by R G Berube
"You look better today," I said, trying to lift his spirit. Some of the color had returned to his cheeks.
"Will you come with me and bathe before the others arrive," he asked. "I did not tell you yesterday, but Lucius Commodus will be among the party. I know it does not please you and that he is a thorn in your side through his obstinacy, but Lucius is a good man and a great help to me. Please be patient with him. I love you both, and it disturbs me to see this uneasiness between you."
"I will make every effort not to cross his way," I assured him. I would in fact, try to stay out of his path as much as possible.
Rome was less than three hours by horseback. His Counsels arrived early, having escaped the city before the early-morning throngs could make the street impassable. With reiterated instruction not to mention his recent health to anyone, I felt that the thing would give itself away by the imposed restriction. I was not skilled at deceit.
Hadrian seemed to feel better after our bath.
His spirits improved and he was almost his usual self when he greeted the party as they arrived. I stood beside him while his counsels filed past to pay their respect. My eyes fell on Commodus, who was also watching me. I could sense that we each wondered how it would go between us. Although having vowed not to provoke him, I had no intention of allowing him to use me as he had in the past.
After Hadrian and Lucius exchanged words, Commodus passed me and before he could move away, I extended my hand and bowed.
"I wish you health, sir. I trust you had a pleasant ride this morning?"
Lucius returned my greeting by taking my hand. His eyes looked fiercely into mine and we stared at each other for a moment. I was sure it was his test to see if I would show intimidation. I did not.
"Well, Antinoos, you have found yourself a more secluded environment than the one you disliked in Rome. The villa pleases you?"
I was unsure if Lucius was asking about my reaction to Villa Adriana or to the one given to me by the Emperor. I was surprised to hear him use my name,
as he had always referred to me as "Bithynian" or "Greek".
"I could ask for no more," I answered. "My Lord returns my love with generosity and kindness beyond expectation. I am grateful to him, and grateful to his friends who take joy in his happiness."
With that I bowed again and stepped back to let him pass. When all was finished, we were served refreshments. As Hadrian moved through the group with less formality, I made my way to where Gracchus had seated himself by a brazier. We hugged, and it pleased me that he appeared as happy to see me as I was, to see him. We sat together and nibbled from a plate I had brought with me.
"You look like country life agrees with you," he said, pinching my side, seeing that I had gained weight.
"But the Emperor looks tired. I think the city is taking its toll. He is not one to remain in one place for very long. I think these plans for leaving will make a difference in him."
Keeping my promise of secrecy, I said nothing of the recent event.
"Indeed! I noticed the same pallor when he arrived. But he looks better this morning. Sleep and rest helped soothe him."
Gracchus laughed and looked at me in a sly fashion.
"Sleep? I suspect that sleep was an afterthought, if indeed you allowed him any!"
"Gracchus," I half-heatedly objected. "You make me sound as though I were over-sexed. I do think of other things!"
"Indeed...," he continued laughing and pinching me again. "...you think about when you will next get to him and what will be your next meal. Be careful, Antinoos. You'll begin to develop breasts if you put on more weight and keep playing the part you take."
I laughed with him and took no offense at his humor.
"But I've just rid myself of them no more than a year ago and have taken to developing other things," I said, discreetly cupping myself between the legs to show
him what I meant.
Gracchus took the hem of my chiton and quickly lifted it to look.
"Indeed you have!" He said, winking with admiration.
When the meal finished we followed Hadrian into a room whose walls were lined with charts and maps. It was an unusual room, one of the Emperor's unique designs. It had no corners and was all curves and arcs. The party was surrounded by illustrations of all the provinces of the Empire, and of lands which were not Rome's. On these maps were shown the locations of legions and their designations and places which were considered potential trouble-spots. All Rome's highways were represented and the sea routes used for trade and warfare were painted in colors corresponding to their country of origin.
Having taken a position behind the Emperor's couch; several had been placed in a circle to accommodate all, I studied the walls to find my homeland. I located the Hellespont and followed the coast north-eastward to the region of Bithynia and to the city of Claudiopolis. I felt an urge to go to it and touch the spot, but held my place.
"There are several issues I wish to present and discuss with you," Hadrian said as he was handed a sheaf of notes by his secretary.
"Before we begin with the original purpose of this gathering, which is to lay plans for a journey of some months duration to begin in the Spring, I wish to announce that I have received word from my engineers in Britannia. The final section of the wall is complete and we hope this will eliminate further problems with those troublesome Caledonians.
He pointed to the corresponding map and an aid indicated the stretch of land covered by this wall, a considerable distance that ran from coast to coast.
Hadrian faced Salvus.
"As you all know, we have two prominent jurists with us. Each has proven his worth to us beyond my expectations. I have serious work for each of you in the coming months."
He addressed Niratius Priscus.
"I will need guidance with much of what I intend to do in the provinces, and for that I call on you, Niratius. You will accompany me on this journey and lend your expertise, as we will encounter complex regional issues which must come into alignment without provincial policies. It is my intention to allow the local governments as much autonomy as possible and still create cohesive, generalized control.
