|
|
57 views
|
Sappho's Domus
As you walk along the broad Cardo, just south of the Decumanus, you note on the east side of the street the huge public thermae constructed by the Cyberian Princeps, Augustus Marius. Like many Roman buildings, its side facing the street is subdivided into a series of small shops and apartments, rented out by Augustus to pay for the Baths' construction and maintenance, and, with luck, for a bit of profit.
A small young woman stands in the doorway of the first such apartment north of the entrance to the Thermae Augusti. She appears to be simply taking in the sights and sounds of the city life bustling around her.
She wishes you good morning in Latin, but with a Hellenic accent. When you inquire about that, she seems pleased to have someone to talk to.
"Although Macedonian by birth, my parents were Imperial citizens. I do not remember them. They died during the Dacian Wars.
"I grew up in the household of my aunt on an Aegean island. Provincial island living proved too limiting for my tastes, so, against my aunt's wishes, I came to Rome.
"You are welcome to come in and visit, but I have little to offer in way of amenities. Passage to Rome cost most of my money. When in Rome, I earn what I little I can reading my poetry and serving wine and beer in the taberna there across the street. Indeed, I could not afford even these small quarters but for the generosity of my family friend, Augustus Marius, who served with my father in the Dacian Wars. He allows me to live here free of rent.
"I honestly do not need a more luxurious domus. You see, I am rarely in Rome anymore. You might find this scandalous, but I have wed a Celtic warrior, the brave Diarmed Iceni. I now spend much of my time in Britannia with my beloved Champion. When I am back Rome, I am working, or I go out into the city, to enjoy the urban amusements only now beginning to reach the barbarian North. Thus, I am afraid I keep very little here for the entertainment of guests.
"Still, I have some wine and bread, and a bit of cheese, and would be honored if you would share them with me. So, if you have time, please step inside and we can talk more of Rome, or of the land of the Celts. I have much knowledge I'd be happy to share, and there is much more I would like to learn."
You accept her invitation into her small and sparse quarters, where she has sat upon a bench and opened a scroll of poems.
[image]
The remaining furniture is only with a small bed with a straw mattress, and a sturdy writing desk, holding her cera and stylus. You might want to read whats upon that. Otherwise, leave Sappho a note upon the white wax below.... |
||
|
A woman you've known for years finds you working on a poem at your writing desk.
"Back in your hovel, I see," she observes. "You know, my Dear, I'm putting my first lot up for sale later. Wouldn't you like to rid yourself of the uncertainties of this 'artistic' life and let me sell you back into the security of slavery?" | ||
|
quote JosephineMaia: A woman you've known for years finds you working on a poem at your writing desk. "Back in your hovel, I see," she observes. "You know, my Dear, I'm putting my first lot up for sale later. Wouldn't you like to rid yourself of the uncertainties of this 'artistic' life and let me sell you back into the security of slavery?" "It is what I deserve, I admit, but I cannot. Not so long as there's a chance...." Sappho's gaze moves through the doorway, rests a moment on the palatial villa under construction on the hill overlooking the forum, then to the horizon beyond. |
|