 | LETTER IV. Letters of Lucius M. Piso, from Palmyra, to his friend Marcus Curtius at Rome |  |
4. LETTER IV.
If the gods, dear Marcus and Lucilia, came down to
dwell upon earth, they could not but choose Palmyra for
their seat, both on account of the general beauty of the
city and its surrounding plains, and the exceeding sweetness
and serenity of its climate. It is a joy here only to
sit still and live. The air, always loaded with perfume,
seems to convey essential nutriment to those who breathe
it; and its hue, especially when a morning or evening sun
shines through it, is of that golden cast, which, as poets
feign, bathes the tops of Olympus. Never do we tremble
here before blasts like those which from the Appenines
sweep along the plains and cities of the Italian coast. No
extremes of either heat or cold are experienced in this
happy spot. In winter, airs which in other places equally
far to the north would come bearing with them an icy
coldness, are here tempered by the vast deserts of sand
which stretch away in every direction, and which it is
said never wholly loose the heat treasured up during the
fierce reign of the summer sun. And in summer, the
winds which as they pass over the deserts are indeed like
the breath of a furnace, long before they reach the city
change to a cool and refreshing breeze by traversing as
they do the vast tracts of cultivated ground, which, as I
extent on every side. Palmyra is the very heaven of the
body. Every sense is fed to the full with that which it
chiefly covets. But when I add to this, that its unrivalled
position in respect to a great inland traffic, has poured
into the lap of its inhabitants a sudden and boundless
flood of wealth, making every merchant a prince, you will
truly suppose, that however heartily I extol it for its outward
beauties, and all the appliances of luxury, I do not
conceive it very favorable in its influences upon the character
of its population. Palmyrenes, charming as they
are, are not Romans. They are enervated by riches, and
the luxurious sensual indulgences which they bring along,
by necessity, in their train — all their evil power being
here increased by the voluptuous softness of the climate.
I do not say that all are so. All Rome cannot furnish a
woman more truly Roman than Fausta, nor a man more
worthy that name than Gracchus. It is of the younger
portion of the inhabitants I now speak. These are without
exception effeminate. They love their country, and
their great queen, but they are not a defence upon which
in time of need to rely. Neither do I deny them courage.
They want something more vital still — bodily strength
and marshal training. Were it not for this, I should almost
fear for the issue of any encounter between Rome and
Palmyra. But as it is, notwithstanding the great achievements
of Odenatus and Zenobia, I cannot but deem the
glory of this state to have risen to its highest point, and
even to have passed it. You may think me to be hasty in
forming this opinion, but I am persuaded you will agree
with me when you shall have seen more at length the
grounds upon which I rest it, as they are laid down in my
last letter to Portia.
But I did not mean to say these things when I sat down
have seen and done since I last wrote. I have experienced
and enjoyed much. How indeed could it be otherwise,
in the house of Gracchus, and with Gracchus and
Fausta for my companions? Many are the excursions
we have together taken into the country, to the neighboring
hills whence the city derives its ample supply of water,
and even to the very borders of the desert. I have thus
seen much of this people, of their pursuits, and modes of
life, and I have found that whether they have been of the
original Palmyrene population — Persian or Parthian emigrants
— Jews, Arabians, or even Romans — they agree
in one thing, love of their queen, and in a determination
to defend her and her capital to the last extremity, whether
against the encroachments of Persia or Rome. Independence
is their watch-word. They have already shown, in
a manner the most unequivocal, and to themselves eternally
honorable, that they will not be the slaves of Sapor, nor
dependants upon his power. And surely they have given
at the same time the clearest proof of their kindly feeling
toward us, and of their earnest desire to live at peace with
us. I truly hope that no extravagancies on the part of
the queen, or her too-ambitious advisers will endanger the
existing tranquillity; yet from a late occurrence, and of
which I was myself a witness, among other excited thousands,
I am filled with apprehensions.
That to which I allude, happened at the great amphitheatre,
during an exhibition of Games given by Zenobia
on the occasion of her return, in which the Palmyrenes,
especially those of Roman descent, take great delight.
I care, as you know, nothing for them, nor only that,
abhor them for their power to imbrute the people accustomed
to their spectacles more and more. In this instance
I was persuaded by Fausta and Gracchus to attend, as I
circumstances, to obtain new knowledge of their
characters; and I am not sorry to have been there.
The show could boast all the magnificence of Rome.
Nothing could exceed the excitement and tumult of the
city. Its whole population was abroad to partake of the
general joy. Early in the day the streets began to be
thronged with the multitudes who were either pouring
along toward the theatre, to secure in season the best
seats, or with eager, idle curiosity, pressing after the
cages of wild animals drawn by elephants or camels toward
the place of combat and slaughter. As a part of this
throng, I found myself, seated between Gracchus and
Fausta, in their most sumptuous chariot, themselves arrayed
in their most sumptuous attire. Our horses could
scarcely do more than walk, and were frequently obliged
to stand still, owing to the crowds of men on horse, on
foot, and in vehicles of every sort, which filled the streets.