"I shall miss your company, Salvus. We have discussed this several times before and you have agreed to take on the charge."
Hadrian rose and took a scroll handed him. He let it unroll until it hit the floor, where it continued for some distance. It was filled with script. Returning to his place, he continued.
"Those are just a few of the existing edictum perpetuum which jurists must turn to for guidance when they are not writing their own findings. As you well know, they differ from place to place and from time to time. Our empire is too complex and our citizens too befuddled by these many laws. Little good comes from such varied and often conflicting legislation.
"I have decided to review all that exists of these edicts. Rome has come to be known for its deep-seated instincts for justice. We must insure by any way we can that this justice is a reality!
"I have entrusted the labor of codifying this plethora of laws into a single source from which all further legal findings will take precedent, to Salvus Julianus. It is a monumental task but I have utmost confidence in his ability to meet it. He will remain in Rome and take the time he needs and whatever services he requires to bring this task to fruition. I charge that he should receive full support."
Salvus stood and bowed his acceptance of Hadrian's wishes. I watched Gracchus and saw the disappointment in his face at the knowledge that they were not to be included in the journey. Apparently Salvus had not spoken of the matter to him, likely waiting until it was made public by the Emperor.
This meant that we would be separated and that another friend was to be removed from me, at least for a time. My feelings were mixed. I would miss him and be lonely for his friendship and company.
Chapter Nineteen
Becoming More, Late Winter 128 A.D.
Hadrian turned to Marcius Turbo, his long-time friend and Pre
fect of the Guard. In years to come, this man would feel the sting of the Emperor's failing faculties, as would many others. But at the time, Turbo was most trusted and a powerful influence with the army,
"Marcius, to you goes the responsibility of keeping secure the seat of my authority in my absence. We have a well disciplined force here in Rome, and my concern is that the same discipline is maintained throughout our empire. It is one of two reasons for the decision to make the journey. I wish to inspect the troops in the provinces. To show my person and review the forces will instill renewed morale. Some time has passed since we have been engaged in warfare and it is coming to my attention that conditions in many outposts are becoming lax.
"There are forces now at work which could erupt suddenly and confrontations or revolts could have serious results if the army is not ready."
Priscus raised his voice to interject some feelings he had regarding certain religious factions to which Hadrian had alluded, as possible sources of trouble.
"We have in our midst right here in Rome, those who are advocating open resistance to the authority of your word, Lord. We need not look to the troublesome Jews of Alexandria for voices which test the throne. Rome has its share of miscreants who agitate and find displeasure, to obtain their own ends. To be silent is to give them license. They grow stronger and more virulent with each eruption or demonstration that is ignored. These Zealots insist on their own ways and should be made to bend to the authority of the Empire."
Hadrian listened attentively. I could see that he felt strongly about the subject. His brow was furrowed and the veins at his temples belied his attempted calm.
"To move forcefully without outright provocation, my dear Marcius, would be an invitation to riot. We have seen the effects of oppression in the past. My predecessors spilled much blood and taxed the coffers of the state with their exploits in Judaea. Masada was an exercise in waste. We must avoid repeating our errors.
"Their leaders speak loudly and it is because they enjoy the sound of their own voices. They advocate all manner of obedience to their own authority and to their god without having the concept or practice in obedience, itself. Let them speak! Even as they do, their ranks are fissured with factions seeking their own aims. They fight among themselves and as long as that occurs, we are not the object of their wrath. This business has much to do with internal power, and little to do with religious beliefs.
"Let their teachers teach. Philosophers are seldom as courageous in their practices as in their preaching. Let them substitute deeds for words and teach the truth! Until that happens, they open themselves to be discovered for the charlatans that they are.
"And as for these Christians, I do not admire the simplicity of life which they embrace, although I do admire simplicity. For they embrace their natural lot, and there is no praise to be given for giving up nothing! As for their leaders, I find those who embrace these beliefs and continue to cherish their material holdings, foolish. These Christians seem fond of comparing the Nazorean to a shepherd. And what glory is there in that?
"Mistake me not, Priscus. I understand that the analogy relates to the simplicity of a shepherd's life and the protection he provides to his flock. Just as the Jews whose lot it is to be despised because of their uncompromising ways, make themselves scapegoats throughout the world, these Christians who speak of peace and of loving others as they would want to be loved will come to be hated as well. They speak of love as though it was an exclusive trait, yet they will come to slaughter all who choose a different path than theirs, and they will bring down upon themselves misery and desolation!
"In truth, a shepherd takes into his fold a sheep found lost. He does not slaughter it because it is not of his own flock! These Christians will come to be as intolerant as their oppressors. They would do well to practice Roman tolerance. We have come to rule much of the world because we acknowledge that in all things, there are many means of achieving the same goals and ends. More than one path leads to Rome!"
Turbo was in agreement, and it surprised me because as an officer holding to absolute authority, I imagined he would have been in favor of silencing the insurrectionists.
