 | Probus, or, Rome in the third century |  |
LETTER III.
FROM PISO TO FAUSTA.
You are right, Fausta, in your unfavorable judgment
of the Roman populace. The Romans are not a people
one would select to whom to propose a religion like this
of Christianity. All causes seem to combine to injure and
corrupt them. They are too rich. The wealth of subject
kingdoms and provinces finds its way to Rome; and not
only in the form of tribute to the treasury of the empire,
but in that of the private fortunes amassed by such as have
held offices in them for a few years, and who then return
to the capital to dissipate in extravagances and luxuries,
unknown to other parts of the world, the riches wrung
by violence, injustice and avarice from the wretched inhabitants
whom fortune had delivered into their power.
Yes, the wealth of Rome is accumulated in such masses,
not through the channels of industry nor commerce; it
arrives in bales and ship-loads, drained from foreign
lands by the hand of extortion. The palaces are not to
be numbered, built and adorned in a manner surpassing
those of the monarchs of other nations, which are the
private residences of those, or of the descendants of
those who for a few years have presided over some distant
province, but in that brief time, Verres-like, have
used their opportunities so well as to return home oppressed
with a wealth which life proves not long enough
to spend, notwithstanding the aid of dissolute and spendthrift
to the ruin of any people. The morals of no community
could be protected against such odds. It is a mountain
torrent tearing its way through the fields of the husbandman,
whose trees and plants possess no strength of
branch or root to resist the inundation.
Then in addition to all this, there are the largesses of
the emperor, not only to his armies, but to all the citizens
of Rome; which are now so much a matter of
expectation, that rebellions I believe would ensue were
they not bestowed. Aurelian, before his expedition to
Asia, promised to every citizen a couple of crowns — he
has redeemed the promise by the distribution, not of
money but of bread, two loaves to each, with the figure
of a crown stamped upon them. Besides this, there has
been an allowance of meat and pork — so much to all
the lower orders. He even contemplated the addition of
wine to the list, but was hindered by the judicious suggestion
of his friend and general, Mucapor, that if he
provided wine and pork he would next be obliged to furnish
them fowls also, or public tumults might break out.
This recalled him to his senses. Still however only in
part, for the other grants have not been withdrawn. In
this manner is this whole population supported in idleness.
Labor is confined to the slaves. The poor feed upon
the bounties of the emperor, and the wealth so abundantly
lavished by senators, nobles, and the retired proconsuls.
Their sole employment is, to wait upon the pleasure of
their many masters, serve them as they are ready
enough to do, in the toils and preparations of luxury,
and what time they are not thus occupied, pass the remainder
of their hours at the theatres, at the circuses,
corners of the streets and in the market-places.
It is become a state necessity to provide amusements
for the populace, in order to be safe against their violence.
The theatres, the baths, with their ample provisions
for passing away time in some indolent amusement
or active game, are always open and always crowded.
Public or funeral games are also in progress without intermission
in different parts of the capital. Those instituted
in honor of the gods, and which make a part of
the very religion of the people, are seldom suspended
for even a day. At one temple or another, in this grove
or that, within or without the walls, are these lovers of
pleasure entertained by shows, processions, music, and
sacrifices. And as if these were not enough, or when
they perchance fail for a moment, and the sovereign people
are listless and dull, the Flavian is thrown open by
the imperial command, the Vivaria vomit forth their
maddened and howling tenants either to destroy each
other, or dye the dust of the arena with the blood of
gladiators, criminals or captives. These are the great
days of the Roman people; these their favorite pleasures.
The cry through the streets in the morning of even
women and boys, “Fifty captives to-day for the lions in
the Flavian,” together with the more solemn announcement
of the same by the public heralds, and by painted
bills at the corners of the streets, and on the public baths,
is sure to throw the city into a fever of excitement, and
rivet by a new bond the affections of this bloody people
to their indulgent emperor.
Hardly has the floor of the amphitheatre been renewed
since the cessation of the triumphal games of Aurelian,
Apollo, whose magnificent temple is within a few days
to be dedicated.
Never before I believe was there a city whose inhabitants
so many and so powerful causes conspired to corrupt
and morally destroy. Were I to give you a picture
of the vices of Rome, it would be too dark and foul a
one for your eye to read, but not darker nor fouler than
you will suppose it must necessarily be to agree with
what I have already said. Where there is so little industry
and so much pleasure, the vices will flourish and
shoot up to their most gigantic growth. Not in the
days of Nero were they more luxuriant than now. Aurelian,
in the first year of his reign, laid upon them a
severe but useful restraint, and they were checked for a
time. But since he has himself departed from the simplicity
and rigor of that early day, and actually or virtually
repealed the laws which then were promulged for
the reformation of the city in its manners, the people
have also relapsed, and the ancient excesses are renewed.
This certainly is not a people who, in its whole mass,
will be eager to receive the truths of a religion like
this of Christianity. It will be repulsive to them. You
are right in believing that among the greater part it
will find no favor. But all are not such as I have described.