The roaring of the imprisoned animals, the loud voices of
their keepers, and of the drivers of the cumbrous wagons
which held them, the neighing, or screaming, I might
say, of the affrighted horses every now and then brought
into immediate contact with the wild beasts of the forests,
lions, tigers or leopards, made a scene of confusion, the
very counterpart of what we have so often witnessed in
Rome, which always pains more than it pleases me, and
which I now describe at all, only that you may believe
what Romans are so slow to believe, that there are other
cities in the world where great actions are done as well
as in your own. The inhabitants of Palmyra are as quick
as you could desire them to be, in catching the vices and
fashions of the great metropolis.
`Scipio, Scipio,' cried Gracchus, suddenly, to his charioteer,
`be not in too great haste. It is in vain to attempt
reserved in your approaches, the paw of that tawny Numidian
will find its way to the neck of our favorite Arab.
The bars of his cage are over far apart.'
`I almost wish they were yet farther apart,' said I,
`and that he might fairly find his way into the thickest of
this foolish crowd, and take a short revenge upon his civilized
tormentors. What a spectacle is this — more
strange and savage, I think, looked upon aright, than that
which we are going to enjoy — of you, Gracchus, a pillar
of a great kingdom; of me, a pillar — a lesser one, indeed,
but still a pillar — of a greater kingdom, and of you,
Fausta, a woman, all on our way to see wild beasts let
loose to lacerate and destroy each other, and what is
worse, gladiators, that is, educated murderers, set upon
one another, to die for our entertainment. The best
thing I have heard of the Christian superstition is, that
it utterly denounces and prohibits to its disciples the frequenting
of these shows. Nothing to me is plainer than
that we may trace the cruelties of Marius, Sylla, and their
worthy imitators through the long line of our emperors, to
these schools where they had their early training. Why
was Domitian and his fly worse than Gracchus, or Piso,
or Fausta, and their gored elephant, or dying gladiator?'
`You take this custom too seriously,' replied Gracchus;
`I see in it, so far as the beasts are concerned, but a
lawful source of pleasure. If they tore not one another in
pieces for our entertainment, they would still do it for
their own, in their native forests; and if it must be done,
it were a pity none enjoyed it. Then for the effects upon
the beholding crowd, I am inclined to think they are
rather necessary and wholesome than otherwise. They
help to render men insensible to danger, suffering and
death; and as we are so often called upon to fight each
and oppressors, whichever it may be, it seems to me we
are in need of some such initiatory process in the art of
seeing blood shed unmoved, and of some lessons which
shall diminish our love and regard for life. As for the
gladiators, they are wretches who are better dead than
alive; and to die in the excitement of a combat is not
worse, perhaps, than to expire through the slow and lingering
assaults of a painful disease. Besides, with us there
is never, as with you, cool and deliberate murder perpetrated
on the part of the assembly. There is here no
turning up of the thumb. It is all honorable fight, and
honorable killing. What, moreover, shall be done to entertain
the people? We must feed them with some such
spectacles, or I verily think they would turn upon each
other for amusement, in civil broil and slaughter.'
`Your Epicurean philosophy teaches you, I am aware,'
said I in reply, `to draw happiness as you best can from
all the various institutions of Providence and of man —
not to contend — but to receive, and submit, and be
thankful. It is a philosophy well enough for man's enjoyment
of the passing hour, but it fatally obstructs, it
appears to me, the way of improvement. For my own
part, though I am no philosopher, yet I hold to this, that
whatever our reason proves to be wrong or defective, it at
the same time enforces the duty of change and reform —
that no palpable evil, either in life or government, is to be
passively submitted to as incurable. In these spectacles
I behold an enormous wrong, a terrific evil; and though
I see not how the wrong is to be redressed, nor the evil
to be removed, I none the less, but so much the more
conceive it to be my part, as a man and a citizen, to think
and converse, as now, upon the subject, in the hope that
some new light may dawn upon its darkness. What think
I think Gracchus, from his tone, was but half in earnest.'
`It has struck me chiefly,' said Fausta, `as a foolish
custom; not so much in itself very wrong, as childish.
It is to me, indeed, attended with pain, but that I suppose
is a weakness of my own — it seems not to be so, in the
case of others. I have thought it a poor, barren entertainment,
fit but for children, and those grown children
whose minds, uninstructed in higher things, must seek
their happiness in some spring of mere sensual joy. Women
frequent the amphitheatre, I am sure, rather to make
a show of their beauty, their dress, and equipage, than for
any thing else; and they would, I believe, easily give in
to any change, so it should leave them an equally fair occasion
of display. But so far as attending the spectacles
tends to make better soldiers and stouter defenders of our
queen, I confess, Lucius, I look upon them with some
favor: but, come, our talk is getting to be a little too
grave. Look, Lucius, if this be not a brave sight? See
what a mass of life encompasses the circus! And its vast
walls, from the lowest entrances to its very summit, swarm
as it were with the whole population of Palmyra. It is
not so large a building as your Flavian, but it is not
wholly unworthy to be compared with it.'
