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PART II
Quintus Haterius Latrninus, an extremely well-known contractor (builder), was in charge of
for this work (construction). On that night he himself furious (in a rage) was urging on the
craftsmen. Gius Salvius Lberlis, the patron of Haterius, was also present (was also here),
who was in turn urging him on in order that he might finish the work before daylight. For
Salvius was worried (anxious) because he had persuaded the emperor that he should put
Haterius in charge for the work. This one therefore repeatedly ordered the craftsmen,
although they were completely tired, that they should not stop with the work.Glitus, the
foreman of the craftsmen, was trying to soothe (calm down) Haterius. Look, master! he said.
The craftsmen have nearly finished the arch now. The last letters of the inscription are now
being inscribed; the last figures (shapes) are being carved; the last blocks of marble are being
raised (lifted up) to the arch top (summit).A little before the first hour [i.e. approx. 6am],
having been worn out by the work, the craftsmen finished the arch. For a short time the city
was silent.One craftsman however, returning home through the market place (forum),
suddenly heard the sad shouts of two women. For the two female prisoners, having been
affected by great grief, were chanting in prison: My God! My God! Look at me! Why have you
deserted me?
Masada
PART I
Sad shouts were heard from the prison, where the prisoners (captives) were being guarded.
For the two Jewish women, survivors of them who had rebelled (revolted) against the Romans,
were lamenting (mourning / grieving) their fortune (luck). One was a seventy year old woman
[lit. an old woman seventy of years], the other (was) a thirty year old lady [lit. thirty years
born]. Together with them in prison were five children, of whom Simon the eldest was trying to
bring comfort to his mother and to his grandmother.
Mother, do not lament (mourn / grieve)! It is right (proper) for Jewish women to show
(display) courage in misfortune [lit. in hostile / unfavourable things / matters].
Having embraced her son, the mother said, It was better to die (perish) with your(p) father
nine years ago. Why then did I shrink from death? Why did I save you(p)?
Having been moved (alarmed / distressed / upset) by these words, Simon asked his mother
how (in what way) his father had died (perished) and why she had not told (related) the
matter earlier. He begged her that she should explain everything. But the pain (grief) of the
mother was so great that at first she was able to say nothing. Soon, when she had gathered
(collected) herself, having turned to her children, she said, I did not want to tell (relate)
about the death of your(p) father earlier lest you(p) might also die (perish), having imitated
his example [lit. the example of his]. Now however I dare to reveal to you(p) the whole matter
because tomorrow we are all going to die.
We Jews rebelled (revolted) three years against the Romans. On the fourth year that devil,
Titus, stormed (took by storm) Jerusalem city. I have never seen a more terrible spectacle:
everywhere the buildings were being consumed by flames; everywhere men, women and
children were being killed; the Temple itself was being pulled apart (ransacked) by the
soldiers; the whole city was being overturned. Many thousands of Jews died (perished) in that
disaster; but about one thousand survivors, with Eleazar as leader, seized (took over) Masada
rock (crag). You, Simon, at that time were hardly five years old.
Masada rock (crag) is high and sheer (steep), situated near Lake Asphaltites [i.e. The Dead
Sea]. There, having been defended by defences (fortifications) on all sides, we were resisting
the Romans for a long time. Meanwhile, the leader of the enemies, Lcius Flvius Silva,
surrounded the rock (crag) with many forts. Then the soldiers, at orders of Silva, built a huge
ramp (mound) right up to the top rock (crag). Finally (lastly) they climbed the ramp (mound)
and destroyed a large part of the defences (fortifications) by fire. At last, when night was
approaching, Silva led back the soldiers to the camp so that they might wait for the next day
and the victory.
PART II
On that night, Eleazar proposed (put forward) a dreadful plan (idea / advice) to the Jews. We
are in a great crisis, he said. Having trusted (having put trust) in God, we Jews have resisted
the Romans up till now; now those ones are preparing to drag us into slavery. No hope of
safety is shown for us. Surely it is better to die (perish) than to give in to the Romans? I myself
accept death having been inflicted by my own hand, I despise (reject) slavery.
