by R G Berube
Balbilla had learned astrology from her maternal grandfather, Balbillus, who had been Prefect of Egypt during Nero's reign. She claimed great power to divine prophecy and Sabina had grown to trust her and gave her credit for her words. Hadrian, troubled with the ambiguity of the event on Mount Casius, put caution aside and allowed himself to entertain Balbilla's advice through Sabina whereas, at another time, he would have spurned her involvement.
Leaving Antioch, Hadrian's mood improved and by the time we had reached the southern mountains of Cappadocia he seemed in better spirit. Yet nothing could shake his worry of the recent omen. His weakened physical condition was not helped by his obsessive fear of death. Sabina had shown admirable concern for his person since joining us at Cos. His gentle attention toward her, softened her heart; one embittered by years of rejection. Hadrian reached out to her, trying to make amends for pains inflicted out of his own frustrated need for love. She responded, befitting her grace and station.
My position was given a status I had not enjoyed before the journey to Greece, with a sense of being taken more seriously as a person of consequence. I proved myself to those who had expected me to lose favor with the Emperor once he tired of me. My influence was acknowledged. I was taken into confidence by the Empress and Commodus regarding my responsibility in Hadrian's welfare. It was I who shared his most intimate moments when he was the least guarded and able to shed his princely manners to find relief in becoming the common man. I therefore remained watchful for all signs of illness.
I seldom left his side and took pains to suffer the abuses when tensions and weariness overtook him. Hadrian would give himself up to his inner demons. I cajoled cautiously when it came time to remind him of the need to take the potions prescribed by Marulla. His anger at having to admit his body was no longer the fortress it once had been, was often directed at me.
I often found him staring into the looking-glass, concerned with increasing lines about his eyes and the loosening flesh of his face. At these moments my heart pained at his desperation. I knew what thoughts were in his mind. Like him, I wondered how the gods could look so favorable upon some men that they were given powers to control the destinies of nations, yet have so little power over their own span of years.
Lucius had instructed Marulla to report to him directly on the Emperor's health. There was something about the physician that caused me concern, yet I could not put it to words.
Observing him closely, I found him hesitant in knowledge. Yet Hadrian showed confidence in him.
“He has been with me since my boyhood days in Athens, Antinoos. He attended Philopappos until his death. I brought him to Rome to attend me as a reward for faithful service to the Prince. Marulla uses his knowledge of the art of healing wisely and also takes into account omens given by the gods and stars.”
I was even more convinced that the man was not acting on his own after Athenoseos came to me and related a conversation he had overheard between Marulla and Julia Balbilla.
“They met in the gardens, Antinoos. I was collecting herbs and was hidden from view when they appeared and spoke, thinking themselves alone. Does the Emperor know Marulla consults with the woman?”
“I think not,” I replied, not having heard Hadrian make comment on it. “And how does he consult?”
“I understood little. Marulla seemed deeply worried about the Emperor's illness and was at a loss for what to do.”
“What was her response?”
Athenoseos was obviously disturbed! He looked at me, unsure if to continue.
“Out with it Athenoseos! You have already said too much to hold back. Tell me what you heard.”
He looked around the room as though to see if we were being overheard.
“She asked about the physician's medicinal preparations and made recommendations but then, ended with these words.... ‘The Bithynian holds his salvation’.”
Athenoseos sat silently, twisting the silver bracelet I had recently given him, obviously unsure of the conversation.
“Did they say more?”
.“Julia Balbilla rose and Marulla followed as she continued speaking. I heard no more. Was I wrong in listening, Antinoos?”
“You did what needed to be done, my friend!” I took his hand and pressed it, kissing his forehead. “Have you spoken of this to anyone?”
Athenoseos looked hurt. “I came to you directly. Do you think me loose that I would speak of such a thing with the servants?”
“Do not take offense,” I said. “I am grateful for your loyalty. This connection between Marulla and Julia Balbilla appears to need clarification. I will look into it!”
Her words haunted me. It had been my own thought at Mount Casius, upon hearing the High Priest's interpretation of the event there. On our return, in the silence that had followed, I had begun to formulate a plan, one that commanded the depths of my emotions. As it grew it seemed to take on an energy of its own. This was accompanied by soothing; a sense of peace in some region of my mind. All the portents pointed to one solution for the extreme concerns that plagued me.
The great gathering of Princes and dignitaries at Samosata filled the town with excitement. Few such regional events had seen the Roman Emperor in attendance. The durbar, a celebration not uncommon in these parts was held in the great hall of the palace. Hosted by Phyllon, governor of the region, the banquet was celebrated on a grand scale with over two hundred in attendance. It lasted seven hours with food and drink served continuously. The kitchens prepared well in advance with the slaughter of seven oxen, twenty lambs, three boar, a hundred game-hens stuffed with truffles and spices, and a thousand fish kept fresh in mountain snow, brought from the southern sea.