There are others different in all respects, and
who stand waiting the appearance of some principles of
philosophy or religion which shall be powerful enough
to redeem their country from idolatry and moral death,
as well as raise themselves from darkness to light.
Some of this sort are to be found among the nobles and
the people, but most among those who, securing for
themselves competence and independence by their own
labor in some of the useful arts, and growing thoughtful
and intelligent with their labor, understand in some degree,
which others do not, what life is for and what they
are for, and hail with joy truths which commend themselves
to both their reason and affections. It is out of
these, the very best blood of Rome, that our Christians
are made. They are, in intelligence and virtue, the
very bone and muscle of the capital, and of our two millions
constitute no mean proportion, — large enough to
rule and control the whole, should they ever choose to
put forth their power. It is among these that the Christian
preachers aim to spread their doctrines, and when
they shall all, or in their greater part, be converted, as,
judging of the future by the past and present, will happen
in no long time, Rome will be safe and the empire
safe. For it needs, I am persuaded, for Rome to be as
pure as she is great to be eternal in her dominion, and
then the civilizer and saviour of the whole world. O,
glorious age! — not remote — when truth shall wield
the sceptre in Cæsar's seat, and subject nations of the
earth no longer come up to Rome to behold and copy
her vices, but to hear the law and be imbued with the
doctrine of Christ, so bearing back to the remotest province
precious seed, there to be planted, and spring up
and bear fruit, filling the earth with beauty and fragrance.
These things, Fausta, in answer to the questions at
the close of your letter, which betray just such an interest
pleasure to witness.
I have before mentioned the completion of Aurelian's
Temple of the Sun and the proposed dedication. This
august ceremony is appointed for tomorrow, and this
evening we are bidden to the gardens of Sallust, where
is to be all the rank and beauty of Rome. O that thou,
Fausta, couldst be there!
I have been, I have seen, I have supped, I have returned;
and again seated at my table beneath the protecting
arm of my chosen divinity, I take my pen, and,
by a few magic flourishes and marks, cause you a
thousand leagues away, to see and hear what I have
seen and heard — alas! that I cannot cause you to sup
as I did also. But this is beyond the power of the pen.
Accompanied by Portia and Julia, I was within the
palace of the emperor early enough to enjoy the company
of Aurelian and Livia before the rest of the world
was there. We were carried to the more private apartments
of the empress, where it is her custom to receive
those whose friendship she values most highly. They
are in that part of the palace which has undergone no
alterations since it was the residence of the great historian,
but shines in all the lustre of a taste and an art
that adorned a more accomplished age than our own.
Especially, it seems to me, in the graceful disposition of
the interiors of their palaces, and the combined richness
and appropriateness of the art lavished upon them, did
the genius of the days of Hadrian and Vespasian surpass
our own. Not that I defend all that that genius
and gross in its conceptions, however unrivalled in the
art and science by which they were made to glow upon
the walls, or actually speak and move in marble or
brass. In the favorite apartment of Livia, into which
we were now admitted, perfect in its forms and proportions,
the walls and ceilings are covered with the story
of Leda, wrought with an effect of drawing and color,
of which the present times afford no example. The
well-known Greek, Polymnestes, was the artist. And
this room in all its embellishments is chaste and cold
compared with others, whose subjects were furnished
to the painter by the profligate master himself.
The room of Leda, as it is termed, is — but how beautiful
it is I cannot tell. Words paint poorly to the eye.
Believe it not less beautiful, nor less exquisitely adorned
with all that woman loves most, hangings, carpets and
couches, than any in the palace of Gracchus or Zenobia.
It was here we found Aurelian and Livia, and his niece
Aurelia. The emperor — habited in silken robes richly
wrought with gold, the inseparable sword at his side,
from which, at the expense of whatever incongruity, he
never parts — advanced to the door to receive us, saying,
`I am happy that the mildness of this autumn day
permits this pleasure, to see the mother of the Pisos beneath
my roof. It is rare nowadays that Rome sees her
abroad.'
`Save to the palace of Aurelian,' replied my mother,
`I now, as is well known, never move beyond the precincts
of my own dwelling. Since the captivity and
death of your former companion in arms, my great husband,
Cneius Piso, the widow's hearth has been my hall
must be more than private grief, and more than the
storms of autumn or of winter, that would keep me back
when it is Aurelian who bids to the feast.'
`We owe you many thanks,' replied the emperor.
`Would that the loyalty of the parents were inherited
by the children;' casting towards me, as he saluted me
at the same time, a look which seemed to say that he
was partly serious if partly in jest. After mutual inquiries
and salutations, we were soon seated upon
couches beneath a blaze of light which, from the centre
of the apartment, darted its brightness, as it had been
the sun itself, to every part of the room.
