The Pillage Of Rome (The Play) Part 1
The Pillage of Rome (The Play)
Written by Lorient Montaner
(Contents)
Dramatis Personae ix.
ACT I
ACT II
ACT III
ACT IV
ACT V
Dramatis Personae
HONORIUS–The Roman Emperor of the Western Empire
ALARIC–The king of the Visigoths
ATAULF–The brother-in-law of Alaric
POPE INNOCENT I–The Pope of Rome
ATTALUS–A Roman usurper
JOVIUS–The praetorian prefect of Italy
HERACLIAN–The governor of the province of Africa
OLYMPIUS–The magister officiorum
LIVIANUS–A minister of Honorius
CAELIUS–A Roman Senator
HILARIUS–A Roman Senator
GAIUS–A Roman Senator
DOMITIUS–A Roman Senator
VIDERIC–A warrior of Alaric
HELDEBALD–A warrior of Alaric
GALLA PLACIDIA–The paternal half-sister of Emperors Arcadius and Honorius
PELAGIUS–A Roman monk from Britain who witnessed the siege of Rome
ENVOY–A diplomat
THE EUNUCHS–Male servants
The scenes take place in Ravenna and Rome, in the years AD 409 and 410.
ACT I
SCENE I
At the court of the Imperial Palace in Ravenna.
An envoy from the Senate has arrived to speak to Emperor Honorius.
ENVOY
Emperor, I thank thee for accepting my visit and granting my petition to appear before thee at court. I come on behalf of the members of the Senate in Rome, who have despatched me.
HONORIUS
I am a busy emperor and, regrettably, all my time is consumed with the administration of the Roman Empire. What precisely is the aim of the Senate in Rome?
ENVOY
The Senate would encourage thee, Emperor, to come to terms with the Goths and to offer Roman aristocratic children as hostages, as assurance of our compliance.
HONORIUS
Now that I am apprised of the Senate’s intention, let me respond by asking: what benefit doth I gain from this visible acquiescence? Have the members of the Senate forgotten that the Goths have repeatedly broken their treaties? Their words are more perilous than their foolhardy actions.
ENVOY
Verily, I believe that through appeasement, we could avoid another siege of the city of Rome, noble Emperor.
HONORIUS
Rome, thou utterest is naught but a fading vestige of the reverence once held for ancient emperors.
ENVOY
Perhaps! Nevertheless, thou hast a duty to protect the city from the contemptible Goths.
HONORIUS
The Goths have rebelled, looted, and pillaged throughout the eastern Balkans. Why should they now desist, having already laid siege to venerable Rome?
ENVOY
Forsooth! But the Senate’s intent is to avoid, at all costs, the sacking of the city once more.
HONORIUS
And naturally, the senators consider the welfare of the citizens of Rome—when their own interests are suddenly imperilled.
ENVOY
Thou knowest, Emperor, that the city of Rome cannot endure another barbaric assault from the Goths. ’Twould be perceived as an utter sign of weakness on our part.
HONORIUS
’Twould be more a sign of weakness if we allowed the Goths to presume superiority over us.
ENVOY
Would it not be prudent, Emperor, not to provoke the Goths so transparently?
HONORIUS
What art thou insinuating?
ENVOY
I am merely stating that we have not yet rid ourselves of them, nor of their erratic behaviour.
HONORIUS
The Goths are not to be trusted, especially when attempting to reason with them.
ENVOY
I concur, Emperor, but time is precious, and we must prepare for the possible recurrence of the sack of Rome. The members of the Senate remain at thy service to preserve the Empire.
HONORIUS
And I, the Emperor? Have the senators forgotten their young emperor in Ravenna?
ENVOY
Of course not! