Stage 40

Captions  A huge crowd of senators had gathered in the senate-house, where Gaius Salvius Liberalis was being accused. "Many crimes have been committed in Britain by Salvius." The first accuser declared that many crimes had been committed in Britain by Salvius. "Salvius forged the king's will." The second accuser said that Salvius had forged the king's will. "I am innocent." Salvius responded that he was innocent. accusatio I "The Accusation I"  In the seventh year of the reign of Domitian, Gaius Salvius Liberalis, who had been consul the previous year, was accused of forgery by Acilius Glabrio. Upset by this unexpected event, he consulted his friends right away about whether he might ignore the accusation or undertake a defense. As Salvius was asking what he ought to do, different people suggested different things. Some declared that no danger was threatening because Salvius was a man of great reputation. Others thought that the anger of Domition was more to be feared than the threats for mercy. While his friends were giving different pieces of advice, Salvius decided to wait until he found out what Domitian felt. Meanwhile Glabrio and the other accusers were preparing their case. Of much help to them was Lucius Marcius Memor, a soothsayer and a client of Salvius, who, once a partner in the criminal acts of Salvius, was now influenced to betray him in hope of profit or in fear of punishment. Making use of this evidence the accusers reported the matter to the Emperor. When Domitian heard what the accusers had to say, he conducted himself cautiously; for he was well aware that he himself was involved in the criminal actions of Salvius. Meanwhile, to disguise his concern and to put on an appearance of friendship, he honored Salvius with presents, invited him to dinner, and received him politely. accusatio II  Domitia, however, aho by now had been recalled from exile and reinstated in Domitian's favor, was eagerly considering vengeance against Salvius. For the dwarf Myropnous had revealed that Salvius had been the person responsibe for the exile of Domitia and for the death of Paris. Myropnous told that Salvius had invited Domitia and Paris to the house of Haterius with a forged letter; and that, at the instigation of Salvius, Domitia had been exiled on an island for two years and Paris had been murdered. Therefore, the accusers, who had been encouraged by Domitia, demanded a trial by the senate. The unpopularity of Salvius was increased by the suspicion that Cogidubnus had been assassinated with poison. In addition, a rumor was making its way around that the remains of human bodies had been found in the waters at Bath, and also that curse-tablets against the name of Cogidubnus had been written. When they heard these things, many people came to believe Salvius had dedicated the souls of his enemies to the gods of the Underworld. Only then did Salvius understand that these charges were extremely dangerous. So he put on mourning clothes and went around to the houses of his friends who might be of help to him in so much danger. But all of them refused and he returned home, (having been) deprived of all hope. cognitio "The Trial"  On the appointed day a large crowd of senators gathered in the senate-house to hear the case. Salvius, who was at this point exhausted with fear, was carried into the senate-house on a sedan chair. With his son accompanying him and with his hands extended, he approached Domitian slowly and humbly. Domitian received Salvius with a steady expression on his face; after the charges were read aloud, he added a few things about Salvius himself: that he had been a friend of his father Vespasian and that he had been sent by himself as an assistant to Agricola for administering Britain. Finally he chose Lucius Ursus Servianus, a most famous senator, to be in charge of the trial. On the first day of the trial Glabrio brought up trivial and meaningless charges. He said that in his home Salvius had placed a statue of himself in a higher location than the statue of the emperor; a statue of the divine Vespasian which had decorated the palace of King Cogidubnus had been sold by Salvius at a low price; and many similar things. When he had heard these things, Salvius began to hope that he would slip out of the hands of his accusers. On the next day, however, there appeared a new accuser, Quintus Caecilius Iucundus. With a ferocious voice, a threatening look, burning eyes, and very hostile words, he attacked Salvius violently. He declared that in Britain Salvius had behaved arrogantly and cruelly; that he had tried to murder Titus Claudius Cogidubnus, a king who was most loyal and quite friendly to the Roman people; that, once the king was dead, Salvius had forged his will; and that he deserved the maximum punishment. While Quintus was explaining these charges, Salvius answered: "What you say is absurd. How could poison be given to Cogidubnus with so many observers standing there? Who is so dumb that he believes that I wanted to bring about the death of an eighty-year old king? Even kings are mortal." Finally he offered his slaves to be tortured; he offered no explanation of the will. Suddenly, outside the senate-house were heard threatening voices of people shouting that they themselves would kill Salvius if he were to escape punishment for his crimes. Some people snatched a statue of Salvius and threw it into the Tiber with many insults. Others surrounded his house and began to batter it with axes and stones. There was so much noise that the emperor sent out praetorian soldiers to quell the riot. Meanwhile Salvius, riding in his sedan-chair, was escorted home by a tribune; no one knew whether the tribune was a guard or an executioner.