`It is no light sorrow to a mother's heart,' said Portia,
`to know that her two sons, and her only sons, are, one
the open enemy of his country, the other — what shall
I term you, Lucius? — an innovator upon her ancient
institutions; and while he believes and calls himself —
sincerely, I doubt not — the friend of his country, is in
truth, as every good Roman would say — not an enemy,
my son, I cannot use that word, but as it were — an unconscious
injurer. Would that the conqueror of the
world had power to conquer this boy's will!'
`Aurelian, mother,' I replied, `did he possess the
power, would hesitate to use it in such a cause. But it
is easy to see that it would demand infinitely more
power to change one honest mind than to subdue even
the world by the sword.'
Aurelian for a brief moment looked as if he had received
a personal affront.
`How say you,' said he, `demands it more power to
change one mind than conquer a world? Methinks it
maintain with violence a certain opinion; but I find it
not difficult to cause them to let it go, and take mine in
its place. The arguments I use never fail.'
`That may be,' I replied, `in matters of little moment.
Even in these however, is it not plain, Aurelian, that
you cause them not to let go their opinion, but merely
to suppress it, or affect to change it. Your power may
compel them either to silence, or to an assertion of the
very contrary of what they but just before had declared
as their belief, but it cannot alter their minds. That is
to be done by reason only, not by force.'
`By reason first,' answered the emperor; `but if that
fail, then by force. The ignorant, and the presumptuous,
and the mischievous, must be dealt with as we deal
with children. If we argue with them, it is a favor.
It is our right, as it is better, to command and compel.'
`Only establish it that such and such are ignorant,
and erroneous, and presumptuous, and I allow that it
would be right to silence them. But that is the very
difficulty in the case. How are we to know that they,
who think differently from ourselves, are ignorant or erroneous?
Surely the fact of the difference is not satisfactory
proof.'
`They,' rejoined Aurelian, `who depart from a certain
standard in art are said to err. The thing in this case
is of no consequence to any, therefore no punishment
ensues. So there is a standard of religion in the state,
and they who depart from it may be said to err. But
as religion is essential to the state, they who err should
be brought back, by whatever application of force, and
compelled to conform to the standard.'
`In what sense,' said Portia, `can common and ignorant
people be regarded as fit judges of what constitutes
or does not constitute a true religion? It is a subject
level scarce to philosophers. If indeed the gods should
vouchsafe to descend to earth and converse with men,
and in that manner teach some new truth, then any one,
possessed of eyes and ears, might receive it, and retain
it without presumption. Nay, he could not but do so;
but not otherwise.'
`Now have you stated,' said I, `that which constitutes
the precise case of Christianity. They who received
Christianity in the first instance, did it not by balancing
against each other such refined arguments as philosophers
use. They were simply judges of matters of
fact — of what their eyes beheld and their ears heard.
God did vouchsafe to descend to earth, and by his messenger
converse with men, and teach new truth. All
that men had then to do was this, to see whether the evidence
was sufficient that it was a God speaking; and
that being made plain, to listen and record. And at
this day, all that is to be done is to inquire whether the
record be true. If the record be a well-authenticated
one of what the mouth of God spoke, it is then adopted
as the code of religious truth. As for what the word
contains — it requires no acute intellect to judge concerning
it — a child may understand it all.'
`Truly,' replied Portia, `this agrees but ill with what
I have heard and believed concerning Christianity. It
has ever been set forth as a thing full of darkness and
mystery, which it requires the most vigorous powers to
penetrate and comprehend.'
`So has it been ever presented to me,' added the emperor.
of Plato's dreams, neither more clear in itself, nor promising
to be of more use to mankind. So, if I err not,
the learned Porphyrus has stated it.'
`A good fact,' here interposed Julia, `is worth more
in this argument than the learning of the most learned.
Is it not sufficient proof, Aurelian, that Christianity is
somewhat sufficiently plain and easy, that women are
able to receive it so readily? Take me as an unanswerable
argument on the side of Piso.'
`The women of Palmyra,' replied the emperor, `as I
have good reason to know, are more than the men of
other climes. She who reads Plato and the last essays
of Plotinus, of a morning, seated idly beneath the
shadow of some spreading beech, just as a Roman girl
would the last child's story of Spurius about father Tiber
and the Milvian Bridge, is not to be received in this
question as but a woman, with a woman's powers of
judgment. When the women of Rome receive their
faith as easily as you do, then may it be held as an argument
for its simplicity. But let us now break off the
thread of this discourse, too severe for the occasion, and
mingle with our other friends, who by this must be arrived.'
So with these words we left the apartment where we
had been sitting, the emperor having upon one side
Portia, and on the other Livia, and moved toward the
great central rooms of the palace, where guests are entertained
and the imperial banquets held.
The company was not numerous; it was rather remarkable
for its selectness. Among others not less distinguished,
there were the venerable Tacitus, the consul
the priest Fronto, the generals Probus and Mucapor,
and a few other of the military favorites of Aurelian.
