for + any trace of blood that might have been drawn, but in vain. After he had + assured himself that she still breathed, and that her lips moved, he + called to Mastor: + </p> + <p> + “Argus seems only to have pulled her down, not to have wounded her; she + has lost consciousness however. Go quickly into my room and bring me the + blue phial out of my medicine-case and a cup of water.” + </p> + <p> + The slave whistled to the hound and obeyed the order as quickly as + possible. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Antinous remained on his knees by the senseless girl, and + ventured to raise her head with its long soft weight of hair. How + beautiful were those marble-white, and nobly-cut features! How touching + did the silent accent of pain that lay on her lips seem to him, and how + happy was the spoilt darling of the Emperor, who was loved by all who saw + him, to be able to be tender and helpful, unasked! + </p> + <p> + “Wake up, oh! wake up!” he cried to Selene—and when still she did + not move, he repeated more urgently and tenderly, “Pray, pray wake up.” + </p> + <p> + But she did not hear him, and remained motionless even when, with a slight + blush, he drew over her shoulder her peplum, which the dog had torn away. + Now Mastor returned with the water and the blue phial, and gave them to + the Bithynian. While Antinous laid the girl’s head in his lap, the slave + was hurrying away, saying: “Caesar called me.” + </p> + <p> + The lad moistened Selene’s forehead with the reviving fluid, made her + inhale the strong essence which the phial contained, and cried again loud + and earnestly, “Wake, wake.”—And presently her lips parted, showing + her small, white teeth, and then she slowly raised the lids which had + veiled her eyes. With a deep sigh of relief he set the cup and the phial + on the ground so as to support her when she slowly began to raise herself; + but, scarcely had he turned his face towards her, when she sprang up + suddenly and violently, and flinging both her arms round his neck, cried + out: + </p> + <p> + “Save me, Pollux, save me! The monster is devouring me.” Antinous much + startled, seized the girl’s arms to release himself from their embrace, + but, she had already freed him and sunk back on to the ground. The next + moment she was shivering violently as if from an attack of fever; again + she threw up her hands, pressed them to her temples, and gazed with terror + and bewilderment into the face that bent above her. + </p> + <p> + “What is it? Who are you?” she asked, in a low voice. + </p> + <p> + He rose quickly, and while he supported her as she attempted to rise and + stand upon her feet, he said: + </p> + <p> + “The gods be praised that you are still alive. Our big hound threw you + down-and he has terrible teeth.” Selene was now standing up, and face to + face with the boy at whose last words she shuddered again. + </p> + <p> + “Do, you feel any pain?” asked Antinous, anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” she said, dully. + </p> + <p> + “Did he bite you?” + </p> + <p> + “I think not—pick up that pin, it has fallen out of my dress.” + </p> + <p> + The Bithynian obeyed her behest, and while the girl re-fastened her peplum + over her shoulders she asked him again: + </p> + <p> + “Who are you? How came the dog in our palace?” + </p> + <p> + “He belongs—he belongs to us. We arrived late last night, and + Pontius put us—” + </p> + <p> + “Then you are with the architect from Rome?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but who are you?” + </p> + <p> + “Selene is my name, I am the daughter of the palace-steward.” + </p> + <p> + “And who is Pollux, whom you were calling to help you when you recovered + your senses?” + </p> + <p> + “What does that matter to you?” + </p> + <p> + Antinous colored, and answered in confusion: + </p> + <p> + “I was startled when you suddenly roused up, with his name so loudly on + your lips, when I brought you back to life with water and this essence.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I was roused—and now I can walk again. People who bring + furious dogs into a strange place, should know how to take better care of + them. Tie the dog up safely, for the children—my little brothers and + sisters—come this way when they want to go out. Thank you for your + help—and my pitcher?” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke she looked down on the remains of the pretty jar, which was + one her mother had particularly valued. When she saw the fragments lying + on the ground, she gave a deep sob, but she shed no tears. Then she + exclaimed angrily: “It is infamous!” + </p> + <p> + With these words she turned her back on Antinous and returned to her + father’s room, using her left foot, however, with caution, for it was very + painful. + </p> + <p> + The young Bithynian gazed in silence at Selene’s tall, slight form, he + felt prompted to follow her, to say to her how very sorry he was for the + mischance that had befallen her, and that the hound belonged not to him + but to another man; but he dared not. Long after she had disappeared from + sight he stood on the same spot. At last he collected his senses, and + slowly went back to his room, where he sat on his couch with his eyes + fixed dreamily on the ground, till the Emperor’s call roused him from his + reverie. + </p> + <p> + Selene had hardly vouchsafed Antinous a glance. She was in pain not merely + in her left foot, but also in the back of her head where she found there + was a deep cut; but her thick hair had staunched the blood that flowed + from the wound. She felt very tired, and the loss of her pretty jug, which + must also be replaced by another, vexed her far more than the beauty of + the favorite had charmed her. + </p> + <p> + She slowly and wearily entered the sitting-room, where her father was by + this time waiting for her and his water. He was accustomed to have it + regularly at the same hour, and as Selene was absent longer than usual, he + could think of no better way of filling up the time than by grumbling and + scolding to himself; when, at last, his daughter appeared on the + threshold, he at once perceived that she had no jug, and said crossly: + </p> + <p> + “And am I to have no water to-day?” + </p> + <p> + Selene shook her head, sank into a seat, and began to cry softly. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter?” asked her father. + </p> + <p> + “The pitcher is broken,” she said sadly. + </p> + <p> + “You should take better care of such expensive things,” scolded her + father. “You are always complaining of want of money, and at the same time + you break half our belongings.” + </p> + <p> + “I was thrown down,” answered Selene, drying her eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Thrown down! by whom?” asked the steward, slowly rising. + </p> + <p> + “By the architect’s big dog—the architect who came last night from + Rome, and to whom we gave that meat and salt in the middle of the night. + He slept here, at Lochias.” + </p> + <p> + “And he set his clog on my child!” shouted Keraunus, with an angry glare. + </p> + <p> + “The hound was alone in the passage when I went there.” + </p> + <p> + “Did it bite you?” + </p> + <p> + “No, but it pulled me down, and stood over me, and gnashed its teeth—oh! + it was horrible.” + </p> + <p> + “The cursed, vagabond scoundrel!” growled the steward, “I will teach him + how to behave in a strange house!” + </p> + <p> + “Let him be,” said Selene, as she saw her father about to don the saffron + cloak. + </p> + <p> + “What is done cannot be undone, and if quarrels and dissentions come of + it, it will make you ill.” + </p> + <p> + “Vagabonds! impudent rascals! who fill my palace with quarrelsome curs,” + muttered Keraunus without listening to his daughter, and as he settled the + folds of his pallium he growled “Arsinoe! why is it that girl never hears + me.” + </p> + <p> + When she appeared he desired her to heat the irons to curl his hair. + </p> + <p> + “They are ready by the fire,” answered Arsinoe. “Come into the kitchen + with me.” + </p> + <p> + Keraunus followed her, and had his locks curled and scented, while his + younger children stood round him waiting for the porridge which Selene + usually prepared for them at this hour. + </p> + <p> + Keraunus responded to their morning greetings with nods as friendly as + Arsinoe’s tongs, which held his head tightly by the hair, would allow. It + was only the blind Helios, a pretty boy of six, that he drew to his side + and gave a kiss on his cheek. He loved this child, who, though deprived of + the noblest of the senses, was always merry and contented, with peculiar + tenderness. Once he even laughed aloud when the child clung to his sister, + as she brandished the tongs, and said: + </p> + <p> + “Father, do you know why I am sorry I cannot see?” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” said his father. + </p> + <p> + “Because I should so like to see you for once with the beautiful curls + which Arsinoe makes with the irons.” But the steward’s mirth was checked + when his daughter, pausing in her labors, said half in jest, but half in + earnest: + </p> + <p> + “Have you thought any more about the Emperor’s arrival, father? I smarten + and dress you so fine every day—but to-day you ought to think of + dressing me.” + </p> + <p> + “We will see about it,” said Keraunus evasively. “Do you know,” said + Arsinoe, after a short pause, as she twisted the last lock in the + freshly-heated tongs, “I thought it all over last night again. If we + cannot succeed any way in scraping together the money for my dress, we can + still—” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “Even Selene can say nothing against it.” + </p> + <p> + “Against what?” + </p> + <p> + “But, you will be angry!” + </p> + <p> + “Speak out.” + </p> + <p> + “You pay taxes like the rest of the citizens.” + </p> + <p> + “What has that to do with it?” + </p> + <p> + “Well then, we are justified in expecting something from the city.” + </p> + <p> + “What for?” + </p> + <p> + “To pay for my dress for the festival which is got up for the Emperor, not + by an individual, but by the citizens as a body. We could not accept + alone, but it is folly to refuse what a rich municipality offers. That is + neither more nor less than making them a present.” + </p> + <p> + “You be silent,” cried Keraunus, really furious, and trying in vain to + remember the argument with which, only yesterday, he had refused the same + suggestion. “Be silent, and wait till I begin to talk about such matters.” + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe flung the tongs on the hearth with so much annoyance that they + fell on the stone with a loud clatter; but her father quitted the kitchen + and returned to the sitting-room. There he found Selene lying on a couch, + and the old slave-woman, who had tied a wet handkerchief round the girl’s + head, pressing another to her bare left foot. + </p> + <p> + “Wounded!” cried Keraunus, and his eyes rolled slowly from right to left + and from left to right. + </p> + <p> + “Look at the swelling!” cried the old woman in broken Greek, raising + Selene’s snow-white foot in her black hands for her father to see. + “Thousands of fine ladies have hands that are not so small. Poor, poor + little foot,” and as she spoke the old woman pressed it to her lips. + </p> + <p> + Selene pushed her aside, and said, turning to her father: + </p> + <p> + “The cut on my head is nothing to speak of, but the muscles and veins here + at the ancle are swelled and my leg hurts me rather when I tread. When the + dog threw me down I must have hit it against the stone step.” + </p> + <p> + “It is outrageous!” cried Keraunus, the blood again mounting to his head, + “only wait and I will show them what I think of their goings on.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” entreated Selene, “only beg them politely to shut up the dog, or + to chain it, so that it may not hurt the children.” + </p> + <p> + Her voice trembled with anxiety as she spoke the words, for the dread, + which, she knew not why, had so long been tormenting her lest her father + should lose his place, seemed to affect her more than ever to-day. + </p> + <p> + “What! civil words after what has now happened?” cried Keraunus + indignantly, and as if something quite unheard of had been suggested to + him. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay, say what you mean,” shrieked the old woman. “If such a thing + had occurred to your father he would have fallen on the strange builder + with a good thrashing.” + </p> + <p> + “And his son Keraunus will not let him off,” declared the steward, + quitting the room without heeding Selene’s entreaty not to let himself be + provoked. + </p> + <p> + In the ante-chamber he found his old slave whom he ordered to take a stick + and go before him to announce him to Pontius’ guest, the architect, who + was lodging in the rooms in the wing near the fountain. This was the + elegant thing to do, and by this means the black slave would meet the big + dog before his master who held him and all dogs in the utmost abhorrence. + As he approached his destination he found himself quite in the humor to + speak his mind to the stranger who had come here with a ferocious hound to + tear the members of his family. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. + </h2> + <p> + Hadrian had slept most comfortably; only a few hours it is true, but they + had sufficed to refresh his spirit. He was now in his sitting-room and had + gone to the window, which took up more than half the extent of the long + west wall of the room, and opened on the sea. The wide opening, which + extended downwards to within a few spans of the floor, was finished at + either side by a tall pillar of fine reddish-brown porphyry, flecked with + white, and crowned with gilt Corinthian capitals. + </p> + <p> + Against one of these the Emperor was leaning stroking the blood-hound, + whose prompt and vigorous watchfulness had pleased him greatly. What did + he care for the terrors the dog might have caused a mere girl? + </p> + <p> + By the other pillar stood Antinous; he had placed his right foot on the + low window-sill, and with his chin resting on his hand and his elbow on + his knee, his figure was well within the room. + </p> + <p> + “This, Pontius, is really a first-rate man,” said Hadrian, pointing to a + tapestry hanging across the narrow end of the room. “This hanging was + copied from a fruit-piece that I painted some time since, and had executed + here in mosaic. Yesterday this room was not even intended for my use, thus + the hanging must have been put up between our arrival and this morning. + And how many other beautiful things I see around me! The whole place looks + habitable, and the eye finds an abundance of objects on which it can rest + with pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you examined that magnificent cushion?” asked Antinous; “and the + bronze figures, there in the corner, look to me far from bad.” + </p> + <p> + “They are admirable works,” said Hadrian. “Still, I would do without them + with pleasure rather than miss this window. Which is the bluer, the sky or + the sea? And what a delicious spring breeze fans us here, in the middle of + December. Which are the more delightful to contemplate, the innumerable + ships in the harbor, which communicate between this flowery land and other + countries, and bless it with wealth, or the buildings which attract the + eye in whichever direction it turns. It is difficult to know whether most + to admire their stately dimensions or the beauty of their forms.” + </p> + <p> + “And what is that long, huge dyke, which connects the island with the + mainland? Only look! There is a huge trireme passing under one of the wide + arches, on which it is supported—and there comes another.” + </p> + <p> + “That is the great viaduct, called by the Alexandrians the Heptastadion, + because it is said to be seven stadia in length; and in the upper portion + it carries a stone water-course—as an elder tree has in it a vein of + pith-which supplies water to the island of Pharos.” + </p> + <p> + “What a pity it is,” said Antinous, “that we cannot overlook from here the + whole of the structure with the men and the vehicles that swarm upon it + like busy ants. That little island and the narrow tongue of land that runs + out into the harbor with the tall slender building at the end of it, half + hide it.” + </p> + <p> + “But they serve to vary the picture,” replied the Emperor. “Cleopatra + often dwelt in the little castle on the island with its harbor, and in + that tall tower on the northern side of the peninsula, round which, just + now, the blue waves are playing, while the gulls and pigeons fly happily + over it—there Antony retreated after the fight of Actium.” + </p> + <p> + “To forget his disgrace!” exclaimed Antinous. + </p> + <p> + “He named it his Timonareum, because he hoped there to remain unmolested + by other human beings, like the wise misanthrope of Athens. How would it + be if I called Lochias my Timonareum?” + </p> + <p> + “No man need try to hide fame and greatness.” + </p> + <p> + “Who told you that it was shame that led Antony to hide himself in that + place?” asked the imperial sophist; “he proved often enough, at the head + of his cavalry, that he was a brave soldier; and though at Actium, when + all was still going well, he let his ship be turned, it was out of no fear + of swords and spears, but because Fate compelled him to subjugate his + strong will to the wishes of a woman with whose destiny his was linked.” + </p> + <p> + “Then do you excuse his conduct?” + </p> + <p> + “I only seek to account for it, and never, for a moment, could allow + myself to believe that shame ever prompted a single act in Antony. I—do + you suppose I could ever blush? Nay, we cease to feel shame when we have + lived to feel such profound contempt for the world.” + </p> + <p> + “But why then should Marc Antony have shut himself up, in yonder + sea-washed prison?” + </p> + <p> + “Because, to every true man, who has dissipated whole years of his life + with women, jesters and flatterers, a moment comes of satiety and + loathing. In such an hour he feels that of all the men under the lights of + heaven, he, himself, is the only one with whom it is worth his while to + commune. After Actium, this was what Antony felt, and he quitted the + society of men in order to find himself for once in good company.” + </p> + <p> + “It is that, no doubt, which drives you now and again into solitude.” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt-but you are always allowed to follow me.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you regard me as better than others,” exclaimed Antinous joyfully. + </p> + <p> + “As more beautiful at any rate,” replied Hadrian kindly. “Ask me some more + questions.” + </p> + <p> + But Antinous needed a few minutes pause before he could comply with this + desire. At last he recollected himself and proceeded to inquire why most + of the vessels were moored in the harbor beyond the Heptastadion, known as + Eunostus. The entrance there was less dangerous than that between the + Pharos and the point of Lochias which led into the eastern landing-places. + And then Hadrian could give him information as to every building in the + city about which his companion evinced any curiosity. But when the Emperor + had pointed out the Soma, under which rested the remains of Alexander the + Great, he became thoughtful, and said, as if to himself: + </p> + <p> + “The Great—We may well envy the young Macedonian; not the mere name + of Great, for many of small worth have had it bestowed on them, but + because he really earned it!” + </p> + <p> + There was not a question put by the handsome Bithynian that Hadrian could + not answer; Antinous followed all his explanations with growing + astonishment, exclaiming at last: + </p> + <p> + “How perfectly well you know this place—and yet you never were here + before.” + </p> + <p> + “It is one of the greatest pleasures of travelling,” replied Hadrian, + “that on our journeys we come to know many things in their actuality of + which we have formed an idea from books and narratives. This requires us + to compare the reality with the pictures in our own minds, seen with the + inward eye, before we saw the reality. It is to me a far smaller pleasure + to be surprised by something new and unexpected than to make myself more + closely acquainted with something I know already sufficiently to deem it + worthy to be known better. Do you understand what I mean?” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure I do. We hear of a thing, and when we afterwards see it we ask + ourselves whether we have conceived of it rightly. But I always picture + people or places which I hear much praised, as much more beautiful than I + ever find the reality.” + </p> + <p> + “The balance of difference, which is to the disadvantage of reality,” + answered Hadrian, “stands not so much to its discredit, as to the credit + of the eager and beautifying power of your youthful imagination. I—I—” + and the Emperor stroked his beard and gazed out into the distance. “I + learn by experience that the older I grow, the more often I find it + possible so to imagine men, places, and things that I have not seen as + that when I meet them in real life for the first time, I feel justified in + fancying that I have known them long since, visited them, and beheld them + with my bodily eyes. Here, for instance, I feel as if I saw nothing new, + but only gazed once more at what has long been familiar. But that is no + wonder, for I know my Strabo, and have heard and read a hundred accounts + of this city. Still there are many things which are quite strange to me, + and yet as they come before me make me feel as if I had seen or known them + long ago.” + </p> + <p> + “I have felt something like that,” said Antinous. “Can our souls have ever + lived in other bodies, and sometimes recall the impressions made in that + former existence? + </p> + <p> + “Favorinus once told me that some great philosopher, Plato, I think, + asserts that before we are born our souls are wafted about in the + firmament that they may contemplate the earth on which they are destined + subsequently to dwell. Favorinus says too—” + </p> + <p> + “Favorinus!” cried Hadrian, evasively. “That graceful elocutionist has + plenty of skill in giving new and captivating forms to the thoughts of the + great philosophers; but he has not been able to surprise the secret of his + own soul—besides, he talks too much, and he cannot dispense with the + excitement of life.” + </p> + <p> + “Still you have recognized the phenomenon, but you disapprove of + Favorinus’ explanation of it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, for I have met men and things as old acquaintances which never saw + the light till long after I was born. Possibly my own interpretation may + not adapt itself to the consciousness of all—but in myself, I know + for certain, there dwells a mysterious something which stirs and works in + me independently of myself, which enters into me, and takes its departure + at its will. Call it as you will, my Daimon, or even my Genius—the + name matters not. Nor will this ‘something’ always come at my bidding, + while it often possesses me when I least expect it. In those moments when + it stirs within me, I am master of much which is peculiar to the + experience and potentiality of that hour. What is known to that Daimon + always appears to me the very same when I actually meet it. Thus + Alexandria is not unknown to me, because my Genius has seen it in his + flights. It has learnt and done much, both in me and for me; a hundred + times, face to face with my own finished works I have asked myself: ‘Is it + possible that you—Hadrian—your mother’s son-can have achieved + this? What then is the mysterious power that aided you to do it?’ Now I + also recognize it, and can see it work in others. The man in whom it + dwells soon excels his fellows, and it is most manifest in artists. Or is + it that mere common men become great artists simply because the Genius + selects them as his temple to dwell in? Do you follow me, boy?” + </p> + <p> + “Not altogether,” replied Antinous, and his large eyes which had sparkled + brightly so long as he gazed with the Emperor on the city, were now cast + down and fixed wearily on the ground. “Do not be angry with me, my Lord, + but I shall never understand such things as these, for there is no man + with whom your Genius, as you term it, has less concern than with me. + Thoughts of my own have I none, and it is difficult to me to follow the + thoughts of others; indeed I should like to know how I am ever to do + anything right. When I want to work, to work something out, no Daimon + helps my soul; no—it feels quite helpless, and drifts into + dreaminess. And if I ever do complete anything, I am obliged to own to + myself that I certainly might have been able to do it better.” + </p> + <p> + “Self-knowledge,” laughed Hadrian, “is the climax of wisdom. A man has + done something if he has only added a ‘thing of beauty’ to the joys of a + friend’s imagination; what others do by hard work you do by mere + existence. Be quiet, Argus!” For, while he was speaking, the hound had + risen, and had gone snarling to the door. In spite of his master’s orders + he broke into a loud bark when he heard a steady knock at the door. + Hadrian looked round in bewilderment, and asked: “Where is Mastor?” + </p> + <p> + Antinous shouted the slave’s name into the Emperor’s bedroom, which was + next to the living-room, but in vain. “He generally is always at hand, and + as brisk as a lark, but to-day he looked as if in a dream, and while he + was dressing me he first let my shoe fall out of his hand and then my + brooch.” + </p> + <p> + “I read him yesterday a letter from Rome. His young wife has gone away + with a ship’s captain.” + </p> + <p> + “We may wish him joy of being free again.” + </p> + <p> + “It does not seem to afford him any satisfaction.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! a handsome lad like my body-slave can find as many substitutes as he + likes.” + </p> + <p> + “But he has not done so. For the present he is still smarting under his + loss.” + </p> + <p> + “How wise! There, some one is knocking again. Just see who ventures—but + to be sure any one has a right to knock, for at Lochias I am not the + Emperor, but a simple private gentleman. Lie down Argus, are you crazy, + old fellow? Why the dog maintains my dignity better than I do, and he does + not seem altogether to like the architect’s part I am playing.” + </p> + <p> + Antinous had already raised his hand to lift the handle, when the door was + gently opened from outside, and the steward’s slave stood on the + threshold. The old negro presented a lamentable spectacle. The Emperor’s + dignified and awe-compelling figure, and his favorite’s rich garments made + him feel embarrassed, and the hound’s threatening growl filled him with + such terror that he huddled his lean negro-legs together, and, as far as + its length would allow, tried to cover them for protection with his + threadbare tunic. + </p> + <p> + Hadrian gazed in astonishment at this image of fear, and then asked: + </p> + <p> + “Well! what do you want, fellow?” + </p> + <p> + The slave attempted to advance a step or two, but at a loud command from + Hadrian he stood still, and as he looked down at his flat feet, he + ruefully scratched his short-cropped grey hair, some of which had fallen + off and left a bald patch. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” repeated Hadrian, in a tone which was anything rather than + encouraging, as he relaxed his hold on the hound’s collar in a somewhat + suspicious manner. The slave’s bent knees began to quake, and holding out + his broad palm to the grey-bearded gentleman, who seemed to him hardly + less alarming than the dog, he began to stammer out in fearfully-mutilated + Greek the speech which his master had repeated to him several times, and + which set forth that he had come “into the presence of the architect, + Claudius Venator, of Rome, to announce the visit of his master, a member + of the town-council, a Macedonian, and a Roman citizen, Keraunus, the son + of Ptolemy, steward of the once royal but now imperial palace at Lochias.” + </p> + <p> + Hadrian unrelentingly allowed the poor wretch to finish his speech, + rubbing his hands with amusement, while the sweat of anguish stood on the + old slave’s face, and to prolong the delightful joke, he took good care + not to help the miserable old man when his unaccustomed tongue came to + some insuperable difficulty. When, at length, the negro had finished the + pompous announcement, Hadrian said, kindly: + </p> + <p> + “Tell your master he may come in.” + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had the slave left the room, when the sovereign, turning to his + favorite, exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “This is a delicious joke! What will the Jupiter be like, when the eagle + is such a bird as this!” + </p> + <p> + Keraunus was not long to wait for. While pacing up and down the passage + outside the Emperor’s room, his bad humor had risen considerably, for he + took it as a slight on the part of the architect, that he should allow him—whose + birth and dignities he would have learnt from his slave—to wait + several minutes, each of which seemed to him a quarter of an hour. His + expectation too, that the Roman would come to conduct him in person into + his apartment was by no means fulfilled, for the slave’s message was + briefly—“He may come in.” + </p> + <p> + “Did he say may? Did he not say ‘please to come in, or have the goodness + to come in?’” asked the steward. + </p> + <p> + “He may come in—was what he said,” replied the slave. + </p> + <p> + Keraunus grunted out, “Well!” set his gold circlet straight on his head + which he held very upright, crossed his arms over his broad chest with a + sigh, and ordered the black man: + </p> + <p> + “Open the door.” + </p> + <p> + The steward crossed the threshold with much dignity: then, not to commit + any breach of courtesy, he bowed low, and was about to begin to utter his + reprimand in cutting terms, when a glance at the Emperor and at the + splendid decoration which the room had undergone since the day previous, + not to mention the very unpleasant growling of the big dog, prompted him + to strike a milder string. His slave had followed him and had sought a + safe corner near the door, between the wall of the room and a couch, but + he himself, conquering his alarm at the dog, went forward some distance + into the room. The Emperor had seated himself on the window-sill; he + pressed his foot lightly on the head of the dog, and gazed at Keraunus as + at some remarkable curiosity. His eye thus met that of the steward and + made him clearly understand that he had to do with a greater personage + than he had expected. There was something imposing in the person of the + man who sat before him; for this very reason, however, his pride stood on + tiptoe, and he asked in a tone of swaggering dignity, though not so + sharply and abruptly as he had intended. + </p> + <p> + “Am I standing before the new visitor to Lochias, the architect Claudius + Venator of Rome?” + </p> + <p> + “You are—standing—” replied the Emperor, with a roguish side + glance at Antinous. + </p> + <p> + “You have met with a friendly reception to this palace. Like my fathers, + who have enjoyed the stewardship of it for centuries, I know how to + exercise the sacred duties of hospitality.” + </p> + <p> + “I am surprised to hear of the high antiquity of your family and bow to + your pious sentiments,” answered Hadrian, in the same tone as the steward. + “What farther may I learn from you?” + </p> + <p> + “I did not come here to relate history,” said Keraunus, whose gall rose as + he thought he detected a mocking smile on the stranger’s lips. “I did not + come here to tell stories, but to complain that you, as a warmly-welcomed + guest, show so little anxiety to protect your host from injury.” + </p> + <p> + “How is that?” asked Hadrian, rising from his seat and signing to Antinous + to hold back the hound, which manifested a peculiar aversion to the + steward. It no doubt detected that he had come to show no special + friendliness to his owner. + </p> + <p> + “Is that dangerous dog, gnashing its teeth there, your property?” asked + Keraunus. + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “This morning it threw down my daughter and smashed a costly pitcher, + which she is fond of carrying to fetch water in the dawn.” + </p> + <p> + “I heard of that misadventure,” said Hadrian, “and I would give much if I + could undo it. The vessel shall be amply made good to you.” + </p> + <p> + “I beg you not to add insult to the injury, we have suffered by your + fault. A father whose daughter has been knocked down and hurt—” + </p> + <p> + “Then, Argus actually bit her?” cried Antinous, horrified. + </p> + <p> + “No,” Keraunus replied. “But as she fell her head and foot have been + injured, and she is suffering much pain.” + </p> + <p> + “That is very sad,” said Hadrian, “and as I am not ignorant of the healing + art, I will gladly try to help the poor girl.” + </p> + <p> + “I pay a professional leech, who attends me and mine,” replied the + steward, in a repellant tone, “and I came hither to request—or, to + be frank with you—to require—” + </p> + <p> + “What?” + </p> + <p> + “First, that my pardon shall be asked.” + </p> + <p> + “That, the artist, Claudius Venator, is always ready to do when any one + has suffered damage by his fault. What has happened—I repeat it—grieves + me sincerely, and I beg you tell the maiden to whom the accident happened, + that her pain is mine. What more do you desire?” + </p> + <p> + The steward’s features had calmed down at these last words, and he + answered with less excitement than before: + </p> + <p> + “I must request you to chain up your dog, or to shut it up, or in some way + to keep it from mischief.” + </p> + <p> + “That is pretty strong!” cried the Emperor. + </p> + <p> + “It is only a reasonable demand, and I must stand by it,” replied Keraunus + decidedly. “Neither I—nor my children’s lives are safe, so long as + this wild beast is prowling about at pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + Hadrian had, ere now, erected monuments to deceased favorites, both dogs + and horses, and his faithful Argus was no less dear to him, than other + four-footed companions have been to other childless men; hence the queer + fat man’s demand seemed to him so audacious and monstrous, that he + indignantly exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Folly!—the dog shall be watched, but nothing farther.” + </p> + <p> + “You will chain him up,” replied Keraunus, with an angry, glare, “or + someone will be found who will make him harmless forever.” + </p> + <p> + “That will be an evil attempt for the cowardly murderer!” cried Hadrian. + “Eh! Argus, what do you think?” + </p> + <p> + At these words the dog drew himself up, and would have sprung at the + steward’s throat if his master and Antinous had not held him back. + </p> + <p> + Keraunus felt that the dog had threatened him, but at this instant he + would have let himself be torn by him without wincing, so completely was + he overmastered by the fury born of his injured pride. + </p> + <p> + “And am I—I too, to be hunted down by a dog, in this house?” he + cried defiantly, setting his left fist on his hip. “Every thing has its + limits, and so has my patience with a guest who, in spite of his ripe age + forgets due consideration. I will inform the prefect Titianus of your + proceedings here, and when the Emperor arrives he shall know—” + </p> + <p> + “What?” laughed Hadrian. + </p> + <p> + “The way you behave to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Till then the dog shall stay where it is, and really under due restraint. + But I can tell you man, that Hadrian is as much a friend of dogs as I am—and + fonder of me than even of dogs.” + </p> + <p> + “We will see,” growled Keraunus, “I or the dog!” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid it will be the dog then.” + </p> + <p> + “And Rome will see a fresh revolt,” cried Keraunus, rolling his eyes. “You + took Egypt from the Ptolemies.” + </p> + <p> + “And with very good reason—besides that is a stale old story.” + </p> + <p> + “Justice is never stale, like a bad debt.” + </p> + <p> + “At any rate it perishes with persons it concerns; there have been no + Lagides left here—how many years?” + </p> + <p> + “So you believe, because it suits your ends to believe it,” replied the + steward. “In the man who stands before you flows the blood of the + Macedonian rulers of this country. My eldest son bears the name of + Ptolemaeus Helios—that borne by the last of the Lagides, who + perished as you pretend.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear, good, blind Helios!” interrupted the black slave; for he was + accustomed to avail himself of the hapless child’s name as a protection, + when Keraunus was in a doubtful humor. + </p> + <p> + “Then the last descendant of the Ptolemies is blind!” laughed the Emperor. + “Rome may ignore his claims. But I will inform the Emperor how dangerous a + pretender this roof yet harbors.” + </p> + <p> + “Denounce me, accuse me, calumniate me!” cried the steward, + contemptuously. “But I will not let myself be trodden on. Patience—patience! + you will live to know me yet.” + </p> + <p> + “And you, the blood-hound,” replied Hadrian, “if you do not this instant + quit the room with your mouthing crow—” + </p> + <p> + Keraunus signed to his slave and without greeting his foe in any way, + turned his back upon him. He paused for a moment at the door of the room + and cried out to Hadrian: + </p> + <p> + “Rely upon this, I shall complain to the Council and write to Caesar how + you presume to behave to a Macedonian citizen.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as the steward had quitted the room, Hadrian freed the dog, which + flew raging at the door which was closed between him and the object of his + aversion. Hadrian ordered him to be quiet, and then turning to his + companion, he exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “A perfect monster of a man! to the last degree ridiculous, and at the + same time repulsive. How his rage seethed in him, and yet could not break + out fairly and thoroughly. I am always on my guard with such obstinate + fools. Pay attention to my Argus, and remember, we are in Egypt, the land + of poison, as Homer long since said. Mastor must keep his eyes open—Here + he is at last.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. + </h2> + <p> + After the Emperor’s body-slave had started up to go to the aid of Selene, + who was attacked by his sovereign’s dog, something had happened to him + which he could not forget; he had received an impression which he could + not wipe out, and words and tones had stirred his mind and soul which + incessantly echoed in them, so that it was in a preoccupied and + half-dreamy way that he had done his master those little services which he + was accustomed to perform every morning, briskly and with complete + attention. + </p> + <p> + Summer and winter Mastor was accustomed to leave his master’s bedroom + before sunrise to prepare everything that Hadrian could need when he rose + from his slumbers. There was the gold plating to clean on the narrow + greaves and the leather straps which belonged to his master’s military + boots, his clothes to air and to perfume with the slight, hardly + perceptible scent that he liked, but the preparations for Hadrian’s bath + were what took up most of his time. At Lochias there were not as yet—as + there were in the imperial palace at Rome—properly-filled baths; + still his servant knew that here, as there, his master would use a due + abundance of water. He had been told that if he required anything for his + master he was to apply to Pontius. Him he found, without seeking him, + outside the room meant for Hadrian’s sitting-room, to which, while the + Emperor still slept, he was endeavoring, with the help of his assistants, + to give a comfortable and pleasing aspect. The architect referred the + slave to the workmen who were busy laying the pavement in the forecourt of + the palace; these men would carry in for him as much water as ever he + could need. The body-servant’s position relieved him of such humble + duties, still, when on the chase, when travelling, or as need arose, he + was accustomed to perform them unasked, and very willingly. + </p> + <p> + The sun had not yet risen when he went out into the court, a number of + slaves were lying on their mats asleep, others had camped round a fire and + were waiting for their early broth, which was being stirred with wooden + sticks by an old man and a boy. Mastor would not disturb either group; he + went up to a party of workmen, who seemed to be talking together, and yet + remained attentive to the speech of an old man who was evidently telling + them a story. + </p> + <p> + The poor fellow’s heart was heavy and his mind was little bent on tales + and amusements. All life was embittered. The services required of him + usually seemed to him of paramount importance, beyond everything else; but + to-day it was different. He had an obscure feeling as though fate herself + had released him from all his duties, as if misfortune had cut the bonds + which bound him to his service to the Emperor, and had made him an + isolated and lonely being. It even came into his head whether he should + not take in his hand all the gold pieces given him sometimes by Hadrian, + or which the wealthy folks who wished to be the foremost of those + introduced into the Emperor’s presence, after waiting in the antechamber, + had flung to him or slipped into his hand—make his escape and + carouse away all that he possessed in the taverns of the great city, in + wine and the gay company of women. It was all the same to him what might + happen to him. + </p> + <p> + If he were caught he would probably be flogged to death; but he had had + kicks and blows in plenty before he had got into the Emperor’s service, + nay; when he was brought to Rome he had once even been hunted with dogs. + If he lost his life, after all what would it matter? He would have done + with it then, once for all, and the future offered him no prospect but + perpetual fatigue in the service of a restless master, anxiety and + contempt. He was a thoroughly good-hearted being who could not bear to + hurt any one, and who found it equally hard to disturb a fellow-man in his + pleasures or amusement. He felt particularly disinclined to do so just + now, for a wounded soul is keenly alive to the moods and feelings of + others; so, as he approached the group of workmen, from among whom he + proposed to choose his water-carrier, he determined that he would not + interrupt the story-teller, on whose lips the gaze of his audience was + riveted with interest. + </p> + <p> + The glare of the blaze under the soup-kettle fell full on the speaker’s + face. He was an old laborer, but his long hair proclaimed him a freeman. + His abundant white beard induced Mastor to suppose that he must be a Jew + or a Phoenician, but there was nothing remarkable in the old man, who was + dressed in a poor and scanty tunic, excepting his peculiarly brilliant + eyes, which were immovably fixed on the heavens, and the oblique position + in which he held his head, supporting it on the left side with his raised + hands. + </p> + <p> + “And now,” said the speaker, dropping his arms, “let us go back to our + labors, my brethren. ‘In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread,’ it + is written. It is often hard to us old men to heave stones and bend our + stiff backs for so long together, but we are nearer than you younger ones + to the happy future. Life is not easy to all of us, but it is we who labor + and are heavy laden—we above all others—that the Lord has + bidden to be his guests, and not last among us the slaves.” + </p> + <p> + “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will refresh + you,” interrupted one of the younger men repeating the words of Christ. + </p> + <p> + “Yea, thus saith the Saviour,” said the old man approvingly, “and he + surely then was thinking of us. I said just now our load is not light, but + how much heavier was the burden he took upon him of his own free will to + release us from woe. Every one must work, nay even Caesar himself, but he + who could dwell in the glory of his Father let himself be mocked and + scorned and spit in the face, let the crown of thorns be pressed on his + suffering head, bore his heavy cross, sinking under its weight, and + endured a death of torment, and all for our sakes, without a murmur. But + he suffered not in vain, for God accepted the sacrifice of his Son, and + did his will and said, ‘All that believe on Him should not perish, but + have everlasting life.’ And though a new and weary day is now beginning, + and though it should be followed by a thousand wearier still, though death + is the end of life—still we believe in our Redeemer, we have God’s + word bidding us out of sorrows and sufferings into his Heaven, promising + us for a brief time of misery in this world, endless ages of joy.—Now + go to work. Our sturdy friend Krates will work for you dear Knakias until + your finger is healed. When the bread is distributed remember, each of + you, the children of our poor deceased brother Philammon. You, poor + Gibbus, will find your labors bitter to-day. This man’s master, my dear + brethren, sold both his daughters yesterday to a dealer from Smyrna; but + if you never see them again in Egypt, or in any other country, my friend, + you will meet them in the home of your Heavenly Father—of that you + may rest assured. Our life on earth is but a pilgrimage, and Heaven is the + goal, and the Guide who teaches us never to miss the way, is our Saviour. + Weariness and toil, sorrow and suffering are easy to bear, to him who + knows that when the solemn hour is near, the King of Kings shall throw + open his dwelling-place, and invite him to enter as a favored guest to + inhabit there, where all we have loved have found joy and rest.” + </p> + <p> + “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will refresh + you,” said a man’s loud voice again from the circle that sat round the old + man. The old man stood up, signed to a boy who distributed the bread in + equal shares to the workmen, and took up a jar with handles, out of which + he filled a large wooden cup with wine. + </p> + <p> + Not a word of this discourse had escaped Mastor, and the often repeated + verse, “Come unto me all ye that labor,” dwelt in his mind like the + invitation of a hospitable friend bidding him to happy days of freedom and + enjoyment. A distant gleam shone through the weight of his troubles, + seeming to promise the dawn of a new day, and he reverently went up to the + old man, in the first place to ask him if he was the overseer of the + workmen who stood round him. + </p> + <p> + “I am,” replied the old man, and as soon as he learnt what Mastor required + as a commission from the controlling architect, he pointed out some young + slaves who quickly brought the water that he needed. + </p> + <p> + Pontius met the Emperor’s servant and his water-carriers and remarked, + loudly enough for Mastor to understand him, to Pollux who was with him: + </p> + <p> + “The architect’s servant is getting Christians to wait upon his master + to-day. They are regular and sober workmen who do their duty silently and + well.” + </p> + <p> + While Mastor was giving his master towels, and helping to dry and dress + him, he was far less attentive than usual, for he could not get the words + he had heard from the overseer’s lips out of his mind. He had not + understood them all, but he had fully comprehended that there was a kind + and loving God who had suffered in his own person the utmost torments, who + was especially gracious to the poor, the miserable, and the bondsman, and + who promised to refresh them and comfort them, and to re-unite them to + those who had once been dear to them. “Come unto me,” sounded again and + again in his ears, and struck so warmly to his heart that he could not + help thinking first of his mother, who, so many a time, when he was a + child, had called to him only to clasp him in her arms as he ran towards + her, and to press him to her heart. Just so had he often called his poor + little dead son, and the feeling that there could be any one who might + still call to him—the forsaken lonely man—with loving words to + release him from his griefs, to reunite him to his mother, his father, and + all the dear ones left behind in his lost and distant home, took half the + bitterness from his pain. + </p> + <p> + He was accustomed to listen to all that was said in the Emperor’s + presence, and year by year he had learnt to understand more of what he + heard. He had often heard the Christians discussed, and usually as deluded + but dangerous fools. Many of his fellow-slaves, too, he had heard called + Christian idiots, but still not unfrequently very reasonable men, and + sometimes even Hadrian himself, had taken the part of the Christians. + </p> + <p> + This was the first time that Mastor had heard from their own lips what + they believed and hoped, and now, while fulfilling his duties he could + hardly bear the delay before he could once more seek out the old + pavement-worker, to enquire of him, and to have the hopes confirmed which + his words had aroused in his soul. + </p> + <p> + No sooner had Hadrian and Antinous gone into the living-room than Mastor + had hastened off across the court to find the Christians. There he tried + to open a conversation with the overseer concerning his faith, but the old + man answered that there was a season for everything; just now he could not + interrupt the work, but that he might come again after sundown, and that + he then would tell him of Him who had promised to refresh the + sorrow-laden. + </p> + <p> + Mastor thought no more of making his escape. When he appeared again in his + master’s presence there was such a sunny light in his blue eyes that + Hadrian left the angry words he had prepared for him unspoken, and cried + to Antinous, laughing and pointing to the slave: + </p> + <p> + “I really believe the rascal has consoled himself already, and found a new + mate. Let us, too, follow the precept of Horace, so far as we may, and + enjoy the present day. The poet may let the future go as it will, but I + cannot, for, unfortunately, I am the Emperor.” + </p> + <p> + “And Rome may thank the gods that you are,” replied Antinous. + </p> + <p> + “What happy phrases the boy hits upon sometimes,” said Hadrian with a + laugh, and he stroked the lad’s brown curls. “Now till noon I must work + with Phlegon and Titianus, whom I am expecting, and then perhaps we may + find something to laugh at. Ask the tall sculptor there behind the + screens, at what hour Balbilla is to sit to him for her bust. We must also + inspect the architect’s work, and that of the Alexandrian artists by + daylight; that, their zeal has well deserved.” + </p> + <p> + Hadrian retired to the room where his private secretary had ready for him + the despatches and papers for Rome and the provinces, which the Emperor + was required to read and to sign. Antinous remained alone in the + sitting-room, and for an hour he continued to gaze at the ships which came + to anchor in the harbor, or sailed out of the roads, and amused himself + with watching the swift boats which swarmed round the larger vessels, like + wasps round ripe fruit. He listened to the songs of the sailors, and the + music of the flute-players, to the measured beat of the oars, which came + up from the triremes in the private harbor of the Emperor as they went out + to sea. Even the pure blue of the sky and the warmth of the delicious + morning were a pleasure to him, and he asked himself whether the smell of + tar, which pervaded the seaport, were agreeable or not. + </p> + <p> + Presently as the sun mounted in the sky, its bright sphere dazzled him; he + left the window with a yawn, stretched himself on a couch, and stared + absently up at the ceiling of the room without thinking of the subject + which the faded picture on it was intended to represent. + </p> + <p> + Idleness had long since grown to be the occupation of his life; but + accustomed to it as he was, he was sometimes conscious of its dark + attendant shadow ennui—as of a disagreeable and intrusive + interruption to the enjoyment of life. Generally in such lonely hours of + idle reverie his thoughts reverted to his belongings in Bithynia, of whom + he never dared to speak before the Emperor, or perhaps of the hunting + excursions he had made with Hadrian, of the slaughtered game, of the fish + he—an experienced angler—had caught, or such like. What the + future might bring him troubled him not, for to the love of creativeness, + to ambition—to all, in short, that bore any resemblance to a + passionate excitement his soul had, so far, remained a stranger. The + admiration which was universally excited by his beauty gave him no + pleasure, and many a time he felt as though it was not worth while to stir + a limb or draw a breath. Almost everything he saw was indifferent to him + excepting a kind word from the lips of the Emperor, whom he regarded as + great above all other men, whom he feared as Destiny incarnate, and to + whom he felt himself bound as intimately as the flower to the tree, the + blossom that must die when the stem is broken, on which it flaunts as an + ornament and a grace. + </p> + <p> + But, to-day, as he flung himself on the divan his visions took a new + direction. He could not help thinking of the pale girl whom he had saved + from the jaws of the blood-hound—of the white cold hand which for an + instant had clung to his neck—of the cold words with which she had + afterwards repelled him. + </p> + <p> + Antinous began to long violently to see Selene. That same Antinous, to + whom in all the cities he had visited with the Emperor, and in Rome + particularly, the noble fair ones had sent branches of flowers and tender + letters, and who nevertheless, since the day when he left his home, had + never felt for any woman or girl half so tender a sentiment, as for the + hunter the Emperor had given him, or for the big dog. This girl stood + before his memory like breathing marble. Perchance the man might be doomed + to death who should rest on her cold breast, but such a death must be full + of ecstasy, and it seemed to him that it would be far more blissful to die + with the blood frozen in his veins, than of the too rapid throbbing of his + heart. + </p> + <p> + “Selene,” he murmured, now and again, with soft hesitation; a strange + unrest foreign to his calm nature seemed to propagate itself through all + his limbs, and he who commonly would be stretched on a couch for hours + without stirring, lost in dreams, now sprang up and paced the room, + sighing deeply, and with long strides. + </p> + <p> + It was a passionate longing for Selene that drove him up and down, and his + wish to see her again crystallized into resolve, and prompted him to + contrive the ways and means of meeting her once more before the Emperor’s + return. + </p> + <p> + Simply to invade her father’s lodging without farther ceremony, seemed to + him out of the question, and yet he was certain of finding her there, + since her injured foot would of course keep her at home. Should he once + more go to the steward with a request for bread and salt? But he dared not + ask anything of Keraunus in Hadrian’s name after the scene which had so + recently taken place. Should he go there to carry her a new pitcher in the + place of the broken one? But that would only freshly enrage the arrogant + official. + </p> + <p> + Should he—should he—should he not? But no, it was quite + impossible—still, that no doubt—that was the right idea. In + his medicine-chest there were a few extracts which had been given to him + by the Emperor; he would offer her one of these to dilute with water and + apply to her bruised foot. And this act of sympathy could not displease + even his master, who liked to prove his healing art on the sick or + suffering. He at once called Mastor, and desired him to take charge of the + hound which had followed his steps as he paced the room, then he went into + his sleeping-room, took out a phial of a most costly essence, which + Hadrian had given him on his last birthday, and which had formerly + belonged to Trajan’s wife, Kotina, and then proceeded to the steward’s + rooms. On the steps where he had found Selene, he found the black slave + with some children. The old man had sat down them and got no farther for + fear of the Roman’s dog. Antinous went up to him and begged him to guide + him to his master’s quarters, and the negro immediately showed him the + way, opened the door of the antechamber, and pointing to the living-room + said: + </p> + <p> + “There—but Keraunus is absent.” + </p> + <p> + Without troubling himself any further about Antinous the slave went back + to the children, but the Bithyman stood irresolute, with his flask in his + hand, for besides Selene’s voice he heard that of another girl and the + deeper tones of a man. He was still hesitating when Arsinoe’s loud + exclamation of “Who’s there?” obliged him to advance. + </p> + <p> + In the sitting-room Selene was standing dressed in a long light-colored + robe with a veil over her head, as if prepared to go out, but Arsinoe was + perched on the edge of a table, in such a way as that the tips of her toes + only touched the ground, and on the table lay a quantity of old-fashioned + things. Before her stood a Phoenician, of middle age, holding in his hand + a finely-carved cup; apparently he was in treaty for it with the young + girl. + </p> + <p> + Keraunus had been again to-day to a dealer in curiosities, but he had not + found him at home, so he had left word at his shop that Hiram might call + upon him in his rooms at Lochias, where he could show him several valuable + rarities. The Phoenician had arrived before the return of the steward + himself, who had been detained at a meeting of the town council, and + Arsinoe was displaying her father’s treasures, whose beauties she was + extolling with much eloquence. Hiram unfortunately offered a no higher + price than Gabinius, whom the steward had sent off so indignantly the + previous evening. + </p> + <p> + Selene had been convinced from the first of the bootlessness of the + attempt, and was now anxious to bring the transaction to a speedy + conclusion, as the hour was approaching when she and Arsinoe had to go to + the papyrus factory. To her sister’s refusal to accompany her, and to the + old slave-woman’s entreaty that she would rest her foot, at any rate for + to-day, she had responded only with a resolute, “I am going.” + </p> + <p> + The appearance of the youth on the scene occasioned the girls some + embarrassment. Selene recognized him at once, Arsinoe thought him handsome + but awkward, while the curiosity-dealer gazed at him in perfect + admiration, and was the first to offer him a greeting. Antinous returned + it, bowed to the sisters, and then said turning to Selene: + </p> + <p> + “We heard that your head was cut, and your foot hurt, and as we were + guilty of your mishap, we venture to offer you this phial which contains a + good remedy for such injuries.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” replied the girl. “But I feel already so well that I shall + try to go out.” + </p> + <p> + “That you certainly ought not to do,” said Antinous, beseechingly. + </p> + <p> + “I must,” replied Selene, gravely. + </p> + <p> + “Then, at any rate, take the phial to use for a lotion when you return. + Ten drops in such a cup as that, full of water.” + </p> + <p> + “I can try it when I come in.” + </p> + <p> + “Do so, and you will see how healing it is. You are not vexed with us any + longer?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad of that!” cried the boy, fixing his large dreamy eyes on Selene + with silent passion. This gaze displeased her, and she said more coldly + than before to the Bithyman. + </p> + <p> + “To whom shall I give the phial when I have used the stuff in it?” + </p> + <p> + “Keep it, pray keep it,” begged Antinous. “It is pretty, and will be twice + as precious in my eyes when it belongs to you.” + </p> + <p> + “It is pretty-but I do not wish for presents.” + </p> + <p> + “Then destroy it when you have done with it. You have not forgiven us our + dog’s bad behavior, and we are sincerely sorry that our dog—” + </p> + <p> + “I am not vexed with you. Arsinoe pour the medicine into a saucer.” + </p> + <p> + The steward’s younger daughter immediately obeyed, and noticing as she did + so, how pretty the phial was, sparkling with various colors, she said + frankly enough: + </p> + <p> + “If my sister will not have it, give it to me. How can you make such a + pother about nothing, Selene?” + </p> + <p> + “Take it,” said Antinous, looking anxiously at the ground, for it had now + just occurred to him how highly the Emperor had valued this little bottle, + and that he might possibly ask him some time what had become of it. Selene + shrugged her shoulders, and drawing her veil round her head, she + exclaimed, with a glance of annoyance at her sister: + </p> + <p> + “It is high time!” + </p> + <p> + “I am not going to-day,” replied Arsinoe, defiantly, “and it is folly for + you to walk a quarter of a mile with your swollen foot.” + </p> + <p> + “It would be wiser to take some care of it,” observed the dealer, + politely, and Antinous anxiously added: + </p> + <p> + “If you increase your own suffering you will add to our self-reproach.” + </p> + <p> + “I must go,” Selene repeated resolutely, “and you with me, sister.” + </p> + <p> + It was not out of mere wilfulness that she spoke, it was bitter necessity, + that forced her to utter the words. To-day, at any rate, she must not miss + going to the papyrus factory, for the week’s wages for her work and + Arsinoe’s were to be paid. Besides, the next day, and for four days after, + the workshops and counting-house would be closed, for the Emperor had + announced to the wealthy proprietor his intention of visiting them, and in + his honor various dilapidations in the old rooms were to be repaired, and + various decorations added to the bare-looking building. Hence, to remain + away from the works to-day meant, not merely the loss of a week’s pay, but + the sacrifice of twelve days, since it had been announced to the + work-people, that as a token of rejoicing, and in honor of the imperial + visit, full pay would be given for the unemployed days; and Selene needed + money to maintain the family, and must therefore persist in her intention. + </p> + <p> + When she saw that Arsinoe showed no sign of accompanying her, she once + more asked with stern determination: + </p> + <p> + “Are you coming?—Yes, or no.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” cried Arsinoe, defiantly, and sitting farther on the table. + </p> + <p> + “Then I am to go alone?” + </p> + <p> + “You are to stay here.” + </p> + <p> + Selene went close up to her sister and looked at her enquiringly and + reproachfully; but Arsinoe adhered to her refusal. She pouted like a sulky + child, and slapping the hand on which she was leaning three times on the + table, she repeated, “No—no—no.” + </p> + <p> + Selene called to the old slave-woman, and desired her to remain in the + sitting-room till her father should return, greeted the dealer politely, + and Antinous with a careless nod, and then left the room. The lad had + followed her, and they both met the children. Selene pulled their dresses + straight, and strictly enjoined them not to go near the corridor on + account of the strange dog. Antinous stroked the blind boy’s pretty curly + head, and then, as Selene was about to descend the stairs, he asked her: + </p> + <p> + “May I help you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said the girl, for at the very first step an acute pain in the + ancle checked her, and she put out her arm to the young man that he might + support her elbow on his hand. But her answer would assuredly have been + “no,” if she had had the smallest feeling of liking for the Emperor’s + favorite; but she bore the image of another in her heart, and did not even + perceive that Antinous was beautiful. The Bithynian’s heart, on the other + hand, had never beaten so violently as during the brief moments when he + was permitted to hold Selene’s arm. He felt intoxicated, while he was + alive to the fact that during the descent of the few steps she was + suffering great pain. + </p> + <p> + “Stay at home, and spare yourself!” he begged her once more in a trembling + voice. + </p> + <p> + “You worry me!” she said, in a tone of vexation. “I must go, and it is not + far.” + </p> + <p> + “May I accompany you?” + </p> + <p> + She laughed aloud and answered somewhat scornfully: + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not. Only conduct me through the corridor that the dog may not + attack me again, then go where you will—but not with me.” + </p> + <p> + He obeyed when at the end of the passage where it opened into a large + hall, he bid her farewell, and she thanked him with a few friendly words. + </p> + <p> + There were two ways out from her father’s rooms into the road, one led + through the rotunda where the Ptolemaic Queens were placed, and across + several terraces up and down steps through the forecourt; the other, on a + level all the way, through the rooms and halls of the palace. She was + forced to choose the latter, for it would have been impossible for her + with her aching foot to clamber up a number of steps without help and down + them again, but she came to this conclusion much against her will, for she + knew what numbers of men were engaged in the works of restoration; and to + get through them safely it struck her that she might ask her old + playfellow to escort her through the crowd of workmen and rough slaves as + far as his parent’s gatehouse. But she did not easily decide on this + course, for, since the afternoon when Pollux had shown her mother’s bust + to Arsinoe before showing it to her, she had felt a grudge towards the + sculptor, who so lately before had touched and opened her weary and + loveless soul; and this sore feeling had not diminished, but had rather + increased with time. At every hour of the day, and whatever she was + occupied in, she could not help repeating to herself, that she had every + reason to be vexed with him. + </p> + <p> + She had stood to him a second time as a model for his work, had spoken to + him many times, and when last they parted had promised to allow him this + very evening to study once more the folds of her mantle. With what + pleasure she had looked forward to each meeting with Pollux, how truly + lovable she had thought him on every fresh occasion; how frankly he too, + expressed his pleasure as often as they met! They had talked of all sorts + of things, even of love, and how eager he had been when he told her that + the only thing she needed to make her happy was a good husband who would + succor and comfort her as she deserved, and as he spoke he had looked at + his own strong hands while she had turned red, and had thought to herself + that if he liked it she would willingly make the experiment of enjoying + life heartily by his side. + </p> + <p> + It seemed to her as though they belonged to each other, as if she had been + born for him alone, and he for her. Why then yesterday had he shown + Arsinoe her mother’s bust before her? + </p> + <p> + Well, now she would ask him plainly whether he had placed it on the + rotunda for her or for her sister, and let him see she was not pleased. + She must tell him, too, that she could not stand as his model that + evening; if only on account of her foot that would be impossible. + </p> + <p> + With increasing pain and effort she crossed the threshold of the hall of + the Muses, and went up to the screen behind which her friend was + concealed. He was not alone, for she heard voices within—and it was + not a man but a woman who was with him; she could hear her clear laugh at + some distance. When she came close up to the screen to call Pollux, the + woman, who was certainly sitting to him as a model, spoke louder than + before, and called out merrily: + </p> + <p> + “But this is delicious! I am to let you fulfil the office of my maid, what + audacity these artists have!” + </p> + <p> + “Say yes,” begged the artist, in the gay and cordial tone which more than + once had helped to ensnare Selene’s heart. “You are beautiful, Balbilla, + but if you would allow me, you might be far handsomer than you are even.” + </p> + <p> + And again there was a merry laugh behind the screen. The pleasant voice + must have hurt poor Selene acutely for she drew up her shoulders, and her + fair features were stamped with an expression of keen suffering, and she + pressed both hands over her heart as she went on past the screen and her + handsome flirting playfellow, limping across the courtyard and into the + road. + </p> + <p> + What tortured the poor child so cruelly? The poverty of her house, and her + bodily pain, which increased at every step, or her numbed and sore heart, + betrayed of her newly-blossoming, last, and fairest hope? + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. + </h2> + <p> + Usually when Selene went out walking, many people looked at her with + admiration, but to-day a couple of street-boys composed her escort. They + ran after her calling out impudently, ‘dot, and go one,’ and tried + ruthlessly to snatch at the loosely-tied sandal on her injured foot, which + tapped the pavement at every step. While Selene was thus making her way + with cruel pain, satisfaction and happiness had visited Arsinoe; for + hardly had Selene and Antinous quitted her father’s apartments, when Hiram + begged her to show him the little bottle which the handsome youth had just + given her. The dealer turned it over and over in the sunlight, tested its + ring, tried to scratch it with the stone in his ring, and then muttered, + “Vasa Murrhma.” + </p> + <p> + The words did not escape the girl’s sharp ears, and she had heard her + father say that the costliest of all the ornamental vessels with which the + wealthy Romans were wont to decorate their reception-rooms, were those + called Vasa Murrhina; so she explained to him at once, that she knew what + high prices were paid for such vases, and that she had no mind to sell it + cheaply. He began to bid, she laughingly demanded ten times the price, and + after a long battle between the dealer and the owner, fought now half in + jest, and now in grave earnest, the Phoenician said: + </p> + <p> + “Two thousand drachmae; not a sesterce more. That is not enough by a long + way, but then it is yours.” + </p> + <p> + “I would hardly have given half to a less fair customer.” + </p> + <p> + “And I only let you have it because you are such a polite man.” + </p> + <p> + “I will send you the money before sundown.” + </p> + <p> + At these words the girl, who had been radiant with surprise and delight, + and who would have liked to throw her arms round the bald-headed + merchant’s neck, or round that of her old slave, who was even less + attractive, or for that matter, would have embraced the world—the + triumphant girl became thoughtful; her father would certainly come home + ere long, and she could not conceal from herself that he would disapprove + of the whole proceeding, and would probably send the phial back to the + young man, and the money to the dealer. She herself would never have asked + the stranger for the bottle if she had had the slightest suspicion of its + value; but now it certainly belonged to her, and if she had given it back + again she would have given no one any pleasure; on the contrary, she would + have offended the stranger, and probably have lost the greatest pleasure + that she had ever enjoyed. + </p> + <p> + What was to be done now? She was still perched on the table; she had taken + her left foot in her right hand, and sitting in this quaint position, she + looked down on the ground as gravely as if she were trying to find an + idea, or a way out of the difficulty, in the pattern on the floor. + </p> + <p> + The dealer for a moment amused himself in studying her bewilderment, which + he thought charming—only wishing that his son, a young painter, were + standing in his place. At last he broke the silence however, saying: + </p> + <p> + “Your father, perhaps, will not agree to our bargain; and yet it is for + him you want the money?” + </p> + <p> + “Who says so?” + </p> + <p> + “Would he have offered me his own treasures if he had not wanted money?” + </p> + <p> + “It is only—I can—only—” stammered Arsinoe, who was + unaccustomed to falsehood. “—I would merely not confess to him—” + </p> + <p> + “I myself saw how innocently you came by the phial,” said the dealer, “and + Keraunus never need know anything about such a trifle. Fancy yourself, + that you have broken it, and that the pieces are lying at the bottom of + the sea. Which of all these things does your father value least?” + </p> + <p> + “This old sword of Antony,” answered the child, her face brightening once + more. “He says it is much too long, and too slender to be what it pretends + to be. For my part I do not believe that it is a sword at all, but a + roasting-spit.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall apply it to that very purpose to-morrow morning in my kitchen,” + said the dealer, “but I offer you two thousand drachmae for it, and will + take it with me and send you the amount in a few hours. Will that do?” + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe dropped her foot, glided from the table, and instead of answering, + clapped her hands with glee. + </p> + <p> + “Only tell him,” continued Hiram, “that I am able just now to pay so much + for this kind of thing, because Caesar is certain to look about him for + the things that belonged to Julius Caesar, Marc Antony, Octavianus, + Augustus, and other great Romans who have lived in Egypt. The old woman + there may bring the spit after me. My slave is waiting outside, and can + hide it under his chiton as far as my kitchen door, for if he carried it + openly the connoisseurs passing by might covet the priceless treasure, and + we must protect ourselves from the evil eye.” + </p> + <p> + The dealer laughed, took the little bottle into his own keeping, gave the + sword to the old woman, and then took a friendly leave of the young girl. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Arsinoe was alone, she flew into the bedroom to put on her + sandals, threw her veil over her head, and hastened to the papyrus + manufactory. Selene must know of the unexpected good fortune that had + befallen her, and all of them, and then she would have the poor girl + carried home in a litter, for there were always plenty for hire on the + quay. + </p> + <p> + Things did not always go smoothly—very often very unsmoothly and + stormily between the sisters, but still anything of importance that + happened to Arsinoe, whether it were good or evil, she must at once tell + Selene. + </p> + <p> + Ye gods! what happiness! She could take her place among the daughters of + the great citizens in the processions, no less richly apparelled than + they, and still there would remain a nice little sum for her father and + sister; and the work in the factory, the nasty dirty work, which she hated + and loathed, would be at an end, it was to be hoped, for ever. + </p> + <p> + The old slave was still sitting on the steps with the children; Arsinoe + tossed them up one after the other, and whispered in each child’s ear: + </p> + <p> + “Cakes this evening!” and she kissed the blind child’s eyes, and said: + </p> + <p> + “You may come with me, dear little man. I will find a litter for Selene + and put you in, and you will be carried home like a little prince.” + </p> + <p> + The little blind boy threw his arms up with delight, exclaiming: “Through + the air, and without falling.” While she was still holding him in her + arms, her father came up the steps that led from the rotunda to the + passage, his face streaming with heat and excitement; and after wiping his + brow and panting to regain his breath, he said: + </p> + <p> + “Hiram, the curiosity-dealer, met me just outside, with the sword that + belonged to Antony; and you sold it to him for two thousand drachmae! you + little fool!” + </p> + <p> + “But, father, you would have given the old spit for a pasty and a draught + of wine,” laughed Arsinoe. + </p> + <p> + “I?” cried Keraunus. “I would have had three times the sum for that + venerable relic, for which Caesar will give its weight in silver; however, + sold is sold. And yet-and yet, the thought that I no longer possess the + sword of Antony, will give me many sleepless nights.” + </p> + <p> + “If this evening we set you down to a good dish of meat, sleep will soon + follow,” answered Arsinoe, and she took the handkerchief out of her + father’s hand, and coaxingly wiped his temples, going on vivaciously: “We + are quite rich folks, father, and will show the other citizens’ daughters + what we can do.” + </p> + <p> + “Now you shall both take part in the festival,” said Keraunus, decidedly. + “Caesar shall see that I shun no sacrifice in his honor, and if he notices + you, and I bring my complaint against that insolent architect before him—” + </p> + <p> + “You must let that pass,” begged Arsinoe, “if only poor Selene’s foot is + well by that time.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is she?” + </p> + <p> + “Gone out.” + </p> + <p> + “Then her foot cannot be so very bad. She will soon come in, it is to be + hoped.” + </p> + <p> + “Probably—I mean to fetch her with a litter.” + </p> + <p> + “A litter?” said Keraunus, in surprise. + </p> + <p> + “The two thousand drachmae have turned the girl’s head.” + </p> + <p> + “Only on account of her foot. It was hurting her so much when she went + out.” + </p> + <p> + “Then why did she not stay at home? As usual she has wasted an hour to + save a sesterce, and you, neither of you have any time to spare.” + </p> + <p> + “I will go after her at once.” + </p> + <p> + “No—no, you at any rate, must remain here, for in two hours the + matrons and maidens are to meet at the theatre.” + </p> + <p> + “In two hours! but mighty Serapis, what are we to put on?” + </p> + <p> + “It is your business to see to that,” replied Keraunus, “I myself will + have the litter you spoke of, and be carried down to Tryphon, the + ship-builder. Is there any money left in Selene’s box?” + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe went into her sleeping-room, and said, as she returned: + </p> + <p> + “This is all—six pieces of two drachmae.” + </p> + <p> + “Four will be enough for me,” replied the steward, but after a moment’s + reflection he took the whole half-dozen. + </p> + <p> + “What do you want with the ship-builder?” asked Arsinoe. + </p> + <p> + “In the Council,” replied Keraunus, “I was worried again about you girls. + I said one of my daughters was ill, and the other must attend upon her; + but this would not do, and I was asked to send the one who was well. Then + I explained that you had no mother, that we lived a retired life for each + other, and that I could not bear the idea of sending my daughter alone, + and without any protectress to the meeting. So then Tryphon said that it + would give his wife pleasure to take you to the theatre with her own + daughter. This I half accepted, but I declared at once that you would not + go, if your elder sister were not better. I could not give any positive + consent—you know why.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, blessings on Antony and his noble spit!” cried Arsinoe. “Now + everything is settled, and you can tell the ship-builder we shall go. Our + white dresses are still quite good, but a few ells of new light blue + ribbon for my hair, and of red for Selene’s, you must buy on the way, at + Abibaal, the Phoenician’s.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good.” + </p> + <p> + “I will see at once to both the dresses—but, to be sure, when are we + to be ready?” + </p> + <p> + “In two hours.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, do you know what, dear old father?” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “Our old woman is half blind, and does everything wrong. Do let me go down + to dame Doris at the gate-house, and ask her to help me. She is so clever + and kind, and no one irons so well as she does.” + </p> + <p> + “Silence!” cried the steward, angrily, interrupting his daughter. “Those + people shall never again cross my threshold.” + </p> + <p> + “But look at my hair; only look at the state it is in,” cried Arsinoe, + excitedly, and thrusting her fingers into her thick tresses which she + pulled into disorder. “To do that up again, plait it with new ribbons, + iron our dresses, and sew on the brooches—why the Empress’ + ladies-maid could not do all that in two hours.” + </p> + <p> + “Doris shall never cross this threshold,” repeated Keraunus, for all his + answer. + </p> + <p> + “Then tell the tailor Hippias to send me an assistant; but that will cost + money.” + </p> + <p> + “We have it, and can pay,” replied Keraunus, proudly, and in order not to + forget his commissions he muttered to himself while he went to get a + litter: + </p> + <p> + “Hippias the tailor, blue ribbon, red ribbon, and Tryphon the + ship-builder.” + </p> + <p> + The tailor’s nimble apprentice helped Arsinoe to arrange her dress and + Selene’s, and was never weary of praising the sheen and silkiness of + Arsinoe’s hair, while she twisted it with ribbons, built it up and twisted + it at the back so gracefully with a comb, that it fell in a thick mass of + artfully-curled locks down her neck and back. When Keraunus came back, he + gazed with justifiable pride at his beautiful child; he was immensely + pleased, and even chuckled softly to himself as he laid out the gold + pieces which were brought to him by the curiosity-dealer’s servant, and + set them in a row and counted them. While he was thus occupied, Arsinoe + went up to him and asked laughing: “Hiram has not cheated me then?” + Keraunus desired her not to disturb him, and added: + </p> + <p> + “Think of that sword, the weapon of the great Antony, perhaps the very one + with which he pierced his own breast.—Where can Selene be?” + </p> + <p> + An hour, an hour and a half had slipped by, and when the fourth half-hour + was well begun, and still his eldest daughter did not return, the steward + announced that they must set out, for that it would not do to keep the + ship-builder’s wife waiting. It was a sincere grief to Arsinoe to be + obliged to go without Selene. She had made her sister’s dress look as nice + as her own, and had laid it carefully on the divan near the mosaic + pavement. She had taken a great deal of trouble. Never before had she been + out in the streets alone, and it seemed impossible to enjoy anything + without the companionship and supervision of her absent sister. But her + father’s assertion, that Selene would have a place gladly found for her, + even later, among the maidens, reassured the girl who was overflowing with + joyful expectation. + </p> + <p> + Finally she perfumed herself a little with the fragrant extract which + Keraunus was accustomed to use before going to the council, and begged her + father to order the old slave-woman to go and buy the promised cakes for + the little ones during her absence. The children had all gathered round + her, admiring her with loud ohs! and ahs! as if she were some wondrous + incarnation, not to be too nearly approached, and on no account to be + touched. The elaborate dressing of her hair would not allow of her + stooping over them as usual. She could only stroke little Helios’ curls, + saying: “Tomorrow you shall have a ride in the air, and perhaps Selene + will tell you a pretty story by-and-bye.” + </p> + <p> + Her heart beat faster than usual as she stepped into the litter, which was + waiting for her just in front of the gate-house. Old Doris looked at her + from a distance with pleasure, and while Keraunus stepped out into the + street to call a litter for himself, the old woman hastily cut the two + finest roses from her bush, and pressing her fingers to her lips with a + sly smile, put them into the girl’s hand. + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe felt as if it were in a dream that she went to the ship-builder’s + house, and from thence to the theatre, and on her way she fully + understood, for the first time, that alarm and delight may find room side + by side in a girl’s mind, and that one by no means hinders the existence + of the other. + </p> + <p> + Fear and expectation so completely overmastered her, that she neither saw + nor heard what was going on around her; only once she noticed a young man + with a garland on his head, who, as he passed her, arm in arm with + another, called out to her gaily: “Long live beauty!” + </p> + <p> + From that moment she kept her eyes fixed on her lap and on the roses dame + Doris had given her. The flowers reminded her of the kind old woman’s son, + and she wondered whether tall Pollux had perhaps seen her in her finery. + That, she would have liked very much; and after all, it was not at all + impossible, for, of course, since Pollux had been working at Lochias he + must often have gone to his parents. Perhaps even he had himself picked + the roses for her, but had not dared to give them to her as her father was + so near. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. + </h2> + <p> + But the young sculptor had not been at the gatehouse when Arsinoe went by. + He had thought of her often enough since meeting her again by the bust of + her mother; but on this particular afternoon his time and thoughts were + fully claimed by another fair damsel. Balbilla had arrived at Lochias + about noon, accompanied, as was fitting, by the worthy Claudia, the not + wealthy widow of a senator, who for many years had filled the place of + lady-in-attendance and protecting companion to the rich fatherless and + motherless girl. At Rome, she conducted Balbilla’s household affairs with + as much sense and skill as satisfaction in the task. Still she was not + perfectly content with her lot, for her ward’s love of travelling, often + compelled her to leave the metropolis, and in her estimation, there was no + place but Rome where life was worth living. A visit to Baiae for bathing, + or in the winter months a flight to the Ligurian coast, to escape the cold + of January and February—these she could endure; for she was certain + there to find, if not Rome, at any rate Romans; but Balbilla’s wish to + venture in a tossing ship, to visit the torrid shores of Africa, which she + pictured to herself as a burning oven, she had opposed to the utmost. At + last, however, she was obliged to put a good face on the matter, for the + Empress herself expressed so decidedly her wish to take Balbilla with her + to the Nile, that any resistance would have been unduteous. Still; in her + secret heart, she could not but confess to herself that her high-spirited + and wilful foster-child—for so she loved to call Balbilla—would + undoubtedly have carried out her purpose without the Empress’ + intervention. + </p> + <p> + Balbilla had come to the palace, as the reader knows, to sit for her bust. + </p> + <p> + When Selene was passing by the screen which concealed her playfellow and + his work from her gaze, the worthy matron had fallen gently asleep on a + couch, and the sculptor was exerting all his zeal to convince the noble + damsel that the size to which her hair was dressed was an exaggeration, + and that the super-encumbrance of such a mass must disfigure the effect of + the delicate features of her face. He implored her to remember in how + simple a style the great Athenian masters, at the best period of the + plastic arts, had taught their beautiful models to dress their hair, and + requested her to do her own hair in that manner next day, and to come to + him before she allowed her maid to put a single lock through the + curling-tongs; for to-day, as he said, the pretty little ringlets would + fly back into shape, like the spring of a fibula when the pin was bent + back. Balbilla contradicted him with gay vivacity, protested against his + desire to play the part of lady’s maid, and defended her style of + hair-dressing on the score of fashion. + </p> + <p> + “But the fashion is ugly, monstrous, a pain to one’s eyes!” cried Pollux. + “Some vain Roman lady must have invented it, not to make herself + beautiful, but to be conspicuous.” + </p> + <p> + “I hate the idea of being conspicuous by my appearance,” answered + Balbilla. “It is precisely by following the fashion, however conspicuous + it may be, that we are less remarkable than when we carefully dress far + more simply and plainly—in short, differently to what it prescribes. + Which do you regard as the vainer, the fashionably-dressed young gentleman + on the Canopic way, or the cynical philosopher with his unkempt hair, his + carefully-ragged cloak over his shoulders, and a heavy cudgel in his dirty + hands?” + </p> + <p> + “The latter, certainly,” replied Pollux. “Still he is sinning against the + laws of beauty which I desire to win you over to, and which will survive + every whim of fashion, as certainly as Homer’s Iliad will survive the + ballad of a street-singer, who celebrates the last murder that excited the + mob of this town.—Am I the first artist who has attempted to + represent your face?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Balbilla, with a laugh. “Five Roman artists have already + experimented on my head.” + </p> + <p> + “And did any one of their busts satisfy you?” + </p> + <p> + “Not one seemed to me better than utterly bad.” + </p> + <p> + “And your pretty face is to be handed down to posterity in five-fold + deformity?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! no—I had them all destroyed.” + </p> + <p> + “That was very good of them!” cried Pollux, eagerly. Then turning with a + very simple gesture to the bust before him he said: “Hapless clay, if the + lovely lady whom thou art destined to resemble will not sacrifice the + chaos of her curls, thy fate will undoubtedly be that of thy + predecessors.” + </p> + <p> + The sleeping matron was roused by this speech. “You were speaking,” she + said, “of the broken busts of Balbilla?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied the poetess. + </p> + <p> + “And perhaps this one may follow them,” sighed Claudia. “Do you know what + lies before you in that case?” + </p> + <p> + “No, what?” + </p> + <p> + “This young lady knows something of your art.” + </p> + <p> + “I learnt to knead clay a little of Aristaeus,” interrupted Balbilla. + </p> + <p> + “Aha! because Caesar set the fashion, and in Rome it would have been + conspicuous not to dabble in sculpture.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps.” + </p> + <p> + “And she tried to improve in every bust all that particularly displeased + her,” continued Claudia. + </p> + <p> + “I only began the work for the slaves to finish,” Balbilla threw in, + interrupting her companion. “Indeed, my people became quite expert in the + work of destruction.” + </p> + <p> + “Then my work may, at any rate, hope for a short agony and speedy death,” + sighed Pollux. “And it is true—all that lives comes into the world + with its end already preordained.” + </p> + <p> + “Would an early demise of your work pain you much?” asked Balbilla. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, if I thought it successful; not if I felt it to be a failure.” + </p> + <p> + “Any one who keeps a bad bust,” said Balbilla, “must feel fearful lest an + undeservedly bad reputation is handed down to future generations.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly! but how then can you find courage to expose yourself for the + sixth time to a form of calumny that it is difficult to counteract?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I can have anything destroyed that I choose,” laughed the spoilt + girl. “Otherwise sitting still is not much to my taste.” + </p> + <p> + “That is very true,” sighed Claudia. “But from you I expect something + strikingly good.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” said Pollux, “and I will take the utmost pains to complete + something that may correspond to my own expectations of what a marble + portrait ought to be, that deserves to be preserved to posterity.” + </p> + <p> + “And those expectations require—?” + </p> + <p> + Pollux considered for a moment, and then he replied: + </p> + <p> + “I have not always the right words at my command, for all that I feel as + an artist. A plastic presentiment, to satisfy its creator, must fulfil two + conditions; first it must record for posterity in forms of eternal + resemblance all that lay in the nature of the person it represents; + secondly, it must also show to posterity what the art of the time when it + was executed, was capable of.” + </p> + <p> + “That is a matter of course—but you are forgetting your own share.” + </p> + <p> + “My own fame you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly.” + </p> + <p> + “I work for Papias and serve my art, and that is enough; meanwhile Fame + does not trouble herself about me, nor do I trouble myself about her.” + </p> + <p> + “Still, you will put your name on my bust?” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” + </p> + <p> + “You are as prudent as Cicero.” + </p> + <p> + “Cicero?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you would hardly know old Tullius’ wise remark that the + philosophers who wrote of the vanity of writers put their names to their + books all the same.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I have no contempt for laurels, but I will not run after a thing + which could have no value for me, unless it came unsought, and because it + was my due.” + </p> + <p> + “Well and good; but your first condition could only be fulfilled in its + widest sense if you could succeed in making yourself acquainted with my + thoughts and feelings, with the whole of my inmost mind.” + </p> + <p> + “I see you and talk to you,” replied Pollux. Claudia laughed aloud, and + said: + </p> + <p> + “If instead of two sittings of two hours you were to talk to her for twice + as many years you would always find something new in her. Not a week + passes in which Rome does not find in her something to talk about. That + restless brain is never quiet, but her heart is as good as gold, and + always and everywhere the same.” + </p> + <p> + “And did you suppose that that was new to me?” asked Pollux. “I can see + the restless spirit of my model in her brow and in her mouth, and her + nature is revealed in her eyes.” + </p> + <p> + “And in my snub-nose?” asked Balbilla. + </p> + <p> + “It bears witness to your wonderful and whimsical notions, which astonish + Rome so much.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you are one more that works for the hammer of the slaves,” + laughed Balbilla. + </p> + <p> + “And even if it were so,” said Pollux, “I should always retain the memory + of this delightful hour.” Pontius the architect here interrupted the + sculptor, begging Balbilla to excuse him for disturbing the sitting; + Pollux must immediately attend to some business of importance, but in ten + minutes he would return to his work. No sooner were the two ladies alone, + than Balbilla rose and looked inquisitively round and about the sculptor’s + enclosed work-room; but her companion said: + </p> + <p> + “A very polite young man, this Pollux, but rather too much at his ease, + and too enthusiastic.” + </p> + <p> + “An artist,” replied Balbilla, and she proceeded to turn over every + picture and tablet with the sculptor’s studies in drawing, raised the + cloth from the wax model of the Urania, tried the clang of the lute which + hung against one of the canvas walls, was here, there, and everywhere, and + at last stood still in front of a large clay model, placed in a corner of + the studio, and closely wrapped in cloths. + </p> + <p> + “What may that be?” asked Claudia. + </p> + <p> + “No doubt a half-finished new model.” + </p> + <p> + Balbilla felt the object in front of her with the tips of her fingers, and + said: “It seems to me to be a head. Something remarkable at any rate. In + these close covered dishes we sometimes find the best meat. Let its unveil + this shrouded portrait.” + </p> + <p> + “Who knows what it may be?” said Claudia, as she loosened a twist in the + cloths which enveloped the bust. There are often very remarkable things to + be seen in such workshops. + </p> + <p> + “Hey, what, it is only a woman’s head! I can feel it,” cried Balbilla. + </p> + <p> + “But you can never tell,” the older lady went on, untying a knot. “These + artists are such unfettered, unaccountable beings.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you lift the top, I will pull here,” and a moment later the young + Roman stood face to face with the caricature which Hadrian had moulded on + the previous evening, in all its grimacing ugliness. She recognized + herself in it at once, and at the first moment, laughed loudly, but the + longer she looked at the disfigured likeness, the more vexed, annoyed and + angry she became. She knew her own face, feature for feature, all that was + pretty in it, and all that was plain, but this likeness ignored everything + in her face that was not unpleasing, and this it emphasized ruthlessly, + and exaggerated with a refinement of spitefulness. The head was hideous, + horrible, and yet it was hers. As she studied it in profile, she + remembered what Pollux had declared he could read in her features, and + deep indignation rose up in her soul. + </p> + <p> + Her great inexhaustible riches, which allowed her the reckless + gratification of every whim, and secured consideration, even for her + follies, had not availed to preserve her from many disappointments which + other girls, in more modest circumstances, would have been spared. Her + kind heart and open hand had often been abused, even by artists, and it + was self-evident to her, that the man who could make this caricature, who + had so enjoyed exaggerating all that was unlovely in her face, had wished + to exercise his art on her features, not for her own sake, but for that of + the high price she might be inclined to pay for a flattering likeness. She + had found much to please her in the young sculptor’s fresh and happy + artist nature, in his frank demeanor and his honest way of speech. She + felt convinced that Pollux, more readily than anybody else, would + understand what it was that lent a charm to her face, which was in no way + strictly beautiful, a charm which could not be disputed in spite of the + coarse caricature which stood before her. + </p> + <p> + She felt herself the richer by a painful experience, indignant, and + offended. Accustomed as she was to give prompt utterance even to her + displeasure, she exclaimed hotly, and with tears in her eyes: + </p> + <p> + “It is shameful, it is base. Give me my wraps Claudia. I will not stay an + instant longer to be the butt of this man’s coarse and spiteful jesting.” + </p> + <p> + “It is unworthy,” cried the matron, “so to insult a person of your + position. It is to be hoped our litters are waiting outside.” + </p> + <p> + Pontius had overheard Balbilla’s last words. He had come into the + work-place without Pollux, who was still speaking to the prefect, and he + said gravely as he approached Balbilla: + </p> + <p> + “You have every reason to be angry, noble lady. This thing is an insult in + clay, malicious, and at the same time coarse in every detail; but it was + not Pollux who did it, and it is not right to condemn without a trial.” + </p> + <p> + “You take your friend’s part!” exclaimed Balbilla. “I would not tell a lie + for my own brother.” + </p> + <p> + “You know how to give your words the aspect of an honorable meaning in + serious matters, as he does in jest.” + </p> + <p> + “You are angry and unaccustomed to bridle your tongue,” replied the + architect. “Pollux, I repeat it, did not perpetrate the caricature, but a + sculptor from Rome.” + </p> + <p> + “Which of them? I know them all.” + </p> + <p> + “I may not name him.” + </p> + <p> + “There—you see.—Come away Claudia.” + </p> + <p> + “Stay,” said Pontius, decisively. “If you were any one but yourself, I + would let you go at once in your anger, and with the double charge on your + conscience of doing an injustice to two well-meaning men. But as you are + the granddaughter of Claudius Balbillus, I feel it to be due to myself to + say, that if Pollux had really made this monstrous bust he would not be in + this palace now, for I should have turned him out and thrown the horrid + object after him. You look surprised—you do not know who I am that + can address you so.