Eleazar aroused (woke up) by these words so great (such a great) spirit (enthusiasm) in the
Jews that they hurried at death at once. The men killed the having been embraced women
and children. When they had finished this dreadful and savage (cruel) thing, ten of them
having been chosen by lot killed the others (the rest). Then one from (out of) those ones
(them), in turn having been chosen by lot, after he killed the remaining nine, stabbed himself
with a sword.
How (in what way) did we ourselves escape? asked Simon.
I could not obey Eleazar, replied his mother. I lay hidden in an underground place with
you(p).
Coward! shouted Simon. I am not at all afraid of (fear) death. Remembering (mindful of)
the example of my father, I want to show (display) the same courage.
Meanwhile the procession was slowly being led along the Sacred Way. Trumpeters were
marching (striding) in the forefront, blowing their trumpets. After them came the young
men, who were leading thirty bulls having been decorated (elaborately furnished) with
garlands (wreaths) to the offering (sacrifice). Then many slaves, who were carrying the
treasure of the Jews, were concluding (completing) the first part of the procession. An
extremely expensive (precious) part of this treasure was a sacred table, trumpets and a lamp
stand, which all (everything) were made of gold.
Seven Jewish prisoners (captives), who were marching (striding) in the procession middle,
were being mocked (jeered at) loudly by the spectators. The five boys, marching (striding)
with a calm expression (face), were ignoring (neglecting / disregarding) the shouts and insults
(abuses), but the two women with very many tears were begging the spectators that they
should spare the children.
After the prisoners (captives) came Domitian himself, having been carried by a splendid
(magnificent) chariot. Both consuls [senior magistrates] went after the emperor, of whom one
was Lucius Flvius Silva. Extremely noble magistrates [elected officials of Roman government]
(of extremely noble birth) were carrying an image (statue) of Titus on their shoulders. The
procession was completed (shut / closed / concluded) by the soldiers.
PART II
The procession reached (arrived at) the arch. Domitian, having gone out from the chariot in
order that he might make the sacrifice, greeted the senators and the knights. Then he turned
his eyes onto the arch itself. Having been affected by admiration, the Emperor very much
praised the summoned (sent for) to himself Salvius. He ordered (commanded) him that he
should give thanks to Haterius. Then having advanced to the altar, he took the knife with
which he was to sacrifice the victim. A slave offered the throat of the bull to him. Then
Domitian sacrificed the victim, having spoken these words:
To you, god Titus, this victim is now sacrificed; to you this arch is dedicated; to you the
greatest thanks are given by the Roman people.
Suddenly, while the Romans fix their eyes carefully onto the sacrifice, having seized the
opportunity Simon leapt forward (jumped). He burst into the priests middle; he seized
(grabbed) the knife. All the spectators were standing still (motionless), having been
astonished by the boldness (audacity) of his. Domitian, moved (alarmed / distressed / upset)
by panic, stepped back. Simon did not however make for (attack) the Emperor. Holding the
knife in his hand he shouted,
We, who are the survivors of the rebellions of the Jews, do not want to serve [as slaves] the
Romans. We prefer to meet (to go to meet) death.
Having spoken these words, he committed (began) a dreadful crime. Having embraced
them at once he killed his mother and grandmother with the knife. Then he killed his
brothers, not at all resisting, in the same way. Finally (lastly) having cursed the Roman people
in a loud voice he pierced (stabbed) himself with the knife.
Vitellia: Why are you so violently in a rage, my dear Haterius? And you have driven away
from home your friends and clients, who came in order that they might greet you. And you
have not said one word to me these four days. Without doubt, in order that you might finish
that arch, you have worked too much, neglecting (ignoring, disregarding) of your health.
Now it is necessary for you to rest.
Haterius: How (in what way) am I able to rest, having suffered (endured) so great an injustice
(injury)?
Vitellia: I do not understand your words. Who has done an injustice (brought injury) to you?
Haterius: I have been completely deceived (fooled) by Salvius, who was accustomed to
favour (give support to) me. A huge prize (reward, profit) was promised to me by Salvius in
return for all my labours. I have accepted (received) no prize (reward, profit) however, not
even thanks.