Of the conversation at supper I remember little or
nothing, only that it was free and light, each seeming to
enjoy himself and the companion who reclined next to
him. Aurelian, with a condescending grace which no
one knows how better to assume than he, urged the
wine upon his friends, as they appeared occasionally to
forget it, offering frequently some new and unheard of
kind, brought from Asia, Greece or Africa, and which
he would exalt to the skies for its flavor. More than
once did he, as he is wont to do in his sporting mood,
deceive us; for, calling upon us to fill our goblets with
what he described as a liquor surpassing all of Italy, and
which might serve for Hebe to pour out for the gods,
and requiring us to drink it off in honor of Bacchus, Pan
or Ceres, we found upon lifting our cups to drain them
that they had been charged with some colored and perfumed
medicament more sour or bitter than the worst
compound of the apothecary, or than massican overheated
in the vats. These sallies, coming from the
master of the world, were sure to be well received; his
satellites, of whom not a few were near him, being ready
to die with excess of laughter, — the attendant slaves
catching the jest, and enjoying it with noisy vociferation.
I laughed with the rest, for it seems wise to propitiate,
by any act not absolutely base, one whose ambitious
and cruel nature, unless soothed and appeased by
such offerings, is so prone to reveal itself in deeds of
darkness.
When the feast was nearly ended, and the attending
with fruits, olives, and confections, a troop of eunuchs,
richly habited, entered the apartment to the sound of flutes
and horns, bearing upon a platter of gold an immense
bowl or vase of the same metal, filled to the brim with
wine, which they placed in the centre of the table, and
then, at the command of the emperor, with a ladle of
the same precious material and ornamented with gems,
served out the wine to the company. At first, as the
glittering pageant advanced, astonishment kept us mute,
and caused us involuntarily to rise from our couches to
watch the ceremony of introducing it and fixing it in its
appointed place. For never before in Rome had there
been seen, I am sure, a golden vessel of such size, or
wrought with art so marvellous. The language of wonder
and pleasure was heard, on every side, from every
mouth. Even Livia and Julia, who in Palmyra had
been used to the goblets and wine cups of the eastern
Demetrius, showed amazement not less than the others
at a magnificence and a beauty that surpassed all experience
and all conception. Just above where the bowl
was placed hung the principal light, by which the table
and the apartment were illuminated, which, falling in
floods upon the wrought or polished gold and the thickly
strewed diamonds, caused it to blaze with a splendor
which the eyes could hardly bear, and, till accustomed
to it by gazing, prevented us from minutely examining
the sculptures, which, with lavish profusion
and consummate art, glowed and burned upon the pedestal,
the swelling sides, the rim and handles of the
vase, and covered the broad and golden plain upon
which it stood. I happily was near it, being seated opposite
which, as the custom now is, was of the form of a bent
bow, so that I could study at my leisure the histories
and fables that were wrought over its whole surface.
Julia and Livia, being also near it on the other side of
the table, were in the same manner wholly absorbed in
the same agreeable task.
Livia, being quite carried out of herself by this sudden
and unexpected splendor — having evidently no knowledge
of its approach — like a girl as she still is in her
natural, unpremeditated movements, rose from her couch
and eagerly bent forward toward the vase, the better to
scan its beauties, saying, as she did so,
`The emperor must himself stand answerable for all
breaches of order under circumstances like these. Good
friends, let all who will freely approach, and, leaving for
a moment that of Bacchus, drink at the fountain of
Beauty.' Whereupon, all who were so disposed gathered
round the centre of the table.
`This,' said Varus, `both for size and the perfect art
lavished upon it, surpasses the glories fabled of the
buckler of Minerva, whose fame has reached us.'
`You say right; it does so,' said the emperor. `That
dish of Vitellius was inferior in workmanship, as it was
less in weight and size than this, which, before you all,
I here name “The Cup of Livia.” Let us fill again
from it, and drink to the empress of all the world.'
All sprang in eager haste to comply with a command
that carried with it its own enforcement.
`Whatever,' continued the emperor, when our cups
had been drained, `may have been the condition of art
was no one then whose power over the metals, or whose
knowledge of forms, was comparable with that of our
own Demetrius; for this, be it known, is the sole work
of the Roman — and yet, to speak more truly, it must be
said the Greek — Demetrius, aided by his brother from
the east, who is now with him. Let the music cease;
we need that disturbance no more; and call in the
brothers Demetrius. These are men who honor any
age and any presence.'
The brothers soon entered; and never were princes
or ambassadors greeted with higher honor. All seemed
to contend which should say the most flattering and
agreeable thing. `Slaves,' cried the emperor, `a couch
and cups for the Demetrii.'
The brothers received all this courtesy with the native
ease and dignity which ever accompany true genius.
There was no offensive boldness nor presuming vanity,
but neither was there any shrinking cowardice nor timidity.