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” cried Balbilla, much mollified, for she felt assured that the + man who stood before her, as unflinching as if he were cast in bronze, and + with an earnest frown, was speaking the truth, and that he must have some + right to speak to her with such unwonted decision. “Yes indeed, you are + the principal architect of the city; Titianus, from whom we have heard of + you, has told us great things of you; but how am I to account for your + special interest in me?” + </p> + <p> + “It is my duty to serve you—if necessary, even with my life.” + </p> + <p> + “You,” said Balbilla, puzzled. “But I never saw you till yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet you may freely dispose of all that I have and am, for my + grandfather was your grandfather’s slave.” + </p> + <p> + “I did not know”—said Balbilla, with increasing confusion. + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible that your noble grandfather’s instructor, the venerable + Sophinus, is altogether forgotten. Sophinus, whom your grandfather freed, + and who continued to teach your father also.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not—of course not,” cried Balbilla. “He must have been a + splendid man, and very learned besides.” + </p> + <p> + “He was my father’s father,” said Pontius. + </p> + <p> + “Then you belong to our family,” exclaimed Balbilla, offering him a + friendly hand. + </p> + <p> + “I thank you for those words,” answered Pontius. “Now, once more, Pollux + had nothing to do with that image.” + </p> + <p> + “Take my cloak, Claudia,” said the girl. “I will sit again to the young + man.” + </p> + <p> + “Not to-day—it would spoil his work,” replied Pontius. “I beg of you + to go, and let the annoyance you so vehemently expressed die out some + where else. The young sculptor must not know that you have seen this + caricature, it would occasion him much embarrassment. But if you can + return to-morrow in a calmer and more happy humor, with your lively spirit + tuned to a softer key, then Pollux will be able to make a likeness which + may satisfy the granddaughter of Claudius Balbillus.” + </p> + <p> + “And, let us hope, the grandson of his learned teacher also,” answered + Balbilla, with a kindly farewell greeting, as she went with her companion + towards the door of the hall of the Muses, where her slaves were waiting. + Pontius escorted her so far in silence, then he returned to the + work-place, and safely wrapped the caricature up again in its cloths. + </p> + <p> + As he went out into the hall again, Pollux hurried up to meet him, + exclaiming: + </p> + <p> + “The Roman architect wants to speak to you, he is a grand man!” + </p> + <p> + “Balbilla was called away, and bid me greet you,” replied Pontius. “Take + that thing away for fear she should see it. It is coarse and hideous.” + </p> + <p> + A few moments later he stood in the presence of the Emperor, who expressed + the wish to play the part of listener while Balbilla was sitting. When the + architect, after begging him not to let Pollux know of the incident, told + him of what had occurred in the screened-off studio, and how angry the + young Roman lady had been at the caricature, which was certainly very + offensive, Hadrian rubbed his hands and laughed aloud with delight. + Pontius ground his teeth, and then said very earnestly: + </p> + <p> + “Balbilla seems to me a merry-hearted girl, but of a noble nature. I see + no reason to laugh at her.” Hadrian looked keenly into the daring + architect’s eyes, laid his hand on his shoulder, and replied with a + certain threatening accent in his deep voice: + </p> + <p> + “It would be an evil moment for you, or for any one, who should do so in + my presence. But age may venture to play with edged tools, which children + may not even touch.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. + </h2> + <p> + Selene entered the gate-way in the endlessly-long walk of sun-dried bricks + which enclosed the wide space where stood the court-yards, water-tanks and + huts, belonging to the great papyrus manufactory of Plutarch, where she + and her sister were accustomed to work. She could generally reach it in a + quarter of an hour, but to-day it had taken more than four times as long + and she herself did not know how she had managed to hold herself up, and + to walk-limp-stumble along, in spite of the acute pain she was suffering. + She would willingly have clung to every passer-by, have held on to every + slow passing vehicle, to every beast of burden that overtook her—but + man and beast mercilessly went on their way, without paying any heed to + her. She got many a push from those who were hurrying by and who scarcely + turned round to look at her, when from time to time she stopped to sink + for a moment on to the nearest door-step, or some low cornice or bale of + goods; to dry her eyes, or press her hand to her foot, which was now + swollen to a great size, hoping, as she did so, to be able to forget, + under the sense of a new form of pain, the other unceasing and unendurable + torment, at least for a few minutes. + </p> + <p> + The street boys who had run after her, and laughed at her, ceased pursuing + her when they found that she constantly stopped to rest. A woman with a + child in her arms once asked her, as she stopped to rest a minute on a + threshold, whether she wanted anything, but walked on when Selene shook + her head and made no other answer. + </p> + <p> + Once she thought she must give up altogether, when suddenly the street was + filled with jeering boys and inquisitive men and women—for Verus, + the superb Verus, came by in his chariot, and what a chariot! The + Alexandrian populace were accustomed to see much that was strange in the + busy streets of their crowded city; but this vehicle attracted every eye, + and excited astonishment, admiration and mirth, wherever it appeared, and + not unfrequently the bitterest ridicule. The handsome Roman stood in the + middle of his gilt chariot, and himself drove the four white horses, + harnessed abreast; on his head he wore a wreath, and across his breast, + from one shoulder, a garland of roses. On the foot-board of the quadriga + sat two children, dressed as Cupids; their little legs dangled in the air, + and they each held, attached by a long gilt wire, a white dove which + fluttered in front of Verus. + </p> + <p> + The dense and hurrying crowd, crushed Selene remorselessly against the + wall; instead of looking at the wonderful sight she covered her face with + her hands to hide the distortion of pain in her features; still she just + saw the splendid chariot, the gold harness on the horses, and the figure + of the insolent owner glide past her, as if in a dream that was blurred by + pain, and the sight infused into her soul, that was already harassed by + pain and anxiety, a feeling of bitter aversion, and the envious thought + that the mere trappings of the horses of this extravagant prodigal would + suffice to keep her and her family above misery for a whole year. + </p> + <p> + By the time the chariot had turned the next corner, and the crowd had + followed it, she had almost fallen to the ground. She could not take + another step, and looked round for a litter, but, while generally there + was no lack of them, in this spot, to-day there was not one to be seen. + The factory was only a few hundred steps farther, but in her fancy they + seemed like so many stadia. Presently some of the workmen and women from + the factory came by, laughing and showing each other their wages, so the + payment must be now going on. A glance at the sun showed her how long she + had already been on her way, and remind her of the purpose of her walk. + </p> + <p> + With the exertion of all her strength, she dragged herself a few steps + farther; then, just as her courage was again beginning to fail, a little + girl came running towards her who was accustomed to wait upon the workers + at the table where Selene and Arsinoe were employed, and who held in her + hand a pitcher. She called the dusky little Egyptian, and said: + </p> + <p> + “Hathor, pray come back to the factory with me. I cannot walk any farther, + my foot is so dreadfully painful; but if I lean a little on your shoulder, + I shall get on better.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot,” said the child. “If I make haste home I shall have some + dates,” and she ran on. + </p> + <p> + Selene looked after her, and an inward voice, against which she had had to + rebel before to-day, asked her why she of all people must be a sufferer + for others, when they thought only of themselves, and with a heavy sigh, + she made a fresh attempt to proceed on her way. + </p> + <p> + When she had gone a few steps, neither seeing not hearing anything that + passed her, a girl came up to her, and asked her timidly, but kindly, what + was the matter. It was a leaf-joiner who sat opposite to her at the works, + a poor, deformed creature, who, nevertheless, plied her nimble fingers + contentedly and silently, and who at first had taught Selene and Arsinoe + many useful tricks of working. The girl offered her crooked shoulder + unasked as a support to Selene, and measured her step; to those of the + sufferer with as much nicety as if she felt everything that Selene herself + did; thus, without speaking, they reached the door of the factory; there, + in the first court-yard the little hunchback made Selene sit down on one + of the bundles of papyrus-stems which lay all about the place, by the side + of the tanks in which the plants were dipped to freshen them, and arranged + in order, built up into high heaps, according to the localities whence + they were brought. After a short rest, they went on through the hall in + which the triangular green stems were sorted, according to the quality of + the white pith they contained. The next rooms, in which men stripped the + green sheath from the pith, and the long galleries where the more skilled + hands split the pith with sharp knives into long moist strips about a + finger wide, and of different degrees of fineness, seemed to Selene to + grow longer the farther she went, and to be absolutely interminable. + </p> + <p> + Generally the pith-splitters sat here in long rows, each at his own little + table, on each side of a gangway left for the slaves, who carried the + prepared material to the drying-house; but, to-day, most of them had left + their places and stood chatting together and packing up their wooden + clips, knives, and sharpening-stones. Half way down this room Selene’s + hand fell from her companion’s shoulder, she turned giddy, and said in a + low tone: + </p> + <p> + “I can go no farther—” + </p> + <p> + The little hunchback held her up as well as she could, and though she + herself was far from strong, she succeeded in dragging, rather than + carrying, Selene to an empty couch and in laying her upon it. A few + workmen gathered around the senseless girl, and brought some water, then + when she opened her eyes again, and they found that she belonged to the + rooms where the prepared papyrus-leaves were gummed together, some of them + offered to carry her thither, and before Selene could consent they had + taken up the bench and lifted it with its light burden. Her damaged foot + hung down, and gave the poor girl such pain that she cried out, and tried + to raise the injured limb and hold her ankle in her band; her comrade + helped by taking the poor little foot in her own hand, and supporting it + with tender and cautious care. + </p> + <p> + As she thus went by, carried, as it were, in triumph by the men, and borne + high in the air, everyone turned to look at her, and the suffering girl + felt this rather as if she were some criminal being carried through the + streets to exhibit her disgrace to the citizens. But when she found + herself in the large rooms where, in one place men, and in another the + most skilled of the women and girls were employed in laying the narrow + strips of papyrus crosswise over each other, and gumming them together, + she had recovered strength enough to pull her veil over her face which she + held down. Arsinoe, and she herself, in order to remain unrecognized had + always been accustomed to walk through these rooms closely veiled, and not + to lay their wraps aside till they reached the little room where they sat + with about twenty other women to glue the sheets together. + </p> + <p> + Every one looked at her with curious enquiry. Her foot certainly hurt her, + the cut in her head was burning, and she felt altogether intensely + miserable; still there was room and to spare in her soul for the false + pride that she inherited from her father, and for the humiliating + consciousness that she was regarded by these people as one of themselves. + </p> + <p> + In the room in which she worked, none but free women were employed, but + more than a thousand slaves worked in the factory and she would as soon + have eaten with beasts without plate or spoon, as have shared a meal with + them. At one time, when every thing in their house seemed going to ruin, + it was her own father who had suggested the papyrus factory to her + attention, by telling her, with indignation, that the daughter of an + impoverished citizen had degraded herself and her whole class by devoting + herself to working in the papyrus factory to earn money. She was pretty + well paid, to be sure, and in answer to Selene’s enquiry, he had stated + the amount she earned and mentioned the name of the rich manufacturer to + whom she had sold her social standing for gold. + </p> + <p> + Soon after this Selene had gone alone to the factory, had discussed all + that was necessary with the manager, and had then begun, with Arsinoe, to + work regularly in the factory where they now for two years had spent some + hours of every day in gumming the papyrus-leaves together. + </p> + <p> + How many a time at the beginning of a new week, or when under the + influence of a special fit of aversion to her work, had Arsinoe refused to + go with her ever again to the factory; how much persuasive eloquence had + she expended, how many new ribbons had she bought, how often had she + consented to allow her to go to some spectacle, which consumed half a + week’s wages, to induce Arsinoe to persist in her work, or to avert the + fulfilment of her threat to tell her father, whither her daily walk—as + she called it—tended. + </p> + <p> + When Selene, who had been carried as far as the door of her own work-room, + was sitting once more in her usual place in front of the long table on + which she worked, and where hundreds of prepared papyrus strips were to be + joined together, she felt scarcely able to raise the veil from her face. + She drew the uppermost sheets towards her, dipped the brush in the + gum-jar, and began to touch the margin of the leaf with it—but in + the very act, her strength forsook her, the brush fell from her fingers, + she dropped her hands on the table and her face in her hands, and began to + cry softly. + </p> + <p> + While she sat thus, her tears slowly flowing, her shoulders heaving, and + her whole body shaken with shuddering sobs, a woman who sat opposite to + her, beckoned to the deformed girl, and after whispering to her a few + words grasped her hand firmly and warmly and looked straight into her eyes + with her own, which though lustreless were clear and steady; then the + little hunchback silently took Arsinoe’s vacant place by Selene, and + pushed the smaller half of the papyrus leaves over to the woman, and both + set diligently to work on the gumming. + </p> + <p> + They had been thus occupied for some time when Selene at last raised her + head and was about to take up her brush again. She looked round for it and + perceived her companion, whom she had not even thanked for her + helpfulness, busily at work in Arsinoe’s seat. She looked at her neighbor + with eyes still full of tears, and as the girl, who was wholly absorbed in + her task, did not notice her gaze, Selene said in a tone of surprise + rather than kindliness. + </p> + <p> + “This is my sister’s place; you may sit here to-day, but when the factory + opens again she must sit by me again.” + </p> + <p> + “I know, I know,” said the workwoman shyly. “I am only finishing your + sheets because I have no more of my own to do, and I can see how badly + your foot is hurting you.” + </p> + <p> + The whole transaction was so strange and novel to Selene that she did not + even understand her neighbor’s meaning, and she only said, with a shrug: + </p> + <p> + “You may earn all you can, for aught I can do; I cannot do anything + to-day.” + </p> + <p> + Her deformed companion colored and looked up doubtfully at her opposite + neighbor, who at once laid aside her brush and said, turning to Selene: + </p> + <p> + “That is not what Mary means, my child. She is doing one-half of your + day’s task and I am doing the other, so that your suffering foot may not + deprive you of your day’s pay.” + </p> + <p> + “Do I look so very poor then?” exclaimed Keraunus’ daughter, and a faint + crimson tinged her pale cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “By no means, my child,” replied the woman. “You and your sister are + evidently of good family—but pray let us have the pleasure of being + of some help to you. + </p> + <p> + “I do not know—” Selene stammered. + </p> + <p> + “If you saw that it hurt me to stoop when the wind blows the strips of + papyrus on to the floor, would you not willingly pick them up for me?” + continued the woman. “What we are doing for you is neither less nor yet + much more than that. In a few minutes we shall have finished and then we + can follow the others, for every one else has left. I am the overseer of + the room, as you know, and must in any case remain here till the last + work-woman has gone.” + </p> + <p> + Selene felt full well that she ought to be grateful for the kindness shown + her by these two women, and yet she had a sense of having a deed of + almsgiving forced upon her acceptance, and she answered quickly, still + with the blood mounting to her cheeks. “I am very grateful for your good + intentions, of course, very grateful; but here each one must work for + herself, and it would ill-become me to allow you to give me the money you + have earned.” + </p> + <p> + The girl spoke these words with a decisiveness which was not free from + arrogance, but this did not disturb the woman’s gentle equanimity—“widow + Hannah,” as she was called by the workwoman—and fixing the calm gaze + of her large eyes on Selene, she answered kindly: + </p> + <p> + “We have been very happy to work for you, dear daughter, and a divine Sage + has said that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Do you + understand all that that means? In our case it is as much as to say that + it makes kind-hearted folks much happier to do others a pleasure than to + receive good gifts. You said just now that you were grateful; do you want + now to spoil our pleasure?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not quite understand—” answered Selene. “No?” interrupted + widow Hannah. “Then only try for once to do some one a pleasure with + sincere and heartfelt love, and you will see how much good it does one, + how it opens the heart and turns every trouble to a pleasure. Is it not + true Mary, we shall he sincerely obliged to Selene if only she will not + spoil the pleasure we have had in working for her?” + </p> + <p> + “I have been so glad to do it,” said the deformed girl, “and there—now + I have finished.” + </p> + <p> + “And I too,” said the widow, pressing the last leaf on to its fellow with + a cloth, and then adding her pile of finished sheets to Mary’s. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you very much,” murmured Selene, with downcast eyes, and rising + from her seat, but she tried to support herself on her lame foot and this + caused her such pain, that with a low cry, she sank back on the stool. The + widow hastened to her side, knelt clown by her, took the injured foot with + tender care in her delicate and slender hands, examined it attentively, + felt it gently, and then exclaimed with horror: + </p> + <p> + “Good Lord! and did you walk through the streets with a foot in this + state?” and looking up at Selene she said affectionately. “Poor child, + poor child! it must have hurt you! Why the swelling has risen above your + sandal-straps. It is frightful! and yet—do you live far from this?” + </p> + <p> + “I can get home in half an hour.” + </p> + <p> + “Impossible! First let me see on my tablets how much the paymaster owes + you that I may go and fetch it, and then we will soon see what can be done + with you. Meanwhile you sit still daughter dear, and you Mary rest her + foot on a stool and undo the straps very gently from her ankle. Do not be + afraid my child, she has soft, careful hands.” As she spoke she rose and + kissed Selene on her forehead and eyes, and Selene clung to her and could + only say with swimming eyes, and a voice trembling with feeling: + </p> + <p> + “Dame Hannah, dear widow Hannah.” + </p> + <p> + As the warm sunshine of an October clay reminds the traveller of the + summer that is over, so the widow’s words and ways brought back to Selene + the long lost love and care of her good mother; and something soothing + mingled in the bitterness of the pain she was suffering. She looked + gratefully at the kind woman and obediently sat still; it was such a + comfort once more to obey an order, and to obey willingly—to feel + herself a child again and to be grateful for loving care. + </p> + <p> + Hannah went away, and Mary knelt down in front of Selene to loosen and + remove the straps which were half buried in the swelled muscles. She did + it with the greatest caution, but her fingers had hardly touched her, when + Selene shrank back with a groan, and before she could undo the sandal, the + patient had fainted away. Mary fetched some water and bathed her brow, and + the burning wound in her head, and by the time Selene had once more opened + her eyes, dame Hannah had returned. When the widow stroked her thick soft + hair, Selene looked up with a smile and asked: “Have I been to sleep?” + </p> + <p> + “You shut your eyes my child,” replied the widow. “Here are your wages and + your sister’s, for twelve days; do not move, I will put it in your little + bag. Mary has not succeeded in loosening your sandal, but the physician + who is paid to attend on the factory people will be here directly, and + will order what is proper for your poor foot. The manager is having a + litter fetched for you.—Where do you live?” + </p> + <p> + “We?” cried Selene, alarmed. “No, no, I must go home.” + </p> + <p> + “But my child you cannot walk farther than the court-yard even if we both + help you.” + </p> + <p> + “Then let me get a litter out in the street. My father—no one must + know—I cannot.” + </p> + <p> + Hannah signed to Mary to leave them, and when she had shut the door on the + deformed girl, she brought a stool, sat down opposite to Selene, laid a + hand on the knee that was not hurt, and said: + </p> + <p> + “Now, dear girl, we are alone. I am no chatterbox, and will certainly not + betray your confidence. Tell me quietly who you belong to. Tell me—you + believe that I mean well by you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied Selene, looking the widow full in the face—a + regularly-cut face, set in abundant smooth brown hair, and with the stamp + of genuine and heart-felt goodness. “Yes—you remind me of my + mother.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I might be your mother.” + </p> + <p> + “I am nineteen years old already.” + </p> + <p> + “Already,” replied Hannah, with a smile. “Why my life has been twice as + long as yours. I had a child, too, a boy; and he was taken from me when he + was quite little. He would be a year older than you now, my child—is + your mother still alive?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Selene, with her old dry manner, that had become a habit. “The + gods have taken her from us. She would have been, like you, not quite + forty now, and she was as pretty and as kind as you are. When she died she + left seven children besides me, all little, and one of them blind. I am + the eldest, and do what I can for them, that they may not be starved.” + </p> + <p> + “God will help you in the loving task.” + </p> + <p> + “The gods!” exclaimed Selene, bitterly. “They let them grow up, the rest I + have to see to—oh! my foot, my foot!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, we will think of that before anything else. Your father is alive?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “And he is not to know that you work here?” + </p> + <p> + Selene shook her head. + </p> + <p> + “He is in moderate circumstances, but of good family?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Here, I think, is the doctor. Well? May I know your father’s name? I must + if I am to get you safe home.” + </p> + <p> + “I am the daughter of Keraunus, the steward of the palace, and we have + rooms there, at Lochias,” Selene answered, with rapid decision, but in a + low whisper, so that the physician, who just then opened the room door, + might not hear her. “No one, and least of all, my father, must know that I + work here.” + </p> + <p> + The widow made a sign to her to be easy, greeted the grey-haired leech who + came in with his assistant; and then, while the old man examined the + injured limb, and cut the straps with a sharp pair of scissors, she bathed + the girl’s face and cut head with a wet handkerchief, supported the poor + child in her arms, and, when the pain seemed too much for her, kissed her + pale cheeks. + </p> + <p> + Many sighs from the bottom of her heart, and many shrill little cries + betrayed how intense was the pain Selene was enduring. When at length, her + delicate and graceful foot-distorted just now by the extensive swelling,—was + freed from the bands and straps, and the ankle had been felt and pressed + in every direction by the leech, he exclaimed, turning to the assistant + who stood ready to lend a helping hand: + </p> + <p> + “Look here, Hippolytus, the girl came along the streets with her ankle in + this state. If any one else had told me of such a thing, I should have + desired him to keep his lies to himself. The fibula is broken at the + joint, and with this injured limb the child has walked farther than I + could trust myself at all—without my litter. By Sirius! child, if + you are not crippled for life it will be a miracle.” + </p> + <p> + Selene had listened with closed eyes, and exhausted almost to + unconsciousness; but at his last words she slightly shrugged her shoulders + with a faint smile of scorn on her lips. + </p> + <p> + “You think nothing of being lame!” said the old man, who let no gesture of + his patient escape him. “That, of course, is your affair, but it is mine + to see that you do not become a cripple in my hands. The opportunity for + working a miracle is not given to one of us every day, and happily for me, + you yourself bring a powerful coadjutor to help me. I do not mean a lover + or anything of that kind, though you are much too pretty, but your lovely, + vigorous, healthy youth. The hole in your head is hotter than it need be—keep + it properly cool with fresh water. Where do you live, child?” + </p> + <p> + “Almost half an hour from here,” said Hannah, answering for Selene. + </p> + <p> + “She cannot be taken so far as that, even in a litter, at present,” said + the old man. + </p> + <p> + “I must go home!” cried Selene, resolutely, and trying to sit up. + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense,” exclaimed the physician. “I must forbid your moving at all. Be + still, and be patient and obedient, or your foolish joke will come to a + bad end; fever has already set in, and it will increase by the evening. It + has nothing much to do with the leg, but all the more with the inflamed + scalp-wound. Do you think,” he added, turning to the widow, “that perhaps + a bed could be made here on which she might lie, and remain here till the + factory reopens?” + </p> + <p> + “I would rather die,” shrieked Selene, trying to draw away her foot from + the leech. + </p> + <p> + “Be still—be still, my dear child,” said the good woman, soothingly. + “I know where I can take you. My house is in a garden belonging to + Paulina, the widow of Pudeus, near this and close to the sea; it is not + above a thousand paces off, and there you will have a soft couch and + tender care. A good litter is waiting, and I should think—” + </p> + <p> + “Even that is a good distance,” said the old man. “However, she cannot + possibly be better cared for than by you, dame Hannah. Let us try it then, + and I will accompany you to lash those accursed bearers’ skins if they do + not keep in step.” + </p> + <p> + Selene made no attempt to resist these orders, and willingly drank a + potion which the old man gave her; but she cried to herself as she was + lifted into the litter and her foot was carefully propped on pillows. In + the street, which they soon reached through a side door, she again almost + lost consciousness, and half awake but half as in a dream, she heard the + leech’s voice as he cautioned the bearers to walk carefully, and saw the + people, and vehicles, and horsemen pass her on their way. Then she saw + that she was being carried through a large garden, and at last she dimly + perceived that she was being laid on a bed. From that moment every thing + was merged in a dream, though the frequent convulsions of pain that passed + over her features and now and then a rapid movement of her hand to the cut + in her head, showed that she was not altogether oblivious to the reality + of her sufferings. + </p> + <p> + Dame Hannah sat by the bed, and carried out the physician’s instructions + with exactness; he himself did not leave his patient till he was perfectly + satisfied with her bed and her position. Mary stayed with the widow + helping her to wet handkerchiefs and to make bandages out of old linen. + </p> + <p> + When Selene began to breathe more calmly Hannah beckoned her assistant to + come close to her and asked in a low voice. + </p> + <p> + “Can you stay here till early to-morrow, we must take it in turns to watch + her, most likely for several nights—how hot this wound on her head + is!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I can stay, only I must tell my mother that she may not be + frightened.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite right, and then you may undertake another commission for I cannot + leave the poor child just now.” + </p> + <p> + “Her people will be anxious about her.” + </p> + <p> + “That is just where you must go; but no one besides us two must know who + she is. Ask for Selene’s sister and tell her what has happened; if you see + her father tell him that I am taking care of his daughter, and that the + physician strictly forbids her moving or being moved. But he must not know + that Selene is one of us workers, so do not say a word about the factory + before him. If you find neither Arsinoe nor her father at home, tell any + one that opens the door to you that I have taken the sick child in, and + did it gladly. But about the workshop, do your hear, not a word. One thing + more, the poor girl would never have come down to the factory in spite of + such pain, unless her family had been very much in need of her wages; so + just give these drachmae to some one and say, as is perfectly true, that + we found them about her person.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. + </h2> + <p> + Plutarch was one of the richest citizens of Alexandria, and the owner of + the papyrus manufactory where Selene and Arsinoe worked; and he had of his + own free will offered to provide for the “suitable” entertainment of the + wives and daughters of his fellow-citizens, who were, this very day, to + assemble in one of the smaller theatres of the city. Every one that knew + him, knew too that “suitable” with him meant as much as to say imperial + splendor. + </p> + <p> + The ship-builder’s daughter had prepared Arsinoe for grand doings, but by + the time she had reached the entrance only of the theatre her expectations + were exceeded, for as soon as she gave her father’s name and her own, a + boy, who looked out from an arbor of flowers gave her a magnificent bunch + of flowers, and another, who sat perched on a dolphin, handed her, as a + ticket of admission, a finely-cut ornament of ivory mounted in gold, with + a pin, by which the invited owner was intended to fix it like a brooch in + her peplum; and at each entrance to the theatre, the ladies, as they came + in, had a similar present made them. + </p> + <p> + The passage leading to the auditorium was full of perfume, and Arsinoe, + who had already visited this theatre two or three times, hardly recognized + it, it was so gaily decorated with colored scarfs. And who had ever seen + ladies and young girls filling the best places instead of men, as was the + case to-day? Indeed the citizens’ daughters were in general not permitted + to see a theatrical performance at all, unless on very special and + exceptional occasions. She looked up with a smile at the empty topmost + rows of the cheapest seats of the semicircular auditorium, as one looks at + an old playfellow one had outgrown by a head, for it was there—when + she had occasionally been permitted to dip into their scanty common purse—that + she had almost fainted many a time, with pleasure, fear, or sympathy, + though the draught so high up and under the open heaven which was the only + roof, was incessantly blowing; and in summer the discomforts were even + greater from the awning which shaded the amphitheatre on the sunny side. + The wide breadths of canvas were managed by means of stout ropes, and when + these were pulled through the rings they rode in, they made a screech + which compelled the bearer to stop his ears; and often it was necessary to + duck his head not to be hit by the heavy ropes or by the awning itself. + But Arsinoe only remembered these things to-day as a butterfly sporting in + the sun may remember the hideous pupa-case that it has burst and left + behind it. + </p> + <p> + Radiant with happy excitement, she was led to her seat with her young + companion, the black-haired daughter of the shipwright. She perceived + indeed that numerous eyes turned upon her, but that only added to her + pleasure, for she knew that she could well bear looking at, and there + could be no greater pleasure, as she thought, than to give pleasure to a + multitude. + </p> + <p> + To-day at any rate! For those who were looking at her were the chief + citizens of Alexandria; they stood on the stage, and among them stood kind + tall Pollux, waving his hand to her. She could not keep her feet quiet, + but she did contrive to keep her arms still by crossing them in front of + her, so that they might not betray how excited she was. + </p> + <p> + This distribution of parts had already begun, for, by waiting for Selene, + she had come in almost half an hour too late. As soon as she saw that the + eyes that had been attracted to herself as she entered the theatre had + turned to other objects she herself looked round her. She was sitting on a + bench at the lowest and narrowest end of one of the wedge-shaped sections + of seats, which grew wider at the upper end, and which were divided from + each other by gangways for those who came and went, thus forming the + semicircular area of the auditorium. + </p> + <p> + Here she was surrounded only by young girls and women who were to have a + part or place in the performances. The places for these interested persons + were divided from the stage by a space for the orchestra, whence the stage + was easily reached by steps up which the chorus were wont to mount to it. + </p> + <p> + Behind Arsinoe, in the larger circular rows, sat the parents and husbands + of the performers, among whom Keraunus, in his saffron robe, had taken a + place, besides a considerable number of sight-loving matrons and older + citizens who had accepted Plutarch’s invitation. + </p> + <p> + Among the young women and girls Arsinoe saw several whose beauty struck + her, but she admired them ungrudgingly, and it never came into her head to + compare herself with them, for she knew very accurately that she was + pretty, and that even here she had nothing to conceal, and this was enough + for her. + </p> + <p> + The many-voiced hum which incessantly buzzed in her ears, and the perfume + which rose from the attar in the orchestra had something intoxicating in + them. Her gaze round the assembled multitude could not disturb any one, + and her companion had found some friends with whom she was chattering and + laughing. Other ladies and young girls sat staring silently in front of + them, or studying the appearance of the rest of the audience, male and + female; while others again concentrated their whole attention on the + stage. Arsinoe soon followed this example, nor was this solely on account + of Pollux who, by the prefect’s orders, had been enlisted among the + artists to whom the arrangement of the display was entrusted, in spite of + the objections of his master Papias. More than once before had she seen + the afternoon sun shine as brightly into the theatre as it did to-day, and + the blue sky overarching it without a cloud, but with what different + feelings did she now direct her gaze to the raised level behind the + orchestra. The background, it is true, was the same as usual, the pillared + front of a palace built entirely of colored marbles, and ornamented with + gold; but on this occasion fresh garlands of fragrant flowers hung + gracefully between the pilasters and across from column to column. Several + artists, the first of the city, with tablets and styla in their hands were + moving about among fifty girls and ladies, and Plutarch himself, and the + gentlemen with him, composed, as it were a grand chorus which sometimes + divided, and sometimes stood all together. + </p> + <p> + On the right side of the stage were three purple-covered couches. On one + of them sat Titianus, the prefect, who, like the artists, used his pencil; + with him was his wife Julia. On another reclined Verus, at full length, + and as usual, crowned with roses; the third was for Plutarch, but was + unoccupied. The praetor did not hesitate to interrupt any speaker, as + though he were the host of the entertainment, and many of his remarks were + followed by loud applause, or approving laughter. + </p> + <p> + The face and figure of the wealthy Plutarch, which could never be + forgotten, were not altogether strange to Arsinoe, for, a few days + previously he had shown himself for the first time in many years in his + papyrus factory, with an architect to settle with him how the courts and + rooms could best be cleaned and decorated for the reception of the + Emperor; and on this occasion he had gone into the room where she worked + and had pinched her cheek with a few roguish and flattering words. + </p> + <p> + There he was, walking across the stage. He was an old man, said to be + about seventy years of age, his legs were half-paralyzed, and they + nevertheless moved with a series of incessant and rapid but unvoluntary + jerks under his heavy bowed body, and he was supported on either hand by a + tall young fellow. His nobly-formed head, must have been in his youth, of + extraordinary beauty. Now his head was covered by a wig of long brown + hair, his eyebrows and lashes were darkly dyed, his cheeks daubed with red + and white paint, which gave his countenance a fixed expression, as if he + had been stricken in the very act of smiling. On his curls he wore a + wreath of rare flowers in long racemes. An abundance of red and white + roses stuck out from the front folds of his ample toga, and were held in + their place by gold brooches, sparkling with precious stones of large + size. The hems of his mantle were all edged with rose-buds, and each was + fastened in with an emerald that shone like some bright insect. The young + men who supported him seemed like a portion of himself; he took no more + heed of them than if they had been crutches, and they needed not command + to tell them where he wished to go, where to stand still, and where to + rest. + </p> + <p> + At a distance his face was like that of a youth, but seen close it looked + like a painted plaster mask, with regular features and large movable eyes. + </p> + <p> + Favorinus, the sophist, had said of him that one might cry over his + handsome locomotive corpse, if one were not obliged to laugh at it, and it + was said that he had himself declared that he would force his faithless + youth to remain with him. The Alexandrians called him the Adonis with six + legs, on account of the lads who supported him, and without whom no one + ever saw him and who always accompanied him when he went out. The first + time he heard this nickname he remarked: “They had better have called me + sixhanded;” and in fact he had a thoroughly good heart, he was liberal and + benevolent, took fatherly care of his work-people, treated his slaves + well, enriched those whom he set free, and from time to time distributed + large sums among the people in money and in grain. + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe looked compassionately on the poor old man who could not buy back + his youth with all his money and all his art. + </p> + <p> + In the supercilious man who at once came up to Plutarch she recognized the + art-dealer Gabinius to whom her father had shown the door, on account of + the mosaic picture in their sitting-room, but their conversation was + interrupted, for the distribution of the women’s part for the group of + Alexander’s entry into Babylon, was now about to take place; about fifty + girls and young women were sent away from the stage and went down into the + orchestra. The Exegetes, the highest official in the town, now came + forward and took a new list out of the hand of Papias the sculptor. After + rapidly casting an eye on this, he handed it to a herald who followed him, + who proclaimed to all the assembly: + </p> + <p> + “In the name of the most noble Exegetes I request your attention, all you + ladies here assembled, the wives and daughters of Macedonians and of Roman + citizens. We now come to a distribution of the characters in our + representation of the life and history of the great Macedonian, of the + ‘Marriage of Alexander and Roxana,’ and I hereby request those among you + to come upon the stage whom our artists have selected to take part in this + scene in the procession.” After this exordium he shouted in a deep and + resonant voice a long list of names, and while this was going on every + other sound was hushed in the wide amphitheatre. + </p> + <p> + Even on the stage all was still; only Verus whispered a few remarks to + Titianus, and the curiosity-dealer spoke into Plutarch’s ear, long + sentences with the stringent emphasis which was peculiar to him; and the + old man answered sometimes with an assenting nod, and sometimes with a + deprecatory motion of his hands. + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe listened with suspended breath to the herald’s proclamation; she + started and colored all over, with her eyes fixed on the bunch of flowers + in her hand, when she heard from the stage loudly uttered and plain to be + heard by all present: + </p> + <p> + “Arsinoe, the second daughter of Keraunus, the Macedonian and a Roman + citizen.” + </p> + <p> + The ship-builder’s daughter had already been called before her, and had + immediately left her seat, but Arsinoe waited modestly till some older + ladies rose. She then joined them and went among the last members of the + little procession which went down to the orchestra and from thence up the + steps for the chorus, on to the stage. + </p> + <p> + There the ladies and young girls were placed in two ranks, and looked at + with amiable consideration by the artists. Arsinoe was not long in + perceiving that these gentlemen looked at her longer and more often than + at the others; and then, after the masters of the festival had gone aside + in groups to discuss the matter they looked at her constantly and were + talking, she felt sure, about her. Nor did it escape her that she had + become the centre of many glances from the lookers-on who were sitting in + the theatre, and it occurred to her that on several sides people were + pointing at her with their fingers. She did not know which way she should + look and began to feel bashful; still she was pleased at being remarked by + so many people, and as she stood looking at the ground out of sheer + embarrassment to hide the delight she felt, Verus, who had gone up to the + group of artists, called out, putting his hand on the prefect’s arm. + </p> + <p> + “Charming-charming! a Roxana that might have sprung straight out of the + picture.” + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe heard these words, and guessing that they referred to her she + became more confused than ever, while her awkward smile gradually changed + to an expression of joyful but anxious expectation of a delight which was + almost painful in its magnitude. + </p> + <p> + Now one of the artists pronounced her name, and as she ventured to raise + her eyes to see if it were not Pollux who had spoken, she observed the + wealthy Plutarch who, with his two living crutches and Gabinius, the lean + curiosity-dealer, was inspecting the ranks of her companions. Presently he + had come quite close to her, and as he was helped towards her with + tottering steps, he dug the dealer in the ribs and said, kissing the back + of his hand, and winking his great eyes: “I know—I know! It is not + easily forgotten. Ivory and red coral!” + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe started, the blood left her cheeks, and all satisfaction fled from + her heart when the old man came to a stand-still in front of her, and said + kindly: + </p> + <p> + “Ah! ah! a bud out of the papyrus factory among all these proud roses and + lilies. Ah! ah! out of my work-rooms to join my assembly! Never mind-never + mind, beauty is everywhere welcome. I do not ask how you got here. I am + only glad that you are here.” + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe covered part of her face with her hand, but he tapped her white + arm three times with his middle finger, and then tottered on laughing to + himself. The dealer had caught Plutarch’s words, and asked him, when they + had gone a few steps from Arsinoe, with eager indignation: + </p> + <p> + “Did I hear you rightly? a work-woman in your factory, and here among our + daughters?” + </p> + <p> + “So it is—two busy hands among so many idle ones,” said the old man, + gaily. + </p> + <p> + “Then she must have forced her way in, and must be turned out.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly she shall not—Why, she is charming.” + </p> + <p> + “It is revolting! here, in this assembly!” + </p> + <p> + “Revolting?” interrupted Plutarch. “Oh dear, no! we must not be too + particular. And how are we to obtain mere children from you + antiquity-mongers?” Then he added pleasantly: + </p> + <p> + “This lovely creature must I should think, delight your fine sense of + beauty; or are you afraid that she may seem better suited to the part of + Roxana than your own charming daughter? Only listen to the men up there! + Let us see what is going on.” + </p> + <p> + These words referred to a loud discussion which had arisen close by the + couches of the prefect and Verus, the praetor. They, and with them most of + the painters and sculptors present, were of opinion that Arsinoe would be + a wonderfully effective Roxana; they maintained that her face and figure + answered perfectly to those of the Bactrian princes as they were + represented by Action, whose picture was, to a certain extent, to serve as + the basis of the living group. Only Papias and two of his fellow-artists, + declared against this choice, and eagerly asserted that among all the + damsels present one, and one alone, was worthy to appear before the + Emperor as Alexander’s bride, and that one was Praxilla, the daughter of + Gabinius. All three were in close business relations with the father of + the young girl, who was tall, and slim, and certainly very lovely, and + they wanted to do a pleasure to the rich and knowing purchaser. Their zeal + even assumed a tone of vehemence, when the dealer, following in the wake + of Plutarch, joined the group of disputants, and they were certain of + being heard by him. + </p> + <p> + “And who is this girl yonder?” asked Papias, pointing to Arsinoe, as the + two came up. “Nothing can be said against her beauty, but she is dressed + less than simply, and wears no kind of ornament worth speaking of—it + is a thousand to one against her parents being in a position to provide + her with such a rich dress, and such costly jewels as Roxana certainly + ought to display when about to be married to Alexander. The Asiatic + princess must appear in silk, gold and precious stones. Now my friend here + will be able so to dress his Praxilla that the splendor of her attire + might have astonished the great Macedonian himself, but who is the father + of that pretty child who is satisfied with the blue ribbon in her hair, + her two roses, and her little white frock?” + </p> + <p> + “Your reflections are just, Papias,” interrupted the dealer, with dry + incisiveness. “The girl you are speaking of is quite out of the question. + I do not say so for my daughter’s sake, but because everything in bad + taste is odious to me; it is hardly conceivable how such a young thing + could have had the audacity to force herself in here. A pretty face, to be + sure, opens locks and bars. She is—do not be too much startled—she + is nothing more than a work-girl in the papyrus factory of our excellent + host, Plutarch.” + </p> + <p> + “That is not the truth,” Pollux interrupted, indignantly, as he heard this + assertion. + </p> + <p> + “Moderate your tongue, young man,” replied the dealer. “I can call you to + witness, noble Plutarch.” + </p> + <p> + “Let her be whom she may,” answered the old man, with annoyance. “She is + very one of my workwomen, but even if she had come straight here from the + gumming-table with such a face and such a figure, she is perfectly in + place here and everywhere. That is my opinion.” + </p> + <p> + “Bravo! my fine friend!” cried Verus, nodding to the old man. “Caesar will + be far better pleased with such a paragon of charmers as that sweet + creature, than with all your old writs of citizenship and heavy purses.” + </p> + <p> + “That is true,” the prefect said, confirming this statement. “And I dare + swear she is a free maiden, and not a slave. But you stood up for her + friend Pollux—what do you know about her?” + </p> + <p> + “That she is the daughter of Keraunus, the palace-steward, and that I have + known her from her childhood,” answered the youthful artist emphatically. + “He is a Roman citizen, and of an old Macedonian house as well.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps even of royal descent,” added Titianus, laughing. + </p> + <p> + “I know the man,” answered the dealer hastily. “He is an impecunious + insolent old fool.” + </p> + <p> + “I should think,” interrupted Verus with lofty composure, but rather as + being bored, than as reproving the irritated speaker, “it seems to me that + this is hardly the place to conduct a discussion as to the nature and + disposition of the fathers of all those ladies and young girls.” + </p> + <p> + “But he is poor,” cried the dealer angrily. “A few days since he offered + to sell me his few miserable curiosities, but really I could not—” + </p> + <p> + “We are sorry for your sake if the transaction was unsuccessful,” Verus + again interposed, this time with excessive politeness. “Now, first let us + decide on the persons and afterwards on the costumes. The father of the + girl is a Roman citizen then?” + </p> + <p> + “A member of the council, and in his way a man of position,” replied + Titianus. + </p> + <p> + “And I,” added his wife Julia, “have taken a great fancy to the sweet + little maid, and if the principal part is given to her, and her noble + father is without adequate means, as you assert my friend, I will + undertake to provide for her costume. Caesar will be charmed with such a + Roxana.” + </p> + <p> + The dealer’s clients were silent, he himself was trembling with + disappointment and vexation, and his fury rose to the utmost when + Plutarch, whom till then he thought he had won over to his daughter’s + side, tried to bow his bent old body before dame Julia, and said with a + graceful gesture of regret: + </p> + <p> + “My old eyes have deceived me again on this occasion. The little girl is + very like one of my workwomen; very like—but I see now that there is + a certain something which the other lacks. I have done her an injustice + and remain her debtor. Permit, me, noble lady to add the ornaments to the + dress you provide for our Roxana. I may be lucky enough to find something + pretty for her. A sweet child! I shall go at once and beg her forgiveness + and tell her what we propose. May I do so noble Julia? Have I your + permission gentlemen?” + </p> + <p> + In a very few minutes it was known all over the stage, and soon after all + through the amphitheatre, that Arsinoe, the daughter of Keraunus, had been + selected to represent the character of Roxana. + </p> + <p> + “But who was Keraunus?” + </p> + <p> + “How was it that the children of the most illustrious and wealthy citizens + had been overlooked in assigning this most prominent part?” + </p> + <p> + “This was just what might be expected when every thing was left to those + reckless artists!” + </p> + <p> + “And where was a poor little girl like that to find the talents which it + would cost to procure the costume of an Asiatic princess, Alexander’s + bride?” + </p> + <p> + “Plutarch, and the prefect’s wife had undertaken that.” + </p> + <p> + “A mere beggar.” + </p> + <p> + “How well the family jewels would have suited our daughters!” + </p> + <p> + “Do we want to show Caesar nothing but a few silly pretty faces?—and + not something of our wealth and taste?” + </p> + <p> + “Supposing Hadrian asks who this Roxana is, and had to be told that a + collection had to be made to get her a proper costume.” + </p> + <p> + “Such things never could happen anywhere but in Alexandria.” + </p> + <p> + “Every one wants to know whether she worked in Plutarch’s factory. They + say it is not true—but the painted old villain still loves a pretty + face. He smuggled her in, you may be sure; where there is smoke there is + fire, and it is beyond a doubt that she gets money from the old man.” + </p> + <p> + “What for?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! you had better enquire of a priest of Aphrodite. It is nothing to + laugh at, it is scandalous, audacious!” + </p> + <p> + Thus and on this wise ran the comments with which the announcement of + Arsinoe’s preferment to the part of Roxana was received, and hatred and + bitter animosity had grown up in the souls of the dealer and his daughter. + Praxilla was selected as a companion to Alexander’s bride, and she yielded + without objecting, but on her way homewards she nodded assent when her + father said: + </p> + <p> + “Let things go on now as they may, but a few hours before the performance + begins, I will send them word that you are ill.” + </p> + <p> + The selection of Arsinoe had however, on the other hand, given pleasure as + well as pain. Up in the middle places in the amphitheatre sat Keraunus, + his legs far apart, his face glowing, panting and choking with sheer + delight, and too haughty to draw in his feet even when the brother of the + archidikastes tried to squeeze by his bulky person which filled two seats + at once. Arsinoe, whose sharp ears had not failed to catch the dealer’s + remonstrances, and the words in which brave Pollux had taken her part, + had, at first, felt dying of shame and terror, but now she felt as though + she could fly on the wings of her delight. She had never been so happy in + her life, and when she got out with her father, in the first dark street + she threw her arms round his neck, kissed both his cheeks, and then told + him how kind the lady Julia, the prefect’s wife had been to her, and that + she had undertaken, with the warmest friendliness, to have her costly + dress made for her. + </p> + <p> + Keraunus had no objection to offer, and, strange to say, he did not + consider it beneath his dignity to allow Arsinoe to be supplied with + jewels by the wealthy manufacturer. + </p> + <p> + “People have seen,” he said, pathetically, “that we need not shrink from + doing as much as other citizens do, but to dress a Roxana as befits a + bride would cost millions, and I am very willing to confess to my friends + that I have not millions. Where the costume comes from is all the same, be + that as it may you will still stand the first of all the maidens in the + city, and I am pleased with you for that, my child. To-morrow will be the + last meeting, and then perhaps Selene too, may have a prominent part given + to her. Happily we are able to dress her as befits. When will the + prefect’s wife fetch you?” + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow about noon.” + </p> + <p> + “Then early to-morrow buy a nice new dress.” + </p> + <p> + “Will there not be enough for a new bracelet too?” asked Arsinoe, + coaxingly. “This one of mine is too narrow and trumpery.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall have one, for you have deserved it,” replied Keraunus, with + dignity. “But you must have patience till the day after to-morrow; + to-morrow the goldsmiths will be closed on account of the festival.” + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe had never seen her father so cheerful and talkative as he was + to-day, and yet the walk from the theatre to Lochias was not a very short + one, and it was long past the early hour at which he was accustomed to + retire to bed. + </p> + <p> + By the time the father and daughter reached the palace it was already + tolerably late, for, after Arsinoe had quitted the stage, suitable + representatives of parts had been selected for three other scenes from the + life of Alexander, by the light of torches, lamps and tapers; and before + the assemblage broke up, Plutarch’s guests were entertained with wine, + fruit, syrups, sweet cakes, oyster pasties, and other delicacies. The + steward had fallen with good will on the noble drink and excellent food, + and when he was replete, he was wont to be in a better humor, and after a + modicum of wine, in a more cheerful mood than usual. Just now he was + content and kind, for although he had done all that lay in his power, the + entertainment had not lasted long enough, for him to arrive at a state of + intoxication which could make him surly, or to overload his digestion. + Towards the end of their walk, he turned thoughtful and said: + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow the council does not sit on account of the festival, and that + is well; all the world will congratulate me, question me, and notice me, + and the gilding on my circlet is quite shabby; and in some places the + silver shines through. Your outfit will now cost nothing, and it is quite + necessary that before the next meeting I should go to a goldsmith and + exchange that wretched thing for one of real gold. A man should show what + he is.” + </p> + <p> + He spoke the words pompously, and Arsinoe eagerly acquiesced, and only + begged him, as they went in at the open door, to leave enough for Selene’s + costume; he laughed quietly to himself, and said: + </p> + <p> + “We need no longer be so very cautious. I should like to know who the + Alexander will be who will be the first to ask for my Roxana as his wife. + Rich old Plutarch’s only son already has a seat in the council, and has + not yet taken a wife. He is no longer very young, but he is a fine man + still.” + </p> + <p> + The radiant father’s dream of the future was interrupted by Doris, who + came out of the gate-house and called him by his name. Keraunus stood + still. When the old woman went on: + </p> + <p> + “I must speak with you.” + </p> + <p> + He answered, repellently: “But I shall not listen to you—neither now + nor at any time.” + </p> + <p> + “It was certainly not for my pleasure,” retorted Doris, “that I called to + you; I have only to tell you that you will not find your daughter Selene + at home.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you say?” cried Keraunus. + </p> + <p> + “I say that the poor girl with her damaged foot could at last walk no + farther, and that she had to be carried into a strange house where she is + being taken care of.” + </p> + <p> + “Selene!” cried Arsinoe, falling from all her clouds of happiness, + startled and grieved—“do you know where she is?” + </p> + <p> + Before Doris could reply, Keraunus stormed out: + </p> + <p> + “It is all the fault of the Roman architect and his raging beast of a dog. + Very good! very good! now Caesar will certainly help me to my rights. He + will give a lesson to those who throw Roxana’s sister into a sick-bed, and + hinder her from taking any part in the processions. Very good! very good + indeed!” + </p> + <p> + “It is sad enough to cry over!” said the gatekeeper’s wife, indignantly. + “Is this the thanks she gets for all her care of her little brothers and + sisters! Only to think that a father can speak so, when his best child is + lying with a broken leg, helpless among strangers!” + </p> + <p> + “With a broken leg,” whimpered Arsinoe. + </p> + <p> + “Broken!” repeated Keraunus slowly, and now sincerely anxious. “Where can + I find her?” + </p> + <p> + “At dame Hannah’s little house at the bottom of the garden belonging to + the widow of Pudeus.” + </p> + <p> + “Why did they not bring her here?” + </p> + <p> + “Because the physician forbade it. She is in a fever, but she is well + cared for. Hannah is one of the Christians. I cannot bear the people, but + they know how to nurse the sick better than any one.” + </p> + <p> + “With Christians! my child is with Christians!” shrieked Keraunus, beside + himself. “At once Arsinoe, at once come with me; Selene shall not stay a + moment longer among that accursed rabble. Eternal gods! besides all our + other troubles this disgrace too!” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, it is not so bad as that,” said Doris soothingly. “There are very + estimable folks even among the Christians. At any rate they are certainly + honorable, for the poor hunch-backed creature who first brought the bad + news gave me this little bag of money which dame Hannah had found in + Selene’s pocket.” + </p> + <p> + Keraunus took his daughter’s hard-won wages as contemptuously as though he + was quite accustomed to gold, and thought nothing of more wretched silver; + but Arsinoe began to cry at the sight of the drachmae, for she knew it was + for the sake of that money that Selene had left her home, and could divine + what frightful pain she must have suffered on the way. + </p> + <p> + “Honorable this, and honorable that!” cried Keraunus, as he tied up his + money-bag. “I know well enough how shameless are the goings on in + assemblies of that stamp; kissing and hugging slaves! quite the right sort + of thing for my daughter! Come Arsinoe, let us find a litter at once!” + </p> + <p> + “No, no!” exclaimed Doris eagerly. “For the present you must leave her in + peace. I should be glad to conceal it from you as a father—but the + physician declared it might cost her her life if she were not left just + now in perfect quiet. No one goes to any kind of assembly with a burning + wound in the head, a high fever and a broken leg.—Poor dear child!” + </p> + <p> + Keraunus stood silent in grave consternation, while Arsinoe exclaimed + through her tears: + </p> + <p> + “But I must go to her, I must see her Doris.” + </p> + <p> + “That I cannot blame you for, my pretty one,” said the old woman. “I have + already been to the house of the Christians, but they would not let me in + to see the patient. With you it is rather different as you are her + sister.” + </p> + <p> + “Come father,” begged Arsinoe, “first let us see to the children, and then + you shall come with me to see Selene. Oh! why did I not go with her. Oh! + if she should die.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. + </h2> + <p> + Keraunus and his daughter reached their rooms less quickly than usual, for + the steward dreaded a fresh attack from the blood-hound, which, to-night + however, was sharing Antinous’ room. They found the old slavewoman up, and + in great excitement, for she loved Selene, she was frightened at her + absence, and in the children’s sleeping-room all was not as it should be. + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe went without delay to see the little ones, but the black woman + remained with her master, and told him with many tears, while he exchanged + his saffron-colored pallium for an old cloak, that the joy of her heart, + little blind Helios had been ill, and could not sleep, even after she had + given him some of the drops which Keraunus himself was accustomed to take. + </p> + <p> + “Idiotic animal!” exclaimed Keraunus, “to give my medicine to the child,” + and he kicked off his new shoes to replace them with shabbier ones. “If + you were younger I would have you flogged.” + </p> + <p> + “But you did say the drops were good,” stammered the old woman. + </p> + <p> + “For me,” shouted the steward, and without fastening his shoe-straps round + his ankles, so that they flapped and pattered on the ground, he hurried + off into the children’s room. There sat his darling blind child, his + ‘neir’ as he liked to call him, with his pretty, fair, curly head resting + on Arsinoe’s breast. The child recognized his step, and began his little + lament: + </p> + <p> + “Selene was away, and I was frightened, and I feel so sick, so sick.” + </p> + <p> + The steward laid his hand on the child’s forehead, and feeling how hot it + was he began to walk restlessly up and down by the little bed. + </p> + <p> + “That is just how it always happens,” he said. “When one misfortune comes + another always follows. Look at him Arsinoe. Do you remember how the fever + took poor Berenice? Sickness, uneasiness, and a burning head.—Have + you any pain in your head my boy?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered Helios, “but I feel so sick.” + </p> + <p> + The steward opened the child’s little shirt to see if he had any spots on + his breast, but Arsinoe said, as she bent over him: + </p> + <p> + “It is nothing much, he has only overloaded his stomach. The stupid old + woman gives him every thing he asks for, and she let him have half of the + currant cake, which we sent her to fetch before we went out.” + </p> + <p> + “But his head is burning,” repeated Keraunus. + </p> + <p> + “He will be quite well again by to-morrow morning,” replied Arsinoe. “Our + poor Selene needs us far snore than he does. Come father. The old woman + can stay with him.” + </p> + <p> + “I want Selene to come,” whimpered the child. “Pray, pray, do not leave me + alone again.” + </p> + <p> + “Your old father will stay with you my pet,” said Keraunus tenderly, for + it cut him to the soul to see this child suffer. “You none of you know + what this boy is to us all.” + </p> + <p> + “He will soon go to sleep,” Arsinoe asserted. “Do let us go, or it will be + too late.” + </p> + <p> + “And leave the old woman to commit some other stupid blunder?” cried + Keraunus. “It is my duty to stay with the poor little boy. You can go to + your sister and take the old woman with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, and to-morrow early I will come back.” + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow morning?” said Keraunus surprised. “No, no, that will not do. + Doris said just now that Selene will be well nursed by the Christians. + Only see how she is, give her my love, and then come back.” + </p> + <p> + “But father—” + </p> + <p> + “Besides you must remember that the prefect’s wife expects you to-morrow + at noon to choose the stuff for your dress, and you must not look as if + you had been sitting up all night.” + </p> + <p> + “I will rest a little while in the morning.” + </p> + <p> + “In the morning? And how about curling my hair? And your new frock? And + poor little Helios?—No child, you are only just to see Selene and + then come back again. Early in the morning too the holiday will have + begun, and you know what goes on then; the old woman would be of no use to + you in the throng. Go and see how Selene is, you are not to stay.” + </p> + <p> + “I will see—” + </p> + <p> + “Not a word about seeing—you come home again. I desire it; in two + hours you are to be in bed.” + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe shrugged her shoulders, and two minutes after she was standing + with the old slave-woman in front of the gate-house. + </p> + <p> + A broad beam of light still fell through the half-open door of the bowery + little room, so Euphorion and Doris had not retired to rest and could at + once open the palace-gate for her. The Graces set up a bark as Arsinoe + crossed the threshold of her old friends’ house, but they did not leave + their cushion for they soon recognized her. + </p> + <p> + It was several years since Arsinoe, in obedience to her father’s strict + prohibition had set foot in the snug the house, and her heart was deeply + touched as she saw again all the surroundings she had loved as a child, + and had not forgotten as she grew into girlhood. There were the birds, the + little dogs, and the lutes on the wall near the Apollo. On worthy dame + Doris’ table there had always been something to eat, and there, now, good + a lovely, golden-brown cake, by the side of the wine-jar. How often as a + child had she sneaked in to beg a sweet morsel, how often to see whether + tall Pollux were not there, Pollux, whose bold devices and original + suggestions, gave his work and his play alike, the stamp of genius, and + lent them a peculiar charm. And there sat her saucy playfellow in person, + his legs stretched at full length in front of him, and talking, eagerly. + Arsinoe heard him relating the end of the history of her being chosen for + Roxana, and caught her own name, graced with such epithets as brought the + blushes to her cheeks, and gave her double pleasure because he could not + guess that she could overhear them. From a boy he had grown to a man, and + a fine man, and a great artist—but he was still the old kind and + audacious Pollux. + </p> + <p> + The sudden leap with which he sprang from his seat to welcome her, the + frank laughter with which he several times interrupted her speech, the + childlike loving way in which he held his arm round his little mother + while he greeted her, and asked why she was going out so late, the + winning, touching tone of his voice as he expressed his regret at Selene’s + mishaps—all went home to Arsinoe as a thing known and loved, of + which she had long been deprived, and she clung to the two strong hands he + held out to her. If at that moment he had taken her up, and clasped her to + his heart before the very eyes of Eupliorion and his mother she really + would have been incapable of resisting him. + </p> + <p> + It was with a heavy heart that Arsinoe had gone into dame Doris, but in + the gate-keeper’s house there reigned an atmosphere in which care and + anxiety could not breathe, and the light-hearted girl’s vision of her + sister as tormented with pain and threatened with danger was changed in a + wonderfully short time to that of a sufferer comfortably in bed, with only + a severely-injured foot. In the place of consuming anxiety she felt only + hearty sympathy, and this sounded in her voice as she begged the singer + Euphorion to open the gate for her, because she wanted to go out with her + slave-woman to ascertain how Selene was. + </p> + <p> + Doris soothed her, repeating her assurance that the patient would be + nursed with the utmost care in dame Hannah’s hands; still, she thought her + wish to see her sister very justifiable, and eagerly seconded Pollux when + he entreated Arsinoe to accept his escort; for the festival would be + beginning soon after midnight, the streets would be full of rough and + impudent people, and a bunch of feathers would be about as much use + against the drunken slaves as her black scarecrow, who had been falling + into decrepitude even before she had done the stupidest deed of her life + and roused the steward’s anger against herself. + </p> + <p> + So they went along the dark streets which grew full of people the farther + they went, side by side in silence. Presently Pollux said: + </p> + <p> + “Put your arm through mine; you ought to feel that I am protecting you, + and I—I should like to feel at every step that I have found you once + more, and am allowed to be near you—so sweet a creature.” + </p> + <p> + The words did not sound impertinent, on the contrary, they sounded very + much in earnest, and the sculptor’s deep voice trembled with emotion as he + spoke them with deep tenderness. They knocked at the door of the girl’s + heart with the urgent hand of love; she unhesitatingly put her hand + through his arm and answered softly: + </p> + <p> + “You will take care of me now.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said he, and he took her little hand, which rested on his right + arm, in his left hand. She did not draw it away, and after they had gone + on thus for a few paces he sighed and said: + </p> + <p> + “Do you know how I feel?” + </p> + <p> + “Well!” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I myself cannot put it into words. Rather as if I had triumphed in + the Olympian games, or as if Caesar had invested me with the purple!—But + who cares for the wealth or the purple! You are hanging on my arm, and I + have hold of your hand; compared with this, all is as nought. If it were + not for the people about I—I do not know what I could do.” + </p> + <p> + She looked up at him with happy content, but he lifted her hand to his + lips and pressed it to them long and fervently. Then he let it go again + and said, with a sigh that came up from the bottom of his heart: + </p> + <p> + “Oh Arsinoe, my sweet Arsinoe, how I love you!” + </p> + <p> + As the words came softly yet hotly from his lips the girl clasped his arm + closely to her bosom, leaned her head on his shoulder, looked up at him + with a wide-eyed, tender gaze, and said softly: + </p> + <p> + “Oh Pollux, I am so happy, the world is so good!” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I could hate it!” cried the sculptor. “To hear this—and to + have an old mother wide awake at home, and to be obliged to walk steadily + on in a street crowded with men—it is unendurable! I shall not hold + out much longer—sweetest of girls—here it is quiet and dark.” + </p> + <p> + Yes, in a little nook made by two contiguous houses, and into which Pollux + drew Arsinoe, it was pitch dark, as he hastily pressed his first kiss on + her innocent lips; but in their hearts it was light-radiant sunshine. + </p> + <p> + She had thrown her arms round his neck and would willingly have clung to + him till day should end; but they heard the approach of a noisy procession + of slaves. These unfortunate creatures began soon after midnight singing + and shouting so as to avail themselves to the extremist limit of the + holiday, which released them for a short time from their tasks and duties; + Pollux knew well how unbounded the license of their pleasures could be, + and as he walked on with Arsinoe he enjoined her to keep with him as close + as possible to the houses. + </p> + <p> + “How jolly they are!” he said pointing to the merry-makers. “Their masters + will wait on themselves a little to-day, and the best day in the year is + just beginning for them, but for us the best day in all our lives.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” cried Arsinoe, and she clasped his strong arm with both her + hands. + </p> + <p> + Then they both laughed merrily, for Pollux had noticed that the old + slave-woman had gone on past them with her head sunk on her breast, and + was following another pair. + </p> + <p> + “I will call her,” Arsinoe said. + </p> + <p> + “No, no, let her be,” said the artist. “The couple in front certainly + require her protection more than we do.” + </p> + <p> + “But how could she possibly mistake that little man for you?” laughed + Arsinoe. + </p> + <p> + “I wish I were a little smaller,” replied Pollux with a sigh. “Only + picture to yourself the vast amount of burning love and tormenting longing + that can be contained in so large a body as mine!” She slapped him on the + arm, and to punish her he hastily pressed his lips on her forehead. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t—think of the people,” she said reprovingly, but he gaily + answered: + </p> + <p> + “It is not a misfortune to be envied.” + </p> + <p> + Here the streets came to an end, and they found themselves in front of the + garden belonging to Pudeus’ widow; Pollux knew it, for Paulina who owned + it was the sister of Pontius, the architect, who himself owned a + magnificent house in the city. But could it be possible? Had invisible + hands brought them here already? The gate of the enclosure was locked. + Pollux roused a porter, told him what he wanted, and was conducted by him + with Arsinoe to apart of the grounds where a bright light shone out from + dame Hannah’s little abode, for he had had instructions to admit the sick + girl’s friends even during the night. + </p> + <p> + A crescent moon lighted the paths, which were strewed with shells; the + shrubs and trees in the garden threw sharply-defined shadows on their + gleaming whiteness, the sea sparkled brightly, and as soon as the porter + had left the happy young pair together, and they found themselves in a + shadowy alley, Pollux said, opening his arms to the girl: + </p> + <p> + “Now—one more kiss, just for a remembrance, while I wait.” + </p> + <p> + “Not now,” begged Arsinoe. + </p> + <p> + “I am no longer happy since we came in here. I cannot help thinking of + poor Selene.” + </p> + <p> + “I have not a word to say against that,” replied Pollux submissively. + “Then when waiting is over may I have my reward?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, now, at once,” cried Arsinoe throwing herself on his breast, and + then she hurried towards the house. + </p> + <p> + He followed her, and when she paused in front of a brightly-lighted window + on the ground floor, he stopped also. They both looked in on a lofty and + spacious room, kept in the most perfect order and cleanliness; it had one + door only opening on the roofless forecourt of the house; the walls of the + room were plainly painted of a light green color, and the only ornament it + contained was one piece of carved work over the door. + </p> + <p> + On the farther side stood the bed on which Selene was lying; a few paces + from it sat the deformed girl asleep, while dame Hannah softly went up to + the patient with a wet compress in her hand which she carefully laid on + her head. + </p> + <p> + Pollux touched Arsinoe and whispered to her: + </p> + <p> + “Your sister lies there in her sleep like an Ariadne deserted by Dionysus. + How wretched she will feel when she comes to herself.” + </p> + <p> + “She looks to me less pale than usual.” + </p> + <p> + “Look now, how she bends her arm, and what a lovely attitude as she puts + her hand to her head!” + </p> + <p> + “Go—” said Arsinoe. “You ought not to be spying here.” + </p> + <p> + “Directly, directly—but if you were lying there no power should stir + me from the spot. How carefully Hannah lifts the wet wrapper from her poor + broken ankle. You could not touch your eye more gently than the good woman + handles Selene’s foot.” + </p> + <p> + “Go back, she is looking straight this way.” + </p> + <p> + “What a wonderful face! It would do for a Penelope, but there is something + singular in her eyes. Now if I had to make another star-gazing Urania, or + a Sappho full of the deity, and with eyes fixed on the heavens in poetic + rapture, that is what I would put into her! She is no longer young, but + how pure her face is! It is like a sky when the wind has swept it clear of + clouds.” + </p> + <p> + “Seriously you must go now,” said Arsinoe drawing away her hand, which he + had again taken. Pollux saw that his praise of another woman’s beauty + annoyed her, and he said soothingly: + </p> + <p> + “Be easy child. You have not your match here in Alexandria, no, nor so far + as Greek is spoken. A perfectly clear sky is certainly not the most + beautiful to my taste. Pure light, and pure blue, give no satisfaction to + the artist, it is only behind a few moving clouds, lighted up by changing + gleams of gold and silver, that the firmament has any true charm, and + though your face too is like heaven to me it does not lack sweet movement, + never twice alike. Now this matron—” + </p> + <p> + “Only look,” interrupted Arsinoe, “how tenderly dame Hannah bends over + Selene, and now she is gently kissing her brow. No mother could tend her + own daughter more lovingly. I have known her for a long time; she is good, + very good; it is hardly credible for she is a Christian.” + </p> + <p> + “The cross up there over the door,” said Pollux “is the token by which + these extraordinary people recognize each other.” + </p> + <p> + “And what is signified by the dove and fish and anchor round it?” asked + Arsinoe. + </p> + <p> + “They are emblems of the mysteries of the Christians,” replied Pollux. “I + do not understand them; the things are wretchedly painted; the adherents + of the crucified God contemn all art, and particularly my branch of it, + for they hate all images of the gods.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet among such blasphemers we find such good men; I will go in at + once; Hannah is wetting another handkerchief.” + </p> + <p> + “And how unwearied and kind she looks as she does it; still there is + something strange, deserted, and graceless in this large bare room. I + should not like to live there.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you noticed the faint scent of lavender that comes through the + window?” + </p> + <p> + “Long since—there your sister is moving and has opened her eyes—now + she has shut them again.” + </p> + <p> + “Go back into the garden and wait till I come,” Arsinoe commanded him + decidedly. “I will only see how Selene is going on; I will not stop long + for my father wishes me to return soon, and no one can nurse her better + than Hannah!” + </p> + <p> + The girl drew her hand out of her lover’s and knocked at the door of the + little house; it was opened and the widow herself led Arsinoe to the + bedside of her sister. Pollux at first sat a while on a bench in the + garden, but soon sprang up and paced with long steps the path he had + previously trodden with Arsinoe. A stone table across the path, brought + him to a stand-still, and he took a fancy for leaping it. The third time + he came up to it he sprang over it with a long jump. But no sooner had he + done the frolicsome deed than he paused, shook his head at himself and + muttered to himself: “Like a boy!”—He felt indeed like a happy + child. But as he waited he became calmer and graver. He acknowledged to + himself, with sincere thankfulness, that he had now found the ideal woman, + of whom he had dreamed in his hours of best inspiration, and that she was + his, wholly and alone. And after all, what was he? A poor rascal who had + many mouths to fill, and was no more than two fingers of his master’s + hand. This must be altered. He would not reduce his sister’s comforts in + any way but he must break with Papias, and stand henceforth on his own + feet. His courage mounted fast, and when at last, Arsinoe returned from + her sister, he had resolved that he must first finish Balbilla’s bust with + all diligence in his own workshop, and that then he would model his + beloved; these two female heads he could not fail in. Caesar must see + them, they must be exhibited, and already in his mind’s eye, he saw + himself refusing order after order, and accepting only the most splendid + where all were good. + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe went home comforted. Selene’s sufferings were certainly less than + she had pictured them; she did not wish to be nursed by any one besides + dame Hannah. She might perhaps have a little fever, but any one who was + capable of discussing every little question of house-keeping, and all that + related to the children could not be—as Arsinoe thought while she + walked back through the garden, leaning on the artist’s arm—really + and properly ill. + </p> + <p> + “It must revive and delight her to have Roxana for a sister!” cried + Pollux; but his pretty companion shook her head and said: “She is always + so odd; what most delights me is averse to her.” + </p> + <p> + “Well Selene is of course the moon, and you are the sun.” + </p> + <p> + “And what are you?” asked Arsinoe. + </p> + <p> + “I am tall Pollux, and to-night I feel as if I might some day be great + Pollux.” + </p> + <p> + “If you succeed I shall grow with you.” + </p> + <p> + “That will be your right, since it is only through you that I can ever + succeed in that which I propose to do. + </p> + <p> + “And how should a simple little thing, such as I am, be able to help an + artist?” + </p> + <p> + “By living, and by loving him,” cried the sculptor, lifting her up in his + arms before she could prevent him. + </p> + <p> + Outside the garden-gate the old slave-woman was sitting asleep. She had + learnt from the porter that her young mistress had been admitted with her + companion, but she herself had been forbidden to enter the grounds. A + curbstone had served her for a seat, and as she waited her eyes had + closed, in spite of the increasing noise in the street. Arsinoe did not + waken her, but asked Pollux, with a roguish laugh: + </p> + <p> + “We shall find our way alone, shall we not?” + </p> + <p> + “If Eros does not lead us astray,” answered the artist. And so, as they + went on their way, they jested and exchanged little tender speeches. + </p> + <p> + The nearer they got to Lochias and to the main lines of traffic which + intersected at right angles the Canopic way—the widest and longest + road in the city—the fuller was the stream of people that flowed + onwards in the direction in which they were going; but this circumstance + favored them, for those who wish to be unobserved, when they cannot be + absolutely alone, have only to mix with the crowd. As they were borne + towards the focus and centre of the festive doings, they clung closely + together, she to him, and he to her, so that they might not be torn apart + by any of the rushing and tumultuous processions of excited Thracian women + who, faithful to their native usages, came storming by with a young bull, + on this particular night of the year, that following the shortest day. + They had hardly gone a hundred paces beyond the Moon-street when they + heard proceeding from it a wild roving song of tipsy jollity, and loud + above it the sound of drums and pipes, cymbals and noisy shouting, and at + the same time in the King’s street, a road which crossed the Bruchiom and + opened on Lochias, a merry troup came towards them. + </p> + <p> + At their head, among other acquaintances, came Teuker, the gem-cutter, the + younger brother of Pollux. Crowned with ivy, and flourishing a thyrsus he + came dancing on, and behind him, leaping and shouting, a train of men and + women, all excited to the verge of folly, singing, hollooing, and dancing. + </p> + <p> + Garlands of vine, ivy and asphodel fluttered from a hundred heads; poplar, + lotus, and laurel wreaths overhung their heated brows; panther-skins, deer + and goatskins hung from their bare shoulders and waved in the wind as + their bearers hurried onwards. This procession had been first formed by + some artists and rich youths returning with some women from a banquet, + with a band of music; every one who met this festal party had joined it or + had been forced to enlist with it. Respectable citizens and their wives, + laborers, maid-servants, slaves, soldiers and sailors, officers, women + flute-players, artisans, ship-captains, the whole chorus of a theatre + invited by a friend of art, excited women who dragged with them a goat + that was to be slaughtered to Dionysus—none had been able to resist + the temptation to join the procession. It turned down the Moon-street, + keeping to the middle of the road which was planted with elms, and had on + each side of it a raised foot-way, which at this time of night no one + used. How clear was the sound of the double-pipes, how bravely the girls + hit the calf-skin of the tambourines with their soft fists, how saucily + the wind tossed and tangled the dishevelled hair of the riotous women and + played with the smoke of the torches which were wielded in the air by + audacious youths, disguised as Pan or as Satyrs, and shouting as they + went. + </p> + <p> + Here a girl, holding her tambourine high in the air, rattled the little + bells on its hoop, as she flew along, as violently as though she wanted to + shake the hollow metal balls out of their frame, and send them whistling + through the air on their own account-there, side by side with his + comrades, who were excited almost to madness, a handsome lad came skipping + along in elaborately graceful leaps, but carrying over his arm, with comic + care, a long bull’s-tail that he had tied on, and blowing alternately up + and down the short scale from the shortest to the longest of the reeds + composing his panpipes. Through the noisy crowd as they rushed by, + sounded, now and again, a loud roar, that might as easily have been caused + by pain as joy; but it was each time hastily drowned in mad laughter, + extravagant singing and jubilant music. + </p> + <p> + Old and young, great and small, all in short that came near this rabble + train, were carried off with irresistible force to follow it with shouts + of triumph. Even Pollux and Arsinoe had for some time ceased to walk + soberly side by side, but moved their feet, laughingly in time to the + merry measure. + </p> + <p> + “How nice it sounds,” cried the artist. “I could dance and be merry too + Arsinoe, dance and make merry with you like a madman!” + </p> + <p> + Before she could find time to say ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ he shouted a loud “To, + To, Dionysus,” and flung her up in the air. She too was caught by the + spirit of the thing, and waving her hand above her head she joined in his + shout of triumph, and let him drag her along to a corner of the + Moon-street where a seller of garlands offered her wares for sale. There + she let him wreathe her with ivy, she stuck a laurel wreath on his head, + twisted a streamer of ivy round his neck and breast, and laughed loudly as + she flung a large silver coin into the flower-woman’s lap and clung + tightly to his arm. It was all done in swift haste without reflection, as + if in a fit of intoxication, and with trembling hands. + </p> + <p> + The procession was drawing to an end. Six women and girls in wreaths + closed it, walking arm in arm with loud singing. Pollux drew his + sweetheart behind this jovial crew, threw his arm around Arsinoe once + more, while she put hers round him, and then both of them stepped out in a + brisk dance-step flinging their arms left free, throwing back their heads, + shouting and singing loudly, and forgetting all that surrounded them; they + felt as though they were bound to each other by a glory of sunbeams, while + some god lifted them above the earth and bore them up through a realm of + delight and joy beyond the myriad stars and through the translucent ether; + thus they let themselves be led away through the Moon-street into the + Canopic way and so back to the sea, and as far as the temple of Dionysus. + </p> + <p> + There they paused breathless and it suddenly struck them that he was + Pollux and she Arsinoe, and that she must get back again to her father and + the children. + </p> + <p> + “Come home,” she said softly, and as she spoke she dropped her arm and + began to gather up her loosened hair. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” he said as if in a dream. He released her, struck his hand + against his brow, and turning to the open cella of the temple he said: + </p> + <p> + “Long have I known that thou art mighty O Dionysus, and that thou O + Aphrodite art lovely, and that thou art sweet O Eros! but how inestimable + your gifts, that I have learnt to-day for the first time.” + </p> + <p> + “We were indeed full of the deity,” said Arsinoe. “But here comes another + procession and I must go home.” + </p> + <p> + “Then let us go by the Little Harbor,” answered Pollux. + </p> + <p> + “Yes—I must pick the leaves out of my hair and no one will see us + there.” + </p> + <p> + “I will help you—” + </p> + <p> + “No, you are not to touch me,” said Arsinoe decidedly. She grasped her + abundant soft and shiny hair, and cleared it of the leaves that had got + entangled in it, as tiny beetles do in a double flower. Finally she hid + her hair under her veil, which had slipped off her head long since, but, + almost by a miracle, had caught and remained hanging on the brooch of her + peplum. Pollux stood looking at her, and overmastered by the passion that + possessed him, he exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Eternal gods! how I love you! Till now my soul has been like a careless + child, to-day it is grown to heroic stature.—Wait—only wait, + it will soon learn to use its weapons.” + </p> + <p> + “And I will help it in the fight,” she said happily, as she put her hand + through his arm again, and they hurried back to the old palace, dancing + rather than walking. + </p> + <p> + The late December sun was already giving warning of his approaching rising + by cold yellowish-grey streaks in the sky as Pollux and his companion + entered the gate, which had long since been opened for the workmen. In the + hall of the Muses they took a first farewell, in the passage leading to + the steward’s room, a second—sad and yet most happy; but this was + but a short one for the gleam of a lamp made them start apart, and Arsinoe + instantly fled. + </p> + <p> + The disturber was Antinous who was waiting here for the Emperor who was + still gazing at the stars from the watch-tower Pontius had erected for + him. As she vanished he turned to Pollux and said gaily: + </p> + <p> + “I need your forgiveness for I have disturbed you in an interview with + your sweetheart.” + </p> + <p> + “She will be my wife,” said the sculptor proudly. + </p> + <p> + “So much the better!” replied the favorite, and he drew a deep breath, as + though the artist’s words had relieved his mind of a burden. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! so much the better. Can you tell me where to find the fair Arsinoe’s + sister?” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure,” replied the artist, and he felt pleased that the young + Bithynian should cling to his arm. Within the next hour, Pollux, from + whose lips there flowed a stream of eager and enthusiastic words, like + water from a spring, had completely won the heart of the Emperor’s + favorite. + </p> + <p> + The girl found both her father and Helios, who no longer looked like a + sick patient—fast asleep. The old slave-woman came in a few minutes + after her, and when at last, after unbinding her hair, Arsinoe threw + herself on her bed she fell asleep instantly, and in her dreams found + herself once more by the side of her Pollux, while they both were flying + to the sound of drums, flutes, and cymbals high above the dusty ways of + earth, like leaves swept on by the wind. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI. + </h2> + <p> + The steward awoke soon after sunrise. He had slept no less soundly, it is + true, in his arm-chair than in his bed, but he did not feel refreshed, and + his limbs ached. + </p> + <p> + In the living-room everything was in the same disorder as on the previous + evening, and this annoyed him, for he was accustomed to find his room in + order when he entered it in the morning. On the table, surrounded by + flies, stood the remains of the children’s supper, and among the bread + crusts and plates lay his own ornaments and his daughter’s! Wherever he + turned he saw articles of dress and other things out of their place. The + old slave-woman came in yawning, her woolly grey hair hung in disorder + about her face, and her eyes seemed fixed, her feet carried her unsteadily + here and there. + </p> + <p> + “You are drunk,” cried Keraunus; nor was he mistaken, for when the old + woman had waked up, sitting by the house of Pudeus, and had learned from + the gate keeper that Arsinoe had quitted the garden, she had gone into a + tavern with other slave-women. When her master seized her arm and shook + her, she exclaimed with a stupid grin on her wet lips: + </p> + <p> + “It is the feast-day. Every one is free, to-day is the feast.” + </p> + <p> + “Roman nonsense!” interrupted the steward. “Is my breakfast ready?” + </p> + <p> + While the old woman stood muttering some inaudible words, the slave came + into the room and said: + </p> + <p> + “To-day is a general holiday, may I go out too?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh that would suit me admirably!” cried the steward. + </p> + <p> + “This monster drunk, Selene sick, and you running about the streets.” + </p> + <p> + “But no one stops at home to-day,” replied the slave timidly. + </p> + <p> + “Be off then!” cried Keraunus. “Walk about from now till midnight! Do as + you please, only do not expect me to keep you any longer. You are still + fit to turn the hand-mill, and I dare say I can find a fool to give me a + few drachmae for you.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, do not sell me,” groaned the old man, raising his hands in + entreaty; Keraunus however would not hear him, but went on angrily: + </p> + <p> + “A dog at least remains faithful to his master, but you slaves eat him out + of house and home, and when he most needs you, you want to run about the + streets.” + </p> + <p> + “But I will stay,” howled the old man. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, do as you please. You have long been like a lame horse which makes + its rider a butt for the laughter of children. When, you go out with me + everyone looks round as if I had a stain on my pallium. And then the mangy + dog wants to keep holiday, and stick himself up among the citizens!” + </p> + <p> + “I will stay here, only do not sell me!” whimpered the miserable old man, + and he tried to take his master’s hand; but the steward shoved him off, + and desired him to go into the kitchen and light a fire, and throw some + water on the old woman’s head to sober her. The slave pushed his companion + out of the room, while Keraunus went into his daughter’s bedroom to rouse + her. + </p> + <p> + There was no light in Arsinoe’s room but that which could creep in through + a narrow opening just below the ceiling; the slanting rays fell directly + on the bed up to which Keraunus went. There lay his daughter in sound + sleep; her pretty head rested on her uplifted right arm, her unbound brown + hair flowed like a stream over her soft round shoulders and over the edge + of the little bed. He had never seen the child look so pretty, and the + sight of her really touched his heart, for Arsinoe reminded him of his + lost wife, and it was not vain pride merely, but a movement of true + paternal love, which involuntarily transformed his earnest wish that the + gods night leave him this child and let her be happy, into an unspoken but + fervent prayer. + </p> + <p> + He was not accustomed to waking his daughter who was always up and busy + before he was, and he could hardly bear to disturb his darling’s sweet + sleep; but it had to be done, so he called Arsinoe by her name, shook her + arm and said, as at last she sat up and looked at him enquiringly: + </p> + <p> + “It is I, get up, remember what has to be done today.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes—yes,” she said yawning, “but it is so early yet!” + </p> + <p> + “Early,” said Keraunus, smiling. “My stomach says the contrary. The sun is + already high, and I have not yet had my porridge.” + </p> + <p> + “Make the old woman cook it.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, my child—you must get up. Have you forgotten whom you are + to represent? And my hair is to be curled, and the prefect’s wife, and + then your dress.