`It is not, indeed,' said I; although not so large, its
architecture is equally in accordance with the best principles,
both of science and taste, and the stone is of a
purer white, and more finely worked.'
We now descended from our carriage, and made our
way through the narrow passages and up the narrow stairways
to the interior of the theatre, which was already
much more than half filled. The seats to which we were
conducted were not far from those which were to be occupied
by the Queen and her train. I need not tell you
our seat, the filling of the theatre, and the commencement
of the games — how we all were amused by the
fierce strugglings of those who most wished to exhibit
themselves, for the best places; by the efforts of many to
cause themselves to be recognised by those who were of
higher rank than themselves, and to avoid the neighborhood
and escape the notice of others whose acquaintance would
bring them no credit; how we laughed at the awkward
movements and labors of the servants of the circus, who
were busying themselves in giving its final smoothness to
the saw-dust and hurrying through the last little offices of
so vast a preparation, urged on continually by the voices
or lashes of the managers of the games; nor how our ears
were deafened by the fearful yellings of the maddened
beasts confined in the vivaria, the grated doors of which
opened, as in the Roman buildings of the same kind, immediately
on the arena. Neither will I inflict weariness
upon myself or you, by a detailed account of the kind and
order of the games at this time exhibited for the entertainment
of the people. The whole show was an exact copy
from the usages of Rome. I could hardly believe myself
in the heart of Asia. Touching only upon these things,
so familiar to you, I will relate what I was able to observe
of the queen and her demeanor, about which I know you
will feel chiefly desirous of information.
It was not till after the games had been sometime in
progress, and the wrestlers and mock-fighters having finished
their foolish feats, the combats of wild animals with
each other had commenced, that a herald announced by
sound of trumpet the approach of the queen. The moment
that sound, and the loud clang of martial music
which followed it, was heard, every eye of the vast multitude
was turned to the part of the circus where we were
would enter the theatre. The animals now tore each
other piecemeal, unnoticed by the impatient throng. A
greater care possessed them. And no sooner did the
object of this universal expectation reveal herself to their
sight, led to her seat by the dark Zabdas, followed by the
Princess Julia and Longinus, and accompanied by a
crowd of the rank and beauty of Palmyra, than one enthusiastic
cry of loyalty and affection rent the air, drowning
all other sounds, and causing the silken canopy of the amphitheatre
to sway to and fro as if shaken by a tempest.
The very foundations of the huge structure seemed to
tremble in their places. With what queenly dignity, yet
with what enchanting sweetness, did the great Zenobia
acknowledge the greetings of her people! The color of
her cheek mounted and fell again, even as it would have
done in a young girl, and glances full of sensibility and love
went from her to every part of the boundless interior, and
seemed to seek out every individual, and to each make a
separate return for the hearty welcome with which she
had been received. These mutual courtesies being quickly
ended, the games again went on, and every eye was
soon riveted on the arena where animals were contending
with each other or with men.
The multitude being thus intently engaged, those who
chose to employ their time differently were left at full liberty
to amuse themselves with conversation or otherwise,
as pleased them. Many a fat and unwieldly citizen we
saw soundly sleeping in spite of the roarings of the beasts
and the shouts of the spectators. Others, gathering together
in little societies of their own, passed all the intervals
between the games, as well as the time taken up by
games which gave them no pleasure, in discussing with
one another the fashions, the news, or the politics of the
nor Fausta, nor I, cared much for the sports of the day,
and there were few foolish or wise things that were not
uttered by one of us during the continuance of those
tedious, never-ending games.
`Well, Lucius,' said Fausta, `and what think you now
of our great queen? For the last half hour, your eyes
having scarcely wandered from her; you must by this
time be prepared with an opinion.'
`There can be little interest,' said I, `in hearing an
opinion on a subject about which all the world is agreed.
I can only say, what all say. I confess I have never before
seen a woman. I am already prepared to love and
worship her with you, for I am sure that such preëminent
beauty exists in company with a goodness that corresponds
to it. Her intellect, too, we know is not surpassed in
strength by that of any philosopher of the East. These
things being so, where in the world can we believe there
is a woman to be compared with her? As for Cleopatra,
she is not worthy to be named.'
As I uttered these things with animation and vehemence,
showing I suppose in my manner how deeply I felt
all that I said, I perceived Fausta's fine countenance
glowing with emotion, and tears of gratified affection
standing big in her eyes.
Gracchus spoke. `Piso,' said he, `I do not wonder at
the enthusiastic warmth of our language. Chilled as my
blood is by the approaches of age, I feel even as you
do: nay, I suppose I feel much more; for to all your
admiration, as a mere philosophical observer, there is
added in my case the fervid attachment which springs
from long and intimate knowledge, and from an intercourse,
which not the coolness of a single hour has
ever interrupted. It would be strange indeed, if there
were not one single flaw in so bright an emanation
form of humanity. You know me to allude to her ambition.