They felt that they were men not less distinguished
by the gods than many or most of those in
whose presence they were, and they were sufficient to
themselves. The Roman Demetrius resembles much
his brother of Palmyra, but in both form and countenance
possesses beauty of a higher order. His look is
contemplative and inward; his countenance pale and yet
dark; his features even and exactly shaped, like a statue;
his hair short and black; his dress, as was that of him
of Palmyra, of the richest stuffs, and showing that wealth
had become their reward as well as fame.
`Let us,' cried the emperor, `in full cups drawn from
the Livian fount, do honor to ourselves, and the arts, by
of Rome.' Every cup was filled and drained.
`We owe you thanks,' then added Aurelian, `that you
have completed this great work at the time promised,
though I fear it has been to your own cost, for the paleness
of your cheeks speaks not of health.'
`The work,' replied the Roman Demetrius, `could not
have been completed but for the timely and effectual aid
of my eastern brother, to whose learned hand, quicker
in its execution than my own, you are indebted for the
greater part of the sculptures upon both the bowl and
dish.'
`It is true, noble emperor,' said the impetuous brother,
`my hand is the quicker of the two, and in some parts of
this work, especially in whatever pertains to the east, and
to the forms of building or of vegetation, or costume seen
chiefly or only there, my knowledge was perhaps more
exact and minute than his; but let it be received, that the
head that could design these forms, and conceive and
arrange these histories, and these graceful ornaments —
to my mind more fruitful of genius than all else — observe
you them? have you scanned them all? — belongs
to no other than Demetrius of Rome. In my whole
hand there resides not the skill that is lodged in one of
his fingers — nor in my whole head the power that lies
behind one of his eyes.'
The enthusiasm of the eastern brother called up a
smile upon the faces of all, and a blush upon the white
cheek of the Roman.
`My brother is younger than I,' he said, `and his
blood runs quicker. All that he says, though it be a
picture of the truest heart ever lodged in man, is yet to
have been far below its present merit. Let me ask you
especially to mark the broad border where is set forth
the late triumph, and ambassadors, captives, and animals
of all parts of the earth, especially of the east, are seen
in their appropriate forms and habits. That is all from
the chisel of my brother. Behold here' — and rising he
approached the vase, and vast as it was, by a touch —
so was it constructed — turned it round — `behold here,
where is figured the queen of —' in the enthusiasm of
art he had forgotten for a moment to whom he was
speaking, for at that instant his eye fell upon the countenance
of Julia, who stood near him, and which he saw
cast down by an uncontrollable grief. He paused, confused
and grieved — saying, as he turned back the vase,
`Ah me! cruel and indiscreet! Pardon me, noble ladies!
and yet I deserve it not.”
`Go on, go on, Demetrius,' said Julia, assuming a
cheerful air. `You offend me not. The course of empire
must have its way; individuals are but emmets in
the path. I am now used to this, believe me. It is for
you rather, and the rest, to forgive in me a sudden
weakness.'
Demetrius, thus commanded, resumed, and then with
minuteness, with much learning and eloquence, discoursed
successively upon the histories or emblematic
devices of this the chief work of his hands. All were
sorry when he ceased.
`To what you have overlooked,' said Aurelian, as he
paused, `must I call you back, seeing it is that part of
the work which I most esteem, and in which at this
moment I and all, I trust, are most interested — the
new temple and ceremonies of the dedication, which tomorrow
we celebrate.'
`Of this,' replied Demetrius, `I said less, because perhaps
the work is inferior, having been committed, our
time being short, to the hands of a pupil — a pupil, however,
I beg to say, who, if the Divine Providence spare
him, will one day, and that not a remote one, cast a
shadow upon his teachers.'
`That will he,' said the brother; `Flaccus is full of
the truest inspiration.'
`But to the dedication — the dedication,' interrupted
the hoarse voice of Fronto.
Demetrius started and shrunk backward a step at
that sound, but instantly recovered himself, and read
into an intelligible language many of the otherwise obscure
and learned details of the sculpture. As he ended,
the emperor said,
`We thank you, Demetrius, for your learned lecture,
which has given a new value to your work. And now,
while it is in my mind, let me bespeak, as soon as leisure
and inclination shall serve, a silver statue gilded of
Apollo, for the great altar, which to-morrow will scarce
be graced with such a one as will agree with the temple
and its other ornaments.'
Demetrius, as this was uttered, again started, and his
countenance became of a deadly paleness. He hesitated
a moment, as if studying how to order his words so as to
express least offensively an offensive truth. On the instant
I suspected what the truth was; but I was wholly
unprepared for it. I had received no intimation of such
a thing.
`Great emperor,' he began, `I am sorry to say — and
yet not sorry — that I cannot now as once labor for the
decoration of the temples and their worship. I am —,
`Ye gods of Rome, —' cried Fronto.
`Peace,' said the emperor, `let him be heard. How
say you?'
`I am now a Christian, and I hold it not lawful to bestow
my power and skill in the workmanship of gods,
in whom I believe not, and thus become the instrument
of an erroneous faith in others.'