Vitellia: Be satisfied, my dear Haterius. You are an extremely well-known (famous) contractor
(builder), whose arch has been praised recently by the Emperor himself. You have built many
public buildings, from where you have obtained great riches.
Haterius: I do not care [about] the riches. In this city are very many contractors (builders)
who have obtained very great riches. However for me not the riches (wealth) but my dignity
(importance, prestige) is a matter of concern.
Vitellia: Your dignity (importance, prestige) is very great. For not only are you extremely rich
but you also have a wife born from an extremely noble family. Rfilla, my sister, is the wife of
Salvius who has always favoured (supported) you and has often recommended you to the
Emperor. What else do you want to accept (receive) from Salvius?
Haterius: I want to reach (arrive) at the highest honours (public positions). First I want to be
a priest; for many men, having been made (created) priests by the Emperor, have afterwards
reached the consulship (rank of consul). But Salvius, although he has repeatedly promised to
me the priesthood, he has not kept his promise (kept faith).
Vitellia: Do not despair (give up), my dear Haterius. I have an excellent plan (idea). Invite
Salvius to your builders yard! Show off (display) your crane to him! Nothing bigger (larger)
nor more extraordinary (marvellous) has ever been made before. Then ask Salvius, having
been affected (overcome) with admiration, about the priesthood.
was slowly being raised (lifted up) to the sky. Salvius, nearly (almost) overcome (worn out,
exhausted) with panic, was sticking (was clinging) to the seat with his eyes shut (closed). At
last he opened his eyes.
PART II
Salvius: (astonished by the spectacle) By the immortal gods! I can see the whole city. Look
the temple of Jupiter! [i.e. god of the sky, greatest of the Roman gods] Look the river! Look
the Flavian amphitheatre [i.e. Colosseum] and the new arch! How it shines in the sun! The
emperor was affected by the greatest admiration as soon as he saw that arch. He ordered me
that I should give his thanks to you.
Haterius: I am greatly pleased (I rejoice greatly) because my work (construction) has been
praised by the Emperor. But I have not yet received (accepted) that prize (reward, profit)
which you promised to me.
Salvius: (with a flattering voice) I have already often consulted the Emperor about your
priesthood and even now I am waiting for the answer of his. However meanwhile I am able to
offer something to you. I possess a certain small plot of land, who [i.e. which] has been
situated near the tombs of the Metell and the Scpins [famous Roman families]. Would you
like to buy this small plot of land?
Haterius: (affected with great joy) Yes, I should also like to build a splendid tomb for me and
my family on that small plot of land near the tombs of extremely noble families, decorated
(elaborately furnished) with figures (shapes) of my works (constructions); for in this way I am
able to hand over my name and deeds (achievements) to future generations (posterity). I
therefore offer two million sesterces to you in return for your small plot of land.
Salvius: (smiling, because the small plot of land had been given to him free by the Emperor)
The small plot of land is worth much more, but because I am your patron I favour (support)
you. It pleases me therefore to accept (receive) only three million sesterces from you. Does it
please (suit) you?
Haterius: It pleases (suits) me very much.
Haterius ordered the craftsmen that they should let down (lower) the beam slowly. Both
returned (went back, came back) to the ground, one delighted (pleased) with the hope of
immortality, the other satisfied with the ready money.
At the same time many clients were hurrying through the streets in order that they might
greet their patrons. Some, with their togas having been torn and with their shoes having
been broken (split), were going slowly through the mud. It was difficult for them to hurry
because the mud was deep, the streets narrow, (and) the crowd thick. Others, who were born
from noble families, were advancing (proceeding) quickly because their slaves were moving
out of the way the crowd with clubs (sticks). The clients, who rushing here and there (up and
down) through the streets, were obstructing (blocking the way) for girl advancing
(proceeding).
PART II
With the door having at last been closed, the clients began to go away, some having been
satisfied, others having been disappointed in their hope. Then the girl ordered the slave that
he should knock at the door. The slave said to the herald having returned, Look! My mistress,
Euphrosyne, is here.
Go away, you wicked person! No one (nobody) else is admitted (let in) today, replied the
herald (announcer) in an arrogant voice.
But my mistress an extremely learned Greek female philosopher, said the slave. She has
been sent here (to this place) by Quntus Haterius Chrysogonos himself, the freed man (exslave) of Haterius, who lives at Athens.