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well—go; I do not care the least bit about Roxana and all the + dressing-up.” + </p> + <p> + “Because you are not yet quite awake,” laughed the steward. “How did this + ivy-leaf get into your hair?” Arsinoe colored, put her hand to the spot + indicated by her father, and said reluctantly: + </p> + <p> + “Out of some bough or another, but now go that I may get up.” + </p> + <p> + “In a minute—tell me how did you find Selene?” + </p> + <p> + “Not so very bad—but I will tell you all about that afterwards. Now + I want to be alone.” + </p> + <p> + When, half an hour later, Arsinoe brought her father his porridge he gazed + at the child in astonishment. Some extraordinary change seemed to have + come over his daughter. Something shone in her eyes that he had never + observed before, and that gave her childlike features an importance and + significance that almost startled him. While she was making the porridge, + Keraunus, with the slave’s help, had taken the children up and dressed + them; now they were all sitting at breakfast; Helios among them fresh and + blooming. Now, while Arsinoe told her father all about Selene, and the + nursing she was having at dame Hannah’s hands, Keraunus kept his eyes + fixed on her, and when she noticed this and asked impatiently what there + was peculiar in her appearance to-day, he shook his head and answered: + </p> + <p> + “What strange things are girls! A great honor has been done you. You are + to represent the bride of Alexander, and pride and delight have changed + you wonder fully in a single night—but I think to your + disadvantage.” + </p> + <p> + “Folly,” said Arsinoe reddening, and stretching herself with fatigue she + threw herself back on a couch. She did not feel weary exactly, for the + lassitude she felt in every limb had a peculiar pleasure in it. She felt + as if she had come out of a hot bath, and since her father had roused her + she seemed to hear, again and again, the sound of the inspiriting music + which she had followed arm in arm with Pollux. Now and again she smiled, + now and again she gazed straight before her, and at the same time she said + to herself that if at this very moment her lover were to ask her, she + would not lack strength to fling herself at once, with him, once more into + the mad whirl. Yes—she felt perfectly fresh! only her eyes burned a + little; and if Keraunus fancied he saw anything new in his daughter it + must be the glowing light which now lurked in them along with the playful + sparkle he had always seen there. + </p> + <p> + When breakfast was over the slave took the children out, and Arsinoe had + begun to curl her father’s hair, when Keraunus put on his most dignified + attitude and said ponderously. + </p> + <p> + “My child.” + </p> + <p> + The girl dropped the heated tongs and calmly asked. “Well”—fully + prepared to hear one of the wonderful propositions which Selene was wont + to oppose. + </p> + <p> + “Listen to me attentively.” + </p> + <p> + Now, what Keraunus was about to say had only occurred to him an hour since + when he had spoiled his slave’s desire to go out; but as he said it he + pressed his hand to his forehead assuming the expression of a meditative + philosopher. + </p> + <p> + “For a long time I have been considering a very important matter. Now I + have come to a decision and I will confide it to you. We must buy a new + manslave.” + </p> + <p> + “But father!” cried Arsinoe, “think what it will cost you. If we have + another man to feed—” + </p> + <p> + “There is no question of that,” replied Keraunus. “I will exchange the old + one for a younger one that I need not be ashamed to be seen with. + Yesterday I told you that henceforth we shall attract greater attention + than hitherto, and really if we appear with that black scarecrow at our + heels in the streets or elsewhere—” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly we cannot make much show Sebek,” interrupted Arsinoe, “but we + can leave him at home for the future.” + </p> + <p> + “Child, child!” exclaimed Keraunus reproachfully, “will you never remember + who and what we are. How would it beseem us to appear in the streets + without a slave?” + </p> + <p> + The girl shrugged her shoulders, and put it to her father that Sebek was + an old piece of family property, that the little ones were fond of him + because he cared for them like a nurse, that a new slave would cost a + great deal and would only be driven by force to many services which the + old one was always ready and willing to fulfil. + </p> + <p> + But Arsinoe preached to deaf ears. Selene was not there; secure from her + reproaches and as anxious as a spoiled boy for the thing that was denied + him, Keraunus adhered to his determination to exchange the faithful old + fellow for a new and more showy slave. Not for a moment did he think of + the miserable fate that threatened the decrepit creature, who had grown + old in his house, if he were to sell him; but he still had a feeling that + it was not quite right to spend the last money that had chanced to come + into the house, on a thing that really and truly was not in any way + necessary. The more justifiable Arsinoe’s doubts seemed to be and the more + loudly did an inward voice warn him not to offer this fresh sacrifice to + his vain-gloriousness, the more firmly and desperately did he defend his + wish to do so; and as he fought for the thing he desired, it acquired in + his eyes a semblance of necessity and a number of reasons suggested + themselves which made it appear both justifiable and easy of attainment. + </p> + <p> + There was money in hand; after Arsinoe’s being chosen for the part of + Roxana he might expect to be able to borrow more; it was his duty to + appear with due dignity that he might not scare off the illustrious + son-in-law of whom he dreamed, and in the extremity of need he could still + fall back on his collection of rarities. The only thing was to find the + right purchaser; for, if the sword of Antony had brought him so much, what + would not some amateur give him for the other, far more valuable, objects. + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe turned red and white as her father referred again and again to the + bargain she had made; but she dared not confess the truth, and she rued + her falsehood all the more bitterly the more clearly she saw with her own + sound sense, that the Honor which had fallen upon her yesterday, + threatened to develop all her father’s weaknesses in an absolutely fatal + manner. + </p> + <p> + To-day she would have been amply satisfied with pleasing Pollux, and she + would, without a regret have transferred to another her part with all the + applause and admiration it would procure her, and which, only yesterday, + had seemed to her so inestimably precious. This she said; but Keraunus + would not take the assertion in earnest, laughed in her face, went off + into mysterious allusions to the wealth which could not fail to come into + the house and—since an obscure consciousness told him that it would + be becoming him to prove that it was not solely personal vanity and + self-esteem that influenced all his proceedings—he explained that he + had made up his mind to a great sacrifice and would be content on the + coming occasion to wear his gilt fillet and not buy a pure gold one. By + this act of self-denial he fancied he had acquired a full right to devote + a very pretty little sum to the acquisition of a fine-looking slave. + Arsinoe’s entreaties were unheeded, and when she began to cry with grief + at the prospect of losing her old house-mate he forbid her crossly to shed + a tear for such a cause, for it was very childish, and he would not be + pleased to conduct her with red eyes to meet the prefect’s wife. + </p> + <p> + During the course of this argument his hair had got itself duly curled, + and he now desired Arsinoe to arrange her own hair nicely and then to + accompany him. + </p> + <p> + They would buy a new dress and peplum, go to see Selene, and then be + carried to the prefect’s. + </p> + <p> + Only yesterday he had thought it too bold a step to use a litter, and + to-day he was already considering the propriety of hiring a chariot. + </p> + <p> + No sooner was he alone than a new idea occurred to him. The insolent + architect should be taught that he was not the man to be insulted and + injured with impunity. So he cut a clean strip of papyrus off a letter + that lay in his chest, and wrote upon it the following words: + </p> + <p> + “Keraunus, the Macedonian, to Claudius Venator, the architect, of Rome:” + </p> + <p> + “My eldest daughter, Selene, is by your fault, so severely hurt that she + is in great danger, is kept to her bed and suffers frightful pain. My + other children are no longer safe in their father’s house, and I therefore + require you, once more, to chain up your dog. If you refuse to accede to + this reasonable demand I will lay the matter before Caesar. I can tell you + that circumstances have occurred which will determine Hadrian to punish + any insolent person who may choose to neglect the respect due to me and to + my daughters.” + </p> + <p> + When Keraunus had closed this letter with his seal he called the slave and + said coldly: + </p> + <p> + “Take this to the Roman architect, and then fetch two litters; make haste, + and while we are out take good care of the children. To-morrow or next day + you will be sold. To whom? That must depend on how you behave during the + last hours that you belong to us.” The negro gave a loud cry of grief that + came from the depth of his heart, and flung himself on the ground at the + steward’s feet. His cry did indeed pierce his master’s soul—but + Keraunus had made up his mind not to let himself be moved nor to yield. + But the negro clung more closely to his knees, and when the children, + attracted to the spot by their poor old friend’s lamentation, cried loudly + in unison, and little Helios began to pat and stroke the little remains of + the negro’s woolly hair, the vain man felt uneasy about the heart, and to + protect himself against his own weakness he cried out loudly and + violently: + </p> + <p> + “Now, away with you, and do as you are ordered or I will find the whip.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he tore himself loose from the miserable—old man + who left the room with his head hanging down, and who soon was standing at + the door of the Emperor’s rooms with the letter in his hand. Hadrian’s + appearance and manner had filled him with terror and respect, and he dared + not knock at the door. After he had waited for some time, still with tears + in his eyes, Mastor came into the passage with the remains of his master’s + breakfast. The negro called to him and held out the steward’s letter, + stammering out lamentably: + </p> + <p> + “From Keraunus, for you master.” + </p> + <p> + “Lay it here on the tray,” said the Sarmatian. “But what has happened to + you, my old friend? you are wailing most pitifully and look miserable. + Have you been beaten?” + </p> + <p> + The negro shook his head and answered, whimpering: “Keraunus is going to + sell me.” + </p> + <p> + “There are better masters than he.” + </p> + <p> + “But Sebek is old, Sebek is weak—he can no longer lift and pull, and + with hard work he will certainly die.” + </p> + <p> + “Has life been so easy and comfortable then at the steward’s?” + </p> + <p> + “Very little wine, very little meat, very much hunger,” said the old man. + </p> + <p> + “Then you must be glad to leave him.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” groaned Sebek. + </p> + <p> + “You foolish old owl,” said Mastor. “Why do you care then for that grumpy + niggard?” + </p> + <p> + The negro did not answer for some time, then his lean breast heaved and + fell, and, as if the dam were broken through that had choked his + utterance, he burst out with a mixture of loud sobs: + </p> + <p> + “The children, the little ones, our little ones. They are so sweet; and + our little blind Helios stroked my hair because I was to go away, here—just + here he stroked it”—and he put his hand on a perfectly bald place—“and + now Sebek must go and never see them all again, just as if they were all + dead.” + </p> + <p> + And the words rolled out and with difficulty, as if carried on in the + flood of his tears. They went to Mastor’s heart, rousing the memory of his + own lost children and a strong desire to comfort his unhappy comrade. + </p> + <p> + “Poor fellow!” he said, compassionately. “Aye, the children! they are so + small, and the door into one’s heart is so narrow—and they dance in + at it a thousand times better and more easily than grown-up folks. I, too, + have lost dear children, and they were my own, too. I can teach any one + what is meant by sorrow—but I know too now where comfort is to be + found.” With these words Mastor held the tray he was carrying on his hip + with his right hand, while he put the left on the negro’s shoulder and + whispered to him: + </p> + <p> + “Have you ever heard of the Christians?” + </p> + <p> + Sebek nodded eagerly as if Mastor were speaking of a matter of which he + had heard great things and expected much, and Mastor went on in a low + voice “Come early to-morrow before sunrise to the pavement-workers in the + ‘court, and there you will hear of One who comforts the weary and + heavy-laden.” + </p> + <p> + The Emperor’s servant once more took his tray in both hands and hurried + away, but a faint gleam of hope had lighted up in the old slave’s eyes. He + expected no happiness, but perhaps there might be some way of bearing the + sorrows of life more easily. + </p> + <p> + Mastor as soon he had given his tray to the kitchen slaves—who were + now busy again in the palace at Lochias—returned to his lord and + gave him the steward’s letter. It was an ill-chosen hour for Keraunus, for + the Emperor was in a gloomy mood. He had sat up till morning, had rested + scarcely three hours, and now, with knitted brows, was comparing the + results of his night’s observation of the starry sky with certain + astronomical tables which lay spread out before him. Over this work he + frequently shook his head which was covered with crisp waves of hair; nay—he + once flung the pencil, with which he was working his calculations, down on + the table, leaned back in his seat and covered his eyes with both hands. + Then again he began to write fresh numbers, but his new results seemed to + be no more satisfactory than the former one. + </p> + <p> + The steward’s letter had been for a long time lying before him when at + last it again caught his attention as he put out his hand for another + document. Needing some change of ideas he tore it open, read it and flung + it from him with annoyance. At any other time he would have expressed some + sympathy with the suffering girl, have laughed at the ridiculous man, and + have thought out some trick to tease or to terrify; but just now the + steward’s threats made him angry and increased his dislike for him. + </p> + <p> + Tired of the silence around him he called to Antinous, who sat gazing + dreamily down on the harbor; the youth immediately approached his master. + Hadrian looked at him and said, shaking his head: + </p> + <p> + “Why you too look as if some danger were threatening you. Is the sky + altogether overcast?” + </p> + <p> + “No my lord, it is blue over the sea, but towards the south the black + clouds are gathering.” + </p> + <p> + “Towards the south?” said Hadrian thoughtfully. “Any thing serious can + hardly threaten us from that quarter.—But it comes, it is near, it + is upon us before we suspect it.” + </p> + <p> + “You sat up too long, and that has put you out of tune.” + </p> + <p> + “Out of tune?” muttered Hadrian to himself. “And what is tune? That subtle + harmony or discord is a condition which masters all the emotions of the + soul at once; and not without reason—to-day my heart is paralyzed + with anxiety.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you have seen evil signs in the heavens?” + </p> + <p> + “Direful signs!” + </p> + <p> + “You wise men believe in the stars,” replied Antinous. “No doubt you are + right, but my weak head cannot understand what their regular courses have + to do with my inconstant wanderings.” + </p> + <p> + “Grow gray,” replied the Emperor, “learn to comprehend the universe with + your intellect, and not till then speak of these things for not till then + will you discern that every atom of things created, and the greatest as + well as the least, is in the closest bonds with every other; that all work + together, and each depends on all. All that is or ever will be in nature, + all that we men feel, think or do, all is dependent on eternal and + immutable causes; and these causes have each their Daimon who interposes + between us and the divinity and is symbolized in golden characters on the + vault of heaven. The letters are the stars, whose orbits are as unchanging + and everlasting as are the first causes of all that exists or happens.” + </p> + <p> + “And are you quite sure that you never read wrongly in this great record?” + asked Antinous. + </p> + <p> + “Even I may err,” replied Hadrian. “But this time I have not deceived + myself. A heavy misfortune threatens me. It is a strange, terrible and + extraordinary coincidence!” + </p> + <p> + “What?” + </p> + <p> + “From that accursed Antioch—whence nothing good has ever come to me—I + have received the saying of an oracle which foretells that, that—why + should I hide it from you—in the middle of the year now about to + begin some dreadful misfortune shall fall upon me, as lightning strikes + the traveller to the earth; and tonight—look here. Here is the house + of Death, here are the planets—but what do you know of such things? + Last night—the night in which once before such terrors were wrought, + the stars confirmed the fatal oracle with as much naked plainness, as much + unmistakable certainty as if they had tongues to shout the evil forecast + in my ear. It is hard to walk on with such a goal in prospect. What may + not the new year bring in its course?” + </p> + <p> + Hadrian sighed deeply, but Antinous went close up to him, fell on his + knees before him and asked in a tone of childlike humility: + </p> + <p> + “May I, a poor foolish lad, teach a great and wise man how to enrich his + life with six happy months?” The Emperor smiled, as though he knew what + was coming, but his favorite felt encouraged to proceed. + </p> + <p> + “Leave the future to the future,” he said. “What must come will come, for + the gods themselves have no power against Fate. When evil is approaching + it casts its black shadow before it; you fix your gaze on it and let it + darken the light of day. I saunter dreamily on my way and never see + misfortune till it runs up against me and falls upon me unawares—” + </p> + <p> + “And so you are spared many a gloomy day,” interrupted Hadrian. + </p> + <p> + “That is just what I would have said.” + </p> + <p> + “And your advice is excellent, for you and for every other loiterer + through the gay fair-time of an idle life,” replied the Emperor, “but the + man whose task it is to bear millions in safety and over abysses, must + watch the signs around him, look out far and near, and never dare close + his eyes, even when such terrors loom as it was my fate to see during the + past night.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, Phlegon, the Emperor’s private secretary, came in with + letters just received from Rome, and approached his master. He bowed low, + and taking up Hadrian’s last words he said: + </p> + <p> + “The stars disquiet you, Caesar?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, they warn me to be on my guard,” replied Hadrian. + </p> + <p> + “Let us hope that they be,” cried the Greek, with cheerful vivacity. + “Cicero was not altogether wrong when he doubted the arts of Astrology.” + </p> + <p> + “He was a mere talker!” said the Emperor, with a frown. + </p> + <p> + “But,” asked Phlegon, “would it not be fair that if the horoscopes cast + for Cneius or Caius, let us say, were alike, to expect that Cneius or + Caius must have the same temperament and the same destiny through life if + they had happened to be born in the same hour?” + </p> + <p> + “Always the old commonplaces, the old silly objections!” interrupted + Hadrian, vexed to the verge of rage. “Speak when you are spoken to, and do + not trouble yourself about things you do not understand and which do not + concern you. Is there anything of importance among these papers?” + </p> + <p> + Antinous gazed at his sovereign in astonishment; why should Phlegon’s + objections make him so furious when he had answered his so kindly? + </p> + <p> + Hadrian paid no farther heed to him, but read the despatches one after + another, hastily but attentively, wrote brief notes on the margins, signed + a decree with a firm hand, and, when his work was finished desired the + Greek to leave him. Hardly was he alone with Antinous when the loud cries + and jovial shouting of a large multitude came to their ears through the + open window. + </p> + <p> + “What does this mean?” he asked Mastor, and as soon as he had been + informed that the workmen and slaves had just been let out to give + themselves up to the pleasures of their holiday, he muttered to himself: + </p> + <p> + “These creatures can riot, shout, dress themselves with garlands, forget + themselves in a debauch—and I, I whom all envy—I spoil my + brief span of life with vain labors, let myself be tormented with + consuming cares—I—” here he broke off and cried in quite an + altered tone: + </p> + <p> + “Ha! ha! Antinous, you are wiser than I. Let us leave the future to the + future. The feast-day is ours too; let us take advantage of this day of + freedom. We too will throw ourselves into the holiday whirlpool disguised, + I as a satyr, and you as a young faun or something of the kind; we will + drain cups, wander round the city and enjoy all that is enjoyable.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” exclaimed Antinous, joyfully clapping his hands. + </p> + <p> + “Evoe Bacche!” cried Hadrian, tossing up his cup that stood on his table. + “You are free till this evening, Mastor, and you my boy, go and talk to + Pollux, the sculptor. He shall be our guide and he will provide us with + wreaths and some mad disguise. I must see drunken men, I must laugh with + the jolliest before I am Caesar again. Make haste, my friend, or new cares + will come to spoil my holiday mood.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII. + </h2> + <p> + Antinous and Mastor at once quitted the Emperor’s room; in the corridor + the lad beckoned the slave to him and said in a low voice: + </p> + <p> + “You can hold your tongue I know, will you do me a favor?” + </p> + <p> + “Three sooner than one,” replied the Sarmatian. + </p> + <p> + “You are free to-day—are you going into the city?” + </p> + <p> + “I think so.” + </p> + <p> + “You are not known here, but that does not matter. Take these gold pieces + and in the flower-market buy with one of them the most beautiful bunch of + flowers you can find, with another you may make merry, and out of the + remainder spend a drachma in hiring an ass. The driver will conduct you to + the garden of Pudeus’ widow where stands the house of dame Hannah; you + remember the name?” + </p> + <p> + “Dame Hannah and the widow of Pudeus.” + </p> + <p> + “And at the little house, not the big one, leave the flowers for the sick + Selene.” + </p> + <p> + “The daughter of the fat steward, who was attacked by our big dog?” asked + Mastor, curiously. + </p> + <p> + “She or another,” said Antinous, impatiently, “and when they ask you who + sent the flowers, say ‘the friend at Lochias,’ nothing more. You + understand.” + </p> + <p> + The slave nodded and said to himself: “What! you too-oh! these women.” + </p> + <p> + Antinous signed to him to be silent, impressed on him in a few hasty words + that he was to be discreet and to pick out the very choicest flowers, and + then betook himself into the hall of the Muses to seek Pollux. From him he + had learnt where to find the suffering Selene, of whom he could not help + thinking incessantly and wherever he might be. He did not find the + sculptor in his screened-off nook; prompted by a wish to speak to his + mother, Pollux had gone down to the gatehouse where he was now standing + before her and frankly narrating, with many eager gestures of his long + arms, all that had occurred on the previous night. His story flowed on + like a song of triumph, and when he described how the holiday procession + had carried away Arsinoe and himself, the old woman jumped up from her + chair and clapping her fat little hands, she exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Ah! that is pleasure, that is happiness! I remember flying along with + your father in just the same way thirty years ago.” + </p> + <p> + “And since thirty years,” Pollux interposed. “I can still remember very + well how at one of the great Dionysiac festivals, fired by the power of + the god, you rushed through the streets with a deer-skin over your + shoulders.” + </p> + <p> + “That was delightful—lovely!” cried Doris with sparkling eyes. “But + thirty years since it was all different, very different. I have told you + before now how I went with our maid-servant into the Canopic way to the + house of my aunt Archidike to look on at the great procession. I had not + far to go for we lived near the Theatre, my father was stage-manager and + yours was one of the chief singers in the chorus. We hurried along, but + all sorts of people stopped us, and drunken men wanted to joke with me.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you were as sweet as a rose-bud then,” her son interrupted. + </p> + <p> + “As a rose-bud, yes, but not like your lovely rose,” said the old woman. + “At any rate I looked nice enough for the men in disguise—fauns and + satyrs and were the cynic hypocrites in their ragged cloaks, to think it + worth while to look at me and to take a rap on the knuckles when they + tried to put an arm round me or to steal a kiss, I did not care for the + handsomest of them, for Euphorion had done for me with his fiery glances—not + with words for I was very strictly kept and he had never been able to get + a chance to speak to me. At the corner of the Canopic way and the Market + street we could get no farther, for the crowd had blocked the way and were + howling and storming as they stared at a party of Klodones and other + Maenads, who in their sacred fury were tearing a goat to pieces with their + teeth. I shuddered at the spectacle, but I must need stare with the rest + and shout and halloo as they did. My maid, who I held on to tightly, was + seized with the frenzy and dragged me into the middle of the circle close + up to the bleeding sacrifice. Two of the possessed women sprang upon us, + and I felt one clasping me tightly and trying to throw me down. It was a + horrible moment but I defended myself bravely and had succeeded in keeping + on my feet when your father sprang forward, set me free and led me away. + What happened after I could not tell you now; it was one of those wild + happy dreams in which you must hold your heart with both hands for fear it + should crack with joy, or fly out and away up to the sky and in the very + eye of the sun. Late in the evening I got home and a week after I was + Euphorion’s wife.” + </p> + <p> + “We have exactly followed your example,” said Pollux, “and if Arsinoe + grows to be like my dear old woman I shall be quite satisfied.” + </p> + <p> + “Happy and contented,” replied Doris. “Keep you health, snap your fingers + at care and sorrow, do your duty on work-days and drink till you are jolly + in honor of the god on holidays, and then all will be well. Those who do + all they are able and enjoy as much as they can get, make good use of + their lives and need feel no remorse in their last hours. What is past is + done for, and when Atropos cuts our thread some one else will stand in our + place and joys will begin all over again. May the gods bless you!” + </p> + <p> + “You are right,” said Pollux embracing his mother, “and two together can + turn the work out of hand more lightly and enjoy the pleasures of + existence better than each alone—can they not?” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure of it; and you have chosen the right mate,” cried the old + woman. “You are a sculptor and used to simple things; you need no riches, + only a sweet face which may every day rejoice your heart, and that you + have found.” + </p> + <p> + “There is nowhere a sweeter or a lovelier,” said Pollux. + </p> + <p> + “No, that there is not,” continued Doris. “First I cast my eyes on Selene. + She need not be ashamed to show herself either, and she is a pattern for + girls; but then as Arsinoe grew older, whenever she passed this way I + thought to myself: ‘that girl is growing up for my boy,’ and now that you + have won her I feel as if I were once more as young as your sweetheart + herself. My old heart beats as happily as if the little Loves were + touching it with their wings and rosy fingers. If my feet had not grown so + heavy with constantly standing over the hearth and at washing—really + and truly I could take Euphorion by the arm and dance through the streets + with him to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is father?” + </p> + <p> + “Out singing.” + </p> + <p> + “In the morning! where?” + </p> + <p> + “There is some sect that are celebrating their mysteries. They pay well + and he had to sing dismal hymns for them behind a curtain; the wildest + stuff, in which he does not follow a word, and that I do not understand a + half of.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a pity for I wanted to speak to him.” + </p> + <p> + “He will not be back till late.” + </p> + <p> + “There is plenty of time.” + </p> + <p> + “So much the better, otherwise I might have told him what you had to say.” + </p> + <p> + “Your advice is as good as his. I think of giving up working under Papias + and standing on my own feet.” + </p> + <p> + “You are quite right; the Roman architect told me yesterday that a great + future was open to you.” + </p> + <p> + “There are only my poor sister and the children to be considered. If, + during the first few months I should find myself falling short—” + </p> + <p> + “We will manage to pull through. It is high time that you yourself should + reap from what you sow.” + </p> + <p> + “So it seems to me, for my own sake and Arsinoe’s; if only Keraunus—” + </p> + <p> + “Aye—there will be a battle to fight with him.” + </p> + <p> + “A hard one, a hard one,” sighed Pollux. + </p> + <p> + “The thought of the old man troubles my happiness.” + </p> + <p> + “Folly!” cried Doris. “Avoid all useless anxiety. It is almost as + injurious as remorse gnawing at your heart. Take a workshop of your own, + do some great work in a joyful spirit, something to astonish the world, + and I will wager anything that the old fool of a steward will only be + vexed to think that he destroyed the first work of the celebrated Pollux, + instead of treasuring it in his cabinet of curiosities. Just imagine that + no such person exists in the world and enjoy your happiness.” + </p> + <p> + “I will stick to that.” + </p> + <p> + “One thing more my lad: take good care of Arsinoe. She is young and + inexperienced and you must not persuade her to do anything you would + advise her not to do if she were betrothed to your brother instead of to + yourself.” + </p> + <p> + Doris had not done speaking when Antinous came into the gate-house and + delivered the commands of the architect Claudius Venator, to escort him + through the city. Pollux hesitated with his answer, for he had still much + to do in the palace, and he hoped to see Arsinoe again in the course of + the day. After such a morning what could noon and evening be to him + without her? Dame Doris noticed his indecision and cried: + </p> + <p> + “Yes, go; the festival is for pleasure, besides, the architect can perhaps + advise you on many points, and recommend you to his friends.” + </p> + <p> + “Your mother is right,” said Antinous. “Claudius Venator can be very + touchy, but he can also be grateful, and I wish you sincerely well—” + </p> + <p> + “Good then, I will come,” Pollux interposed while the Bithynian was still + speaking, for he felt himself strongly attracted by Hadrian’s imposing + personality and considered that under the circumstances, it might be very + desirable to revel with him for a while. + </p> + <p> + “I will come, but first I must let Pontius know that I am going to fly + from the heat of the fray for a few hours to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “Leave that to Venator,” replied the favorite, “and you must find some + amusing disguise and procure masks for him and for me and, if you like, + for yourself too. He wants to join the revel as a satyr and I in some + other disguise.” + </p> + <p> + “Good,” replied the sculptor. “I will go at once and order what is + requisite. A quantity of dresses for the Dionysiac processions are lying + in our workshop and in half an hour I will be back with the things.” + </p> + <p> + “But pray make haste,” Antinous begged him. “My master cannot bear to be + kept waiting, and besides—one thing—” + </p> + <p> + At these words Antinous had grown embarrassed and had gone quite close up + to the artist. He laid his hand on his shoulder and said in a low voice + but impressively: + </p> + <p> + “Venator stands very near to Caesar. Beware of saying anything before him + that is not in Hadrian’s favor.” + </p> + <p> + “Is your master Caesar’s spy?” asked Pollux, looking suspiciously at + Antinous. “Pontius has already, given me a similar warning, and if that is + the case—” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” interrupted the lad hastily. + </p> + <p> + “Anything but that; but the two have no secrets from each other and + Venator talks a good deal—cannot hold his tongue—” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you and will be on my guard.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye do so—I mean it honestly.” The Bithynian held out his hand to + the artist with an expression of warm regard on his handsome features and + with an indescribably graceful gesture. Pollux took it heartily, but dame + Doris, whose old eyes had been fixed as if spellbound on Antinous, seized + her son’s arm and quite excited by the sight of his beauty cried out: + </p> + <p> + “Oh! what a splendid creature! moulded by the gods! sacred to the gods! + Pollux, boy! you might almost think one of the immortals had come down to + earth.” + </p> + <p> + “Look at my old woman!” exclaimed Pollux laughing, “but in truth friend, + she has good reasons for her ecstasies, I could follow her example.” + </p> + <p> + “Hold him fast, hold him fast!” cried Doris. “If he only will let you take + his likeness you can show the world a thing worth seeing.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you?” interrupted Pollux turning to Hadrian’s favorite. + </p> + <p> + “I have never yet been able to keep still for any artist,” said Antinous. + “But I will do any thing you wish to please you. It only vexes me that you + too should join in the chorus with the rest of the world. Farewell for the + present, I must go back to my master.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as the youth had left the house Doris exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Whether a work of art is good for any thing or not I can only guess at, + but as to what is beautiful that I know as well as any other woman in + Alexandria. If that boy will stand as your model you will produce + something that will delight men and turn the heads of the women, and you + will be sought after even in a workshop of your own. Eternal gods! such + beauty as that is sublime. Why are there no means of preserving such a + face and such a form from old age and wrinkles?” + </p> + <p> + “I know the means, mother,” said Pollux, as he went to the door. “It is + called Art: to her it is given to bestow eternal youth on this mortal + Adonis.” + </p> + <p> + The old woman glanced at her son with pardonable pride, and confirmed his + words by an assenting nod. While she fed her birds, with many coaxing + words, and made one which was a special favorite pick crumbs from her + lips, the young sculptor was hurrying through the streets with long steps. + </p> + <p> + He was greeted as he went with many a cross word, and many exclamations + rose from the crowd he left behind him, for he pushed his way by the + weight of his tall person and his powerful arms, and saw and heard, as he + went, little enough of what was going around him. He thought of Arsinoe, + and between whiles of Antinous and of the attitude in which he best might + represent him—whether as hero or god. + </p> + <p> + In the flower-market, near the Gymnasium, he was for a moment roused from + his reverie by a picture which struck him as being unusual and which + riveted his gaze, as did every thing exceptional that came under his eyes. + On a very small dark-colored donkey sat a tall, well-dressed slave, who + held in his right hand a nosegay of extraordinary size and beauty. By his + side walked a smartly dressed-up man with a splendid wreath, and a comic + mask over his face followed by two garden-gods of gigantic stature, and + four graceful boys. In the slave, Pollux at once recognized the servant of + Claudius Venator, and he fancied he must have seen the masked gentlemen + too before now, but he could not remember where, and did not trouble + himself to retrace him in his mind. At any rate, the rider of the donkey + had just heard something he did not like, for he was looking anxiously at + his bunch of flowers. + </p> + <p> + After Pollux had hurried past this strange party his thoughts reverted to + other, and to him far nearer and dearer subjects. But Mastor’s anxious + looks were not without a cause, for the gentleman who was talking to him + was no less a person than Verus, the praetor, who was called by the + Alexandrians the sham Eros. He had seen the Emperor’s body-slave a hundred + times about his person; he therefore recognized him at once, and his + presence here in Alexandria led him directly to the simple and correct + inference that his master too must be in the city. The praetor’s curiosity + was roused, and he at once proceeded to ply the poor fellow with + bewildering cross-questions. When the donkey-rider shortly and sharply + refused to answer, Verus thought it well to reveal himself to him, and the + slave lost his confident demeanor when he recognized the grand gentleman, + the Emperor’s particular friend. + </p> + <p> + He lost himself in contradictory statements, and although he did not + directly admit it, he left his interrogator in the certainty that Hadrian + was in Alexandria. + </p> + <p> + It was perfectly evident that the beautiful nosegay, which had attracted + the praetor’s attention to Mastor could not belong to himself. What could + be its destination? Verus recommenced his questioning, but the Sarmatian + would betray nothing, till Verus tapped him lightly first on one cheek and + then on the other, and said gaily: + </p> + <p> + “Mastor, my worthy friend Mastor, listen to me. I will make you certain + proposals, and you shall nod your head, towards that of the estimable + beast with two pairs of legs on which you are mounted, as soon as one of + them takes your fancy.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me go on my way,” the slave implored, with growing anxiety. + </p> + <p> + “Go, by all means, but I go with you,” retorted Verus, “until I have hit + on the thing that suits you. A great many plans dwell in my head, as you + will see. First I must ask you, shall I go to your master and tell him + that you have betrayed his presence in Alexandria?” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, you will never do that!” cried Mastor. + </p> + <p> + “To proceed then. Shall I and my following hang on to your skirts and stay + with you till nightfall, when you and your steed must return home? You + decline—with thanks! and very wisely, for the execution of this + project would be equally unpleasant to you and to me, and would probably + get you punished. Whisper to me then, softly, in my ear, where your master + is lodging, and from whom and to whom you are carrying those flowers; as + soon as you have agreed to that proposal I will let you go on alone, and + will show you that I care no more for my gold pieces here, in Alexandria, + than I do in Italy.” + </p> + <p> + “Not gold—certainly I will not take gold!” cried Mastor. + </p> + <p> + “You are an honest fellow,” replied Verus in an altered tone, “and you + know of me that I treat my servants well and would rather be kind to folks + than hard upon them. So satisfy my curiosity without any fear, and I will + promise you in return, that not a soul, your master least of all, shall + ever know from me what you tell me.” Mastor hesitated a little, but as he + could not but own to himself that he would be obliged at last to yield to + the stronger will of this imperious man, and as moreover he knew that the + haughty and extravagant praetor was in fact one of the kindest of masters, + he sighed deeply and whispered: + </p> + <p> + “You will not be the ruin of a poor wretch like me, that I know, so I will + tell you, we are living at Lochias.” + </p> + <p> + “There,” exclaimed Verus clapping his hands. “And now as to the flowers?” + </p> + <p> + “Mere trifling.” + </p> + <p> + “Is Hadrian then in a merry mood?” + </p> + <p> + “Till to-day he was very gay—but since last night—” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “You know yourself what he is when he has seen lead signs in the sky.” + </p> + <p> + “Bad signs,” said Verus gravely. + </p> + <p> + “And yet he sends flowers?” + </p> + <p> + “Not he, can you not guess?” + </p> + <p> + “Antinous?” + </p> + <p> + Mastor nodded assent. + </p> + <p> + “Only think,” laughed Verus. “Then he too is beginning to think it better + worth while to admire than to be admired. And who is the fair one who has + succeeded in waking up his slumbering heart?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay—I promised him not to chatter.” + </p> + <p> + “And I promise you the same. My powers of reserve are far greater than my + curiosity even.” + </p> + <p> + “Be content, I beseech you with what you already know.” + </p> + <p> + “But to know half is less endurable than to know nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay—I cannot tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “Then am I to begin with fresh suggestions, and all over again?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! my lord. I beg you, entreat you—” + </p> + <p> + “Out with the word, and I go on my way, but if you persist in refusing—” + </p> + <p> + “Really and truly it only concerns a white-faced girl whom you would not + even look at.” + </p> + <p> + “A girl-indeed!” + </p> + <p> + “Our big dog threw the poor thing down.” + </p> + <p> + “In the street?” + </p> + <p> + “No, at Lochias. Her father is Keraunus the palace-steward.” + </p> + <p> + “And her name is Arsinoe?” asked Verus with undisguised concern, for he + had a pleasant recollection of the beautiful child who had been selected + to fill the part of Roxana. + </p> + <p> + “No, her name is Selene, Arsinoe indeed is her younger sister.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you bring these flowers from Lochias?” + </p> + <p> + “She went out, and she could not get back home again, she is now lying in + the house of a stranger.” + </p> + <p> + “Where?” + </p> + <p> + “That must be quite indifferent to you—” + </p> + <p> + “By no means, quite the contrary. I beg you to tell me the whole truth.” + </p> + <p> + “Eternal gods! what can you care about the poor sick creature?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing whatever; but I must know whither you are riding.” + </p> + <p> + “Down by the sea. I do not know the house, but the donkey driver—” + </p> + <p> + “Is it far from here?” + </p> + <p> + “About half an hour yet,” said the lad. + </p> + <p> + “A good way then,” replied Verus. “And Hadrian is particularly anxious to + remain unknown.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly.” + </p> + <p> + “And you his body-servant, who are known to numbers of others here from + Rome, like myself, you propose to ride half a mile through the streets + where every creature that can stand or walk is swarming, with a large + nosegay in your hand which attracts every body’s attention. Oh Mastor that + is not wise!” + </p> + <p> + The slave started, and seeing at once that Verus was right, he asked in + alarm: + </p> + <p> + “What then can I do?” + </p> + <p> + “Get off your donkey,” said the praetor. “Disguise yourself and make merry + to your heart’s content with these gold pieces.” + </p> + <p> + “And the flowers?” + </p> + <p> + “I will see to that.” + </p> + <p> + “You will? I may trust you; and never betray to Antinous what you + compelled me to do?” + </p> + <p> + “Positively not.” + </p> + <p> + “There—there are the flowers, but I cannot take the gold.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I shall fling it among the crowd. Buy yourself a garland, a mask and + some wine, as much as you can carry. Where is the girl to be found?” + </p> + <p> + “At dame Hannah’s. She lives in a little house in a garden belonging to + the widow of Pudeus. And whoever gives it to her is to say that it is sent + by the friend at Lochias.” + </p> + <p> + “Good. Now go, and take care that no one recognizes you. Your secret is + mine, and the friend at Lochias shall be duly mentioned.” + </p> + <p> + Mastor disappeared in the crowd. Verus put the nosegay into the hands of + one of the garden-gods that followed in his train, sprang laughing on to + the ass, and desired the driver to show him the way. At the corner of the + next street, he met two litters, carried with difficulty through the crowd + by their bearers. In the first sat Keraunus, whose saffron-colored cloak + was conspicuous from afar, as fat as Silenus the companion of Dionysus, + but looking very sullen. In the second sat Arsinoe, looking gaily about + her, and so fresh and pretty that the Roman’s easily-stirred pulses beat + more rapidly. + </p> + <p> + Without reflecting, he took the flowers from the hand of the garden-god—the + flowers intended for Selene—laid them on the girl’s litter, and + said: + </p> + <p> + “Alexander greets Roxana, the fairest of the fair.” Arsinoe colored, and + Verus, after watching her for some time as she was carried onwards, + desired one of his boys to follow her litter, and to join him again in the + flower-market, where he would wait, to inform him whither she had gone. + </p> + <p> + The messenger hurried off, and Verus, turning his ass’s head soon reached + a semicircular pillared hall on the shady side of a large open space, + under which the better sort of gardeners and flower dealers of the city + exposed their gay and fragrant wares to be sold by pretty girls. To-day + every stall had been particularly well supplied, but the demand for + wreaths and flowers had steadily increased from an early hour, and + although Verus had all that he could find of fresh flowers arranged and + tied together, still the nosegay, though much larger, was not half so + beautiful as that intended for Selene, and for which he substituted it. + </p> + <p> + Now this annoyed the Roman. His sense of justice prompted him to make good + the loss he had inflicted on the sick girl. Gay ribbons were wound round + the stalks of the flowers, and the long ends floated in the air, so Verus + took a brooch from his dress and stuck it into the bow which ornamented + the stem of the nosegay; then he was satisfied, and as he looked at the + stone set in a gold border—an onyx on which was engraved Eros + sharpening his arrows—he pictured to himself the pleasure, the + delight of the girl that the handsome Bithynian loved, as she received the + beautiful gift. + </p> + <p> + His slaves, natives of Britain, who were dressed as garden-gods, were + charged with the commission to proceed to dame Hannah’s under the guidance + of the donkey-driver to deliver the nosegay to Selene from ‘the friend at + Lochias,’ and then to wait for him outside the house of Titianus, the + prefect; for thither, as he had ascertained from his swift-footed + messenger, had Keraunus and his daughter been carried. + </p> + <p> + Verus needed a longer time than the boy, to make his way through the + crowd. At the door of the prefect’s residence he laid aside his mask, and + in an anteroom where the steward was sitting on a couch waiting for his + daughter, he arranged his hair and the folds of his toga, and was then + conducted to the lady Julia with whom he hoped, once more, to see the + charming Arsinoe. + </p> + <p> + But in the reception-room, instead of Arsinoe he found his own wife and + the poetess Balbilla and her companion. He greeted the ladies gaily, + amiably and gracefully, as usual, and then, as he looked enquiringly round + the large room without concealing his disappointment, Balbilla came up to + him and asked him in a low voice: + </p> + <p> + “Can you be honest, Verus?” + </p> + <p> + “When circumstances allow it, yes.” + </p> + <p> + “And will they allow it here?” + </p> + <p> + “I should suppose so.” + </p> + <p> + “Then answer me truly. Did you come here for Julia’s sake, or did you come—” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “Or did you expect to find the fair Roxana with the prefect’s wife?” + </p> + <p> + “Roxana?” asked Verus, with a cunning smile. “Roxana! Why she was the wife + of Alexander the Great, and is long since dead, but I care only for the + living, and when I left the merry tumult in the streets it was simply and + solely—” + </p> + <p> + “You excite my curiosity.” + </p> + <p> + “Because my prophetic heart promised me, fairest Balbilla, that I should + find you here.” + </p> + <p> + “And that you call honest!” cried the poetess, hitting the praetor a blow + with the stick of the ostrich-feather fan she held in her hand. “Only + listen, Lucilla, your husband declares he came here for my sake.” The + praetor looked reproachfully at the speaker, but she whispered: + </p> + <p> + “Due punishment for a dishonest man.” Then, raising her voice, she said: + </p> + <p> + “Do you know, Lucilla, that if I remain unmarried, your husband is not + wholly innocent in the matter.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! yes, I was born too late for you,” interrupted Verus, who knew very + well what the poetess was about to say. + </p> + <p> + “Nay—no misunderstanding!” cried Balbilla. “For how can a woman + venture upon wedlock when she cannot but fear the possibility of getting + such a husband as Verus.” + </p> + <p> + “And what man,” retorted the praetor, “would ever be so bold as to court + Balbilla, could he hear how cruelly she judges an innocent admirer of + beauty?” + </p> + <p> + “A husband ought not to admire beauty—only the one beauty who is his + wife.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah Vestal maiden,” laughed Verus. “I am meanwhile punishing you by + withholding from you a great secret which interests us all. No, no, I am + not going to tell—but I beg you my lady wife to take her to task, + and teach her to exercise some indulgence so that her future husband may + not have too hard a time of it.” + </p> + <p> + “No woman can learn to be indulgent,” replied Lucilla. “Still we practise + indulgence when we have no alternative, and the criminal requires us to + make allowance for him in this thing or the other.” + </p> + <p> + Verus made his wife a bow and pressed his lips on her arm, then he asked. + “And where is dame Julia?” + </p> + <p> + “She is saving the sheep from the wolf,” replied Balbilla. + </p> + <p> + “Which means—?” + </p> + <p> + “That as soon as you were announced she carried off little Roxana to a + place of safety.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” interrupted Lucilla. “The tailor was waiting in an inner room to + arrange the charming child’s costume. Only look at the lovely nosegay she + brought to Julia. And do you deny my right to share your secret?” + </p> + <p> + “How could I?” replied Verus. + </p> + <p> + “He is very much in need of your making allowances!” laughed Balbilla, + while the praetor went up to, his wife and told her in a whisper what he + had learnt from Mastor. Lucilla clasped her hands in astonishment, and + Verus cried to the poetess: + </p> + <p> + “Now you see what a satisfaction your cruel tongue has deprived you of?” + </p> + <p> + “How can you be so revengeful most estimable Verus,” said the lady + coaxingly. “I am dying of curiosity.” + </p> + <p> + “Live but a few days longer fair Balbilla, for my sake,” replied the + Roman, “and the cause of your early death will be removed.” + </p> + <p> + “Only wait, I will be revenged!” cried the girl threatening him with her + finger, but Lucilla led her away saying: + </p> + <p> + “Come now, it is time we should give Julia the benefit of our advice.” + </p> + <p> + “Do so,” said Verus. “Otherwise I am afraid my visit to-day would seem + opportune to no one.—Greet Julia from me.” + </p> + <p> + As he went away he cast a glance at the nosegay which Arsinoe had given + away as soon as she had received it from him, and he sighed: “As we grow + old we have to learn wisdom.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0026" id="link2H_4_0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK 2. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <p> + Dame Hannah had watched by Selene till sunrise and indefatigably cooled + both her injured foot and the wound in her head. The old physician was not + dissatisfied with the condition of his patient, but ordered the widow to + lie down for a time and to leave the care of her for a few hours to her + young friend. When Mary was alone with the sick girl and had laid the + fresh cold handkerchief in its place, Selene turned her face towards her + and said: + </p> + <p> + “Then you were at Lochias yesterday. Tell me how you found them all there. + Who guided you to our lodgings and did you see my little brother and + sisters?” + </p> + <p> + “You are not yet quite free of fever, and I do not know how much I ought + to talk to you—but I would with all my heart.” + </p> + <p> + The words were spoken kindly and there was a deep loving light in the eyes + of the deformed girl as she said them. Selene excited not merely her + sympathy and pity, but her admiration too, for she was so beautiful, so + totally different from herself, and in every little service she rendered + her, she felt like some despised beggar whom a prince might have permitted + to wait upon him. Her hump had never seemed to her so bent, nor her brown + skin so ugly at any other time as it did to-day, when side by side with + this symmetrical and delicate girlish form, rounded to such tender + contours. + </p> + <p> + But Mary felt not the smallest movement of envy. She only felt happy to + help Selene, to serve her, to be allowed to gaze at her although she was a + heathen. During the night too, she had prayed fervently that the Lord + might graciously draw to himself this lovely, gentle creature, that He + might permit her to recover, and fill her soul with the same love for the + Saviour that gave joy to her own. More than once she had longed to kiss + her, but she dared not, for it seemed to her as though the sick girl were + made of finer stuff than she herself. + </p> + <p> + Selene felt tired, very tired, and as the pain diminished, a comfortable + sense stole over her of peace and respite in the silent and loving + homeliness of her surroundings; a feeling that was new and very soothing, + though it was interrupted, now and again, by her anxiety for those at + home. Dame Hannah’s presence did her good, for she fancied she recognized + in her voice something that had been peculiar to her mother’s, when she + had played with her and pressed her with special affection to her heart. + </p> + <p> + In the papyrus factory, at the gumming-table, the sight of the little + hunchback had disgusted Selene, but here she observed what good eyes she + had, and how kind a voice, and the care with which Mary lifted the + compress from her foot—as softly, as if in her own hands she felt + the pain that Selene was suffering—and then laid another on the + broken ankle, aroused her gratitude. Her sister Arsinoe was a vain and + thorough Alexandrian girl, and she had nicknamed the poor thing after the + ugliest of the Hellenes who had besieged Troy. “Dame Thersites,” and + Selene herself had often repeated it. Now she forgot the insulting name + altogether, and met the objections of her nurse by saying: + </p> + <p> + “The fever cannot be much now; if you tell me something I shall not think + so constantly of this atrocious pain. I am longing to be at home. Did you + see the children?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Selene. I went no farther than the entrance of your dwelling, and the + kind gate-keeper’s wife told me at once that I should find neither your + father nor your sister, and that your slave-woman was gone out to buy + cakes for the children.” + </p> + <p> + “To buy them!” exclaimed Selene in astonishment. “The old woman told me + too that the way to your apartments led through several rooms in which + slaves were at work, and that her son, who happened to be with her, should + accompany me, and so he did, but the door was locked, and he told me I + might entrust his mother with my commission. I did so, for she looked as + if she were both judicious and kind.” + </p> + <p> + “That she is.” + </p> + <p> + “And she is very fond of you, for when I told her of your sufferings the + bright tears rolled down her cheeks, and she praised you as warmly, and + was as much troubled as if you had been her own daughter.” + </p> + <p> + “You said nothing about our working in the factory?” asked Selene + anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not, you had desired me not to mention it. I was to say + everything that was kind to you from the old lady.” + </p> + <p> + For several minutes the two girls were silent, then Selene asked: + </p> + <p> + “Did the gate-keeper’s son who accompanied you also hear of the disaster + that had befallen me? + </p> + <p> + “Yes, on the way to your rooms he was full of fun and jokes, but when I + told him that you had gone out with your damaged foot and now could not + get home again, and were being treated by the leech, he was very angry and + used blasphemous language.” + </p> + <p> + “Can you remember what he said?” + </p> + <p> + “Not perfectly, but one thing I still recollect. He accused his gods of + having created a beautiful work only to spoil it, nay he abused them” Mary + looked down as she spoke, as if she were repeating something ill to tell, + but Selene colored slightly with pleasure, and exclaimed eagerly, as if to + outdo the sculptor in abuse: + </p> + <p> + “He is quite right, the powers above act in such a way—” + </p> + <p> + “That is not right,” said the deformed girl reprovingly. + </p> + <p> + “What?” asked the patient. “Here you live quietly to yourselves in perfect + peace and love. Many a word that I heard dame Hannah say has stuck in my + mind, and I can see for myself that you act as kindly as you speak. The + gods no doubt are good to you!” + </p> + <p> + “God is for each and all.” + </p> + <p> + “What!” exclaimed Selene with flashing eyes. “For those whose every + pleasure they destroy? For the home of eight children whom they rob of + their mother? For the poor whom they daily threaten to deprive of their + bread-winner?” + </p> + <p> + “For them too, there is a merciful God,” interrupted dame Hannah who had + just come into the room. “I will lead you to the loving Father in Heaven + who cares for us all as if we were His children; but not now—you + must rest and neither talk nor hear of anything that can excite your + fevered blood. Now I will rearrange the pillow under your head. Mary will + wet a fresh compress and then you must try to sleep.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot,” replied Selene, while Hannah shook her pillows and arranged + them carefully. “Tell me about your God who loves us.” + </p> + <p> + “By-and-bye, dear child. Seek Him and you will find Him, for of all His + children He loves them best who suffer.” + </p> + <p> + “Those who suffer?” asked Selene, in surprise. “What has a God in his + Olympian joys to do with those who suffer?” + </p> + <p> + “Be quiet, child,” interrupted Hannah, patting the sick girl with a + soothing hand, “you soon will learn how God takes care of you and that + Another loves you.” + </p> + <p> + “Another,” muttered Selene, and her cheeks turned crimson. + </p> + <p> + She thought at once of Pollux, and asked herself why the story of her + sufferings should have moved him so deeply if he were not in love with + her. Then she began to seek some colorable ground for what she had heard + as she went past the screen behind which he had been working. He had never + told her plainly that he loved her. Why should he, an artist and a bright, + high spirited young fellow, not be allowed to jest with a pretty girl, + even if his heart belonged to another. No, she was not indifferent to him: + that she had felt that night when she had stood as his model, and now—as + she thought—I could guess, nay, feel sure of, from Mary’s story. + </p> + <p> + The longer she thought of him, the more she began to long to see him whom + she had loved so dearly even as a child. Her heart had never yet beat for + any other man, but since she had met Pollux again in the hall of the + Muses, his image had filled her whole soul, and what she now felt must be + love—could be nothing else. Half awake, but half asleep, she + pictured him to herself, entering this quiet room, sitting down by the + head of her couch, and looking with his kind eyes into hers. Ah! and how + could she help it—she sat up and opened her arms to him. + </p> + <p> + “Be still, my child, he still,” said Hannah. “It is not good for you to + move about so much.” + </p> + <p> + Selene opened her eyes, but only to close them again and to dream for some + time longer till she was startled from her rest by loud voices in the + garden. Hannah left the room, and her voice presently mingled with those + of the other persons outside, and when she returned her cheeks were + flushed and she could not find fitting words in which to tell her patient + what she had to say. + </p> + <p> + “A very big man, in the most outrageous dress,” she said at last, “wanted + to be let in; when the gatekeeper refused, he forced his way in. He asked + for you.” + </p> + <p> + “For me,” said Selene, blushing. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my child, he brought a large and beautiful nosegay of flowers, and + said ‘your friend at Lochias sends you his greeting.’” + </p> + <p> + “My friend at Lochias?” murmured thoughtfully Selene to herself. Then her + eyes sparkled with gladness, and she asked quickly: + </p> + <p> + “You said the man who brought the flowers was very tall.” + </p> + <p> + “He was.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh please, dame Hannah, let me see the flowers?” cried Selene, trying to + raise herself. + </p> + <p> + “Have you a lover, child?” asked the widow. + </p> + <p> + “A lover?—no, but there is a young man with whom we always used to + play when we were quite little—an artist, a kind, good man—and + the nosegay must be from him.” + </p> + <p> + Hannah looked with sympathy at the girl, and signing to Mary she said: + </p> + <p> + “The nosegay is a very large one. You may see it, but it must not remain + in the room; the smell of so many flowers might do you harm.” + </p> + <p> + Mary rose from her seat at the head of the bed, and whispered to the sick + girl: + </p> + <p> + “Is that the tall gate-keeper’s son?” Selene nodded, smiling, and as the + women went away she changed her position from lying on one side, stretched + herself out on her back, pressed her hand to her heart, and looked upwards + with a deep sigh. There was a singing in her ears, and flashes of colored + light seemed to dance before her closed eyes. She drew her breath with + difficulty, but still it seemed as though the air she drew in was full of + the perfume of flowers. + </p> + <p> + Hannah and Mary carried in the enormous bunch of flowers. Selene’s eyes + shone more brightly, and she clasped her hands in admiration. Then she + made them show her the lovely, richly-tinted and fragrant gift, first on + one side and then on the other, buried her face in the flowers, and + secretly kissed the delicate petals of a lovely, half-opened rose-bud. She + felt as if intoxicated, and the bright tears flowed in slow succession + down her cheeks. Mary was the first to detect the brooch stuck into the + ribbons that tied the stems of the flowers. She unfastened it and showed + it to Selene, who hastily took it out of her hand. Blushing deeper and + deeper, she fixed her eyes on the intaglio carved on the stone of the love + god sharpening his arrows. She felt her pain no more pain, she felt quite + well, and at the same time glad, proud, too happy. Dame Hannah noted her + excitement with much anxiety; she nodded to Mary and said: + </p> + <p> + “Now my daughter, this must do; we will place the flowers outside the + window so that you may see them.” + </p> + <p> + “Already,” said Selene, in a regretful tone, and she broke off a few + violets and roses from the crowded mass. When she was alone again, she + laid the flowers down and once more tenderly contemplated the figures on + the handsome gem. It had no doubt been engraved by Teuker, the brother of + Pollux. How fine the carving was, how significant the choice of the + subject represented! Only the heavy gold setting disturbed the poor child, + who for so many years had had to stint and contrive with her money. She + said to herself that it was wrong of the young fellow, who, besides being + poor, had to support his sister, to rush into such an outlay for her. But + his gift gave her none the less pleasure, out of her own possessions + nothing would have seemed too precious to give him. She would teach him to + be saving by-and-bye. + </p> + <p> + The women presently returned after they had with much trouble set up the + nosegay outside the window, and they renewed the wet handkerchief without + speaking. She did not in the least want to talk, she was listening with so + much pleasure to the fair promises which her fancy was making, and + wherever she turned her eyes they fell on something she could love, The + flowers on her bed, the brooch in her hand, the nosegay outside the + window, and never dreaming that another—not the man she loved—could + have sent it to her, another for whom she cared even less than for the + Christians who walked up and down in Paulina’s garden, under her window. + There she lay, full of sweet contentment and secure of a love that had + never been hers—of possessing the heart of a man who never once + thought of her, but who, only a few hours since, had rushed off with her + sister, intoxicated with joy and delight. Poor Selene! + </p> + <p> + And her next dreams were of untroubled happiness, but the minutes flew + after each other, each bringing her nearer to waking—and what a + waking! + </p> + <p> + Her father had not come, as he had intended, to see her before going to + the prefect’s house with Arsinoe. His desire to conduct his daughter to + Julia in a dress worthy of her prospects had detained him a long time, and + even then he had not succeeded in his object. All the weavers, and the + shops were closed, for every workman, whether slave or free, was taking + part in the festivities, and when the hour fixed by the prefect drew near, + his daughter was still sitting in her litter, in her simple white dress + and her modest peplum, bound with blue ribbon, which looked even more + insignificant by day than in the evening. + </p> + <p> + The nosegay which had been given to Arsinoe by Verus gave her much + pleasure, for a girl is always pleased with beautiful flowers—nay, + they have something in common. As she and her father approached the + prefect’s house Arsinoe grew frightened, and her father could not conceal + his vexation at being obliged to take her to the lady Julia in so modest a + garb. Nor was his gloomy humor at all enlivened when he was left to wait + in the anteroom while Julia and the wife of Verus, aided by Balbilla chose + for his daughter the finest colored and costliest stuffs of the softest + wool, silk, and delicate bombyx tissue. This sort of occupation has this + peculiarity, that the longer time it takes the more assistance is needed, + and the steward had to submit to wait fully two hours in the prefect’s + anteroom, which gradually grew fuller and fuller of clients and visitors. + At last Arsinoe came back all glowing and full of the beautiful things + that were to be prepared for her. + </p> + <p> + Her father rose slowly from his easy seat, and as she hastened towards him + the door opened, and through it came Plutarch, freshly wreathed, freshly + decked with flowers which were fastened to the breast-folds of his + gallium, and lifted into the room by his two human crutches. Every one + rose as he came in, and when Keraunus saw that the chief lawyer of the + city, a man of ancient family, bowed before him, he did likewise. + Plutarch’s eyesight was stronger than his legs were, and where a pretty + woman was to be seen, it was always very keen. He perceived Arsinoe as + soon as he had crossed the threshold and waved both hands towards her, as + if she were an old and favorite acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + The sweet child had quite bewitched him; in his younger days he would have + given anything and everything to win her favor; now he was satisfied to + make his favor pleasing to her; he touched her playfully two or three + times on the arm and said gaily: + </p> + <p> + “Well pretty Roxana, has dame Julia done well with the dresses?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! they have chosen such pretty, such really lovely things!” exclaimed + the girl. + </p> + <p> + “Have they?” said Plutarch, to conceal by speech the fact that he was + meditating on some subject; “Have they? and why should they not?” + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe’s washed dress had caught the old man’s eye, and remembering that + Gabinius the curiosity-dealer had that very morning been to him to enquire + whether Arsinoe were not in fact one of his work-girls, and to repeat his + statement that her father was a beggarly toady, full of haughty airs, + whose curiosities, of which he contemptuously mentioned a few, were worth + nothing, Plutarch was hastily asking himself how he could best defend his + pretty protege against the envious tongues of her rivals; for many + spiteful speeches of theirs had already come to his ears. + </p> + <p> + “Whatever the noble Julia undertakes is always admirably done,” he said + aloud, and he added in a whisper: “The day after to-morrow when the + goldsmiths have opened their workshops again, I will see what I can find + for you. I am falling in a heap, hold me up higher Antaeus and Atlas. So.—Yes, + my child you look even better from up here than from a lower level. Is the + stout man standing behind you your father?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you no mother?” + </p> + <p> + “She is dead.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” said Plutarch in a tone of regret. Then turning to the steward he + said: + </p> + <p> + “Accept my congratulations on having such a daughter Keraunus. I hear too + that you have to supply a mother’s place to her.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas sir! she is very like my poor wife, since her death I live a joyless + life.” + </p> + <p> + “But I hear that you take pleasure in collecting rare and beautiful + objects. This is a taste we have in common. Are you inclined to part with + the cup that belonged to my namesake Plutarch? It must be a fine piece of + work from what Gabinius tells me.” + </p> + <p> + “That it is,” replied the steward proudly. “It was a gift to the + philosopher from Trajan; beautifully carved in ivory. I cannot bear to + part with such a gem but,” and as he spoke he lowered his voice. “I am + under obligations to you, you have taken charge of my daughter’s outfit + and to offer you some return I will—” + </p> + <p> + “That is quite out of the question,” interrupted Plutarch, who knew men, + and who saw from the steward’s pompous pretentiousness that the dealer had + done him no injustice in describing him as overbearing. “You are doing me + an honor by allowing me to contribute what I can towards decorating our + Roxana. I beg you to send me the cup, and whatever price you put upon it, + I, of course, shall pay, that is quite understood.” + </p> + <p> + Keraunus had a brief internal conflict with himself. If he had not so + sorely needed money, if he had not so keenly desired to see a young and + comely slave walking behind him, he would have adhered to his purpose of + presenting the cup to Plutarch; as it was he cleared his throat, looked at + the ground, and said with an embarrassed manner and without a trace of his + former confidence: + </p> + <p> + “I remain your debtor, and it seems you do not wish this business to be + mixed up with other matters. Well then, I had two thousand drachmae for a + sword that belonged to Antony.” + </p> + <p> + “Then certainly,” interrupted Plutarch, “the cup, the gift of Trajan, must + be worth double, particularly to me who am related to the illustrious + owner. May I offer you four thousand drachmae for your precious + possession?” + </p> + <p> + “I am anxious to oblige you, and so I say yes,” replied the steward with + much dignity, and he squeezed Arsinoe’s little finger, for she was + standing close to him. Her hand had for some time been touching his in + token of warning that he should adhere to his first intention of making + the cup a present to Plutarch. + </p> + <p> + As the pair, so unlike each other, quitted the anteroom, Plutarch looked + after them with a meaning smile and thought to himself: “That is well + done. How little pleasure I generally have from my riches! How often when + I see a sturdy porter I would willingly change places with him! But to-day + I am glad to have as much money as I could wish. Sweet child! She must + have a new dress of course for the sake of appearance, but really her + beauty did not suffer from the washed-out rag of a dress. And she belongs + to me, for I have seen her at the factory among the workwomen, of that I + am certain.” + </p> + <p> + Keraunus had gone out with his daughter and once outside the prefect’s + house, he could not help chuckling aloud, while he patted his daughter on + the shoulder, and whispered to her: + </p> + <p> + “I told you so child! we shall be rich yet, we shall rise in life again + and need not be behind the other citizens in any thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, father, but it is just because you believe that, that you ought to + have given the cup to the old man.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied Keraunus, “business is business, but by and bye I will repay + him tenfold for all he does for you now, by giving him my painting by + Apelles. And Julia shall have the pair of sandal-straps set with cut-gems + that came off a sandal of Cleopatra’s.” + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe looked down, for she knew what these treasures were worth, and + said: + </p> + <p> + “We can consider all that later.” + </p> + <p> + Then she and her father got into the litters that had been waiting for + them, and without which Keraunus thought he could no longer exist, and + they were carried to the garden of Pudeus’ widow. + </p> + <p> + Their visit came to interrupt Selene’s blissful dreams. Keraunus behaved + with icy coldness to dame Hannah, for it afforded him a certain + satisfaction to make a display of contempt for every thing Christian. When + he expressed his regret that Selene should have been obliged to remain in + her house, the widow replied: + </p> + <p> + “She is better here than in the street, at any rate.” And when Keraunus + went on to say that he would take nothing as a gift and would pay her for + her care of his daughter, Hannah answered: + </p> + <p> + “We are happy to do all we can for your child, and Another will reward + us.” + </p> + <p> + “That I certainly forbid,” exclaimed the steward wrathfully. + </p> + <p> + “We do not understand each other,” said the Christian pleasantly. “I do + not allude to any mortal being, and the reward we work for is not gold and + possessions, but the happy consciousness of having mitigated the + sufferings of a fellow-creature.” + </p> + <p> + Keraunus shrugged his shoulders, and after desiring Selene to ask the + physician when she might be taken home, he went away. + </p> + <p> + “I will not leave you here an instant longer than is necessary,” he said + as urgently as though she were in some infected house; he kissed her + forehead, bowed to Hannah as loftily as though he had just bestowed an + alms upon her, and departed, without listening to Selene’s assurances that + she was extremely happy and comfortable with the widow. + </p> + <p> + The ground had long burnt under his feet, and the money in his pocket, he + was now possessed of ample means to acquire a good new slave, perhaps, if + he threw old Sebek into the bargain, they might even suffice to procure + him a handsome Greek, who might teach the children to read and write. He + could direct his first attention to the external appearance of the new + member of his household, if he were a scholar as well, he would feel + justified in the high price he expected to be obliged to pay for him. + </p> + <p> + As Keraunus approached the slave-market he said, not without some + conscious emotion at his own paternal devotion: + </p> + <p> + “All for the credit of the house, all, and only, for the children.” + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe carried out her intention of staying with Selene; her father was + to fetch her on his way home. After he was gone, Hannah and Mary left the + two sisters together, for they supposed that they must wish to discuss a + variety of things without the presence of strangers. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the girls were alone Arsinoe began: “Your cheeks are rosy, + Selene, and you look cheerful—ah! and I, I am so happy—so + happy!” + </p> + <p> + “Because you are to fill the part of Roxana?” + </p> + <p> + “That is very nice too, and who would have thought only yesterday morning + that we should be so rich today. We hardly know what to do with all the + money.” + </p> + <p> + “We?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, for father has sold two objects out of his collection for six + thousand drachmae.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” cried Selene clasping her hands, “then we can pay our most pressing + debts.” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure, but that is not nearly all.” + </p> + <p> + “No?” + </p> + <p> + “Where shall I begin? Ah! Selene, my heart is so full. I am tired, and yet + I could dance and sing and shout all day and all the night through till + to-morrow. When I think how happy I am, my head turns, and I feel as if I + must use all my self-control to keep myself from turning giddy. You do not + know yet how you feel when the arrow of Eros has pierced you. Ah! I love + Pollux so much, and he loves me too.” + </p> + <p> + At these words all the color fled from Selene’s cheeks, and her pale lips + brought out the words: + </p> + <p> + “Pollux? The son of Euphorion, Pollux the sculptor?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, our dear, kind, tall Pollux!” cried Arsinoe. “Now prick up your + ears, and you shall hear how it all came to pass. Last night on our way to + see you he confessed how much he loved me, and now you must advise me how + to win over my father to our side, and very soon too. By-and-bye he will + of course say yes, for Pollux can do anything he wants, and some day he + will be a great man, as great as Papias, and Aristaeus, and Kealkes all + put together. His youthful trick with that silly caricature—but how + pale you are, Selene!” + </p> + <p> + “It is nothing—nothing at all—a pain—go on,” said + Selene. + </p> + <p> + “Dame Hannah begged me not to let you talk much.” + </p> + <p> + “Only tell me everything; I will be quiet.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you have seen the lovely head of mother that he made,” Arsinoe went + on. “Standing by that we saw each other and talked for the first time + after long years, and I felt directly that there was not a dearer man than + he in the whole world, wide as it is. And he fell in love too with a + stupid little thing like me. Yesterday evening he came here with me; and + then as I went home, taking his arm in the dark through the streets, then—Oh, + Selene, it was splendid, delightful! You cannot imagine!—Does your + foot hurt you very much, poor dear? Your eyes are full of tears.” + </p> + <p> + “Go on, tell me all, go on.” + </p> + <p> + And Arsinoe did as she was desired, sparing the poor girl nothing that + could widen and deepen the wound in her soul. Full of rapturous memories + she described the place in the streets where Pollux had first kissed her. + The shrubs in the garden where she had flung herself into his arms, her + blissful walk in the moonlight, and all the crowd assembled for the + festival, and finally how, possessed by the god, they had together joined + the procession, and danced through the streets. She described, with tears + in her eyes, how painful their parting had been, and laughed again, as she + told how an ivy leaf in her hair had nearly betrayed everything to her + father. So she talked and talked, and there was something that intoxicated + her in her own words. + </p> + <p> + How they were affecting Selene she did not observe. How could she know + that it was her narrative and no other suffering which made her sister’s + lips quiver so sorrowfully? Then, when she went on to speak of the + splendid garments which Julia was having made for her, the suffering girl + listened with only half an ear, but her attention revived when she heard + how much old Plutarch had offered for the ivory cup, and that her father + proposed to exchange their old slave for a more active one. + </p> + <p> + “Our good black mouse-catching old stork looks shabby enough it is true,” + said Arsinoe, “still I am very sorry he should go away. If you had been at + home, perhaps father would have waited to consider.” + </p> + <p> + Selene laughed drily, and her lips curled scornfully as she said: + </p> + <p> + “That is the way! go on! two days before you are turned out of house and + home you ride in a chariot and pair!” + </p> + <p> + “You always see the worst side,” said Arsinoe with annoyance. “I tell you + it will all turn out far better and nicer and more happily than we expect. + As soon as we are a little richer we will buy back the old man, and keep + him and feed him till he dies.” + </p> + <p> + Selene shrugged her shoulders, and her sister jumped up from her seat with + her eyes full of tears. She had been so happy in telling how happy she was + that she firmly believed that her story must bring brightness into the + gloom of the sick girl’s soul, like sunshine after a dark night; and + Selene had nothing to give her but scornful words and looks. If a friend + refuses to share in joys it is hardly less wounding than if he were to + abandon us in trouble. + </p> + <p> + “How you always contrive to embitter my happiness!” cried Arsinoe. “I know + very well that nothing that I can do can ever be right in your eyes; + still, we are sisters, and you need not set your teeth and grudge your + words, and shrug your shoulders when I tell you of things which, even a + stranger, if I were to confide them to her, would rejoice over with me. + You are so cold and heartless! I dare say you will betray me to my father—” + </p> + <p> + But Arsinoe did not finish her sentence, for Selene looked up at her with + a mixture of suffering and alarm, and said: + </p> + <p> + “I cannot be glad—I am in too much pain.” As she spoke the tears ran + down her cheeks and as soon as Arsinoe saw them she felt a return of pity + for the sick girl, bent over and kissed her cheeks once, twice, thrice; + but Selene pushed her aside and murmured piteously: + </p> + <p> + “Leave me—pray leave me; go away, I can bear it no longer.” She + turned her face to the wall, sobbing aloud. Arsinoe attempted once more to + show her some marks of affection, but her sister pushed her away still + more decidedly, crying out loudly, as if in desperation: “I shall die if + you do not leave me alone.” + </p> + <p> + And the happier girl, whose best offerings were thus disdained by her only + female friend, went weeping away to await her father’s return outside the + door of the widow’s house. + </p> + <p> + When Hannah went to lay fresh handkerchiefs on Selene’s wounds she saw + that she had been crying, but she did not enquire into the reason of her + tears. Towards evening the widow explained to her patient that she must + leave her alone for half an hour, for that she and Mary were going out to + pray to their God with their brethren and sisters, and they would pray for + her also. + </p> + <p> + “Leave me, only leave me,” said Selene, “as it is, so it is—there + are no gods.” + </p> + <p> + “Gods?” replied Hannah. “No. But there is one good and loving Father in + Heaven, and you soon shall learn to know him.” + </p> + <p> + “I know him, well!” muttered the sick girl with keen irony. + </p> + <p> + No sooner was she alone than she sat up in bed, and flung the flowers, + which had been lying on it, far from her across the room, twisted the pin + of the brooch till it was broken, and did not stir a finger to save the + gold setting and engraved stone when they fell between the bed and wall of + the room. Then she lay staring at the ceiling, and did not stir again. It + was now quite dark. The lilies and honeysuckle in the great nosegay + outside the window began to smell more strongly, and their perfume forced + itself inexorably on her senses, rendered painfully acute by fever. She + perceived it at every breath she drew, and not for a minute would it let + her forget her wrecked happiness, and the wretchedness of her heart, till + the heavy sweetness of the flowers became more unendurable than the most + pungent odor, and she drew the coverlet over her head to escape this new + torment; but she soon cast it off again, for she thought she should be + suffocated under it. An intolerable restlessness took possession of her, + while the pain in her injured foot throbbed madly, the cut in her head + seemed to burn, and her temples beat with an agonizing headache that + contracted the muscles of her eyes. Every nerve in her body, every thought + of her brain was a separate torture, and at the same time she felt herself + without a stay, without protection, and wholly abandoned to some cruel + influence, which tossed and tore her soul as the storm tosses the crowns + of the palm-trees. + </p> + <p> + Without tears, incapable of lying still and yet punished for the slightest + movement by some fresh pain, racked in every joint, not strong enough in + her bewilderment to carry through a single connected thought, and yet + firmly convinced that the perfume she was forced to inhale at every breath + was poisoning her—destroying her—driving her mad—she + lifted her damaged foot out of bed, dragged the other after it, and sat up + on her couch regardless of the pain she felt, and the warnings of the + physician. Her long hair fell dishevelled over her face, her arms, and her + hands, in which she held her aching head; and in this new attitude the + excitement of her brain and heart took fresh development. + </p> + <p> + She sat gazing at the floor with a freezing gaze, and bitter enmity + towards her sister, hatred towards Pollux, contempt for her father’s + miserable weakness, and her own utter blindness, rang wild changes in her + soul. Outside all lay in peaceful calm, and from the house in which + Paulina lived the evening breeze now and again bore the pure tones of a + pious hymn upon her ear. Selene never heeded it, but as the same air + wafted the scent of the flowers in her face even stronger than before, she + clutched her hair in her fingers and pulled it so violently that she + actually groaned with the pain she gave herself. + </p> + <p> + The question as to whether her hair was less abundant and beautiful than + her sister’s suddenly occurred to her, and like a flash in the darkness + the wish shot through her soul that she could fling Arsinoe to the ground + by the hair, with the hand which was now hurting herself. + </p> + <p> + That perfume! that horrible perfume! + </p> + <p> + She could bear it no longer. She stood up on her uninjured foot, and with + very short steps she dragged herself half crying to the window, and flung + the nosegay with the great jar of burnt clay down on to the ground. The + vessel was broken.—It had cost poor Hannah many hardly-saved pieces + not long since. Selene stood on one foot, leaning, to recover herself, + against the right-hand post of the window-opening, and there she could + hear more distinctly than from her couch, the voice of the waves as they + broke on the stone quay just behind dame Hannah’s little house. The child + of the Lochias was familiar with their tones, but the clashing and + gurgling of the cool, moist element against the stones had never affected + her before as they did now. Her fevered blood was on fire, her foot was + burning, her head was hot, and hatred seemed to consume her soul as in a + slow fire; she felt as if every wave that broke upon the seawall was + calling out to her: “I am cool, I am moist, I can extinguish the flame + that is consuming you. I can refresh and revive you.” + </p> + <p> + What had the world to offer her but new torment and new misery? But the + sea—the blue dark sea was wide, and cold, and deep, and its waves + promised her in insidious tones to relieve her at once of the rage of her + fever, and of the burden of her life. Selene did not pause, did not + reflect; she remembered neither the children whom she had so long cared + for as a mother, nor her father, whose comfort and support she was—vague + voices in her brain seemed to be whispering to her that the world was evil + and cruel, and the abode of all the torment and care that gnawed at her + heart. She felt as if she had been plunged to the temples in a pool of + fire, and, like some poor wretch whose garments have been caught by the + flames, she had an instinct to fly to the water, at the bottom of which + she might hope to find the fulfilment of her utmost longing, sweet cold + death, in which all is forgotten. + </p> + <p> + Groaning and tottering she pushed her way through the door into the garden + and hobbled down to the sea, grasping her temples in her hands. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <p> + The Alexandrians were a stiff-necked generation. Only some phenomenal + sight far transcending their every-day experience could avail to make them + turn their heads to stare at it, but just now there was something to look + at, at every moment and in every street of the city. To-day too each one + thought only of himself and of his own pleasure. Some particularly pretty, + tall, or well-dressed figure would give rise to a smile or an exclamation + of approval, but before one sight had been thoroughly enjoyed the + inquisitive eye was seeking a fresh one. + </p> + <p> + Thus it happened that no one paid any special attention to Hadrian and his + companions who allowed themselves to be unresistingly carried along the + streets by the current of the crowd; and yet each one of them was, in his + way, a remarkable object. Hadrian was dressed as Silenus, Pollux as a + faun. Both wore masks and the disguise of the younger man was as well + suited to his pliant and vigorous figure as that of the elder to his + powerful stately person. Antinous followed his master, dressed as Eros. He + wore a crimson mantle and was crowned with roses, while the silver quiver + on his shoulder and the bow in his hand clearly symbolized the god he was + intended to represent. He too wore a mask, but his figure attracted many + gazers, and many a greeting of “Long live the god of love” or “Be gracious + to me oh! son of Aphrodite” was spoken as he passed. + </p> + <p> + Pollux had obtained all the things requisite for these disguises from the + store of drapery belonging to his master. Papias had been out, but the + young man did not deem it necessary to ask his consent, for he and the + other assistants had often used the things for similar purposes with his + full permission. Only as he took the quiver intended for Antinous, Pollux + hesitated a little for it was of solid silver and had been given to his + master by the wife of a wealthy cone-dealer, whom he had represented in + marble as Artemis equipped for the chase. + </p> + <p> + “The Roman’s handsome companion,” thought the young artist as he placed + the costly object in with the others in a basket, which a squinting + apprentice was to carry behind him—“The Roman’s handsome companion + must be made a splendid Eros—and before sunrise the useless thing + will be hanging on its hook again.” + </p> + <p> + Indeed Pollux had not much time to admire the splendid appearance of the + god of love he had so richly adorned, for the Roman architect was + possessed by such thirst for knowledge and such inexhaustible curiosity as + to the minutest details that even Pollux who was born in Alexandria, and + had grown up there with his eyes very wide open, was often unable to + answer his indefatigable questioning. + </p> + <p> + The grey-bearded master wanted to see every thing and to be informed on + every subject. Not content with making acquaintance with the main streets + and squares the public sites and buildings, he peeped into the handsomest + of the private houses and asked the names, rank and fortunes of the + owners. The decided way in which he told Pollux the way he wished to be + conducted proved to the artist that he was thoroughly familiar with the + plan of the city. And when the sagacious and enlightened man expressed his + approval, nay his admiration of the broad clean streets of the town, the + handsome open places, and particularly handsome buildings which abounded + on all sides, the young Alexandrian who was proud of his city was + delighted. + </p> + <p> + First Hadrian made him lead him along the seashore by the Bruchiom to the + temple of Poseidon, where he performed some devotions, then he looked into + the garden of the palace and the courts of the adjoining museum. The + Caesareum with its Egyptian gateway excited his admiration no less than + the theatre, surrounded with pillared arcades in stories, and decorated + with numerous statues. From thence deviating to the left they once more + approached the sea to visit the great Emporium, to see the forest of masts + of Eunostus, and the finely-constructed quays. They left the viaduct known + as the Heptastadion to their right and the harbor of Kibotus, swarming + with small merchant craft, did not detain them long. + </p> + <p> + Here they turned backs on the sea following a street which led inland + through the quarter called Khakotis inhabited only by native Egyptians, + and here the Roman found much to see that was noteworthy. First he and his + companions met a procession of the priests who serve the gods of the Nile + valley, carrying reliquaries and sacred vessels, with images of the gods + and sacred animals, and tending towards the Serapeum which towered high + above the streets in the vicinity. Hadrian did not visit the temple, but + he inspected the chariots which carried people along an inclined road + which led up the hill on which was the sanctuary, and watched devotees on + foot who mounted by an endless flight of steps constructed on purpose; + these grew wider towards the top, terminating in a platform where four + mighty pillars bore up a boldly-curved cupola. Nothing looked down upon + the temple-building which with its halls, galleries and rooms rose behind + this huge canopy. + </p> + <p> + The priests with their white robes, the meagre, half-naked Egyptians with + their pleated aprons and headcloths, the images of beasts and the + wonderfully-painted houses in this quarter of the city, particularly + attracted Hadrian’s attention and made him ask many questions, not all of + which could Pollux answer. + </p> + <p> + Their walk which now took them farther and farther from the sea extended + to the extreme south of the town and the shores of lake Mareotis. Nile + boats and vessels of every form and size lay at anchor in this deep and + sheltered inland sea; here the sculptor pointed out to Hadrian the canal + through which goods were conveyed to the marine fleet which had been + brought down the river to Alexandria. And he pointed out to the Roman the + handsome country-houses and well-tended vineyards on the shores of the + lake. + </p> + <p> + “The bodies in this city ought to thrive,” said Hadrian meditatively. “For + here are two stomachs and two mouths by which they absorb nourishment; the + sea, I mean, and this lake.” + </p> + <p> + “And the harbors in each,” added Pollux. + </p> + <p> + “Just so; but now it is time we should turn about,” replied Hadrian, and + the party soon took a road leading eastward; they walked without pause + through the quiet streets inhabited by the Christians, and finally through + the Jews’ quarter. In the heart of this quarter many houses were shut up, + and there were no signs to be seen of the gay doings which crowded on the + sense and fancy in the heathen part of the town, for the stricter among + the Hebrews held sternly aloof, from the holiday festivities in which most + of their nation and creed who dwelt among the Greeks, took part. + </p> + <p> + For a third time Hadrian and his companions crossed the Canopic way which + formed the main artery of the city and divided it into the northern and + southern halves, for he wished to look down from the hill of the Paneum on + the combined effect as a whole of all that he had seen in detail. The + carefully-kept gardens which surrounded this elevation swarmed with men, + and the spiral path which led to the top was crowded with women and + children, who came here to see the most splendid spectacle of the whole + day, which closed with performances in all the theatres in the town. + Before the Emperor and his escort could reach the Paneum itself the crowd + suddenly packed more closely and began exclaiming among themselves, “Here + they come!” “They are early to-day!” “Here they are!” + </p> + <p> + Lictors with their fasces over their shoulders were clearing the broad + roadway, which led from the prefect’s on the Bruchiom to the Paneum, with + their staves and paying no heed to the mocking and witty speeches + addressed to them by the mob wherever they appeared. One woman, as she was + driven back by a Roman guardian of the peace, cried scornfully, “Give me + your rods for my children and do not use them on unoffending citizens.” + </p> + <p> + “There is an axe hidden among the faggots,” added an Egyptian + letter-writer in a warning voice. + </p> + <p> + “Bring it here,” cried a butcher. “I can use it to slaughter my beasts.” + The Romans as they heard these bandied words felt the blood mounting to + their faces, but the prefect, who knew his Alexandrians well, had + counselled them to be deaf; to see everything but to hear nothing. Now + there appeared a cohort of the Twelfth Legion, who were quartered in + garrison in Egypt, in their richest arms and holiday uniforms. Behind them + came two files of particularly tall lictors wearing wreaths, and they were + followed by several hundred wild beasts, leopards and panthers, giraffes, + gazelles, antelopes, and deer, all led by dark-colored Egyptians. Then + came a richly-dressed and much be-wreathed Dionysian chorus with the sound + of tambourines and lyres, double flutes and triangles, and finally, drawn + by ten elephants and twenty white horses, a large ship, resting on wheels + and gilt from stem to stern, representing the vessel in which the + Tyrrhenian pirates were said to have carried off the young Dionysus when + they had seen the black-haired hero on the shore in his purple garments. + But the miscreants—so the myth went on to say—were not allowed + long to rejoice in their violence, for hardly had the ship reached the + open sea when the fetters dropped from the god, vines entwined the sails + in sudden luxuriance, tendrils encumbered the oars and rudder, heavy + grapes clustered round the ropes, and ivy clung to the mast and shrouded + the seats and sides of the vessel. Dionysus is equally powerful on sea and + on land; in the pirates’ ship he assumed the form of a lion, and the + pirates, filled with terror, flung themselves into the sea, and in the + form of dolphins followed their lost bark. + </p> + <p> + All this Titianus had caused to be represented just as the Homeric hymns + described it, out of slight materials, but richly and elegantly decorated, + in order to provide a feast for the eyes of the Alexandrians, with the + intention of riding in it himself, with his wife and the most illustrious + of the Romans who formed the Empress’ suite, to enjoy all the Holiday + doings in the chief streets of the city. Young and old, great and small, + men and women, Greeks, Romans, Jews, Egyptians, foreigners dark and fair, + with smooth hair or crisp wool, crowded with equal eagerness to the edge + of the roadway to see the gorgeous boat. + </p> + <p> + Hadrian, far more anxious to see the show than his younger but less + excitable favorite, pushed into the front rank, and as Antinous was trying + to follow him, a Greek boy, whom he had shoved aside, snatched his mask + from his face, threw himself on the ground, and slipped nimbly off with + his booty. When Hadrian looked round for the Bithyman, the ship-in which + the prefect was standing between the images of the Emperor and Empress, + while Julia, Balbilla, and her companion, and other Roman lords and ladies + were sitting in it—had come quite near to them. His sharp eye had + recognized them all, and fearing that the lad’s uncovered face would + betray them he cried out: + </p> + <p> + “Turn round and get into the crowd again.” The favorite immediately + obeyed, and only too glad to escape from the crowd, which was a thing he + detested, he sat down on a bench close to the Paneum, and looked dreamily + at the ground while he thought of Selene and the nosegay he had sent her, + neither seeing nor hearing anything of what was going on around him. + </p> + <p> + When the gaudy ship left the gardens of the Paneum and turned into the + Canopic way, the crowd pursued it in a dense mass, hallooing and shouting. + Like a torrent suddenly swelled by a storm it rushed on, surging and + growing at each moment, and carrying with it even those who tried to + resist its force. Thus even Hadrian and Pollux were forced to follow in + its wake, and it was not till they found themselves in the broad Canopic + way that they were able to come to a stand-still. The broad roadway of + this famous street was bordered on each side by a long vista of colonnade, + and it extended from one end of the city to the other. There were hundreds + of the Corinthian columns which supported the roof that covered the + footway, and near to one of these the Emperor and Pollux succeeded at last + in effecting a halt and taking breath. + </p> + <p> + Hadrian’s first thought was for his favorite, and being averse to + venturing himself once more to mix with the crowd, he begged the sculptor + to go and seek him and conduct him safely. + </p> + <p> + “Will you wait for me here?” asked Pollux. + </p> + <p> + “I have known a pleasanter halting place,” sighed the Emperor. + </p> + <p> + “So have I,” answered the artist. “But that tall door there, wreathed + round with boughs of poplar and ivy, leads into a cook-shop where the gods + themselves might be content to find themselves.