This was uttered firmly but with modesty. The
countenance of the emperor was overclouded for a moment.
But it partially cleared up again as he said,
`I lay not, Demetrius, the least constraint upon you.
The four years that I have held this power in Rome,
have been years of freedom to my people in this respect.
Whether I have done well in that for our city and the
empire, many would doubt. I almost doubt myself.'
`That would they, by Hercules,' said the soft voice of
Varus just at my ear, and intended chiefly for me.
`My brother,' said Demetrius, `will be happy to execute
for the emperor the work which he has been
pleased to ask of me. He remains steadfast in the faith
in which he was reared; the popular faith of Athens.'
`Apollo,' said Demetrius of Palmyra, `is my especial
favorite among all the gods, and of him I have wrought
more statues in silver, gold, or ivory, or of these variously
and curiously combined, than of all the others. If
I should be honored in this labor, I should request to
adopt the marble image now standing in the baths of
Caracalla, and once, it is said, the chief wonder of Otho's
palace of wonders, as a model after which, with some
should satisfy Aurelian and Rome.'
`Do it, do it,' said the emperor, `and let it be seen
that the worshipper of his country's gods is not behind
him who denies them, in his power to do them honor.'
`I shall not sleep,' said the enthusiastic artist, `till I
have made a model in wax at least of what at this moment
presents itself to my imagination.' Saying which,
with little ceremony — as if the empire depended upon
his reaching on the instant his chalk and wax — and to
the infinite amusement of the company, he rose and
darted from the apartment, the slaves making way as
for a missile that it might be dangerous to obstruct.
`But in what way,' said Aurelian, turning to the elder
Demetrius, `have you been wrought upon to abandon
the time-honored religion of Rome? Methinks the
whole world is becoming of this persuasion.'
`If I may speak freely —'
`With utmost freedom,' said Aurelian.
`I may then say that ever since the power to reflect
upon matters so deep and high had been mine, I had
doubted first the truth of the popular religion, and then
soon rejected it, as what brought to me neither comfort
nor hope, and was burdened with things essentially incredible
and monstrous. For many years, many weary
years — for the mind demands something positive in
this quarter, it cannot remain in suspense, and vacant —
I was without belief. Why it was so long before I
turned to the Christians I know not, unless because of
the reports which were so common to their disadvantage,
and the danger which has so often attended a profession
of their faith At length, in a fortunate hour,
and I needed little besides to show me that theirs
is a true and almighty faith, and that all that is current
in the city to its dishonor is false and calumnious. I
am now happy, not only as an artist and a Roman, but
as a man and an immortal.'
`You speak earnestly,' said Aurelian.
`I feel so,' replied Demetrius, a generous glow lighting
up his pale countenance.
`Would,' rejoined the emperor, `that some of the zeal
of these Christians might be infused into the sluggish
spirits of our own people. The ancient faith suffers
through neglect, and the prevailing impiety of those who
are its disciples.'
`May it not rather be,' said Fronto, `that the ancient
religion of the state, having so long been neglected by
those who are its appointed guardians, to the extent that
even Judaism and now Christianity — which are but
disguised forms of Atheism — have been allowed to insinuate
and intrench themselves in the empire — the
gods now in anger turn away from us, who have been
so unfaithful to ourselves, and thus this plausible impiety
is permitted to commit its havocs. I believe the gods
are ever faithful to the faithful.'
`What good citizen, too,' added Varus, `but must lament
to witness the undermining and supplanting of
those venerable forms under which this universal empire
has grown to its present height of power? He is
scarcely a Roman who denies the gods of Rome, however
observant he may be of her laws and other institutions.
Religion is her greatest law.'
`These are hard questions,' said the emperor. `For
most beloved, have written themselves followers of this
Gallilean God? How can we deal sharply with a people
at whose head stands the head of the noble house of
the Pisos, and a princess of the blood of Palmyra?'
Although Aurelian uttered these words in a manner
almost sportive to the careless ear, yet I confess myself
to have discovered at the moment an inward expression
of the countenance and a tone in the voice, which for
the time gave me uneasiness. I was about to speak,
when the venerable Tacitus addressed the emperor and
said,
`I can never think it wise to interfere with violence
in the matter of men's worship. It is impossible, I believe,
to compel mankind to receive any one institution
of religion, because different tribes of men, different by
nature and by education, will and do demand, not
the same, but different forms of belief and worship.
Why should they be alike in this, while they separate
so widely in other matters? and can it be a more hopeful
enterprise to oblige them to submit to the same rules
in their religion, than it would be to compel them to
feed on the same food, and use the same forms of language
or dress? I know that former emperors have
thought and acted differently. They have deemed it a
possible thing to restore the ancient unity of worship, by
punishing with severity, by destroying the lives even of
such as should dare to think for themselves. But their
conduct is not to be defended, either as right in itself or
best for the state. It has not been true, as policy. For
is it not evident, how oppression of those who believe
themselves to be possessed of truth important to mankind,
opinions? Are they, for a little suffering, to show themselves
such cowards as to desert their own convictions,
and prove false to the interests of multitudes? Rather,
say they, let us rejoice in such a cause to bear reproach.