It is boundless, almost insane. Cæsar himself
was not more ambitious. But in her even this is partly a
virtue, even in its wildest extravagance; for it is never
for herself alone that she reaches so far and so high, but
as much or more for her people. She never separates
herself from them, even in thought, and all her aspirings
are, that she herself may be great indeed, but that her
country may with and through her be great also, and
her people happy. When I see her as now surrounded
by her subjects, and lodged in their very heart of hearts,
I wish, — and fervently would I pray were there gods to
implore — that her restless spirit may be at peace, and that
she may seek no higher good either for herself or her
people than that which we now enjoy. But I confess
myself to be full of apprehension. I tremble for my
country. And yet here is my little rebel, Fausta, who
will not hearken to this, but adds the fuel of her own fiery
spirit to feed that of her great mistress. It were beyond
a doubt a good law which should exclude women from
any part in public affairs.'
`Dear father, how do you remind me of the elder Cato,
in the matter of the Oppian Law: while women interfered
in public affairs, only to promote the interests of
their worthy husbands, the lords of the world, the great
Cato had never thought but to commend them; but no
sooner did they seek to secure some privileges very
dear to them as women, and clamor a little in order to
obtain them, than straightway they were nuisances in the
body politic, and ought to be restrained by enactments
from having any voice in the business of the state. Truly,
I think this is far from generous treatment. And happy
am I, for one, that at length the gods in their good providence
her sex against the tyranny of her ancient oppressors.
If I might appoint to the spirits of the departed their
offices, I could wish nothing merrier than that that same
Cato should be made the news-carrier from the kingdom
of Zenobia to the council of the gods. How he would
enjoy his occupation! But seriously, dear father, I see not
that our queen has any more of this same ambition than
men are in the same position permitted to have, and accounted
all the greater for it. Is that a vice in Zenobia
which is a glory in Aurelian? Longinus would not decide
so. But see how intent the queen is upon the games.'
`I would rather,' said I, `that she should not gaze upon
so cruel a sight. But see too, the Princess Julia has
hidden her head in the folds of her veil.'
`Julia's heart,' said Fausta, `is even tenderer than a
woman's. Besides, if I mistake not, she has on this point
at least adopted some of the notions of the Christians.
Paul of Antioch has not been without his power over her.
And truly his genius is well nigh irresistible. A stronger
intellect than hers might without shame yield to his.
Look, look! — the elephant will surely conquer after all.
The gods grant he may! He is a noble creature; but
how cruelly beset! Three such foes are too much for a
fair battle. How he has wreathed his trunk round that
tiger, and now whirls him in the air! But the rhinoceros
sees his advantage: quick — quick!'
Fausta, too, could not endure the savage sight, but
turned her head away; for the huge rhinoceros, as the
elephant lifted the tiger from the ground, in the act to
dash him again to the earth, seized the moment, and before
the noble animal could recover himself, buried his
enormous tusk deep in his vitals. It was fatal to both,
for the assailant, unable to extricate his horn, was crushed
elephant. A single tiger remained master of the field,
and who now testified his joy by coursing round and round
the arena.
`Well well,' said Gracchus, `they would have died in
the forest; what signifies it? But why is this blast of
trumpets? It is the royal flourish! Ah! I see how it is;
the sons of Zenobia, whom none miss not being present,
are about to enter the theatre. They make amends by
the noise of their approach for their temporary absence.
Yet these distant shouts are more than usual. The gods
grant that none of my fears may turn true!'
No sooner had Gracchus ended these words, while his
face grew pale with anxious expectation, than suddenly
the three sons of the queen made their appearance and —
how shall I say it? — arrayed in imperial purple, and habited
in all respects as Cæsars. It seemed to me as if at that
very moment the pillars of this flourishing empire crumbled
to their foundation. And now while I write, and the heat
of that moment is passed, I cannot but predict disaster
and ruin, at least fierce and desolating wars, as the consequence
of the rash act. I know the soul of Aurelian,
and that it will never brook what it shall so much as
dream to be an indignity — never endure so much as the
thought of rivalry in another, whether Roman or foreigner,
man or woman. To think it, is treason with him — a
crime for which blood only can atone.
Having entered thus the amphitheatre, assuming a high
and haughty bearing, as if they were already masters of
the world, they advanced to the front railing, and there
received the tumultuous acclamations of the people. A
thousand different cries filled the air. Each uttered the
sentiment which possessed him, regardless of all but testifying
loyalty and devotion to the reigning house. Much of
circulation of the rumors of which I have already spoken,
has become the object of their most jealous regard. Aurelian's
name was coupled with every term of reproach.
`Is Aurelian to possess the whole earth?' cried one.
`Who are Romans?' cried another; `the story of
Valerian shows that they are not invincible.' `We will
put Zabdas and Zenobia against the world!' shouted
others. `The conqueror of Egypt forever!' — long live
the great Zabdas!' rose from every quarter. It were in
vain to attempt to remember or write down half the violent
things which in this hour of madness were uttered.