Therefore (and so) Chrysogonos was mad (insane), replied the herald (announcer). All
philosophers are hateful to Haterius! You must return to Athens from where you have been
sent.
The slave angry with the arrogance of the herald (announcer) nevertheless persisted.
But Eryllus, he said, who is the expert (judge) of good taste for Haterius, wrote a letter to
Chrysogonos in which he asked him that he should send a female philosopher here (to this
place). Therefore we are here!
With these words having been heard, the herald (announcer), who not at all liked (loved)
Eryllus, said in a loud voice, Eryllus! Who is Eryllus? My master is Haterius, not Eryllus! Go
away!
Having spoken these words, he pushed down the slave into the mud and closed the door. As
soon as she saw the slave having been thrown down on the ground, Euphrosyne tried to
soothe (calm down) his anger.
Do not annoy your mind, she said. We ought to (should, must) carry calmly (with a calm
mind) misfortune [lit. hostile (unfavourable) things]. We must come back (return) tomorrow.
seen what the cook had prepared, the guests loudly praised the art (skill) of his. With which
thing having been delighted (pleased), Haterius ordered his slaves that they should bring in
the wine-jars of Falernian wine. With the wine-jars having been brought in, the steward recited
in a loud voice the labels which had been fastened onto [i.e. the wine-jars], Falernian
belonging to Haterius, one hundred year old wine [lit. wine one hundred of years]! Then the
slaves began to pour the wine into the wine-cups.
With the guests very happily drinking, Haterius demanded (asked for) silence. Smiling
(laughing) he snapped (clicked) his fingers. With the signal having been given two
trumpeters appeared in the threshold (doorway). They blew the trumpets loudly. Then Eryllus
led Euphrosyn into the dining-room. As soon as they saw her, the guests admired very much
the beauty (appearance) of hers.
Haterius smiling (laughing) asked Euphrosyn that she should sit down with him on the couch.
Then he addressed the guests.
This girl, he said boasting (boastfully), is an extremely learned (educated) female
philosopher, by name Euphrosyn. At my instruction (order) she has come here from Athens,
where the most famous (well-known) philosophers live. We must hear (listen to) her carefully
(diligently)!
Then having turned to her, he said, It pleases us, my dear Euphrosyn, to learn something of
philosophy by you.
philosophia (philosophy)
Euphrosyn spoke to (addressed) the guests, who were watching eagerly, thus (in this way):
First, I must tell a short (brief) story. Once (some time ago) there was a poor man who had a
small farm, an excellent wife, (and) very dear children. He was accustomed to work hard
(energetically) on the farm in order that he might provide food for himself and his [family].
Obviously he was mad (insane), shouted Apollnius, who was an extremely lazy man.
Nobody except a mad [man] works.
To whom Euphrosyn replied in a calm (clear) voice, But all must work. Even (also) they who
give dinners for magistrates (elected officials) in the hope of support, they in fact (truly)
work.
With which [thing] having been heard, Haterius blushed; the others (the rest), having been
amazed (stunned) by the words of Euphrosyn, were silent (quiet). Then Euphrosyn said,
The poor man neither ate nor drank too much. In all parts of [his] life he tried to be
temperate (self-controlled).
The senator Lucius Baebius Crispus shouted, Obviously he was a miser. We must not praise
but blame that poor man. Our Haterius however is fit to be very greatly praised because he
always offers (provides) expensive (lavish) dinners for [his] friends.
All applauded (clapped) this opinion of Baebius. With the applause having been heard, [and]
having forgotten of philosophy, Haterius ordered [his] slaves that they should offer more wine
[lit. of wine] to the guests. Euphrosyn however added these words: But the poor man
suffered (endured) many misfortunes. For he lost [his] wife and children, having been afflicted
by an extremely serious illness; he lost [his] farm, having been pulled apart (ransacked) by
soldiers; finally (lastly), having been crushed with poverty and having been led away into
slavery, he himself lost [his] freedom. Nevertheless, because he was Stoic [i.e. a believer in
Stoic philosophy], he always suffered (endured) misfortunes [lit. hostile, unfavourable things]
calmly (with a calm mind). At last having been worn out (exhausted) by old age and works
(labours), he died peacefully. That poor man, whom men thought (considered) most miserable
(wretched, sad), was in fact (truly, really) lucky.