This is the language of our nature. Nay, such persons
come to prize suffering, to make it a matter of pride and
boasting. Their rank among themselves is by and by
determined by the readiness with which they offer themselves
as sacrifices for truth and God. Are such persons
to be deterred by threats, or the actual infliction of
punishment?'
`The error has been,' here said the evil-boding Fronto,
`that the infliction of punishment went not to the extent
that is indispensable to the success of such a work.
The noble Piso will excuse me; we are but dealing
with abstractions. Oppress those who are in error only
to a certain degree, not extreme, and it is most true
they cling the closer to their error. We see this in the
punishment of children. Their obstinacy and pride
are increased by a suffering which is slight, and
which seems to say, `I am too timid, weak, or loving,
to inflict more.' So too with our slaves. Whose
slaves ever rose a second time against the master's
authority whose first offence, however slight, was
met, not by words or lashes, but by racks and the
cross?'
`Nay, good Fronto, hold; your zeal for the gods
bears you away beyond the bounds of courtesy.'
`Forgive me then, great sovereign, and you who are
here — if you may; but neither time nor place shall deter
me, a minister of the great god of light, from asserting
I deem, the empire itself. Under Decius, had true Romans
sat on the tribunals, had no hearts too soft for
such offices turned traitors to the head, had no accursed
spirit of avarice received the bribes which procured security
to individuals, families, and communities; had
there been no commutations of punishment, then —'
`Peace, I say, Fronto; thou marrest the spirit of
the hour. How came we thus again to this point?
Such questions are for the council-room or the senate.
Yet, truth to say, so stirred seems the mind of this
whole people in the matter, that in battle one may as
well escape from the din of clashing arms or the groans
of the dying, as in Rome avoid this argument. Nay,
by my sword, not a voice can I hear, either applauding,
disputing or condemning, since I have set on foot this
new war in the east. Once, the city would have rung
with acclamations that an army was gathering for such an
enterprise. Now, it seems quite forgotten that Valerian
once fell, or that, late though it be, he ought to be revenged.
This Jewish and Christian argument fills all
heads, and clamors on every tongue. Come, let us
shake off this dæmon in a new cup, and drink deep to
the revenge of Valerian.'
`And of the gods,' ejaculated Fronto, as he lifted the
goblet to his lips.'
`There again?' quickly and sharply demanded Aurelian,
bending his dark brows upon the offender.
`Doubtless,' said Portia, `he means well, though over
zealous and rash in speech. His heart I am sure seconds
not the cruel language of his tongue. So at least
I will believe; and in the meantime hope that the zeal
may not be without its use upon some present' — glancing
her eye towards me and Julia — `who, with what
I trust will prove a brief truancy, have wandered from
their household gods and the temples of their fathers.'
`May the gods grant it,' added Livia, `and restore
the harmony which should reign in our families and in
the capital. Life is over brief to be passed in quarrel.
Now let us abandon our cups. Sir Christian Piso!
lead me to the gardens, and let the others follow as they
may our good example.'
The gardens we found, as we passed from the palace,
to be most brilliantly illuminated with lamps of every
form and hue. We seemed suddenly to have passed to
another world, so dream-like was the effect of the multitudinous
lights as they fell with white, red, lurid, or
golden glare upon bush or tree, grotto, statue, or marble
fountain.
`Forget here, Lucius Piso,' said the kind-hearted
Livia, `what you have just heard from the lips of that
harsh bigot, the savage Fronto. Who could have
looked for such madness! Not again, if I possess the
power men say I do, shall he sit at the table of Aurelian.
Poor Julia too! But see! she walks with Tacitus.
Wisdom and mercy are married in him, and both will
shed comfort on her.'
`I cannot but lament,' I replied, `that a creature like
Fronto should have won his way so far into the confidence
of Aurelian. But I fear him not, and do not believe
that he will have power to urge the emperor to the
adoption of measures, to which his own wisdom and
native feelings must stand opposed. The rage of such
his superiors, we have both now learned to
bear without complaint, though not without some inward
suffering. To be shut out from the hearts of so many
who once ran to meet us on our approach, nor only that,
but to be held by them as impious and atheistical, monsters
whom the earth is sick of, and whom the gods are
besought to destroy — this is a part of our burden which
we feel to be heaviest. Heaven preserve to us the smiles
and the love of Livia.'
`Doubt not that they will ever be yours. But I trust
that sentiments like those of Tacitus will bear sway in
the councils of Aurelian, and that the present calm will
not be disturbed.'