The games were for a long time necessarily suspended,
and the whole amphitheatre was converted into an arena
of political discussion, from which arose the confused din
of unnumbered voices, like the roar of the angry ocean.
I looked at Zenobia; she was calm — satisfied. Pride
was upon her lip and brow. So like a god was the expression
of her whole form, that for a moment I almost
wished her mistress of the world. She seemed worthy to
reign. Julia was evidently sad, and almost distressed.
Longinus, impenetrable as marble. Zabdas, black and
lowering as night.
Quiet was at length restored, and the games went on.
A messenger came now from the queen to our seat,
with the request that Fausta should join her, not being
satisfied with the distant intercourse of looks and signs.
So, accompanied by Gracchus, she was soon placed by
the side of Zenobia, whose happiness seemed doubled by
the society of, I believe, her choicest friend. Left now to
myself, I had leisure to think and to observe. A more
gorgeous show than this vast assembly presented, I think
I never before beheld — no not even in the Flavian. Although
in Rome we seem to draw together people of all
preponderate, and we lack the gayer costumes which a
larger proportion of these Orientals would add to our
spectacles. Not to say, too, that here in the East the
beauty of woman is more transcendant, and the forms of
the men cast in a finer mould. Every variety of complexion
is here also to be seen, from the jet black of the
slender Ethiopian, to the more than white of the women
of the Danube. Here I saw before me, in one promiscuous
throng, arrayed in their national dresses, Persians
dark skinned Indians, swarthy Egyptians, the languishing,
soft-eyed Syrian, sylphs from the borders of the Caspian,
women of the Jews from the shores of the Mediterranean,
Greeks from Asia Minor, the Islands, and Attica, with
their classic costume and statue-like forms and faces, Romans,
and, abounding over all and more beautiful than all,
the richly habited nobles and gentry of Palmyra itself. I
enjoyed the scene as a man and a philosopher; nay, as a
Roman too; and could not but desire earnestly, that the
state, of whose prosperity it was so clear a token, might
last even with Rome itself. I wished you and Lucilia at
my side — not to mention the little Gallus — not, as you
may believe, to witness the games, but to behold in this
remote centre of Asia so fair a show of our common race.
It was not till the sun was already about to sink in the
west, that the games ended, and the crowds dispersed and
I once more found myself in the peaceful precincts of
home; for so already do I call the hospitable dwelling of
Gracchus.
`So, Fausta,' said I, `You forsook your old friend Lucius
for the companionship of a queen? Truly I cannot
blame you, for most gladly would I, too, have gone and
made one of your circle. How irksome are the forms and
restraints of station, and even of society! how little freedom
do they allow in the expression of our real sentiments!
doubt that by a frank disclosure of my feelings and opinions,
I could have corrected some errors, softened some
prejudices, and at the same time gained her esteem —
her esteem for me, I mean, as a sincere well-wisher to her
kingdom, although none the less a Roman? It would
have been a fortunate moment for such communication as
I desire. I trust yet, seeing such a promise has gone
forth from you, to see her in her own palace.'
`Indeed you shall,' said Fausta; `It has only been
owing to fatigue, after her long excursion, and to this show
of games, that you have not seen her long before this.
She is well aware of your rank and footing of intimacy
with Aurelian, and of the object for which you make this
visit to her capital, and has expressed frequent and earnest
desires of an interview with you. And now have I
a great mind not to tell you of the speedy pleasure and
honor that await you. What will you give to know the
tenor of what I have to say?'
`I will confer the greatest honor in my power,' said I;
`I will dislodge the Emperor from my own finger and
replace him upon yours. Here I offer you the head of
Aurelian — cut, not indeed by the cunning tool of Demetrius
of Rome, but doubtless by some competent artist.
Is it not a fair offer, Gracchus?'
`I fear unless you make a different and a better one,
you will scarce open the lips of our fierce patriot,' answered
Gracchus.
`That will he not,' said Fausta; `were he to engage by
to-morrow to make himself over into a veritable, sound-hearted,
queen-loving Palmyrene, it would not be more
than he ought to do. I am sure, old Solon toiled hard to
make a Roman out of me, and how do I know but it was
at your instance? And it having been so, as I must believe,
yourself here upon the soil of Palmyra? A Roman, trust
me, takes quick root in this rich earth, and soon shoots up
and spreads out into a perfectly proportioned Palmyrene,
tall and beautiful as a date tree. Father, how can we
bribe him? You shake your head as if without hope.
Well, let us wait till Calpurnius returns; when you find
him an Oriental, perhaps you may be induced to emigrate
too. Surely it is no such great matter to remove from
Rome to Palmyra? We do not ask you to love Rome
any the less, but only Palmyra more. I still trust we
shall ever dwell in friendship with each other. We, certainly,
must desire it, who are half Roman. But why do
I keep you in such painful suspense? Hear, then, my
message, which is, that you will appear at the palace of
Zenobia to-morrow. The queen desires a private interview
with you, and for that purpose will receive no other
visitors. Her messenger will in the morning apprise you
of the hour, and conduct you to the palace. Ah! I see
by your countenance how delighted you are. It is no
wonder.'