desperatio I "Despair I"  In the meantime, while his hope was strong, Rufilla, the wife of Salvius, promised that she would be his companion whatever might happen. However, when through the secret entreaties of Domitia she had obtained forgiveness from the emperor, she decided to abandon Salvius; in the middle of the night she at last left the bedroom of her husband and returned to her father's house. Only then did Salvius start to give up hope. HIs son Vitellianus declared that the senators would never condemn him; he urged Salvius to renew his defense on the next day with a determined spirit. Salvius, however, replied that no hope was left: the senators were hostile, the emperor was not able to be placated in any way. At that time a certain letter was often seen in the hands of Salvius. Many people thought that secret orders of the emperor were contained in this letter; in fact, rumor was going about that Domitian himself had commanded Salvius to kill Cogidubnus. Salvius' friends urged him to read this letter out loud before the senators; he however keeping the safety of his son in mind, rejected this advice. He called for the tablets of his will. He signed them and handed them over to a freedman. Then he broke his signet ring, so that it would not be of use later on in bringing charges against others. Finally he sent the emperor a letter, written as follows: "Master, I am crushed by the conspiracy of my enemies and by deceitful witnesses, and I am not allowed to prove my innocence. I call the immortal gods to witness that I have always remained in good faith toward you. I beg this one thing, that you spare my innocent son. And I make a plea for nothing else." He wrote nothing about Rufilla. desperatio II  As evening was coming on, Salvius gave money to some slaves and freedom to others. And then he prepared to commit suicide. He was not able to use poison; for his body had for some time been undergoing immunization by taking antidotes. So, he decided to cut open his veins with a dagger. After he did this, he was carried into his bath and soon became unconscious. But as soon as the emperor found out from his agents that death was being considered by Salvius, he sent a tribune and soldiers to his house. He ordered them to prevent the death of Salvius; for he himself didn't want to appear creul. And so the soldiers, ordered by the tribune, pulled Salvius out of his bath, bandaged his wounded arms, and stopped the flow of blood. damnatio "The Condemnation"  On the next day Ursus Servianus, who had been in charge of the trial, announced the sentence: the name of Salvius was to be removed from the list of consuls; part of his property was to be confiscated, part of it handed over to his son; Salvius himself was to be exiled for five years. Therefore, once his wounds were healed, Salvius departed from Rome. On the same day an impressive example of loyalty was put before the eyes of the Roman people. Quintus Haterius Latronianus, who was always seeking the favor of Salvius while he was in favor did not desert him when he was crushed by adversity, but accompanied him into exile. A few days later Domitian handed out positions and rewards to the accusers. He gave Glabrio a priesthood; a good number of people, however, thought that Glabrio had in fact seriously offended Domitian by his accusation. The emperor promised Quintus Caecilius is influence in obtaining offices; at the same time, however, he warned him not to become too carried away or haughty. To Myropnous, the dwarf, who had revealed the crimes of Salvius, he offered freedom; Myropnous, however refused it. He asked, "What business do I have with freedom? It is enough for me to have avenged my friend's death." And at last he took up his pipes again and began to play, feeling victorious.