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I will wait there.” + </p> + <p> + “But I warn you to eat as much as you can, for the Olympian table’ as kept + by Lykortas, the Corinthian, is the dearest eating-house in the whole + city. None but the richest are his guests.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good,” laughed Hadrian. “Only find my assistant a new mask and bring + him back to me. It will not ruin me quite, even if I pay for a supper for + all three of us, and on a holiday one expects to spend something.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you may not live to repent,” retorted Pollux. “But a long fellow + like me is a good trencherman, and can do his part with the wine-jar.” + </p> + <p> + “Only show me what you can do,” cried Hadrian after him as Pollux hurried + off. “I owe you a supper at any rate, for that cabbage stew of your + mother’s.” + </p> + <p> + While Pollux went to seek the Bithyman in the vicinity of the Paneum, the + Emperor entered the eating house, which the skill of the cook had made the + most frequented and fashionable in Alexandria. The place in which most of + the customers of the house dined, consisted of a large open hall, + surrounded by arcades which were roofed in on three of its sides and + closed by a wall on its fourth; in these arcades stood couches, on which + the guests reclined singly, or in couples, or in larger groups, and + ordered the dishes and liquors which the serving slaves, pretty boys with + curling hair and hand some dresses, placed before them on low tables. Here + all was noise and bustle; at one table an epicure devoted himself silently + to the enjoyment of some carefully-prepared delicacy, at another a large + circle of men seemed to be talking more eagerly than they either eat or + drank, and from several of the smaller rooms behind the wall at the back + of the hall came sounds of music and song, and the bold laughter of men + and women. + </p> + <p> + The Emperor asked for a private room, but they were all occupied, and he + was requested to wait a little while, for that one of the adjoining. rooms + would very soon be vacant. He had taken off his mask, and though he was + not particularly afraid of being recognized in his disguise he chose a + couch that was screened by a broad pillar in one of the arcades at the + inner side of the court, and which, now that evening was beginning to fall + was already in obscurity. There he ordered, first some wine and then some + oysters to begin, with; while he was eating these he called one of the + superintendents and discussed with him the details of the supper he wished + presently to be served to himself and his two guests. During this + conversation the bustling host came to make his bow to his new customer, + and seeing that he had to do with a man fully conversant with all the + pleasures of the table, he remained to attend on him, and entered with + special zeal into Hadrian’s various requirements. + </p> + <p> + There was, too, plenty to be seen in the court, which roused the curiosity + of the most inquisitive and enquiring man of his time. In the large space + enclosed by the arcades, and under the eyes of the guests, on gridirons + and hearths, over spits and in ovens the various dishes were prepared + which were served up by the slaves. The cooks prepared their savory messes + on large, clean tables, and the scene of their labors, which, though + enclosed by cords was open to public gaze was surrounded by a small + market, where however only the choicest of wares were displayed. + </p> + <p> + Here in tempting array was every variety of vegetable reared on Greek or + Egyptian soil; here speckless fruits of every size and hue were set out, + and there ready baked, shining, golden-brown pasties were displayed. Those + containing meat, fish or the mussels of Canopus were prepared in + Alexandria itself, but others containing fruit or the leaves of flowers + were brought from Arsinoe on the shores of Lake Moeris, for in that + neighborhood the cultivation of fruit and horticulture generally were + pursued with the greatest success. Meat of all sorts lay or hung in + suitable places; there were juicy hams from Cyrene, Italian sausages and + uncooked joints of various slaughtered beasts. By them lay or hung game + and poultry in select abundance, and a large part of the court was taken + up by a tank in which the choicest of the scaly tribes of the Nile, and of + the lakes of Northern Egypt, were swimming about as well as the Muraena + and other fish of Italian breed. Alexandrian crabs and the mussels, + oysters, and cray-fish of Canopus and Klysma were kept alive in buckets or + jars. The smoked meats of Mendes and the neighborhood of Lake Moeris hung + on metal pegs, and in a covered but well-aired room, sheltered from the + sun lay freshly-imported fish from the Mediterranean and Red Sea. Every + guest at the ‘Olympian table’ was allowed here to select the meat, fruit, + asparagus, fish, or pasty which he desired to have cooked for him. The + host, Lykortas, pointed out to Hadrian an old gentleman who was busy in + the court that was so prettily decorated with still-life, engaged in + choosing the raw materials of a banquet he wished to give some friends in + the evening of this very day. + </p> + <p> + “It is all very nice and extremely good,” said Hadrian, “but the gnats and + flies which are attracted by all those good things are unendurable, and + the strong smell of food spoils my appetite.” + </p> + <p> + “It is better in the side-rooms,” said the host. “In the one kept for you + the company is now preparing to depart. In behind here the sophists + Demetrius and Pancrates are entertaining a few great men from Rome, + rhetoricians or philosophers or something of the kind. Now they are + bringing in the fine lamps and they have been sitting and talking at that + table ever since breakfast. There come the guests out of the side room. + Will you take it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Hadrian. “And when a tall young man comes to ask for the + architect Claudius Venato, from Rome, bring him in to me.” + </p> + <p> + “An architect then, and not a sophist or a rhetorician,” said mine host, + looking keenly at the Emperor. + </p> + <p> + “Silenus,—a philosopher!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh the two vociferous friends there go about even on other days naked and + with ragged cloaks thrown over their lean shoulders. To-day they are + feeding at the expense of rich Josephus.” + </p> + <p> + “Josephus! he must be a Jew and yet he is making a large hole in the ham.” + </p> + <p> + “There would be more swine in Cyrene if there were no Jews; they are + Greeks like ourselves, and eat everything that is good.” + </p> + <p> + Hadrian went into the vacant room, lay down on a couch that stood by the + wall, and urged the slaves who were busied in removing the dishes and + vessels used by his predecessors, and which were swarming with flies. As + soon as he was alone he listened to the conversation which was being + carried on between Favorinus, Florus, and their Greek guests. He knew the + two first very well, and not a word of what they were saying escaped his + keen ear. + </p> + <p> + Favorinus was praising the Alexandrians in a loud voice, but in flowing + and elegantly-accented Greek. He was a native of Arelas—[Arles]—in + Gaul, but no Hellene of them all could pour forth a purer flow of the + language of Demosthenes than he. The self-reliant, keen, and vivacious + natives of the African metropolis were far more to his taste than the + Athenians; these dwelt only in, and for, the past; the Alexandrians + rejoiced in the present. Here an independent spirit still survived, while + on the shores of the Ilissus there were none but servile souls who made a + merchandise of learning, as the Alexandrians did of the products of Africa + and the treasures of India. Once when he had fallen into disgrace with + Hadrian, the Athenians had thrown down his statue, and the favor or + disfavor of the powerful weighed with him more than intellectual + greatness, valuable labors, and true merit. + </p> + <p> + Florus agreed with Favorinus on the whole, and declared that Rome must be + freed from the intellectual influence of Athens; but Favorinus did not + admit this; he opined that it was very difficult for any one who had left + youth behind him, to learn anything new, thus referring, with light irony, + to the famous work in which Florus had attempted to divide the history of + Rome into four periods, corresponding to the ages of man, but had left out + old age, and had treated only of childhood, youth, and manhood. Favorinus + reproached him with overestimating the versatility of the Roman genius, + like his friend Fronto, and underrating the Hellenic intellect. + </p> + <p> + Florus answered the Gaulish orator in a deep voice, and with such a grand + flow of words, that the listening Emperor would have enjoyed expressing + his approbation, and could not help considering the question as to how + many cups of wine his usually placid fellow-countryman might have taken + since breakfast to be so excited. When Floras tried to prove that under + Hadrian’s rule Rome had risen to the highest stage of its manhood, his + friend, Demetrius, of Alexandria, interrupted him, and begged him to tell + him something about the Emperor’s person. Florus willingly acceded to this + request, and sketched a brilliant picture of the administrative talent, + the learning, and the capability of the Emperor. + </p> + <p> + “There is only one thing,” he cried eagerly, “that I cannot approve of; he + is too little at Rome, which is now the core and centre of the world. He + must need see every thing for himself, and he is always wandering + restlessly through the provinces. I should not care to change with him!” + </p> + <p> + “You have expressed the same ideas in verse,” said Favorinus. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! a jest at supper-time. So long as I am in Alexandria and waiting on + Caesar I can make myself very comfortable every day at the ‘Olympian + table’ of this admirable cook.” + </p> + <p> + “But how runs your poem?” asked Pancrates. + </p> + <p> + “I have forgotten it, and it deserved no better fate,” replied Florus. + </p> + <p> + “But I,” laughed the Gaul, “I remember the beginning. The first lines, I + think, ran thus: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “‘Let others envy Caesar’s lot; + To wander through Britannia’s dales + And be snowed up in Scythian vales + Is Caesar’s taste—I’d rather not?’” + </pre> + <p> + As he heard these words Hadrian struck his fist into the palm of his left + hand, and while the feasters were hazarding guesses as to why he was so + long in coming to Alexandria, he took out the folding tablet he was in the + habit of carrying in his money-bag, and hastily wrote the following lines + on the wax face of it: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Let others envy Florus’ lot; + To wander through the shops for drink, + Or, into foolish dreaming sink + In a cook-shop, where sticky flies + Buzz round him till he shuts his eyes + Is Florus’ taste—I’d rather not?’ + + [From verses by Hadrian and Florus, preserved in Spartianus.] +</pre> + <p> + Hardly had he ended the lines, muttering them to himself with much relish + as he wrote, when the waiter showed in Pollux. The sculptor had failed to + find Antinous, and suggested that the young man had probably gone home; he + also begged that he might not be detained long at supper, for he had met + his master Papias, who had been extremely annoyed by his long absence. + Hadrian was no longer satisfied with the artist’s society, for the + conversation in the next room was to him far more attractive than that of + the worthy young fellow. He himself was anxious to quit the meal soon, for + he felt restless and uneasy. Antinous could no doubt easily find his way + to Lochias, but recollections of the evil omens he had observed in the + heavens last night flitted across his soul like bats through a festal + hall, marring the pleasure on which he again tried to concentrate it, in + order to enjoy his hours of liberty. + </p> + <p> + Even Pollux was not so light-hearted as before. His long walk had made him + hungry, and he addressed himself so vigorously to the excellent dishes + which rapidly followed each other by his entertainer’s orders, and emptied + the cup with such unfailing diligence, that the Emperor was astonished: + but the more he had to think about, the less did he talk. + </p> + <p> + Pollux, to be sure, had had his answer ready for his master, and without + considering how easy it would have been to part from him in kindness, he + had shortly and roundly quitted his service. Now indeed he stood on his + own feet, and he was longing to tell Arsinoe and his parents of what he + had done. + </p> + <p> + During the course of the meal his mother’s advice recurred to his mind: to + do his best to win the favor and good will of the architect whose guest he + was; but he set it aside, for he was accustomed to owe all he gained to + his own exertions, and though he still keenly felt in Hadrian the + superiority of a powerful mind, their expedition through the city had not + brought him any nearer to the Roman. Some insurmountable barrier stood + fixed between himself and this restless, inquisitive man, who required so + many answers that no one else had time to ask a question, and who when he + was silent looked so absorbed and unapproachable that no one would have + ventured to disturb him. The bold young artist had, however, tried now and + again to break through the fence, but each time, he had at once been + seized with a feeling, of which he could not rid himself, that he had done + something awkward and unbecoming. He felt in his intercourse with the + architect as a noble dog might feel that sported with a lion, and such + sport could come to no good. Thus, for various reasons, host and guest + were well content when the last dish was removed. Before Pollux left the + room the Emperor gave him the tablets with the verses and begged him, with + a meaning smile, to desire the gate-keeper at the Caesareum to give them + to Annaeus Florus the Roman. He once more urgently charged the sculptor to + look about for his young friend and, if he should find him at Lochias, to + tell him that he, Claudius Venator, would return home ere long. Then the + artist went his way. + </p> + <p> + Hadrian still sat a long time listening to the talk close by; but after + waiting for above an hour to hear some fresh mention made of himself, he + paid his reckoning and went out into the Canopic way, now brilliantly + lighted. There he mingled with the revellers, and walked slowly onward, + seeking suspiciously and anxiously for his vanished favorite. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <p> + Antinous, searching for his master, had wandered about in the crowd. + Whenever he saw any figures of exceptional stature he followed them, but + each time only to discover that he had entered on a false track. Long and + persistent effort was not in his nature, so as soon as he began to get + tired, he gave up the search and sat down again on a stone bench in the + garden of the Paneum. + </p> + <p> + Two cynic philosophers, with unkempt hair, tangled beards, and ragged + cloaks flung over their shivering bodies, sat down by him and fell into + loud and contemptuous abuse of the deference shown, ‘in these days,’ to + external things and vulgar joys, and of the wretched sensualists who + regarded pleasure and splendor, rather than virtue, as the aim and end of + existence. In order to be heard by the by-standers they spoke in loud + tones, and the elder of the two, flourished his knotted stick as + viciously, as though he had to defend himself against an attack. Antinous + felt much disgusted by the hideous appearance, the coarse manners, and + shrill voices of these persons, and when he rose—as the cynics’ + diatribe seemed especially directed against him—they scoffed at him + as he went, mocking at his costume and his oiled and perfumed hair. The + Bithynian made no reply to this abuse. It was odious to him, but he + thought it might perhaps have amused Caesar. + </p> + <p> + He wandered on without thinking; the street in which he presently found + himself must no doubt lead to the sea, and if he could once find himself + on the shore he could not fail to make his way to Lochias. By the time it + was growing dark he was once more standing outside the little gate-house, + and there he learnt from Doris that the Roman and her son had not yet + returned. + </p> + <p> + What was he to do alone in the vast empty palace? Were not the very slaves + free to-day? Why should not he too for once enjoy life independently and + in his own way? Full of the pleasant sense of being his own master and at + liberty to walk in a road of his own choosing, he went onwards, and when + he presently passed by the stall of a flower-seller, he began once more to + think eagerly of Selene and the nosegay, which must long since have + reached her hands. + </p> + <p> + He had heard from Pollux in the morning that the steward’s daughter was + being tended by Christians in a little house not far from the sea-shore; + indeed the sculptor himself had been quite excited as he told Antinous + that he himself had peeped into the lighted room and had seen her. ‘A + glorious creature’ he had called her, and had said that she had never + looked more beautiful than in a recumbent attitude on her bed. + </p> + <p> + Antinous recalled all this and determined to venture on an attempt to see + again the maiden whose image filled his heart and brain. + </p> + <p> + It was now dark and the same light which had allowed of the sculptor’s + seeing Selene’s features might this evening reveal them to him also. Full + of passion and excitement, he got into the first litter he met with. The + swarthy bearers were far too slow for his longing, and more than once he + flung to them as much money as they were wont to earn in a week, to urge + them to a brisker pace. At last he reached his destination; but seeing + that several men and women robed in white, were going into the garden, he + desired the bearers to carry him farther. Close to a dark narrow lane + which bounded the widow’s garden-plot on the east and led directly to the + sea, he desired them to stop, got out of the litter and bid the slaves + wait for him. At the garden door he still found two men dressed in white, + and one of the cynic philosophers who had sat by him on the bench near the + Paneum. He paced impatiently up and clown, waiting till these people + should have disappeared, and thus passing again and again under the light + of the torches that were stuck up by the gate. + </p> + <p> + The dry cynic’s prominent eyes were everywhere at once, and as soon as he + perceived the peripatetic Bithynian he flung up his arm, exclaiming, as he + pointed to him with a long, lean, stiff forefinger—half to the + Christians with whom he had been talking and half to the lad himself: + </p> + <p> + “What does he want. That fop! that over-dressed minion! I know the fellow; + with his smooth face and the silver quiver on his shoulder he believes he + is Eros in person. Be off with you, you house-rat. The women and girls in + here know how to protect themselves against the sort who parade the + streets in rose-colored draperies. Take yourself off, or you will make + acquaintance with the noble Paulina’s slaves and clogs. Hi! gate-keeper, + here! keep an eye on this fellow.” + </p> + <p> + Antinous made no answer, but slowly went back to his litter. + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow perhaps, if I cannot manage it tonight,” he thought to himself + as he went; and he never thought of any other means of attaining his end, + much as he longed for it. A hindrance that came in his way ceased to be a + hindrance as soon as he had left it behind him, and after this reflection + he acted on this occasion as on many former ones. The litter was no longer + standing where he had left it; the bearers had carried it into the lane + leading to the sea, for the only little abode which stood on the eastern + side of it belonged to a fisherman whose wife sold thin potations of + Pelusium beer. + </p> + <p> + Antinous went down the green alley overarched with boughs of fig, to call + the negroes who were sitting in the dull light of a smoky oil-lamp. Here + it was dark, but at the end of the alley the sea shone and sparkled in the + moonlight; the splashing of the waves tempted him onwards and he loitered + clown to the stone-bound shore. There he spied a boat dancing on the water + between two piles and it came into his head that it might be possible to + see the house where Selene was sleeping, from the sea. + </p> + <p> + He undid the rope which secured the boat without any difficulty; he seated + himself in it, laid aside the quiver and bow, pushed off with one of the + oars that lay at the bottom of the boat and pulled with steady strokes + towards the long path of light where the moon touched the crest of each + dancing wavelet with unresting tremulous flecks of silver. + </p> + <p> + There lay the widow’s garden. In that small white house must the fair pale + Selene be sleeping, but though he rowed hither and thither, backwards and + forwards, he could not succeed in discovering the window of which Pollux + had spoken. Might it not be possible to find a spot where he could + disembark and then make his way into the garden? He could see two little + boats, but they lay in a narrow walled canal and this was closed by an + iron railing. Beyond, was a terrace projecting into the sea, and + surrounded by an elegant balustrade of little columns, but it rose + straight out of the sea on smooth high walls. But there—what was + that gleaming under the two palm-trees which, springing from the same + root, had grown together tall and slender—was not that a flight of + marble steps leading down to the sea? + </p> + <p> + Antinous dipped his right oar in the waves with a practised hand to alter + the head of the boat and was in the act of pulling his hand up to make his + stroke against the pressure of the waves—but he did not complete the + movement, nay he counteracted the stroke by a dexterous reverse action; a + strange vision arrested his attention. On the terrace, which lay full in + the bright moonlight, there appeared a white-robed figure with long + floating hair. + </p> + <p> + How strangely it moved! It went now to one side and now to the other, then + again it stood still and clasped its head in its hands. Antinous + shuddered, he could not help thinking of the Daimons of which Hadrian so + often spoke. They were said to be of half-divine and half-human nature, + and sometimes appeared in the guise of mortals. + </p> + <p> + Or was Selene dead and was the white figure her wandering shade? Antinous + clutched the handles of the oars, now merely floating on the water, and + bending forward gazed fixedly and with bated breath at the mysterious + being which had now reached the balustrade of the terrace, now—he + saw quite plainly—covered its face with both hands, leaned far over + the parapet, and now as a star falls through the sky on a clear night, as + a fruit drops from the tree in autumn, the white form of the girl dropped + from the terrace. A loud cry of anguish broke the silence of the night + which veiled the world, and almost at the same instant the water splashed + and gurgled up, and the moonbeams, cold and bright as ever, were mirrored + in the thousand drops that flew up from its surface. + </p> + <p> + Was this Antinous, the indolent dreamer, who so promptly plunged his oars + in the water, pulled a powerful stroke, and then, when in a few seconds + after her fall, the form of the drowning girl came to the surface again + quite close to the boat, flung aside the oar that was in his way? Leaning + far over the edge of the boat he seized the floating garment of the + drowning creature—it was a woman, no Daimon nor shade—and drew + her towards him. He succeeded in raising her high out of the waves, but + when he tried to pull her fairly out of her watery bed, the weight, all on + one side of the boat, was too great; it turned over and Antinous was in + the sea. + </p> + <p> + The Bithyman was a good swimmer. Before the white form could sink a second + time he had caught at it once more with his right hand and taking care + that her head should not again touch the surface of the water, he swam + with his left arm and legs towards the spot where he remembered he had + seen the flight of steps. As soon as his feet felt the ground he lifted + the girl in both arms and a groan of relief broke from his lips as he saw + the marble steps close below him. He went up them without hesitation, and + then, with a swift elastic step, carried his dripping and senseless burden + to the terrace where he had observed that there were benches. The wide + floor of the sea-terrace, paved with smooth flags of marble, was brightly + lighted by the broad moonshine, and the whiteness of the stone reflected + and seemed to increase the light. There stood the benches which Antinous + had seen from afar. + </p> + <p> + He laid his burden on the first he came to, and a thrill of thankful joy + warmed his shivering body when the rescued woman uttered a low cry of pain + which told him that he had not toiled in vain. He gently slipped his arm + between the hard elbow of the marble seat and her head, to give it a + somewhat softer resting-place. Her abundant hair fell in clammy tresses, + covering her face like a thick but fine veil; he parted it to the right + and left and then—then he sank on his knees by her side as if a + sudden bolt had fallen from the blue sky above them; for the features were + hers, Selene’s, and the pale girl before whom he was kneeling was she + herself, the woman he loved. + </p> + <p> + Almost beside himself and trembling in every limb, he drew her closer to + him and put his ear against her mouth to listen whether he had not + deceived himself, whether she had not indeed fallen a victim to the waves + or whether some warm breath were passing the portals of her lips. + </p> + <p> + Yes she breathed! she was alive! Full of thankful ecstasy he pressed his + cheek to hers. Oh! how cold she was, icy, cold as death! + </p> + <p> + The torch of life was flickering, but he would not—could not—must + not let it die out: and with all the care, rapidity and decision of the + most capable man, he once more raised her, lifted her in both arms as if + she were a child, and carried her straight to the house whose white walls + he could see gleaming among the shrubs behind the terrace. The little lamp + was still burning in dame Hannah’s room, which Selene had so lately + quitted; in front of the window through which the dim light came to mingle + with the moonbeams, lay the flowers whose perfume had so troubled the + suffering girl, and with them Hannah’s clay jar, all still strewn on the + ground. + </p> + <p> + Was this nosegay his gift? Very likely. + </p> + <p> + But the lamp-lighted room into which he now looked could be none other + than the sick-room, which he recognized from the sculptor’s account. The + housedoor was open and even that of the room in which he had seen the bed + was unfastened; he pushed it open with his foot, entered the room, and + laid Selene on the vacant couch. + </p> + <p> + There she lay as if dead; and as he looked at her immovable features, + hallowed to solemnity by sorrow and suffering, his heart was touched with + an ineffable solicitude, sympathy and pity; and, as a brother might bend + over a sleeping sister, he bent over Selene and kissed her forehead. She + moved, opened her eyes, gazed into his face—but her glance was so + full of horror, so vague, glassy and bewildered, that he drew back with a + shudder, and with hands uplifted could only stammer out: “Oh! Selene, + Selene! do you not know me?” and as he spoke he looked anxiously in the + face of the rescued girl; but she seemed not to hear him and nothing moved + but her eyes which slowly followed his every movement. + </p> + <p> + “Selene!” he cried again, and seizing her inanimate hand which hung down, + he pressed it passionately to his lips. + </p> + <p> + Then she gave a loud cry, a violent shiver shook her in every limb, she + turned aside with sighs and groans, and at the same instant the door was + opened, the little deformed girl entered the room and gave a shrill scream + of terror as she saw Antinous standing by the side of her friend. + </p> + <p> + The lad himself started and, like a thief who has been caught in the act, + he fled out into the night, through the garden, and as far as the gate + which led into the street without being stopped by any one. Here the + gate-keeper met him, but he threw him aside with a powerful fling, and + while the old man—who had grown gray in his office—caught hold + of his wet chiton he tore the door open and ran on, dragging his pursuer + with him for some paces. Then he flew down the street with long steps as + if he were racing in the Gymnasium, and soon he felt that his pursuer, in + whose hand he had left a piece of his garment, had given up the chase. + </p> + <p> + The gate-keeper’s outcry had mingled with the pious hymns of the assembled + Christians in Paulina’s villa, and some of them had hurried out to help + capture the disturber of the peace. But the young Bithynian was swifter + than they and might consider himself perfectly safe when once he had + succeeded in mixing with a festal procession. Half-willingly and + half-perforce, he followed the drunken throng which was making its way + from the heart of the city towards the lake, where, on a lonely spot on + the shore to the east of Nikropolis, they were to celebrate certain + nocturnal mysteries. The goal of the singing, shouting, howling mob with + whom Antinous was carried along, was between Alexandria and Canopus and + far enough from Lochias; thus it fell out that it was long past midnight + when Hadrian’s favorite, dirty, out of breath, and his clothes torn, at + last appeared in the presence of his master. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <p> + Hadrian had expected Antinous many hours since, and the impatience and + vexation which had been long seething in him were reflected plainly enough + in his sternly-bent brow and the threatening fire of his eye. + </p> + <p> + “Where have you been?” he imperiously asked. + </p> + <p> + “I could not find you, so I took a boat and went out on the lake.” + </p> + <p> + “That is false.” + </p> + <p> + Antinous did not answer, but merely shrugged his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “Alone?” asked the Emperor more gently. “Alone.” + </p> + <p> + “And for what purpose?” + </p> + <p> + “I was gazing at the stars.” + </p> + <p> + “You!” + </p> + <p> + “And may I not, for once, tread in your footsteps?” + </p> + <p> + “Why not indeed? The lights of heaven shine for the foolish as well as for + the wise. Even asses must be born under a good or an evil star. One donkey + serves a hungry grammarian and feeds on used-up papyrus, while another + enters the service of Caesar and is fattened up, and finds time to go + star-gazing at night. What a state you are in.” + </p> + <p> + “The boat upset and I fell into the water.” Hadrian was startled, and + observing his favorite’s tangled hair in which the night wind had dried + the salt water, and his torn chiton, he anxiously exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Go this instant and let Mastor dry you and anoint you. He too came back + with a bruised hand and red eyes. Everything is upside clown this accursed + evening. You look like a slave that has been hunted by clogs. Drink a few + cups of wine and then lie down.” + </p> + <p> + “I obey your orders, great Caesar.” + </p> + <p> + “So formal? The donkey simile vexed you.” + </p> + <p> + “You used always to have a kind word for me.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, and I shall have them again, I shall have them again. Only not + to-night—go to bed.” + </p> + <p> + Antinous left him, but the Emperor paced his room, up and down with long + steps, his arms crossed over his breast and his eyes fixed on the ground. + His superstitious soul had been deeply disturbed by a series of evil signs + which he had not only seen the previous night in the sky, but had also met + on his way to Lochias, and which seemed to be beginning to be fulfilled + already. + </p> + <p> + He had left the eating house in an evil humor, the bad omens made him + anxious, and though on his arrival at home he had done one or two things + which he already regretted, this had certainly not been due to any adverse + Daimons but to the brooding gloom of his clouded mind. Eternal + circumstances, it is true, had led to his being witness to an attack made + by the mob on the house of a wealthy Israelite, and it was attributable to + a vexatious accident that at this juncture, he should have met Verus, who + had observed and recognized him. Yes, the Spirits of evil were abroad this + day, but his subsequent experiences and deeds upon reaching Lochias, would + certainly not have taken place on any more fortunate day, or, to be more + exact, if he had been in a calmer frame of mind; he himself alone was in + fault, he alone, and no spiteful accident, nor malicious and tricky + Daimon. Hadrian, to be sure, attributed to these sprites all that he had + done, and so considered it irremediable; an excellent way, no doubt, of + exonerating oneself from a burdensome duty, or from repairing some + injustice, but conscience is a register in which a mysterious hand + inexorably enters every one of our deeds, and in which all that we do is + ruthlessly called by its true name. We often succeed, it is true, in + effacing the record for a longer or a shorter period, but often, again, + the letters on the page shine with an uncanny light, and force the inward + eye to see them and to heed them. + </p> + <p> + On this particular night Hadrian felt himself compelled to read the + catalogue of his actions and among them he found many a sanguinary crime, + many a petty action unworthy of a far meaner soul than he; still the + record commemorated many duties strictly fulfilled, much honest work, an + unceasing struggle towards high aims, and an unwearied effort to feel his + way intellectually, to the most remote and exalted limits possible to the + human mind and comprehension. + </p> + <p> + In this hour Hadrian thought of none but his evil deeds, and vowed to the + gods—whom he mocked at with his philosophical friends, and to whom + he nevertheless addressed himself whenever he felt the insufficiency of + his own strength and means—to build a temple here, to offer a + sacrifice there, in order to expiate old crimes and divert their malice. + He felt like a great man must who is threatened with the disfavor of his + superiors, and who hopes to propitiate them with gifts. The haughty Roman + quailed at the thought of unknown dangers, but he was far from feeling the + wholesome pangs of repentance. + </p> + <p> + Hardly an hour since he had forgotten himself and had disgracefully abused + his power over a weaker creature, and now he was vexed at having behaved + so and not otherwise; but it never entered his head to humiliate his pride + or, by offering some compensation to the offended party, tacitly to + confess the injustice he had committed. Often he deeply felt his human + weakness, but he was quite capable of believing in the sacredness of his + imperial person, and this he always found most easy when he had trodden + under foot some one who had been rash enough to insult him, or not to + acknowledge his superiority. And was it not on the contemners of the gods + that their heaviest punishments fell? + </p> + <p> + To-day the terrestrial Jupiter had again crushed into the earth with his + thunderbolts, an overbold mortal, and this time the son of the worthy + gate-keeper was his victim. The sculptor certainly had been so unlucky as + to touch Hadrian in his most sensitive spot, but a cordially benevolent + feeling is not easily converted into a relentless opposition if we are not + ourselves—as was the case with the Emperor—accustomed to jump + from one mood to the other, are not conscious—as he was—of + having it in our power directly to express our good-will or our aversion + in action. + </p> + <p> + The sculptor’s capacities had commanded the Emperor’s esteem, his fresh + and independent nature had at first suited and attracted him, but even + during the walk together through the streets, the young man’s + uncompromising manner of treating him as an equal had become unpleasing to + him. In his workshop he saw in Pollux only the artist, and delighted in + his original and dashing powers; but out of it, and among men of a + commoner stamp, from whom he was accustomed to meet with deference, the + young man’s speech and demeanor seemed unbecoming, bold, and hard to be + endured. In the eating-house the huge eater and drinker, who laughingly + pressed him to do his part, so as not to make a present to the landlord, + had filled Hadrian with repulsion. And after this, when Hadrian had + returned to Lochias, out of humor and rendered apprehensive by evil omens, + and even then had not found his favorite, he impatiently paced up and down + the hall of the Muses and would not deign to offer a greeting to the + sculptor, who was noisily occupied behind his screens. + </p> + <p> + Pollux had passed quite as bad an evening as the Emperor. When, in his + desire to see Arsinoe once more, he penetrated to the door of the + steward’s apartment, Keraunus had stopped his way, and sent him about his + business with insulting words. In the hall of the Muses he had met his + master, and had had a quarrel with him, for Papias, to whom he repeated + his notice to quit, had grown angry, and had desired him then and there to + sort out his own tools, and to return those that belonged to him, his + master, and for the future to keep himself as far as possible from Papias’ + house, and from the works in progress at Locluas. On this, hard words had + passed on both sides, and when Papias had left the palace and Pollux went + to seek Pontius the architect, in order to discuss his future plans with + him, he learnt that he too had quitted Lochias a short time before, and + would not return till the following morning. + </p> + <p> + After brief reflection he determined to obey the orders of Papias and to + pack his own tools together. Without paying any heed to Hadrian’s presence + he began to toss some of the hammers, chisels, and wooden modelling tools + into one box, and others into another, doing it as recklessly as though he + were minded to punish the unconscious tools as adverse creatures who had + turned against him. + </p> + <p> + At last his eye fell on Hadrian’s bust of Balbilla. The hideous caricature + at which he had laughed only yesterday, made him angry now, and after + gazing at it thoughtfully for a few minutes his blood boiled up furiously, + he hastily pulled a lath out of the partition and struck at the + monstrosity with such fury that the dry clay flew in pieces, and the + fragments were strewed far and wide about the workshop. The wild noise + behind the sculptor’s screen made the Emperor pause in his walk to see + what the artist was doing; he looked on at the work of destruction, + unobserved by Pollux, and as he looked the blood mounted to his head; he + knit his brows in anger, a blue vein in his forehead swelled and stood + out, and ominous lines appeared above his brow. The great master of + state-craft could more easily have borne to hear himself condemned as a + ruler than to see his work of art despised. A man who is sure of having + done some thing great can smile at blame, but he, who is not confident in + himself has reason to dread it, and is easily drawn into hating the critic + who utters it. Hadrian was trembling with fury, he doubled his first as he + lifted it in Pollux’s face, and going close up to him asked in a + threatening tone: + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by that?” + </p> + <p> + The sculptor glanced round at the Emperor and answered, raising his stick + for another blow: + </p> + <p> + “I am demolishing this caricature for it enrages me.” + </p> + <p> + “Come here,” shouted Hadrian, and clutching the girdle which confined the + artist’s chiton, in his strong sinewy hand, he dragged the startled + sculptor in front of his Urania wrenched the lath out of his hand, struck + the bust of the scarcely-finished statue off the body, exclaiming as he + did so, in a voice that mimicked Pollux: + </p> + <p> + “I am demolishing this bungler’s work for it enrages me!” + </p> + <p> + The artist’s arms fell by his side; astonished and infuriated he stared at + the destroyer of his handiwork, and cried out: + </p> + <p> + “Madman! this is enough. One blow more and you will feel the weight of my + fists.” + </p> + <p> + Hadrian laughed aloud, a cold hard laugh, flung the lath at Pollux’s feet + and said: + </p> + <p> + “Judgment against judgment—it is only fair.” + </p> + <p> + “Fair?” shrieked Pollux, beside himself. + </p> + <p> + “Your wretched rubbish, which my squinting apprentice could have done as + well as you, and this figure born in a moment of inspiration! Shame upon + you! Once more, if you touch the Urania again I warn you, you shall learn—” + </p> + <p> + “Well, what?” + </p> + <p> + “That in Alexandria grey hairs are only respected so long as they deserve + it.” + </p> + <p> + Hadrian folded his arms, stepped quite close up to Pollux, and said: + </p> + <p> + “Gently, fellow, if you value your life.” + </p> + <p> + Pollux stepped back before the imposing personage that stood before him, + and, as it were scales, fell from his eyes. The marble statue of the + Emperor in the Caesareum represented the sovereign in this same attitude. + The architect, Claudius Venator, was none other than Hadrian. + </p> + <p> + The young artist turned pale and said with bowed head, and in low voice as + he turned to go: + </p> + <p> + “Right is always on the side of the strongest. Let me go. I am nothing but + a poor artist—you are some thing very different. I know you now; you + are Caesar.” + </p> + <p> + “I am Caesar,” snarled Hadrian, “and if you think more of yourself as an + artist than of me, I will show you which of us two is the sparrow, and + which the eagle.” + </p> + <p> + “You have the power to destroy, and I only desire—” + </p> + <p> + “The only person here who has a right to desire is myself,” cried the + Emperor, “and I desire that you shall never enter this palace again, nor + ever come within sight of me so long as I remain here. What to do with + your kith and kin I will consider. Not another word! Away with you, I say, + and thank the gods that I judge the misdeed of a miserable boy more + mercifully than you dared to do in judging the work of a greater man than + yourself, though you knew that he had done it in an idle hour with a few + hasty touches. Be off, fellow; my slaves will finish destroying your image + there, for it deserves no better fate, and because—what was it you + said just now? I remember—and because it enrages me.” + </p> + <p> + A bitter laugh rang after the lad as he quitted the hall. At the entrance, + which was perfectly dark, he found his master, Papias, who had not missed + a word of what had passed between him and the Emperor. As Pollux went into + his mother’s house he cried out: + </p> + <p> + “Oh mother, mother, what a morning, and what an evening. Happiness is only + the threshold to misery.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> + <p> + While Pollux and his mother, who was much grieved, waited for Euphorion’s + return, and while Papias was ingratiating himself with the Emperor by + pretending still to believe that Hadrian was nothing more than Claudius + Venator, the architect, Aurelius Verus, nicknamed by the Alexandrians, + “the sham Eros” had lived through strange experiences. + </p> + <p> + In the afternoon he had visited the Empress, in the hope of persuading her + to look on at the gay doings of the people, even if incognito; but Sabina + was out of spirits, declared herself unwell, and was quite sure that the + noise of the rabble would be the death of her. Having, as she said, so + vivacious a reporter as Verus, she might spare herself from exposing her + own person to the dust and smell of the town, and the uproar of men. As + soon as Lucilla begged her husband to remember his rank and not to mingle + with the excited multitude, at any rate after dark, the Empress strictly + enjoined him to see with his own eyes everything that could be worth + notice in the festival, and more particularly to give attention to + everything that was peculiar to Alexandria and not to be seen in Rome. + </p> + <p> + After sunset Verus had first gone to visit the veterans of the Twelfth + Legion who had been in the field with him against the Numidians, and to + whom he gave a dinner at an eating-house, as being his old + fellow-soldiers. For above an hour he sat drinking with the brave old + fellows; then, quitting them, he went to look at the Canopic way by night, + as it was but a few paces thither from the scene of his hospitality. It + was brilliantly lighted with tapers, torches, and lamps, and the large + houses behind the colonnades were gaudy with rich hangings; only the + handsomest and stateliest of them all had no kind of decoration. This was + the abode of the Jew Apollodorus. + </p> + <p> + In former years the finest hangings had decorated his windows, which had + been as gay with flowers and lamps as those of the other Israelites who + dwelt in the Canopic way, and who were wont to keep the festival in common + with their heathen fellow-citizens as jovially as though they were no less + zealous to do homage to Dionysus. Apollodorus had his own reasons for + keeping aloof on this occasion from all that was connected with the + holiday doings of the heathen. Without dreaming that his withdrawal could + involve him in any danger, he was quietly sitting in his house, which was + so splendidly furnished as to seem fitted for some princely Greek rather + than for a Hebrew. This was especially the case with the men’s + living-room, in which Apollodorus sat, for the pictures on the walls and + pavement of this beautiful hall—of which the roof, which was half + open, was supported on columns of the finest porphyry—represented + the loves of Eros and Psyche; while between the pillars stood busts of the + greatest heathen philosophers, and in the background a fine statue of + Plato was conspicuous. Among all the Greeks and Romans there was the + portrait of only one Jew, and this was that of Philo, whose intellectual + and delicate features greatly resembled those of the most illustrious of + his Greek companions. + </p> + <p> + In this splendid room, lighted by silver lamps, there was no lack of easy + couches, and on one of these Apollodorus was reclining; a fine-looking man + of fifty, with his mild but shrewd eyes fixed on a tall and aged + fellow-Israelite who was pacing up and down in front of him and talking + eagerly; the old man’s hands too were never still, now he used them in + eager gesture, and again stroked his long white beard. On an easy seat + opposite to the master of the house sat a lean young man with pale and + very regular finely-cut features, black hair and a black beard; he sat + with his dark glowing eyes fixed on the ground, tracing lines and circles + on the pavement with the stick he held in his hand, while the excited old + man, his uncle, urgently addressed Apollodorus in a vehement but fluent + torrent of words. Apollodorus, however, shook his head from time to time + at his speech and frequently met him with a brief contradiction. + </p> + <p> + It was easy to see that what he was listening to touched him painfully, + and that the two diametrically different men were fighting a battle which + could never lead to any satisfactory issue. For, though they both used the + Greek tongue and confessed the same religion, all they felt and thought + was grounded on views, as widely dissimilar as though the two men had been + born in different spheres. When two opponents of such different calibre + meet, there is a great clatter of arms but no bloody wounds are dealt and + neither rout nor victory can result. + </p> + <p> + It was on account of this old man and his nephew that Apollodorus had + forborne to-day to decorate his house, for the Rabbi Gamaliel, who had + arrived only the day before from Palestine, and had been welcomed by his + Alexandrian relatives, condemned every form of communion with the + gentiles, and would undoubtedly have quitted the residence of his host if + he had ventured to adorn it in honor of the feast-day of the false gods. + Gamaliel’s nephew, Rabbi Ben Jochai, enjoyed a reputation little inferior + to that of his father, Ben Akiba. The elder was the greatest sage and + expounder of the law—the son the most illustrious astronomer and the + most skilled interpreter of the mystical significance of the position of + the heavenly bodies, among the Hebrews. + </p> + <p> + It redounded greatly to the honor of Apollodorus that he should be + privileged to shelter under his roof the sage Gamaliel and the famous son + of so great a father, and in his hours of leisure he loved to occupy + himself with learned subjects, so he had done his utmost to make their + stay in his house in every way agreeable to them. He had bought, on + purpose for them, a kitchen slave, himself a strict Jew and familiar with + the requirements of the Levitical law as to food, who during their stay + was to preside over the mysteries of the hearth, instead of the Greek cook + who usually served him, so that none but clean meat should be prepared + according to the Jewish ritual. He had forbidden his grown-up sons to + invite any of their Greek friends into the house during the visit of the + illustrious couple or to discuss the festival; they were also enjoined to + avoid using the names of the gods of the heathen in their conversation—but + he himself was the first to sin against this prohibition. + </p> + <p> + He, like all the Hebrews of good position in Alexandria, had acquired + Greek culture, felt and thought in Greek modes, and had remained a Jew + only in name; for though they still believed in the one God of their + fathers instead of in a crowd of Olympian deities, the One whom they + worshipped was no longer the almighty and jealous God of their nation, but + the all-pervading plasmic and life-giving Spirit with whom the Greeks had + become familiar through Plato. + </p> + <p> + Every hour that they had spent in each other’s company had widened the + gulf between Apollodorus and Gamaliel, and the relations of the + Alexandrian to the sage had become almost intolerable, when he learnt that + the old man—who was related to himself—had come to Egypt with + his nephew, in order to demand the daughter of Apollodorus in marriage. + But the fair Ismene was not in the least disposed to listen to this grave + and bigoted suitor. The home of her people was to her a barbarous land, + the young astronomer filled her with alarm, and besides all this her heart + was already engaged; she had given it to the son of Alabarchos, who was + the Superior of all the Israelites in Egypt, and this young man possessed + the finest horse in the whole city, with which he had won several races in + the Hippodrome, and he also had distinguished her above all the maidens. + To him, if to any one, would she give her hand, and she had explained + herself to this effect to her father when he informed her of Ben Jochai’s + suit, and Apollodorus, who had lost his wife several years before, had + neither the wish nor the power to put any pressure on his pretty darling. + </p> + <p> + To be sure the temporizing nature of the man rendered it very difficult to + him to give a decided no to his venerable old friend; but it had to be + done sooner or later, and the present evening seemed to him an appropriate + moment for this unpleasant task. + </p> + <p> + He was alone with his guests. His daughter had gone to the house of a + friend to look on at the gay doings in the street, his three sons were + out, all the slaves had leave to enjoy their holiday till midnight; + nothing was likely to disturb them, and so, after many warm expressions of + his deep respect, he found courage to confess to them that he could not + support Ben Jochai’s pretensions. His child, he said, clung too fondly to + Alexandria to wish to quit it, and his learned young friend would be but + ill suited with a wife who was accustomed to freer manners and habits, and + could hardly feel herself at ease in a home where the laws of her fathers + were strictly observed, and in which therefore no kind of freedom of life + would be tolerated. + </p> + <p> + Gamaliel let the Alexandrian speak to the end, but then, as his nephew was + beginning to argue against their host’s hesitancy, the old man abruptly + interrupted him. Drawing up his figure, which was a little bent, to its + full height, and passing his hand among the blue veins and fine wrinkles + that marked his high forehead, he began: + </p> + <p> + “Our house was decimated in our wars against the Romans, and among the + daughters of our race Ben Akiba found not one in Palestine who seemed to + him worthy to marry his son. But the report of the good fortune of the + Alexandrian branch of our family had reached Judea, and Ben Akiba thought + that he would do like our father Abraham, and he sent me, his Eliezer, + into a strange land to win the daughter of a kinsman to wife for his + Isaac. Now, who and what the young man is, and the esteem in which he and + his father are held by men—” + </p> + <p> + “I know well,” interrupted Apollodorus, “and my house has never been so + highly honored as in your visit.” + </p> + <p> + “And notwithstanding,” continued the Rabbi, “we must return home as we + came; and indeed this will not only suit you best, but us too, and my + brother, whose ambassador I am, for after what I have learnt from you + within this last hour we must in any case withdraw our suit. Do not + interrupt me! Your Ismene scorns to veil her face, and no doubt it is a + very pretty one to look upon—you have trained her mind like that of + a man, and so she seeks to go her own way. That may be all very well for a + Greek woman, but in the house of Ben Akiba the woman must obey her + husband’s will, as the ship obeys the helm, and have no will of her own; + her husband’s will always coincides with what the law commands, which you + yourself learnt to obey.” + </p> + <p> + “We recognize its excellence,” replied Apolloderus, “but even if all the + laws which Moses received on Sinai were binding on all mortals alike, the + various ordinances which were wisely laid down for the regulation of the + social life of our fathers, are not universally applicable for the + children of our day. And least of all can we observe them here, where, + though true to our ancient faith, we live as Greeks among Greeks.” + </p> + <p> + “That I perceive,” retorted Gamaliel, “for even the language—that + clothing of our thoughts—the language of our fathers and of the + scriptures, you have abandoned for another, sacrificed to another.” + </p> + <p> + “You and your nephew also speak Greek.” + </p> + <p> + “We do it here, because the heathen, because you and yours, no longer + understand the tongue of Moses and the prophets.” + </p> + <p> + “But wherever the Great Alexander bore his arms Greek is spoken; and does + not the Greek version of the scriptures, translated by the seventy + interpreters under the direct guidance of our God, exactly reproduce the + Hebrew text?” + </p> + <p> + “And would you exchange the stone engraved by Bryasis that you wear on + your finger, and showed me yesterday with so much pride, for a wax + impression of the gem?” + </p> + <p> + “The language of Plato is not an inferior thing; it is as noble as the + costliest sapphire.” + </p> + <p> + “But ours came to us from the lips of the Most High. What would you think + of a child that, disdaining the tongue Of its father listened only to that + of its neighbors and made use of an interpreter to be able to understand + its parents’ commands?” + </p> + <p> + “You are speaking of parents who have long since left their native land. + The ancestor need not be indignant with his descendants when they use the + language of their new home, so long as they continue to act in accordance + with his spirit.” + </p> + <p> + “We must live not merely in accordance with the spirit, but by the words + of the Most High, for not a syllable proceeds from His lips in vain. The + more exalted the spirit of a discourse is, the more important is every + word and syllable. One single letter often changes the meaning of whole + sentences.—What a noise the people outside are making! The wild + tumult penetrates even into this room which is so far from the street, and + your sons take delight in the disorders of the heathen! You do not even + withhold them by force from adding to the number of those mad devotees of + pleasure!” + </p> + <p> + “I was young once myself, and I think it no sin to share in the universal + rejoicing.” + </p> + <p> + “Say rather the disgraceful idolatry of the worshippers of Dionysus. It is + in name alone that you and your children belong to the elect people of + God, in your hearts you are heathens!” + </p> + <p> + “No, Father,” exclaimed Apollodorus eagerly. “The reverse is the case. In + our hearts we are Jews but we wear the garments of Greeks.” + </p> + <p> + “Why your name is Apollodorus—the gift of Apollo.” + </p> + <p> + “A name chosen only to distinguish me from others. Who would ever enquire + into the meaning of a name if it sounds well.” + </p> + <p> + “You, everybody who is not devoid of sense,” cried the Rabbi. “You think + to yourself ‘need Zenodotus or Hermogenes, some Greek you meet at the bath + or else where, know at once that the wealthy personage, with whom he + discussed the latest interpretation of the Hellenic myths, is a Jew?’ And + how charming is the man who asks you whether you are not an Athenian, for + your Greek has such a pure Attic accent! And what we ourselves like, we + favor in our children, so we choose names for them too which flatter our + own vanity.” + </p> + <p> + “By Heracles!” + </p> + <p> + A faint mocking smile crossed Gamaliel’s lips and interrupting the + Alexandrian he said: + </p> + <p> + “Is there any particularly worthy man among our Alexandrian + fellow-believers whose name is Heracles?” + </p> + <p> + “No one” cried the Alexandrian “ever thinks of the son of Alcmene when he + asseverates—it only means ‘really,—truly—‘” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure you are not fastidiously accurate in the choice of your words + and names, and where there is so much to be seen and enjoyed as there is + here one’s thoughts are not always connected. That is intelligible—quite, + peculiarly intelligible! And in this city folks are so polite that they + are fain to wrap truth in some graceful disguise. May I, a barbarian from + Judea, be allowed to set it before you, bare of clothing, naked and + unadorned.” + </p> + <p> + “Speak, I beg you, speak.” + </p> + <p> + “You are Jews; but you had rather not be Jews, and you endure your origin + as an inevitable evil. It is only when you feel the mighty hand of the + Most High that you recognize it and claim your right to be one of His + chosen people. In the smooth current of daily life you proudly number + yourselves with his enemies. Do not interrupt me, and answer honestly what + I shall ask you. In what hour of your life did you feel yourself that you + owed the deepest gratitude to the God of your fathers?” + </p> + <p> + “Why should I deny it?—In the hour when my lost wife presented me + with my first-born son.” + </p> + <p> + “And you called him?” + </p> + <p> + “You know his name is Benjamin.” + </p> + <p> + “Like the favorite son of our forefather Jacob, for in the hour when you + thus named him you were honestly yourself, you felt thankful that it had + been vouchsafed to you to add another link to the chain of your race—you + were a Jew—you were confident in our God—in your own God. The + birth of your second son touched your soul less deeply and you gave him + the name of Theophilus, and when your third male child was born you had + altogether ceased to remember the God of your fathers, for he is named + after one of the heathen gods, Hephaestion. To put it shortly: You are + Jews when the Lord is most gracious to you, or threatens to try you most + severely but you are heathen whenever your way does not lead you over the + high hills or through the dark abysses of life. I cannot change your + hearts—but the wife of my brother’s son, the daughter of Ben Akiba, + must be a daughter of our people, morning, noon, and night. I seek a + Rebecca for my daughter and not an Ismene.” + </p> + <p> + “I did not ask you here,” retorted Apollodorus. “But if you quit us + to-morrow, you as will be followed by our reverent regard. Think no worse + of us because we adapt ourselves, more, perhaps, than is fitting, to the + ways and ideas of the people among whom we have grown up, and in whose + midst we have been prosperous, and whose interests are ours. We know how + high our faith is beyond theirs. In our hearts we still are Jews; but are + we not bound to try to open and to cultivate and to elevate our spirits, + which God certainly made of stuff no coarser than that of other nations, + whenever and wherever we may? And in what school may our minds be trained + better or on sounder principles than in ours—I mean that of the + Greek sages? The knowledge of the Most High—” + </p> + <p> + “That knowledge,” cried the old man, gesticulating vehemently with his + arms. “The knowledge of God Most High and all that the most refined + philosophy can prove, all the sublimest and purest of the thinkers of whom + you speak can only apprehend by the gravest meditation and heart-searching—all + this I say has been bestowed as a free gift of God on every child of our + people. The treasures which your sages painfully seek out we already + possess in our scriptures, our law and our moral ordinances. We are the + chosen people, the first-born of the Lord, and when Messiah shall rise up + in our midst—” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” interrupted Apollodorus, “that shall be fulfilled which, like + Philo, I hope for, we shall be the priests and prophets for all nations. + Then we shall in truth be a race of priests whose vocation it shall be to + call down the blessing of the Most High on all mankind.” + </p> + <p> + “For us—for us alone shall the messenger of God appear, to make us + the kings, and not the slaves of the nations.” + </p> + <p> + Apollodorus looked with surprise into the face of the excited old man, and + asked with an incredulous smile: “The crucified Nazarene was a false + Messiah; but when will the true Messiah appear?” + </p> + <p> + “When will He appear?” cried the Rabbi. “When? Can I tell when? Only one + thing I do know; the serpent is already sharpening its fangs to sting the + heel of Him who shall tread upon it. Have you heard the name of Bar + Kochba?” + </p> + <p> + “Uncle,” said Ben Jochai, interrupting the old Rabbi’s speech, and rising + from his seat: “Say nothing you might regret.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay,” answered Gamaliel earnestly. “Our friends here prefer the + human above the divine, but they are not traitors.” Then turning again to + Apollodorus he continued: + </p> + <p> + “The oppressors in Israel have set up idols in our holy places, and strive + again to force the people to bow down to them; but rather shall our back + be broken than we will bend the knee or submit!” + </p> + <p> + “You are meditating another revolt?” asked the Alexandrian anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “Answer me—have you heard the name of Bar Kochba?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, as that of the foolhardy leader of an armed troup.” + </p> + <p> + “He is a hero—perhaps the Redeemer.” + </p> + <p> + “And it was for him that you charged me to load my next corn vessel to + Joppa with swords, shields and lance-heads?” + </p> + <p> + “And are none but the Romans to be permitted to use iron?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay—but I should hesitate to supply a friend with arms if he + proposed to use them against an irresistible antagonist, who will + inevitably annihilate him!” + </p> + <p> + “The Lord of Hosts is stronger than a thousand legions!” + </p> + <p> + “Be cautious uncle,” said Ben Jochai again in a warning voice. + </p> + <p> + Gamaliel turned wrathfully upon his nephew, but before he could retort on + the young man’s protest, he started in alarm, for a wild howling and the + resounding clatter of violent blows on the brazen door of the house rang + through the hall and shook its walls of marble. + </p> + <p> + “They are attacking my house,” shouted Apollodorus. + </p> + <p> + “This is the gratitude of those for whom you have broken faith with the + God of your fathers,” said the old man gloomily. Then throwing up his + hands and eyes he cried aloud: “Hear me Adonai! My years are many and I am + ripe for the grave; but spare these, have mercy upon them.” + </p> + <p> + Ben Jochai followed his uncle’s example and raised his arms in + supplication, while his black eyes sparkled with a lowering glow in his + pale face. + </p> + <p> + But their prayers were brief, for the tumult came nearer and nearer; + Apollodorus wrung his hands, and struck his fist against his forehead; his + movements were violent—spasmodic. Terror had entirely robbed him of + the elegant, measured demeanor which he had acquired among his Greek + fellow-citizens, and mingling heathen oaths and adjurations with appeals + to the God of his fathers, he flew first one way and then another. He + searched for the key of the subterranean rooms of the house, but he could + not find it, for it was in the charge of his steward, who, with all the + other servants, was taking his pleasure in the streets, or over a brimming + cup in some tavern. + </p> + <p> + Now the newly-purchased kitchen-slave—the Jew to whom the keeping of + the Dionysian feast was an abomination—rushed into the room + shrieking out, as he plucked at his hair and beard: + </p> + <p> + “The Philistines are upon us! save us Rabbi, great Rabbi! Cry for us to + the Lord, oh! man of God! They are coming with staves and spears and they + will tread us down as grass and burn us in this house like the locusts + cast into the oven.” + </p> + <p> + In deadly terror he threw himself at Gamaliel’s feet and clasped them in + his hands, but Apollodorus exclaimed: “Follow me, follow me up on to the + roof.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” howled the slave, “Amalek is making ready the firebrand to fling + among our tents. The heathen leap and rage, the flames they are flinging + will consume us. Rabbi, Rabbi, call upon the Hosts of the Lord! God of the + just! The gate has given way. Lord! Lord! Lord!” + </p> + <p> + The terrified wretch’s teeth chattered and he covered his eyes with his + hands, groaning and howling. + </p> + <p> + Ben Jochai had remained perfectly calm, but he was quivering with rage. + His prayer was ended, and turning to Gamaliel he said in deep tones: + </p> + <p> + “I knew that this would happen, I warned you. Our evil star rose when we + set forth on our wanderings. + </p> + <p> + “Now we must abide patiently what the Lord hath determined. He will be our + Avenger.” + </p> + <p> + “Vengeance is His!” echoed the old man, and he covered his head with his + white mantle. + </p> + <p> + “In the sleeping-room—follow me! we can hide under the beds!” + shrieked Apollodorus; he kicked away the slave who was embracing the + Rabbi’s feet, and seized the old man by the shoulder to drag him away with + him. But it was too late, for the door of the antechamber had burst open + and they could hear the clatter of weapons. “Lost, lost, all is lost!” + cried Apollodorus. + </p> + <p> + “Adonai! help us Adonai!” murmured the old man and he clung more closely + to his nephew, who overtopped him by a head and who held him clasped in + his right arm as if to protect him. + </p> + <p> + The danger which threatened Apollodorus and his guests was indeed + imminent, and it had been provoked solely by the indignation of the + excited mob at seeing the wealthy Israelite’s house unadorned for the + feast. + </p> + <p> + A thousand times had it occurred that a single word had proved sufficient + to inflame the hot blood of the Alexandrians to prompt them to break the + laws and seize the sword. Bloody frays between the heathen inhabitants and + the Jews, who were equally numerous in the city, were quite the order of + the day, and one party was as often to blame as the other for disturbing + the peace and having recourse to the sword. Since the Israelites had risen + in several provinces—particularly in Cyrenaica and Cyprus—and + had fallen with cruel fury on their fellow-inhabitants who were their + oppressors, the suspicion and aversion of the Alexandrians of other + beliefs had grown more intense than in former times. Besides this, the + prosperous circumstances of many Jews, and the enormous riches of a few, + had filled the less wealthy heathen with envy and roused the wish to + snatch the possessions of those who, it cannot be denied, had not + unfrequently treated their gods with open contumely. + </p> + <p> + It happened that just within a few days the disputes regarding the + festival that was to be held in honor of the Imperial visit had added + bitterness to the old grudge, and thus it came to pass that Apollodorus’ + unlighted house in the Canopic way had excited the populace to attack this + palatial residence. And here again one single speech had sufficed to + excite their fury. + </p> + <p> + In the first instance Melampus, the tanner, a drunken swaggerer, who had + failed in business, had marched up the street at the head of a tipsy crew, + and pointing with his thyrsus to the dark, undecorated house, had shouted: + </p> + <p> + “Look at that dismal barrack! All that the Jew used to spend on decorating + the street, he is saving up now in his money chest!” The words were like a + spark among tinder and others followed. + </p> + <p> + “The niggard is robbing our father Dionysus,” cried a second citizen, and + a third, flourishing his torch on high, croaked out: + </p> + <p> + “Let us get at the drachmae he grudges the god; we can find a use for + them.” Graukus, the sausage maker, snatched from his neighbor’s hand the + bunch of tow soaked in pitch, and bellowed out, “I advise that we should + burn the house over their heads!” + </p> + <p> + “Stay, stay,” cried a cobbler who worked for Apollodorus’ slaves, as he + placed himself in the butcher’s way. “Perhaps they are mourning for some + one in there. The Jew has always decorated his house on former occasions.” + </p> + <p> + “Not they,” replied a flute-player in a loud hoarse voice. “We met the old + miser’s son on the Bruchiom with some riotous comrades and misconducted + hussies, with his purple mantle fluttering far behind him.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us see which is reddest, the Tyrian stuff or the blaze we shall make + if we set the old wretch’s house on fire,” shouted a hungry-looking + tailor, looking round to see the effects of his wit. + </p> + <p> + “Ay! let us try!” rose from one man, and then, from a number of others: + </p> + <p> + “Let us get into the house!” + </p> + <p> + “The mean churl shall remember this day!” + </p> + <p> + “Fetch him out!” + </p> + <p> + “Drag him into the street!” + </p> + <p> + Such shouts as these rose here and there from the crowd, which grew denser + every instant as it was increased by fresh tributaries attracted by the + riot. + </p> + <p> + “Drag him out!” again shrieked an Egyptian slavedriver, and a woman + shrieked an echo of his words. She snatched the deer-skin from her + shoulders, flourished it round and round in the air above her tangled + black hair, and bellowed furiously: + </p> + <p> + “Tear him in pieces!” + </p> + <p> + “In pieces, with your teeth!” roared a drunken Maenad who, like most of + the mob that had collected, knew nothing whatever of the popular grudge + against Apollodorus and his house. + </p> + <p> + But words had already begun to be followed by deeds. Feet, fists, and + cudgels stamped, drubbed, and thumped against the firmly-bolted brazen + door of the darkened house, and a ship’s boy of fourteen sprang on the + shoulders of a tall black slave and tried to climb the roof of the + colonnade, and to fling the torch which the sausage-maker handed up to him + into the open forecourt of the imperilled house. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> + <p> + The clatter of arms which Apollodorus and his guests had heard proceeded + not from the Jew’s besiegers, but from some Roman soldiers who brought + safety to the besieged. + </p> + <p> + It was Verus, who as he was returning from the supper he had given his + veterans, with an officer of the Twelfth Legion and his British slaves, + had crossed the Canopic way and had been impeded in his progress by the + increasing crowd which stood before Apollodorus’ house. The praetor had + met the Jew at the prefect’s house, and knew him for one of the richest + and shrewdest men in Alexandria. This attack on his property roused his + ire; still he would certainly not have remained an idle spectator even if + the house in danger, instead of belonging to a man of mark, had been that + of one of the poorest and meanest, even among the Christians. Any lawless + act, any breach of constituted order was odious and intolerable to the + Roman; he would not have been the man he was if he had looked on passively + at an attack by the mob, in times of peace, on the life and property of a + quiet and estimable citizen. This licentious man of pleasure, devoted to + every enervating enjoyment, in battle, or whenever the need arose, was as + prudent as he was brave. + </p> + <p> + He now first ascertained what purpose the excited crowd had in view, and + at once considered the ways and means of frustrating their project. They + had already begun to batter the Jew’s door, and already several lads were + standing on the roof of the arcades with burning torches in their hands. + </p> + <p> + Whatever he did must be done on the instant, and happily Verus had the + gift of thinking and acting promptly. In a few decisive words he begged + his companion, Lucius Albinus, to hurry back to his old soldiers and bring + them to the rescue; then he desired his slaves to force a way for him with + their powerful arms up to the door of the house. This feat was + accomplished in no time, but how great was his astonishment when he found + the Emperor standing there. + </p> + <p> + Hadrian stood in the midst of the crowd, and at the instant when Verus + appeared on the scene had wrenched the torch out of the hand of the + infuriated tailor. At the same time, in a thundering voice, he commanded + the Alexandrians—who were not accustomed to the imperial tone—to + desist from their mad project. Whistling, grunting, and words of scorn + overpowered the mandate of the sovereign, and when Verus and his slaves + had reached the spot where he stood, a few drunken Egyptians had gone up + to him and were about to lay hands on the unwelcome counsellor. The + praetor stood in their way. He first whispered to Hadrian that Jupiter + ought to be ruling the world, and might well leave it to smaller folks to + rescue a houseful of Jews; and that in a few seconds the soldiers would + arrive. Then he shouted to him in a loud voice: + </p> + <p> + “Away from this Sophist! Your place is in the Museum, or in the temple of + Serapis with your books, and not among the misguided and ignorant. Am I + right Macedonian citizens, or am I wrong?” A murmur of assent was heard + which became a roar of laughter when Verus, after Hadrian had got away, + went on: + </p> + <p> + “He has a beard like Caesar, and so he behaves as if he wore the purple! + You did well to let him escape, his wife and children are waiting for him + over their porridge.” + </p> + <p> + Verus had often been implicated in wild adventure among the populace and + knew how to deal with them; if he now could only detain them till the + advent of the soldiers he might consider the game as won. Hadrian could be + a hero when it suited him; but here where no laurels were to be won, he + left to Verus the task of quieting the crowd. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he was fairly gone Verus desired his slaves to lift him on + their shoulders; his handsome good-natured face looked down upon the crowd + from high above them. He was immediately recognized, and many voices + called out: + </p> + <p> + “The crazy Roman! the praetor! the sham Eros!” + </p> + <p> + “I am he, Macedonian citizens, yes, I am he,” answered Verus in a clear + voice. “And I will tell you a story.” + </p> + <p> + “Listen, Listen.” + </p> + <p> + “No let us get into the Jew’s house.” + </p> + <p> + “Presently—listen a minute to what the sham Eros says.” + </p> + <p> + “I will knock your teeth down your throat boy, if you don’t hold your + tongue.” + </p> + <p> + All the crowd were shouting in wild confusion. + </p> + <p> + Curiosity, on the one hand, to hear the noble gentleman’s speech, and the + somewhat superficial fury of the mob contended together for a few minutes; + at last curiosity seemed to be gaining the day, the tumult subsided, and + the praetor began: + </p> + <p> + “Once upon a time there was a child who had given to him ten little sheep + made of cotton, little foolish toys such as the old women sell in the + market place.” + </p> + <p> + “Get into the Jew’s house, we don’t want to hear children’s stories—” + </p> + <p> + “Be quiet there!” + </p> + <p> + “Hush now listen; from the sheep he will go on to the wolves.” + </p> + <p> + “Not wolves—it will be a she-wolf!” some one shouted in the throng. + </p> + <p> + “Do not mention the horrid things!” laughed Verus, “but listen to me.—Well, + the child set his little sheep up in a row each one close to the next. He + was a weaver’s son. Are there any weavers here? You? and you—ah, and + you out there. If I were not my father’s son I should like to be the son + of an Alexandrian weaver. You need not laugh!—Well, about the sheep. + All the little things were beautifully white but one which had nasty black + spots, and the little boy could not bear that one. He went to the hearth, + pulled out a burning stick and wanted to burn the little ugly sheep so as + only to have pretty white ones. The lambkin caught fire and just as the + flame had begun to burn the wooden skeleton of the toy a draught from the + window blew the flame towards the other little sheep and in a minute they + were all burned to ashes. Then thought the little boy, ‘If only I had let + the ugly sheep alone! What can I play with now?’ and he began to cry. But + this was not all, for while the little rascal was drying his eyes, the + flame spread and burnt up the loom, the wool, the flax, the woven pieces, + the whole house—the town in which he was born, and even, I believe, + the boy himself!—Now worthy friends and Macedonian citizens, reflect + a moment. Any man among you who is possessed of any property may read the + moral of my fable.” + </p> + <p> + “Put out the torches!” cried the wife of a charcoal dealer. + </p> + <p> + “He is right; for by reason of the Jew, we are putting the whole town in + danger!” cried the cobbler. + </p> + <p> + “The mad fools have already thrown in some brands!” + </p> + <p> + “If you fellows up there fling any more I will break your ankles for you,” + shouted a flax-dealer. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t try any burning,” the tailor commanded, “force open the door and + have out the Jew.” These words raised a storm of applause and the mob + pressed forward to the Jew’s abode. No one listened to Verus any more, and + he slipped down from his slave’s shoulders, placed himself in front of the + door and called out: + </p> + <p> + “In the name of Caesar and the law I command you to leave this house + unharmed.” + </p> + <p> + The Roman’s warning was evidently quite in earnest, and the false Eros + looked as if at this moment it would be ill-advised to try jesting with + him. But in the universal uproar only a few had heard his words, and the + hot-blooded tailor was so rash as to lay his hand on the praetor’s girdle + in order to drag him away from the door with the help of his comrades. But + he paid dearly for his temerity for the praetor’s fist fell so heavily on + his forehead that he dropped as if struck by lightning. One of the Britons + knocked down the sausage-maker and a hideous hand to hand fight would have + been the upshot if help had not come to the hardly-beset Romans from two + quarters at once. The veterans supported by a number of lictors were the + first to appear, and soon after them came Benjamin, the Jew’s eldest son, + who was passing down the great thoroughfare with his boon-companions and + saw the danger that was threatening his father’s house. + </p> + <p> + The soldiers parted the throng as the wind chases the clouds, and the + young Israelite pressed forward with his heavy thyrsus fought and pushed + his way so valiantly and resolutely through the panic-stricken mob, that + he reached the door of his father’s house but a few moments later than the + soldiers. The lictors battered at the door and as no one opened it, they + forced it with the help of the soldiers in order to set a guard in the + beleaguered house, and protect it against the raging mob. + </p> + <p> + Verus and the officer entered the Jew’s dwelling with the armed men, and + behind them came Benjamin and his friends—young Greeks with whom he + was in the habit of consorting daily, in the bath or the gymnasium. + Apollodorus and his guests expressed their gratitude to Verus, and when + the old Jewish house-keeper, who had seen and heard from a hiding-place + under the roof all that had taken place outside her master’s house, came + into the men’s hall and gave a full report of the uproar from beginning to + end, the praetor was overwhelmed with thanks; and the old woman + embroidered her narrative with the most glowing colors. While this was + going on Apollodorus’ pretty daughter, Ismene, came in, and after falling + on her father’s neck and weeping with agitation the house keeper took her + hand and led her to Verus, saying: + </p> + <p> + “This noble lord—may the blessing of the Most High be on him—staked + his life to save us. This beautiful robe he let be rent for our sakes, and + every daughter of Israel should fervently kiss this torn chiton, which in + the eyes of God is more precious than the richest robe—as I do.” + </p> + <p> + And the old woman pressed the praetor’s dress to her lips, and tried to + make Ismene do the same; but the praetor would not permit this. + </p> + <p> + “How can I allow my garment,” he exclaimed, laughing, “to enjoy a favor of + which I should deem myself worthy—to be touched by such lips.” + </p> + <p> + “Kiss him, kiss him!” cried the old woman, and the praetor took the head + of the blushing girl in his hands, and pressing his lips to her forehead + with a by no means paternal air, he said gaily: + </p> + <p> + “Now I am richly rewarded for all I have been so happy as to do for you, + Apollodorus.” + </p> + <p> + “And we,” exclaimed Gamaliel. “We—myself and my brother’s first-born + son-leave it in the hands of God Most High to reward you for what you have + done for us.” + </p> + <p> + “Who are you?” asked Verus, who was filled with admiration for the + prophet-like aspect of the venerable old man and the pale intellectual + head of his nephew. + </p> + <p> + Apollodorus took upon himself to explain to him how far the Rabbi + transcended all his fellow Hebrews in knowledge of the law and the + interpretation of the Kabbala, the oral and mystical traditions of their + people, and how that Simeon Ben Jochai was superior to all the astrologers + of his time. He spoke of the young man’s much admired work on the subject + called Sohar, nor did he omit to mention that Gamaliel’s nephew was able + to foretell the positions of the stars even on future nights. + </p> + <p> + Verus listened to Apollodorus with increasing attention, and fixed a keen + gaze on the young man, who interrupted his host’s eager encomium with many + modest deprecations. The praetor had recollected the near approach of his + birthday, and also that the position of stars in the night preceding it, + would certainly be observed by Hadrian. What the Emperor might learn from + them would seal his fate for life. Was that momentous night destined to + bring him nearer to the highest goal of his ambition or to debar him from + it? + </p> + <p> + When Apollodorus ceased speaking, Verus offered Simeon Ben Jochai his + hand, saying: + </p> + <p> + “I am rejoiced to have met a man of your learning and distinction. What + would I not give to possess your knowledge for a few hours!” + </p> + <p> + “My knowledge is yours,” replied the astrologer. “Command my services, my + labors, my time—ask me as many questions as you will. We are so + deeply indebted to you—” + </p> + <p> + “You have no reason to regard me as your creditor,” interrupted the + praetor, “you do not even owe me thanks. I only made your acquaintance + after I had rescued you, and I opposed the mob, not for the sake of any + particular man, but for that of law and order.” + </p> + <p> + “You were benevolent enough to protect us,” cried Ben Jochai, “so do not + be so stern as to disdain our gratitude.” + </p> + <p> + “It does me honor, my learned friend; by all the gods it does me honor,” + replied Verus. “And in fact it is possible, it might very will be—Will + you do me the favor to come with me to that bust of Hipparchus? By the aid + of that science which owes so much to him you may be able to render me an + important service.” + </p> + <p> + When the two men were standing apart from the others, in front of the + white marble portrait of the great astronomer, Verus asked: + </p> + <p> + “Do you know by what method Caesar is wont to presage the fates of men + from the stars?” + </p> + <p> + “Perfectly.” + </p> + <p> + “From whom?” + </p> + <p> + “From Aquila, my father’s disciple.” + </p> + <p> + “Can you calculate what he will learn from the stars in the night + preceding the thirtieth of December, as to the destinies of a man who was + born in that night, and whose horoscope I possess?” + </p> + <p> + “I can only answer a conditional yes to that question.” + </p> + <p> + “What should prevent your answering positively?” + </p> + <p> + “Unforeseen appearances in the heavens.” + </p> + <p> + “Are such signs common?” + </p> + <p> + “No, they are rare, on the contrary.” + </p> + <p> + “But perhaps my fortune is not a common one-and I beg of you to calculate + on Hadrian’s method what the heavens will predict on that night for the + man whose horoscope my slave shall deliver to you early to-morrow + morning.” + </p> + <p> + “I will do so with pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “When can you have finished this work?” + </p> + <p> + “In four days at latest, perhaps even sooner.” + </p> + <p> + “Capital! But one thing more. Do you regard me as a man, I mean, as a true + man?” + </p> + <p> + “If you were not, would you have given me such reason to be grateful to + you?” + </p> + <p> + “Well then, conceal nothing from me, not even the worst horrors, things + that might poison another man’s life, and crush his spirit. Whatever you + read in the celestial record, small or great, good or evil. I require you + to tell me all.” + </p> + <p> + “I will conceal nothing, absolutely nothing.” + </p> + <p> + The praetor offered Ben Jochai his right hand, and warmly pressed the + Jew’s slender, well-shaped fingers. Before he went away he settled with + him how he should inform him when he had finished his labors. + </p> + <p> + The Alexandrian with his guests and children accompanied the praetor to + the door. Only Ben Jamin was absent; he was sitting with his companions in + his father’s dining-room, and rewarding them for the assistance they had + given him with right good wine. Gamaliel heard them shouting and singing, + and pointing to the room he shrugged his shoulders, saying, as he turned + to his host: + </p> + <p> + “They are returning thanks to the God of our fathers in the Alexandrian + fashion.” + </p> + <p> + And peace was broken no more in the Jew’s house but by the firm tramp of + lictors and soldiers who kept watch over it, under arms. + </p> + <p> + In a side street the praetor met the tailor he had knocked down, the + sausage-maker, and other ringleaders of the attack on the Israelite’s + house. They were being led away prisoners before the night magistrates. + Verus would have set them at liberty with all his heart, but he knew that + the Emperor would enquire next morning what had been done to the rioters, + and so he forbore. At any other time he would certainly have sent them + home unpunished, but just now he was dominated by a wish that was more + dominant than his good nature or his facile impulses. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> + <p> + When he reached the Caesareum the high-chamberlain was waiting to conduct + him to Sabina who desired to speak with him notwithstanding the lateness + of the hour, and when Verus entered the presence of his patroness, he + found her in the greatest excitement. She was not reclining as usual on + her pillows but was pacing her room with strides of very unfeminine + length. + </p> + <p> + “It is well that you have come!” she exclaimed to the praetor. “Lentulus + insists that he has seen Mastor the slave, and Balbilla declares—but + it is impossible!” + </p> + <p> + “You think that Caesar is here?” asked Verus. + </p> + <p> + “Did they tell you so too?” + </p> + <p> + “No. I do not linger to talk when you require my presence and there is + something important to be told just now then—but you must not be + alarmed.” + </p> + <p> + “No useless speeches!” + </p> + <p> + “Just now I met, in his own person—” + </p> + <p> + “Who?” + </p> + <p> + “Hadrian.” + </p> + <p> + “You are not mistaken, you are sure you saw him?” + </p> + <p> + “With these eyes.” + </p> + <p> + “Abominable, unworthy, disgraceful!” cried Sabina, so loudly and violently + that she was startled at the shrill tones of her own voice. Her tall thin + figure quivered with excitement, and to any one else she would have + appeared in the highest degree graceless, unwomanly, and repulsive: but + Verus had been accustomed from his childhood to see her with kinder eyes + than other men, and it grieved him. + </p> + <p> + There are women who remind us of fading flowers, extinguished lights or + vanishing shades, and they are not the least attractive of their sex: but + the large-boned, stiff and meagre Sabina had none of the yielding and + tender grace of these gentle creatures. Her feeble health, which was very + evident, became her particularly ill when, as at this moment, the harsh + acrimony of her embittered soul came to light with hideous plainness. + </p> + <p> + She was deeply indignant at the affront her husband had put upon her. Not + content with having a separate house established for her he kept aloof in + Alexandria without informing her of his arrival. Her hands trembled with + rage, and stammering rather than speaking she desired the praetor to order + a composing draught for her. When Verus returned she was lying on her + cushions, with her face turned to the wall, and said lamentably: + </p> + <p> + “I am freezing; spread that coverlet over me. I am a miserable, ill-used + creature.” + </p> + <p> + “You are sensitive and take things too hardly,” the praetor ventured to + remonstrate. + </p> + <p> + She started up angrily, cut off his speech, and put him through as keen a + cross-examination as if he were an accused person and she his judge. Ere + long she had learnt that Verus also had encountered Mastor, that her + husband was residing at Lochias, that he had taken part in the festival in + disguise, and had exposed himself to grave danger outside the house of + Apollodorus. She also made him tell her how the Israelite had been + rescued, and whom her friend had met in his house, and she blamed Verus + with bitter words for the heedless and foolhardy recklessness with which + he had risked his life for a miserable Jew, forgetting the high destinies + that lay before him. The praetor had not interrupted her, but now bowing + over her, he kissed her hand and said: + </p> + <p> + “Your kind heart foresees for me things that I dare not hope for. + Something is glimmering on the horizon of my fortune. Is it the dying glow + of my failing fortunes, is it the pale dawn of a coming and more glorious + day? Who can tell? I await with patience whatever may be impending—an + early day must decide.” + </p> + <p> + “That will bring certainty, and put an end to this suspense,” murmured + Sabina. + </p> + <p> + “Now rest and try to sleep,” said Verus with a tender fervency, that was + peculiar to his tones. “It is past midnight and the physician has often + forbidden you to sit up late. Farewell, dream sweetly, and always be the + same to me as a man, that you were to me in my childhood and youth.” + </p> + <p> + Sabina withdrew the hand he had taken, saying: + </p> + <p> + “But you must not leave me. I want you. I cannot exist without your + presence.” + </p> + <p> + “Till to-morrow—always—forever I will stay with you whenever + you need me.” + </p> + <p> + The Empress gave him her hand again, and sighed softly as he again bowed + over it, and pressed it long to his lips. + </p> + <p> + “You are my friend, Verus, truly my friend; yes, I am sure of it,” she + said at last, breaking the silence. + </p> + <p> + “Oh Sabina, my Mother!” he answered tenderly. “You spoiled me with + kindness even when I was a boy, and what can I do to thank you for all + this?” + </p> + <p> + “Be always the same to me that you are to-day. Will you always—for + all time be the same, whatever your fortunes may be?” + </p> + <p> + “In joy and in adversity always the same; always your friend, always ready + to give my life for you.” + </p> + <p> + “In spite of my husband, always, even when you think you no longer need my + favor!” + </p> + <p> + “Always, for without you I should be nothing—utterly miserable.” + </p> + <p> + The Empress heaved a deep sigh and sat bolt upright on her couch. She had + formed a great resolve, and she said slowly, emphasizing every word: + </p> + <p> + “If nothing utterly unforeseen occurs in the heavens on your birth-night, + you shall be our son, and so Hadrian’s successor and heir. I swear it.” + </p> + <p> + There was something solemn in her voice, and her small eyes were wide + open. + </p> + <p> + “Sabina, Mother, guardian spirit of my life!” cried Verus, and he fell on + his knees by her couch. She looked in his handsome face with deep emotion, + laid her hands on his temples, and pressed her lips on his dark curls. + </p> + <p> + A moist brilliancy sparkled in those eyes, unapt to tears, and in a soft + and appealing tone that no one had ever before heard in her voice she + said: + </p> + <p> + “Even at the summit of fortune, after your adoption, even in the purple + all will be the same between us two. Will it? Tell me, will it?” + </p> + <p> + “Always, always!” cried Verus. “And if our hopes are fulfilled—” + </p> + <p> + “Then, then,” interrupted Sabina and she shivered as she spoke. “Then, + still you will be to me the same that you are now; but to be sure, to be + sure—the temples of the gods would be empty if mortals had nothing + left to wish for.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! no. Then they would bring thank-offerings to the divinity,” cried + Verus, and he looked up at the Empress; but she turned away from his + smiling glance and exclaimed in a tone of reproof and alarm: + </p> + <p> + “No playing with words, no empty speeches or rash jesting! in the name of + all the gods, not at this time! For this hour, this night is among its + fellows what a hallowed temple is among other buildings—what the + fervent sun is among the other lights of heaven. You know not how I feel, + nay, I hardly know myself. Not now, not now, one lightly-spoken word!” + </p> + <p> + Verus gazed at Sabina with growing astonishment. She had always been + kinder to him than to any one else in the world and he felt bound to her + by all the ties of gratitude and the sweet memories of childhood. Even as + a boy, out of all his playfellows he was the only one who, far from + fearing her had clung to her. But to-night! who had ever seen Sabina in + such a mood? Was this the harsh bitter woman whose heart seemed filled + with gall, whose tongue cut like a dagger every one against whom she used + it? Was this Sabina who no doubt was kindly disposed towards him but who + loved no one else, not even herself? Did he see rightly, or was he under + some delusion? Tears, genuine, honest, unaffected tears filled her eyes as + she went on: + </p> + <p> + “Here I he, a poor sickly woman, sensitive in body and in soul as if I + were covered with wounds. Every movement, and even the gaze and the voice + of most of my fellow-creatures is a pain to me. I am old, much older than + you think and so wretched, so wretched, none of you can imagine how + wretched. I was never happy as a child, never as a girl, and as a wife—merciful + gods!—every kind word that Hadrian has ever vouchsafed me I have + paid for with a thousand humiliations.” + </p> + <p> + “He always treats you with the utmost esteem,” interrupted Verus. + </p> + <p> + “Before you, before the world! But what do I care for esteem! I may demand + the respect, the adoration of millions and it will be mine. Love, love, a + little unselfish love is what I ask—and if only I were sure, if only + I dared to hope that you give me such love, I would thank you with all + that I have, then this hour would be hallowed to me above all others.” + </p> + <p> + “How can you doubt me Mother? My dearly beloved Mother!” + </p> + <p> + “That is comfort, that is happiness!” answered Sabina. “Your voice is + never too loud for me, and I believe you, I dare trust you. This hour + makes you my son, makes me your mother.” + </p> + <p> + Tender emotion, the emotion that softens the heart, thrilled through + Sabina’s dried-up nature and sparkled in her eyes. She felt like a young + wife of whom a child is born, and the voice of her heart sings to her in + soothing tones: “It lives, it is mine, I am the providence of a living + soul, I am a mother.” + </p> + <p> + She gazed blissfully into Verus’ eyes and exclaimed, “Give me your hand my + son, help me up, for I will be here no longer. What good spirits I feel + in! Yes, this is the joy that is allotted to other women before their hair + is grey! But child—dear and only child—you must love me really + as a mother. I am too old for tender trifling, and yet I could not bear it + if you gave me nothing but a child’s reverence. No, no, you must be my + friend whose heart warns him of my wishes, who can laugh with me to-day, + and weep with me to-morrow—and who shows that he is happier when his + eye meets mine. You are now my son; and soon you shall have the name of + son; that is happiness enough for one evening. Not another word—this + hour is like the finished masterpiece of some great painter; every touch + that could be added might spoil it. You may kiss my forehead, I will kiss + yours; now I will go to rest, and to-morrow when I wake I shall say to + myself that I possess something worth living for—a child, a son.” + </p> + <p> + When the Empress was alone she raised her hand in prayer but she could + find no words of thanksgiving. One hour of pure happiness she had indeed + enjoyed, but how many days, months, years of joylessness and suffering lay + behind her! Gratitude knocked at the door of her heart but it was + instantly met by bitter defiance; what was one hour of happiness in the + balance against a ruined lifetime? + </p> + <p> + Foolish woman! she had never sown the seeds of love, and now she blamed + the gods for niggardliness and cruelty in denying her a harvest of love. + And now, on what soil had the seed of maternal tenderness fallen? + </p> + <p> + Verus it is true had left her content and full of hope—Sabina’s + altered demeanor, it is true, had touched his heart—he purposed to + cling to her faithfully even after his formal adoption; but the light in + his eye was not that of a proud and happy son, on the contrary it sparkled + like that of a warrior who hopes to gain the victory. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the late hour, his wife had not yet gone to bed. She had + heard that he had been summoned to the Empress on his return home, and + awaited him not without anxiety, for she was not accustomed to anything + pleasant from Sabina. Her husband’s hasty step echoed loudly from the + stone walls of the sleeping palace. She heard it at some distance, and + went to the door of her room to meet him. Radiant, excited, and with + flushed cheeks, he held out both his hands to her. She looked so fair in + her white night-wrapper of fine white material, and his heart was so full + that he clasped her in his arms as fondly as when she was his bride; and + she loved him even now no less than she had done then, and felt for the + hundredth time with grateful joy that the faithless scapegrace had once + more returned to her unchangeable and faithful heart, like a sailor who, + after wandering through many lands seeks his native port. + </p> + <p> + “Lucilla,” he cried, disengaging her arms from round his neck. “Oh, + Lucilla! what an evening this has been! I always judged Sabina differently + from you, and have felt with gratitude that she really cared for me. Now + all is clear between her and me! She called me her son. I called her + mother. I owe it to her, and the purple—the purple is ours! You are + the wife of Verus Caesar; you are certain of it if no signs and omens come + to frighten Hadrian.” + </p> + <p> + In a few eager words, which betrayed not merely the triumph of a lucky + gambler, but also true emotion and gratitude, he related all that had + passed in Sabina’s room. His frank and confident contentment silenced her + doubts, her dread of the stupendous fate which, beckoning her, yet + threatening her, drew visibly nearer and nearer. In her mind’s eye she saw + the husband she loved, she saw her son, seated on the throne of the + Caesars, and she herself crowned with the radiant diadem of the woman whom + she hated with all the force of her soul. Her husband’s kindly feeling + towards the Empress and the faithful allegiance which had tied him to her + from his boyhood did not disquiet her; but a wife allows the husband of + her choice every happiness, every gift excepting only the love of another + woman, and will forgive her hatred and abuse rather than such love. + </p> + <p> + Lucilla was greatly excited, and a thought, that for years had been locked + in the inmost shrine of her heart, to-day proved too strong for her powers + of reticence. Hadrian was supposed to have murdered her father, but no one + could positively assert it, though either he or another man had certainly + slain the noble Nigrinus. At this moment the old suspicion stirred her + soul with revived force, and lifting her right hand, as if in attestation, + she exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Fate, Fate! that my husband should be heir of the man who murdered my + father!” + </p> + <p> + “Lucilla,” interrupted Verus, “it is unjust even to think of such horrors, + and to speak of them is madness. Do not utter it a second time, least of + all to-day. What may have occurred formerly must not spoil the present and + the future which belong to us and to our children.” + </p> + <p> + “Nigrinus was the grandfather of those children,” cried the Roman mother + with flashing eyes. + </p> + <p> + “That is to say that you harbor in your soul the wish to avenge your + father’s death on Caesar.” + </p> + <p> + “I am the daughter of the butchered man.” + </p> + <p> + “But you do not know the murderer, and the purple must outweigh the life + of one man, for it is often bought with many thousand lives. And then, + Lucilla, as you know, I love happy faces, and Revenge has a sinister brow. + Let us be happy, oh wife of Caesar! Tomorrow I shall have much to tell + you, now I must go to a splendid banquet which the son of Plutarch is + giving in my honor. I cannot stay with you—truly I cannot, I have + been expected long since. And when we are in Rome never let me find you + telling the children those old dismal stories—I will not have it.” + </p> + <p> + As Verus, preceded by his slaves bearing torches, made his way through the + garden of the Caesareum he saw a light in the rooms of Balbilla, the + poetess, and he called up merrily: + </p> + <p> + “Good-night, fair Muse!” + </p> + <p> + “Good-night, sham Eros!” she retorted. + </p> + <p> + “You are decking yourself in borrowed feathers, Poetess,” replied he, + laughing. “It is not you but the ill-mannered Alexandrians who invented + that name!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! and other and better ones,” cried she. “What I have heard and seen + to-day passes all belief!” + </p> + <p> + “And you will celebrate it in your poems?” + </p> + <p> + “Only some of it, and that in a satire which I propose to aim at you.” + </p> + <p> + “I tremble!” + </p> + <p> + “With delight, it is to be hoped; my poem will embalm your memory for + posterity.” + </p> + <p> + “That is true, and the more spiteful your verses, the more certainly will + future generations believe that Verus was the Phaon of Balbilla’s Sappho, + and that love scorned filled the fair singer with bitterness.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you for the caution. To-day at any rate you are safe from my + verse, for I am tired to death.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you venture into the streets?” + </p> + <p> + “It was quite safe, for I had a trustworthy escort.” + </p> + <p> + “May I be allowed to ask who?” + </p> + <p> + “Why not? It was Pontius the architect who was with me.” + </p> + <p> + “He knows the town well.” + </p> + <p> + “And in his care I would trust myself to descend, like Orpheus, into + Hades.” + </p> + <p> + “Happy Pontius!” + </p> + <p> + “Most happy Verus!” + </p> + <p> + “What am I to understand by those words, charming Balbilla?” + </p> + <p> + “The poor architect is able to please by being a good guide, while to you + belongs the whole heart of Lucilla, your sweet wife.” + </p> + <p> + “And she has the whole of mine so far as it is not full of Balbilla. + Good-night, saucy Muse; sleep well.” + </p> + <p> + “Sleep ill, you incorrigible tormentor!” cried the girl, drawing the + curtain across her window. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> + <p> + The sleepless wretch on whom some trouble has fallen, so long as night + surrounds him, sees his future life as a boundless sea in which he is + sailing round and round like a shipwrecked man, but when the darkness + yields, the new and helpful day shows him a boat for escape close at hand, + and friendly shores in the distance. + </p> + <p> + The unfortunate Pollux also awoke towards morning with sighs many and + deep; for it seemed to him that last evening he had ruined his whole + future prospects. The workshop of his former master was henceforth closed + to him, and he no longer possessed even all the tools requisite for the + exercise of his art. + </p> + <p> + Only yesterday he had hoped with happy confidence to establish himself on + a footing of his own, to-day this seemed impossible, for the most + indispensable means were lacking to him. As he felt his little money-bag, + which he was wont to place under his pillow, he could not forbear smiling + in spite of all his troubles, for his fingers sank into the flaccid + leather, and found only two coins, one of which he knew alas! was of + copper, and the dried merry-thought bone of a fowl, which he had saved to + give to his little nieces. + </p> + <p> + Where was he to find the money he was accustomed to give his sister on the + first day of every month? Papias was on friendly terms with all the + sculptors of the city, and it was only to be expected that he would warn + them against him, and do his best to make it difficult to him to find a + new place as assistant. His old master had also been witness of Hadrian’s + anger against him, and was quite the man to take every advantage of what + he had overheard. It is never a recommendation for any one that he is an + object of dislike to the powerful, and least of all does it help him with + those who look for the favor and gifts of the great men of the world. When + Hadrian should think proper to throw off his disguise, it might easily + occur to him to let Pollux feel the effects of his power. Would it not be + wise in him to quit Alexandria and seek work or daily bread in some other + Greek city? + </p> + <p> + But for Arsinoe’s sake he could not turn his back on his native place. He + loved her with all the passion of his artist’s soul, and his youthful + courage would certainly not have been so quickly and utterly crushed if he + could have deluded himself as to the fact that his hopes of possessing her + had been driven into the remote background by the events of the preceding + evening. How could he dare to drag her into his uncertain and compromised + position? And what reception could he hope for from her father if he + should now attempt to demand her for his wife. As these thoughts + overpowered his mind he suddenly felt as if his eyes were smarting with + sand that had blown into them, and he could not help springing out of bed; + he paced his little room with long steps, and he held his forehead pressed + against the wall. + </p> + <p> + The dawn of a new day appeared as a welcome comfort, and by the time he + had eaten the morning porridge which his mother set before him—and + her eyes were red with weeping—the idea struck him that he would go + to Pontius, the architect. That was the lifeboat he espied. + </p> + <p> + Doris shared her son’s breakfast but, contrary to her usual custom, she + spoke very little, only she frequently passed her hand over her son’s + curly hair. Euphorion strode up and down the room, rummaging his brain for + ideas for an ode in which he might address the Emperor and implore + forgiveness for his son. Soon after breakfast Pollux went up to the + rotunda where the Queens’ busts stood, hoping to see Arsinoe again, and a + loud snatch of song soon brought her out on to the balcony. They exchanged + greetings, and Pollux signed to her to come down to him. She would have + obeyed him more than gladly, but her father had also heard the sculptor’s + voice and drove her back into the room. Still the mere sight of his + beloved fair one had done the artist good. Hardly had he got back to his + father’s little house when Antinous came sauntering in—he + represented in the artist’s mind the hospitable shores on which he might + gaze. Hope revived his soul, and Hope is the sun before which despair + flies as the shades of night flee at the rising of the day-star. + </p> + <p> + His artistic faculties were once more roused into play, and found a field + for their freest exercise when Antinous told him that he was at his + disposal till mid-day, since his master—or rather Caesar as he was + now permitted to name him—was engaged in business. The prefect + Titianus had come to him with a whole heap of papers, to work with him and + his private secretary. Pollux at once led the favorite into a side room of + the little house, with a northern aspect; here on a table lay the wax and + the smaller implements which belonged to himself and which he had brought + home last evening. His heart ached, and his nerves were in a painful state + of tension as he began his work. All sorts of anxious thoughts disturbed + his spirit, and yet he knew that if he put his whole soul into it he could + do something good. Now, if ever, he must put forth his best powers, and he + dreaded failure as an utter catastrophe, for on the face of the whole + earth there was no second model to compare with this that stood before + him. + </p> + <p> + But he did not take long to collect himself for the Bithynian’s beauty + filled him with profound feeling and it was with a sort of pious + exaltation that he grasped the plastic material and moulded it into a form + resembling his sitter. For a whole hour not a word passed between them, + but Pollux often sighed deeply and now then a groan of painful anxiety + escaped him. + </p> + <p> + Antinous broke the silence to ask Pollux about Selene. His heart was full + of her, and there was no other man who knew her, and whom he could venture + to entrust with his secret. Indeed it was only to speak to her that he had + come to the artist so early. While Pollux modelled and scraped Antinous + told him of all that had happened the previous night. He lamented having + lost the silver quiver when he was upset into the water and regretted that + the rose-colored chiton should afterwards have suffered a reduction in + length at the hands of his pursuer. An exclamation of surprise, a word of + sympathy, a short pause in the movement of his hand and tool, were all the + demonstration on the artist’s part, to which the story of Selene’s + adventure and the loss of his master’s costly property gave rise; his + whole attention was absorbed in his occupation. The farther his work + progressed the higher rose his admiration for his model. He felt as if + intoxicated with noble wine as he worked to reproduce this incarnation of + the ideal of umblemished youthful and manly beauty. The passion of + artistic procreation fired his blood, and threw every thing else—even + the history of Selene’s fall into the sea, and her subsequent rescue—into + the region of commonplace. Still he had not been inattentive, and what he + heard must have had some effect in his mind; for long after Antinous had + ended his narrative, he said in a low voice and as if speaking to the + bust, which was already assuming definite form: + </p> + <p> + “It is a wonderful thing!” and again a little later; “There was always + something grand in that unhappy creature.” + </p> + <p> + He had worked without interruption for nearly four hours, when standing + back from the table, he looked anxiously, first at his work and then at + Antinous, and then asked him: + </p> + <p> + “How will that do?” + </p> + <p> + The Bithynian gave eager expression to his approbation, and Pollux had, in + fact, done wonders in the short time. The wax began to display in a much + reduced scale the whole figure of the beautiful youth and in the very same + attitude which the young Dionysus carried off by the pirates, had assumed + the day before. The incomparable modelling of the favorite’s limbs and + form was soft but not effeminate; and, as Pollux had said to himself the + day before, no artist in his happiest mood, could conceive the Nysaean god + as different from this. + </p> + <p> + While the sculptor in order to assure himself of the accuracy of his work + was measuring his model’s limbs with wooden compasses and lengths of tape, + the sound of chariot-wheels was heard at the gate of the palace, and soon + after the yelping of the Graces. Doris called to the dogs to be quiet and + another high-pitched woman’s voice mingled with hers. Antinous listened + and what he heard seemed to be somewhat out of the common for he suddenly + quitted the position in which the sculptor had placed him only a few + minutes before, ran to the window and called to Pollux in a subdued voice: + </p> + <p> + “It is true! I am not mistaken! There is Hadrian’s wife Sabina talking out + there to your mother.” + </p> + <p> + He had heard rightly; the Empress had come to Lochias to seek out her + husband. She had got out of the chariot at the gate of the old palace for + the paving of the court-yard would not be completed before that evening. + </p> + <p> + Dogs, of which her husband was so fond, she detested; the shrewd beasts + returned her aversion, so dame Doris found it more difficult than usual to + succeed in reducing her disobedient pets to silence when they flew + viciously at the stranger. Sabina terrified, vehemently desired the old + woman to release her from their persecution, while the chamberlain who had + come with her and on whom she was leaning kicked out at the irrepressible + little wretches and so increased their spite. At last the Graces withdrew + into the house. Dame Doris drew a deep breath and turned to the Empress. + </p> + <p> + She did not suspect who the stranger was for she had never seen Sabina and + had formed quite a different idea of her. + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me good lady,” she said in her frank confiding manner. “The little + rascals mean no harm and never bite even a beggar, but they never could + endure old women. Whom do you seek here mother?” + </p> + <p> + “That you shall soon know,” replied Sabina sharply, “what a state of + things, Lentulus, your architect Pontius’ work has brought about. And what + must the inside be like if this but is left standing to disgrace the + entrance of the palace! It must go with its inhabitants. Desire that woman + to conduct us to the Roman lord who dwells here.” + </p> + <p> + The chamberlain obeyed and Doris began to suspect who was standing before + her, and she said as she smoothed down her dress and bowed low: + </p> + <p> + “What great honor befalls us illustrious lady; perhaps you are even the + Emperor’s wife? If that be the case—” + </p> + <p> + Sabina made an impatient sign to the chamberlain who interrupted the old + woman exclaiming: + </p> + <p> + “Be silent and show us the way.” + </p> + <p> + Doris was not feeling particularly strong that day, and her eyes already + red with weeping about her son again filled with tears. No one had ever + spoken so to her before, and yet, for her son’s sake she would not repay + sharp words in the same coin, though she had plenty at her command. + </p> + <p> + She tottered on in front of Sabina, and conducted her to the hall of the + Muses. There Pontius relieved her of the duty, and the respect he paid to + the stranger made her sure that in fact she was none other than the + Empress in person. + </p> + <p> + “An odious woman!” said Sabina, as she went on pointing to Doris, whom her + words could not escape. This was too much for the old woman; past all + self-control she flung herself on to a seat that was standing by, covered + her face with her hands and began crying bitterly. She felt as if the very + ground were snatched from under her feet. + </p> + <p> + Her son was in disgrace with Caesar, and she and her house were threatened + by the most powerful woman in the world. She pictured herself as already + turned into the streets with Euphorion and her dogs, and asked herself + what was to become of them all when they had lost their place and the roof + that covered them. Her husband’s memory grew daily weaker, soon his voice + even might fail; and how greatly had her own strength failed during the + last few years, how small were the savings that were hidden in their + chest. The bright, genial old woman felt quite broken down. What hurt her + was, not merely the pressing need that threatened her, but the disgrace + too which would fall upon her, the dislike she had incurred—she who + had been liked by every one from her youth up—and the painful + feeling of having been treated with scorn and contempt in the presence of + others by the powerful lady whose favor she had hoped to win. + </p> + <p> + At Sabina’s advent all good spirits had fled from Lochias, so at least + Doris felt, but she was not one of those who succumb helplessly to a + hostile force. For a few minutes she abandoned herself to her sorrows and + sobbed like a child. Now she dried her eyes, and her eased heart felt the + beneficial relief of tears; by degrees she could compose herself and think + calmly. + </p> + <p> + “After all,” said she to herself, “none but Caesar can command here, and + it is said that he gets on but badly with his spiteful wife, and cares + very little what she wishes. Hadrian let Pollux feel his power, but he has + always been friendly to me. My dogs and birds amused him, and did he not + even do me the honor to relish a dish out of my kitchen? No, no, if only I + can succeed in speaking with him alone all may yet be well,” and thus + thinking she rose from her seat. + </p> + <p> + As she was about to quit the anteroom the art dealer, Gabinius, of Nicaea, + came in, to whom Keraunus had refused to sell the mosaic in the palace, + and whose daughter had been deprived by Arsinoe of the part of Roxana. + Pontius had desired him to come to the palace and he had made his + appearance at once, for, since the evening before, a rumor had been afloat + that the Emperor was staying in Alexandria, and was inhabiting the palace + at Loehias. Whence it was derived, or on what facts it was supported no + one could say; but there it was, passing from mouth to mouth in every + circle and acquiring certainty every hour. Of all that grows on earth + nothing grows so quickly as Rumor, and yet it is a miserable foundling + that never knows its own parents. + </p> + <p> + The dealer pushed on into the palace with a glance of astonishment at the + old woman, while Doris debated whether see should seek Hadrian then and + there, or return to her little gate-House, and wait till he should at some + time be going out of the palace and passing by her dwelling. Before she + could come to any decision Pontius appeared on the scene; he had always + been very kind to her, and she therefore ventured to address him and tell + him what had occurred between her son and the Emperor. This was no novelty + to the architect; he advised her to have patience till Hadrian should have + cooled, and he promised her that later he would do every thing in his + power for Pollux, whom he loved and esteemed. On this very day he was + obliged by Caesar’s command to start on a journey and for a long absence; + his destination was Pelusium, where he was to erect a monument to the + great Pompey on the spot where he had been murdered. Hadrian, as he passed + the old ruined monument on his way from Mount Kasius to Egypt, had + determined to replace it by a new one, and had entrusted the work to + Pontius whose labors at Lochias were now nearly ended. All that might yet + be lacking to the fitting of the restored palace Hadrian himself wished to + select and procure and in this occupation so agreeable to his tastes, + Gabinius, the curiosity-dealer, was to lend him a helping hand. + </p> + <p> + While Doris was still speaking with Pontius, Hadrian and his wife came + towards the anteroom. Hardly had the architect recognized the tones of + Sabina’s voice, than he hastily said in a low voice: + </p> + <p> + “Till by-and-bye this must do, dame. Stand aside; Caesar and the Empress + are coming.” + </p> + <p> + And he hastened away. Doris slipped into the doorway of a side room, which + was closed only by a heavy curtain, for at that moment she would as soon + have met a raging wild beast as the haughty lady from whom she had nothing + to expect but insult and unkindness. Hadrian’s interview with his wife had + lasted barely a quarter of an hour, and it must have been anything rather + than amiable, for his face was scarlet, while Sabina’s lips were perfectly + white, and her painted cheeks twitched with a restless movement. Doris was + too much excited and terrified to listen to the royal couple, still she + overheard these words uttered by the Emperor in a tone of the utmost + decision. + </p> + <p> + “In small matters and where it is fitting I let you have your way; more + important things I shall this time, as always, decide by my own judgment—my + own exclusively.” + </p> + <p> + These words were fraught with the fate of the gatehouse and its + inhabitants, for the removal of the “hideous hut” at the entrance of the + palace was one of the “small matters” of which Hadrian spoke. Sabina had + required this concession, since it could not be pleasant to any one + visiting Lochias to be received on the threshold by an old Megaera of evil + omen, and to be fallen upon by infuriated dogs. But Doris so little + divined the import of Hadrian’s words that she rejoiced at them, for they + told her how little he was disposed to yield to his wife in important + things, and how could she suspect that her fate and that of her house + should not be included among important matters, nay the most important? + </p> + <p> + Sabina had quitted the anteroom leaning on her chamberlain and Hadrian was + standing there alone with his slave Mastor. The old woman would not be + likely to have another such favorable opportunity of supplicating the + all-powerful man who stood before her, without the hindrance of witnesses, + to exercise his magnaminity and clemency towards her son. His back turned + to her; if she could have seen the threatening scowl with which he stood + gazing on the ground she would surely have remembered the architect’s + warning and have postponed her address till a future day. + </p> + <p> + How often do we spoil our best chances by following an urgent instinct to + arrive at certainty as early as possible, and by not being strong enough + to postpone opening our business till a favorable moment offers. + Uncertainty in the present often seems less endurable than adverse fate in + the future. + </p> + <p> + Doris stepped out of the side door. Mastor, who knew his master well, and + whose friendly impulse was to spare the old woman any humiliation, made + eager signs to warn her to withdraw and not to disturb Hadrian at that + moment; but she was so wholly possessed by her anxiety and wishes that she + did not observe them. As the Emperor turned to leave the room she gathered + courage, stood in the doorway through which he must pass, and tried to + fall on her knees before him. This was a difficult effort to her old + joints and Doris was forced to clutch at the door-post in order not to + lose her balance. + </p> + <p> + Hadrian at once recognized the suppliant, but to-day he found no kind word + for her, and the glance he cast down at her was anything rather than + gracious. How had he ever been able to find amusement even in this woeful + old body? Alas! poor Doris was quite a different creature in her little + house, among her flowers, dogs and birds to what she seemed here in the + spacious hall of a magnificent palace. This wide and gorgeous frame but + ill-suited so modest a figure. Thousands of good people who in the midst + of their everyday surroundings command our esteem and attract our regard + give rise to very different feelings when they are taken out of the circle + to which they belong. + </p> + <p> + Doris had never worn so unpleasing an aspect to Hadrian as at this + instant, in this decisive moment of her life. She had followed the Empress + straight from the kitchen-hearth just as she was after passing a sleepless + night and full of her many anxieties, she had scarcely set her grey hair + in order, and her kind bright eyes, usually the best feature of her face, + were red with many tears. The neat brisk little mother looked to-day + anything rather than smart and bright; in the Emperor’s eyes she was in no + way distinguished from any other old woman, and he regarded all old women + as of evil omen, if he met them as he went out of any place he was in. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Caesar, Great Caesar!” cried Doris throwing up her hands which still + bore many traces of her labors over the hearth. “My son, my unfortunate + Pollux!” + </p> + <p> + “Out of my way!” said Hadrian sternly. + </p> + <p> + “He is an artist, a good artist, who already excels many a master, and if + the gods—” + </p> + <p> + “Out of the way, I told you. I do not want to hear anything about the + insolent fellow,” said Hadrian angrily. + </p> + <p> + “But Great Caesar, he is my son, and a mother, as you know—” + </p> + <p> + “Mastor,” interrupted the monarch, “carry away this old woman and make way + for me.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! my lord, my lord!” wailed the agonized woman while the slave pulled + her up, not without difficulty. “Oh! my lord, how can you find it in your + heart to be so cruel? And am I no longer old Doris whom you have even + joked with, and whose food you have eaten?” + </p> + <p> + These words recalled to the Emperor’s fancy the moment of his arrival at + Lochias; he felt that he was somewhat in the old woman’s debt, and being + wont to pay with royal liberality he broke in with: + </p> + <p> + “You shall be paid for your excellent dish a sum with which you can + purchase a new house, for the future your maintenance too shall be + provided for, but in three hours you must have quitted Lochias.” + </p> + <p> + The Emperor spoke rapidly as though desirous of bringing a disagreeable + business to a prompt termination, and he stalked past Doris who was now + standing on her feet and leaning as if stunned against the doorpost. + Indeed if Hadrian had not left her there and had he been in the mood to + hear her farther, she was not now in a fit state to answer him another + word. + </p> + <p> + The Emperor received the honors due to Zeus and his fiat had ruined the + happiness of a contented home as completely as the thunderbolt wielded by + the Father of the gods could have done. + </p> + <p> + But this time Doris had no tears. The frightful shock that had fallen in + her soul was perceptible also to her body; her knees shook, and being + quite incapable just then of going home at once, she sunk upon a seat and + stared hopelessly before her while she reflected what next, and what more + would come upon her. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the Emperor was standing in a room just behind the antechamber + that had only been finished a few hours since. He began to regret his + hardness upon the old woman—for had she not, without knowing who he + was, been most friendly to him and to his favorite. “Where is Antinous?” + he asked Mastor. + </p> + <p> + “He went out to the gate-house.” + </p> + <p> + “What is he doing there?” + </p> + <p> + “I believe he meant—there, perhaps he—” + </p> + <p> + “The truth, fellow!” + </p> + <p> + “He is with Pollux the sculptor.” + </p> + <p> + “Has he been there long?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not exactly know.” + </p> + <p> + “How long, I ask you?” + </p> + <p> + “He went after you had shut yourself in with Titianus.” + </p> + <p> + “Three hours—three whole hours has he been with that braggart, whom + I ordered off the premises!” Hadrian’s eye sparkled wrathfully as he + spoke. His annoyance at the absence of his favorite, whose society he + permitted no one to enjoy but himself, and least of all Pollux, smothered + every kind feeling in his mind, and in a tone of anger bordering on fury + he commanded Mastor to go and fetch Antinous, and then to have the + gate-house utterly cleared out. + </p> + <p> + “Take a dozen slaves to help you,” he cried. “For aught I care the people + may carry all their rubbish into a new house, but I will never set eyes + again on that howling old woman, nor her imbecile husband. As for the + sculptor I will make him feel that Caesar has a heavy foot and can + unexpectedly crush a snake that creeps across his path.” + </p> + <p> + Mastor went sadly away and Hadrian returned to his work-room, and there + called out to his secretary Phlegon: + </p> + <p> + “Write that a new gate-keeper is to be found for this palace. Euphorion, + the old one, is to have his pay continued to him, and half a talent is to + be paid to him at the prefect’s office. Good—Let the man have at + once whatever is necessary; in an hour neither he nor his are to be found + in Lochias. Henceforth no one is to mention them to me again, nor to bring + me any petition from them. Their whole race may join the rest of the + dead.” + </p> + <p> + Phlegon bowed and said: + </p> + <p> + “Gabinius, the curiosity-dealer, waits outside.” + </p> + <p> + “He comes at an appropriate moment,” cried the Emperor. “After all these + vexations it will do me good to hear about beautiful things.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> + <p> + Aye, truly! Sabina’s advent had chased all good spirits from the palace at + Lochias. + </p> + <p> + The Emperor’s commands had come upon the peaceful little house as a + whirlwind comes on a heap of leaves. The inhabitants were not even allowed + time fully to realize their misfortune, for instead of bewailing + themselves all they could do was to act with circumspection. The tables, + seats, cushions, beds and lutes, the baskets, plants, and bird-cages, the + kitchen utensils and the trunks with their clothes were all piled in + confusion in the courtyard, and Doris was employing the slaves appointed + by Mastor in the task of emptying the house, as briskly and carefully as + though it was nothing more than a move from one house to another. A ray of + the sunny brightness of her nature once more sparkled in her eyes since + she had been able to say to herself that all that happened to her and hers + was one of the things inevitable, and that it was more to the purpose to + think of the future than of the past. The old woman was quite herself + again over the work, and as she looked at Euphorion, who sat quite crushed + on his couch with his eyes fixed on the ground, she cried out to him: + </p> + <p> + “After bad times, come good ones! only let us keep from making ourselves + miserable. We have done nothing wrong, and so long as we do not think + ourselves wretched, we are not so. Only, hold up your head! + </p> + <p> + “Up, old man, up! Go at once to Diotima and tell her that we beg her to + give us hospitality for a few days, and house-room for our chattels.” + </p> + <p> + “And if Caesar does not keep his word?” asked Euphorion gloomily. “What + sort of a life shall we live then?” + </p> + <p> + “A bad one-a dog’s life; and for that very reason it is wiser to enjoy now + what we still possess. A cup of wine, Pollux, for me and your father. But + there must be no water in it to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot drink,” sighed Euphorion. + </p> + <p> + “Then I will drink your share and my own too.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay-nay, mother,” remonstrated Pollux. + </p> + <p> + “Well put some water in, lad, just a little water, only do not make such a + pitiful face. Is that the way a young fellow should look who has his art, + and plenty of strength in his hands, and the sweetest of sweethearts in + his heart?” + </p> + <p> + “It is certainly not for myself, mother,” retorted the sculptor, “that I + am anxious. But how am I ever to get into the palace again to see Arsinoe, + and how am I to deal with that ferocious old Keraunus?” + </p> + <p> + “Leave that question for time to answer,” replied Doris. + </p> + <p> + “Time may give a good answer, but it may also give a bad one.” + </p> + <p> + “And the best she only gives to those who wait for her in the antechamber + of Patience.” + </p> + <p> + “A bad place for me, and for those like me,” sighed Pollux. + </p> + <p> + “You have only to sit still and go on knocking at the doors,” replied + Doris, “and before you can look round you Time will call out, ‘come in.’ + Now show the men how they are to treat the statue of Apollo, and be my own + happy, bright boy once more.” + </p> + <p> + Pollux did as she desired, thinking as he went: “She speaks wisely—she + is not leaving Arsinoe behind. If only I had been able to arrange with + Antinous at least, where I should find him again; but at Caesar’s orders + the young fellow was like one stunned, and he tottered as he went, as if + he were going to execution.” + </p> + <p> + Dame Doris had not been betrayed by her happy confidence, for Phlegon the + secretary came to inform her of the Emperor’s purpose to give her husband + half a talent, and to continue to pay him in the future his little salary. + </p> + <p> + “You see,” cried the old woman, “the sun of better days is already rising. + Half a talent! Why poverty has nothing to do with such rich folks as we + are! What do you think—would it not be right to pour out half a cup + of wine to the gods, and allow ourselves the other half?” + </p> + <p> + Doris was as gay as if she were going to a wedding, and her cheerfulness + communicated itself to her son, who saw himself relieved of part of the + anxiety that weighed upon him with regard to his parents and sister. His + drooping courage, and spirit for life, only needed a few drops of kindly + dew to revive it, and he once more began to think of his art. Before + anything else he would try to complete his successfully-sketched bust of + Antinous. + </p> + <p> + While he was gone back into the house to preserve his work from injury and + was giving the slaves, whom he had desired to follow him, instructions as + to how it should be carried so as not to damage it, his master Papias came + into the palace-court. He had come to put the last touches to the works he + had begun, and proposed to make a fresh attempt to win the favor of the + man whom he now knew to be the Emperor. Papias was somewhat uneasy for he + was alarmed at the thought that Pollux might now betray how small a share + his master had in his last works—which had brought him higher praise + than all he had done previously. It might even have been wise on his part + to pocket his pride and to induce his former scholar, by lavish promises, + to return to his workshop; but the evening before he had been betrayed + into speaking before the Emperor with so much indignation at the young + artist’s evil disposition, of his delight at being rid of him, that, on + Hadrian’s account, he must give up that idea. Nothing was now to be done, + but to procure the removal of Pollux from Alexandria, or to render him in + some way incapable of damaging him, and this he might perhaps be able to + do by the instrumentality of the wrathful Emperor. + </p> + <p> + It even came into his mind to hire some Egyptian rascal to have him + assassinated; but he was a citizen of peaceful habits, to whom a breach of + the law was an abomination and he cast the thought from him as too + horrible and base. He was not over-nice in his choice of means, he knew + men, was very capable of finding his way up the backstairs, and did not + hesitate when need arose to calumniate others boldly, and thus he had + before now won the day in many a battle against his fellow-artists of + distinction. His hope of succeeding in the tripping of a scholar of no + great repute, and of rendering him harmless so long as the Emperor should + remain in Alexandria, was certainly not an over-bold one. He hated the + gate-keeper’s son far less than he feared him, and he did not conceal from + himself that if his attack on Pollux should fail and the young fellow + should succeed in proving independently of what he was capable he could do + nothing to prevent his loudly proclaiming all that he had done in these + last years for his master. + </p> + <p> + His attention was caught by the slaves in Euphorion’s little house, who + were carrying the household chattels of the evicted family into the + street. He had soon learnt what was going forward, and highly pleased at + the ill-will manifested by Hadrian towards the parents of his foe, he + stood looking on, and after brief reflection desired a negro to call + Pollux to speak to him. + </p> + <p> + The master and scholar exchanged greetings with a show of haughty coolness + and Papias said: + </p> + <p> + “You forgot to bring back the things which yesterday, without asking my + leave, you took out of my wardrobe. I must have them back to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “I did not take them for myself, but for the grand lord in there, and his + companion. If any thing is missing apply to him. It grieves me that I + should have taken your silver quiver among them, for the Roman’s companion + has lost it. As soon as I have done here, I will take home all of your + things that I can recover, and bring away my own. A good many things + belonging to me are still lying in your workshop.” + </p> + <p> + “Good,” replied Papias. “I will expect you an hour before sunset, and then + we will settle every thing,” and without any farewell he turned his back + on his pupil and went into the palace. + </p> + <p> + Pollux had told him that some of the properties, which he had taken + without asking permission, had been lost-among them an object of + considerable value—and this perhaps would give him a hold over him + by which to prevent his injuring him. He remained in the palace scarcely + half an hour and then, while Pollux was still engaged in escorting his + mother and their household goods to his sister’s house, he went to visit + the night magistrate, who presided over the safety of Alexandria. Papias + was on intimate terms with this important official, for he had constructed + for him a sarcophagus for his deceased wife, an altar with panels in + relief for his men’s apartment, and other works, at moderate prices, and + he could count on his readiness to serve him. When he quitted him he + carried in his hand an order of arrest against his assistant Pollux, who + had attacked his property and abstracted a quiver of massive silver. The + magistrate had also promised him to send two of his guards who would carry + the offender off to prison. + </p> + <p> + Papias went home with a much lighter heart. His pupil, after he had + accomplished the easy transfer of his parents, had returned to the palace, + and there, to his delight, came across Mastor, who soon fetched him the + garments and masks that he had lent the day before to Hadrian and + Antinous. The Sarmatian at the same time told him, with tears in his eyes, + a sad, very sad story, which stirred the young sculptor’s soul deeply, and + which would have prompted him to penetrate into the palace at once, and at + any risk, if he had not seen the necessity of being with Papias at the + appointed hour, which was drawing near, to answer for the valuable + property that was missing. Thinking of nothing, wishing nothing so much as + to be back as promptly as possible at Lochias, where he was much needed, + and where his heart longed to be, he took the bundle out of the slave’s + hand and hurried away. Papias had sent all his assistants and even his + slaves off the premises; he received the breathless Pollux quite alone, + and took from him, with icy calmness, the things which had been borrowed + from his property-room, asking for them one by one. + </p> + <p> + “I have already told you,” cried Pollux, “that it is not I, but the + illustrious Roman—you know as well as I do, who he is—who is + answerable for the silver quiver and the torn chiton.” And he began to + tell him how Antinous had commanded him, in the name of his master, to + find masks and disguises for them both. But Papias cut off his speech at + the very beginning, and vehemently demanded the restoration of his quiver + and bow, of which Pollux could not work out the value in two years. The + young man whose heart and thoughts were at Lochias and who, at any cost, + did not want to be detained longer than was necessary, begged his master, + with all possible politeness, to let him go now, and to settle the matter + with him to-morrow after he had discussed it with the Roman, from whom he + might certainly demand any compensation he chose. But when Papias + interrupted him again and again, and obstinately insisted on the immediate + restoration of his property, the artist whose blood was easily heated, + grew angry and replied to the attacks and questions of the older man with + vehement response. + </p> + <p> + One angry word led to another, and at last Papias hinted of persons who + took possession of other person’s silver goods, and when Pollux retorted + that he knew of some who could put forward the works of others as their + own, the master struck his fist upon the table, and going towards the door + he cried out, as soon as he was at a safe distance from the furious lad’s + powerful fists: + </p> + <p> + “Thief! I will show you how fellows like you are dealt with in + Alexandria.” + </p> + <p> + Pollux turned white with rage, and rushed upon Papias, who fled, and + before Pollux could reach him he had taken refuge behind the two guards + sent by the magistrate, and who were waiting in the antechamber. + </p> + <p> + “Seize the thief!” he cried. “Hold the villain who stole my silver quiver + and now raises his hand against his master. Bind him, fetter him, carry + him off to prison.” + </p> + <p> + Pollux did not know what had come upon him; he stood like a bear that has + been surrounded by hunters; doubtful but at bay. Should he fling himself + upon his pursuers and fell them to the earth? should he passively await + impending fate? + </p> + <p> + He knew every stone in his master’s house; the anteroom in which he stood, + and indeed the whole building was on the ground floor. In the minute while + the guards were approaching and his master was giving the order to the + lictor, his eye fell on a window which looked out upon the street, and + possessed only by the single thought of defending his liberty and + returning quickly to Arsinoe he leaped out of the opening which promised + safety and into the street below. + </p> + <p> + “Thief—stop thief!” he heard as he flew on with long strides; and + like the pelting of rain driven by all the four winds came from all sides + the senseless, odious, horrible cry: “Stop thief!—stop thief!” it + seemed to deprive him of his senses. + </p> + <p> + But the passionate cry of his heart: “To Lochias, to Arsinoe! keep free, + save your liberty if only to be of use at Lochias!” drowned the shouts of + his pursuers and urged him through the streets that led to the old palace. + </p> + <p> + On he went faster and farther, each step a leap; the briny breeze from the + sea already fanned his glowing cheeks and the narrow empty street yonder + he well knew led to the quay by the King’s harbor, where he could hide + from his pursuers among the tall piles of wood. He was just turning the + corner into the alley when an Egyptian ox-driver threw his goad between + his legs; he stumbled, fell to the ground, and instantly felt that a dog + which had rushed upon him was tearing the chiton he wore, while he was + seized by a number of men. An hour later and he found himself in prison, + bitten, beaten, and bound among a crew of malefactors and real thieves. + </p> + <p> + Night had fallen. His parents were waiting for him and he came not; and in + Lochias which he had not been able to reach there were misery and trouble + enough, and the only person in the world who could carry comfort to + Arsinoe in her despair was absent and nowhere to be found. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> + <p> + The story told by Mastor which had so greatly agitated Pollux and had + prompted him to his mad flight was the history of events which had taken + place in the steward’s rooms during the hours when the young artist was + helping his parents to transfer their household belongings into his + sister’s tiny dwelling. Keraunus was certainly not one of the most + cheerful of men, but on the morning when Sabina came to the palace and the + gate-keeper was driven from his home, he had worn the aspect of a + thoroughly-contented man. + </p> + <p> + Since visiting Selene the day before he had given himself no farther + concern about her. She was not dangerously ill and was exceptionally well + taken care of, and the children did not seem to miss her. Indeed, he + himself did not want her back to-day. He avoided confessing this to + himself it is true, still he felt lighter and freer in the absence of his + grave monitor than he had been for a long time. It would be delightful, he + thought, to go on living in this careless manner, alone with Arsinoe and + the children, and now and again he rubbed his hands and grinned + complacently. When the old slave-woman brought a large dish full of cakes + which he had desired her to buy, and set it down by the side of the + children’s porridge, he chuckled so heartily that his fat person shook and + swayed; and he had very good reason to be happy in his way, for Plutarch + quite early in the morning, had sent a heavy purse of gold pieces for his + ivory cup, and a magnificent bunch of roses to Arsinoe; he might give his + children a treat, buy himself a solid gold fillet, and dress Arsinoe as + finely as though she were the prefect’s favorite daughter. + </p> + <p> + His vanity was gratified in every particular. + </p> + <p> + And what a splendid fellow was the slave who now—with a superbly + reverential bow-presented him with a roast chicken and who was to walk + behind him in the afternoon to the council-chamber. The tall Thessalian + who marched after the Archidikastes to the Hall of justice, carrying his + papers, was hardly grander than his “body-servant.” He had bought him + yesterday at quite a low price. The well-grown Samian was scarcely thirty + years old; he could read and write and was in a position therefore to + instruct the children in these arts; nay, he could even play the lute. His + past, to be sure, was not a spotless record, and it was for that reason + that he had been sold so cheaply. He had stolen things on several + occasions; but the brands and scars which he bore upon his person were + hidden by his new chiton and Keraunus felt in himself the power to cure + him of his evil propensities. + </p> + <p> + After desiring Arsinoe to let nothing he about of any value, for their new + house-mate seemed not to be perfectly honest, he answered his daughter’s + scruples by saying: + </p> + <p> + “It would be better, no doubt, that he should be as honest as the old + skeleton I gave in exchange for him, but I reflect that even if my + body-servant should make away with some of the few drachmae we carry about + with us, I need not repent of having bought him, since I got him for many + thousand drachmae less than he is worth, on account of his thefts, while a + teacher for the children would have cost more than he can steal from us at + the worst. I will lock up the gold in the chest with my documents. It is + strong and could only be opened with a crow-bar. Besides the fellow will + have left off stealing at any rate at first, for his late master was none + of the mildest and had cured him of his pilfering I should think, once for + all. It is lucky that in selling such rascals we should be compelled to + state what their faults are; if the seller fails to do so compensation + maybe claimed from him by the next owner for what he may lose. Lykophron + certainly concealed nothing, and setting aside his thieving propensities + the Samian is said to be in every respect a capital fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “But father,” replied Arsinoe, her anxiety once more urging her to speak, + “it is a bad thing to have a dishonest man in the house.” + </p> + <p> + “You know nothing about it child!” answered Keraunus. “To us to live and + to be honest are the same thing, but a slave!—King Antiochus is said + to have declared that the man who wishes to be well served must employ + none but rascals.” + </p> + <p> + When Arsinoe had been tempted out on to the balcony by her lover’s snatch + of song and had been driven in again by her father, the steward had not + reproved her in any way unkindly, but had stroked her cheeks and said with + a smile: “I rather fancy that lad of the gatekeeper’s—whom I once + turned out of doors has had his eye on you since you were chosen for + Roxana. Poor wretch! But we have very different suitors in view for you my + little girl. How would it be, think you, if rich Plutarch had sent you + those roses, not on his own behalf but as a greeting on the part of his + son? I know that he is very desirous of marrying him but the fastidious + man has never yet thought any Alexandrian girl good enough for him.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know him, and he does not think of a poor thing like me,” said + Arsinoe. + </p> + <p> + “Do you think not?” asked Keraunus smiling. “We are of as good family, nay + of a better than Plutarch, and the fairest is a match for the wealthiest. + What would you say child to a long flowing purple robe and a chariot with + white horses, and runners in front?” + </p> + <p> + At breakfast Keraunus drank two cups of strong wine, in which he allowed + Arsinoe to mix only a few drops of water. While his daughter was curling + his hair a swallow flew into the room; this was a good omen and raised the + steward’s spirits. Dressed in his best and with a well-filled purse, he + was on the point of starting for the council-chamber with his new slave + when Sophilus the tailor and his girl-assistant were shown into the + living-room. The man begged to be allowed to try the dress, ordered for + Roxana by the prefect’s wife, on the steward’s daughter. Keraunus received + him with much condescension and allowed him to bring in the slave who + followed him with a large parcel of dresses,—and Arsinoe, who was + with the children, was called. + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe was embarrassed and anxious and would far rather have yielded her + part to another; still, she was curious about the new dresses. The tailor + begged her to allow her maid to dress her; his assistant would help her + because the dresses which were only slightly stitched together for trying + on, were cut, not in the Greek but in the Oriental fashion. + </p> + <p> + “Your waiting woman,” he added turning to Arsinoe, “will be able to learn + to-day the way to dress you on the great occasion.” + </p> + <p> + “My daughter’s maid,” said Keraunus, winking slily at Arsinoe, “is not in + the house.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I require no help,” cried the tailor’s girl. “I am handy too at + dressing hair, and I am most glad to help such a fair Roxana.” + </p> + <p> + “And it is a real pleasure to work for her,” added Sophilus. “Other young + ladies are beautified by what they wear, but your daughter adds beauty to + all she wears.” + </p> + <p> + “You are most polite,” said Keraunus, as Arsinoe and her handmaid left the + room. + </p> + <p> + “We learn a great deal by our intercourse with people of rank,” replied + the tailor. “The illustrious ladies who honor me with their custom like + not only to see but to hear what is pleasing. Unfortunately there are + among them some whom the gods have graced with but few charms, and they, + strangely enough, crave the most flattering speeches. But the poor always + value it more than the rich when benevolence is shown them.” + </p> + <p> + “Well said,” cried Keraunus. “I myself am but indifferently well off for a + man of family, and am glad to live within my moderate means—so that + my daughter—” + </p> + <p> + “The lady Julia has chosen the costliest stuffs for her; as is fitting—as + the occasion demands,” said the tailor. “Quite right, at the same time—” + </p> + <p> + “Well, my lord?” + </p> + <p> + “The grand occasion will be over and my daughter, now that she is grown + up, ought to be seen at home and in the street in suitable and handsome, + though not costly, clothes. + </p> + <p> + “I said just now, true beauty needs no gaudy raiment.” + </p> + <p> + “Would you be disposed now, to work for me at a moderate price?” + </p> + <p> + “With pleasure; nay, I shall be indebted to her, for all the world will + admire Roxana and inquire who may be her tailor.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a very reasonable and right-minded man. What now would you charge + for a dress for her?” + </p> + <p> + “That we can discuss later.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, I beg you sincerely—” + </p> + <p> + “First let me consider what you want. Simple dresses are more difficult, + far more difficult to make, and yet become a handsome woman better than + rich and gaudy robes. But can any man make a woman understand it? I could + tell you a tale of their folly! Why many a woman who rides by in her + chariot wears dresses and gems to conceal not merely her own limbs, but + the poverty-stricken condition of her house.” + </p> + <p> + Thus, and in this wise did Keraunus and the tailor converse, while the + assistant plaited up Arsinoe’s hair with strings of false pearls that she + had brought with tier, and fitted and pinned on her the costly white and + blue silk robes of an Asiatic princess. At first Arsinoe was very still + and timid. She no longer cared to dress for any one but Pollux; but the + garments prepared for her were wonderfully pretty—and how well the + fitter knew how to give effect to her natural advantages. While the + neat-handed woman worked busily and carefully many merry jests passed + between them—many sincere and hearty words of admiration—and + before long Arsinoe had become quite excited and took pleased interest in + the needle-woman’s labors. + </p> + <p> + Every bough that is freshly decked by spring seems to feel gladness, and + the simple child who was to-day so splendidly dressed was captivated by + pleasure in her own beauty, and its costly adornment which delighted her + beyond measure. Arsinoe now clapped her hands with delight, now had the + mirror handed to her, and now, with all the frankness of a child, + expressed her satisfaction not only with the costly clothes she wore, but + with her own surprisingly grand appearance in them. + </p> + <p> + The dress-maker was enchanted with her, proud and delighted, and could not + resist the impulse to give a kiss to the charming girl’s white, + beautifully round throat. + </p> + <p> + “If only Pollux could see me so!” thought Arsinoe. “After the performance + perhaps I might show myself in my dress to Selene, and then she would + forgive my taking part in the show. It is really a pleasure to look so + nice!” + </p> + <p> + The children all stood round her while she was being dressed, and shouted + with admiration each time some new detail of the princess’s attire was + added. Helios begged to be allowed to feel her dress, and after satisfying + herself that his little hands were clean she stroked them over the + glistening white silk. + </p> + <p> + She had now advanced so far that her father and the tailor could be called + in. She felt remarkably content and happy. Drawn up to her tallest, like a + real king’s daughter, and yet with a heart beating as anxiously as that of + any girl would who is on the point of displaying her beauty—hitherto + protected and hidden in her parents’ home—to the thousand eyes of + the gaping multitude, she went towards the sitting-room; but she drew back + her hand she had put forth to raise the latch, for she heard the voices of + several men who must just now have joined her father. + </p> + <p> + “Wait a little while, there are visitors,” she cried to the seamstress who + had followed her, and she put her ear to the door to listen. At first she + could not make out anything that was going on, but the end of the strange + conversation that was being carried on within was so hideously + intelligible that she could never forget it so long as she lived. + </p> + <p> + Her father had ordered two new dresses for her, beating down the price + with the promise of prompt payment, when Mastor came into the steward’s + room and informed Keraunus that his master and Gabinius, the + curiosity-dealer from Nicaea, wished to speak with him. + </p> + <p> + “Your master,” said Keraunus haughtily, “may come in; I think that he + regrets the injury he has done me; but Gabinius shall never cross this + threshold again, for he is a scoundrel.” + </p> + <p> + “It would be as well that you should desire that man to leave you for the + present,” said the slave, pointing to the tailor. + </p> + <p> + “Whoever comes to visit me,” said the steward loftily, “must be satisfied + to meet any one whom I permit to enter my house.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay,” said the slave urgently, “my master is a greater man than you + think. Beg this man to leave the room.” + </p> + <p> + “I know, I know very well,” said Keraunus with a smile. “Your master is an + acquaintance of Caesar’s. But we shall see, after the performance that is + about to take place, which of us two Caesar will decide for. This tailor + has business here and will stay at my pleasure. Sit in the corner there, + my friend.” + </p> + <p> + “A tailor!” cried Mastor, horrified. “I tell you he must go.” + </p> + <p> + “He must!” asked Keraunus wrathfully. “A slave dares to give orders in my + house? We will see.” + </p> + <p> + “I am going,” interrupted the artisan who understood the case. “No + unpleasantness shall arise here on my account, I will return in a quarter + of an hour.” + </p> + <p> + “You will stay,” commanded Keraunus. “This insolent Roman seems to think + that Lochias belongs to him; but I will show him who is master here.” + </p> + <p> + But Mastor paid no heed to these words spoken in a high pitch; he took the + tailor’s hand and led him out, whispering to him: + </p> + <p> + “Come with me if you wish to escape an evil hour.” + </p> + <p> + The two men went off and Keraunus did not detain the artisan, for it + occurred to his mind that his presence did him small credit. He purposed + to show himself in all his dignity to the overbearing architect, but he + also remembered that it was not advisable to provoke unnecessarily the + mysterious bearded stranger, with the big clog. Much excited, and not + altogether free from anxiety, he paced up and down his room. To give + himself courage he hastily filled a cup from the wine-jar that stood on + the breakfast table, emptied it, refilled it and drank it off a second + time without adding any water, and then stood with his arms folded and a + strong color in his face awaiting his enemy’s visit. + </p> + <p> + The Emperor walked in with Gabinius. Keraunus expected some greeting, but + Hadrian spoke not a word, cast a glance at him of the utmost contempt and + passed by him without taking any more notice of him than if he had been a + pillar or a piece of furniture. The blood mounted to the steward’s head + and heated his eyes and for fully a minute he strove in vain to find words + to give utterance to his rage. Gabinius paid no more heed to Keraunus than + the Roman had done. He walked on ahead and paused in front of the mosaic + for which he had offered so high a price, and over which a few days since + he had been so sharply dealt with by the steward. + </p> + <p> + “I would beg you,” he said, “to look at this masterpiece.” + </p> + <p> + The Emperor looked at the ground, but hardly had he begun to study the + picture, of which he quite understood and appreciated the beauty, when + just behind him he heard in a hoarse voice these words uttered with + difficulty: + </p> + <p> + “In Alexandria—it is the custom, to greet—to say something—to + the people you visit.” Hadrian half turned his head towards the speaker + and said indifferently but with strong and insulting contempt: + </p> + <p> + “In Rome too it is the custom to greet honest people.” Then looking down + again at the mosaic he said, “Exquisite, exquisite an inestimable and + precious work.” At Hadrian’s words Keraunus’ eyes almost started out of + his head. His face was crimson and his lips pale; he went close up to him + and as soon as he had found breath to speak he said: + </p> + <p> + “What have you—what are your words intended to convey?” + </p> + <p> + Hadrian turned suddenly and full upon the steward; in his eyes sparkled + that annihilating fire which few could endure to gaze on and his deep + voice rolled sullenly through the room as he said to the miserable man: + </p> + <p> + “My words are intended to convey that you have been an unfaithful steward, + that I know what you would rather I should not know, that I have learned + how you deal with the property entrusted to you, that you—” + </p> + <p> + “That I?”—cried the steward trembling with rage and stepping close + up to the Emperor. + </p> + <p> + “That you,” shouted Hadrian in his face, “tried to sell this picture to + this man; in short that you are a simpleton and a scoundrel into the + bargain.” + </p> + <p> + “I—I,” gasped Keraunus slapping his hand on his fat chest. “I—a—a—but + you shall repent of these words.” + </p> + <p> + Hadrian laughed coldly and scornfully, but Keraunus sprang on Gabinius + with a wonderful agility for his size, clutched him by the collar of his + chiton and shook the feeble little man as if he were a sapling, shrieking + meanwhile: + </p> + <p> + “I will choke you with your own lies—serpent, mean viper!” + </p> + <p> + “Madman!” cried Hadrian “leave hold of the Ligurian or by Sirius you shall + repent it.” + </p> + <p> + “Repent it?” gasped the steward. “It will be your turn to repent when + Caesar comes. Then will come a day of reckoning with false witnesses, + shameless calumniators who disturb peaceful households, while credulous + idiots—” + </p> + <p> + “Man, man,” interrupted Hadrian, not loudly but sternly and ominously, + “you know not to whom you speak.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh I know you—I know you only too well. But I—I—shall I + tell you who I am?” + </p> + <p> + “You—you are a blockhead,” replied the monarch shrugging his + shoulders contemptuously. Then he added calmly, with dignity—almost + with indifference: + </p> + <p> + “I am Caesar.” + </p> + <p> + At these words the steward’s hand dropped from the chiton of the + half-throttled dealer. Speechless and with a glassy stare he gazed in + Hadrian’s face for a few seconds. Then he suddenly started, staggered + backwards, uttered a loud choking, gurgling, nameless cry, and fell back + on the floor like a mass of rock shaken from its foundations by an + earthquake. The room shook again with his fall. + </p> + <p> + Hadrian was startled and when he saw him lying motionless at his feet he + bent over him—less from pity than from a wish to see what was the + matter with him; for he had also dabbled in medicine. Just as he was + lifting the fallen man’s hand to feel his pulse Arsinoe rushed into the + room. She had heard the last words of the antagonists with breathless + anxiety and her father’s fall and now threw herself on her knees by the + side of the unhappy man, just opposite to Hadrian, and as his distorted + and grey-white face told her what had occurred she broke out in a + passionate cry of anguish. Her brothers and sisters followed at her heels, + and when they saw their favorite sister bewailing herself they followed + her example without knowing at first what Arsinoe was crying for, but soon + with terror and horror at their father lying there stiff and disfigured. + The Emperor, who had never had either son or daughter of his own, found + nothing so intolerable as the presence of crying children. However he + endured the wailing and whimpering that surrounded him till he had + ascertained the condition of the man lying on the ground before him. + </p> + <p> + “He is dead,” he said in a few minutes. “Cover his face, Master.” + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe and the children broke out afresh, and Hadrian glanced down at + them with annoyance. When his eye fell on Arsinoe, whose costly robe, + merely pinned and slightly stitched together had come undone with the + vehemence of her movements and were hanging as flapping rags in tumbled + disorder, he was disgusted with the gaudy fluttering trumpery which + contrasted so painfully with the grief of the wearer, and turning his back + on the fair girl he quitted the chamber of misery. + </p> + <p> + Gabinius followed him with a hideous smirk. He had directed the Emperor’s + attention to the mosaic pavement in the steward’s room, and had + shamelessly accused Keraunus of having offered to sell him a work that + belonged to the palace, contrasting his conduct with his own rectitude. + Now the calumniated man was dead, and the truth could never come to light; + this was necessarily a satisfaction to the miserable man, but he derived + even greater pleasure from the reflection that Arsinoe could not now fill + the part of Roxana, and that consequently there was once more a + possibility that it might devolve on his daughter. + </p> + <p> + Hadrian walked on in front of him, silent and thoughtful. Gabinius + followed him into his writing-room, and there said with fulsome + smoothness: + </p> + <p> + “Ah, great Caesar, thus do the gods punish with a heavy hand the crimes of + the guilty.” + </p> + <p> + Hadrian did not interrupt him, but he looked him keenly and enquiringly in + the face, and then said, gravely, but coolly: + </p> + <p> + “It seems to me, man, that I should do well to break off my connection + with you, and to give some other dealer the commissions which I proposed + to entrust to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Caesar!” stammered Gabinius, “I really do not know—” + </p> + <p> + “But I do know,” interrupted the Emperor. “You have attempted to mislead + me, and throw your own guilt on the shoulders of another.” + </p> + <p> + “I—great Caesar? I have attempted—” began the Ligurian, while + his pinched features turned an ashy grey. “You accused the steward of a + dishonorable trick,” replied Hadrian. “But I know men well, and I know + that no thief ever yet died of being called a scoundrel. It is only + undeserved disgrace that can cost a man’s life.” + </p> + <p> + “Keraunus was full-blooded, and the shock when he learnt that you were + Caesar—” + </p> + <p> + “That shock accelerated the end no doubt,” interrupted the monarch, “but + the mosaic in the steward’s room is worth a million of sesterces, and now + I have seen enough to be quite sure that you are not the man to save your + money when a work like that mosaic is offered you for sale—be the + circumstances what they may. If I see the case rightly, it was Keraunus + who refused your demand that he should resign to you the treasure in his + charge. Certainly, that was the case exactly! Now, leave me. I wish to be + alone.” + </p> + <p> + Gabinius retired with many bows, walking backwards to the door, and then + turned his back on the palace of Lochias muttering many impotent curses as + he went. + </p> + <p> + The steward’s new ‘body-servant,’ the old black woman, Mastor, the tailor + and his slave, helped Arsinoe to carry her father’s lifeless body and lay + it on a couch, and the slave closed his eyes. He was dead—so each + told the despairing girl, but she would not, could not believe it. As soon + as she was alone with the old negress and the dead, she lifted up his + heavy, clumsy arm, and as soon as she let go her hold it fell by his side + like lead. She lifted the cloth from the dead man’s face, but she flung it + over him again at once, for death had drawn his features. Then she kissed + his cold hand and brought the children in and made them do the same, and + said sobbing: + </p> + <p> + “We have no father now; we shall never, never see him again.” + </p> + <p> + The little blind boy felt the dead body with his hands, and asked his + sister: + </p> + <p> + “Will he not wake again to-morrow morning and make you curl his hair, and + take me up on his knee?” + </p> + <p> + “Never, never; he is gone, gone for ever.” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke Mastor entered the room, sent by his master. Yesterday had he + not heard from the overseer of the pavement-workers the comforting tidings + that after our grief and suffering here on earth there would be another, + beautiful, blissful and eternal life? He went kindly up to Arsinoe and + said: + </p> + <p> + “No, no, my children; when we are dead we become beautiful angels with + colored wings, and all who have loved each other here on earth will meet + again in the presence of the good God.” + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe looked at the slave with disapproval. + </p> + <p> + “What is the use,” she asked, “of cheating the children with silly tales? + Their father is gone, quite gone, but we will never, never forget him.” + </p> + <p> + “Are there any angels with red wings?” asked the youngest little girl. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I want to be an angel!” cried Helios, clapping his hands. “And can + the angels see?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, dear little man,” replied Mastor, “and their eyes are wonderfully + bright, and all they look upon is beautiful.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell them no more Christian nonsense,” begged Arsinoe. “Ah! children, + when we shall have burned our father’s body there will be nothing left of + him but a few grey ashes.” + </p> + <p> + But the slave took the little blind boy on his knees and whispered to him: + </p> + <p> + “Only believe what I tell you—you will see him again in Heaven.” + </p> + <p> + Then he set him down again, gave Arsinoe a little bag of gold pieces in + Caesar’s name, and begged her—for so his master desired—to + find a new abode and, after the deceased was burned on the morrow, to quit + Lochias with the children. When Mastor was gone Arsinoe opened the chest, + in which lay her father’s papyri and the money that Plutarch had paid for + the ivory cup, put in the heavy purse sent by the Emperor, comforting + herself while her tears flowed, with the reflection that she and the + children were provided at any rate against immediate want. + </p> + <p> + But where was she to go with the little ones? Where could she hope to find + a refuge at once? What was to become of them when all they now possessed + was spent. The gods be thanked! she was not forlorn; she still had + friends. She could find protection and love with Pollux and look to dame + Doris for motherly counsel. + </p> + <p> + She quickly dried her eyes and changed the remains of her splendor for the + dark dress in which she was accustomed to work at the papyrus factory; + then, as soon as she had taken the pearls out of her hair, she went down + to the little gate-house. + </p> + <p> + She was only a few steps from the door—but why did not the Graces + come springing out to meet her? Why did she see no birds, no flowers in + the window? Was she deceived, was she dreaming or was she tricked by some + evil spirit? The door of the dear home-like little dwelling was wide open + and the sitting-room was absolutely empty, not a chattel was left behind, + forgotten—not a leaf from a plant was lying on the ground; for dame + Doris, in her tidy fashion, had swept out the few rooms where she had + grown grey in peace and contentment as carefully as though she were to + come into them again to-morrow. + </p> + <p> + What had happened here? Where were her friends gone? A great terror came + over her, all the misery of desolation fell upon her, and as she sank upon + the stone bench outside the gate-house to wait for the inhabitants who + must presently return, the tears again flowed from her eyes and fell in + heavy drops on her hands as they lay in her lap. + </p> + <p> + She was still sitting there, thinking with a throbbing heart of Pollux and + of the happy morning of this now dying day, when a troup of Moorish slaves + came towards the deserted house. The head mason who led them desired her + to rise from the bench, and in answer to her questions, told her that the + little building was to be pulled down, and that the couple who had + inhabited it were evicted from their post, turned out of doors and had + gone elsewhere with all their belongings. But where Doris and her son had + taken themselves no one knew. Arsinoe as she heard these tidings felt like + a sailor whose vessel has grounded on a rocky shore, and who realizes with + horror that every plank and beam be neath him quivers and gapes. As usual, + when she felt too weak to help herself unaided, her first thought was of + Selene, and she decided to hasten off to her and to ask her what she could + do, what was to become of her and the children. + </p> + <p> + It was already growing dark. With a swift step, and drying her eyes from + time to time on her peplum as she went, she returned to her own room to + fetch a veil, without which she dared not venture so late into the + streets. On the steps—where the dog had thrown down Selene—she + met a man hurrying past her; in the dim light she fancied he bore some + resemblance to the slave that her father had bought the day before; but + she paid no particular heed, for her mind was full of so many other + things. In the kitchen sat the old negress in front of a lamp and the + children squatted round her; by the hearth sat the baker and the butcher, + to whom her father owed considerable sums and who had come to claim their + dues, for ill news has swifter wings than good tidings, and they had + already heard of the steward’s death. Arsinoe took the lamp, begged the + men to wait, went into the sitting-room, passing, not without a shudder, + the body of the man who a few hours since had stroked her cheeks and + looked lovingly into her eyes. + </p> + <p> + How glad she felt to be able to pay her dead father’s debts and save the + honor of his name! She confidently drew the key out of her pocket and went + up to the chest. What was this? She knew, quite positively, that she had + locked it before going out and yet it was now standing wide open; the lid, + thrown back, hung askew by one hinge; the other was broken. A dread, a + hideous suspicion, froze her blood; the lamp trembled in her hand as she + leaned over the chest which ought to have contained every thing she + possessed. There lay the old documents, carefully rolled together, side by + side, but the two bags with Plutarch’s money and the Emperor’s, had + vanished. She took out one roll after another; then she tossed them all + out on to the floor till the bottom of the chest was bare—but the + gold was really gone, nowhere to be found. + </p> + <p> + The new slave had forced open the lid of the chest and stolen the whole + possessions of the orphans of the man who, to gratify his own vanity, had + brought him into the house. + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe screamed aloud, called in her creditors, explained to them all + that had occurred and implored them to pursue the thief; and when they + only listened to her with an incredulous shrug, she swore that she was + speaking the truth, and promised that whether the slave were caught or not + she would pay them with the price of her own and her father’s personal + ornaments. She knew the name of the dealer of whom her father had bought + the slave and told it to the unsatisfied dealers, who at last left her to + follow up the thief as promptly as possible. + </p> + <p> + Once more Arsinoe was alone. Tearless, but shivering and scarcely mistress + of herself from misery and agitation, she took out her veil, flung it over + her head, and hurried through the court and along the streets to her + sister. + </p> + <p> + Verily, since Sabina’s visit to the palace all good spirits had deserted + it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. + </h2> + <p> + In a perfectly dark spot by the wall of the widow’s garden, stood the + cynic philosopher who had met Antinous with so little courtesy, defending + himself eagerly, but in low tones against the rebukes of another man, who, + dressed, like himself in a ragged cloak and bearing a beggar’s wallet, + appeared to be one of the same kidney. + </p> + <p> + “Do not deny,” said the latter, “that you cling much to the Christians.” + </p> + <p> + “But hear me out,” urged the other. + </p> + <p> + “I need hear nothing, for I have seen you for the tenth time sneaking in + to one of their meetings.” + </p> + <p> + “And do I deny it? Do I not honestly confess that I seek truth wherever I + may, where I see even a gleam of hope of finding it?” + </p> + <p> + “Like the Egyptian who wanted to catch the miraculous fish, and at last + flung his hook into the sand.” + </p> + <p> + “The man acted very wisely.” + </p> + <p> + “What now!” + </p> + <p> + “A marvel is not to be found just where everything else is. In hunting for + truth you must not be afraid of a bog.” + </p> + <p> + “And the Christian doctrine seems to be very much such a muddy thicket.” + </p> + <p> + “Call it so for aught I care.” + </p> + <p> + “Then beware lest you find yourself sticking in the morass.” + </p> + <p> + “I will take care of myself.” + </p> + <p> + “You said just now that there were decent folks among them.” + </p> + <p> + “A few no doubt. But the others! eternal gods! mere slaves, beggars, + ruined handicraftstmen, common people, untaught and unphilosophical + brains, and women, for the most part.” + </p> + <p> + “Avoid them then.” + </p> + <p> + “You ought to be the last to give me that advice.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + The other went close up to him and asked him in a whisper: + </p> + <p> + “Why, where do you suppose I get the money with which I pay for our food + and lodging?” + </p> + <p> + “So long as you do not steal it, it is all the same to me.” + </p> + <p> + “If I had no more, you would ask the question fast enough.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not, we strive after virtue and ought to do everything to + render ourselves independent of nature and her cravings. But to be sure + she often asserts her rights—to return then: where do you get the + money?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, it burns in the purses of the people in there. It is their duty to + give to the poor, and to tell the truth, their pleasure also; and so week + by week they give me a few drachmae for my suffering brother.” + </p> + <p> + “Bah! you are the only son of your father, and he is dead.” + </p> + <p> + “‘All men are brethren’ say the Christians, consequently I may call you + mine without lying.” + </p> + <p> + “Join them then for aught I care,” laughed the other. “How would it be if + I followed you among the Christians? Perhaps they would give me weekly + money too, for my suffering brother, and then we could have double meals.” + </p> + <p> + The cynics laughed loudly and parted; one went back into the city, the + other into the garden belonging to the Christian widow. + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe had entered here before the dishonest philosopher and had gone + straight to Hannah’s house without being detained by the gate-keeper. As + she got nearer to her destination, she tried more and more earnestly to + devise some way in which she might inform her sister of all the dreadful + things that had happened, and which she must learn sooner or later, + without giving her too great a shock. Her dread was not much less than her + grief. As she reflected on the last few days and on all that had occurred, + it almost seemed as though she herself had been the cause of the + misfortunes of her family. + </p> + <p> + On the way to see Selene she could shed no tears, but she could not help + softly moaning to herself now and then. A woman, who for some distance had + kept pace with her, thought she must be suffering some severe bodily pain, + and when the girl passed her, she looked after her with sincere + compassion, the wailing of the desolate young creature had sounded so + piteous. + </p> + <p> + True, midway, Arsinoe had suddenly stopped and had thought that instead of + going to Selene for advice, she would turn round and seek Pollux and ask + him to help her. The thought of her lover forced its way through all her + sorrow and anxiety, through the reproaches she heaped upon herself and the + vague plans floating in the air which her brain—unaccustomed to any + serious thought, vainly tried to sketch for the future. He was kind, and + would certainly be ready to help her; but maidenly modesty held her back + from seeking him at so late an hour; besides, how could she discover him + or his parents? + </p> + <p> + The place where her sister was she was now familiar with, and no one could + judge of their position better or give sounder counsel than prudent + Selene. So she had not turned round, but had hurried on to reach her + destination as soon as possible; and now she was standing before the + little house in the garden. Before opening the door she once more + considered in what way she could prepare Selene and tell her terrible + news, and, as all that happened stood vividly before her mind’s eye, she + began to weep once more. + </p> + <p> + In front of her, and following her, men and veiled women, singly or in + couples or in larger groups, passed into Paulina’s garden. They came from + workshops and writing-rooms, from humble houses in narrow lanes, and from + the handsomest and largest in the main street. Each and all, from the + wealthy merchant down to the slave who could not call the coarse tunic or + scanty apron that he wore, his own, walked gravely and with a certain + dignified reserve. All who met within that gate greeted each other as + friends; the master gave a brotherly kiss to the servant, the slave to his + owner; for the congregation to which they all belonged was as one body, + animated and dwelt in by Christ, so that each member was esteemed as equal + to the others however different their gifts of body or mind might be, or + the worldly possessions with which they were endowed. Before God and his + Saviour the rich ship-owner or the grey-haired sage stood no higher than + the defenceless widow and the ignorant slave crippled with blows. Still, + the members of the community submitted to those more implicitly than to + these, for the special talents which graced certain superior Christians + were gifts of grace from the Lord, readily acknowledged as such and, so + far as they concerned the inner man, deemed worthy of honor. + </p> + <p> + On Sunday, the day of the Resurrection of the Lord, all Christians, + without exception, visited their place of assembly for divine worship. + To-day, being the middle of the week, all who could or chose came to the + love-feast at Paulina’s suburban house. She herself dwelt in the city and + she had placed the banqueting hall of her villa, which would hold more + than a hundred souls, at the disposal of her fellow Christians in that + quarter of the town. The regular service was held in the morning, but + after the day’s labor was ended the Christians met at one table to have an + evening meal in common, or—on other occasions to partake of the + sacramental supper. After sunset the elders, deacons, and deaconesses—most + of whom, so long as it was light, had secular work to attend to—met + to take counsel together. + </p> + <p> + Paulina, the widow of Pudeus and sister of Pontius the architect, was a + woman of considerable property and at the same time a prudent steward, who + did not consider herself justified in seriously impairing her son’s + inheritance. This son was residing at Smyrna as a partner in an uncle’s + business, and always avoided Alexandria, as he did not like his mother’s + intercourse with the Christians. Paulina took the most anxious care not to + make any inroads on the capital intended for him, and never allowed her + hospitality to her fellow-believers to cost her any more than it did the + other wealthy members of the circle that met at her house. There the rich + brought more than they needed for themselves and the poor were always + welcome; not feeling themselves oppressed by the benevolence they profited + by, for they were often told that their entertainer was not a mortal, but + the Saviour, who invited each one who followed him faithfully to be his + guest. + </p> + <p> + The hour was approaching which would summon dame Hannah to join the + assembly of her fellow Christians. She could not fail to appear, for she + was one of the deaconesses entrusted with the distribution of alms and the + care of the sick. She noiselessly made her preparations for going, + carefully setting the lamp behind the water-pitcher so that it should not + dazzle Selene, and she desired Mary to be exact in administering the + medicine to her patient. She knew that the girl had yesterday attempted to + make away with herself, and guessed the cause; but she asked no questions + and disturbed the poor child, who slept a good deal or lay dreaming with + open eyes, as little as possible. The old physician wondered at her sound + constitution, for since her plunge into the water the fever had left her + and even the injured foot was not much the worse. Hannah might now hope + the best for Selene if no unforeseen contingency checked her recovery. To + prevent this the unfortunate girl was never to be left alone, and Mary had + gladly agreed with her friend to fill her place whenever she was obliged + to leave the house. + </p> + <p> + The meeting of the elders and guardians had already begun when Hannah took + her tablets in her hand, on which was noted the distribution she had made + of the money entrusted to her during the last week. She greeted the sick + girl and Mary with a kindly look and whispered to the deformed girl: + </p> + <p> + “I will think of thee in my prayers thou faithful soul. There is some food + in the little cupboard—not much, for we must be sparing, the last + medicine was so dear.” + </p> + <p> + In the little anteroom a lamp was burning which Mary had lighted as it + began to grow dark, and the widow paused for a moment, considering whether + she should not extinguish it to save the oil. She had taken up the tongs + that hung by it, and was about to put it out, when she heard a gentle tap + at the house-door. Before she could enquire who it was that asked + admission at so late an hour, the door was opened and Arsinoe entered the + little hall. Her eyes were still full of tears and she had great + difficulty in finding words to return Hannah’s greeting. + </p> + <p> + “Why what ails you my child?” asked the Christian anxiously when by the + dim light, she saw how tearful and sad the girl looked. Arsinoe was long + before she could answer. At last she collected herself sufficiently to sob + out amid her tears: + </p> + <p> + “Oh dame Hannah! It is all over with us—my father, our poor father—” + </p> + <p> + The widow guessed at the blow that bad fallen on the sisters and full of + anxiety on Selene’s account she interrupted the weeping child saying: + </p> + <p> + “Hush, hush my child-Selene must not hear you. Come out with me and then + you can tell me all.” Once outside the door Hannah put her arm round + Arsinoe drew her towards her, kissed her forehead, and said: + </p> + <p> + “Now speak and tell me every thing; think that I am your mother or your + sister. Poor Selene is still too weak to advise or help you. Take courage. + What happened to your poor father?” + </p> + <p> + “Struck by apoplexy, dead—dead!” wept the girl. “Poor, dear little + orphan,” said the widow in a husky voice and she clasped Arsinoe closely + in her arms. For some time she allowed the girl to weep silently on her + bosom; then she spoke: + </p> + <p> + “Give me your hand my daughter and tell me how it has all happened so + suddenly. Your father was quite well yesterday and now? Yes my girl life + is a grave matter, you have to learn it while you are still young. I know + you have six little brothers and sisters and perhaps you may soon lack + even the necessaries of life. But that is no disgrace; I am certainly even + poorer than you and yet, by God’s help, I hope to be able to advise you + and perhaps even to assist you. Every thing that I can possibly do shall + be done, but first I must know how matters stand with you and what you + need.” + </p> + <p> + There was so much kindness and consolation in the Christian’s tones, so + much to revive hope that Arsinoe willingly complied with her demand and + began her story. + </p> + <p> + At first, to be sure, her pride shunned confessing how poor, how + absolutely destitute they were; but Hannah’s questions soon brought the + truth to light; and when Arsinoe perceived that the widow understood the + misfortunes of their house in their fullest extent, and that it would be + unavailing to conceal how matters stood with her and the children, she + yielded to the growing impulse to relieve her soul by pouring out her + griefs and described frankly and without reserve the whole position of the + family, to the good woman who listened with attention and sympathy. The + widow asked about each child separately, and ended by enquiring who, in + Arsinoe’s absence, was left in charge of the little ones; and when she + heard that the old slave-woman to whose care the children were entrusted, + was infirm and half-blind, she shook her head thoughtfully. + </p> + <p> + “Here help is needed and at once,” she said decidedly. “You must go back + to the little ones presently. Your sister must not at present hear of your + father’s death; when your future lot is to some extent secure we will tell + her by degrees all that has occurred. Now come with me, it is by the + Lord’s guidance that you came here at the right moment.” + </p> + <p> + Hannah conducted Arsinoe to Paulina’s villa, first into a small room at + the side of the entrance hall, where the deaconesses took off their veils + and their warm wraps in winter evenings. There the girl could be alone, + and safe from inquisitive questionings which could not fail to be painful + to her. Hannah desired her to await her return, and then joined her + colleagues. + </p> + <p> + In order to do so she had to pass through the room where the elders and + deacons were sitting in council. The bishop, who presided over the + assembly, sat on a raised seat at the head of an oblong table, and on his + right hand and his left sat a number of elderly men, some of whom seemed + to be of Jewish or Egyptian extraction but most of them were Greeks. In + these the lofty intellectual brow was conspicuous, in those a bright, + ecstatic expression particularly in the eyes. Hannah went past the + assembly with a reverential greeting into the adjoining room in which the + deaconesses sat waiting, for women were not admitted to join or hear the + deliberations of the elders. The bishop, a fine old man with a full white + beard; raised his kindly eyes as the door closed upon Hannah, fixed them + for a few moments on the tips of his fingers that he had raised and then + addressed the presbyter who had presented for baptism several candidates + who had been grounded during the past year in the Christian faith and + doctrine, as follows: + </p> + <p> + “Most of the catechumens you have presented to me cling faithfully no + doubt to the Redeemer. They believe in Him and love Him. But have they + attained to that sanctification, that new birth in Christ, which alone can + justify us in admitting them through baptism among the lambs of our Good + Shepherd? Let us beware of the tainted sheep which may infect the whole + flock. Verily, in these latter years there has been no lack of them, and + they have been received among us and have brought the name of Christian + into evil repute. Shall I give you an example? There was an Egyptian in + Rhakotis; few seemed to strive so fervently as he for the remission of his + sins. He could fast for many days, and yet no sooner was he baptized than + he broke into a goldsmith’s shop. He was condemned to death, and before + his end he sent for me and confessed to me that in former years he had + soiled his soul with many robberies and murders. He had hoped to win + forgiveness of his sins by the act of baptism, the mere washing in water, + not by repentance and a new birth to a pure and holy life; and he had gone + on boldly in new sin because he confidently hoped that he might again + count on the unwearying mercy of the Saviour. Others again, who had been + brought up in the practice of the ablutions which have to be performed by + those who are initiated into the deeper secrets of the heathen mysteries, + regarded baptism as an act of purification, a mystical process of happy + augury, or at the best a figurative purification of the soul, and crowded + to receive it. Here, in Alexandria, the number of these deluded ones is + especially great; for where could any superstition find a more favorable + soil than in this seat of philosophical half-culture, or over-culture; of + the worship of Serapis, of astrology, of societies of Mystics, of + visionaries and exorcisers, and of incredulity—the twin-sister of + credulity. Be cautious then to hold back from baptism all those who regard + it as a preserving charm or an act of good omen—remembering that the + same water which, sprinkled on sanctified hearts, leads them to holy + living, brings death to the unclean soul. It is your turn to speak, + Irenaeus.” + </p> + <p> + “I only have to say,” began the young Christian thus designated, “that I + have recently met among the catechumens with some who have attached + themselves to us from the basest motives. I mean the idlers who are glad + to receive our alms. Have you noticed here a cynic philosopher whose + starving brother we maintain? Our deacon Clemens has just ascertained that + he is the only son of his father—” + </p> + <p> + “We will investigate this matter more closely when we discuss the + distribution of alms,” replied the bishop. “Here we have petitions from + several women who desire to have their children baptized; this question we + cannot decide here; it must be referred to the next Synod. So far as I am + concerned, I should be inclined not to reject the prayer of the mothers. + Wherein does the utmost aim of the Christian life consist? It seems to me + in being perfectly conformable to the example of the Saviour. And was not + he a Man among men, a Youth among the young, a Child among children? Did + not His existence lend sanctity to every age, and especially childhood? He + commanded that little children should be brought to Him, and He promised + them the Kingdom of Heaven. Wherefore then should we exclude them and deny + them baptism?” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot share your views,” replied a presbyter with a high forehead and + sunken eyes. “We ought no doubt to follow the Saviour, but those who tread + in His steps should do so of their own free choice, out of love for Him, + and after He has sanctified their souls. What is the sense of a new birth + in a life that has scarcely begun. + </p> + <p> + “Your discourse,” replied the bishop, “only confirms my opinion that this + question is one for a higher assembly. We will now close our discussion of + that point, and go on to the care of the poor. Call in the women, my good + Justinius.” + </p> + <p> + The deaconesses came into the room and took seats at the lower end of the + table, Paulina, the widow of Pudeus, taking her place opposite the bishop + in the middle of the other women. She had learnt from Selene’s kind nurse + in what pressing difficulties the children of the deceased steward now + found themselves, and that Hannah had promised to assist them. + </p> + <p> + The deacons first gave their reports of what their works had been among + the poor; after them the women were allowed to speak. Paulina, a tall, + slight woman with black hair faintly streaked with gray, drew from her + dress, which was perfectly plain, but made of particularly soft, fine + white woollen stuff—a tablet that she placed before her, and slowly + raising her eyes and looking at the assembly she said: + </p> + <p> + “Dame Hannah has a melancholy story to tell you, for which I crave your + sympathy. Will you be so good as to allow her to speak?” + </p> + <p> + Paulina seemed to feel that she was the hostess to her brethren. She + looked ill and suffering; a line of pain had settled about her lips, and + there were always dark shades under her eyes; still, there was something + firm and decisive in her voice, and her glance was anything rather than + soft and winning. After her commanding tones Hannah’s tale sounded as soft + as a song. She described the different natures of the two sisters as + lovingly as though they were her own daughters, each in her own way seemed + to her so worthy of compassion, and she spoke with pathetic lament of the + unprotected, helpless orphans abandoned to misery, and among them a pretty + little blind boy. And she ended her speech by saying: + </p> + <p> + “The steward’s second daughter—she is sixteen and so beautiful that + she must be exposed to every temptation—has now the whole charge of + the nourishment and care of her six young brothers and sisters. Ought we + to withhold from them a protecting hand? No, so surely as we love the + Saviour we ought not. You agree with me? Well then, do not let us delay + our help. The second daughter of the deceased Keraunus is here, in this + house; to-morrow early the children must all quit the palace, and now, + while I am speaking, are at home alone and but ill tended.” + </p> + <p> + The Christian woman’s good words fell on kindly soil, and the presbyters + and deacons determined to recommend the congregation who should assemble + at the love-feast to give their assistance to the steward’s children. + </p> + <p> + The elders had still much to discuss, so Hannah and Paulina were charged + with the task of appealing to the hearts of the well-to-do members of the + congregation to provide for the orphans. The poor widow first conducted + her wealthy friend and hostess to the little room where Arsinoe was + waiting with growing impatience. She looked paler than usual but, in spite + of her tear-reddened eyes which she kept fixed on the ground, she was so + lovely, so touchingly lovely, that the mere sight of her moved Paulina’s + heart. She had once had two children, an only daughter besides her son. + The girl bad died in the spring-time of her maidenhood, and Paulina + thought of her at every hour of her life. It was for her sake that she had + been baptized and devoted her existence to a series of painful sacrifices. + She strove with all her might to be a good Christian—for surely she, + the self-denying woman who had taken up the cross of her own free will, + the suffering creature who loved stillness and who had made her + country-house, which she visited daily, a scene of unrest, could not fail + to win Heaven, and there she hoped to meet her innocent child. + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe reminded her of her Helena, who certainly had been far less fair + than the steward’s lovely daughter, but whose image had assumed new and + glorified forms in the mother’s faithful heart. Since her son had left + home for a foreign country she had often asked herself whether she might + not find some young creature to take into her home, to attach to herself, + to bring up as a Christian, and to bring as an offering to her Saviour’s + feet. + </p> + <p> + Her daughter had died a heathen, and nothing troubled Paulina so deeply as + that her soul was lost, and that her own struggling and striving for grace + could not lead her to the goal beyond the grave. No sacrifice seemed too + great to purchase her child’s beatitude, and now, standing before Arsinoe + and looking at her with deep emotion and admiration, she was seized with + an idea which swiftly ripened to resolve. She would win this sweet soul + for the Redeemer, and implore Him with ceaseless prayers to save her + hapless child as a reward for the work of grace in Arsinoe’s soul; and she + felt as if she had signed the compact with the Redeemer, when, fully + determined on this course, she went up to the girl and asked her: + </p> + <p> + “You are quite forlorn, quite without relations?” Arsinoe bowed her head + in assent, and Paulina went on: + </p> + <p> + “And do you bear your loss with resignation?” + </p> + <p> + “What is resignation?” asked the girl modestly. Hannah laid her hand on + the widow’s arm and whispered: + </p> + <p> + “She is a heathen.” + </p> + <p> + “I know it,” said Paulina shortly, and then went on kindly but positively: + </p> + <p> + “You and yours have lost both parents and a home by your father’s death. + You shall find a new home in my house, with me; I ask nothing of you in + return but your love.” + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe looked at the haughty lady in astonishment. She could not yet feel + any impulse of affection towards her, and she did not as yet understand + that what was required of her was the one gift which the best will, the + most loving heart in the world, could not offer at a command. Paulina did + not wait for her reply, but signed to Hannah to follow her to join the + congregation now assembled at the evening meal. + </p> + <p> + A quarter of an hour later the two women returned. The steward’s orphans + were provided for. Two or three Christian families were ready and willing + to take in some of them, and many a kindly house-mother had begged to have + the blind child; but in vain, for Hannah had claimed the right to bring up + the hapless little boy in her own house, at any rate for the present. She + knew how Selene clung to him, and hoped by his presence to be able to work + powerfully on the crushed and chilled heart of the poor girl. + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe did not contravene the arrangements of the two women. She thanked + them, indeed, for she felt that she once more stood on firm ground, but + she also was immediately aware that it would be strewn with sharp stones. + The thought of parting from her little brothers and sisters was terrible + and cruel, and never left her mind for an instant, while, accompanied by + Hannah in person, she made her way back to Lochias. + </p> + <p> + The next morning her kind friend appeared again and led her and the little + troup to Paulina’s town-house. The steward’s creditors divided his little + possessions; nothing but the chest of papyri followed the girl to her new + home. The hour in which the fondly-linked circle of children was riven + asunder, when one child was taken here and another there, was the + bitterest which Arsinoe had ever experienced or ever could experience + through all the after years of her life. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. + </h2> + <p> + A lovely garden adjoined the Caesareum, the palace in which Sabina was + residing. Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the + twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant—the sky and its + infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the + fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an + invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though + placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia. This seat was + screened from the more public paths by bushes; the promenaders who did not + seek Balbilla could not observe her here, but she could command a view, + through a gap in the foliage, of the path, which was strewn with small + shells. + </p> + <p> + To-day, however, the young poetess was far from feeling any curiosity; + instead of gazing at the shrubbery enlivened by birds, at the clear + atmosphere or the sparkling sea, her eyes were fixed on a yellow roll of + papyrus and she was impressing very dry details on her retentive memory. + </p> + <p> + She had determined to keep her word to learn to speak, write, and compose + verses in the Aeolian dialect of the Greek tongue. She had chosen for her + teacher Apollonius, the great grammarian, who was apt to call his scholars + “the dullards;” and the work which was the present object of her studies + was derived from the famous library of the Serapeum, which far exceeded in + completeness that of the Museum since the siege of Julius Caesar in the + Bruchiom, when the great Museum library was burnt. + </p> + <p> + Any one observing Balbilla at her occupation could hardly have believed + that she was studying. There was no fixed effort in her eyes or on her + brow; still, she read line for line, not skipping a single word; only she + did it not like a man who climbs a mountain with sweat on his brow, but + like a lounger who walks in the main street of some great city, and is + charmed at every new and strange thing that meets his eye. Each time she + came upon some form of structure in the book she was reading that had been + hitherto unknown to her, she was so delighted that she clapped her hands + and laughed out softly. Her learned master had never before met with so + cheerful a student, and it annoyed him, for to him science was a serious + matter while she seemed to make a joke of it, as she did of every thing, + and so desecrated it in his eyes. After she had been sitting an hour on + the bench, studying in her own way, she rolled up the book and stood up to + refresh herself a little. Feeling sure that no one could see her, she + stretched herself in all her limbs and then stepped up to the gap in the + shrubbery in order to see who a man in boots might be who was pacing up + and down in the broad path beyond. + </p> + <p> + It was the praetor—and yet it was not! Verus, under this aspect at + any rate, she had never seen till now. Where was the smile that was wont + to twinkle in his merry eye like the sparkle of a diamond and to play + saucily about his lips—where the unwrinkled serenity of his brow and + the defiantly audacious demeanor of his whole handsome person? He was + slowly striding up and down with a gloomy fire in his eye, a deeply-lined + brow, and his head sunk on his breast: and yet it was not bowed with + sorrow. If so, could he have snapped his fingers in the air as he did just + as he passed in front of Balbilla, as much as to say: “Come what may! + to-day I live and laugh the future in the face!” + </p> + <p> + But this vestige of his old reckless audacity did not last longer than the + time it took to part his fingers again, and the next time Verus passed + Balbilla he looked, if possible, more gloomy than before. Something very + unpleasant must have arisen to spoil the good humor of her friend’s + husband; and the poetess was sincerely sorry; for, though she herself had + daily to suffer under the praetor’s impertinence, she always forgave it + for the sake of the graceful form in which he knew how to clothe his + incivilities. + </p> + <p> + Balbilla longed to see Verus content once more, and she therefore came + forth from her hiding place. As soon as he saw her he altered the + expression of his features and cried out as brightly as ever: + </p> + <p> + “Welcome, fairest of the fair!” + </p> + <p> + She made believe not to recognize him, but, as she passed him and bowed + her curly head, she said gravely and in deep tones: + </p> + <p> + “Good day to you, Timon.” + </p> + <p> + “Timon?” he asked, taking her hand. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! is it you, Verus?” she answered, as though surprised. “I thought the + Athenian misanthrope had quitted Hades and come to take the air in this + garden.” + </p> + <p> + “You thought rightly,” replied the praetor. “But when Orpheus sings the + trees dance, the Muse can turn dull, motionless stones into a Bacchante, + and when Balbilla appears Timon is at once transformed into the happy + Verus.” + </p> + <p> + “The miracle does not astonish me,” laughed the girl. “But is it permitted + to ask what dark spirit so effectually produced the contrary result, and + made a Timon of the fair Lucilla’s happy husband?” + </p> + <p> + “I ought rather to beware of letting you see the monster, or our joyous + muse Balbilla might easily become the sinister Hecate. But the malicious + sprite is close at hand, for he is hidden in this little roll.” + </p> + <p> + “A document from Caesar?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! no, only a letter from a Jew.” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly the father of some fair daughter!” + </p> + <p> + “Wrongly guessed—as wrong as possible!” + </p> + <p> + “You excite my curiosity.” + </p> + <p> + “Mine has already been satisfied by this roll. Horace is wise when he says + that man should never trouble himself about the future.” + </p> + <p> + “An oracle!” + </p> + <p> + “Something of the kind.” + </p> + <p> + “And can that darken this lovely morning to you? Did you ever see me + melancholy? Yet my future is threatened by a prophecy—such a hideous + prophecy.” + </p> + <p> + “The fate of men is different to the destiny of women.” + </p> + <p> + “Would you like to hear what was prophesied of me?” + </p> + <p> + “What a question!” + </p> + <p> + “Listen then; the saying I will repeat to you came to me from no less an + oracle than the Delphic Pythia: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “‘That which thou boldest most precious and dear + Shall be torn from thy keeping, + And from the heights of Olympus, + Down shalt thou fall in the dust.’” + </pre> + <p> + “Is that all?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay—two consolatory lines follow.” + </p> + <p> + “And they are—?” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Still the contemplative eye + Discerns under mutable sand drifts + Stable foundations of stone, + Marble and natural rock.” + </pre> + <p> + “And you are inclined to complain of this oracle?” + </p> + <p> + “Is it so pleasant to have to wade through dust? We have enough of that + intolerable nuisance here in Egypt—or am I to be delighted at the + prospect of hurting my feet on hard stones?” + </p> + <p> + “And what do the interpreters say?” + </p> + <p> + “Only silly nonsense.” + </p> + <p> + “You have never found the right one; but I—I see the meaning of the + oracle.” + </p> + <p> + “You?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, I! The stern Balbilla will at last descend from the lofty Olympus of + her high-anti-mightiness and no longer disdain that immutable + foundation-rock, the adoration of her faithful Verus.” + </p> + <p> + “That foundation—that rock!” laughed the girl. “I should think it as + well advised to try to walk on the surface of the sea out there as on that + rock!” + </p> + <p> + “Only try.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not necessary; Lucilla has made the experiment for me. Your + interpretation is wrong; Caesar gave me a far better one.” + </p> + <p> + “What was that?” + </p> + <p> + “That I should give up writing poetry and devote myself to strict + scientific studies. He advised me to try astronomy.” + </p> + <p> + “Astronomy,” repeated Verus, growing graver. “Farewell, fair one; I must + go to Caesar!” + </p> + <p> + “We were with him yesterday at Lochias. How everything is changed there! + The pretty little gate house is gone, there is nothing more to be seen of + all the cheerful bustle of builders and artists, and what were gay + workshops are turned into dull, commonplace halls. The screens in the hall + of the Muses had to go a week ago, and with them the young scatter-brain + who set himself against my curls with so much energy that I was on the + point of sacrificing them—” + </p> + <p> + “Without them you would no longer be Balbilla,” cried Verus eagerly. “The + artist condemns all that is not permanently beautiful, but we are glad to + see any thing that is graceful, and can find pleasure in it with the other + children of the time. The sculptor may dress his goddesses after the + fashion of graver days and the laws of his art, but mortal women—if + he is wise—after the fashion of the day. However, I am heartily + sorry for that clever, genial young fellow. He has offended Caesar and was + turned out of the palace, and now he is nowhere to be found.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” cried Balbilla, full of regret, “poor man—and such a fine + fellow! And my bust? we must seek him out. If the opportunity offers I + will entreat Caesar—” + </p> + <p> + “Hadrian will hear nothing about him. Pollux has offended him deeply.” + </p> + <p> + “From whom do you know that?” + </p> + <p> + “From Antinous.” + </p> + <p> + “We saw him, too, only yesterday,” cried Balbilla, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “If ever a man was permitted to wear the form of a god among mortals, it + is he.” + </p> + <p> + “Romantic creature!” + </p> + <p> + “I know no one who could look upon him with indifference. He is a + beautiful dreamer, and the trace of suffering which we observed yesterday + in his countenance is probably nothing more than the outward expression of + that obscure regret, felt by all that is perfect, for the joy of + development and conscious ripening into an incarnation of the ideal in its + own kind, of which he is an instance in himself.” + </p> + <p> + The poetess spoke the last words in a rapt tone, as if the form of a god + was then and there before her eyes. Verus had listened to her with a + smile, but now he interrupted her, and, holding up a warning finger, he + said: + </p> + <p> + “Poetess, philosopher, and sweetest maiden, beware of descending from your + Olympus for the sake of this boy! When imagination and dreaminess meet + half-way they make a pair which float in the clouds and never even suspect + the existence of that firmer ground of which your oracle speaks.” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense,” said Balbilla crossly. “Before we can fall in love with a + statue, Prometheus must animate it with a soul and fire from heaven.” + </p> + <p> + “But often,” retorted the praetor, “Eros proves to be a substitute for + that unhappy friend of the gods.” + </p> + <p> + “The true or the sham Eros,” asked Balbilla testily. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not the sham Eros,” replied Verus. “On this occasion he merely + plays the part of a kindly monitor, taking the place of Pontius, the + architect, of whom your worthy matron-companion is so much afraid. During + the tumult of the Dionysiac festival you are reported to have carried on + as grave a discussion as any two gray-bearded philosophers walking in the + Stoa among attentive students.” + </p> + <p> + “With intelligent men, no doubt, we talk with intelligence!” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, and with stupid ones gayly. How much reason have I to be thankful + that I am one of the stupid ones. Farewell, till we meet again, fair + Balbilla,” and the praetor hurried off. + </p> + <p> + Outside the Caesareum he got into his chariot and set out for Lochias. The + charioteer held the reins, while he himself gazed at the roll in his hand + which contained the result of the calculations of the astrologer, Rabbi + Simeon Ben Jochai; and this was certainly likely enough to disturb the + cheerfulness of the most reckless of men. + </p> + <p> + When, during the night which preceded the praetor’s birthday, the Emperor + should study the heavens with special reference to the position of the + stars at his birth, he would find that, as far as till the end of the + second hour after midnight all the favorable planets promised Verus a + happy lot, success and distinction. But, with the commencement of the + third hour—so said Ben Jochai—misfortune and death would take + possession of his house of destiny; in the fourth hour his star would + vanish, and anything further that might declare itself in the sky during + that night would have nothing more to do with him, or his destiny. The + Emperor’s star would triumph over his. Verus could make out but little of + the signs and calculations in the tables annexed by the Jew, but that + little confirmed what was told in the written statement. + </p> + <p> + The praetor’s horses carried him swiftly along while he reflected on what + remained for him to do under these unfavorable circumstances, in order not + to be forced to give up entirely the highest goal of his ambition. If the + Rabbi’s observations were accurate—and of this Verus did not for a + moment doubt—all his hopes of adoption were at an end in spite of + Sabina’s support. How should Hadrian choose for his son and successor a + man who was destined to die before him? How could he, Verus, expect that + Caesar should ally his fortunate star with the fatal star of another + doomed to die? + </p> + <p> + These reflections did nothing to help him, and yet he could not escape + from them, till suddenly his charioteer pulled up the horses abruptly by + the side of the footway to make room for a delegation of Egyptian priests + who were going in procession to Lochias. The powerful hand with which his + servant had promptly controlled the fiery spirit of the animals excited + his approbation, and seemed to inspire him to put a clog boldly on the + wheels of speeding fate. When they were no longer detained by the Egyptian + delegates he desired the charioteer to drive slowly, for he wished to gain + time for consideration. + </p> + <p> + “Until the third hour after midnight,” said he to himself, “all is to go + well; it is not till the fourth hour that signs are to appear in the sky + which are of evil augury for me. Of course the sheep will play round the + dead lion, and the ass will even spurn him with his hoof so long as he is + merely sick. In the short space of time between the third and fourth hours + all the signs of evil are crowded together. They must be visible; but”—and + this “but” brought sudden illumination to the praetor’s mind, “why should + Caesar see them?” + </p> + <p> + The anxious aspirant’s heart beat faster, his brain worked more actively, + and he desired the driver to make a short circuit, for he wanted to gain + yet more time for the ideas that were germinating in his mind to grow and + ripen. + </p> + <p> + Verus was no schemer; he walked in at the front door with a free and + careless step, and scorned to climb the backstairs. Only for the greatest + object and aim of his life was he prepared to sacrifice his inclinations, + his comfort and his pride, and to make unhesitating use of every means at + hand. For the sake of that he had already done many things which he + regretted, and the man who steals one sheep out of the flock is followed + by others without intending it. The first degrading action that a man + commits is sure to be followed by a second and a third. What Verus was now + projecting he regarded as being a simple act of self-defence; and after + all, it consisted merely in detaining Hadrian for an hour, interrupting + him in an idle occupation—the observation of the stars. + </p> + <p> + There were two men who might be helpful to him in this matter—Antinous + and the slave Mastor. He first thought of Mastor; but the Sarmatian was + faithfully devoted to his master and could not be bribed. And besides!—No! + it really was too far beneath him to make common cause with a slave. But + he could count even less on support from Antinous. Sabina hated her + husband’s favorite, and for her sake Verus had never met the young + Bithynian on particularly friendly terms. He fancied, too, that he had + observed that the quiet, dreamy lad kept out of his way. It was only by + intimidation, probably, that the favorite could be induced to do him a + service. + </p> + <p> + At any rate, the first thing to be done was to visit Lochias and there to + keep a lookout with his eyes wide open. If the Emperor were in a happy + frame of mind he might, perhaps, be induced to appear during the latter + part of the night at the banquet which Verus was giving on the eve of his + birthday, and at which all that was beautiful to the eye and ear was to be + seen and heard; or a thousand favoring and helpful accidents might occur—and + at any rate the Rabbi’s forecast furnished him good fortune for the next + few years. + </p> + <p> + As he dismounted from his chariot in the newly-paved forecourt and was + conducted to the Emperor’s anteroom he looked as bright and free from care + as if the future lay before him sunny and cloudless. + </p> + <p> + Hadrian now occupied the restored palace, not as an architect from Rome + but as sovereign of the world; he had shown himself to the Alexandrians + and had been received with rejoicings and an unheard-of display in his + honor. The satisfaction caused by the imperial visit was everywhere + conspicuous and often found expression in exaggerated terms; indeed the + council had passed a resolution to the effect that the month of December, + being that in which the city had had the honor of welcoming the + ‘Imperator,’ should henceforth be called: + </p> + <p> + “Hadrianus.” The Emperor had to receive one deputation after another and + to hold audience after audience, and on the following morning the dramatic + representations were to begin, the processions and games which promised to + last through many days, or—as Hadrian himself expressed it—to + rob him of at least a hundred good hours. Notwithstanding, the monarch + found time to settle all the affairs of the state, and at night to + question the stars as to the fate which awaited him and his dominions + during all the seasons of the new year now so close at hand. + </p> + <p> + The aspect of the palace at Lochias was entirely changed. In the place of + the gay little gate-house stood a large tent of gorgeous purple stuff, in + which the Emperor’s body-guard was quartered, and opposite to it another + was pitched for lictors and messengers. The stables were full of horses. + Hadrian’s own horse, Borysthenes, which had had too long a rest, pawed and + stamped impatiently in a separate stall, and close at hand the Emperor’s + retrievers, boar-hounds and harriers were housed in hastily-contrived + yards and kennels. + </p> + <p> + In the wide space of the first court soldiers were encamped, and close + under the walls squatted men and women—Egyptians, Greeks and Hebrews—who + desired to offer petitions to the sovereign. Chariots drove in and out, + litters came and went, chamberlains and other officials hurried hither and + thither. The anterooms were crowded with men of the upper classes of the + citizens who hoped to be granted audience by the Emperor at the proper + hour. Slaves, who offered refreshments to those who waited or stood idly + looking on, were to be seen in every room, and official persons, with + rolls of manuscript under their arms, bustled into the inner rooms or out + of the palace to carry into effect the orders of their superior. + </p> + <p> + The hall of the Muses had been turned into a grand banqueting-hall. + Papias, who was now on his way to Italy by the Emperor’s command, had + restored the damaged shoulder of the Urania. Couches and divans stood + between the statues, and under a canopy at the upper end of the vast room + stood a throne on which Hadrian sat when he held audience. On these + occasions he always appeared in the purple, but in his writing-room, which + he had not changed for another, he laid aside the imperial mantle and was + no more splendid in his garb than the architect Claudius Venator had been. + </p> + <p> + In the rooms that had belonged to the deceased Keraunus now dwelt an + Egyptian without wife or children—a stern and prudent man who had + done good service as house-steward to the prefect Titianus, and the + living-room of the evicted family now looked dreary and uninhabited. The + mosaic pavement which had indirectly caused the death of Keraunus, was now + on its way to Rome, and the new steward had not thought it worth while to + fill up the empty, dusty, broken-up place which had been left in the floor + of his room by the removal of the work of art, nor even to cover it over + with mats. Not a single cheerful note was audible in the abandoned + dwelling but the twitter of the birds which still came morning and evening + to perch on the balcony, for Arsinoe and the children had never neglected + to strew the parapet with crumbs for them at the end of each meal. + </p> + <p> + All that was gracious, all that was attractive in the old palace had + vanished at Sabina’s visit, and even Hadrian himself was a different man + to what he had been a few days previously. The dignity with which he + appeared in public was truly imperial and unapproachable, and even when he + sat with his intimates in his favorite room he was grave, gloomy and + taciturn. The oracle, the stars, and other signs announced some terrible + catastrophe for the coming year with a certainty that he could not evade; + and the few careless days that he had been permitted to enjoy at Lochias + had ended with unsatisfactory occurrences. + </p> + <p> + His wife, whose bitter nature struck him in all its repellent harshness + here in Alexandria—where everything assumed sharper outlines and + more accentuated movement than in Rome—had demanded of him boldly + that he should no longer defer the adoption of the praetor. + </p> + <p> + He was anxious and unsatisfied; the infinite void in his heart yawned + before him whenever he looked into his soul, and at every glance at the + future of his external life a long course of petty trifles started up + before him which could not fail to stand in the way of his unwearying + impulse to work. Even the vegetative existence of his handsome favorite + Antinous, untroubled as it was by the sorrows or the joys of life, had + undergone a change. The youth was often moody, restless and sad. Some + foreign influences seemed to have affected him, for he was no longer + content to hang about his person like a shadow; no, he yearned for + liberty, had stolen into the city several times, seeking there the + pleasures of his age which formerly he had avoided. + </p> + <p> + Nay, a change had even come over his cheerful and willing slave Mastor. + Only his hound remained always the same in unaltered fidelity. + </p> + <p> + And he himself? He was the same to-day as ten years since: different every + day and at every hour of the day. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h2> + <p> + When Verus entered the palace Hadrian had returned thither but a few + minutes previously from the city. The praetor was conducted through the + reception-rooms to the private apartments, and here he had not long to + wait, for Hadrian wished to speak with him immediately. He found the + sovereign so thoroughly out of tune that he could not think of inviting + him to his banquet. The Emperor restlessly paced the room while Verus + answered his questions as to the latest proceedings of the Senate in Rome, + but he several times interrupted his walk and gazed into the adjoining + room. + </p> + <p> + Just as the praetor had concluded his report Argus set up a howl of + delight and Antinous came into the room. Verus at once withdrew into the + window and pretended to be absorbed in looking out on the harbor. + </p> + <p> + “Where have you been?” asked the Emperor, disregarding the praetor’s + presence. + </p> + <p> + “Into the city a little way,” was the Bithynian’s answer. + </p> + <p> + “But you know I cannot bear to miss you when I come home.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought you would have been longer absent.” + </p> + <p> + “For the future arrange so that I may be able to find you at whatever time + I may seek you. Tell me, you do not like to see me vexed and worried?” + </p> + <p> + “No, my lord,” said the lad and he raised a supplicating hand and looked + beseechingly at his master. + </p> + <p> + “Then let it pass. But now for something else; how did this little phial + come into the hands of the dealer Hiram?” As he spoke the Emperor took + from his table the little bottle of Vasa Murrhina which the lad had given + to Arsinoe and which she had sold to the Phoenician, and held it up before + the favorite’s eyes. Antinous turned pale, and stammered in great + confusion. “It is incomprehensible—I cannot in the least recollect—” + </p> + <p> + “Then I will assist your memory,” said the Emperor decidedly. “The + Phoenician appears to me to be an honester man than that rogue Gabinius. + In his collection, which I have just been to see, I found this gem, that + Plotina—do you hear me, boy—that Trajan’s wife Plotina, my + heart’s friend, never to be forgotten, gave me years ago. It was one of my + dearest possessions and yet I thought it not too precious to give to you + on your last birthday.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my lord, my dear lord!” cried Antinous in a low tone and again + lifting his eyes and hands in entreaty. + </p> + <p> + “Now, I ask you,” continued Hadrian, gravely, and without allowing himself + to yield to the lad’s beseeching looks, “how could this object have passed + into the possession of one of the daughters of the wretched palace-steward + Keraunus from whom Hiram confessed that he had bought it?” + </p> + <p> + Antinous vainly strove for utterance; Hadrian however came to his aid by + asking him more angrily than before: + </p> + <p> + “Did the girl steal it from you? Out with the truth!” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” replied the Bithynian quickly and decidedly. “Certainly not. I + remember—wait a minute—yes, that was it.—You know it + contained excellent balsam, and when the big dog threw down Selene—the + steward’s daughter is called Selene—threw her down the steps so that + she lay hurt on the stones I fetched the phial and gave her the balsam.” + </p> + <p> + “With the bottle that held it?” asked the Emperor looking at Antinous. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my lord—I had no other.” + </p> + <p> + “And she kept it and sold it at once.” + </p> + <p> + “You know, of course, her father—” + </p> + <p> + “A gang of thieves!” snarled Hadrian. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know what has become of the girl?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes my lord,” said Antinous trembling with alarm. “I will have her taken + by the lictors,” asserted the infuriated sovereign. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said the lad positively. “No, you positively must not do that.” + </p> + <p> + “No—? we shall see!” + </p> + <p> + “No, positively not, for at the same time you must know that Keraunus’ + daughter Selene—” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “She flung herself into the water in despair; yes, into the water, at + night—into the sea.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” said Hadrian more gently, “that certainly alters the case. The + lictors would find it difficult to apprehend a shade and the girl has + suffered the worst punishment of all.—But you? what shall I say to + your perfidy? You knew the value of the gem. You knew how highly I valued + it, and could part with it to such hands?” + </p> + <p> + “It contained the salve,” stammered the boy. “How could I think—?” + </p> + <p> + The Emperor interrupted the boy, striking his forehead with his hand as he + spoke: + </p> + <p> + “Aye, think—we have known unfortunately too long that thinking is + not your strong point. This little bottle has cost me a pretty sum; still, + as it once belonged to you I give it back to you again; I only require you + to take better care of it this time. I shall ask for it again before long! + But in the name of all the gods, boy, what is the matter? Am I so alarming + that a simple question from me is enough to drive all the blood out of + your cheeks? Really and truly, if I had not had the thing from Plotina I + should have left it in the Phoenician’s hands and not have made all this + coil about it.” + </p> + <p> + Antinous went quickly up to the Emperor to kiss his hand, but Hadrian + pressed his lips to his brow with fatherly affection. + </p> + <p> + “Simpleton,” he said, “if you want me to be pleased with you, you must be + again just what you were before we came to Alexandria. Leave it to others + to do things to vex me. You are created by the gods to delight me.” + </p> + <p> + During Hadrian’s last words a chamberlain had entered the room to inform + the Emperor that the deputation of the Egyptian priesthood had arrived to + do homage to him. He immediately assumed the purple mantle and proceeded + to the hall of the Muses where, surrounded by his court, he received the + high-priests and spiritual fathers of the different temples of the Nile + Valley, to be hailed by them as the Son of Sun-god, and to assure them and + the religion they cherished his gracious countenance. He vouchsafed his + consent to their prayer that he would add sanctity and happiness to the + temples of the immortals which they served by gracing them with his + presence, but set aside for the moment the question as to which town might + be permitted to have the care of the recently-discovered Apis. + </p> + <p> + This audience took up several hours. Verus shirked the duty of attending + it with Titianus and the other dignitaries of the court, and remained + sitting motionless by the window; it was not till Hadrian was gone from + the room that he came forward into it again. He was quite alone, for + Antinous had left the room with the Emperor. The praetor’s remaining + behind had not escaped the lad’s notice, but he sought to avoid him, for + the domineering, mocking spirit of Verus repelled him. Besides this the + terror which he had gone through, as well as the consciousness that he had + been guilty of a lie and had daringly deceived his kind master, had upset + a soul hitherto untainted by any subterfuge and had thrown him off his + balance. He longed to be alone, for it would have been keenly painful to + him at this moment to discuss indifferent subjects, or to be forced to + affect an easy demeanor. He sat in his little room, before a table, with + his face buried in his hands that rested on it. + </p> + <p> + Verus did not immediately follow him, for he understood what was passing + in his mind and knew that here he could not escape him. In a few minutes + all was still alike in the large room and in the small one. Then the + praetor heard the door between the smaller room and the corridor hastily + opened and immediately the Bithynian’s exclamation: + </p> + <p> + “At last, Mastor—have you seen Selene?” + </p> + <p> + With two long, noiseless steps Verus went close to the door leading into + the adjoining room, and listened for the slave’s answer, though a less + sharp ear than that of the praetor might have heard every syllable. + </p> + <p> + “How should I have seen her?” asked the Sarmatian sharply. “She is still + suffering and in bed. I gave your flowers to the deformed girl who takes + care of her; but I will not do it again, you may rely upon it, not if you + coax even more fondly than you did yesterday and promise me all Caesar’s + treasure into the bargain! And what can you want with that wretched, + pale-faced, innocent creature? I am but a poor slave, but I can tell you + this—” + </p> + <p> + Here the Sarmatian broke off abruptly, and Verus rightly guessed that + Antinous had remembered his presence in the Emperor’s room and had signed + to the slave to be silent. + </p> + <p> + But the listener had learnt enough. The favorite had told his master a + lie, and the suicide of the steward’s daughter was a pure romance. Who + would have believed that the silent, dreamy lad had so much presence of + mind, and such cunning powers of invention? The praetor’s handsome face + was radiant with satisfaction as he made these reflections, for now he had + the Bithynian under his thumb, and now he knew how to accomplish all he + wished. Antinous himself had indicated the right course when he had + hastened to the Emperor with a gush of tenderness, in which the warmth was + certainly not affected, to kiss his hand. + </p> + <p> + The favorite loved his master, and Verus could ground his demands on this + love without exposing himself, or having to dread the Emperor’s avenging + hand in case of betrayal. He knocked at the door of the adjoining room + with a firm hand, and then went confidently and composedly up to the + Bithyman, told him that he had an important matter to discuss with him, + begged him to return with him into the Emperor’s room and then said, as + soon as they were alone together: + </p> + <p> + “I am so unfortunate as not to be able to number you among my particular + friends; but one strong sentiment we have in common. We both love Caesar.” + </p> + <p> + “I love him, certainly,” replied the lad. + </p> + <p> + “Well then, you must have it at heart to spare him all great sorrow, and + to prevent grave apprehensions from paralyzing the pinions of his free and + noble soul.” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt.” + </p> + <p> + “I knew I should find a colleague in you. See this roll. It contains the + calculations and diagrams of the greatest astrologer of our time, and from + these it is to be discovered that this night, from the end of the second + hour of the morning till the beginning of the fourth, the stars will + announce fearful disasters to our Sovereign. Do you understand?” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! perfectly.” + </p> + <p> + “After that the indications of evil disappear. Now if we could only + succeed in preventing Hadrian observing the heavens merely during the + third hour after midnight we should preserve him from trouble and anxiety, + which will torment and spoil his life. Who knows whether the stars may not + be? But even if they tell the truth, misfortune, when it does come, always + comes much too soon. Do you agree with me?” + </p> + <p> + “Your suggestion sounds a very sensible one—still I think—” + </p> + <p> + “It is both sensible and wise,” said the praetor, shortly and decidedly, + interrupting the boy. “And it must be your part to hinder Hadrian from + marking the course of the stars from the end of the second to the + beginning of the fourth hour after midnight.” + </p> + <p> + “My part?” cried Antinous, startled. + </p> + <p> + “Yours—for you are the only person who can accomplish it.” + </p> + <p> + “I?” repeated the Bithynian, greatly perturbed. “I—disturb Caesar in + his observations!” + </p> + <p> + “It is your duty.” + </p> + <p> + “But he never allows any one to disturb him at his studies, and if I were + to attempt it he would be very angry and send me off in no time. No, no, + what you ask is impossible.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not only possible but imperatively necessary.” + </p> + <p> + “That it certainly cannot be,” replied Antinous, clasping his forehead in + his hand. “Only listen! Hadrian has known for several days past that some + great misfortune threatens him. I heard it from his own lips. If you know + him at all you must know that he gazes at the stars not merely to rejoice + in future happiness, but also to fortify himself against the disasters + which threaten him or the state. What would crush a weaker man only serves + to arm his bold spirit. He can bear all that may befall, and it would be a + crime to deceive him.” + </p> + <p> + “To cloud his heart and mind would be a greater,” retorted Verus. “Devise + some means of taking him away from his star-gazing for only an hour.” + </p> + <p> + “I dare not, and even if I wished it, it could not be done. Do you suppose + he follows me whenever I call?” + </p> + <p> + “But you know him; invent something which will be sure to make him come + down from his watchtower.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot invent or think of any thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing?” asked Verus, going close tip to the Bithynian. “You just now + gave striking proof to the contrary.” + </p> + <p> + Antinous turned pale and the praetor went on: + </p> + <p> + “When you wanted to rescue the fair Selene from the lictors your swift + invention threw her into the sea!” + </p> + <p> + “She did throw herself in, as truly as that the gods—” + </p> + <p> + “Stay, stay,” cried the praetor. “No perjury, at least! Selene is living, + you send her flowers, and if I should think proper to conduct Hadrian to + the house of Paulina—” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” cried Antinous lamentably enough, and grasping the Roman’s hand. + “You will not—you can not. Oh Verus! you will not do that.” + </p> + <p> + “Simpleton,” laughed the praetor, slapping the alarmed youth lightly on + the shoulder. “What good could it do me to ruin you? I have only one thing + at heart just now, and that is to save Caesar from care and anxiety. Keep + him occupied only during the third hour after midnight and you may count + on my friendship; but if out of fear or ill-will you refuse me your + assistance you do not deserve your sovereign’s favor and then you will + compel me—” + </p> + <p> + “No more, no more!” cried Antinous interrupting his tormentor in despair. + </p> + <p> + “Then you promise me to carry out my wish?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, by Hercules! Yes, what you require shall be done. But eternal gods! + how am I to get Caesar—” + </p> + <p> + “That, my young friend, I leave with perfect confidence to you and your + shrewdness.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not shrewd—I can devise nothing,” groaned the lad. + </p> + <p> + “What you could do out of terror of your master you can do still better + for love of him,” retorted the praetor. “The problem is an easy one; and + if after all you should not succeed I shall feel it no less than my duty + to explain to Hadrian how well Antinous can take care of his own interests + and how badly of his master’s peace of mind. Till to-morrow, my handsome + friend—and if for the future you have flowers to send, my slaves are + quite at your service.” + </p> + <p> + With these words the praetor left the room, but Antinous stood like one + crushed, pressing his brow against the cold porphyry pillar by the window. + What Verus required of him did not seem to have any harm in it, and yet it + was not right. It was treason to his noble master, whom he loved with + tender devotion as a father, a wise, kind friend, and preceptor, and whom + he reverenced and feared as though he were a god. To plot to hide + impending trouble from him, as if he were not a man but a feeble weakling, + was absurd and contemptible, and must introduce an error of unknown + importance and extent into his sovereign’s far-seeing predeterminations. + Many other reasons against the praetor’s demands crowded on him, and as + each occurred to his mind he cursed his tardy spirit which never let him + see or think the right thing till it was too late. His first deceit had + already involved him in a second. + </p> + <p> + He hated himself; he hit his forehead with his fists and sobbed aloud + bitterly again and again, though he shed no tears. Still, in the midst of + his self-accusation, the flattering voice made itself heard in his soul: + “It is only to preserve your master from sorrow, and it is nothing wrong + that you are asked to do.” And each time that his inward ear heard these + words he began to puzzle his brain to discover in what way it might be + possible for him to tempt the Emperor, at the hour named, down from his + watch-tower in the palace. But he could hit on no practicable plan. + </p> + <p> + “It cannot be done, no—it cannot be done!” he muttered to himself + and then he asked himself if it were not even his duty to defy the praetor + and to confess to Hadrian that he had deceived him in the morning. If only + it had not been for the little bottle! Could he ever confess that he had + heedlessly parted with this gift of all others from his master? No, it was + too hard, it might cost him his sovereign’s affection for ever. And if he + contented himself with a half-truth and confessed, merely to anticipate + the praetor’s accusation, that Selene was still living, then he would + involve the daughters of the hapless Keraunus in persecution and disgrace + Selene whom he loved with all the devotion of a first passion, which was + enhanced and increased by the hindrances that had come in its way. It was + impossible to confess his guilt-quite impossible. The longer he thought, + tormenting himself to find some way out of it all, the more confused he + became, and the more impotent his efforts at resistance. The praetor had + entangled him with thongs and meshes, and at every struggle to escape they + only seemed knotted more closely round him. + </p> + <p> + His head began to ache sadly; and what an endless time Caesar was absent! + He dreaded his return, and yet he longed for it. When at last Hadrian came + in and signed to Master to relieve him of his imperial robes, Antinous + slipped behind him, and silently and carefully fulfilled the slave’s + office. He felt uneasy and worried, and yet he forced himself to appear in + good spirits during supper when he had to sit opposite the Emperor. + </p> + <p> + When, shortly before midnight, Hadrian rose from the table to go up to the + watch-tower on the northern side of the palace, Antinous begged to be + allowed to carry his instruments for him, and the Emperor, stroking his + hair, said kindly: + </p> + <p> + “You are my dear and faithful companion. Youth has a right to go astray + now and then so long as it does not entirely forget the path in which it + ought to tread.” + </p> + <p> + Antinous was deeply touched by these words, and he secretly pressed to his + lips a fold of the Emperor’s toga as he walked in front. It was as though + he wanted to make amends in advance for the crime he had not yet + committed. + </p> + <p> + Wrapped in his cloak he kept the Emperor silent company during his + studies, till the close of the first hour after midnight. The sharp, north + wind which blew through the darkness did his aching head good, and still + he racked his wits for some pretext to attract Hadrian from his labors, + but in vain. His tormented brain was like a dried-up well; bucket after + bucket did he send down, but not one brought up the refreshing draught he + needed. Nothing—nothing could he think of that could conduce to his + end. Once he plucked up courage and said imploringly as he went close up + to the Emperor: “Go down earlier to-night my lord; you really do not allow + yourself enough rest and will injure your health.” + </p> + <p> + Hadrian let him speak, and answered kindly: + </p> + <p> + “I sleep in the morning. If you are tired, go to bed now.” + </p> + <p> + But Antinous remained, gazing, like his master, at the stars. He knew very + few of the brilliant bodies by their names, but some of them were very + dear to him, particularly the Pleiades which his father had pointed out to + him and which reminded him of his home. There he had been so quiet and + happy, and how wildly his anxious heart was throbbing now! + </p> + <p> + “Go to bed, the second hour is beginning,” said Hadrian. + </p> + <p> + “Already!” said the boy; and as he reflected how soon that must be done + which Verus had required of him, and then looked up again at the heavens, + it seemed to him as though all the stars in the blue vault over his head + had glided from their places and were dancing in wild and whirling + confusion between the sky and the sea. He closed his eyes in his + bewilderment; then, bidding his master good-night he lighted a torch and + by its flaring and doubtful light descended from the tower. + </p> + <p> + Pontius had erected this slight structure expressly for Hadrian’s nightly + observations. It was built of timber and Nile-mud and stood up as a tall + turret on the secure foundation of an ancient watch-tower built of hewn + stone, which, standing among the low buildings that served as storehouses + for the palace, commanded a free outlook over all the quarters of the sky. + Hadrian, who liked to be alone and undisturbed when observing the heavens, + had preferred this erection—even after he had made himself known to + the Alexandrians—to the great observatory of the Serapeum, from + which a still broader horizon was visible. + </p> + <p> + After Antinous had got out of the smaller and newer tower into the larger + and older one he sat down on one of the lowest steps to collect his + thoughts and to quiet his loudly-beating heart. His vain cogitations began + all over again. Time slipped on-between the present moment and the deed to + be done there were but a certain number of minutes. He told himself so, + and his weary brain stirred more actively, suggesting to him to feign + illness and bring the Emperor to his bedside. But Hadrian was physician + enough to see that he was well, and even if he should allow himself to be + deceived, he, Antinous, was a deceiver. This thought filled him with + horror of himself and with dread for the future, and yet it was the only + plan that gave any hope of success. And even when he sprang to his feet + and walked hastily up and down among the out-houses he could hit upon no + other scheme. And how fast the minutes flew! The third hour after midnight + must be quite close at hand, and he had scarcely left himself time to rush + back into the palace, throw himself on his couch, and call Mastor. Quite + bewildered with agitation and tottering like a drunken man he hastened + back into the old tower where he had left his torch leaning against the + wall and looked up the stone stairs; it suddenly flashed through his mind + that he might go up again to fling himself down them. What did he care for + his miserable life. + </p> + <p> + His fall, his cry, would bring the Emperor down from his observatory and + he knew that he would not leave his bleeding favorite uncared for and + untended he could count upon that. And if then Hadrian watched by his bed + it would be that, perhaps, of a dying man, but not of a deceiver. Fully + determined on extreme measures, he tightened the girdle which held his + chiton above his hips and once more went out into the night to judge by + the stars what hour it was. He saw the slender sickle of the waning + moon-the same moon which at the full had been mirrored in the sea when he + had gone into the water to save Selene. The image of the pale girl rose + before him, tangibly distinct. He felt as if he held her once more in his + arms—saw her once more lying on her bed-could once more press his + lips to her cold brow. Then the vision vanished; instead he was possessed + by a wild desire to see her, and he said to himself that he could not die + without having seen her once more. + </p> + <p> + He looked about him in indecision. Before him lay one of the largest of + the storehouses that surrounded the tower. With his torch in one hand he + went in at the open door. In the large shed lay the chests and cases, the + hemp, linseed, straw and matting that had been used in packing the vessels + and works of art with which the palace had been newly furnished. This he + knew; and now, looking up at the stars once more and seeing that the + second hour after midnight had almost run to an end, a fearful thought + flashed through his mind, and without daring to consider, he flung the + torch into the open shed, crammed to the roof with inflammable materials, + and stood motionless, with his arms crossed, to watch through the door of + the shed the rapidly spreading flame, the soaring smoke, the struggle and + mingling of the noiseless wreaths of black vapor from the various + combustibles with the ruddy light, the victory of the fire and the leaping + flames as they flew upward. + </p> + <p> + The roof, thatched with palm-leaves and reeds, had begun to crackle when + Antinous rushed into the tower only a few paces off crying: “Fire—fire!” + and up the stairs which led to the observatory of the imperial stargazer. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. + </h2> + <p> + The entertainment which Verus was giving on the eve of his birthday seemed + to be far from drawing to an end, even at the beginning of the third hour + of the morning. Besides the illustrious and learned Romans who had + accompanied the Emperor to Alexandria, the most famous and distinguished + Alexandrians had also been invited by the praetor. The splendid banquet + had long been ended, but jar after jar of mixed wine was still being + filled and emptied. Verus himself had been unanimously chosen as the king + and leader of the feast. Crowned with a rich garland, he reclined on a + couch strewn with rose-leaves, an invention of his own, and formed of four + cushions piled one on another. A curtain of transparent gauze screened him + from flies and gnats, and a tightly-woven mat of lilies and other flowers + covered his feet and exhaled sweet odors for him and for the pretty singer + who sat by his side. + </p> + <p> + Pretty boys dressed as little cupids watched every sign of the ‘sham + Eros.’ + </p> + <p> + How indolently he lay on the deep, soft cushions! And yet his eyes were + every where, and though he had not failed to give due consideration to the + preparations for his feast, he devoted all the powers of his mind to the + present management of it. As at the entertainments which Hadrian was + accustomed to give in Rome, first of all short selections from new essays + or poems were recited by their authors, then a gay comedy was performed; + then Glycera, the most famous singer in the city, had sung a dithyramb to + her harp, in a voice as sweet as a bell, and Alexander, a skilled + performer on the trigonon, had executed a piece. Finally a troop of female + dancers had rushed into the room and swayed and balanced themselves to the + music of the double-flute and tambourine. + </p> + <p> + Each fresh amusement had been more loudly applauded than the last. With + every jar of wine a new torrent of merriment went up through the opening + in the roof, by which the scent of the flowers and of the perfume burnt on + beautiful little altars found an exit into the open air. The wine offered + in libations to the gods already lay in broad pools upon the hard pavement + of the hall, the music and singing were drowned in shouts the feast had + become an orgy. + </p> + <p> + Verus was inciting the more quiet or slothful of his guests to a freer + enjoyment and encouraging the noisiest in their extravagant recklessness + to still more unbridled license. At the same time he bowed to each one who + drank to his health, entertained the singer who sat by his side, flung a + sparkling jest into one and another silent group, and proved to the + learned men who reclined on their couches near to his that whenever it was + possible he took an interest in their discussions. Alexandria, the focus + of all the learning of the East and the West, had seen other festivals + than this riotous banquet. Indeed, even here a vein of grave and wise + discourse flavored the meal of the circle that belonged to the Museum; but + the senseless revelry of Rome had found its way into the houses of the + rich, and even the noblest achievements of the human mind had been made, + unawares, subservient to mere enjoyment. A man was a philosopher only that + he might be prompt to discuss and always ready to take his share in the + talk; and at a banquet a well-told anecdote was more heartily welcome than + some profound idea that gave rise to a reflection or provoked a subtle + discussion. + </p> + <p> + What a noise, what a clatter was storming in the hall by the second hour + after midnight! How the lungs of the feasters were choked with + overpowering perfumes! What repulsive exhibitions met the eye! How + shamelessly was all decency trodden under foot! The poisonous breath of + unchecked license had blasted the noble moderation of the vapor of wine + which floated round this chaos of riotous topers slowly rose the pale + image of Satiety watching for victims on the morrow. + </p> + <p> + The circle of couches on which lay Florus, Favorinus and their Alexandrian + friends stood like an island in the midst of the surging sea of the orgy. + Even here the cup had been bravely passed round, and Florus was beginning + to speak somewhat indistinctly, but conversation had hitherto had the + upper hand. + </p> + <p> + Two days before, the Emperor had visited the Museum and had carried on + learned discussions with the most prominent of the sages and professors + there, in the presence of their assembled disciples. At last a formal + disputation had arisen, and the dialectic keenness and precision with + which Hadrian, in the purest Attic Greek, had succeeded in driving his + opponents into a corner had excited the greatest admiration. The Sovereign + had quitted the famous institution with a promise to reopen the contest at + an early date. The philosophers, Pancrates and Dionysius and Apollonius, + who took no wine at all, were giving a detailed account of the different + phases of this remarkable disputation and praising the admirable memory + and the ready tongue of the great monarch. + </p> + <p> + “And you did not even see him at his best,” exclaimed Favorinus, the Gaul, + the sophist and rhetorician. “He has received an unfavorable oracle and + the stars seem to confirm the prophecy. This puts him out of tune. Between + ourselves let me tell you I know a few who are his superiors in dialectic, + but in his happiest moments he is irresistible-irresistible. Since we made + up our quarrel he is like a brother to me. I will defend him against all + comers, for, as I say, Hadrian is my brother.” + </p> + <p> + The Gaul had poured out this speech in a defiant tone and with flashing + eyes. He grew pale in his cups, touchy, boastful and very talkative. + </p> + <p> + “No doubt you are right,” replied Apollonius, “but it seemed to us that he + was bitter in discussion. His eyes are gloomy rather than gay.” + </p> + <p> + “He is my brother,” repeated Favorinus, “and as for his eyes, I have seen + them flash—by Hercules! like the radiant sun, or merry twinkling + stars! And his mouth! I know him well! He is my brother, and I will wager + that while he condescended—it is too comical—condescended to + dispute with you—with you, there was a sly smile at each corner of + his mouth—so—look now—like this he smiled.” + </p> + <p> + “I repeat, he seemed to us gloomy rather than gay,” retorted Apollonius, + with annoyance; and Pancrates added: + </p> + <p> + “If he does really know how to jest he certainly did not prove it to us.” + </p> + <p> + “Not out of ill-will,” laughed the Gaul, “you do not know him, but I—I + am his friend and may follow wherever—he goes. Now only wait and I + will tell you a few stories about him. If I chose I could describe his + whole soul to you as if it lay there on the surface of the wine in my cup. + Once in Rome he went to inspect the newly-decorated baths of Agrippa, and + in the undressing-room he saw an old man, a veteran who had fought with + him somewhere or other. My memory is greatly admired, but his is in no + respect inferior. Scaurus was the old man’s name—yes—yes, + Scaurus. He did not observe Caesar at first, for after his bath his wounds + were burning and he was rubbing his back against the rough stone of a + pillar. Hadrian however called to him: ‘Why are you scratching yourself, + my friend?’ and Scaurus, not at once recognizing Caesar’s voice, answered + without turning round: ‘Because I have no slave to do it for me.’ You + should have heard Caesar laugh! Liberal as he is sometimes—I say + sometimes—he gave Scaurus a handsome sum of money and two sturdy + slaves. The story soon got abroad, and when Caesar, who—as you + believe—cannot jest, a short time after again visited the bath, two + old soldiers at once placed themselves in his way, scrubbed their backs + against the wall like Scaurus, and called out to him ‘Great Caesar, we + have no slaves.’—‘Then scratch each other,’ cried he, and left the + soldiers to rub themselves.” + </p> + <p> + “Capital!” laughed Dionysius. “Now one more true story,” interrupted the + loquacious Gaul. “Once upon a time a man with white hair begged of him. + The wretch was a low fellow, a parasite who wandered round from one man’s + table to another, feeding himself out of other folks’ wallets and dishes. + Caesar knew his man and warned him off. Then the creature had his hair + dyed that he might not be recognized, and tried his luck a second time + with the Emperor. But Hadrian has good eyes; he pointed to the door, + saying, with the gravest face: ‘I have just lately refused to give your + father anything.’ And a hundred such jokes pass from mouth to mouth in + Rome, and if you like I can give you a dozen of the best.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell us, go on, out with your stories. They are all old friends!” + stammered Florus. “But while Favorinus chatters we can drink.” + </p> + <p> + The Gaul cast a contemptuous glance at the Roman, and answered promptly: + </p> + <p> + “My stories are too good for a drunken man.” + </p> + <p> + Florus paused to think of an answer, but before he could find one, the + praetor’s body-slave rushed into the hall crying out: “The palace at + Lochias is on fire.” + </p> + <p> + Verus kicked the mat of lilies off his feet on to the floor, tore down the + net that screened him in, and shouted to the breathless runner. + </p> + <p> + “My chariot-quick, my chariot! To our next merry meeting another evening + my friends, with many thanks for the honor you have done me. I must be off + to Lochias.” + </p> + <p> + Verus flew out of the hall, without throwing on his cloak and hot as he + was, into the cold night, and at the same time most of his guests had + started up to hurry into the open air, to see the fire and to hear the + latest news; but only very few went to the scene of the conflagration to + help the citizens to extinguish it, and many heavily intoxicated drinkers + remained lying on the couches. + </p> + <p> + As Favorinus and the Alexandrians raised themselves on their pillows + Florus cried: + </p> + <p> + “No god shall make me stir from this place, not if the whole house is + burnt down and Alexandria and Rome, and for aught I care every nest and + nook on the face of the earth. It may all burn together. The Roman Empire + can never be greater or more splendid than under Caesar! It may burn down + like a heap of straw, it is all the same to me—I shall lie here and + drink.” + </p> + <p> + The turmoil and confusion on the scene of the interrupted feast seemed + inextricable, while Verus hurried off to Sabina to inform her of what had + occurred. But Balbilla had been the first to discover the fire and quite + at the beginning, for after sitting industriously at her studies, and + before going to bed, she had looked out toward the sea. She had instantly + run out, cried “Fire!” and was now seeking for a chamberlain to awake + Sabina. + </p> + <p> + The whole of Lochias flared and shone in a purple and golden glow. It + formed the nucleus of a wide spreading radiance of tender red of which the + extent and intensity alternately grew and diminished. Verus met the + poetess at the door that led from the garden into the Empress’ apartments. + He omitted on this occasion to offer his customary greeting, but hastily + asked her: + </p> + <p> + “Has Sabina been told?” + </p> + <p> + “I think not yet.” + </p> + <p> + “Then have her called. Greet her from me—I must go to Lochias” + </p> + <p> + “We will follow you.” + </p> + <p> + “No, stay here; you will be in the way there.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not take much room and I shall go. What a magnificent spectacle.” + </p> + <p> + “Eternal gods! the flames are breaking out too below the palace, by the + King’s harbor. Where can the chariots be?” + </p> + <p> + “Take me with you.” + </p> + <p> + “No you must wake the Empress.” + </p> + <p> + “And Lucilla?” + </p> + <p> + “You women must stay where you are.” + </p> + <p> + “For my part I certainly will not. Caesar will be in no danger?” + </p> + <p> + “Hardly—the old stones cannot burn.” + </p> + <p> + “Only look! how splendid! the sky is one crimson tent. I entreat you, + Verus, let me go with you.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, pretty one. Men are wanted down there.” + </p> + <p> + “How unkind you are.” + </p> + <p> + “At last! here are the chariots! You women stay here; do you understand + me?” + </p> + <p> + “I will not take any orders; I shall go to Lochias.” + </p> + <p> + “To see Antinous in the flames! such a sight is not to be seen every day, + to be sure!” cried Verus, ironically, as he sprang into his chariot, and + took the reins into his own hand. + </p> + <p> + Balbilla stamped with rage. + </p> + <p> + She went to Sabina’s rooms fully resolved to go to the scene of the fire. + The Empress would not let herself be seen by any one, not even by + Balbilla, till she was completely dressed. A waiting-woman told Balbilla + that Sabina would get up certainly, but that for the sake of her health + she could not venture out in the night-air. + </p> + <p> + The poetess then sought Lucilla and begged her to accompany her to + Lochias; she was perfectly willing and ready, but when she heard that her + husband had wished that the women should remain at the Caesareum she + declared that she owed him obedience and tried to keep back her friend. + But the perverse curly-haired girl was fully determined, precisely because + Verus had forbidden her—and forbidden her with mocking words, to + carry out her purpose. After a short altercation with Lucilla she left + her, sought her companion Claudia, told her what she intended doing, + dismissed that lady’s remonstrance with a very positive command, gave + orders herself to the house-steward to have horses put to a chariot and + reached the imperilled palace an hour and a half after Verus. + </p> + <p> + An endless, many-headed crowd of people besieged the narrow end of Lochias + on the landward side and the harbor wharves below, where some stores and + shipyards were in flames. Boats innumerable were crowded round the little + peninsula. An attempt was being made, with much shouting, and by the + combined exertions of an immense number of men, to get the larger ships + afloat which lay at anchor close to the quay of the King’s harbor and to + place them in security. Every thing far and wide was lighted up as + brightly as by day, but with a ruddier and more restless light. The + north-east breeze fanned the fire, aggravating the labors of the men who + were endeavoring to extinguish it and snatching flakes of flame off every + burning mass. Each blazing storehouse was a gigantic torch throwing a + broad glare into the darkness of the night. The white marble of the + tallest beacon tower in the world, on the island of Pharos, reflected a + rosy hue, but its far gleaming light shone pale and colorless. The dark + hulls of the larger ships and the flotilla of boats in the background were + afloat in a fiery sea, and the still water under the shore mirrored the + illumination in which the whole of Lochias was wrapped. + </p> + <p> + Balbilla could not tire of admiring this varying scene, in which the most + gorgeous hues vied with each other and the intensest light contrasted with + the deepest shadows. And she had ample time to dwell on the marvellous + picture before her eyes, for her chariot could only proceed slowly, and at + a point where the street led up from the King’s harbor to the palace, + lictors stood in her way and declared positively that any farther advance + was out of the question. The horses, much scared by the glare of the fire + and the crowd that pressed round them, could hardly be controlled, first + rearing and then kicking at the front board of the chariot. The charioteer + declared he could no longer be answerable. The people who had hurried to + the rescue now began to abuse the women, who ought to have staid at home + at the loom rather than come stopping the way for useful citizens. + </p> + <p> + “There is time enough to go out driving by daylight!” cried one man; and + another: “If a spark falls in those curls another conflagration will break + out.” + </p> + <p> + The position of the ladies was becoming every instant more unendurable and + Balbilla desired the charioteer to turn round; but in the swarming mass of + men that filled the street this was easier said than done. One of the + horses broke the strap which fastened the yoke that rested on his withers + to the pole, started aside and forced back the crowd which now began to + scold and scream loudly. Balbilla wanted to spring out of the chariot, but + Claudia clung tightly to her and conjured her not to leave her in the + lurch in the midst of the danger. The spoilt patrician’s daughter was not + timid, but on this occasion she would have given much not to have followed + Verus. At first she thought, “A delightful adventure! still, it will not + be perfect till it is over.” But presently her bold experiment lost every + trace of charm, and repentance that she had ever undertaken it filled her + mind. She was far nearer weeping than laughing already, when a man’s deep + voice said behind her, in tones of commanding decision: + </p> + <p> + “Make way there for the pumps; push aside whatever stops the way.” + </p> + <p> + These terrible words reduced Claudia to sinking on to her knees, but + Balbilla’s quelled courage found fresh wings as she heard them, for she + had recognized the voice of Pontius. Now he was close behind the chariot, + high on a horse. He then was the man on horseback whom she had seen + dashing from the sea-shore up to the higher storehouses that were burning, + down to the lake, and hither and thither. + </p> + <p> + She turned full upon him and called him by his name. He recognized her, + tried to pull up his horse as it was dashing forward, and smilingly shook + his head at her, as much as to say: “She is a giddy creature and deserves + a good scolding; but who could be angry with her?” And then he gave his + orders to his subordinates just as if she had been a mere chattel, a bale + of goods or something of the kind, and not an heiress of distinction. + </p> + <p> + “Take out the horses,” he cried to the municipal guards; “we can use them + for carrying water.”—“Help the ladies out of the chariot.”—“Take + them between you Nonnus and Lucanus.”—“Now, stow the chariot in + there among the bushes.”—“Make way there in front, make way for our + pumps.” And each of these orders was obeyed as promptly as if it was the + word of command given by a general to his well-drilled soldiers. + </p> + <p> + After the pumps had been fairly started Pontius rode close up to Balbilla + and said: + </p> + <p> + “Caesar is safe and sound. You no doubt wished to see the progress of the + fire from a spot near it, and in fact the colors down there are + magnificent. I have not time to escort you back to the Caesareum; but + follow me. You will be safe in the harbor-guard’s stone house, and from + the roof you can command a view of Lochias and the whole peninsula. You + will have a rare feast for the eye, noble Balbilla; but I beg you not to + forget at the same time how many days of honest labor, what rich + possessions, how many treasures earned by bitter hardship are being + destroyed at this moment. What may delight you will cost bitter tears to + many others, and so let us both hope that this splendid spectacle may now + have reached its climax, and soon may come to an end.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope so—I hope it with all my heart!” cried the girl. + </p> + <p> + “I was sure you would. As soon as possible I will come to look after you. + You Nonnus and Lucanus, conduct these noble ladies to the harbor-guard’s + house. + </p> + <p> + “Tell him they are intimate friends of the Empress. Only keep the pumps + going! Till we meet again Balbilla!” and with these words the architect + gave his horse the bridle and made his way through the crowd. + </p> + <p> + A quarter of an hour later Balbilla was standing on the roof of the little + stone guard-house. Claudia was utterly exhausted and incapable of speech. + She sat in the dark little parlor below on a rough-hewn wooden bench. But + the young Roman now gazed at the fire with different eyes than before. + Pontius had made her feel a foe to the flames which only a short time + before had filled her with delight as they soared up to the sky, wild and + fierce. They still flared up violently, as though they had to climb above + the roof; but soon they seemed to be quelled and exhausted, to find it + more and more difficult to rise above the black smoke which welled up from + the burning mass. Balbilla had looked out for the architect and had soon + discovered him, for the man on horseback towered above the crowd. He + halted now by one and now by another burning storehouse. Once she lost + sight of him for a whole hour, for he had gone to Lochias. Then again he + reappeared, and wherever he stayed for a while, the raging element abated + its fury. + </p> + <p> + Without her having perceived it, the wind had changed and the air had + become still and much warmer. This circumstance favored the efforts of the + citizens trying to extinguish the fire, but Balbilla ascribed it to the + foresight of her clever friend when the flames subsided in souse places + and in others were altogether extinguished. Once she saw that he had a + building completely torn down which divided a burning granary from some + other storehouses that had been spared, and she understood the object of + this order; it cut off the progress of the flames. Another time she saw + him high on the top of a rise in the ground. Close before him in a sheet + of flame was a magazine in which were kept tow and casks of resin and + pitch. He turned his face full towards it and gave his orders, now on this + side, now on that. His figure and that of his horse, which reared uneasily + beneath him, were flooded in a crimson glow—a splendid picture! She + trembled for him, she gazed in admiration at this calm, resolute, + energetic man, and when a blazing beam fell close in front of him and + after his frightened horse had danced round and round with him, he forced + it to submit to his guidance, the praetor’s insinuation recurred to her + mind, that she clung to her determination to go to Lochias because she + hoped to enjoy the spectacle of Antinous in the flames. Here, before her, + was a nobler display, and yet her lively imagination which often, + sometimes indeed against her will, gave shape to her formless thoughts—called + up the image of the beautiful youth surrounded by the glowing glory which + still painted the horizon. + </p> + <p> + Hour after hour slipped by; the efforts of the thousands who endeavored to + extinguish the blaze were crowned by increasing success; one burning mass + after another was quenched, if not extinguished, and instead of flames + smoke, mingled with sparks, rose from Lochias blacker and blacker-and + still Pontius came not to look after her. She could not see any stars for + the sky was overcast with clouds, but the beginning of a new day could not + be far distant. She was shivering with cold, and her friend’s long absence + began to annoy her. When, presently, it began to rain in large drops, she + went down the ladder that led from the roof and sat down by the fire in + the little room where her companion had gone fast asleep. + </p> + <p> + She had been sitting quite half an hour and gazing dreamily into the + warming glow, when she heard the sound of hoofs and Pontius appeared. His + face was begrimed, and his voice hoarse with shouting commands for hours. + As soon as she saw him Balbilla forgot her vexation, greeted him warmly, + and told him how she had watched his every movement; but the eager girl, + so readily fired to enthusiasm, could only with the greatest difficulty + bring out a few words to express the admiration that his mode of + proceeding had so deeply excited in her mind. + </p> + <p> + She heard him say that his mouth was quite parched and his throat was + longing for a draught of some drink, and she—who usually had every + pin she needed handed to her by a slave, and on whom fate had bestowed no + living creature whom she could find a pleasure in serving—she, with + her own hand dipped a cup of water out of the large clay jar that stood in + a corner of the room and offered it to him with a request that he would + drink it. He eagerly swallowed the refreshing fluid, and when the little + cup was empty Balbilla took it from his hand, refilled it, and gave it him + again. + </p> + <p> + Claudia, who woke up when the architect came in, looked on at her + foster-child’s unheard-of proceedings with astonishment, shaking her head. + When Pontius had drained the third cupful that Balbilla fetched for him he + exclaimed, drawing a deep breath: + </p> + <p> + “That was a drink—I never tasted a better in the whole course of my + life.” + </p> + <p> + “Muddy water out of a nasty earthen pitcher!” answered the girl. + </p> + <p> + “And it tasted better than wine from Byblos out of a golden goblet.” + </p> + <p> + “You had honestly earned the refreshment, and thirst gives flavor to the + humblest liquor.” + </p> + <p> + “You forget the hand that gave it me,” replied the architect warmly. + </p> + <p> + Balbilla colored and looked at the floor in confusion, but presently + raised her face and said, as gayly and carelessly as ever: + </p> + <p> + “So that you have been deliciously refreshed; and now that is done you + will go home and the poor thirsty soul will once more become the great + architect. But before that happens, pray inform us what god it was that + brought you hither from Pelusium in the very nick of time when the fire + broke out, and how matters look now in the palace at Lochias?” + </p> + <p> + “My time is short,” replied Pontius, and he then rapidly told her that, + after he had finished his work at Pelusium, he had returned to Alexandria + with the imperial post. As he got out of the chariot at the post-house he + observed the reflection of fire over the sea and was immediately after + told by a slave that it was the palace that was burning. There were horses + in plenty at the post-house; he had chosen a strong one and had got to the + spot before the crowd had collected. How the fire had originated, so far + remained undiscovered. “Caesar,” he said, “was in the act of observing the + heavens when a flame broke out in a store-shed close to the tower. + Antinous was the first to detect it, cried ‘Fire,’ and warned his master. + I found Hadrian in the greatest agitation; he charged me to superintend + the work of rescuing all that could be saved. At Lochias. Verus helped me + greatly and indeed with so much boldness and judgment that I owe very much + to him. Caesar himself kept his favorite within the palace, for the poor + fellow burned both his hands.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” cried Balbilla with eager regret. “How did that happen?” + </p> + <p> + “When Hadrian and Antinous first came down from the tower they brought + with them as many of the instruments and manuscripts as they could carry. + When they were at the bottom Caesar observed that a tablet with important + calculations had been left lying up above and expressed his regret. + Meanwhile the fire had already caught the slightly-built turret and it + seemed impossible to get into it again. But the dreamy Bithynian can wake + out of his slumbers it would seem, and while Caesar was anxiously watching + the burning bundles of flax which the wind kept blowing across to the + harbor the rash boy rushed into the burning building, flung the tablet + down from the top of the tower and then hurried down the stairs. His bold + action would indeed have cost the poor fellow his life if the slave + Mastor; who meanwhile had hurried to the spot, had not dragged him down + the stone stair of the old tower on which the new one stood and carried + him into the open air. He was half suffocated at the top of them and had + dropped down senseless.” + </p> + <p> + “But he is alive, the splendid boy, the image of the gods! and he is out + of danger?” cried Balbilla, with much anxiety. + </p> + <p> + “He is quite well; only his hands, as I said, are somewhat burnt, and his + hair is singed, but that will grow again.” + </p> + <p> + “His soft, lovely curls!” cried Balbilla. “Let us go home, Claudia. The + gardener shall cut a magnificent bunch of roses, and we will send it to + Antinous to please him.” + </p> + <p> + “Flowers to a man who does not care about them?” asked Pontius, gravely. + </p> + <p> + “With what else can women reward men’s virtues or do honor to their + beauty?” asked Balbilla. + </p> + <p> + “Our own conscience is the reward of our honest actions, or the laurel + wreath from the hand of some famous man.” + </p> + <p> + “And beauty?” + </p> + <p> + “That of women claims and wins admiration, love too perhaps and + flowers-that of men may rejoice the eye, but to do it Honor is a task + granted to no mortal woman.” + </p> + <p> + “To whom, then, if I may ask the question?” + </p> + <p> + “To Art, which makes it immortal.” + </p> + <p> + “But the roses may bring some comfort and pleasure to the suffering + youth.” + </p> + <p> + “Then send them-but to the sick boy, and not to the handsome man,” + retorted Pontius. + </p> + <p> + Balbilla was silent, and she and her companion followed the architect to + the harbor. There he parted from them, putting them into a boat which took + them back to the Caesareum through one of the arch-gates under the + Heptastadium. + </p> + <p> + As they were rowed along the younger Roman lady said to the elder: + </p> + <p> + “Pontius has quite spoilt my fun about the roses. The sick boy is the + handsome Antinous all the same, and if anybody could think—well, I + shall do just as I please; still it will be best not to cut the nosegay.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. + </h2> + <p> + The town was out of danger; the fire was extinct. Pontius had taken no + rest till noonday. Three horses had he tired out and replaced by fresh + ones, but his sinewy frame and healthy courage had till now defied every + strain. As soon as he could consider his task at an end he went off to his + own house, and he needed rest; but in the hall of his residence he already + found a number of persons waiting, and who were likely to stand between + him and the enjoyment of it. + </p> + <p> + A man who lives in the midst of important undertakings cannot, with + impunity, leave his work to take care of itself for several days. All the + claims upon him become pent up, and when he returns home they deluge him + like water when the sluice-gates are suddenly opened behind which it has + been dammed up. + </p> + <p> + At least twenty persons, who had heard of the architect’s return, were + waiting for him in his outer hall, and crowded upon him as soon as he + appeared. Among them he saw several who had come on important business, + but he felt that he had reached the farthest limit of his strength, and he + was determined to secure a little rest at any cost. The grave man’s + natural consideration, usually so conspicuous, could not hold out against + the demands made on his endurance, and he angrily and peevishly pointed to + his begrimed face as he made his way through the people waiting for him. + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow, to-morrow,” he cried; “nay, if necessary, to-day, after + sunset. But now I need rest. Rest! Rest! Why, you yourselves can see the + state I am in.” + </p> + <p> + All—even the master-masons and purveyors who had come on urgent + affairs, drew back; only one elderly man, his sister Paulina’s + house-steward, caught hold of his chiton, stained as it was with smoke and + scorched in many places, and said quickly and in a low tone: + </p> + <p> + “My mistress greets you; she has things to speak of to you which will bear + no delay; I am not to leave you till you have promised to go to see her + to-day. Our chariot waits for you at the garden-door.” + </p> + <p> + “Send it home,” said Pontius, not even civilly; “Paulina must wait a few + hours.” + </p> + <p> + “But my orders are to take you with me at once.” + </p> + <p> + “But in this state—so—I cannot go with you,” cried the + architect with vehemence. “Have you no sort of consideration? And yet—who + can tell—well, tell her I will be with her in two hours.” + </p> + <p> + When Pontius had fairly escaped the throng he took a bath; then he had + some food brought to him, but even while he ate and drank, he was not + unoccupied, for he read the letters which awaited him, and examined some + drawings which his assistants had prepared during his absence. + </p> + <p> + “Give yourself an hour’s respite,” said the old housekeeper, who had been + his nurse and who loved him as her own son. + </p> + <p> + “I must go to my sister,” he answered with a shrug. “We know her of old,” + said the old woman. “For nothing, and less than nothing, she has sent for + you be fore now; and you absolutely need rest. There—are your + cushions right—so? And let me ask you, has the humblest + stone-carrier so hard a life as you have? Even at meals you never have an + hour of peace and comfort. Your poor head is never quiet; the nights are + turned into day; something to do, always something to do. If one only knew + who it is all for?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye—who for, indeed?” sighed Pontius, pushing his arm under his + head, between it and the pillow. “But, you see, little mother, work must + follow rest as surely as day follows night or summer follows winter. The + man who has something he loves in the House—a wife and merry + children, it may be, for aught I care—who sweeten his hours of rest + and make them the best of all the day, he, I say is wise when he tries to + prolong them; but his case is not mine—” + </p> + <p> + “But why is it not yours, my son Pontius?” + </p> + <p> + “Let me finish my speech. I, as you know full well, do not care for gossip + in the bath nor for reclining long over a banquet. In the pauses of my + work I am alone, with myself and with you, my very worthy Leukippe. So the + hours of rest are not for me the fairest scenes, but empty waits between + the acts of the drama of life; and no reasonable man can find fault with + me for trying to abridge them by useful occupation.” + </p> + <p> + “And what is the upshot of this sensible talk? Simply this: you must get + married.” + </p> + <p> + Pontius sighed, but Leukippe added eagerly: + </p> + <p> + “You have not far to look! The most respectable fathers and mothers are + running after you and would bring their prettiest daughters into your + door.” + </p> + <p> + “A daughter whom I do not know, and who might perhaps spoil the pauses + between the acts, which at present I can at any rate turn to some + account.” + </p> + <p> + “They say,” the old woman went on, “that marriage is a cast of the dice. + One throws a high number, another a low one; one wins a wife who is a + match for the busy bee, another gets a tiresome gnat. No doubt there is + some truth in it; but I have grown grey with my eyes open and I have often + seen it happen, that how the marriage turned out depended on the husband. + A man like you makes a bee out of a gnat—a bee that brings honey to + the hive. Of course a man must choose carefully.” + </p> + <p> + “How, pray?” + </p> + <p> + “First see the parents and then the child. A girl who has grown up + surrounded by good habits, in the house of a sensible father and a + virtuous mother—” + </p> + <p> + “And where in this city am I to find such a miracle? Nay, nay, Leukippe, + for the present all shall be left to my old woman. We both do our duty, we + are satisfied with each other and—” + </p> + <p> + “And time is flying,” said the housekeeper, interrupting her master in his + speech. “You are nearly thirty-five years of age, and the girls—” + </p> + <p> + “Let them be! let them be! They will find other men! Now send Cyrus with + my shoes and cloak, and have my litter got ready, for Paulina has been + kept waiting long enough.” + </p> + <p> + The way from the architect’s house to his sister’s was long, and on his + way he found ample time for reflection on various matters besides + Leukippe’s advice to marry. Still, it was a woman’s face and form that + possessed him heart and soul; at first, however, he did not feel inclined + to feast his fancy on Balbilla’s image, lovely as it appeared to him; on + the contrary, with self-inflicted severity he sought everything in her + which could be thought to be opposed to the highest standard of feminine + perfections. Nor did he find it difficult to detect many defects and + deficiencies in the Roman damsel; still he was forced to admit that they + were quite inseparable from her character, and that she would no longer be + what she was, if she were wholly free from them. Each of her little + weaknesses presently began to appear as an additional charm to the stern + man who had himself been brought up in the doctrine of the Stoics. + </p> + <p> + He had learnt by experience that sorrow must cast its shadow over the + existence of every human being; but still, the man to whom it should be + vouchsafed to walk through life hand-in-hand with this radiant child of + fortune could, as it seemed to him, have nothing to look forward to but + pure sunshine. During his journey to Pelusium and his stay there he had + often thought of her, and each time that her image had appeared to his + inward eye he had felt as though daylight had shone in his soul. To have + met her he regarded as the greatest joy of his life, but he dared not + aspire to claim her as his own. + </p> + <p> + He did not undervalue himself and knew that he might well be proud of the + position he had won by his own industry and talents; and still she was the + grandchild of the man who had had the right to sell his grandfather for + mere coin, and was so high-born, rich and distinguished that he would have + thought it hardly more audacious to ask the Emperor what he would take for + the purple than to woo her. But to shelter her, to warn her, to allow his + soul to be refreshed by the sight of her and by her talk—this he + felt was permissible, this happiness no one could deprive him of. And this + she would grant him—she esteemed him and would give him the right to + protect her, this he felt, with thankfulness and joy. He would, then and + there, have gone through the exertions of the last few hours all over + again if he could have been certain that he should once more be refreshed + with the draught of water from her hand. Only to think of her and of her + sweetness seemed greater happiness than the possession of any other woman. + </p> + <p> + As he got out of his litter at the door of his sister’s town-house he + shook his head, smiling at himself; for he confessed to himself that the + whole of the long distance he had hardly thought of anything but Balbilla. + </p> + <p> + Paulina’s house had but few windows opening upon the street and these + belonged to the strangers’ rooms, and yet his arrival had been observed. A + window at the side of the house, all grown round with creepers, framed in + a sweet girlish head which looked down from it inquisitively on the bustle + in the street. Pontius did not notice it, but Arsinoe—for it was her + pretty face that looked out—at once recognized the architect whom + she had seen at Lochias and of whom Pollux had spoken as his friend and + patron. + </p> + <p> + She had now, for a week, been living with the rich widow; she wanted for + nothing, and yet her soul longed with all its might to be out in the city, + and to inquire for Pollux and his parents, of whom she had heard nothing + since the day of her father’s death. Her lover was no doubt seeking her + with anxiety and sorrow; but how was he to find her? + </p> + <p> + Three days after her arrival she had discovered the little window from + which she had a view of the street. There was plenty to be seen, for it + led to the Hippodrome and was never empty of foot-passengers and chariots + that were proceeding thither or to Necropolis. No doubt it was a pleasure + to her to watch the fine horses and garlanded youths and men who passed by + Paulina’s house; but it was not merely to amuse herself that she went to + the bowery little opening; no, she hoped, on the contrary, that she might + once see her Pollux, his father, his mother, his bother Teuker or some one + else they knew pass by her new home. Then she might perhaps succeed in + calling them, in asking what had become of her friends, and in begging + them to let her lover know where to seek her. + </p> + <p> + Her adoptive mother had twice found her at the window and had forbidden + her, not unkindly but very positively, to look out into the street. + Arsinoe had followed her unresistingly into the interior of the house, but + as soon as she knew that Paulina was out or engaged, she slipped back to + the window again and looked out for him, who must at every hour of the day + be thinking of her. And she was not happy amid her new and wealthy + surroundings. At first she had found it very pleasant to stretch her limbs + on Paulina’s soft cushions, not to stir a finger to help herself, to eat + the best of food and to have neither to attend to the children nor to + labor in the horrible papyrus-factory; but by the third day she pined for + liberty—and still more for the children, for Selene and Pollux. Once + she went out driving with Paulina in a covered carriage for the first time + in her life. As the horses started she had enjoyed the rapid movement and + had leaned out at one side to see the houses and men flying past her; but + Paulina had regarded this as not correct—as she did so many other + things that she herself thought right and permissible—had desired + her to draw in her head, and had told her that a well-conducted girl must + sit with her eyes in her lap when out driving. + </p> + <p> + Paulina was kind, never was irritable, had her dressed and waited upon + like her own daughter, kissed her in the morning and when she bid her + good-night; and yet Arsinoe had never once thought of Paulina’s demand + that she should love her. The proud woman, who was so cool in all the + friendly relations of life, and who, as she felt was always watching her, + was to her only a stranger who had her in her power. The fairest + sentiments of her soul she must always keep locked up from her. + </p> + <p> + Once, when Paulina, with tears in her eyes had spoken to her of her lost + daughter, Arsinoe had been softened and following the impulse of her + heart, had confided to her that she loved Pollux the sculptor and hoped to + be his wife. + </p> + <p> + “You love a maker of images!” Paulina had exclaimed, with as much horror + as if she had seen a toad; then she had paced uneasily up and down and had + added with her usual calm decision: + </p> + <p> + “No, no, my child! you will forget all this as soon as possible; I know of + a nobler Bridegroom for you; when once you have learned to know Him you + will never long for any other. Have you seen one single image in this + house?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied Arsinoe, “but so far as regards Pollux—” + </p> + <p> + “Listen to me” said the widow, “have I not told you of our loving Father + in Heaven? Have I not told you that the gods of the heathen are unreal + beings which the vain imaginings of fools have endowed with all the + weaknesses and crimes of humanity? Can you not understand how silly it is + to pray to stones? What power can reside in these frail figures of brass + or marble? + </p> + <p> + “Idols we call them. He who carves them, serves them and offers sacrifice + to them; aye and a great sacrifice, for he devotes his best powers, to + their service. Do you understand me?” + </p> + <p> + “No—Art is certainly a lofty thing, and Pollux is a good man, full + of the divinity as he works.