The astonished Haterius said, Surely you do not think (consider) him lucky who has suffered
(endured) so many misfortunes?
But before Euphrosyn replied to him, the consul (senior magistrate) Sabinus said, Enough of
philosophy! Come on my dear Euphrosyn give a kiss to me, or rather many kisses.
The drunk Rabrius Maximus however, who when he had heard these [words] got up (rose)
[and] said, Wicked [man], do not touch her!
Having spoken these [words], he threw in onto the face of Sabnus a wine-cup full with wine.
At once the thing came to a fight. Wine-cups were thrown; tables were overturned; togas were
torn (torn up). Some were helping (were coming to help) Sabnus, others were helping
(coming to help) Rabrius. Haterius was running here and there (up and down); he was trying
in vain to settle the strife.
Euphrosyn however, having advanced to the door of the dining-room with a calm (clear)
expression (face), spoke to (addressed) the fighting guests in this way: Look Romans, the
masters of the world [lit. the globe of the ground, land], [and] the slaves of the stomach [lit.
womb] and of Venus!
With which words having been said, she set out to the Tiber river in order that she might
search for (look for) a ship.
PART II
With Olympus reciting, Epaphrodtus entered. Ten soldiers were accompanying him.
Epaphrodtus: Where is that dancer (mime) whom shameless you love? Where have you
hidden him?
Domitia: I do not understand your words. I am alone (on my own), as you see. This slave is
delighting (pleasing) me with verses (lines of poetry), not Paris.
Epaphrodtus: (having turned to the soldiers) [You(p)] Search for (look for) Paris! [You(p)]
Hurry! [You(p)] Look at (inspect, examine, search) all the rooms!
The soldiers therefore very carefully looked at (inspected, examined, searched) the rooms, but
in vain. They were able to find Paris nowhere [i.e. unable to find him anywhere].
Epaphrodtus:
Blockheads (idiots)! If Paris shall have escaped, you(p) will pay the penalty
(be punished). Why have you(p) not looked at (inspected, examined, searched) the ceiling
(roof). [You(p)] Bring ladders!
When she had heard which words, Domitia grew pale. Myropnous however, who was looking
out cautiously through the tapestry, had an extremely bold (daring) idea (made an extremely
bold [daring] plan). He began to move the tapestry gently with his hand. Soon suspicious
Epaphrodtus sees the movement of the tapestry while he is looking around the main room
(hall).
Epaphrodtus: Look! The tapestry is being moved! I have found the hiding place of Paris!
Now I shall take (catch, capture) him.
With which words having been said, Epaphrodtus hurled himself at the tapestry with great
uproar. When Epaphrodtus approached, Myropnous not at all disturbed (alarmed) pulled down
the tapestry with great force (violence). The tapestry (wall-hanging) fell down, and the pole
fell down. Having been entangled in the tapestry and at the same time having been struck by
the pole, Epaphrodtus fell down unconscious. Myropnous exulting (being triumphant) began
to play on the pipes.
Domitia, who had recovered herself now from the panic, turned to the soldiers having
returned with the ladders into the main room (hall). She ordered them to drag out (pull out,
take out) Epaphrodtus. With the soldiers dragging him out (pulling out, taking out) Myropnous
placed an as [i.e. a small coin] onto his lips [lit. of him] as if of the dead. At last (finally) Paris
looking down through the compluvium [i.e. opening in the roof] said goodbye to Epaphrodtus
in this way: Here lies Tiberius Claudius Epaphrodtus, the freed man of Augustus, having been
laid low (flatten) by a pole.
home of Haterius. It was difficult for them to advance through the streets because the night
was dark and it was raining much.