Vita Rustica

Gaius Helvidius Lupus gives greetings to his friend Acilius Glabrio.
When I was reading your letter, my Glabrio, I felt joy and sadness at the same time. For I was affected with joy, because for so long I was waiting for a letter from you; however, I was sad, because you were overwhelmed by so many tasks.
In your letter you say you are very busy. Whe I was in Rome, I also was often annoyed by business; now, however, I enjoy life in the country. Sometimes I ride my horse; sometimes I inspect the estate. Tomorrow I will hunt in the woods nearby; for neighbors believe there are wolves there. Nevertheless, I am not completely at leisure; for as you are greeted and bothered by your clients, so I am continually bothered by my tenant-farmers.
As soon as I arrived at this country-house, I summoned a certain doctor who lives nearby; for I was greatly afflicted by a disease. The doctor ordered me to obstain from wine and gave me medicine. For seven days straight I was visited by the doctor. Meanwhile the disease got worse. On the eighth day I dismissed the doctor. I began drinking and I poured the medicine down the drain. I immediately got better.
You correctly say Scots completely took over Britain. My friend Silanus, who recently was doing military service in Britain with Agricola, says the Scots live in the farthest part of Britain, across mountains. Although the Scots customarily fight very ferociously, Silanus is confident our army can conquer them. For he believes the Romans not only are as brave as Scots, but also have led them.
I agree with you about the poet Martial; he has much talent, much skill. At one time indeed I was especially pleased with the verses of the poet Ovid; now, however, Martial's epigrams please me more.
In your letter you mention Helvidius, my son. However, I very rarely see him! For, after staying with me three days in this house, he returned to the city; I suspect he went to see girls in the city. He is now 15 years old. He cares about nothing except girls and chariots. But it is hard for me to scold him for, when I was a young man, I also-but enough about htis nonsense.
Now I must warn you, my Glabrio. In your letter you write unfavorably again and again about a certain powerful man, whom I do not want to name. It is foolish for you, my friend! It is dangerous to write unfavorably about the powerful. Powerful men quickly become angry, they are slowly soothed. I tell you this, because my father who, when offending the Emperor Vespasian, was first exiled, then killed. Worried, I write these things; your safety is a great matter of concern to me. Good-bye.

Marcus Valerius Martialis

Marcus Valerius Martialis I

Many citizens are waiting in the theater. Valerius Martialis, a very well-known poet, recited while they listened. Everyone talked among themselves. Suddenly a sign was given to be quiet; The poet went inside the auditorium. The audience applauded as Martial ascended to the stage so that he could read the verses.
Martial: Hello friends. (he opened the book.) First I want to recite a verse that I recently wrote about a certain Sabidius.
Several listeners turned to see Sabidius, sitting in the very last row, watching.
Martial: I don't like you, Sabidius, and nor am I able to say why. I don't like you.
listener: (wispering with friends) I don't understand his verses. Why is the poet not able to tell us why he doesn't like Sabidius.
second friend: He knows why he doesn't like Sabidius, but the reason is so horrible he cannot say!
another listener: Hush! Hush!
Martial: Thais has black teeth, Leacania has white teeth. Why?
Listener: This ones is bought, the others is hers.
Martial, very angry, descended from the stage to curse at the listener.
Marial: I am a poet, you are only a listener. Ive been invited here, so you can listen. (Suddenly he recognized the listener.) Ah ha! I know who you are. You are Pontilianus, who always asked me to send you my books. And now, my Pontilianus, you see why I always refuse to send you my books. (He returned to the stage, to resume his recital.)
"Why dont I send my books to you, Pontilianus? So you don't send me yours, Pontilianus."
Everyone laughs except Pontilianus. He was so angry that he got up and tried to throw himself on the stage to punch Martial, but his friends held him back. 

Martial II

Martial, who had been reciting for an hour, finally got to the end of his book.
Martial: My friends say a certain poet, named Fidentinus, recites my books as if his own. Therefore, now I want to say this to Fidentinus:
"The book which you are reciting is mine, oh Fidentinus. But when you recite it badly, it begins to be yours."
Several listeners, Fidentinus friends, hiss; the rest laugh.
Martial: Finally I want to say a few words about our Emperor, Domitian Augustus. I recently composed some verses about his huge palace on the Palatine Hill:
The new palace of our Emperor touches the sky; The sun sees nothing more splendid in the whole world. This, Augustus, however, which touches the top star, is equal to a home in heaven but is smaller than its master.
Most of the listeners were applauding very loudly; They noticed that Epaphroditus, Domitian's freedman, was present in the auditorium. One listener however, Manius Acilius Glabrio, offended by such flattery, not only abstained his applause but also got up from his chair and went out of the auditorium. Astonished by his boldness, Martial stood motionless for a short time. Then he proceeded to the edge of the stage expecting applause. One listener exclaimed however:
Listener: But what about me, Martial? Now are you able to compose an epigram about me?
Martial: About you, pipsqueak? What kind of person are you?
Listener: My name is Diaulos. I recently practiced the art of medicine...
Another listener: ...but now you are an undertaker!
(everyone laughed; especially Martial laughed.)
Martial: Good! Now I accept your epigram, my Dialos:
Recently he was a doctor, now Dialos is an undertaker. What an undertaker does, was also what a doctor had done.
Many were laughing; Dialos blushed. Martial, in this way finished his recital, went out of the auditorium, and all applauded except Dialos. Slaves entered the auditorium to offer food and wine.