The sumptuous meal loosened formalities. Hadrian seemed in the best of spirits, but gave evidence of his disappointment of Osroes' absence in the speech made to the representatives who had been sent to receive deliverance of the king's daughter. A pledge of friendship was renewed and Hadrian signed it, placing his seal in hot wax next to that of the one given by King Osroes' regent.
Lucius Commodus was presented as heir-apparent. Hadrian sung his praise. Lucius showed a restraint such as I had not seen before, taking careful measure of his wine and the content of his words. His aristocratic manner and ease with which he conversed secured the support of the Legion and won the admiration of the local monarchs.
Sabina sat at Hadrian's side and gave evidence of a cordial union. I had never seen them so filled with mutual respect and good humor! My own couch had been placed near enough so we could speak without raising voices. I said little, only commenting when spoken to, and held my place. I responded cordially to those who sought my company, knowing the motivation of this friendship was a curiosity of rumors.
Ending the affair, Hadrian addressed the gathering and effused gratitude, praising the leadership and excellent government that the Province of Commagene had enjoyed through the efforts of all present. He extended greetings from the Roman Senate and gave thanks in the name of the Roman Empire and all of its citizens. The foreign dignitaries returned his panegyric with a powerful ovation; a paean acknowledged peace and good will as the result of his stewardship.
In the days that followed Hadrian expressed his enthusiasm, as he had all along the route of this journey, with gifts and promotions for all who had shown courage and high-principle of duty and station. With equal force he set about making examples of those provincial officials who had been deemed corrupt. This raised suspicions of his behavior and to some, he was considered bizarre for these fluctuations of mood. Each day saw executions, and it was thought that for some who had been accused, charges had been trumped up so that examples would be made of them.
I felt that little could be served by the excessiveness of his purges, and sought the opportunity to discuss it with him. Hadrian had suggested riding into the countryside for exercise. Lucius Commodus was to be involved in hearings for those on trial and would not be present, thereby enabling me to speak freely and candidly o
f my concerns.
Having ridden hard for most of the morning, we stopped to rest our mounts and break bread at mid-day. Hadrian seemed happy to be alone with me, and this gave me courage.
“May I speak freely?”
Hadrian put his food down and looked at me expectantly.
“Have you felt reluctant to do so?” He asked.
“Concerning the matter at hand, yes!”
“There is fear in your eyes, Antinoos. Do you
fear me?”
“There are many who do, Lord!”
“And many should! Are you petitioning for anyone who has been charged? For if you are, it will be the first time and I think you should think carefully!”
“No Hadrian. I hold no favor and have made no promise to intervene for anyone. On the contrary, it is about you that I ask permission to speak.”
“You have it, Little Bithynian.”
Hadrian had not called me by that name for some time, and I took courage that it was his way of making me less anxious. I was not my policy to question his decisions or involve myself in the business of state. I had managed to remain unbiased and without political objectives. It was my intention that none could allege that I sought influence.
“You have become a stranger to me, these past days.” Feeling more confident, I pressed on. “I look for the man who prided himself in showing clemency and see instead a sovereign who is becoming severe and merciless.”
Hadrian removed his dagger from its sheath and held it up.
“Justice must be administered according to the crime. Like a festered part that must be cut away so that the whole survives. So too, must those who bring dishonor to Rome be amputated. Examples must be made, Antinoos. You see how those ungrateful citizens of Antioch returned my kindness!
“News of this purge must reach Alexandria. I hope it will instill fear into the hearts of all who have abused Rome's trust and benevolence. You see before you an Emperor impatient with hubris!”
“I understand the need to make public and to punish those who are found guilty of abusing the Emperor's trust, Hadrian. But there seems to be so much bloodshed here! Has Lucius Commodus commented on the quality of the trials?”
“He follows my instructions, but with resistance. And what have you to say of them, Antinoos?”
“It is what others are saying that bothers me.”
“Tell me.” Hadrian seemed more curious than angered by my words. He had not been one to place much stock in idle gossip or criticism, in the past, having followed his own lead. He trusted few, and relied for guidance on a select band of carefully chosen advisors.
Of late his temper had been short with any who differed with him. I had witnessed this explosive trait too many times since our departure from Ephesus, where it had first occurred. There, a ship steward had been ordered flogged for a minor infraction. I thought then that Hadrian had acted merely to instill discipline. But the outbursts became more frequent and I worried when I saw him becoming less circumspect.
Hadrian's favorable attention to Sabina was unaffected by this disconcerting aggressiveness. He continued being affectionate to me, always placing much emotion in his words and deeds. To those close to him little seemed to change in the early stages of the journey. It was Antioch that seemed to exacerbate his feelings that too many complained too often about too little! I had observed the change. He felt less inclined to rest responsibility on the shoulders of those in office and took more upon himself. He began to believe he had to take a larger role in the governing of the provinces and relied less on consul.
“They say you are erratic; that something disturbs you. They believe you to be under the influence of someone. That you are no longer able to make decisions on your own.”
“And to whom do they believe I have relinquished authority?”