`I am delighted, indeed,' said I; `that is a part of my
feeling, but not the whole of it. I cannot, accustomed even
as I have been to associate with the high in rank and intellect
in various countries, without some inward perturbation,
think of meeting for the first time so remarkable a
person; one whose name is known not only throughout
Asia, but the world; and whose genius and virtues are
the theme of universal wonder and praise. Then, Fausta,
Zenobia is a woman, and a woman inspires an awe which
man never does; and what is more yet, she is of a marvellous
beauty, and before that most perfect work of the gods,
a beautiful woman, I am apt to be awkward and dumb;
at the least — which perhaps is it — made to think too
I exaggerate these feelings. Possibly I do. Certainly they
are not of such strength that I do not gladly seize upon
the favor thus extended, and count myself honored and
happy.'
`Where, Lucius, tell me where you learned this new
dialect, which runs so sweetly when woman is the theme.
Sure am I, it is not Roman. Ovid has it not. Nor yet
is it Palmyrene. Do we owe it to a rich invention of your
own?'
`Fausta, I am in earnest in what I have said. It is
my own native dialect — instinctive. Therefore laugh
not, but give me a lesson how I shall deport myself. Remember
the lessons I have so many times given you in
Rome, and now that you have risen into the seat of power,
return them as you are bound to do.'
`Now are you both little more than two foolish children,
but just escaped from the nursery,' cried Gracchus,
who had been pacing up and down the portico, little heeding,
to all appearance, what was going on. `Lucius, ask
no advice of that wild school-girl. Listen to me, who am a
councillor, and of age, and ought, if I do not, to speak the
words of wisdom. Take along with thee nothing but thy
common sense, and an honest purpose, and then Venus
herself would not daunt thee, nor Rhadamanthus and the
Furies terrify. Forget not, too, that beneath this exterior
covering, first of clothes, and then of flesh, there lies enshrined
in the breast of Zenobia, as of you and me, a
human heart, and that this is ever and in all the same,
eternally responsive to the same notes, by whomsoever
struck. This is a great secret. Believe, too, that in our
good queen this heart is pure as a child's; or, if I may
use another similitude, and you can understand it, pure as
a Christian's — rather, perhaps, as a Christian's ought to
low, as often as the low to meet the high. Now ask no
more counsel of Fausta, but digest what the oracle has
given out, and which now for the night is silent.'
In this sportive mood we separated.
At the appointed hour on the following day, the expected
messenger appeared, and announcing the queen's
pleasure that I should attend her at the palace, conducted
me there with as much of state as if I had been Aurelian's
ambassador.
On arriving at the palace of the queen, I was ushered
into an apartment, not large, but of exquisite architecture,
finished and furnished in the Persian taste, where sat Zenobia
and Julia. At the feet of the queen, and supporting
them, upon an embroidered cushion of silk, there lay
crouched a beautiful Indian slave. If it was her office to
bear that light and pretty burden, it seemed to be her
pleasure too; for she was ever weaving round it in playful
manner, her jewelled fingers; casting upward to her
mistress frequent glances of most affectionate regard.
`Noble Piso,' said the Queen, after I had approached
and saluted her in the appointed manner, `it gives me
pleasure to greet one of your ancient name in Palmyra.
I seem already acquainted with you through my fast friends
Gracchus and his bright daughter. You have lost nothing,
I am sure, in coming to us first through their lips;
and if any lips are honest and true, it is theirs. We welcome
you to the city of the desert.'
`Great queen,' I replied, `it is both a pleasure and a
pain to find myself in your brilliant capital. I left Rome
upon a melancholy errand, which I have as yet but half
accomplished. Till success shall crown it, I can but half
enjoy the novel scenes, full of interest and beauty, which
your kingdom and city present. It was to rescue a brother
captivity since the disaster of Valerian, that I set sail from
Italy, and am now a dweller in Palmyra. From this
point, I persuaded myself I could best operate for his deliverance.
My first impulse was to throw myself at your feet,
and ask of you both counsel and aid.'
`They should have been gladly yours, very heartily
yours. It was a foul deed of Sapor — and a sad fate, that
of the great Censor, and of your father the good Cneius
Piso. And yet I see not much that I could have done.'
`Refuse not my thanks,' said I, `for the expression of
so generous sentiments. I am sure I should have shared
a goodness of which all seem to partake, had I thought it
right and necessary to appeal to you. But I was soon
convinced, by the arguments of both Gracchus and Fausta,
that my chance of success was greater as a private than
as a public enterprise. And happy am I to be able to say,
that I have found and employed an emissary, who, if the
business be capable of accomplishment by human endeavors,
will, with more likelihood than any other that could
easily be named, accomplish it. Aurelian himself could
not here do as much nor as well as Isaac of Rome.'