Consilium Domitiani

consilium Domitiani I "Domitian's Council I" While the senators were conversing with one another, Domitian entered with his face composed in such a way that no one could understand whether he was angry or happy. Epaphroditus who was holding a letter in his hand was following him. After Domitian was greeted by the senators, he said, "A messenger has just given us a letter sent by Gnaeus Julius Agricola. In this letter Agricola announces that the Roman army has reached the furthest parts of Britain and has won a great victory. Epaphroditus, read the letter." After the letter had been read, Domitian immediately turned to Crispus and asked, "What do you think about this letter of Agricola. What do you advise?" Crispus was silent for a long time; he drew his eyebrows together as if he were considering the matter and fixed his eyes on the ground. Finally he said, "I advise caution." Domitian said, "You have spoken briefly and appropriately. Your opinion, however, must be explained more fully." Before Crispus could reply, Aulus Fabricius Veientus, a little more daring than the others, interrupted. But fearing that he would offend Domitian, he used well-considered words: "We know, master, that Gnaeus Iulius Agricola has finally overpowered the Scots. But he is too carried away. Agricola believes that the island of Ireland can be seized easily; I, however, think that Agricola is making a big mistake; for the Irish are both fierce and strong. If our troops are led across the sea into Ireland, they will be exposed to great danger." Then Publius Cornelius Fuscus, commander of the praetorian guard. "Aulus Fabricius has given us appropriate and wise advice. Agricola has sent us a letter impressive in word but in truth meaningless. He has been in charge of Britain for seven years now. Has he sent seven years of tribute to the treasury? No! In his letter he himself says that the centurions have been ordered to collect tribute more leniently; he adds that he has persuaded the sons of the chieftains to learn the Latin language. Obviously Agricola thinks that he has been sent to Britain to teach the boys, not to overpower the barbarians! Agricola must be recalled and punished." Then Manius Acilius Glabrio, angered by this opinion, said, "Cornelius Fuscus, you are blaming Agricola without reason. You envy him because he has achieved such splendid things. Indeed I am very pleased that the Scots have been overpowered. If Ireland is also conquered by Agricola, we will have all of Britain in our power. It is ridiculous to recall Agricola before he completely conquers the Britons. Who of our leaders is better than Agricola? Who is more worthy of triumph?"  consilium Domitiani II The others, amazed at Glabrios boldness, held their eyes fixed on the Emperor and did not speak. The Emperor, however, did not show his feelings either by word or by expression. Then Epaphroditus turned to Glabrio and said, "Surely you cant compare this worthless victory of Agricola with the splendid achievements of our Emperor? Surely you are forgetting the German chieftans, tied in chains, who were escorted through the triumph celebration in the streets of the city? Surely you heard, my Glabrio, that the Emperor himself overpowered many thousands of Germans last year." Then, as soon as he heard these words of Epaphroditus, Messalinus used the opportunity and said, "It is generally agreed that no enemy is more fierce than the Germans, no leader as good as Domitian Augustus. We also know that Agricola has remained in the province for seven years. He himself declares that the legions are so faithful to him that he can advance to Ireland without fear. We must beware! Who of us does not know the example of Sulpicius Galba? We all remember that Galba has also ruled the province for seven years; we all know Galba was corrupted by the desire for power; we know that Galba finally waged war against our homeland. Surely Glabrio does not want Agricola to become Emperor? Agricola, in my opinion, must be recalled, praised, and removed." Glabrio, however, did not respond, for he did not doubt that he had offended the Emperor seriously. The rest of the senators eagerly followed Messalinuss opinion. However, Domitian gave no sign either of hatred, or joy, or envy. Finally, when the consul was dismissed, he remained alone in the hall; he was turning over in his mind much about Glabrio and Agricola.