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait a while, only wait—you will soon learn to understand,” Paulina + had answered, drawing Arsinoe towards her, and had added, at first + speaking gently but then more sternly: “Now go to bed and pray to your + gracious Father in Heaven that he may enlighten your heart. You must + forget the carved image-maker, and I forbid you ever to speak in my + presence again of such a man.” + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe had grown up a heathen, she clung with affection to the gods of + her fathers and hoped for happier days after the first bitterness of the + loss of her father and the separation from her brothers and sisters was + past. She was little disposed to sacrifice her young love and all her + earthly happiness for spiritual advantages of which she scarcely + comprehended the value. Her father had always spoken of the Christians + with hatred and contempt. She now saw that they could be kind and helpful, + and the doctrine that there was a loving God in Heaven who cared for all + men as his children appealed to her soul; but that we ought to forgive our + enemies, to remember our sins, and to repent of them, and to regard all + the pleasure and amusement which the gay city of Alexandria could offer as + base and worthless—this was absurd and foolish. + </p> + <p> + And what great sins had she committed? Could a loving God require of her + that she should mar all her best days because as a child she had pilfered + a cake or broken a pitcher; or, as she grew older had sometimes been + obstinate or disobedient? Surely not. And then was an artist, a kind + faithful soul like her tall Pollux, to be odious in the eyes of God the + Father of all, because he was able to make such wonderful things as that + head of her mother, for instance? If this really was so she would rather, + a thousand times rather, lift her hands in prayer to the smiling + Aphrodite, roguish Eros, beautiful Apollo, and all the nine Muses who + protected her Pollux, than to Him. + </p> + <p> + An obscure aversion rose up in her soul against the stern woman who could + not understand her, and of whose teaching and admonitions she scarcely + took in half; and she rejected many a word of the widow’s which might + otherwise easily have found room in her heart, only because it was spoken + by the cold-mannered woman who at every hour seemed to try to lay some + fresh restraint upon her. + </p> + <p> + Paulina had never yet taken her with her to of the Christian assemblies in + her suburban villa; wished first to prepare her and to open her soul to + salvation. In this task no teacher of the congregation should assist her. + She, and she alone, should win to the Redeemer the soul of this fair + creature that had walked so resolutely in the ways of the heathen; this + was required of her as the condition of the covenant that she felt she had + made with Him, it was with the price of this labor that she hoped to + purchase her own child’s eternal happiness. Day after day she had Arsinoe + into her own room, that was decked with flowers and with Christian + symbols, and devoted several hours to her instruction. But her disciple + proved less impressionable and less attentive every day; while Paulina was + speaking Arsinoe was thinking of Pollux, of the children, of the festival + prepared for the Emperor or of the beautiful dress she was to have worn as + Roxana. She wondered what young girl would fill her place, and how she + could ever hope to see her lover again. And it was the same during + Paulina’s prayers as during her instruction, prayers that often lasted + more than hour, and which she had to attend, on her knees on Wednesday and + Friday, and with hands uplifted on all the other days of the week. + </p> + <p> + When her adoptive mother had discovered how often she looked out into the + street she thought she had found out the reason of her pupil’s distracted + attention and only waited the return of her brother, the architect, in + order to have the window blocked up. + </p> + <p> + As Pontius entered the lofty hall of his sister’s house, Arsinoe came to + meet him. Her cheeks were flushed, she had hurried to fly down as fast as + possible from her window to the ground floor, in order to speak to the + architect before he went into the inner rooms or had talked with his + sister, and she looked lovelier than ever. Pontius gazed at her with + delight. He knew that he had seen this sweet face before, but he could not + at once remember where; for a face we have met with only incidentally is + not easily recognized when we find it again where we do not expect it. + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe did not give him time to speak to her, for she went straight up to + him, greeted him, and asked timidly: + </p> + <p> + “You do not remember who I am?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” said the architect, “and yet—for the moment—” + </p> + <p> + “I am the daughter of Keraunus, the palace-steward at Lochias, but you + know of course!” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure, to be sure! Arsinoe is your name; I was asking to-day after + your father and heard to my great regret—” + </p> + <p> + “He is dead.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor child! How everything has changed in the old palace since I went + away. The gate-house is swept away, there is a new steward and there-but, + tell me how came you here?” + </p> + <p> + “My father left us nothing and Christians took its in. There were eight of + us.” + </p> + <p> + “And my sister shelters you all?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no; one has been taken into one house and others into others. We + shall never be together again.” And as she spoke the tears ran down + Arsinoe’s cheeks; but she promptly recovered herself, and before Pontius + could express his sympathy she went on: + </p> + <p> + “I want to ask of you a favor; let me speak before any one disturbs us.” + </p> + <p> + “Speak, my child.” + </p> + <p> + “You know Pollux—the sculptor Pollux?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly.” + </p> + <p> + “And you were always kindly disposed toward him?” + </p> + <p> + “He is a good man and an excellent artist.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye that he is, and besides all that—may I tell you something and + will you stand by me?” + </p> + <p> + “Gladly, so far as lies in my power.” + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe looked down at the ground in charming and blushing confusion and + said in a low tone: + </p> + <p> + “We love each other—I am to be his wife.” + </p> + <p> + “Accept my best wishes.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, if only we had got as far as that! But since my father’s death we + have not seen each other. I do not know where he and his parents are, and + how are they ever to find me here?” + </p> + <p> + “Write to him.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot write well, and even if I could my messenger—” + </p> + <p> + “Has my sister had any search made for him?” + </p> + <p> + “No—oh, no. I may not even let his name pass my lips. She wants to + give me to some one else; she says that making statues is hateful to the + God of the Christians.” + </p> + <p> + “Does she? And you want me to seek your lover?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, my dear lord! and if you find him tell him I shall be alone + to-morrow early, and again towards evening, every day indeed, for then + your sister goes to serve her God in her country house.” + </p> + <p> + “So you want to make me a lover’s go-between. You could not find a more + inexperienced one.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! noble Pontius, if you have a heart—” + </p> + <p> + “Let me speak to the end, child! I will seek your lover, and if I find him + he shall know where you are, but I cannot and will not invite him to an + assignation here behind my sister’s back. He shall come openly to Paulina + and prefer his suit. If she refuses her consent I will try to take the + matter in hand with Paulina. Are you satisfied with this?” + </p> + <p> + “I must need be. And tell me, you will let me know when you have found out + where he and his parents have gone?” + </p> + <p> + “That I promise you. And now tell the one thing. Are you happy in this + house?” + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe looked down in some embarrassment, then she hastily shook her head + in vehement negation and hurried away. Pontius looked after her with + compassion and sympathy. + </p> + <p> + “Poor, pretty little creature!” he murmured to himself, and went on to his + sister’s room. + </p> + <p> + The house-steward had announced his visit, and Paulina met him on the + threshold. In his sister’s sitting-room the architect found Eumenes, the + bishop, a dignified old man with clear, kind eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Your name is in everybody’s mouth to-day,” said Paulina, “after the usual + greetings. They say you did wonders last night.” + </p> + <p> + “I got home very tired,” said Pontius, “but as you so pressingly desired + to speak to me, I shortened my hours of rest.” + </p> + <p> + “How sorry I am!” exclaimed the widow. + </p> + <p> + The bishop perceived that the brother and sister had business to discuss + together, and asked whether he were not interrupting it. + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary,” cried Paulina. “The subject under discussion is my + newly-adopted daughter who, unhappily, has her head full of silly and + useless things. She tells me she has seen you at Lochias, Pontius.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I know the pretty child.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, she is lovely to look upon,” said the widow. “But her heart and mind + have been left wholly untrained, and in her the doctrine falls upon stony + ground, for she avails herself of every unoccupied moment to stare at the + horsemen and chariots that pass on the way to the Hippodrome. By this + inquisitive gaping she fills her head with a thousand useless and + distracting fancies; I am not always at home, and so it will be best to + have the pernicious window walled up.” + </p> + <p> + “And did you send for me only to have that done?” cried Pontius, much + annoyed. “Your house-slaves, I should think, might have been equal to that + without my assistance.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps, but then the wall would have to be freshly whitewashed—I + know how obliging you always are.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you very much. To-morrow I will send you two regular workmen.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, to-day, at once if possible.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you in such pressing haste to spoil the poor child’s amusement? And + besides I cannot but think that it is not to stare at the horsemen and + chariots that she looks out, but to see her worthy lover.” + </p> + <p> + “So much the worse. I was telling you, Eumenes, that a sculptor wants to + marry her.” + </p> + <p> + “She is a heathen,” replied the bishop. + </p> + <p> + “But on the road to salvation,” answered Paulina. “But we will speak of + that presently. There is still something else to discuss, Pontius. The + hall of my country villa must be enlarged.” + </p> + <p> + “Then send me the plans.” + </p> + <p> + “They are in the book-room of my late husband.” The architect left his + sister to go into the library, which he knew well. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the bishop was left alone with Paulina, he shook his head and + said: + </p> + <p> + “If I judge rightly, my dear sister, you are going the wrong way to work + in leading this child intrusted to your care. Not all are called, and + rebellious hearts must be led along the path of salvation with a gentle + hand, not dragged and driven. Why do you cut off this girl, who still + stands with both feet in the world, from all that can give her pleasure? + Allow the young creature to enjoy every permitted pleasure which can add + to the joys of life in youth. Do not hurt Arsinoe needlessly, do not let + her feel the hand that guides her. First teach her to love you from her + heart, and when she knows nothing dearer than you, a request from you will + be worth more than bolts or walled-up windows.” + </p> + <p> + “At first I wished nothing more than that she should love me,” interrupted + Paulina. + </p> + <p> + “But have you proved her? Do you see in her the spark which may be fanned + to a flame? Have you detected in her the germ which may possibly grow to a + strong desire for salvation and to devotion to the Redeemer?” + </p> + <p> + “That germ exists in every heart-these are your own words.” + </p> + <p> + “But in many of the heathen it is deeply buried in sand and stories; and + do you feel yourself equal to clearing them away without injury to the + seed or to the soil in which it lies?” + </p> + <p> + “I do, and I will win Arsinoe to Jesus Christ,” said Paulina firmly. + </p> + <p> + Pontius interrupted the conversation; he remained with his sister some + time longer discussing with her and with Eumenes the new building to be + done at her country house; then he and the bishop left at the same time + and Pontius proceeded to the scene of the fire by the harbor and in the + old palace. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0038" id="link2HCH0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. + </h2> + <p> + Pontius did not find the Emperor at Lochias, for Hadrian had moved at + mid-day to the Caesareum. The strong smell of burning in every room in the + palace had sickened him and he had begun to regard the restored building + as a doomed scene of disaster. The architect was waited for with much + anxiety, for the rooms originally furnished for the Emperor in the + Caesareum had been despoiled and disarranged to decorate the rooms at + Lochias, and Pontius was wanted to superintend their immediate + rehabilitation. A chariot was waiting for him and there was no lack of + slaves, so he began this fresh task at once and devoted himself to it till + late at night. It was in vain this time that his anteroom was filled with + people waiting for his return. + </p> + <p> + Hadrian had retired to some rooms which formed part of his wife’s + apartments. He was in a grave mood, and when the prefect Titianus was + announced he kept him waiting till, with his own hand, he had laid a fresh + dressing on his favorite’s burns. + </p> + <p> + “Go now, my lord,” begged the Bithynian, when the Emperor had finished his + task with all the skill of a surgeon: “Titianus has been walking up and + down in there for the last quarter of an hour.” + </p> + <p> + “And so he may,” said the monarch. “And if the whole world is shrieking + for me it must wait till these faithful hands have had their due. Yes, my + boy! we will wander on through life together, inseparable comrades. Others + indeed do the same, and each one who goes through life side by side with a + companion sharing all he enjoys or suffers, comes to think at last that he + knows him as he knows himself; still the inmost core of his friend’s + nature remains concealed from him. Then, some day Fate lets a storm come + raging down upon them; the last veil is torn, under the wanderer’s eyes, + from the very heart of his companion, and at last he really sees him as he + is, like a kernel stripped of its shell, a bare and naked body. Last night + such a blast swept over us and let me see the heart of my Antinous, as + plainly as this hand I hold before my eyes. Yes, yes, yes! for the man who + will risk his young and happy existence for a thing his friend holds + precious would sacrifice ten lives if he had them, for his friend’s + person. Never, my friend, shall that night be forgotten. It gives you the + right to do much that might pain me, and has graven your name on my heart, + the foremost among those to whom I am indebted for any benefit.—They + are but few.” + </p> + <p> + Hadrian held out his hand to Antinous as he spoke. The boy, who had kept + his eyes fixed on the ground in much confusion, raised it to his lips and + pressed it against them in violent agitation. Then he raised his large + eyes to the Emperor’s and said: + </p> + <p> + “You must not speak to me so kindly, for I do not deserve such goodness. + What is my life after all? I would let it go, as a child leaves go of a + beetle it has caught, to spare you one single anxious day.” + </p> + <p> + “I know it,” answered Hadrian firmly, and he went to the prefect in the + adjoining room. + </p> + <p> + Titianus had come in obedience to Hadrian’s orders; the matter to be + settled was what indemnification was to be paid to the city and to the + individual owners of the storehouses that had been destroyed, for Hadrian + had caused a decree to be proclaimed that no one should suffer any loss + through a misfortune sent by the gods and which had originated in his + residence. The prefect had already instituted the necessary inquiries and + the private secretaries, Phlegon, Heliodorus and Celer, were now charged + with the duty of addressing documents to the injured parties in which they + were invited, in the name of Caesar, to declare the truth as to the amount + of the loss they had suffered. Titianus also brought the information that + the Greeks and Jews had determined to express their thankfulness for + Caesar’s preservation by great thank-offerings. + </p> + <p> + “And the Christians,” asked Hadrian. + </p> + <p> + “They abominate the sacrifice of animals, but they will unite in a common + act of thanksgiving.” + </p> + <p> + “Their gratitude will not cost them much,” said Hadrian. + </p> + <p> + “Their bishop, Eumenes, brought me a sum of money for which a hundred oxen + might be bought, to distribute among the poor. He said the God of the + Christians is a spirit and requires none but spiritual sacrifices; that + the best offering a man can bring him is a prayer prompted by the spirit + and proceeding from a loving heart.” + </p> + <p> + “That sounds very well for us,” said Hadrian. “But it will not do for the + people. Philosophical doctrines do not tend to piety; the populace need + visible gods and tangible sacrifices. Are the Christians here good + citizens and devoted to the welfare of the state?” + </p> + <p> + “We need no courts of justice for them.” + </p> + <p> + “Then take their money and distribute it among the needy; but I must + forbid their meeting for a general thanksgiving; they may raise their + hands to their great spirit in my behalf, in private. Their doctrine must + not be brought into publicity; it is not devoid of a delusive charm and it + is indispensable to the safety of the state that the mob should remain + faithful to the old gods and sacrifices.” + </p> + <p> + “As you command, Caesar.” + </p> + <p> + “You know the account given of the Christians by Pliny and Trajan?” + </p> + <p> + “And Trajan’s answer.” + </p> + <p> + “Well then let us leave them to follow their own devices in private after + their own fashion; only they must not commit any breach of the laws of the + state nor force themselves into publicity. As soon as they show any + disposition to refuse to the old gods the respect that is due to them, or + to raise a finger against them, severity must be exercised and every + excess must be punished by death.” + </p> + <p> + During this conversation Verus had entered the room; he was following the + Emperor everywhere to-day for he hoped to hear him say a word as to his + observation of the heavens, and yet he did not dare to ask him what he had + discovered from them. + </p> + <p> + When he saw that Hadrian was occupied he made a chamberlain conduct him to + Antinous. The favorite turned pale as he saw the praetor, still he + retained enough presence of mind to wish him all happiness on his + birthday. It did not escape Verus that his presence had startled the lad; + he therefore plied him at first with indifferent questions, introduced + pleasing anecdotes into his conversation and then, when he had gained his + purpose, he added carelessly: + </p> + <p> + “I must thank you in the name of the state and of every friend of + Caesar’s. You carried out your undertaking well to the end, though by + somewhat overpowering means.” + </p> + <p> + “I entreat you say no more,” interrupted Antinous eagerly, and looking + anxiously at the door of the next room. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I would have sacrificed all Alexandria to preserve Caesar’s mind from + gloom and care. Besides we have both paid dearly for our good intentions + and for those wretched sheds.” + </p> + <p> + “Pray talk of something else.” + </p> + <p> + “You sit there with your hands bound up and your hair singed, and I feel + very unwell.” + </p> + <p> + “Hadrian said you had helped valiantly in the rescue.” + </p> + <p> + “I was sorry for the poor rats whose gathered store of provisions the + flames were so rapidly devouring, and all hot as I was from my supper, I + flung myself in among the men who were extinguishing the fire. My first + reward was a bath of cold, icy-cold sea-water, which was poured over my + head out of a full skin. All doctrines of ethics are in disgrace with me, + and I have long considered all the dramatic poets, in whose pieces virtue + is rewarded and crime punished, as a pack of fools; for my pleasantest + hours are all due to my worst deeds; and sheer annoyance and misery, to my + best. No hyena can laugh more hoarsely that I now speak; some portion of + me inside here, seems to have been turned into a hedgehog whose spines + prick and hurt me, and all this because I allowed myself to be led away + into doing things which the moralists laud as virtuous.” + </p> + <p> + “You cough, and you do not look well. He down awhile.” + </p> + <p> + “On my birthday? No, my young friend. And now let me just ask you before I + go: Can you tell me what Hadrian read in the stars?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “Not even if I put my Perseus at your orders for every thing you may + require of him? The man knows Alexandria and is as dumb as a fish.” + </p> + <p> + “Not even then, for what I do not know I cannot tell. We are both of us + ill, and I tell you once more you will be wise to take care of yourself.” + Verus left the room, and Antinous watched him go with much relief. + </p> + <p> + The praetor’s visit had filled him with disquietude, and had added to the + dislike he felt for him. He knew that he had been used to base ends by + Verus, for Hadrian had told him so much as that he had gone up to the + observatory not to question the stars for himself but to cast the + praetor’s horoscope, and that he had informed Verus of his intention. + </p> + <p> + There was no excuse, no forgiveness possible for the deed he had done; to + please that dissolute coxcomb, that mocking hypocrite, he had become a + traitor to his master and an incendiary, and must endure to be overwhelmed + with praises and thanks by the greatest and most keen-sighted of men. He + hated, he abhorred himself, and asked himself why the fire which had + blazed around him had been satisfied only to inflict slight injuries on + his hands and hair. When Hadrian returned to him he asked his permission + to go to bed. The Emperor gladly granted it, ordered Mastor to watch by + his side, and then agreed to his wife’s request that he would visit her. + </p> + <p> + Sabina had not been to the scene of the fire, but she had sent a messenger + every hour to inquire as to the progress of the conflagration and the + well-being of her husband. When he had first arrived at the Caesareum she + had met and welcomed him and then had retired to her own apartments. + </p> + <p> + It wanted only two hours of midnight when Hadrian entered her room; he + found her reclining on a couch without the jewels she usually wore in the + daytime but dressed as for a banquet. + </p> + <p> + “You wished to speak with me?” said the Emperor. “Yes, and this day—so + full of remarkable events as it has been—has also a remarkable close + since I have not wished in vain.” + </p> + <p> + “You so rarely give me the opportunity of gratifying a wish.” + </p> + <p> + “And do you complain of that?” + </p> + <p> + “I might—for instead of wishing you are wont to demand.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us cease this strife of idle words.” + </p> + <p> + “Willingly. With what object did you send for me?” + </p> + <p> + “Verus is to-day keeping his birthday.” + </p> + <p> + “And you would like to know what the stars promise him?” + </p> + <p> + “Rather how the signs in the heavens have disposed you towards him.” + </p> + <p> + “I had but little time to consider what I saw. But at any rate the stars + promise him a brilliant future.” + </p> + <p> + A gleam of joy shone in Sabina’s eyes, but she forced herself to keep calm + and asked, indifferently: + </p> + <p> + “You admit that, and yet you can come to no decision?” + </p> + <p> + “Then you want to hear the decisive word spoken at once, to-day?” + </p> + <p> + “You know that without my answering you.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, his star outshines mine and compels me to be on my guard + against him.” + </p> + <p> + “How mean! You are afraid of the praetor?” + </p> + <p> + “No, but of his fortune which is bound up with you?” + </p> + <p> + “When he is our son his greatness will be ours.” + </p> + <p> + “By no means, since if I make him what you wish him to be, he will + certainly try to make our greatness his. Destiny—” + </p> + <p> + “You said it favored him; but unfortunately I must dispute the statement.” + </p> + <p> + “You? Do you try too, to read the stars?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I leave that to men. Have you heard of Ammonius, the astrologer?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. A very learned man who observes from the tower of the Serapeum, and + who, like many of his fellows in this city has made use of his art to + accumulate a large fortune.” + </p> + <p> + “No less a man than the astronomer Claudius Ptolemaeus referred me to + him.” + </p> + <p> + “The best of recommendation.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, I commissioned Ammonius to cast the horoscope for Verus + during the past night and he brought it to me with an explanatory key. + Here it is.” + </p> + <p> + The Emperor hastily seized the tablet which Sabina held out to him, and as + he attentively examined the forecasts, arranged in order according to the + hours, he said: + </p> + <p> + “Quite right. That of course did not escape me! Well done, exactly the + same as my own observations—but here—stay—here comes the + third hour, at the beginning of which I was interrupted. Eternal gods! + what have we here?” + </p> + <p> + The Emperor held the wax tablet prepared by Aminonius at arm’s length from + his eyes and never parted his lips again till he had come to the end of + the last hour of the night. Then he dropped the hand that held the + horoscope, saying with a shudder: + </p> + <p> + “A hideous destiny. Horace was right in saying the highest towers fall + with the greatest crash.” + </p> + <p> + “The tower of which you speak,” said Sabina, “is that darling of fortune + of whom you are afraid. Vouchsafe then to Verus a brief space of happiness + before the horrible end you foresee for him.” + </p> + <p> + While she spoke Hadrian sat with his eyes thoughtfully fixed on the + ground, and then, standing in front of his wife, he replied: + </p> + <p> + “If no sinister catastrophe falls upon this man, the stars and the fate of + men have no more to do with one another than the sea with the heart of the + desert, than the throb of men’s pulses with the pebbles in the brook. If + Ammonius has erred ten times over still more than ten signs remain on this + tablet, hostile and fatal to the praetor. I grieve for Verus—but the + state suffers with the sovereign’s misfortunes.—This man can never + be my successor.” + </p> + <p> + “No?” asked Sabina rising from her couch. “No? Not when you have seen that + your own star outlives his? Not though a glance at this tablet shows you + that when he is nothing but ashes the world will still continue long to + obey your nod?” + </p> + <p> + “Compose yourself and give me time.—Yes, I still say not even so.” + </p> + <p> + “Not even so,” repeated Sabina sullenly. Then, collecting herself, she + asked in a tone of vehement entreaty: + </p> + <p> + “Not even so—not even if I lift my hands to you in supplication and + cry in your face that you and Fate have grudged me the blessing, the + happiness, the crown and aim of a woman’s life, and I must and I will + attain it; I must and I will once, if only for a short time, hear myself + called by some dear lips by the name which gives the veriest beggar-woman + with her infant in her arms preeminence above the Empress who has never + stood by a child’s cradle. I must and I will, before I die, be a mother, + be called mother and be able to say, ‘my child, my son—our son.’” + And as she spoke she sobbed aloud and covered her face with her hands. + </p> + <p> + The Emperor drew back a step from his wife. A miracle had been wrought + before his eyes. Sabina—in whose eyes no tear had ever been seen—Sabina + was weeping, Sabina had a heart like other women. Greatly astonished and + deeply moved he saw her turn from him, utterly shaken by the agitation of + her feelings, and sink on her knees by the side of the couch she had + quitted to hide her face in the cushions. He stood motionless by her side, + but presently going nearer to her: + </p> + <p> + “Stand up, Sabina,” he said. “Your desire is a just one. You shall have + the son for whom your soul longs.” + </p> + <p> + The Empress rose and a grateful look in her eyes, swimming in tears, met + his glance. Sabina could smile too, she could look sweet! It had taken a + lifetime, it had needed such a moment as this to reveal it to Hadrian. + </p> + <p> + He silently drew a seat towards her and sat down by her side; for some + time he sat with her hand clasped in his, in silence. Then he let it go + and said kindly: + </p> + <p> + “And will Verus fulfil all you expect of a son?” She nodded assent. + </p> + <p> + “What makes you so confident of that?” asked the Emperor. “He is a Roman + and not lacking in brilliant and estimable gifts. A man who shows such + mettle alike in the field and in the council-chamber and yet can play the + part of Eros with such success will also know how to wear the purple + without disgracing it. But he has his mother’s light blood, and his heart + flutters hither and thither.” + </p> + <p> + “Let him be as he is. We understand each other and he is the only man on + whose disposition I can build, on whose fidelity I can count as securely + as if he were my favorite son.” + </p> + <p> + “And on what facts is this confidence based?” + </p> + <p> + “You will understand me, for you are not blind to the signs which Fate + vouchsafes to us. Have you time to listen to a short story?” + </p> + <p> + “The night is yet young.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I will tell you. Forgive me if I begin with things that seem dead + and gone; but they are not, for they live and work in me to this hour. I + know that you yourself did not choose me for your wife. Plotina chose me + for you—she loved you, whether your regard for her was for the + beautiful woman or for the wife of Caesar to whom everything belonged that + you had to look for—how should I know?” + </p> + <p> + “It was Plotina, the woman, that I honored and loved—” + </p> + <p> + “In choosing me she chose you a wife who was tall and so fitted to wear + the purple, but who was never beautiful. She knew me well and she knew + that I was less apt than any other woman to win hearts; in my parents’ + house no child ever enjoyed so slender a share of the gifts of love, and + none can know better than you that my husband did not spoil me with + tenderness.” + </p> + <p> + “I could repent of it at this moment.” + </p> + <p> + “It would be too late now. But I will not be bitter—no, indeed I + will not. And yet if you are to understand me I must own that so long as I + was young I longed bitterly for the love which no one offered me.” + </p> + <p> + “And you yourself have never loved?” + </p> + <p> + “No—but it pained me that I could not. In Plotina’s apartments I + often saw the children of her relations, and many a time I tried to + attract them to me, but while they would play confidently with other women + they seemed to shun me. Soon I even grew cross to them—only our + Verus, the little son of Celonius Commodus, would give me frank answers + when I spoke to him, and would bring me his broken toys that I might mend + their injuries. And so I got to love the child.” + </p> + <p> + “He was a wonderfully sweet, attractive boy.” + </p> + <p> + “He was indeed. One day we women were all sitting together in Caesar’s + garden. Verus came running out with a particularly fine apple that Trajan + himself had given him. The rosy-cheeked fruit was admired by every one. + Then Plotina, in fun took the apple out of the boy’s hand and asked him if + he would not give his apple to her. He looked at her with wide-open + puzzled eyes, shook his curly head, ran up to me and gave me—yes, + me, and no one else—the fruit, throwing his arms round my neck and + saying, ‘Sabina you shall have it.’” + </p> + <p> + “The judgment of Paris.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, do not jest now. This action of an unselfish child gave me courage + to endure the troubles of life. I knew now that there was one creature + that loved me, and that one repaid all that I felt for him, all that I was + never weary of doing for him with affectionate liking. He is the only + being, of whom I know, that will weep when I die. Give him the right to + call me his mother and make him our son.” + </p> + <p> + “He is our son,” said Hadrian, with dignified gravity, and held out his + hand to Sabina. She tried to lift it to her lips but he drew it away and + went on: + </p> + <p> + “Inform him that we accept him as our son. His wife is the daughter of + Nigrinus—who had to go, as I desired to stay and stand firm. You do + not love Lucilla, but we must both admire her for I do not know another + woman in Rome whose virtue a man might vouch for. Besides, I owe her a + father, and am glad to have such a daughter; thus we shall be blessed with + children. Whether I shall appoint Verus my successor and proclaim to the + world who shall be its future ruler I cannot now decide; for that I need a + calmer hour. Till to-morrow, Sabina. This day began with a misfortune; may + the deed with which we have combined to end it prosper and bring us + happiness.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0039" id="link2HCH0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. + </h2> + <p> + There are often fine warm days in February, but those who fancy the spring + has come find themselves deceived. The bitter, hard Sabina could at times + let soft and tender emotions get the mastery over her, but as soon as the + longing of her languishing soul for maternal happiness was gratified, she + closed her heart again and extinguished the fire that had warmed it. Every + one who approached her, even her husband, felt himself chilled and + repelled again by her manner. + </p> + <p> + Verus was ill. The first symptoms of a liver complaint which his + physicians had warned him might ensue, if he, an European, persisted in + his dissipated life at Alexandria as if it were Rome, now began to + occasion him many uneasy hours, and this, the first physical pain that + fate had ever inflicted on him, he bore with the utmost impatience. Even + the great news which Sabina brought him, realizing his boldest + aspirations, had no power to reconcile him to the new sensation of being + ill. He learnt, at the same time, that Hadrian’s alarm at the transcendent + brightness of his star had nearly cost him his adoption, and as he firmly + believed that he had brought on his sufferings by his efforts to + extinguish the fire that Antinous had kindled, he bitterly rued his + treacherous interference with the Emperor’s calculations. Men are always + ready to cast any burden, and especially that of a fault they have + committed, on to the shoulders of another; and so the suffering praetor + cursed Antinous and the learning of Simeon Ben Jochai, because, if it had + not been for them the mischievous folly which had spoilt his pleasure in + life would never have been committed. + </p> + <p> + Hadrian had requested the Alexandrians to postpone the theatrical displays + and processions that they had prepared for him, as his observations as to + the course of destiny during the coming year were not yet complete. Every + evening he ascended the lofty observatory of the Serapeum and gazed from + thence at the stars. His labors ended on the tenth of January; on the + eleventh the festivities began. They lasted through many days, and by the + desire of the praetor the pretty daughter of Apollodorus the Jew was + chosen to represent Roxana. Everything that the Alexandrians had prepared + to do honor to their sovereign was magnificent and costly. So many ships + had never before been engaged in any Naumachia as were destroyed here in + the sham sea-fight, no greater number of wild beasts had ever been seen + together on any occasion even in the Roman Circus; and how bloody were the + fights of the gladiators, in which black and white combatants afforded a + varied excitement for both heart and senses. In the processions, the + different elements which were supplied by the great central metropolis of + Egyptian, Greek and Oriental culture afforded such a variety of food for + the eye that, in spite of their interminable length, the effect was less + fatiguing than the Romans had feared. The performances of the tragedies + and comedies were equally rich in startling effects; conflagrations and + floods were introduced and gave the Alexandrian actors the opportunity of + displaying their talents with such brilliant success that Hadrian and his + companions were forced to acknowledge that even in Rome and Athens they + had never witnessed any representations equally perfect. + </p> + <p> + A piece by the Jewish author Ezekiel who, under the Ptolemies, wrote + dramas in the Greek language of which the subject was taken from the + history of his own people, particularly claimed the Emperor’s attention. + </p> + <p> + Titianus during all this festive season was unluckily suffering from an + attack of old-standing breathlessness, and he also had his hands full; at + the same time he did his best in helping Pontius in seeking out the + sculptor Pollux. Both men did their utmost, but though they soon were able + to find Euphorion and dame Doris, every trace of their son had vanished. + Papias, the former employer of the man who had disappeared, was no longer + in the city, having been sent by Hadrian to Italy to execute centaurs and + other figures to decorate his villa at Tibur. His wife who remained at + home, declared that she knew nothing of Pollux but that he had abruptly + quitted her husband’s service. The unfortunate man’s fellow-workmen could + give no news of him whatever, for not one of them had been present when he + was seized; Papias had had foresight enough to have the man he dreaded + placed in security without the presence of any witnesses. Neither the + prefect nor the architect thought of seeking the worthy fellow in prison, + and even if they had done so they would hardly have found him, for Pollux + was not kept in durance in Alexandria itself. The prisons of the city had + overflowed after the night of the holiday and he had been transferred to + Canopus and there detained and brought up for trial. + </p> + <p> + Pollux had unhesitatingly owned to having taken the silver quiver and to + having been very angry at his master’s accusation. Thus he produced from + the first an unfavorable impression on the judge, who esteemed Papias as a + wealthy man, universally respected. The accused had hardly been allowed to + speak at all and judgment was immediately pronounced against him, on the + strength of his master’s accusation and his own admissions. It would have + been sheer waste of time to listen to the romances with which this + audacious rascal—who forgot all the respect he owed to his teacher + and benefactor—wanted to cram the judges. Two years of reflection, + the protectors of the law deemed, might suffice to teach this dangerous + fellow to respect the property of others and to keep him from outbreaks + against those to whom he owed gratitude and reverence. + </p> + <p> + Pollux, safe in the prison at Canopus, cursed his destiny and indulged in + vain hopes of the assistance of his friends. These were at last weary of + the vain search and only asked about him occasionally. He at first was so + insubordinate under restraint that he was put under close ward from which + he was not released until, instead of raging with fury he dreamed away his + days in sullen brooding. The gaoler knew men well, and he thought he could + safely predict that at the end of his two years’ imprisonment this young + thief would quit his cell a harmless imbecile. + </p> + <p> + Titianus, Pontius, Balbilla and even Antinous had all attempted to speak + of him to the Emperor, but each was sharply repulsed and taught that + Hadrian was little inclined to pardon a wound to his artist’s vanity. But + the sovereign also proved that he had a good memory for benefits he had + received, for once, when a dish was set before him consisting of cabbage + and small sausages he smiled, and taking out his purse filled with gold + pieces, he ordered a chamberlain to take it in his name to Doris, the wife + of the evicted gate-keeper. The old couple now resided in a little house + of their own in the neighborhood of their widowed daughter Diotima. Hunger + and external misery came not nigh them, still they had experienced a great + change. Poor Doris’ eyes were now red and bloodshot, for they were + accustomed to many tears, which were seldom far off and overflowed + whenever a word, an object, a thought reminded her of Pollux, her darling, + her pride and her hope; and there were few half-hours in the day when she + did not think of him. + </p> + <p> + Soon after the steward’s death she had sought out Selene, but dame Hannah + could not and would not conduct her to see the sick girl, for she learnt + from Mary that she was the mother of her patient’s faithless lover; and on + a second visit Selene was so shy, so timid and so strange in her demeanor, + that the old woman was forced to conclude that her visit was an unpleasant + intrusion. + </p> + <p> + And from Arsinoe, whose residence she discovered from the deaconess, she + met with even a worse reception. She had herself announced as the mother + of Pollux the sculptor and was abruptly refused admission, with the + information that Arsinoe was not to be spoken with by her and that her + visits were, once for all, prohibited. After the architect Pontius had + been to seek her out and had encouraged her to make another attempt to see + and speak to Arsinoe, who clung faithfully to Pollux, Paulina herself had + received her and sent her away with such repellent words that she went + home to her husband deeply insulted and distressed to tears. Nor had she + resisted Euphorion’s decision when he prohibited her ever again crossing + the Christian’s threshold. + </p> + <p> + The Emperor’s donation had been most welcome and timely to the poor old + couple, for Euphorion had completely lost the softness of his voice as + well as his memory through the agitations and troubles of the last few + months; he had been dismissed from the chorus of the theatre and could + only find employment and very small pay of a few drachmae, in the + mysteries of certain petty sectarians or in singing at weddings or in + hymns of lamentation. At the same time the old folks had to maintain their + daughter whom Pollux could no longer provide for, and the birds, the + Graces and the cat all must eat. That it would be possible to get rid of + them was an idea which never occurred to either Euphorion or Doris. + </p> + <p> + By day the old folks had ceased to laugh; but at night they still had many + cheerful hours, for then Hope would beguile them with bright pictures of + the future, and tell them all sorts of possible and impossible romances + which filled their souls with fresh courage. How often they would see + Pollux returning from the distant city whither he had probably fled-from + Rome, or even from Athens—crowned with laurels and rich in treasure. + The Emperor, who still so kindly remembered them, could not always be + angry with him; perhaps he might some day send a messenger to seek Pollux + and to make up to him by large commissions for all he had made him suffer. + That her darling was alive she was sure; in that she could not be + mistaken, often as Euphorion tried to persuade her that he must be dead. + The singer could tell many tales of luckless men who had been murdered and + never seen or heard of again; but she was not to be convinced, she + persisted in hope, and lived wholly in the purpose of sending her younger + son, Teuker, on his travels to seek his lost brother as soon as his + apprenticeship was over, which would be in a few months. + </p> + <p> + Antinous, whose burnt hands had soon got well under the Emperor’s care, + and who had never felt a liking and friendship for any other young man but + Pollux, lamented the artist’s disappearance and wished much to seek out + dame Doris; but he found it harder than ever to leave his master, and was + so eager always to be at hand that Hadrian often laughingly reproached him + with making his slaves’ duties too light. + </p> + <p> + When at last he really was master of an hour to himself he postponed his + intention of seeing his friend’s parents; for with him there was always a + wide world between the purpose and the deed which he never could overleap, + if not urged by some strong impulse; and his most pressing instincts + prompted him, when the Emperor was disputing in the Museum or receiving + instructions from the chiefs of the different religious communities as to + the doctrines they severally professed, to visit the suburban villa where, + when February had already begun, Selene was still living. He had often + succeeded in stealing into Paulina’s garden, but he could not at first + realize his hope of being observed by Selene of obtaining speech with her. + Whenever he went near Hannah’s little house, Mary, the deformed girl, + would come in his way, tell him how her friend was, and beg or desire him + to go away. She was always with the sick girl, for now her mother was + nursed by her sister, and dame Hannah had obtained permission for her to + work at home in gumming the papyrus-strips together. + </p> + <p> + The widow herself was obliged to be at her post in the factory, for her + duties as overseer made her presence indispensable in the work-room. + </p> + <p> + Thus it came to pass that it was always by Mary and never by Hannah that + Antinous was received and dismissed. A certain understanding had arisen + between the beautiful youth and the deformed girl. When Antinous appeared + and she called out to him: “What, again already!” he would grasp her hand + and implore her only once to grant his wish; but she was always firm, only + she never sent him away sternly but with smiles and friendly admonitions. + When he brought rare and lovely flowers in his pallium and entreated her + to give them to Selene in the name of her friend at Lochias, she would + take them and promise to place them in her room; but she always said it + would do neither him nor her any good at all that Selene should know from + whom they came. After such repulses he well knew how to flatter and coax + her with appealing words, but he had never dared to defy her or to gain + his end by force. When the flowers were placed in the room Mary looked at + them much oftener than Selene did, and when Antinous had been long absent + the deformed girl longed to see him again, and would pace restlessly up + and down between the garden gate and her friend’s little house. She, like + him, dreamed of an angel, and the angel of whom she dreamed was exactly + like himself. In all her prayers she included the name of the handsome + heathen and a soft tenderness in which a gentle pity was often infused, a + grief for his unredeemed soul, was inseparable from all her thoughts of + him. + </p> + <p> + Hannah was informed by her of each of the young man’s visits, and as often + as Mary mentioned Antinous the deaconess seemed anxious and desired her to + threaten to call the gate-keeper to him. The widow knew full well who her + patient’s indefatigable admirer was, for she had once heard him speaking + to Mastor, and she had asked the slave, who availed himself of every spare + moment to attend the services of the Christians, who the lad was. All + Alexandria, nay all the Empire, knew the name of the most beautiful youth + of his time, the spoilt favorite of Caesar. Even Hannah had heard of him + and knew that poets sang his praises and heathen women were eager to + obtain a glance from his eyes. She knew how devoid of all morality were + the lives of the nobles at Rome, and Antinous appeared to her as a + splendid falcon that wheels above a dove to swoop down upon it at a + favorable moment and to tear it in its beak and talons. Hannah also knew + that Selene was acquainted with Antinous, that it was he who had formerly + rescued her from the big dog and afterward saved her from the water; but + that Selene, who was now recovering, did not know who her preserver had + been on this second occasion was clear from all that she said. + </p> + <p> + Towards the end of February Antinous had come on three days in succession, + and Hannah now took the step of begging the bishop, Eumenes, to give the + gate keeper strict injunctions to look out for the young man and to forbid + his entering the garden, even with force if it should prove necessary. + </p> + <p> + But “love laughs at locksmiths” and finds its way through locked doors, + and Antinous succeeded all the same in finding his way into Paulina’s + garden. On one of these occasions he was so happy to surprise Selene, as, + supported on a stick and accompanied by a fair-haired boy and dame Hannah + herself, she hobbled up and down. + </p> + <p> + Antinous had learnt to regard everything crippled or defective with + aversion, as a monstrous failure of nature’s plastic harmony, but to pity + it tenderly; but now he felt quite differently. Mary with her humpback had + at first horrified him; now he was always glad to see her though she + always crossed his wishes; and poor lame Selene, who had been mocked at by + the street boys as she limped along, seemed to him more adorable than + ever. How lovely were her face and form, how peculiar her way of walking—she + did not limp—no, she swayed along the garden. Thus, as he said to + himself afterwards, the Nereids are borne along on the undulating waves. + Love is easily satisfied, nor is this strange, for it raises all that + comes within its embrace to a loftier level of existence. In the light of + love weakness is a virtue and want an additional charm. + </p> + <p> + But the Bithynian’s visits were not the widow’s only cares; though she + bore the others, it is true, not anxiously but with pleasure. Her + household had increased by two living souls, and her income was very + small. That her patient might not want, she had to work with her own hands + while she superintended the girls in the factory, and to carry home with + her in the evening papyrus-leaves, not only for Mary, but for herself too, + and to glue them together during the long hours of the night. As soon as + Selene’s condition improved, she too helped willingly and diligently, but + for many weeks the convalescent had to give up every kind of employment. + </p> + <p> + Mary often looked at Hannah in silent trouble, for she looked very pale. + After she had, on one occasion fallen in a fainting fit, the deformed girl + had gathered courage and had represented to her that though she ought + indeed to put out at interest the talent intrusted to her by the Lord, she + ought not to spend it recklessly. She was giving herself no rest, working + day and night; visiting the poor and sick in her hours of recreation just + as she used, and if she did not give herself more rest would soon need + nursing instead of nursing others. + </p> + <p> + “At any rate,” urged Mary, “give yourself a little indispensable sleep at + night.” + </p> + <p> + “We must live,” replied Hannah, “and I dare not borrow, for I may never be + able to repay.” + </p> + <p> + “Then beg Paulina to remit your house-rent; she will do so gladly.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Hannah, decidedly. “The rent of this little house goes to + benefit my poor people, and you know how badly they want it. What we give + we lend to the Lord, and he taxes no man above his ability.” + </p> + <p> + Selene was now well, but the physician had said that no human skill could + ever cure her of her lameness. She had become Hannah’s daughter, and blind + Helios the son of the house. + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe was only allowed to see her sister rarely and always accompanied + by her protectress, and she and Selene never were able to have any + unchecked and open conversation. The steward’s eldest daughter was now + contented and cheerful, while the younger was not only saddened by the + disappearance of her lover, but also, from being unhappy in her new home, + she had become fractious and easily moved to shed tears. All was well with + the younger orphans; they were often taken to see Selene, and spoke with + affection of their new parents. + </p> + <p> + As she got well her help diminished the strain on her two friends, and in + the beginning of March a call came to the widow which, if she followed it, + must give their simple existence a new aspect. + </p> + <p> + In Upper Egypt certain Christian fraternities had been established, and + one of these had addressed a prayer to the great mother-community at + Alexandria, that it would send to them a presbyter, a deacon and a + deaconess capable of organizing and guiding the believers and catechumens + in the province of Hermopolis where they were already numbered by + thousands. The life of the community and the care of the poor, and sick in + the outlying districts required organization by experienced hands, and + Hannah had been asked whether she could make up her mind to leave the + metropolis and carry on the work of benevolence at Besa in an extended + sphere. + </p> + <p> + She would there have a pleasant house, a palm-garden, and gifts from the + congregation which would secure not merely her own maintenance, but that + of her adopted children. + </p> + <p> + Hannah was bound to Alexandria by many ties; in the first place she clung + to the poor and sick, many of whom had grown very dear to her, and how + many girls who had gone astray had she rescued from evil in the factory + alone! She begged for a short time for reflection, and this was granted to + her. By the fifteenth of March she was to decide, but by the fifth she had + already made up her mind, for while Hannah was in the papyrus-factory + Antinous had succeeded in getting into Paulina’s garden shortly before + sunset and in stealing close up to Hannah’s house. Mary again observed him + as he approached and signed to him to go, in her usual pleasant way; but + the Bithynian was more excited than usual; he seized her hand and clasped + her with urgent warmth as he implored her to be merciful. She endeavored + at once to free herself, but he would not let her go, but cried in coaxing + tones: + </p> + <p> + “I must see her and speak to her to-day, dear, good Mary, only this once!” + And before she could prevent it he had kissed her forehead and had flown + into the house to Selene. The little hunchback did not know what had + happened to her; confused and almost paralyzed by conflicting feelings she + stood shame-faced, gazing at the ground. She felt that something quite + extraordinary had happened to her, but this wonderful something radiated a + dazzling splendor, and since this had risen for her, for poor Mary, a + feeling of pride quite new to her mingled with the shame and indignation + that filled her soul. She needed a few minutes to collect herself and to + recover a sense of her duty, and those few minutes were made good use of + by Antinous. + </p> + <p> + He flew with long steps into the room in which, on that + never-to-be-forgotten night, he had laid Selene on the couch, and even at + the threshold he called her by her name. She started and laid aside the + book out of which she was reading to her blind brother. He called a second + time, beseechingly. Selene recognized him and asked calmly: + </p> + <p> + “Do you want me, or dame Hannah?” + </p> + <p> + “You, you!” he cried passionately. “Oh Selene, I pulled you out of the + water, and since that night I have never ceased to think of you and I must + die for love of you. Have your thoughts never, never met mine on the way + to you? Are you still and always as cold, as passive as you were then when + you belonged half to life and half to death? For months have I prowled + round this house as the shade of a dead man haunts the spot where he had + left all that was dear to him on earth, and I have never been able to tell + you what I feel for you?” As he spoke the lad fell on the ground before + her and tried to clasp her knees; but she said reproachfully: + </p> + <p> + “What does all this mean? Stand up and compose yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! let me, let me—” he besought her. “Do not be so cold and so + hard; have pity on me and do not reject me!” + </p> + <p> + “Stand up,” repeated the girl. “I will certainly not reproach you—I + owe you thanks on the contrary.” + </p> + <p> + “Not thanks, but love—a little love is all I ask.” + </p> + <p> + “I try to love all men,” replied the girl, “and so I love you because you + have shown me very much kindness.” + </p> + <p> + “Selene, Selene!” he exclaimed in joyful triumph. He threw himself again + at her feet and passionately seized her right hand; but hardly had he + taken it in his own when Mary, scarlet with agitation, rushed into the + room. In a husky voice, full of hatred and fury, she commanded him to + leave the house at once, and when he attempted again to besiege her ear + with entreaties she cried out: + </p> + <p> + “If you do not obey I will call the men in to help us, who are out there + attending to the flowers. I ask you, will you obey or will you not?” + </p> + <p> + “Why are you so cruel, Mary?” asked the blind boy. “This man is good and + kind and tells Selene he loves her.” + </p> + <p> + Antinous pointed to the child with an imploring gesture but Mary was + already by the window and was raising her hand to her mouth to make her + call heard. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t, don’t,” cried Antinous. “I am going at once.” + </p> + <p> + And he went slowly and silently towards the door, still gazing at Selene + with passionate ardor; then he quitted the room groaning with shame and + disappointment, though still with a look of radiant pride as though he had + achieved some great deed. In the garden he was met by Hannah, who + immediately hastened with accelerated steps to her own house where she + found Mary sobbing violently and dissolved in tears. + </p> + <p> + The widow was soon informed of all that had occurred in her absence, and + an hour later she had announced to the bishop that she would accept the + call to Besa and was ready to start for Upper Egypt. + </p> + <p> + “With your foster-children?” asked Eumenes. + </p> + <p> + “Yes. It was indeed Selene’s most earnest wish to be baptized by you, but + as a year of probation is required—” + </p> + <p> + “I will perform the rite to-morrow morning.” + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow, Father?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Sister, in all confidence. She buried the old man in the waves of + the sea, and before we were her teachers she had gone through the school + and discipline of life. While she was yet a heathen she had taken up her + cross and proved herself as faithful as though she were a child of the + Lord. All that was lacking to her—Faith, Love and Hope—she has + found under your roof. I thank thee for this soul thou hast found Sister, + in the name of the Lord.” + </p> + <p> + “Not I, not I,” said the widow. “Her heart was frozen, but it is not I but + the innocent faith of the blind child that has melted it.” + </p> + <p> + “She owes her salvation to him and to you,” replied the bishop, “and they + both shall be baptized together. We will give the lovely boy the name of + the fairest of the disciples, and call him John. Selene for the future, if + she herself likes it, shall be known as Martha.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0040" id="link2HCH0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. + </h2> + <p> + Selene and Helios were baptized, and two days after dame Hannah with her + adopted children and Mary, escorted by the presbyter Hilarion and a + deacon, embarked in the harbor of Mareotis on board a Nile-boat which was + to convey them to their new home, the town of Besa in Upper Egypt. The + deformed girl had hesitated as to her answer to the widow’s question + whether she would accompany her. Her old mother dwelt in Alexandria, and + then—but it was this “then” which helped her abruptly to cut short + all reflection and to pronounce a decided “yes,” for it referred to + Antinous. + </p> + <p> + For a few minutes it had seemed unendurable to think that she should never + see him again, for she could not help often thinking of the beautiful + youth, and her whole heart ought to belong solely to the One who had with + His blood purchased peace for her on earth and bliss in the world to come. + </p> + <p> + The day after being baptized, Selene had gone to Paulina’s town-house, and + there, with many tears had taken leave of Arsinoe. All the affection which + bound the sisters together found expression at this moment of parting. + Selene had heard from Paulina that Pollux was dead, and she no longer + grudged her rival sister that she grieved for him more passionately than + herself, though at first her peace of mind had more than once been + disturbed by memories of her old playfellow. + </p> + <p> + She felt it hard to leave Alexandria, where most of her brothers and + sisters were left behind, and yet she rejoiced to think of a distant home, + for she was no longer the same creature that she had been a few months + since, and she longed for a remote scene of a new and sanctified life. + </p> + <p> + Eumenes and Hannah were in the right. It was not the widow but the little + blind boy who had won her to Christianity. The child’s influence had + proceeded in a strange course. In the first instance the promises of the + slave Master that Helios should some day meet his father again in a + shining realm among beautiful angels had a powerful effect on the blind + child’s tender heart and vivid imagination. In Hannah’s house his hopes + had received fresh nurture, and Mary and the widow told him much about + their kind and loving God and His Son who loved children and had invited + them to come to Him. When Selene began to recover and he was permitted to + talk to her he poured out to her all his delight at what he had heard from + the women. At first, to be sure, his sister took no pleasure in these + fanciful fables and tried to shake his belief and lead back his heart to + the old gods. But while she tried to guide the child, by degrees she felt + compelled to follow in his path; at first with wavering steps, but dame + Hannah helped her by her example and with many words of good counsel. She + only taught her doctrine when the girl asked her questions and begged for + information. All that here surrounded Selene breathed of love and peace, + and the child felt this, spoke of it, forced her to acknowledge it, and, + in his own person, was the first object on which to exercise a wish + hitherto unknown to her, to be herself loving and lovable. The boy’s firm + faith, which was not to be shaken by any reasoning or by any of the myths + which she knew, touched her deeply and led to her asking Hannah what was + the real bearing of one and another of his statements. It had always + seemed a comfort to her that the miseries of our earthly life would come + to an end with death; but Helios left her without a reply when he said in + a sad voice: + </p> + <p> + “Do you feel no longing, then, to see our father and mother again?” + </p> + <p> + To see her mother again! This thought gave her an interest in the next + world, and dame Hannah fanned the spark of hope in her soul into flame. + </p> + <p> + Selene had seen and suffered much misery, and was accustomed to call the + gods cruel. Helios told her that God and the Saviour were good and kind, + and loved human beings as their children. + </p> + <p> + “Is it not good and kind,” asked he, “of our Heavenly Father to lead us to + dame Hannah?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but we have all been torn apart,” said Selene. “Never mind,” said + the child confidently, “we shall all meet in Heaven.” + </p> + <p> + As she got well Selene asked after each of the children and Hannah + described all the families into which they had been received. The widow + did not look as if she spoke falsely, and the little ones, when they came + to see her, confirmed her report, and yet Selene could hardly believe in + the accuracy of the pictures drawn of their lives in the houses of the + Christians. + </p> + <p> + The mother of a Christian family—says a great Christian teacher—should + be the pride of her children, the wife the pride of her husband, husband + and children the pride of the wife, and God the pride and glory of every + member of the household. Love and faith in fact the bond, contentment and + virtuous living the law of the family; and it was in just such a pure and + beneficent atmosphere, as Selene herself and Helios felt the blessing of + in Hannah’s house, that each and all of her brothers and sisters were + growing up. Her upright sense gave an honest answer when she asked herself + what would have become of them all if her father had remained alive and + had been dispossessed of his office? They must all have perished in misery + and degradation. + </p> + <p> + And now?—Perhaps in truth the Divine Being had dealt in kindness + with the children. + </p> + <p> + Love, love, and again love, was breathed from all she saw and heard, and + yet—was it not love that had caused her greatest sorrows. Wherefore + had it been her lot to endure so much through the same sentiment which + beautified life to others? Had any one ever had more to suffer than she? + Aye indeed! A vivacious, eager youth had duped her and had promised + happiness to her sister instead of to her; it had been hard to bear—and + yet, the Saviour of whom Hellos had told her, had been far more severely + tried. Mankind, for whom He—the Son of God—had come down upon + earth, to save from misery and guilt, had rewarded His loving kindness by + hanging Him on the cross. In Him she could see a companion in suffering + and she asked the widow to tell her all about Him. Selene had made many + sacrifices to her family—she could never forget her walk to the + papyrus-factory—but He had let them mock Him and had shed His blood + for His own. And who was she?—and who was He? The Son of God. His + image became dear to her; she was never weary of hearing about His life + and fate, His words and deeds; and without her observing it the day came + when her soul was free to receive the teaching of Christ with fervent + longing. With faith she acquired that consciousness of guilt which had + previously been unknown to her. She had been busy and industrious out of + pride and fear, but never from love; she had selfishly tried to fling from + her the sacred gift of life without ever thinking what would become of + those whom it was her duty to care for. She had cursed her lovely sister + who needed her protection and care, and even Pollux, her childhood’s + playfellow; and a thousand times had she imprecated the ruler of human + destinies. All this she now keenly felt with all the earnestness natural + to her, but she was soothed by the tidings that there was One who had + redeemed the world, and taken on Himself the sins of every repentant + sinner. + </p> + <p> + After Selene had once expressed to the widow her desire to be a Christian, + Hannah brought the bishop to see her. He himself undertook to instruct the + girl and he found in her a disciple anxious and craving for knowledge. + Just like those dried-up and dull-colored plants which, when they are + plunged in water, open out and revive, so did her heart, untimely withered + and dry; and she longed to be perfectly recovered that she, like Hannah, + might tend the sick and exercise that love which Christ demands of His + followers. That which most particularly appealed to her in her new faith + was that it did not promise joys to the rich who could make great + sacrifices, but to the miserable sinner who with a contrite heart yearned + for forgiveness, to the poor and abject, towards whom she felt as though + they belonged to the same family as herself. And her valiant spirit could + not be satisfied with intentions but longed to act upon them. In Besa she + could set to work with Hannah, and this prospect lightened her grief in + quitting Alexandria. + </p> + <p> + A favoring wind bore the voyagers southward safe to their destination. + </p> + <p> + Two days after their departure Antinous once more stole into Paulina’s + garden. He went up to the widow’s little house looking in vain for the + deformed girl; the road was open; her absence could but be pleasing to + him, and yet it disquieted him. His heart beat wildly, for to-day—perhaps + he might find Selene alone. He opened the door without knocking, but he + dared not cross the threshold, for in the anteroom stood a strange man, + placing boards against the wall. The carpenter, a Christian to whom + Paulina had given this little house for his family to live in, asked + Antinous what he wanted. + </p> + <p> + “Is dame Hannah at home?” stammered the Bithynian. + </p> + <p> + “She no longer lives here.” + </p> + <p> + “And her adopted daughter, Selene?” + </p> + <p> + “She is gone with her into Upper Egypt. Have you any message for her?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said the lad, quite confounded. + </p> + <p> + “When did they go?” + </p> + <p> + “The day before yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + “And they are not coming back.” + </p> + <p> + “For the next few years, certainly not. Later may be, if it is the Lord’s + pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + Antinous left the garden by the public gate, unmolested. He was very pale, + and he felt like a wanderer in the desert who finds the spring choked + where he had hoped to find a refreshing draught. + </p> + <p> + Next day, at the first moment he could dispose of, Antinous again knocked + at the carpenter’s door to inquire in what town of Upper Egypt the + travellers proposed to settle and the artisan told him frankly, “In Besa.” + </p> + <p> + Antinous had always been a dreamer, but Hadrian had never seen him so + listless, so vaguely brooding as in these days. When he tried to rouse him + and spur him to greater energy his favorite would look at him + beseechingly, and though he made every effort to be of use to him and to + show him a cheerful countenance it was always with but brief success. Even + on the hunting excursions into the Libyan desert which the Emperor + frequently made, Antinous remained apathetic and indifferent to the + pleasures of the sport to which he had formerly devoted himself with + enjoyment and skill. + </p> + <p> + The Emperor had remained in Alexandria longer than in any other place, and + was weary of festivities and banquets, of the wordy war with the + philosophers of the Museum, of conversing with the ecstatic mystics, the + soothsayers; astrologers and empirics with whom the place swarmed. And the + short audiences which he accorded to the heads of the different religious + communities, and the inspection of the factories and workshops of this + centre of industry, began to annoy him. One day he announced his intention + of visiting the southern provinces of the Nile valley. + </p> + <p> + The high-priests of the native Egyptian faith had craved this favor of + him, and he was prompted, not only by his love of information and passion + for travelling, but also by considerations of state-craft, to gratify this + desire of a hierarchy which was extremely influential in those rich and + important provinces. The prospect of seeing with his own eyes those + marvels of Pharaonic times which attracted so many travellers, was also an + incitement, and his good spirits rose as soon as he observed what a + reviving effect his determination to visit southern Egypt had upon + Antinous. + </p> + <p> + His favorite had for the last few weeks expressed not the smallest + pleasure at any single thing. The homage paid him no less by the + Alexandrian than by the Roman ladies of rank sickened him. At banquets he + sat a silent guest whose neighborhood could not add to anybody’s pleasure, + and even the most brilliant and exciting exhibitions in the Circus and the + best contests and races in the Hippodrome had hardly sufficed to attract + his gaze. Formerly he had been an eager and attentive spectator of the + plays of Menander and of his imitators, Alexis, Apollodorus and + Posidippus; but now when they were performed he stared into vacancy and + thought of Selene. The prospect of going to the place where she was living + excited him powerfully and revived his drooping courage for life. He could + hope once more, and to the man who sees light shining in the future the + present is no longer dark. + </p> + <p> + Hadrian rejoiced in this change in the lad and hastened the preparations + for their departure; still, some months passed before he could begin his + journey. + </p> + <p> + In the first place he had to provide for newly colonizing Libya, which had + been depopulated by a revolt of the Jews. Then he had to come to a + determination as to certain new post-roads which were to connect the + different parts of the empire more nearly, and finally he had to await the + formal assent of the Roman Senate to some new resolutions concerning the + hereditary reversion of conferred free-citizenship. This assent was, no + doubt a matter of course, but the Emperor never issued an edict without + it, and he was very desirous that his decree should come into operation as + soon as possible. + </p> + <p> + In the course of his visits to the Museum the sovereign had informed + himself as to the position of the several members of that institution, and + he was occupied in making certain regulations which should relieve them of + the more sordid cares of life; the condition of the aged teachers and + educators of the young had also attracted his observation, and he had + endeavored to improve it. + </p> + <p> + When Sabina represented to him what a large outlay these new measures + would entail, he replied: + </p> + <p> + “We do not allow the veterans to perish who placed their lives, and limbs + at the service of the state. Why then should those who serve it with their + intellect be burdened with petty cares? Which should we rank the higher, + power and poverty or mental wealth? The harder I—as the sovereign—find + it to answer the question the more positively do I feel it to be my duty + to mete out the same measure to all veterans alike, whether officials, + warriors or instructors.” + </p> + <p> + The Alexandrians themselves detained him too by a succession of new acts + of homage. They raised him to the rank of a divinity, dedicated a temple + to him, and instituted a series of new festivals in his honor; partly no + doubt to win his partiality for their city and to express their pride and + satisfaction in his long stay there, but also because the pleasure-loving + community was glad to seize this opportunity as a favorable one for + gratifying their own inclinations and revelling in mere unusual enjoyment. + Thus the Imperial visit swallowed up millions, and Hadrian, who enquired + into every detail and contrived to obtain information as to the sums + expended by the city, blamed the recklessness of his lavish entertainers. + He wrote afterwards to his brother-in-law, Servianus, his fullest + recognition of both the wealth and the industry of Alexandrians, saying, + with terms of praise, that among them not one was idle. One made glass, + another papyrus, another linen; and each of these restless mortals, said + he, is busied in some handiwork. Even the lame, the blind and the maimed + here sought and found employment. Nevertheless he calls the Alexandrians a + contumacious and good-for-nothing community, with sharp and evil tongues + that had spared neither Verus nor Antinous. Jews, Christians, and the + votaries of Serapis, he adds in the same letter, serve but one God instead + of the divinities of Olympus, and when he asserts of the Christians that + they even worshipped Serapis he means to say that they were persuaded of + the doctrine of the survival of the soul after death. The dispute as to + which temple should be assigned as the residence of the newly-found Apis + gave Hadrian much to do. From time immemorial this sacred bull had been + kept in the temple of Ptah at Memphis, but this venerable city of the + Pyramids had been outstripped by Alexandria, and the temple of Serapis + outvied that at Memphis in the province of Sokari, tenfold in size and in + magnificence. The Egyptians of Alexandria, who dwelt in the quarter called + Rhakotis, close to the Serapeum, desired to have the incarnation of the + god in the form of a bull, in their midst; but the Memphites would not + abandon their old prescriptive rights, and the Emperor had found it far + from easy to guide the contest, which proved a very exciting one to all + parties, to a satisfactory issue. Memphis had its Apis, and the Serapeum + was indemnified by certain endowments which had formerly been granted to + the temple at Memphis. + </p> + <p> + At last, in June, the Emperor could set out. He wished to traverse the + province on foot and on horseback, and Sabina was to follow by boat as + soon as the inundation should begin. + </p> + <p> + The Empress would gladly have returned to Rome or to Tibur, for Verus had + been obliged to quit Egypt by the orders of the physician as soon as the + summer heat had set in. He departed with his wife, as the son of the + Imperial couple, but no word on Hadrian’s part had justified him in hoping + confidently to be nominated as his successor to the sovereignty. + </p> + <p> + The handsome rake’s unlimited dissipations were severely checked by his + sufferings, but not altogether prevented, and on his return to Rome he + continued to indulge in all the pleasures of life. Hadrian’s hesitation + and reluctance often disquieted him, for that imperial Sphinx had, only + too frequently, given the most unexpected solutions to his mystifications. + But the fatal end with which he had been threatened caused him small + anxiety; nay, Ben Jochai’s prediction rather prompted him to enjoy to the + utmost every hour of health and ease that Fate might still allow him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0041" id="link2HCH0041"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. + </h2> + <p> + Balbilla and her companion, Publius Balbinus and other illustrious Romans, + Favorinus the sophist, and a numerous suite of chamberlains and servants, + were to accompany the Empress by water, while Hadrian set forth on his + land journey with a small escort to which he added a splendid array of + huntsmen. Before he reached Memphis, in crossing the Libyan desert, + through which his road lay, he had killed a few lions and many other + beasts of prey, and here he had once more found Antinous the best of + sporting companions. Cool headed in danger, indefatigable on foot, content + and serviceable in all circumstances, the young fellow seemed to Hadrian + to be a comrade created by the gods themselves for his special + delectation. When Hadrian was in the humor to brood and be silent the + whole day long, he never disturbed him by a word; but in these moods the + Emperor found his favorite’s society indispensable, for the mere + consciousness of his presence soothed him. + </p> + <p> + Antinous too, was happy on these occasions, for he felt that he was of + some use to his venerated master and could thus alleviate the burden which + had never ceased to weigh on his own soul ever since the crime he had + committed. Besides, he preferred dreaming to talking, and the exercise in + the open air preserved him from listless lassitude. + </p> + <p> + In Memphis Hadrian was detained a whole month, for there he was expected + to visit the Egyptian temples with Sabina, who had arrived before him, and + to submit to many ceremonials invested with the regalia of the Pharaohs. + Sabina often felt as if she must faint when, crowned with the ponderous + vulture-headed fillet of the Queens of Egypt, weighed down with long robes + and golden ornaments, she was conducted with her husband, in procession, + through all the rooms, over the roof and finally into the holiest place of + some vast sanctuary. What senseless ceremonials they had to go through in + the course of these long circuits, and how many sacrifices had they to + attend! When she returned from these visitations she was utterly + exhausted, and indeed, it was no small exertion to undergo so many + fumigations with incense and so many aspersions, to listen to so many + litanies and hymns, to parade through such endless halls and while being + elevated to the rank of celestial beings, to be crowned with so many + crowns in turn and decorated with all kinds of fillets and symbolic + adornments. + </p> + <p> + Her husband set her a good example, however; through all the ceremonials + he displayed the whole grave majesty of his nature, and among the + Egyptians behaved as one of themselves. He even took pleasure in the + mystical lore of the priests, with whom he often held long conversations. + </p> + <p> + As at Memphis, so in all the principal temples of the great cities to the + southward, the Imperial pair accepted the homage of the hierarchy and the + honors due to divinity. Wherever Hadrian granted money for the extension + of a temple, he was required to perform the ceremony of laying a stone + with his own hand. But he always found time to hunt in the desert, to + manage the affairs of state, and to visit the most interesting monuments + of past times, and at Memphis especially, the city of the dead, with the + Pyramids, the great Sphinx, the Serapeum and the tombs of the Apis. + </p> + <p> + Before quitting the city he and his companions consulted the oracle of the + sacred bull. The fairest future was promised to Balbilla; the bull to whom + she had to offer a cake, with her face averted, had approved of her gift + and had touched her hand with his moist muzzle. Hadrian was left in + ignorance as to the sentence of the priests of Apis, for it was given to + him in a sealed roll with an explanation of the signs it contained; but he + was solemnly adjured not to open them before at least half a year had + elapsed. + </p> + <p> + It was only in the cities that Hadrian met his wife, for he pursued his + journey by land and she hers by water. The boats almost invariably reached + their destination sooner than the land-travellers, and when they at last + arrived, there was always a grand festival to welcome them, in which + however Sabina but rarely took part. Balbilla proved herself all the more + eager to make their arrival pleasant by some kindly surprise. She + sincerely reverenced Hadrian, and his favorite’s beauty had an + irresistible charm for her artist’s soul. It was a delight to her only to + look at him; his absence troubled her, and when he returned she was always + the first to greet him. And yet the bright girl troubled herself about him + neither more nor less than the other ladies in Sabina’s train; only + Balbilla asked nothing of him but the pleasure of looking at him and + rejoicing in his beauty. + </p> + <p> + If he had dared to mistake her admiration for love and to have offered her + his, the poetess would have indignantly brought him to his bearings; and + yet she gave unqualified expression to her admiration of the Bithynian’s + splendid person, and indeed with rather remarkable demonstrativeness. + </p> + <p> + When the travellers made their appearance again after a prolonged absence + Antinous would find in the room in the ship where he was to live flowers, + and choice fruits sent by her, and verses in which she had sung his + praises. He put it all aside with the rest and only esteemed the donor the + less; but the poetess knew nothing of these sentiments in her beautiful + idol, and indeed troubled herself very little about his feelings. She had + hitherto found no difficulty in keeping within the limits of what was + becoming. But lately there had been moments in which she had owned to + herself that she might be carried away into overstepping these limits. But + what did she care for the opinion of those around her, or about the inner + life of the Bithyman, whose external perfection of form was all that + pleased her. She did not shrink from the possibility of arousing hopes in + him which she never could nor intended to fulfil, for the idea did not + once enter her mind; still she felt dissatisfied with herself, for there + was one person who might disapprove of her proceedings, one who had indeed + in plain words reprehended her fancy for doing honor to the handsome boy + with offerings of flowers, and the opinion of that one person weighed with + her more than that of all the rest of the men and women she knew, put + together. + </p> + <p> + This one was Pontius the architect; and yet, strangely enough, it was + precisely her remembrance of him that urged her on from one folly to + another. She had often seen the architect in Alexandria, and when they + parted she had allowed him to promise to follow her and the Empress, and + to escort them at any rate for a part of their voyage up the Nile. But he + came not, nor had he sent any report of himself, though he was alive and + well, and every express that overtook them brought documents for Caesar in + his handwriting. + </p> + <p> + So he, on whose faithful devotion she had built as on a rock, was no less + self-seeking and fickle than other men. She thought of him every day and + every hour; and as soon as a vessel from the north cast anchor within + sight, she watched the voyagers as they disembarked to detect him among + them. She longed for Pontius as a traveller who has lost his way sighs for + a sight of the guide who has deserted him; and yet she was angry with him, + for he had betrayed by a thousand tokens that he esteemed and cared for + her, that she had a certain power over his strong will—and now he + had broken his word and did not come. + </p> + <p> + And she? She had not been unmoved by his devotion, and had been gentler to + this grandson of her father’s freed slave than to the best-born man of her + own rank. And in spite of it all Pontius could spoil all the pleasure of + her journey and stay in Alexandria instead of following in her wake. He + could easily have intrusted his building to other architects—the + great metropolis was swarming with them! Well, if he did not trouble + himself about her she certainly need care even less about him. Perhaps at + last, at the end of their travels he might yet come, and then he should + see how much she cared for his admonitions. + </p> + <p> + But she sighed impatiently for the hour when she might read him all the + verses she had addressed to Antinous, and ask him how he liked them. It + gave her a childish pleasure to add to the number of these little poems, + to finish them elaborately, and display in them all her knowledge and + ability. She gave the preference to artificial and massive metres; some of + the verses were in Latin, others in the Attic, and others again in the + Aeolian dialects of Greek, for she had now learnt to use this, and all to + punish Pontius—to vex Pontius—and at the same time to appear + in his eyes as brilliant as she could. She belauded Antinous, but she + wrote for Pontius, and for every flower she gave the lad she had sent a + thought to the architect, though with a curl on her lips of scornful + defiance. + </p> + <p> + But a young girl cannot be always praising the beauty of a youth in new + and varied forms with complete impunity, and thus there were hours when + Balbilla was inclined to believe that she really loved Antinous. Then she + would call herself his Sappho, and he seemed destined to be her Phaon. + During his long absences with the Emperor she would long to see him—nay, + even with tears; but, as soon as he was by her side again, and she could + look at his inanimate beauty and into his weary eyes, when she heard the + torpid “Yes” or “No” with which he replied to her questions, the spell was + entirely broken and she honestly confessed to herself that she would as + soon see him before her hewn in marble as clothed in flesh and blood. + </p> + <p> + In such moments as these her memory of the architect was particularly + fresh, and once, when their ship was sailing through a mass of lotos + leaves, above which one splendid full-blown flower raised its head, her + apt imagination, which rapidly seized on everything noteworthy and gave it + poetic form, entwined the incident in a set of verses, in which she + designated Antinous as the lotos-flower which fulfils its destiny simply + by being beautiful, and comparing Pontius to the ship which, well + constructed and well guided, invited the traveller to new voyages in + distant lands. + </p> + <p> + The Nile voyage came to an end at Thebes of the hundred gates, and here + nothing that could attract the Roman travellers remained unvisited. The + tombs of the Pharaohs extending into the very heart of the rocky hills, + and the grand temples that stood to the west of the city of the dead, + shorn though they were of their ancient glory, filled the Emperor with + admiration. The Imperial travellers and their companions listened to the + famous colossus of Memnon, of which the upper portion had been overthrown + by an earthquake, and three times in the dawn they heard it sound. + </p> + <p> + Balbilla described the incident in several long poems which Sabina caused + to be engraved on the stone of the colossus. The poetess imagined herself + as hearing the voice of Memnon singing to his mother Eos while her tears, + the fresh morning dew, fell upon the image of her son, fallen before the + walls of Troy. These verses she composed in the Aeolian dialect, named + herself as their writer and informed the readers—among whom she + included Pontius—that she was descended from a house no less noble + than that of King Antiochus. + </p> + <p> + The gigantic structures on each bank of the Nile fully equalled Hadrian’s + expectations, though they had suffered so much injury from earthquakes and + sieges, and the impoverished priesthood of Thebes were no longer in a + position to provide for their preservation even, much less for their + restoration. Balbilla accompanied Caesar on a visit to the sanctuary of + Ammon, on the eastern shore of the Nile. In the great hall, the most vast + and lofty pillared hall in the world, her impressionable soul felt a + peculiar exaltation, and as the Emperor observed how, with a heightened + color she now gazed upward, and then again, leaning against a towering + column, looked at the scene around her, he asked her what she felt, + standing in this really worthy abode of the gods. + </p> + <p> + “One thing—above all things one thing!” cried the girl. “That + architecture is the sublimest of the arts! This temple is to me like some + grand epode, and the poet who composed it conceived it not in feeble words + but formed it out of almost immovable masses. Thousands of parts are here + combined to form a whole, and each is welded with the rest into beautiful + harmony and helps to give expression to the stupendous idea which existed + in the brain of the builder of this hall. What other art is gifted with + the power of creating a work so imperishable and so far transcending all + ordinary standards?” + </p> + <p> + “A poetess crowning the architect with laurels!” exclaimed the Emperor. + “But is not the poet’s realm the infinite, and can the architect ever get + beyond the finite and the limited?” + </p> + <p> + “Then is the nature of the divinity a measurable unit?” asked Balbilla. + “No, it is not; and yet this hall gives one the impression that the very + divinity might find space in it to dwell in.” + </p> + <p> + “Because it owes it existence to a master-mind, which while it conceived + it stood on the boundary line of eternity. But do you think this temple + will outlast the poems of Homer?” + </p> + <p> + “No; but the memory of it will no more fade away that of the wrath of + Achilles or the wanderings of the experienced Odysseus.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a pity that our friend Pontius cannot hear you,” said Hadrian. “He + has completed the plans for a work which is destined to outlive me and him + and all of us. + </p> + <p> + “I mean my own tomb. Besides that I intend him to erect gates, courts and + halls in the Egyptian style at Tibur, which may remind us of our travels + in this wonderful country. I expect him to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow!” exclaimed Balbilla, and her face fired with a scarlet flush + to her very brow. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0042" id="link2HCH0042"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. + </h2> + <p> + Shortly after starting from Thebes—on the second day of November—Hadrian + came to a great decision. Verus should be acknowledged not merely as his + son but also as his successor. + </p> + <p> + Sabina’s urgency would not alone have sufficed to put a term to his + hesitancy, especially as it had lately been farther increased by a wish + that was all his own. His wife’s heart had pined for a child, but he too + had longed for a son, and he had found one in Antinous. His favorite was a + boy he had picked up by chance, the son of humble though free parents, but + it lay in the Emperor’s power to make him great, to confer on him the + highest posts of honor in the Empire, and at last to recognize him + publicly as his heir. Antinous, if any one, had deserved this at his + hands, and on no other man could he so ungrudgingly bestow everything that + he possessed. + </p> + <p> + These ideas and hopes had now filled his mind for many months, but the + nature and the mood of the young Bithyman had been more and more adverse + to them. + </p> + <p> + Hadrian had striven more earnestly than his predecessors to raise the + fallen dignity of the Senate, and still he could count securely on its + consent to any measure. The leading official authorities of the Republic + had been recognized and allowed the full exercise of their powers. To be + sure, be they whom they might, they all had to obey the Emperor, still + they were always there; and even with a weak ruler at its head the Empire + might continue to subsist within the limits established by Hadrian, and + restricted with wise moderation. Nevertheless, only a few months + previously he would not have ventured to think of the adoption of his + favorite. Now he hoped to find himself somewhat nearer to the fulfilment + of his wishes. It is true Antinous was still a dreamer; but in their + wanderings and hunting excursions through Egypt he had proved himself + gallant and prompt, intelligent, and, after their departure from Thebes, + even bold and lively at times. Antinous, under this aspect, he himself + might take in hand, and even name him as his successor in due time, when + he had risen from one post of honor to another. For the present this plan + must remain unrevealed. + </p> + <p> + When he publicly adopted Verus any idea of a possible new selection of a + son was excluded, and he might unhesitatingly venture to appoint Sabina’s + darling his successor, for the most famous of the Roman physicians had + written to Hadrian, by his desire, saying that the praetor’s undermined + strength could not be restored, and that, at the best, he could only have + a limited number of years to live. Well, then, Verus might die slowly and + contentedly in the midst of the most splendid anticipations, and when he + should have closed his eyes it would be time enough to set the dreamer—by + that time matured to vigorous manhood—in the vacant place. + </p> + <p> + On the return journey from Thebes to Alexandria Hadrian met his wife at + Abydos, and revealed to her his intention of proclaiming the son of her + choice as his successor. Sabina thanked him with an exclamation of “At + last!” which expressed partly her satisfaction, but partly too her + annoyance at her husband’s long delay. Hadrian gave her his permission to + return to Rome from Alexandria, and on the very same day messages were + despatched with letters both to the Senate and to the prefects of Egypt. + </p> + <p> + The despatch intended for Titianus charged him to proclaim publicly the + adoption of the praetor, to arrange at the same time for a grand festival, + and on that occasion to grant to the people, in Caesar’s name, all the + boons and favors which by the traditional law of Egypt the Sovereign was + expected to bestow at the birth of an heir to the throne. The whole suite + of the Imperial pair celebrated Hadrian’s decision by splendid banquets, + but the Emperor did not himself take part in them, but crossed to the + other bank of the Nile and went to Antaeopolis in the desert, meaning to + penetrate from thence into the gorges of the Arabian desert and to chase + wild beasts. No one was to accompany him but Antinous, Mastor, and a few + huntsmen and some dogs. + </p> + <p> + He meant to rejoin the ships at Besa. He had postponed his visit to this + place till the return journey, because he had travelled up by the western + shore of the Nile, and the passage across the river would have taken up + too much time. + </p> + <p> + The travellers’ tents were pitched one sultry evening in November, between + the Nile and the limestone range, in which was arrayed a long row of tombs + of the period of the Pharaohs. Hadrian had gone to visit these, for the + remarkable pictures on the walls delighted him, but Antinous remained + behind, for he had already looked at similar works oftener than he cared + for, in Upper Egypt. He found these pictures monotonous and unlovely, and + he had not the patience to investigate their meaning as his master did. He + had been a hundred times into the ancient rock-tombs, only not to leave + Hadrian and not for his own amusement; but to-day—he could hardly + bear himself for impatience and excitement, for he knew that a ride, a + walk, of a few hours, would carry him to Besa and to Selene. The Emperor + would remain absent three or four hours at any rate, and if he made up his + mind to it he could have sought out the girl for whom his heart was + longing before his return, and still be back again before his master. + </p> + <p> + But before acting he must reflect. There was the Emperor climbing the + hill-side where he could see him, and messengers were expected and he had + been charged to receive them. It they should bring bad news, his master + must on no account be alone. Ten times did he go up to his good hunter to + leap upon his back; once he even took down the horse’s head-gear to put on + his bridle, but in the very act of slipping the complicated bit between + the teeth of his steed his resolution gave way. During all this delay and + hesitation the minutes slipped away, and at last it was so late that + Hadrian might return and it was folly to think of carrying his plan into + execution. The expected express arrived with several letters, but the + Emperor did not come back. It grew dark, and heavy rain-drops fell from + the overcast sky, and still Antinous was alone. His anxious longing was + mingled with regret for the lost opportunity of seeing Selene and alarm at + the Emperor’s prolonged absence. + </p> + <p> + In spite of the rain, which began to fill more violently, he went out into + the open air, of which the sweltering oppressiveness had helped to fetter + his feeble volition, and called to the dogs, with whose help he proposed + seeking the Emperor; but just then he heard the bark of Argus, and soon + after Hadrian and Mastor stepped out of the darkness into the brightness + which shone out from the tent, where lights were burning. + </p> + <p> + The Emperor gave his favorite but a brief greeting and silently submitted + while Antinous dried his hair and brought him some refreshments, and + Mastor bathed his feet and dressed him in fresh garments. As he reclined + with the Bithyman, before the supper which was standing ready, he said: + </p> + <p> + “A strange evening! how hot and oppressive the atmosphere is. We must be + on the lookout, something serious is brewing.” + </p> + <p> + “What happened to you, my Lord?” + </p> + <p> + “Many things. At the door of the very first tomb that I was about to enter + I found an old black woman who stretched out her hands against us to keep + us out and shrieked out words that sounded horrible.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you understand her?” + </p> + <p> + “No—who can learn Egyptian.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you do not know what she said?” + </p> + <p> + “I was to find out—she cried out ‘Dead!’ and again ‘Dead!’ and in + the tomb which she was watching there were I know not how many persons + attacked by the plague.” + </p> + <p> + “You saw them?