`I believe,' said Zenobia, `you will readily agree with
me in the opinion, that Rome has never respected herself
so little as in her neglect of Valerian and his fellow sufferers.
But for the scathing got from our arm, the proud
Persian had come out of that encounter with nothing but
laurels. We, thanks to the bravery and accomplished art
of Odenatus, tore off some of those laurels, and left upon
the body of the Great King the marks of blows which
smart yet. This Indian girl at my feet, was of the household
of Sapor — a slave of one of those women of whom
we took a tent full. The shame of this loss yet rankles
dealt so by her good Emperor and her brave soldiers?
Ought she to have left it to a then new and small power to
take vengeance on her mean, base-minded, yet powerful
foe? It is not even yet too late, methinks, for her to stir
herself, were it only to rescue one of the noble house of Piso.
Perhaps it may be with some intent of this kind that we
hear rumors of an Asiatic expedition. Aurelian, we learn,
having wearied himself with victory in Gaul and Germany,
turns his thoughts towards the East. What can his
aim be, if not Persia? But I truly rejoice that through
efforts of your own you have so good prospect of seeing
again your captive brother.'
`I have no knowledge of the purposes of the Roman
Emperor,' I replied, `but such as is common to all.
Though honored with the friendship of Aurelian, I am
not a political confidant. I can only conjecture touching
his designs, from my acquaintance with his character, and
the features of the policy he has adopted and avowed as
that which is to govern his administration. And this policy
is that which has been acted upon by so many of those
who before him have been raised to the head of our nation,
namely this, that west of the Euphrates to the farthest
limits of Spain and Gaul, embracing all the shores of the
Mediterranean with their thickly scattered nations, there
shall be but one empire, and of that one empire but one
head. It is the fixed purpose of Aurelian to restore to the
empire the unity by which it was distinguished and blessed
under the two Antonines. And already his movements
in Gaul show that his practice is to conform to his theory.
I feel that you will pardon, nay, that you will commend
me for the plainness with which I impart such knowledge
as I may possess. It will be to me the dearest happiness,
Rome, the interests of Palmyra and her queen.'
`Roman,' said Zenobia in reply, `I honor your frankness,
and thank you for your faith in my generosity. It is
not, I assure you, misplaced. I am glad to know from so
authentic a source the policy of Aurelian. I surmised as
much before. All that I have thought, will come true.
The rumors which are afloat are not without foundation.
Your emperor understands that I have a policy as well as
he, and a fixed purpose as well as he. I will never fall
from what I have been, but into ruin final and complete.
I have lived a sovereign queen, and so I will die. The
son of Valerian received Odenatus and Zenobia as partners
in empire. We were representatives of Rome in the
East. Our dignities and our titles were those of Gallienus.
It were small boasting to say that they were worn
not less worthily here than in Rome. And this association
with Rome — I sought it not. It was offered as a
tribute to our greatness. Shall it be dissolved at the will
of Aurelian? — and Palmyra, no longer needed as a
scourge for the Great King, be broken down into a tributary
province, an obscure appendage of your greatness?
May the gods forsake me that moment I am false to my
country! I too am ambitious, as well as Aurelian. And
let him be told, that I stipulate for a full partnership of the
Roman power — my sons to bear the name and rank of
Cæsar — or the tie which unites Palmyra to Rome is at
once and forever sundered, and she stands before the
world an independent kingdom, to make good as she may,
by feats of arms, her claims to that high dignity; and the
arms which have prevailed from the Nile to the shores of
the Caspian, from the Euphrates to the Mediterranean,
and have triumphed more than once over the pride and
power of Persia, may be trusted in any encounter, if the
of Egypt would, I believe, run a not ignoble tilt
with the conqueror of a Gallic province.'
`Dearest mother,' said the Princess Julia, in a voice
full of earnest entreaty, `do not, do not give way to such
thoughts. Heed not these lying rumors. Trust in the magnanimity
of Aurelian. We make the virtue we believe in.
Let it not reach his ears that you have doubted him. I can
see no reason why he should desire to disturb the harmony
that has so long reigned — and Aurelian is no madman.
What could he gain by a warlike expedition, which a few
words could not gain? Noble Piso, if your great emperor
would but speak before he acts — if indeed any purpose
like that which is attributed to him has entered his mind
— a world of evil, and suffering, and crime, might possibly
be saved. Zenobia, though ambitious, is reasonable
and patient, and will listen as becomes a philosopher, and
a lover of her people to any thing he should say. It were
a noble act of friendship to press upon him the policy, as
well as the virtue of moderation.'
Zenobia gave a mothers' smile of love to her daughter,
whose countenance, while she uttered these few words,
was brilliant with the beauty of strong emotion.
`No act of friendship like this, lady,' said I, `shall be
wanting on my part. If I have any influence over the
mind of Aurelian, it shall be exerted to serve the cause of
peace. I have dear friends in Palmyra, and this short
residence among her people has bound me to them very
closely. It would grieve me sorely to feel that as a Roman
and a lover of my country, I must needs break these so
lately knitted bonds of affection. But, I am obliged to
say it, I am now full of apprehension, lest no efforts of
mine, or of any, may have power to avert the calamities
which impend. The scene I was witness of but so few
adjustment.'