Thus conversing we wandered on, beguiled by such
talk and the attractive splendors of the garden, till we
found ourselves separated, apparently by some distance,
from our other friends; none passed us and none met
us. We had reached a remote and solitary spot, where
fewer lamps had been hung, and the light was faint and
unequal. Not sorry to be thus alone, we seated ourselves
on the low pedestal of a group of statuary — once
the favorite resort of the fair and false Terentia — whose
forms could scarcely be defined, and which was enveloped
at a few paces distant with shrubs and flowers,
forming a thin wall of partition between us and another
walk, corresponding to the one we were in, but winding
away in a different direction. We had sat not long,
either silent or conversing, ere our attention was caught
by the sound of approaching voices apparently in earnest
discourse. A moment and we knew them to be those
of Fronto and Aurelian.
`By the gods his life shall answer it,' said Aurelian
with vehemence, but with suppressed tones; `who but
he was to observe the omens? Was I to know that to-day
is the Ides and to-morrow the day after? The rites
must be postponed.'
`It were better not, in my judgment,' said Fronto;
`all the other signs are favorable. Never, Papirius assured
me, did the sacred chickens seize so eagerly the
crumbs. Many times, as he closely watched, did he
observe them — which is rare — drop them from their
mouths overfilled. The times he has exactly recorded.
A rite like this put off, when all Rome is in expectation,
would in the opinion of all the world be of a more unfavorable
interpretation, than if more than the day were
against us.'
`You counsel well. Let it go on.'
`But to ensure a fortunate event, and propitiate the
gods, I would early, and before the august ceremonies,
offer the most costly and acceptable sacrifice.'
`That were well also. In the prisons there are captives
of Germany, of Gaul, of Egypt and Palmyra.
Take what and as many as you will. If we ever make
sure of the favor of the gods, it is when we offer freely
that which we hold at the highest price.'
`I would rather they were Christians,' urged Fronto.
`That cannot be,' said Aurelian. `I question if there
be a Christian within the prison walls; and, were there
hundreds, it is not a criminal I would bring to the altar.
I would as soon offer a diseased or ill-shaped bull.'
`But it were an easy matter to seize such as we might
want. Not, O Aurelian, till this accursed race is exterminated,
country. Why are the altars thus forsaken? Why are
the temples no longer thronged as once? Why do the
great, and the rich, and the learned, silently withhold
their aid or openly scoff and jeer? Why are our sanctuaries
crowded only by the scum and refuse of the
city?'
`I know not. Question me not thus.'
`Is not the reason palpable and gross to the dullest
mind? Is it not because of the daily growth of this
blaspheming and atheistical crew, who, by horrid arts,
seduce the young, the timid, and above all the women,
who ever draw the world with them, to join them in
their unhallowed orgies, thus stripping the temples of
their worshippers and dragging the gods themselves
from their seats? Think you the gods look on with
pleasure while their altars and temples are profaned or
abandoned, and a religion that denies them rears itself
upon their ruins?'
`I know not. Say no more.'
`Is it possible religion or the state should prosper,
while he, who is not only Vicegerent of the gods, Universal
Monarch, but what is more, their sworn Pontifex
Maximus, connives at their existence and dissemination
—'
`Thou liest.'
`Harboring even beneath the imperial roof, and feasting
at the imperial table, the very heads and chief ministers
of this black mischief —'
`Hold, I say. I swear, by all the gods known and
unknown, that another word, and thy head shall answer
up to deeds of blood? Am I so lame and backward,
when the gods are to be defended, that I am to be thus
charged? Let the lion sleep when he will; chafed too
much, and he may spring and slay at random. I love
not the Christians, nor any who flout the gods and their
worship — that thou knowest well. But I love Piso,
Aurelia, and the divine Julia — that thou knowest as
well. Now no more.'
`For my life,' said Fronto, `I hold it cheap, if I may
but be faithful to my office and the gods.'
`I believe it, Fronto. The gods will reward thee.
Let us on.'
In the earnestness of their talk they had paused and
stood just before us, being separated but by a thin screen
of shrubs. We continued rooted to our seats while this
conversation went on, held there both by the impossibility
of withdrawing without observation, and by a
desire to hear — I confess it — what was thus in a manner
forced upon me, and concerned so nearly, not only
myself, but thousands of my fellow-Christians.
When they were hidden from us by the winding of
the path, we rose and turned toward the palace.
`That savage!' said Livia. `How strange that Aurelian,
who knows so well how to subdue the world,
should have so little power to shake off this reptile.'
`There is power enough,' I replied; `but alas! I fear
the will is wanting. Superstition is as deep a principle
in the breast of Aurelian as ambition, and of that Fronto
is the most fitting high-priest. Aurelian places him at
the head of religion in the state for those very qualities,
whose fierce expression has now made us tremble. Let
in a position from which it seems Fronto is unable to
dislodge him, and all will go well.'
We soon reached the palace, where, joining Julia and
Portia, our chariot soon bore us to the Cœlian Hill,
Farewell.
| Probus, or, Rome in the third century | |