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I had only heard of this disease till then. It is frightful, and + quite answers to the descriptions I had read of it.” + </p> + <p> + “But Caesar!” cried Antinous reproachfully and in alarm. + </p> + <p> + “When we turned our backs on the tombs,” continued Hadrian, paying no heed + to the lad’s exclamation, “we were met by an elderly man dressed in white + and a strange-looking maiden. She was lame but of remarkable beauty.” + </p> + <p> + “And she was going to the sick?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, she had brought medicine and food to them.” + </p> + <p> + “But she did not go in among them?” asked Antinous eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “She did, in spite of my warnings. In her companion I recognized an old + acquaintance.” + </p> + <p> + “An old one?” + </p> + <p> + “At any rate older than myself. We had met in Athens when we still were + young. At that time he was one of the school of Plato and the most + zealous, nay, perhaps the most gifted of us all.” + </p> + <p> + “How came such a man among the plague-stricken people of Besa? Is he + become a physician?” + </p> + <p> + “No. But at Athens he sought fervently and eagerly for the truth, and now + he asserts that he has found it.” + </p> + <p> + “Here, among the Egyptians?” + </p> + <p> + “In Alexandria among the Christians.” + </p> + <p> + “And the lame girl who accompanied the philosopher—does she too + believe in the crucified God?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. She is a sick-nurse or something of the kind. Indeed there is + something grand in the ecstatic craze of these people.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it true that they worship an ass and a dove?” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense!” + </p> + <p> + “I did not want to believe it; and at any rate they are kind, and succor + all who suffer, even strangers who do not belong to their sect.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know?” + </p> + <p> + “One hears a great deal about them in Alexandria.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! alas!—I never persecute an imaginary foe, as such I reckon + the creeds and ideas of other men; still, I cannot but ask myself whether + it can add to the prosperity of the state when citizens cease to struggle + against the pressure and necessity of life and console themselves for them + instead, by the hope of visionary happiness in another world which perhaps + only exists in the fancy of those who believe in it.” + </p> + <p> + “I should wish that life might end with death,” said Antinous + thoughtfully; “and yet—” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “If I were sure that in that other world I should find those I long to see + again, then I might long for a future life.” + </p> + <p> + “And would you really like, throughout all eternity, to push and struggle + in the crowd of old acquaintances which death does not diminish but rather + multiplies?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, not that—but I should like to be permitted to live for ever + with a few chosen friends.” + </p> + <p> + “And should I be one of them?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes—indeed,” cried Antinous warmly and pressing his lips to + Hadrian’s hand. + </p> + <p> + “I was sure of it—but even with the promise of never being obliged + to part with you my darling, I would never sacrifice the only privilege + which man enjoys above the immortals.” + </p> + <p> + “What privilege can you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “The right of withdrawing from the ranks of the living as soon as + annihilation seems more endurable than existence and I choose to call + death to release me.” + </p> + <p> + “The gods, it is true, cannot die.” + </p> + <p> + “And the Christians only to link a new life on to death.” + </p> + <p> + “But a fairer and a happier than this on earth. They say it is a life of + bliss. But the mother of this everlasting life is the ineradicable love of + existence in even the most wretched of our race, and hope is its father. + They believe in a complete freedom from suffering in that other world + because He whom they call their Redeemer, the crucified Christ, has saved + them from all sufferings by His death.” + </p> + <p> + “And can a man take upon him the sufferings of others, think you, like a + garment or a burden?” + </p> + <p> + “They say so, and my friend from Athens is quite convinced. In books of + magic there are many formulas by which misfortunes may be transferred not + merely from men to beasts, but from one human being to another. Very + remarkable experiments have even been carried out with slaves, and to this + day I have to struggle in several, provinces to suppress human sacrifices + by which the gods are to be reconciled or propitiated. Only think of the + innocent Iphigenia who was dragged to the altar; did not the gulf in the + Forum close when Curtius had leaped into it? When Fate shoots a fatal + arrow at you and I receive it in my breast, perhaps she is content with + the chance victim and does not enquire as to whom she has hit.” + </p> + <p> + “The gods would be exorbitant indeed if they were not content with your + blood for mine!” + </p> + <p> + “Life is life, and that of the young is of better worth than that of the + old. Many joys will yet bloom for you.” + </p> + <p> + “And you are indispensable to the whole world.” + </p> + <p> + “After me another will come. Are you ambitious, boy?” + </p> + <p> + “No, my Lord.” + </p> + <p> + “What then can be the meaning of this: that every one wishes me joy of my + son Verus excepting you. Do you not like my choice?” + </p> + <p> + Antinous colored and looked at the ground, and Hadrian went on: + </p> + <p> + “Say honestly what you feel.” + </p> + <p> + “The praetor is ill.” + </p> + <p> + “He can have but a few years to live, and when he is dead—” + </p> + <p> + “He may recover—” + </p> + <p> + “When he is dead, I must look out for another son. What do you think now? + Who is the being that every man, from a slave to a consul, would soonest + hear call him ‘Father?”’ + </p> + <p> + “Some one he tenderly loved.” + </p> + <p> + “True—and particularly when that one clung to him with unchangeable + fidelity. I am a man like any other, and you, my good fellow, are always + nearest to my heart, and I shall bless the day when I may authorize you, + before all the world, to call me ‘Father.’ Do not interrupt me. If you + resolutely concentrate your will and show as keen a sense for ruling men + as you do for the chase, if you try to sharpen your wits and take in what + I teach you, it may some day happen that Antinous instead of Verus—” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, not that, only not that!” cried the lad, turning very pale and + raising his hands beseechingly. + </p> + <p> + “The greatness with which Destiny surprises us seems terrible so long as + it is new to us,” said Hadrian. “But the seaman is soon accustomed to the + storms, and we come to wear the purple as you do your chiton.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Caesar, I entreat you,” said Antinous, anxiously, “put aside these + ideas; I am not fit for great things.” + </p> + <p> + “The smallest saplings grow to be palms.” + </p> + <p> + “But I am only a wretched little herb that thrives awhile in your shadow. + Proud Rome—” + </p> + <p> + “Rome is my handmaid. She has been forced before now to be ruled by men of + inferior stamp, and I should show her how the handsomest of her sons can + wear the purple. The world may look for such a choice from a sovereign + whom it has long known to be an artist, that is a high-priest of the + Beautiful. And if not, I will teach it to form its taste on mine.” + </p> + <p> + “You are pleased to mock me, Caesar,” cried the Bithynian. “You certainly + cannot be in earnest, and if it is true that you love me—” + </p> + <p> + “What now, boy?” + </p> + <p> + “You will let me live unknown for you, care for you; you will ask nothing + of me but reverence and love and fidelity.” + </p> + <p> + “I have long had them, and I now would fain repay my Antinous for all + these treasures.” + </p> + <p> + “Only let me stay with you, and if necessary let me die for you.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe, boy, you would be ready to make the sacrifice we were speaking + of for me!” + </p> + <p> + “At any moment without winking an eyelash.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you for those words. It has turned out a pleasant evening, and + what a bad one I looked forward to—” + </p> + <p> + “Because the woman by the tomb startled you?” + </p> + <p> + “‘Dead,’ is a grim word. It is true that ‘death’—being dead—can + frighten no wise man; but the step out of light into darkness is fearful. + I cannot get the figure of the old hag and her shrill cry out of my mind. + Then the Christian came up, and his discourse was strange and disturbing + to my soul. Before it grew dark he and the limping girl went homewards; I + stood looking after them and my eyes were dazzled by the sun which was + sinking over the Libyan range. The horizon was clear, but behind the + day-star there were clouds. In the west, the Egyptians say, lies the realm + of death. I could not help thinking of this; and the oracle, the + misfortunes that the stars threatened me with in the course of this year, + the cry of the old woman—all these crowded into my mind together. + But then, as I observed how the sun struggled with the clouds and + approached nearer and nearer to the hill-tops on the farther side of the + river, I said to myself: If it sets in full radiance you may look + confidently to the future; if it is swallowed up by clouds before it sinks + to rest, then destiny will fulfil itself; then you must shorten sail and + wait for the storm.” + </p> + <p> + “And what happened?” + </p> + <p> + “The fiery globe burnt in glowing crimson, surrounded by a million rays. + Each seemed separate from the rest and shone with glory of its own; it was + as though the sinking disc had been the centre of bow-shots innumerable + and golden arrow-shafts radiated to the sky in every direction. The scene + was magnificent and my heart beat high with happy excitement, when + suddenly and swiftly a dark cloud fell, as though exasperated by the + wounds it had received from those fiery darts; a second followed, and a + third, and sinister Daimons flung a dark and fleecy curtain over the + glorious head of Helios, as the executioner throws a coarse black cloth + over the head of the condemned, when he sets his knee against him to + strangle him.” + </p> + <p> + At this narrative Antinous covered his face with both hands, and murmured + in terror: + </p> + <p> + “Frightful, frightful! What can be hanging over us? Only listen, how it + thunders, and the rain thrashes the tent.” + </p> + <p> + “The clouds are pouring out torrents; see the water is coming in already. + The slaves must dig gutters for it to run off. Drive the pegs tighter you + fellows out there or the whirlwind will tear down the slight structure.” + </p> + <p> + “And how sultry the air is!” + </p> + <p> + “The hot wind seems to warm even the flood of rain. Here it is still dry; + mix me a cup of wine, Antinous. Have any letters come?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my Lord.” + </p> + <p> + “Give them to me, Mastor.” + </p> + <p> + The slave, who was busily engaged in damming up with earth and stones, the + trickling stream of rain-water that was soaking into the tent, sprang up, + hastily dried his hands, took a sack out of the chest in which the + Emperor’s despatches were kept and gave it to his master. Hadrian opened + the leather bag, took out a roll, hastily broke it open, and then, after + rapidly glancing at the contents, exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “What is this? I have opened the record of the oracle of Apis. How did it + come among to-day’s letters?” + </p> + <p> + Antinous went up to Hadrian, looked at the sack, and said: + </p> + <p> + “Mastor has made a mistake. These are the documents from Memphis. I will + bring you the right despatch-bag.” + </p> + <p> + “Stay!” said Hadrian, eagerly seizing his favorite’s hand. “Is this a mere + trick of chance or a decree of Fate? Why should this particular sack have + come into my hands to-day of all others? Why, out of twenty documents it + contains, should I have taken out this very one? Look here.—I will + explain these signs to you. Here stand three pairs of arms bearing shields + and spears, close by the name of the Egyptian month that corresponds to + our November. These are the three signs of misfortune. The lutes up there + are of happier omen. The masts here indicate the usual state of affairs. + Three of these hieroglyphics always occur together. Three lutes indicate + much good fortune, two lutes and one mast good fortune and moderate + prosperity, one pair of arms and two lutes misfortune, followed by + happiness, and so forth. Here, in November, begin the arms with weapons, + and here they stand in threes and threes, and portend nothing but + unqualified misfortune, never mitigated by a single lute. Do you see, boy? + Have you understood the meaning of these signs?” + </p> + <p> + “Perfectly well; but do you interpret them rightly? The fighting arms may + perhaps lead to victory.” + </p> + <p> + “No. The Egyptians use them to indicate conflict, and to them conflict and + unrest are identical with what we call evil and disaster.” + </p> + <p> + “That is strange!” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, it is well conceived; for they say that everything was originally + created good by the gods, but that the different portions of the great All + changed their nature by restless and inharmonious mingling. This + explanation was given me by the priest of Apis, and here—here by the + month of November are the three fighting arias—a hideous token. If + one of the flashes which light up this tent so incessantly, like a living + stream of light were to strike you, or me, and all of us—I should + not wonder. Terrible—terrible things hang over us! It requires some + courage under such omens as these, to keep an untroubled gaze and not to + quail.” + </p> + <p> + “Only use your own arms against the fighting arms of the Egyptian gods; + they are powerful,” said Antinous; but Hadrian let his head sink on his + breast, and said, in a tone of discouragement: + </p> + <p> + “The gods themselves must succumb to Destiny.” + </p> + <p> + The thunder continued to roar. More than once the storm snapped the + tent-ropes, and the slaves were obliged to hold on to the Emperor’s + fragile shelter with their hands; the chambers of the clouds poured mighty + torrents out upon the desert range which for years had not known a drop of + rain, and every rift and runlet was filled with a stream or a torrent. + </p> + <p> + Neither Hadrian nor Antinous closed their eyes that fearful night. The + Emperor had as yet opened only one of the rolls that were in the day’s + letter-bag; it contained the information that Titianus the prefect was + cruelly troubled by his old difficulty of breathing, with a petition from + that worthy official to be allowed to retire from the service of the state + and to withdraw to his own estate. It was no small matter for Hadrian to + dispense for the future with this faithful coadjutor, to lose the man on + whom he had had his eye to tranquillize Judaea—where a fresh revolt + had raised its head, and to reduce it again to subjection without + bloodshed. To crush and depopulate the rebellious province was within the + power of other men, but to conquer and govern it with kindness belonged + only to the wise and gentle Titianus. The Emperor had no heart to open a + second letter that night. He lay in silence on his couch till morning + began to grow gray, thinking over every evil hour of his life—the + murders of Nigrinus, of Tatianus and of the senators, by which he had + secured the sovereignty—and again he vowed to the gods immense + sacrifices if only they would protect him from impending disaster. + </p> + <p> + When he rose next morning Antinous was startled at his aspect, for + Hadrian’s face and lips were perfectly bloodless. After he had read the + remainder of his letters he started, not on foot but on horseback, with + Antinous and Mastor for Besa, there to await the rest of the escort. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0043" id="link2HCH0043"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI. + </h2> + <p> + The unchained elements had raged that night with equal fury over the Nile + city of Besa. The citizens of this ancient town had done all they could to + give the Imperial traveller a worthy reception. The chief streets had been + decked with ropes of flowers strung from mast to mast and from house to + house, and by the harbor, close to the river shore, statues of Hadrian and + his wife had been erected. But the storm tore down the masts and the + garlands, and the lashed waters of the Nile had beaten with irresistible + fury on the bank; had carried away piece after piece of the fertile shore, + flung its waves, like liquid wedges into the rifts of the parched land; + and excavated the high bank by the landing-quay. + </p> + <p> + After midnight the storm was still raging with unheard-of fury; it swept + the palm thatch from many of the houses, and beat the stream with such + violence that it was like a surging sea. The full unbroken force of the + flood beat again and again on the promontory on which stood the statues of + the Imperial couple. Shortly before the first dawn of light the little + tongue of land, which was protected by no river wall, could no longer + resist the furious attack of the waters; huge clods of soil slipped and + fell with a loud noise into the river and were followed by a large mass of + the cliff, with a roar as of thunder the plateau behind sank, and the + statue of the Emperor which stood upon it began to totter and lean slowly + to its fall. When day broke it was lying with the pedestal still above + ground, but the head was buried in the earth. + </p> + <p> + At break of day the citizens left their houses to inquire of the fishermen + and boatmen what had occurred in the harbor during the night. As soon as + the storm had abated, hundreds, nay thousands, of men, women and children + thronged the landing-place round the fallen statue—they saw the + land-slip and knew that the current had torn the land from the bank and + caused the mischief. Was it that Hapi, the Nile-god, was angry with the + Emperor? At any rate the disaster that had befallen the image of the + sovereign boded evil, that was clear. + </p> + <p> + The Toparch, the chief municipal authority, at once set to work to + reinstate the statue which was itself uninjured, for Hadrian might arrive + in a few hours. Numerous men, both free and slaves, crowded to undertake + the work, and before long the statue of Hadrian, executed in the Egyptian + style, once more stood upright and gazing with a fixed countenance towards + the harbor. Sabina’s was also put back by the side of her husband’s and + the Toparch went home satisfied. With him most of the starers and laborers + left the quay, but their place was taken by other curious folks who had + missed the statue from its place, where the land had fallen, and now + expressed their opinions as to the mode and manner of its fall. + </p> + <p> + “The wind can never have overturned this heavy mass of limestone,” said a + ropemaker: “And see how far it stands from the broken ground.” + </p> + <p> + “They say it fell on the top of land-slip,” answered a baker. + </p> + <p> + “That is how it was,” said a sailor. + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense!” cried the ropemaker. “If the statue had stood on the ground + now carried away, it must have fallen at once into the water and have sunk + to the bottom—any child can see that other powers have been at work + here.” + </p> + <p> + “Very likely,” said a temple-servant who devoted himself to the + interpretation of signs: “The gods may have overset the proud image to + give a warning token to Hadrian.” + </p> + <p> + “The immortals do not mix in the affairs of men in our day,” said the + sailor; “but in such a fearful night as this peaceful citizens remain + within doors and so leave a fair field for Caesar’s foes.” + </p> + <p> + “We are all faithful subjects,” said the baker indignantly. + </p> + <p> + “You are a pack of rebellious rabble,” retorted a Roman soldier, who like + the whole cohort quartered in the province of Hermopolis, had formerly + served in Judaea under the cruel Tinnius Rufus. “Among you worshippers of + beasts squabbles never cease, and as to the Christians, who have made + their nests out there on the other side of the valley, say the worst you + can of them and still you would be flattering them.” + </p> + <p> + “Brave Fuscus is quite right!” cried a beggar. “The wretches have brought + the plague into our houses; wherever the disease shows itself there are + Christian men and women to be seen. They came to my brother’s house; they + sat all night by his sick children and of course both died.” + </p> + <p> + “If only my old governor Tinnius Rufus were here,” growled the soldier, + “they would none of them be any better off than their own crucified god.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I certainly have nothing in common with them,” replied the baker. + “But what is true must continue true. They are quiet, kind folks and + punctual in payment, who do no harm and show kindness to many poor + creatures.” + </p> + <p> + “Kindness?” cried the beggar, who had received alms himself from the + deacon of the church at Besa, but had also been exhorted to work. “All the + five priests of Sekket of the grotto of Artemis have been led away by them + and have basely abandoned the sanctuary of the goddess. And is it good and + kind that they should have poisoned my brother’s children with their + potions?” + </p> + <p> + “Why should they not have killed the children?” asked the soldier. “I + heard of the same things in Syria; and as to this statue, I will never + wear my sword again—” + </p> + <p> + “Hark! listen to the bold Fuscus,” cried the crowd. “He has seen much.” + </p> + <p> + “I will never wear my sword again if they did not knock over the statue in + the dark.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” cried the sailor positively. “It fell with the land that was + washed away; I saw it lying there myself.” + </p> + <p> + “And are you a Christian, too?” asked the soldier, “or do you suppose that + I was in jest when I swore by my sword? I have served in Bithynia, in + Syria, and in Judaea. I know these villains, good people. There were + hundreds of Christians to be seen there who would throw away life like a + worn-out shoe because they did not choose to sacrifice to the statues of + Caesar and the gods.” + </p> + <p> + “There, you hear!” cried the beggar. “And did you see a single man of them + among the citizens who set to work to restore the statue to its place?” + </p> + <p> + “There were none of them there,” said the sailor, who was beginning to + share the soldier’s views. + </p> + <p> + “The Christians threw down the Emperor’s statue,” the beggar shouted to + the crowd. “It is proved, and they shall suffer for it. Every man who is a + friend of the divine Hadrian come with me now and have them out of their + houses.” + </p> + <p> + “No uproar!” interrupted the soldier to the furious man. “There is the + tribune, he will hear you.” + </p> + <p> + The Roman officer, who now came past with a troop of soldiers to receive + the Emperor outside the city, was greeted by the crowd with loud shouting. + He commanded silence and made the soldier tell him what had so violently + excited the people. + </p> + <p> + “Very possibly,” said the tribune, a sinewy and stern-looking man, who, + like Fuscus, had served under Tinnius Rufus, and had risen from a sutler + to be an officer, “Very possibly—but where are your proofs?” + </p> + <p> + “Most of the citizens helped in reerecting the statue, but the Christians + held aloof from the work,” cried the beggar. “There was not one to be + seen. Ask the sailor, my lord; he was by and he can bear witness to it.” + </p> + <p> + “That certainly is more than suspicious. This matter must be strictly + inquired into. Pay heed, you people.” + </p> + <p> + “Here comes a Christian girl!” cried the sailor. + </p> + <p> + “Lame Martha; I know her well,” interrupted the beggar. “She goes into all + the plague-stricken houses and poisons the people. She stayed three days + and three nights at my brother’s turning the children’s pillows till they + were carried out. Wherever she goes death follows.” + </p> + <p> + Selene, now known as Martha, paid no heed to the crowd, but with her blind + brother Helios, now called John, went calmly on her way which led from the + raised bank down to the landing-quay. There she wished to hire a boat to + take her across the stream, for in a village on the island over against + the town dwelt some sick Christians to whom she was carrying medicines and + whom she was intending to watch. For months past her whole life had been + devoted to the suffering. She had carried help even into heathen homes, + and shrunk from neither fever nor plague. Her cheeks had gained no color, + but her eyes shone with a gentler and purer light which glorified the + severe beauty of her features. As the girl approached the captain he fixed + his eyes on her, and called out: + </p> + <p> + “Hey! pale-face—are you a Christian?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my lord,” replied Selene, and she went on quietly and indifferently + with her brother. + </p> + <p> + The Roman looked after her, and as she passed by Hadrian’s statue, and, as + she did so, dropped her head rather lower than before, he roughly ordered + her to stop and to tell him why she had averted her face from the statue + of Caesar. + </p> + <p> + “Hadrian is our ruler as well as yours,” answered the young girl. “I am in + haste for there are sick people on the island.” + </p> + <p> + “You will bring them no good!” cried the beggar. “Who knows what is hidden + there in the basket?” + </p> + <p> + “Silence!” interrupted the tribune. “They say, girl that your + fellow-believers overthrew the statue of Caesar in the night.” + </p> + <p> + “How should that be? We honor Caesar no less than you do.” + </p> + <p> + “I will believe you, and you shall prove it. There stands the statue of + the divine Caesar. Come with me and worship it.” Selene looked with horror + in the face of the stern man, and could not find a word of reply. + </p> + <p> + “Well!” asked the captain, “will you come? Yes or no?” + </p> + <p> + Selene struggled for self-possession, and when the soldier held out his + hand to her she said with a trembling voice: + </p> + <p> + “We honor the Emperor but we pray to no statue—only to our Father in + Heaven.” + </p> + <p> + “There you have it!” laughed the beggar. + </p> + <p> + “Once more I ask you,” cried the tribune. “Will you worship this statue, + or do you refuse to do so?” + </p> + <p> + A fearful struggle possessed Selene’s soul. If she resisted the Roman her + life was in danger, and the fury of the populace would be aroused against + her fellow-believers—if, on the other hand, she obeyed him, she + would be blaspheming God, breaking her faith to the Saviour who loved her, + sinning against the truth and her own conscience. A fearful dread fell + upon her, and deprived her of the power to lift her soul in prayer. She + could not, she dared not, do what was required of her, and yet the + overweening love of life which exists in every mortal led her feet to the + base of the idol and there stayed her steps. + </p> + <p> + “Lift up your hands and worship the divine Caesar,” cried the tribune, who + with the rest of the lookers-on had watched her movements with keen + excitement. + </p> + <p> + Trembling, she set her basket on the ground and tried to withdraw her hand + from her brother’s; but the blind boy held it fast. He fully understood + what was required of his sister, he knew full well, from the history of + many martyrs that had been told him, what fate awaited her and him if they + resisted the Roman’s demand; but he felt no fear and whispered to her: + </p> + <p> + “We will not obey his desires Martha; we will not pray to idols, we will + cling faithfully to the Redeemer. Turn me away from the image, and I will + say ‘Our Father.’” + </p> + <p> + With a loud voice and his lustreless eyes upraised to Heaven, the boy said + the Lord’s prayer. Selene had first set his face towards the river, and + then she herself turned her back on the statue; then, lifting her hands, + she followed the child’s example. + </p> + <p> + Helios clung to her closely, her loudly uttered prayer was one with his, + and neither of them saw or heard anything more of what befell them. + </p> + <p> + The blind boy had a vision of a distant but glorious light, the maiden of + a blissful life made beautiful by love, as she was flung to the ground in + front of the statue of Hadrian, and the excited mob rushed upon her and + her faithful little brother. The military tribune tried in vain to hold + back the populace, and by the time the soldiers had succeeded in driving + the excited mob away from their victims, both the young hearts, in the + midst of the triumph of their faith, in the midst of their hopes of an + eternal and blissful life, had ceased to beat for ever. + </p> + <p> + The occurrence disturbed the captain and made him very uneasy. This girl, + this beautiful boy, who lay before him pale corpses, had been worthy of a + better fate, and he might be made to answer for them; for the law forbade + that any Christian should be punished for his faith without a judge’s + sentence. He therefore commanded that the dead should be carried at once + to the house to which they belonged, and threatened every one, who should + that day set foot in the Christian quarter, with the severest punishment. + </p> + <p> + The beggar went off, shrieking and shouting, to his brother’s house to + tell the mistress that lame Martha, who had nursed her daughter to death, + was slain; but he gained an evil reward, for the poor woman bewailed + Selene as if she had been her own child, and cursed him and her murderers. + </p> + <p> + Before sundown Hadrian arrived at Besa, where he found magnificent tents + pitched to receive him and his escort. The disaster that had befallen his + statue was kept a secret from him, but he felt anxious and ill. He wished + to be perfectly alone, and desired Antinous to go to see the city before + it should be dark. The Bithynian joyfully embraced this permission as a + gift of the gods; he hurried through the decorated high streets, and made + a boy guide him from thence into the Christian quarter. Here the streets + were like a city of the dead; not a door was open, not a man to be seen. + </p> + <p> + Antinous paid the lad, sent him away, and with a beating heart went from + one house to another. Each looked neat and clean, and was surrounded by + trees and shrubs, but though the smoke curled up from several of the roofs + every house seemed to have been deserted. At last he heard the sound of + voices. Guided by these he went through a lane to an open place where + hundreds of people, men, women and children, were assembled in front of a + small building which stood in the midst of a palm grove. + </p> + <p> + He asked where dame Hannah lived, and an old man silently pointed to the + little house on which the attention of the Christians seemed to be + concentrated. The lad’s heart throbbed wildly and yet he felt anxious and + embarrassed, and he asked himself whether he had not better turn back and + return next morning when he might hope to find Selene alone. + </p> + <p> + But no! Perhaps he might even now be allowed to see her. + </p> + <p> + He modestly made his way through the throng, which had set up a song in + which he could not determine whether it was intended to express feelings + of sadness or of triumph. Now he was standing at the gate of the garden + and saw Mary the deformed girl. She was kneeling by a covered bier and + weeping bitterly. Was dame Hannah dead? No, she was alive, for at this + moment she came out of her house, leaning on an old man, pale, calm and + tearless. Both came forward, the old man uttered a short prayer and then + stooping down, lifted the sheet which covered the dead. + </p> + <p> + Antinous pushed a step forward but instantly drew two steps back—then + covering his eyes with his hand he stood as if rooted to the spot. + </p> + <p> + There was no vehement lamentation. The old man began a discourse. All + around were sounds of suppressed weeping, singing and praying but Antinous + saw and heard nothing. He had dropped his hand and never took his eyes off + the white face of the dead till Hannah once more covered it with the + sheet. Even then he did not stir. + </p> + <p> + It was not till six young girls lifted Selene’s modest bier and four + matrons took up that of little Helios on their shoulders and the whole + assembly moved away after them, that he too turned and followed the + mourning procession. He looked on from a distance while the larger and the + smaller coffins were carried into a rocktomb, while the entrance was + carefully closed, and the procession dispersed some here and some there. + </p> + <p> + At last he found himself alone and in front of the door of the vault. The + sun went down, and darkness spread rapidly over hill and vale. When no one + was to be seen who could observe him, he threw up his arms, clasped the + pillar at the entrance of the tomb, pressed his lips against the rough + wooden door and struck his forehead against it while his whole body + trembled with the tearless anguish of his spirit. + </p> + <p> + For some minutes he stood so and did not hear a light step which came up + behind him. It was Mary, who had come once more to pray by the grave of + her beloved friend. She at once recognized the youth and softly called him + by his name. + </p> + <p> + “Mary,” he answered, clasping her hand eagerly. “How did she die?” + </p> + <p> + “Slain,” she said, sadly. “She would not worship Caesar’s image.” + </p> + <p> + Antinous shuddered at the words, and asked, “And why would she not?” + </p> + <p> + “Because she was faithful to our belief, and so hoped for the mercy of the + Saviour. Now she is a blessed angel.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you sure of that?” + </p> + <p> + “As sure as I live in hope of meeting the martyr who rests here, again in + Heaven!” + </p> + <p> + “Mary.” + </p> + <p> + “Leave go of my hand!” + </p> + <p> + “Will you do me a service, Mary?” + </p> + <p> + “Willingly, Antinous—but pray do not touch me.” + </p> + <p> + “Take this money and buy the loveliest wreath that is to be had here. Hang + it on this tomb, and say as you do so—call out—, From Antinous + to Selene.’” + </p> + <p> + The deformed girl took the money he gave her and said: + </p> + <p> + “She often prayed for you.” + </p> + <p> + “To her God?” + </p> + <p> + “To our Redeemer, that he might give you also joy. She died for Christ + Jesus; now she is with him, and he will grant her prayers.” + </p> + <p> + Antinous was silent for a while, then he said: + </p> + <p> + “Once more give me your hand, Mary, and now farewell. Will you sometimes + think of me, and pray for me too, to your Redeemer?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, and you will not quite forget me, the poor cripple?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not, you good, kind girl! Perhaps we may some day meet again.” + With these words Antinous hurried down the hill and through the town to + the Nile. + </p> + <p> + The moon had risen and was mirrored in the rough water. Just so had its + image played upon the waves when Antinous had rescued Selene from the sea. + The lad knew that Hadrian would be expecting him, still he did not seek + his tent. A violent emotion had overpowered him; he restlessly paced up + and down the river-bank rapidly reviewing in his memory the more prominent + incidents of his past life. He seemed to hear again every word of the + dialogue that had taken place yesterday between Hadrian and himself. + Before his inward eye he saw once more his humble home in Bithynia, his + mother, his brothers and sisters whom he should never see again. Once more + he lived through the dreadful hour when he had deceived his beloved master + and had been an incendiary. An overmastering dread fell upon him as he + thought of Hadrian’s wish to put him in the place of the man whom the + prudent sovereign had chosen as his successor—a choice that was + perhaps the direct outcome of his own crime. He, Antinous, who to-day + could not think of the morrow, who always kept out of the way of the + discourse of grave men because he found it so hard to follow their + meaning, he who knew nothing but how to obey, he who was never happy but + alone with his master and his dreaming, far from the bustle of the world—he, + to be burdened with the purple, with anxiety, with a mountain-load of + responsibility! + </p> + <p> + No, no; the idea was unheard-of—impossible! And yet Hadrian never + gave up a wish he had once expressed in words. The future loomed before + his soul like some overpowering foe. Suffering, unrest, and misfortune + stared him in the face, turn which way he would. + </p> + <p> + What was the hideous fatality that threatened his sovereign? It was + approaching, it must come if no one—aye, if no one should be found + to stand between him and the impending blow, and to receive in his own + breast—in his own heart, bared to receive the wound—the spear + hurled by the vengeful god. And he—he, and he alone was the one who + might do this. + </p> + <p> + The thought flashed into his mind like a sudden blaze of light; and if he + should find the courage to devote himself to death for his dear master all + his sins against him would be expiated; then—then—oh, how + lovely a thought!—then might he not find entrance into the gates of + that realm of bliss which Selene’s prayers had opened to him? There he + would see his mother again and his father, and by and bye his brothers and + sisters—but now, at once in a few minutes Her whom he loved and who + had trodden the ways of death before him. + </p> + <p> + An exquisite sense of hope such as he had never felt before flooded his + soul. There lay the Nile—here was a boat. He gave it a strong push + into the stream and with a powerful leap, as when hunting he had often + sprung from rock to rock, he jumped into the boat. He had just seized an + oar when Mastor, who had been desired by the Emperor to seek him, + recognized him in the moonlight and desired him to return with him to the + tents. + </p> + <p> + But Antinous did not obey. As he pushed out into the stream he called out: + </p> + <p> + “Greet my Lord from me—greet him lovingly, a thousand times, and + tell him Antinous loved him more than his life. Fate demands a victim. The + world cannot dispense with Hadrian, but Antinous is a mere nonentity, whom + none will miss but Caesar, and for him Antinous flings himself into the + jaws of death.” + </p> + <p> + “Stay-stop! hapless boy, come back!” shouted the slave, and leaping into a + boat he followed that of the Bithynian, which, impelled by strong and + steady strokes, flew away into the current. + </p> + <p> + Mastor rowed with all his might, but he could not gain upon the boat he + was pursuing. Thus in a wild race both reached the middle of the stream. + There, the slave saw Antinous fling away his oar, and an instant later he + heard Antinous call loudly on the name of Selene, and then, in helpless + inactivity, he saw the lad glide into the waters, and the Nile swallowed + in its flood the noblest and fairest of victims. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0044" id="link2HCH0044"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII + </h2> + <p> + A night and a day had slipped away since the death of the Bithynian. Ships + and boats from every part of the province had collected before Besa to + seek for the body of the drowned youth, the shores swarmed with men, and + cressets and torches had dimmed the moonlight on river and shore all + through the night; but they had not yet succeeded in finding the body of + the beautiful youth. + </p> + <p> + Hadrian had heard in what way Antinous had perished. He had required + Mastor to repeat to him more than once the last words of his faithful + companion and neither to add nor to omit a single syllable. Hadrian’s + accurate memory cherished them all and now he had sat till dawn and from + dawn till the sun had reached the meridian, repeating them again and again + to him self. He sat gloomily brooding and would neither eat nor drink. The + misfortune which had threatened him had fallen—and what a grief was + this! If indeed Fate would accept the anguish he now felt in the place of + all other suffering it might have had in store for him he might look + forward to years free from care, but he felt as though he would rather + have spent the remainder of his existence in sorrow and misery with his + Antinous by his side than enjoy, without him, all that men call happiness, + peace and prosperity. + </p> + <p> + Sabina and her escort had arrived-a host of men; but he had strictly + ordered that no one, not even his wife, was to be admitted to his + presence. The comfort of tears was denied him, but his grief gripped him + at the heart, clouded his brain and made hint so irritably sensitive that + an unfamiliar voice, though even at a distance, disturbed him and made him + angry. + </p> + <p> + The party who had arrived by water were not allowed to occupy the tents + which had been pitched for them not far from his, because he desired to be + alone, quite alone, with his anguish of spirit. Mastor, whom he had + hitherto regarded rather a useful chattel than as a human creature, now + grew nearer to him—had he not been the one witness of his darling’s + strange disappearance. Towards the close of this, the most miserable night + he had ever known, the slave asked him whether he should not fetch the + physician from the ships, he looked so pale; but Hadrian forbade it. + </p> + <p> + “If I could only cry like a woman,” he said, “or like other fathers whose + sons are snatched away by death, that would be the best remedy. You poor + souls will have a bad time now, for the sun of my life has lost its light + and the trees by the way-side have lost their verdure.” + </p> + <p> + When he was alone once more he sat staring into vacancy and muttered to + himself: + </p> + <p> + “All mankind should mourn with me for if I had been asked yesterday how + perfect a beauty might be bestowed on one of their race I could have + pointed proudly to you, my faithful boy and have said, ‘Beauty like that + of the gods.’ Now the crown is cut off from the trunk of the palm and the + maimed thing can only be ashamed of its deformity; and if all humanity + were but one man it would look like one who has had his right eye torn + out. I will not look on the monsters, lean and fat, that they may not + spoil my taste for the true type! Oh faithful, lovable, beautiful boy! + What a blind, mad fool have you been! And yet I cannot blame your madness. + You have pierced my soul with the deepest thrust of all and yet I cannot + even be angry with you. Superhuman! godlike was your faithful devotion. + Aye, indeed, it was!” As he thus spoke he rose from his seat and went on + resolutely and decidedly: + </p> + <p> + “Here I stretch out this my right hand-hear me, ye Immortals! Every city + in the Empire shall raise an altar to Antinous, and the friend of whom you + have robbed me I will make your equal and companion. Receive him tenderly, + oh, ye undying rulers of the world! Which among you can boast of beauty + greater than his? and which of you ever displayed so much goodness and + faithfulness as your new associate?” + </p> + <p> + This vow seemed to have given Hadrian some comfort. For above half an hour + he paced his tent with a firmer tread, then he desired that Heliodorus his + secretary might be called. + </p> + <p> + The Greek wrote what his sovereign dictated. This was nothing less than + that henceforth the world should worship a new divinity in the person of + Antinous. + </p> + <p> + At noonday a messenger in breathless haste came to say that the body of + the Bithynian had been found. Thousands flocked to see the corpse, and + among them Balbilla, who had behaved like a distracted creature when she + heard to what an end her idol had come. She had rushed up and down the + river-bank, among the citizens and fishermen, dressed in black mourning + robes and with her hair flying about her. The Egyptians had compared her + to the mourning Isis seeking the body of her beloved husband, Osiris. She + was beside herself with grief, and her companion implored her in vain to + calm herself and remember her rank and her dignity as a woman. But + Balbilla pushed her vehemently aside, and when the news was brought that + Nile had yielded up his prey she rushed on foot to see the body, with the + rest of the crowd. + </p> + <p> + Her name was in every mouth, everyone knew that she was the Empress’ + friend, and so she was willingly and promptly obeyed when she commanded + the bearers who carried the bier on which the recovered body lay to set it + down and to lift up the sheet which shrouded it. Pale and trembling, she + went up to it and gazed down at the drowned man; but only for a moment + could she endure the sight. She turned away with a shudder, and desired + the bearers to go on. When the funeral procession had disappeared and she + could no longer hear the shrill wailing of the Egyptian women, and no + longer see them streaking their breast, head, and hair with damp earth and + flinging up their arms wildly in the air, she turned to her companion and + said calmly: “Now, Claudia, let us go home.” + </p> + <p> + In the evening at supper she appeared dressed in black, like Sabina and + all the rest of the suite, but she was calm and ready with an answer to + every observation. + </p> + <p> + Pontius had travelled with them from Thebes to Besa, and she had spared + him nothing that could punish him for his long absence, and had + mercilessly compelled him to listen to all her verses on Antinous. + </p> + <p> + He meanwhile had been perfectly cool about it, and had criticised her + poems exactly as if they had referred not to a man of flesh and blood but + to some statue or god. This epigram he would praise, the next he would + disparage, a third condemn. Her confession that she had been in the habit + of complimenting Antinous with flowers and fruit he heard with a shrug of + the shoulders, saying pleasantly: “Give him as many presents as you will; + I know that you expect no gifts from your divinity in return for your + sacrifices.” + </p> + <p> + His words had surprised and delighted her. Pontius always understood her, + and did not deserve that she should wound him. So she let him gaze into + her soul, and told him how much she loved Antinous so long as he was + absent. Then she laughed and confessed that she was perfectly indifferent + to him as soon as they were together. + </p> + <p> + When, after the Bithynian’s death, she lost all self-control he simply let + her alone, and begged Claudia to do the same. + </p> + <p> + The same day that the body was found it was burnt on a pile of precious + wood. Hadrian had refused to see it when he learnt that the death by + drowning had terribly distorted the lad’s features. + </p> + <p> + A few hours after the ashes of the Bithynian had been collected and + brought in a golden vase to Hadrian, the Nile fleet was once more under + sail, this time with the Emperor on board one of the boats, to proceed + without farther halt to Alexandria. + </p> + <p> + Hadrian remained alone with only his slave and his secretary on the boat + that conveyed him; but he several times sent to Pontius to desire him to + come from the ship on which he was and visit him on his. He liked to hear + the architect’s deep voice, and discussed with him the plans which Pontius + had sketched for his mausoleum in Rome and the monument to his lost + favorite which he proposed to have erected from designs of his own in the + large city which he intended should stand on the site of the little town + of Besa, and which he had already named Antinoe. But these discussions + only took up a limited number of hours, and then the architect was at + liberty to return to Sabina’s boat, on which Balbilla also lived. + </p> + <p> + A few days after they had quitted Besa he was sitting alone with the + poetess on the deck of the Nile boat which, borne by the current and + propelled by a hundred oars, was rapidly and steadily nearing its + destination. Ever since the death of the hapless favorite Pontius had + avoided mentioning him to her. She had now become as observant and as + talkative as before, and in her eyes there even shone at times a ray of + the old sunny gayety of her nature. The architect thought he comprehended + the characteristic change in her sentiments, and would not allude to the + cause of the violent but transient fever under which she had suffered. + “What did you discuss with Caesar to-day?” asked Balbilla of her friend. + Pontius looked down at the ground and considered whether he could venture + to utter the name of Antinous before the poetess. Balbilla observed his + hesitation and said: + </p> + <p> + “Speak on; I can hear anything. That folly is past and over.” + </p> + <p> + “Caesar is at work at the plans for a new town to be built and called + Antinoe, and a sketch for a monument to his ill-fated favorite,” said + Pontius. “He will not accept any help, but I have to teach him to + discriminate what is possible from what is impossible.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! he is always gazing at the stars and you look steadily at the road on + which you are walking.” + </p> + <p> + “An architect can make no use of anything that is unsteady or that has no + firm foundation.” + </p> + <p> + “That is a hard saying, Pontius. It is true that during the last few weeks + I have behaved like a fool.” + </p> + <p> + “I only wish that every tottering structure could recover its balance as + quickly and as certainly as you! Antinous was a demigod for beauty, and a + good faithful fellow besides.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not speak of him any more,” exclaimed Balbilla shuddering. “He looked + dreadful. Can you forgive me for my conduct?” + </p> + <p> + “I never was angry with you.” + </p> + <p> + “But I lost your esteem.” + </p> + <p> + “No, Balbilla. Beauty, which is dear to us all, and which the Muse has + kissed, attracted your easily moved poet’s soul and it fluttered off at + random. Let it fly! My friend’s true womanly nature was never carried away + by it. She stands on a rock, that I am sure of.” + </p> + <p> + “How good and kind in you to say so—too good, too kind! for I am a + feeble creature, turned by every breeze that blows, a vain little fool who + does not know one hour what she may do the next, a spoilt child that likes + best to do the thing it ought to leave undone, a weak girl who finds a + pleasure in doing battle with men. For all in all—” + </p> + <p> + “For all in all a darling of the gods who to-day can climb the rocks with + a firm step and to-morrow lies dreaming in the sunshine among flowers—for + all in all a nature that has no equal and which lacks nothing, nothing + whatever that constitutes a true woman excepting—” + </p> + <p> + “I know what I lack,” cried Balbilla. “A strong man on whom I can depend, + whose warnings I can respect. You, you are that man; you and none other, + for as soon as I feel you by my side I find it difficult to do what I know + to be wrong. Here I am, Pontius! Will you have me with all my moods, with + all my faults and weaknesses?” + </p> + <p> + “Balbilla!” cried the architect, beside himself with heartfelt agitation + and surprise, and he pressed her hand long and fervently to-his lips. + </p> + <p> + “You will? You will take me? You will never leave me, you will warn, + support me and protect me?” + </p> + <p> + “Till my last day, till death, as my child, as the apple of my eye, as—dare + I say it and believe it?—as my love, my second self, my wife.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Pontius, Pontius,” she exclaimed, grasping his broad, right hand in + both her own. “This hour restores to the orphaned Balbilla, father and + mother and gives her besides the husband that she loves.” + </p> + <p> + “Mine, mine!” cried the architect. “Immortal gods! During half a lifetime + I have never found time, in the midst of labor and fatigue, to indulge in + the joys of love and now you give me with interest and compound interest + the treasure you have so long withheld.” + </p> + <p> + “How can you, a reasonable man, so over-estimate the value of your + possession? But you shall find some good in it. Life can no longer be + conceived of as worth having without the possessor.” + </p> + <p> + “And to me it has so long seemed empty and cold without you, you strange, + unique, incomparable creature.” + </p> + <p> + “But why did you not come sooner, and so give me no time to behave like a + fool?” + </p> + <p> + “Because, because,” said Pontius, gravely, “such a flight towards the sun + seemed to me too bold; because I remember that my father’s father—” + </p> + <p> + “He was the noblest man that the ancestor of my house attracted to its + greatness.” + </p> + <p> + “He was—consider it duly at this moment—he was your + grandfather’s slave.” + </p> + <p> + “I know it, but I also know, that there is not a man on earth who is + worthier of freedom than you are, or whom I could ask as humbly as I ask + you: Take me, poor, foolish Balbilla, to be your wife, guide me and make + of me whatever you can, for your own honor and mine.” + </p> + <p> + The brief Nile voyage brought days and hours of the highest happiness to + Balbilla and her lover. Before the fleet sailed into the Mareotic harbor + of Alexandria, Pontius revealed his happy secret to the Emperor. Hadrian + smiled for the first time since the death of his favorite, and desired the + architect to bring Balbilla to him. + </p> + <p> + “I was wrong in my interpretation of the Pythian oracle,” said he, as he + laid the poetess’s hand in that of Pontius. “Would you like to know how it + runs Pontius—do not prompt me, my child. Anything that I have read + through once or twice I never forget. Pythia said: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘That which thou boldest most precious and dear shall be torn from + thy keeping, + And from the heights of Olympus, down shalt thou fall in the dust; + Still the contemplative eye discerns under mutable sand-drifts + Stable foundations of stone, marble and natural rock.’ +</pre> + <p> + “You have chosen well girl. The oracle guaranteed you a safe road to tread + through life. As to the dust of which it speaks, it exists no doubt in a + certain sense, but this hand wields the broom that will sweep it away. + Solemnize your marriage in Alexandria as soon as you will, but then come + to Rome, that is the only condition I impose. A thing I always have at + heart is the introduction of new and worthy members into the class of + Knights, for it is in that way alone that its fallen dignity can be + restored. This ring, my Pontius, gives you the rank of eques, and such a + man as you are, the husband of Balbilla and the friend of Caesar may no + doubt by-and-bye find a seat in the Senate. What this generation can + produce in stone and marble, my mausoleum shall bear witness to. Have you + altered the plan of the bridge?” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0045" id="link2HCH0045"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII. + </h2> + <p> + In Alexandria the news of the nomination of the “sham Eros” to be the + Emperor’s successor was hailed with joy, and the citizens availed + themselves gladly of his fresh and favorable opportunity to hold one + festival after another. Titianus took care to provide for the due + performance of the usual acts of grace, and among others he threw open the + prison-gates of Canopus, and the sculptor Pollux was set at liberty. + </p> + <p> + The hapless artist had grown pale, it is true, in durance vile, but + neither leaner nor enfeebled in body; on the other hand all the vigor of + his intellect, all his bright courage for life and his happy creative + instinct, seemed altogether crushed out of him. His face, as in his dirty + and ragged chiton, he journeyed from Canopus to Alexandria, revealed + neither eager thankfulness for the unexpected boon of liberty, nor + happiness at the prospect of seeing again his own people and Arsinoe. + </p> + <p> + In the town he went, unintelligently dreaming as he walked, from one + street to another, but he was familiar with every stone of the way, and + his feet found their way to his sister’s house. How happy was Diotima, how + her children rejoiced, how impatient was each one to conduct him to the + old folks! How high in the air the Graces frisked and leaped in front of + the new little home to welcome the returned absentee! And Doris, poor + Doris, almost fainted with joyful surprise and her husband had to support + her in his arms when her long vanished son, whom she had never given up + for lost, however, suddenly stood before her and said: “Here am I.” How + fondly she kissed and caressed her dear, cruel, restored fugitive. The + singer too loudly expressed his joy alike in verse and in prose, and + fetched his best theatrical dress out of the chest to put it on his son in + the place of his ragged chiton. + </p> + <p> + A mighty torrent of curses and execrations flowed from the old man’s lips + as Pollux told his story. The sculptor found it difficult to bring it to + an end, for his father interrupted him at every word, and all the while he + was talking his mother forced him to eat and drink incessantly, even when + he could no more. After he had assured her that he was long since replete, + she pushed two more pots on to the fire, for he must have been + half-starved in prison, and what he did not want now he would find room + for two hours hence. Euphorion himself conducted Pollux to the bath in the + evening, and as they went home together he never for an instant left his + side; the sense of being near him did him good and was like some + comfortable physical sensation. + </p> + <p> + The singer was not usually inquisitive, but on this occasion he never + ceased asking questions till Doris led her son to the bed she had freshly + made for him. After the artist had gone to rest, the old woman once more + slipped into his room, kissed his forehead, and said: + </p> + <p> + “To-day you have still been thinking too much of that hideous prison—but + to-morrow my boy, to-morrow you will be the same as before, will you not?” + </p> + <p> + “Only leave me alone mother; I shall soon be better,” he replied. “This + bed is as good as a sleeping-draught; the plank in the prison was quite a + different thing.” + </p> + <p> + “You have never asked once for your Arsinoe,” said Doris. + </p> + <p> + “What can she matter to me? Only let me sleep.” But the next morning + Pollux was just the same as he had been the previous evening, and as the + days went on his condition remained unchanged. His head drooped on his + breast, he never spoke but when he was spoken to, and when Doris or + Euphorion tried to talk to him of the future, he would ask: “Am I a burden + to you?” or begged them not to worry him. + </p> + <p> + Still, he was gentle and kind, took his sister’s children in his arms, + played with the Graces, whistled to the birds, went in and out, and played + a valiant part at every meal. Now and again he would ask after Arsinoe. + Once he allowed himself to be guided to the house where she lived, but he + would not knock at Paulina’s door and seemed overawed by the grandeur of + the house. After he had been brooding and dreaming for a week, so idle, + listless, and absent that his mother’s heart was filled with anxious fears + every time she looked at him, his brother Teuker hit upon a happy idea. + </p> + <p> + The young gem-cutter was not usually a frequent visitor to his parents’ + house, but since the return of the hapless Pollux he called there almost + daily. His apprenticeship was over and he seemed on the high-road to + become a great master in his art; nevertheless he esteemed his brother’s + gifts as far beyond his own and had tried to devise some means of + reawakening the dormant energies of the luckless man’s brain. + </p> + <p> + “It was at this table,” said Teuker to his mother, “that Pollux used to + sit. This evening I will bring in a lump of clay and a good piece of + modelling wax. Just put it all on the table and lay his tools by the side + of it; perhaps when he sees them he will take a fancy again to work. If he + can only make up his mind to model even a doll for the children he will + soon get into the vein again, and he will go on from small things to + great.” + </p> + <p> + Teuker brought the materials, Doris set them out with the modelling tools, + and next morning watched her son’s proceedings with an anxious heart. He + got up late, as he had always done since his return home, and sat a long + time over the bowl of porridge which his mother had prepared for his + breakfast. Then he sauntered across to his table, stood in front of it + awhile, broke off a piece of clay and kneaded and moulded it in his + fingers into balls and cylinders, looked at one of them more closely and + then, flinging it on the ground, he said, as he leaned across the table + supporting himself on both hands to put his face near his mother’s: + </p> + <p> + “You want me to work again; but it is of no use—I could do no good + with it.” + </p> + <p> + The old woman’s eyes filled with tears, but she did not answer him. In the + evening Pollux begged her to put away the tools. + </p> + <p> + When he was gone to bed she did so, and while she was moving about with a + light in the dark, lumber-room in which she had kept them with other + disused things, her eye fell on the unfinished wax model which had been + the last work of her ill-starred son. A new idea struck her. She called + Euphorion, made him throw the clay into the court-yard and place the model + on the table by the side of the wax. Then she put out the very same tools + as he had been using on the fateful day of their expulsion from Lochias, + close to the cleverly-sketched portrait, and begged her husband to go out + with her quite early next morning and to remain absent till mid-day. + </p> + <p> + “You will see,” she said, “when he is standing face to face with his last + work and there is no one by to disturb him or look at him, he will find + the ends of the threads that have been cut and perhaps be able to gather + them up again and go on with the work where it was interrupted.” + </p> + <p> + The mother’s heart had hit upon the right idea. When Pollux had eaten his + breakfast he went to his table exactly as he had done the clay before; but + the sight of the work in hand had quite a different effect to the mere raw + clay and wax. His eyes sparkled; he walked round the table with an + attentive gaze examining his work as keenly and as eagerly as if it were + some fine thing he saw for the first time. Memory revived in his mind. He + laughed aloud, clasped his hands and said to himself, “Capital! Something + may be made of that!” + </p> + <p> + His dull weariness slipped off him, as it were; a confident smile parted + his lips and he seized the wax with a firm hand. But he did not begin to + work at once; he only tried whether his fingers had not lost their + cunning, and whether the yielding material was obedient to his will. The + wax was no less docile to his touch than in former days, as he pinched or + pulled it. Perhaps then the tormenting thought that blighted his life, the + dread that in the prison he had ceased to be an artist, and had lost all + his faculty was nothing more than a mad delusion! He must at any rate try + how he could get on at the work. + </p> + <p> + No one was by to observe him—he might dare the attempt at once. The + sweat of anguish stood in large beads on his brow as he finally + concentrated his volition, shook back the hair from his face and took up a + lump of the wax in both hands. There stood the portrait of Antinous with + the head only half-finished. Now—could he succeed in modelling that + lovely head free-hand and from memory? + </p> + <p> + His breath came fast, and his hands trembled as he set to work; but soon + his hand was as steady as ever, his eye was calm and keen again, and the + work progressed. The fine features of the young Bithynian were distinct to + his mind’s eye, and when, about four hours after, his mother looked in at + the window to see what Pollux was doing, whether her little stratagem had + succeeded, she cried out with surprise, for the favorite’s bust, a + likeness in every feature, stood on a plinth side by side with the + original sketch. Before she could cross the threshold her son had run to + meet her, lifted her in his arms, and kissing her forehead and lips he + exclaimed, radiant with delight: + </p> + <p> + “Mother, I still can work. Mother, mother, I am not lost!” + </p> + <p> + In the afternoon his brother came in and saw what he had been doing, and + now—and not till now—could Teuker honestly be glad to have + found his brother again. + </p> + <p> + While the two artists were sitting together, and the gem-cutter was + suggesting to the sculptor, who had complained of the bad light in his + parent’s house, that he should carry the statue to his master’s workshop—which + was much lighter—to complete it, Euphorion had quietly gone to some + remote corner of his provision-shed and brought to light an amphora full + of noble Chian wine which had been given to him by a rich merchant, for + whose wedding he had performed the part of Hymenaeus with a chorus of + youths. For twenty years had he still preserved this jar of wine for some + specially happy occasion. This jar and his best lute were the only objects + which Euphorion had carried with his own hand from Lochias to his + daughter’s house and then again to his own new abode. With an air of + dignified pride the singer set the old amphora before his sons, but Doris + laid hands upon it at once and said: + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to bestow the good gift upon you, and would willingly drink a + cup of it with you; but a prudent general does not celebrate his triumph + before he has won the battle. As soon as the statue of the beautiful lad + is completed, I myself, will wreathe this venerable jar with ivy, and beg + you spare it to us, my dear old man—but not before.” + </p> + <p> + “Mother is right,” said Pollux. “And if the amphora is really destined for + me, if you will allow it, my father shall not remove the pitch wig from + its venerable head, till Arsinoe is mine once more!” + </p> + <p> + “That is well my boy,” cried Doris, “and then I will crown, not merely the + jar but all of us too, with nothing but sweet roses.” + </p> + <p> + The next day Pollux, with his unfinished statue, removed to the workshop + of his brother’s master. The worthy man cleared the best place for the + young sculptor, for he thought highly of him and wished to make good, as + far as lay in his power, the injustice the poor fellow had suffered from + the treachery of Papias. Now, from sunrise till evening fell, Pollux was + constant to his work. He gave himself up to the resuscitated pleasure and + power of creation with real passion. Instead of using wax he had recourse + to clay, and formed a tall figure which represented Antinous as the + youthful Bacchus, as the god might have appeared to the pirates. A mantle + fell in light folds from his left shoulder to his ankles, leaving the + broad breast and right aria entirely free; vine-leaves and grapes wreathed + his flowing locks, and a pine-cone, flame-shaped, crowned his brow. The + left arm was raised in a graceful curve, and his fingers lightly grasped a + thyrsus which rested on the ground and stood taller than the god’s head; + by the side of this magnificent figure stood a mighty wine-jar, half + hidden by the drapery. + </p> + <p> + For a whole week Pollux had devoted himself to this task during all the + hours of daylight with unflagging zeal and diligence. Before night fell he + was accustomed to leave his work and walk up and down in front of + Paulina’s house, but for the present he refrained from knocking at the + door and asking after the girl he loved. He had heard from his mother how + anxiously she was guarded from him and his; still Paulina’s severity would + certainly not have hindered the artist from making the attempt to possess + himself of his dearest treasure. What held him back from even approaching + Arsinoe, was the vow he had made to himself never to tempt her to quit her + new and sheltered home till he had acquired a firm certainty of being once + for all an artist, a true artist, who might hope to do something great, + and who might dare to link the fate of the woman he loved, with his own. + </p> + <p> + When, on the eighth morning of his labors, he was taking a few minutes + rest, his brother’s master came past the rapidly advancing work, and after + contemplating it for some time exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Splendid, splendid! Our time has produced nothing to compare with it!” + </p> + <p> + An hour later Pollux was standing at the door of Paulina’s town-house, and + let the knocker fall heavily on the door. The steward opened to him and + asked him what he wanted. He asked to speak with dame Paulina, but she was + not at home. Then he asked after Arsinoe, the daughter of Keraunus, who + had found a home with the rich widow. The servant shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “My mistress is having her searched for,” he said. “She disappeared + yesterday evening. The ungrateful creature! She has tried to run away + several times before now.” + </p> + <p> + The artist laughed, slapped the steward on the back, and said: + </p> + <p> + “I will soon find her!” and he sprang away down the street, and back to + his parents. + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe had received much kindness in Paulina’s house, but she had also + gone through many bad hours. For months she had been obliged to believe + that her lover was dead. Pontius had told her that Pollux had entirely + vanished and her benefactress persisted in al ways speaking of him as of + one dead. The poor child had shed many tears for him, and when the longing + to talk of him with some one who had known him had taken possession of her + she had entreated Paulina to allow her to go to see his mother or to let + Doris visit her. But the widow had desired her to give up all thought of + the idol-maker and his belongings, speaking with contempt of the + gate-keeper’s worthy wife. Just at that time Selene also left the city, + and now Arsinoe’s longing for her old friends grew to a passionate craving + to see them again. + </p> + <p> + One day she yielded to the promptings of her heart and slipped out into + the street to seek Doris; but the door-keeper, who had been charged by + Paulina never to allow her to go outside the door without his mistress’s + express permission, noticed her and brought her back to her protectress—not + this time only, but, on several subsequent occasions when she attempted to + escape. + </p> + <p> + It was not merely her longing to talk about Pollux which made her new home + unendurable to Arsinoe, but many other reasons besides. She felt like a + prisoner; and in fact she was one, for after each attempt at flight her + freedom of movement was still farther impeded. It is true that she had + soon ceased to submit patiently to all that was required of her and even + had often opposed her adoptive mother with vehement words, tears and + execrations, but these unpleasant scenes, which always ended by a + declaration on Paulina’s part that she forgave the girl, had always + resulted in a long break in her drives and in a variety of small + annoyances. Arsinoe was beginning to hate her benefactress and everything + that surrounded her, and the hours of catechising and of prayer, which she + could not escape, were a positive martyrdom. Ere long the doctrine to + which Paulina sought to win her was confounded in her mind with that which + it was intended to drive out, and she defiantly shut her heart against it. + </p> + <p> + Bishop Eumenes, who had been elected in the spring Patriarch of the + Christians of Alexandria, visited her oftener than usual during the summer + when Paulina lived in her suburban villa. Paulina, it is true, had fancied + she could do without his help, and that she could and must carry her task + through to the end by herself; but the worthy old man had felt + sympathetically drawn to the poor ill-guided child, and sought to soothe + and calm her mind and show her the goal, towards which Paulina desired to + lead her, in all its beauty. After such discourses Arsinoe would be + softened and felt inclined to believe in God and to love Christ, but no + sooner had her protectress called her again into the school-room and put + the very same things before her in her own way than the girl’s + heartstrings drew close again; and when she was desired to pray she raised + her hands, indeed, but out of sheer defiance, she prayed in spirit to the + Greek gods. + </p> + <p> + Frequently Paulina received visits from heathen acquaintances in rich + dresses and the sight of them always reminded Arsinoe of former days. How + poor she had been then! and yet she had always had a blue or a red ribbon + to plait in her hair and trim the edge of her peplum. Now she might wear + none but white dresses and the least scrap of colored ornament to dress + her hair or smarten her robe was strictly forbidden. Such vain trifles, + Paulina would say, were very well for the heathen, but the Lord looked not + at the body but at the heart. + </p> + <p> + Ah! and the poor little heart of the hapless child could not offer a very + pleasing sight to the Father in Heaven, for hatred and disgust, sadness, + impatience, and blasphemy seethed in it from morning till night. This + young nature was surely formed for love and contentment, and both had left + her weeping. Still Arsinoe never ceased to yearn for them. + </p> + <p> + When November had begun and another attempt to run away during their move + back to the town-house had failed, Paulina tried to punish her by never + speaking a word to her for a fortnight, and forbidding even the + slave-women to speak to her. In these two weeks the talkative girl was + reduced almost to desperation, and she even thought of throwing herself + off the roof down into the court-yard. But she clung too dearly to life to + carry this horrible project into execution. On the first of December + Paulina once more spoke to her, forgave her ingratitude, as usual in a + long, kind speech, and told her how many hours she had spent in praying + for her enlightenment and improvement. + </p> + <p> + Paulina spoke the truth, and yet but half the truth, for she had never + felt a real love for Arsinoe, and had now for a long time watched her come + and go with actual dislike; but she required her conversion in order that + the warmest wish of her heart might find fulfilment. It was for the + happiness of her daughter, and not for the sake of her recalcitrant + companion, that she prayed for her enlightenment and never ceased in her + efforts to open the callous heart of her adopted child to the true faith. + </p> + <p> + In the afternoon preceding that morning when Pollux had at last knocked at + the Christian widow’s door, the sun shone with particular brilliancy, and + Paulina had allowed the girl to go out with her. They spent some little + time with a Christian family who dwelt on the shore of Lake Mareotis, and + so it fell out that they did not return home till late in the evening. + Arsinoe had long learnt, while she sat apparently gazing at the ground, to + keep her eyes out of the carriage and to see everything that was going on + around her; and as the chariot turned into their own street she spied in + the distance a tall man who looked like her long-wept Pollux. She fixed + her eyes upon him, and had some difficulty in keeping herself from calling + out aloud, for he it was who walked slowly down the street. She could not + be mistaken, for the torches of two slaves who were walking in front of a + litter had broadly lighted up his face and figure. + </p> + <p> + He was not lost—he was living, and seeking her. She could have + shouted aloud for joy, but she did not stir till Paulina’s chariot was + standing still in front of her house. The door-keeper bustled out as usual + to help his mistress to step out of the high-slung vehicle. Thus Paulina + for an instant turned her back, and in that moment Arsinoe sprang out of + the opposite side of the chariot, and was flying down towards the street + where she had seen her lover. Before Paulina could discover that she was + gone the runaway found herself in the midst of the throng which, when the + day’s work was over, poured out from the workshops and factories on their + way home. + </p> + <p> + Paulina’s slaves, who were sent out at once to seek the fugitive, had to + return home this time empty-handed; but Arsinoe, on her part, had not + succeeded in finding him she sought. For an hour she looked round and + about her in vain; then she perceived that her search must be + unsuccessful, and wondered how she might find her way to his parents’ + house. Rather than return to her benefactress she would have joined the + roofless crew who passed the night on the hard marble pavement of the + forecourts of the temple. + </p> + <p> + At first she rejoiced in the sense of recovered liberty, but when none of + the passers-by could tell her where Euphorion, the singer, lived, and some + young men followed her and addressed her with impudent speeches, terror + made her turn aside into a street which led to the Bruchiom; her + persecutors had not even then ceased to follow her, when a litter, + escorted by lictors and several torch-bearers, was carried past. It was + Julia, the kind wife of the prefect, who sat in it; Arsinoe recognized her + at once, followed her, and reached the door of her residence at the same + moment as she herself. As the matron got out of her litter she observed + the girl who placed herself modestly, but with hands uplifted in entreaty, + at the side of her path. Julia greeted the pretty creature in whom she had + once taken a motherly interest with affectionate sympathy, beckoned + Arsinoe to her, smiled as she listened to her request for a night’s + shelter, and led her with much satisfaction to her husband. + </p> + <p> + Titianus was ill; still he was glad once more to see the ill-fated + palace-steward’s pretty daughter; he listened to her story of her flight + with many signs of disapprobation, but kindly withal, and expressed the + warmest satisfaction at hearing that the sculptor Pollux was still in the + land of the living. + </p> + <p> + The grand and lordly bed in one of the strangers’ rooms in the prefect’s + house had held many a more illustrious guest, but never one whose sleep + was brightened by happier dreams than the poor orphaned “little fugitive,” + who, no longer ago than yesterday, had cried herself to sleep. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0046" id="link2HCH0046"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV. + </h2> + <p> + Arsinoe was up betimes on the following morning; much embarrassed by all + the splendor that surrounded her, she walked up and down her room thinking + of Pollux. Then she stopped to take pleasure in her own image displayed in + a large mirror which stood on a dressing-table, and between whiles she + compared the couch, on which she lay clown again at full length, with + those in Paulina’s house. Once more she felt herself a prisoner, but this + time she liked her prison, and presently, when she heard slaves passing by + her room, she flew to the door to listen, for it was just possible that + Titianus might have sent to fetch Pollux, and would allow him to come to + see her. At last a slave-woman came in, brought her some breakfast, and + desired her from Julia to go into the garden and look at the flowers and + aviaries till she should be sent for. + </p> + <p> + Early that morning the news had reached the prefect that Antinous had + sought his death in the Nile, and it had shocked him greatly, less on + account of the hapless youth than for Hadrian’s sake. When he had given + the proper officials orders to announce the melancholy news and to desire + the citizens to give some public expression of their sympathy with the + Emperor’s sorrow, he gave audience to the Patriarch Eumenes. + </p> + <p> + This venerable man, ever since the transactions which he had conducted—with + reference to the thanksgiving of the Christians for the safety of the + Emperor after the fire, had been one of the most esteemed friends of + Titianus and Julia. The prefect discussed with the Patriarch the + inauspicious effects that the death of the young fellow might be expected + to have on the Emperor, and as a result, on the government, although the + favorite had had no qualities of mind to distinguish him. + </p> + <p> + “Whenever Hadrian,” continued Titianus, “would give his unresting brain an + hour’s relaxation, and release himself from disappointment and vexation + and the severe toil and anxiety of which his life is overfull, he would go + out hunting with the bold youth or would have the handsome, good-hearted + boy into his own room. The sight of the Bithynian’s beauty delighted his + eye, and how well Antinous knew how to listen to him—silent, modest + and attentive! Hadrian loved him as a son, and the poor fellow clung to + his master in return with more than a son’s fidelity; his death itself + proved it. Caesar himself said to me once; ‘In the midst of the turmoil of + waking life, when I see Antinous a feeling comes over me as if a beautiful + dream stood incorporate before my eyes.’ + </p> + <p> + “Caesar’s grief at losing him must indeed be great,” said the Patriarch. + </p> + <p> + “And the loss will add to the gloom of his grave and brooding nature, + render his restless scheming and wandering still more capricious, and + increase his suspiciousness and irritability.” + </p> + <p> + “And the circumstances under which Antinous perished,” added Eumenes, + “will afford new ground for his attachment to superstitions.” + </p> + <p> + “That is to be feared. We have not happy days before us; the revolt in + Judaea, too, will again cost thousands of lives.” + </p> + <p> + “If only it had been granted to you to assume the government of that + province.” + </p> + <p> + “But you know, my worthy friend, the condition I am in. On my bad days I + am incapable of commanding a thought or opening my lips. When my + breathlessness increases I feel as if I were being suffocated. I have + placed many decades of my life at the disposal of the state, and I now + feel justified in devoting the diminished strength which is left me to + other things. I and my wife think of retiring to my property by lake + Larius, and there to try whether we may succeed, she and I, in becoming + worthy of the salvation and capable of apprehending the truth that you + have offered us. You are there Julia? As the determination to retire from + the world has matured in us, we have, both of us, remembered more than + once the words of the Jewish sage, which you lately told us of. When the + angel of God drove the first man out of Paradise, he said: ‘Henceforth + your heart must be your Paradise.’ We are turning our backs on the + pleasure of a city life—” + </p> + <p> + “And we do so without regret,” said Julia, interrupting her husband, “for + we bear in our minds the germ of a more indestructible, purer, and more + lasting happiness.” + </p> + <p> + “Amen!” said the Patriarch. “Where two such as you dwell together there + the Lord is third in the bond.” “Give us your disciple Marcianus to be our + travelling-companion,” said Titianus. + </p> + <p> + “Willingly,” said Eumenes. “Shall he come to visit you when I leave you?” + </p> + <p> + “Not immediately,” replied Julia. “I have this morning an important and at + the same time pleasant business to attend to. You know Paulina, the widow + of Pudeus. She took into her keeping a pretty young creature—” + </p> + <p> + “And Arsinoe has run away from her.” + </p> + <p> + “We took her in here,” said Titianus. “Her protectress seems to have + failed in attracting her to her, or in working favorably on her nature.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said the Patriarch. “There was but one key to her full, bright + heart—Love—but Paulina tried to force it open with coercion + and persistent driving. It remained closed—nay, the lock is spoiled.—But, + if I may ask, how came the girl into your house?” + </p> + <p> + “That I can tell you later, we did not make her acquaintance for the first + time yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + “And I am going to fetch her lover to her,” cried the prefect’s wife. + </p> + <p> + “Paulina will claim her of you,” said the Patriarch. “She is having her + sought for everywhere; but the child will never thrive under her + guidance.” + </p> + <p> + “Did the widow formally adopt Arsinoe?” asked Titianus. + </p> + <p> + “No; she proposed doing so as soon as her young pupil—” + </p> + <p> + “Intentions count for nothing in law, and I can protect our pretty little + guest against her claim.” + </p> + <p> + “I will fetch her,” said Julia. “The time must certainly have seemed very + long to her already. Will you come with me, Eumenes?” + </p> + <p> + “With pleasure,” replied the old man, “Arsinoe and I are excellent + friends; a conciliatory word from me will do her good, and my blessing + cannot harm even a heathen. Farewell, Titianus, my deacons are expecting + me.” + </p> + <p> + When Julia returned to the sitting-room with her protegee, the child’s + eyes were wet with tears, for the kind words of the venerable old man had + gone to her heart and she knew and acknowledged that she had experienced + good as well as evil from Paulina. + </p> + <p> + The matron found her husband no longer alone. Wealthy old Plutarch with + his two supporters was with him, and in black garments, which were + decorated with none but white flowers, instead of many colored garments; + he presented a singular appearance. The old man was discoursing eagerly to + the prefect; but as soon as he saw Arsinoe he broke off his harangue, + clapped his hands and was quite excited with the pleasure of seeing once + more the fair Roxana for whom he had once visited in vain all the + gold-workers’ shops in the city. + </p> + <p> + “But I am tired,” cried Plutarch, with quite youthful vivacity, “I am + quite tired of keeping the ornaments for you. There are quite enough other + useless things in my house. They belong to you, not to me, and this very + day I will send them to the noble Julia, that she may give them to you. + Give me your hand, dear child; you have grown paler but more womanly. What + do you think, Titianus, she would still do for Roxana; only your wife must + find a dress for her again. All in white, and no ribband in your hair!—like + a Christian.” + </p> + <p> + “I know some one who will find out the way to fitly crown these soft + tresses,” replied Julia. “Arsinoe is the bride of Pollux, the sculptor.” + </p> + <p> + “Pollux!” exclaimed Plutarch, in extreme excitement. “Move me forward, + Antaeus and Atlas, the sculptor Pollux is her lover? A great, a splendid + artist! The very same, noble Titianus, of whom I just now speaking to + you.” + </p> + <p> + “You know him?” asked the prefect’s wife. + </p> + <p> + “No, but I have just left the work-shop of Periander, the gem-cutter, and + there I saw the model of a statue of Antinous that is unique, marvellous, + incomparable! The Bithynian as Dionysus! The work would do no discredit to + a Phidias, to a Lysippus. Pollux was out of the way, but I laid my hand at + once on his work; the young master must execute it immediately in marble. + Hadrian will be enchanted with this portrait of his beautiful and devoted + favorite. You must admire it, every connoisseur must! I will pay for it, + the only question is whether I or the city should present it to Caesar. + This matter your husband must decide.” + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe was radiant with joy at these words, but she stepped modestly into + the background as an official came in and handed Titianus a dispatch that + had just arrived. + </p> + <p> + The prefect read it; then turning to his friend and his wife, he said: + </p> + <p> + “Hadrian ascribes to Antinous the honors of a god.” + </p> + <p> + “Fortunate Pollux!” exclaimed Plutarch. “He has executed the first statue + of the new divinity. I will present it to the city, and they shall place + it in the temple to Antinous of which we must lay the first stone before + Caesar is back here again. Farewell, my noble friends! Greet your + bridegroom from me, my child. His work belongs to me. Pollux will be the + first among his fellow-artists, and it has been my privilege to discover + this new star—the eighth artist whose merit I have detected while he + was still unknown. Your future brother-in-law too, Teuker, will turn out + well. I am having a stone cut by him with a portrait of Antinous. Once + more farewell; I must go to the Council. We shall have to discuss the + subject of a temple to the new divinity. Move on you two!” + </p> + <p> + An hour after Plutarch had quitted the prefect’s house Julia’s chariot was + standing at the entrance of a lane, much too narrow to admit a vehicle + with horses, and which ended in a little plot on which stood Euphorion’s + humble house. Julia’s outrunners easily found out the residence of the + sculptor’s parents, led the matron and Arsinoe to the spot, and showed + them the door they should knock at. + </p> + <p> + “What a color you have, my little girl!” said Julia. “Well, I will not + intrude on your meeting, but I should like to deliver you with my own hand + into those of your future mother. Go to that little house, Arctus, and beg + dame Doris to step out here. Only say that some one wishes to speak with + her, but do not mention my name.” + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe’s heart beat so violently that she was incapable of saying a word + of thanks to her kind protectress. “Step behind this palm-tree,” said the + lady. Arsinoe obeyed; but she felt as though it was some outside volition, + and not her own, that guided her to her hiding-place. She heard nothing of + the first words spoken by the Roman lady and Doris. She only saw the dear + old face of her Pollux’s mother, and in spite of her reddened eyes and the + wrinkles which trouble had furrowed in her face, she could not tire of + looking at it. It reminded her of the happiest days of her childhood, and + she longed to rush forward and throw her arms round the neck of the + kindly, good-hearted woman. Then she heard Julia say: “I have brought her + to you. She is just as sweet and as maidenly and lovely as she was the + first time we saw her in the theatre.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is she? Where is she?” asked Doris in a trembling voice. + </p> + <p> + Julia pointed to the palm, and was about to call Arsinoe, but the girl + could no longer restrain her longing to fall on the neck of some one dear + to her, for Pollux had come out of the door to see who had asked for his + mother, and to see him and to fly to his breast with a cry of joy had been + one and the same act to Arsinoe. + </p> + <p> + Julia gazed at the couple with moistened eyes, and when, after many kind + words for old and young alike, she took leave of the happy group, she + said: + </p> + <p> + “I will provide for your outfit my child, and this time I think you will + wear it, not merely for one transient hour but through a long and happy + life.” + </p> + <p> + Joyful singing sounded out that evening from Euphorion’s little home. + Doris and her husband, and Pollux and Arsinoe, Diotima and Teuker, decked + with garlands, reclined round the amphora which was wreathed with roses, + drinking to pleasure and joy, to art and love, and to all the gifts of the + present. The sweet bride’s long hair was once more plaited with handsome + blue ribbons. + </p> + <p> + Three weeks after these events Hadrian was again in Alexandria. He kept + aloof from all the festivals instituted in honor of the new god Antinous, + and smiled incredulously when he was told that a new star had appeared in + the sky, and that an oracle had declared it to be the soul of his lost + favorite. + </p> + <p> + When Plutarch conducted the Emperor and his friends to see the Bacchus + Antinous, which Pollux had completed in the clay, Hadrian was deeply + struck and wished to know the name of the master who had executed this + noble work of art. Not one of his companion’s had the courage to speak the + name of Pollux in his presence; only Pontius ventured to come forward for + his young friend. He related to Hadrian the hapless artist’s history and + begged him to forgive him. The Emperor nodded his approval, and said: + </p> + <p> + “For the sake of this lost one he shall be forgiven.” + </p> + <p> + Pollux was brought into his presence, and Hadrian, holding out his hand + said as he pressed the sculptor’s: + </p> + <p> + “The Immortals have bereft me of his love and faithfulness, but your art + has preserved his beauty for me and for the world—” + </p> + <p> + Every city in the Empire vied in building temples and erecting statues to + the new god, and Pollux, Arsinoe’s happy husband, was commissioned to + execute statues and busts of Antinous for a hundred towns; but he refused + most of the orders, and would send out no work as his own that he had not + executed himself on a new conception. His master, Papias, returned to + Alexandria, but he was received there by his fellow-artists with such + insulting contempt, that in an evil hour he destroyed himself. Teuker + lived to be the most famous gem-engraver of his time. + </p> + <p> + Soon after Selene’s martyrdom dame Hannah quitted Besa; the office of + Superior of the Deaconesses at Alexandria was intrusted to her, and she + exercised it with much blessing till an advanced age. Mary, the deformed + girl, remained behind in the Nile-port, which under Hadrian was extended + into the magnificent city of Antmoe. There were there two graves from + which she could not bear to part. + </p> + <p> + Four years after Arsinoe’s marriage with Pollux, Hadrian called the young + sculptor to Rome; he was there to execute the statue of the Emperor in a + quadriga. This work was intended to crown and finish his mausoleum + constructed by Pontius, and Pollux carried it out in so admirable a + manner, that when it was ended, Hadrian said to him with a smile: + </p> + <p> + “Now you have earned the right to pronounce sentence of death on the works + of other masters.” Euphorion’s son lived in honor and prosperity to see + his children, the children of his faithful wife Arsinoe—who was + greatly admired by the Tiber-grow up to be worthy citizens. They remained + heathen; but the Christian love which Eumenes had taught Paulina’s + foster-daughter was never forgotten, and she kept a kindly place for it in + her heart and in her household. A few months before the young couple left + Alexandria, Doris had peacefully gone to her last rest, and her husband + died soon after her; the want of his faithful companion was the complaint + he succumbed to. + </p> + <p> + On the shores of the Tiber, Pontius was still the sculptor’s friend. + Balbilla and her husband gave their corrupt fellow-citizens the example of + a worthy, faithful marriage on the old Roman pattern. The poetess’s bust + had been completed by Pollux in Alexandria, and with all its tresses and + little curls, it found favor in Balbilla’s eyes. + </p> + <p> + Verus was to have enjoyed the title of Caesar even during Hadrian’s + lifetime, but after a long illness he died the first. Lucilla nursed him + with unfailing devotion and enjoyed the longed-for monopoly of his + attentions through a period of much suffering. It was on their son that in + later years the purple devolved. + </p> + <p> + The predictions of the prefect Titianus were fulfilled, for the Emperor’s + faults increased with years and the meaner side of his mind and nature + came into sharper relief. Titianus and his wife led a retired life by lake + Larius, far from the world, and both were baptized before they died. They + never pined for the turmoil of a pleasure-seeking world or its dazzling + show, for they had learnt to cherish in their own hearts all that is + fairest in life. + </p> + <p> + It was the slave Mastor who brought to Titianus the news of the + sovereign’s death. Hadrian had given him his freedom before he died and + had left him a handsome legacy. + </p> + <p> + The prefect gave him a piece of land to farm and continued in friendly + relations with his Christian neighbor and his pretty daughter, who grew up + among her father’s co-religionists. + </p> + <p> + When Titianus had told his wife the melancholy news he added solemnly: + </p> + <p> + “A great sovereign is dead. The pettinesses which disfigured the man + Hadrian will be forgotten by posterity, for the ruler Hadrian was one of + those men whom Fate sets in the places they belong to, and who, true to + their duty, struggle indefatigably to the end. With wise moderation he was + so far master of himself as to bridle his ambition and to defy the blame + and prejudice of all the Romans. The hardest, and perhaps the wisest, + resolution of his life was to abandon the provinces which it would have + exhausted the power of the Empire to retain. He travelled over every + portion of his dominion within the limits he himself had set to it, + shrinking from neither frost nor heat, and he tried to be as thoroughly + acquainted with every portion of it as if the Empire were a small estate + he had inherited. His duties as a sovereign forced him to travel, and his + love of travel lightened the duty. He was possessed by a real passion to + understand and learn everything. Even the Incomprehensible set no limits + to his thirst for knowledge, but ever striving to see farther and to dig + deeper than is possible to the mind of man, he wasted a great part of his + mighty powers in trying to snatch aside the curtain which hides the + destinies of the future. No one ever worked at so many secondary + occupations as he, and yet no former Emperor ever kept his eye so + unerringly fixed on the main task of his life, the consolidation and + maintenance of the strength of the state and the improvement and + prosperity of its citizens.” + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ETEXT EDITOR’S BOOKMARKS: + + A well-to-do man always gets a higher price than a poor one + Avoid all useless anxiety + Dried merry-thought bone of a fowl + Enjoy the present day + Facts are differently reflected in different minds + Happiness is only the threshold to misery + Have not yet learned not to be astonished + Have lived to feel such profound contempt for the world + I must either rest or begin upon something new + Idleness had long since grown to be the occupation of his life + If one only knew who it is all for + Ill-judgment to pronounce a thing impossible + In order to find himself for once in good company—(Solitude) + It was such a comfort once more to obey an order + Love laughs at locksmiths + More to the purpose to think of the future than of the past + Never speaks a word too much or too little + Philosophers who wrote of the vanity of writers + So long as we do not think ourselves wretched, we are not so + Temples would be empty if mortals had nothing left to wish for + They keep an account in their heart and not in their head + To know half is less endurable than to know nothing + When a friend refuses to share in joys + Who do all they are able and enjoy as much as they can get + Wide world between the purpose and the deed + Years are the foe of beauty +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Emperor, Complete, by Georg Ebers + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE EMPEROR, COMPLETE *** + +***** This file should be named 5493-h.htm or 5493-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/5/4/9/5493/ + +Produced by David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions 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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