Julia's countenance fell. The air of pride in Zenobia
mounted higher and higher.
`And what was it I did?' said Zenobia. `Do I not
stand upon the records of the Senate, Augusta of the
Roman empire? Was not the late renowned Odenatus,
Augustus by the decree of that same Senate? And was I
not then right to call my own sons by their rightful title
of Cæsar? — and invest them with the appropriate robe,
and even show them to the people as their destined rulers?
I am yet to learn that in aught I have offended against
any fair construction of the Roman law. And unless I
may thus stand in equal honor with other partners of this
empire, asking and receiving nothing as favor, I sever
myself and my kingdom from it.'
`But,' said Julia, in her soft persuasive voice, whose
very tones were enough to change the harshest sentiment
to music, `why put at hazard the certain good we now
enjoy, the peace and prosperity of this fair realm, for what
at best is but a shadow — a name? What is it to you or
me that Timolaus, Herennianus, and Vabalathus be
hailed by the pretty style of Cæsar? For me at least, and
so I think for all who love you, it is enough that they are
the sons of Zenobia. Who shall heap more upon that
honor?
`Julia,' replied the queen, `as the world deems — and
we are in the world and of it — honor and greatness lie
not in those things which are truly honorable and great;
not in learning or genius, else were Longinus upon this
throne, and I his waiting-woman; not in action — else
were the great Zabdas king; not in merit, else were many
a dame of Palmyra where I am, and I a patient household
Men bow before names, and sceptres, and robes of office,
lower than before the gods themselves. Nay, here in the
East, power itself were a shadow, without its tinsel trappings.
'Tis vain to stand against the world. I am one
of the general herd. What they honor, I crave. This
coronet of pearl, this gorgeous robe, this golden chair,
this human footstool, in the eye of a severe judgment, may
signify but little. Zeno or Diogenes might smile upon
them with contempt. But so thinks not the world. It is
no secret that in Timolaus, Herennianus and Vabalathus
dwells not the wisdom of Longinus, nor the virtue of
Valerian. What then so crazed the assembled people of
Palmyra, but the purple-colored mantle of the Roman
Cæsar? I am for that, fathoms deeper in the great heart
of my people. These are poor opinions, so thou judgest,
Roman, for the pupil of the chief philosopher of our age,
and through him skilled in all the learning of the Greeks.
But forget not that I am an Oriental and — a woman.
This double nature works at my heart with more than all
the power of the schools. Who and what so strong as
the divinity within?'
This is a poor record, my Curtius, of what fell from
this extraordinary woman. Would that I could set down
the noble sentiments which, in the midst of so much that
I could not approve, came from her lips in a language
worthy her great teacher! Would that I could transfer to
my pages the touching eloquence of the divine Julia,
whose mind, I know not how it is, moves in a higher world
than ours. Sometimes, nay, many times, her thoughts,
strangely enough, raised up before me the image of the
Christian Probus, of whom I had till then scarcely thought
since our parting. For a long time was this interview
other of my life, and owing to the part I was obliged to
take, almost painfully so. Much that I said could not
but have grated harshly upon the proud and ambitious
spirit of Zenobia. But I shrunk from nothing that in the
least degree might tend to shake her in the designs which
now possess and agitate her, and which, as it seems to
me, cannot be carried out without great danger to the
safety or existence of her kingdom; though I cannot but
say, that if a rupture should occur between Palmyra and
Rome, imprudence might indeed be charged upon Zenobia,
but guilt, deep guilt, would lie at the door of Aurelian.
It was a great aid, that Julia, in all I said, was my
ally. Her assent gave double force to every argument I
used; for Zenobia trusts her as a sister, I had almost
said, reveres her as a divinity. Beautiful it was to witness
their freedom and their love. The gods avert every
calamity from their heads!
When we had in this manner, as I have said, a long
time discoursed, Zenobia, at length, rising from her seat,
said to me, `Now do we owe you some fair return, noble
Piso, for the patience with which you have listened to our
treasonable words. If it please you, accompany us now
to some other part of our palace, and it will be strange if
we cannot find something worthy of your regard.'
So saying, we bent our way in company, idly talking
of such things as offered, to a remote part of the vast
building, passing through and lingering here and there
in a many richly-wrought hall and room, till, turning suddenly
into a saloon of Egyptian device, where we heard
the sound of voices, I found myself in the presence of
Gracchus and Fausta, Longinus and Zabdas, with a few
others of the chief citizens of Palmyra. I need not say
But it was in the evening of this day, walking in
the gardens of the palace between Julia and Fausta, that
I banqueted upon the purest pleasure of my life.
| LETTER IV. Letters of Lucius M. Piso, from Palmyra, to his friend Marcus Curtius at Rome | |