I found it hard to believe he had not heard the rumors himself. Hadrian had his own sources that kept him informed of intrigues and if they had not advised him of these rising resentments then he was being poorly served.
“Has Lucius said nothing?” I asked, disliking having to be the one to confront him, for surely he would feel I was assuming too much prerogative.
“Antinoos, you are reluctant. I know your thoughts about rumors and how you attempt to remove yourself from them. Lucius has kept me informed. He has not been at ease with his own role in these hearings. He feels himself being prejudiced against those to whom he will be seeking allegiances when he becomes Caesar. What he hears and is reported to him may be quite different from what you are able to hear. I wish to compare what you say with what I have been told.”
”Hadrian, you know I would do nothing to hurt you. When these things come to my attention, they disturb me greatly. Some of what is said is directed to me. They belittle my feelings for you and question yours, of me. Yet all this is nothing compared to the current rumblings. I see disharmony from all sides. It confuses me that in some regions the populace praises you as a god and in others your rule seems to generate discord. What am I to think? Until now I had no reason to doubt your judgment and your integrity.”
Hadrian face clouded with what seemed like anger. But he held himself in check. Filled with apprehension, I continued.
”You have been quick to anger. You have changed much these past few months. Your reconciliation with Sabina, although I find it wonderful, has brought disapprobation and an assumption that you have come under her influence and therefore, are in some way controlled by Julia Balbilla.”
Hadrian dropped his cup and stood. The Praetorian Guards who had been lunching at a distance took notice. They looked in all directions and seeing no-one, waited for his signal that all was well. Hadrian looked at me with suspicion.
“You have purpose, Antinoos. Speak your mind, for I am at my end with unspoken ideas and opinions from those who should give them to me freely. Even Lucius Commodus seems reluctant to speak, where he never did before. Have I become such an ogre? It seems only Sabina is pleased with me!”
“Has the Empress had any involvement in these recent trials?”
“We have spoken of the problems that have plagued the state, here. She has knowledge of some locals with whom her father had dealings. It seems her sources have been more active in keeping abreast of political mismanagement than my own.
”I am not surprised, seeing my own representatives have come under suspicion. Sabina has made recommendations based on Balbilla's advice and, should the charges continue to prove as they have, I am forced to acknowledge the prophetess' worth!”
At this point I decided to confide what I had learned of Marulla's connection to Julia Balbilla, having put Athenoseos to keeping close account after his first report.
“To what degree does Julia Balbilla have the Empress' ear?”
“Fully, Antinoos. Sabina relies on her powers of divination. The woman has knowledge but she interferes too much. I know that it is not for my benefit that her spies have reported improprieties. It is her intention to seek out all who were involved in her brother's expulsion from this land and find revenge.”
“Does she mean you good or harm?”
“I see no reason for harm. She would not risk such undertakings, for her own good and safety would be jeopardized. But power does motivate her. The Empress allows her more than I am willing, and I have made my feelings known.”
“Hadrian, has Balbilla ever spoken of me?”
“Who does not speak of you!” His words were meant as praise, but there had been an edge of avoidance as well.
“Tell me,” I urged.
“I have been advised to keep you well. Sabina is of the opinion that Balbilla has more than passing interest in you, but for what reason I have not been told. Perhaps she plans to gain your ear to intercede for her where Sabina cannot? Her motives are a mystery and I choose not to give her importance by acknowledgment.”
My curiosity of Balbilla's comment to Marulla's in the garden, begged to be satisfied. I resolved to seek her out.
Chapter Thirty Six
A Lion's Glory , Winter and Early Spring 130 A.D.
Conditions did not improve. The Emperor was forced to return to Antioch as a result of impending uprisings among the Legions. Having been deprived of some of their favored officers due to the investigations and purge, the troops had become unmanageable. Many had been found to have used their ranks for gain. The most corrupt were executed. Others were removed to distant outposts such as Dascusa and Zimara, where service was so primitive that there was little chance for a life of luxury.
Hadrian showed his disgust for having to spend so much of the winter in Antioch. He was tireless throughout this period, in efforts to correct management and poor leadership. In command, he placed officers who had proved themselves elsewhere, calling them to Antioch for the reorganization of the Legion IV Scythica. His mood was one of suspicion. He believed plots against his person to be a constant threat. Lucius began showing signs of similar stress as his service was pressed to his limit. He found himself with more authority and responsibility than he had previously experienced.
Sabina offered counsel and although Hadrian was accepting of her help, for he sought strength from those closest to him, still he was weary of her advice. Sabina and I conferred often and she urged me to remain close to him. She sent me little gifts as a sign of her appreciation for my loyalty. I would have forfeited all my pleasures and luxuries of these times to have returned to the simple life of Greece!
Hadrian became more demanding and passionate. He fluctuated between intense love and sharp outbursts of jealousy, even accusing me of having intimacies with Athenoseos. This was after he had entered my apartments and found me naked, receiving a message after a strenuous afternoon of exercise. Hadrian later apologized and presented me with a magnificent falcon, one trained by local tribesmen, to hunt in the desert regions.