"They are not a powerful lot, Lord," he said. "and as you said, as long as we can foster disagreement among them, it will help to keep them busy and entertained. It is an outlet for their hatreds. But they do bear watching!"
Hadrian assented. I could see he obtained some entertainment from the subject. He began to laugh as he spoke.
"These foolish fanatics would do better to practice their rites quietly and survive. Look how they were persecuted by Nero and Caligula. Will they ever learn? Yet they insist on flaunting insults publicly to the state and force persecution. What sanity is there in finding ecstasy by becoming dinner to a lion? They speak loudly of the practices in the circus, and yet make themselves a part of the very spectacle they so hotly denounce!
"They regale in deprivation and abstain from all of what life has to offer. Look about you and see how they inflict misery upon themselves. In truth there is something pathetic in a teaching that promotes the idea that, what we have is terribly deficient to what we will find in death. This makes all the wonders and beauties of this life second-rate. It also secures resignation."
By this time most in the circle were fully enjoying the Emperor's feigned indignation. But there was much truth in his words.
"And this obsession with continence and virginity, it makes as much sense as glorifying starvation. Food is to be eaten with relish. The issue here is not the satiation of appetites but in the attending of them when they make themselves needy. Remember the Greeks and their words above the temple at Delphi...., Everything In Moderation!
"To these poor creatures, the world is an enemy. No, Niratius, let them be. They will bring about their own extermination!"
Priscus had listened without interruption and when Hadrian was done, he made a final statement which rebuked the Emperor for his passion to Hellenize the Empire, a long-standing sore point between them.
"And our undoing, Sire, will be in the belief that the past has already revealed the best of what could be accomplished."
Hadrian took the sting without anger. He respected Priscus and allowed him liberties that others might not have enjoyed.
"What think you, Lucius, of these disruptive elements in our midst?"
Hadrian pointed a questioning finger at Commodus, who had been drinking more than a respectable amount of wine from the carafe set beside him.
"As mentioned, to be silent when accusations and resistance causes the realm instability is to license such behavior. It is a fine line between control and persecution. One tends to balance while the other only leads to make its victims martyrs and magnets to idealistic causes. A beneficial tool, I believe, would be to incorporate factious leaders into the decision-making of policy. Give them the belief that they possess some self determination. Ingratiate them with high offices of innocuous importance, thereby making them a part of the very system they once resisted. Few can reject the taste of authority when it is mixed with luxurious living!
"Rome is filled with diversions which could soon make those we introduce to them, forget their simple origins. Once tasted, there are pleasures which become impossible to give up. We have agreed that these people are creatures of excess. Why not simply point them in a different direction? It will be their undoing soon enough when their leaders stratify themselves and lose contact with the lower populace."
Commodus had spoken with authority and there was something of arrogance in his manner that made me question just how much of what he said, was reliable. In particular his opinion of excess. Could he not see this as one of his own flaws, and one which the Romans themselves possessed?
I felt compelled by the conversation, and suddenly found myself voicing an opinion without being asked. I was stunned by my act of disrespect and quickly covered my mouth with my hand, in shame. Every face had turned to look at me in disbelief. But Hadrian glanced over his
shoulder at me, smiling, amused at my outburst.
"Come lad," he said, motioning me to step forward and take a place on a cushion by his feet. "Continue your thoughts. I will have no one hold his tongue if he has something of worth to say!"
I felt my face turn crimson and an intense heat across my chest. Gracchus, with a hand held to the side of his face, was laughing behind it. I glared at him, then looked about me and found everyone silent, anticipating my next word.
"I beg forgiveness, Lord. It was not my intention to interrupt with unsolicited comments."
"But now they are solicited, Antinoos. Proceed!"
It was an opportunity to finally voice some strong feelings I had regarding the very subject of excess being discussed.
"If you'll allow, my Lord. Practitioners of excess are not exclusive to the Christians or Jews. It is a fault that I have seen with Rome, itself. Perhaps I had been too insulated during my thirteen years at Claudiopolis before being brought here, through your kindness. It has been a priceless education. But for excess, I see it everywhere. All around me, I am surrounded by examples of it, in the city. Romans seem to possess a morbid passion for the unusual and the extraordinary. The games in the amphitheaters are pitiful excuses for unbridled slaughter! Citizens and slaves alike come to gape at the disemboweled corpses of those poor souls who have had the misfortune to be selected for the carnage that passes itself as sport. Unfortunately, the more sordid and base the action, the more praised and prized by the masses, and the more it entertains. In truth, I feel that common sense is made a defect and compassion for fellow humans, a weakness!
"Romans seem discontent with the experience of real life. They have a need to gorge their insatiable appetites with all manner of excess. I see no other fate for this great nation but the one brought up as meeting the sects who challenge its authority. Overindulgence will always lead to a loss of appreciation for taste and sensibility and eventually lead to decomposition. Excessively stimulated senses lose their sensitivity and abilities, and lead to blindness!"