When they had reached (arrived at) the home of Haterius, they found the door opened. With
the slaves having been left outside the door, Domitia entered with Chion. An extraordinary
(strange, marvellous) show (spectacle) met them (was presented to them) entering. The main
room (hall) had been decorated (elaborately furnished) splendidly (magnificently): lamps were
shining everywhere, garlands (wreaths) of roses were hanging from (down from, about) all the
pillars (columns). But the main room (hall) had been completely deserted. Then the women,
having entered the dining-room, also saw it deserted. In the middle however an expensive
(lavish) dinner had been placed (put): the tables had been heaped with special dishes, the
wine-cups were full with excellent wine. With which things having been seen, the slave-girl
said in a fearful (frightened) voice: We must beware. Something of extraordinary is being
done here.
Perhaps Vitellia was affected by the illness while she was dining. With doubt she is lying in
the bedroom now, replied Domitia, not knowing (unaware) of the trap (ambush) which
Salvius had prepared.
PART II
And so Domitia began to advance through the deserted home, with her slave-girl following
nervously (fearfully). When she had reached (arrived at) at the bedroom where Vitellia was
accustomed to sleep, she stood her ground (stood firm, halted, stopped) in the threshold
(doorway). The bedroom was dark. She sent back Chion to the dining-room who might bring
a lamp. She was waiting for a long time in the silence of the night until her slave-girl might
return (came back). This one however did not return (come back). At last Domitia impatient
for the delay burst into the bedroom. It was empty. Then at last (only then) she was disturbed
(alarmed) with great panic. The darkness, the silence, the absence of the slave-girl, all these
things seemed to be signs (evidences) of danger. Obviously the letter was false (untrue,
dishonest)!
Domitia decided to go back (return) to the palace as quickly as possible before something of
evil (bad) happened to herself. While she is running away (fleeing) through the empty main
room (hall), she was terrified suddenly by the voice of a man.
Hello, my darling! Have you also been invited to dinner?
Then she recognised the voice.
My dear Paris, she said, A trap (an ambush), not dinner, has been prepared for us. We must
escape, while we are able (we can).
which he might increase the flames. Then with the pyre blazing, he hurried to follow his
friends.
PART II
When they reached (arrived at) the back gate, Paris and Domitia found two soldiers having
been placed (put) there. Whom when they had seen these, although Domitia was despairing
(giving up) completely about their safety (health), Paris showed (displayed) himself
extremely bold (daring) and extremely clever (cunning, shrewd) in this crisis. For with Domitia
having been hidden not far off, he himself having advanced boldly through the back gate he
showed himself to the soldiers. Then as if running away (fleeing), he ran back into the garden.
At once the soldiers shouted: Look Paris! Paris is trying to escape!
With the soldiers following, Paris was rushing through the garden now here and now there.
He hid himself behind the statues and was mocking (jeering at) the soldiers in a flattering
voice. Those ones uncertain where the dancer (mime) was, they were following the voice of
Paris around the garden.
At last Paris heard the sound of the other (the rest) of the soldiers bursting into the home. At
the orders of the tribune [i.e. high-ranking officer] the flames were extinguished quickly. In a
short time the whole home was full with soldiers. At last (finally) Paris understood how much
danger he was in but even then he despaired (gave up) not at all.
In the garden middle stood an extremely old tree which hung over the roof of the home. As
soon as the soldiers entered the garden, Paris climbed the tree. From here he tried to jump
onto the roof. He jumped, but the tiles of the roof were slippery. For a short time he stood on
the edge of the roof; then he fell headlong to the ground.
Meanwhile Domitia, who had gone out through the back gate with no one seeing, remained
(stayed) near the house while (until) Paris might come to herself. However with the body of his
having fallen, the crash was so great that it even arrived at the ears of Domitia. Who out of
her mind (in a frenzy) with fear and careless (taking no notice of) her life, she turned back
(returned) into the garden. When she saw the body of Paris lying on the ground, having been
overcome with pain (grief) she hurled (threw) herself onto him and gave many kisses to him.
Goodbye, my darling, good bye!
The tribune [i.e. high-ranking officer] approached (went up to her). He ordered Domitia to
be escorted to the palace. He himself brought back (carried, delivered) the having been cut
off head of the dancer (mime) to Epaphrodtus.
cursed. Then out of his mind (in a frenzy) he broke his pipes, having spoken these words:
I shall never again play the pipes until Salvius perishes [lit. Salvius will have died].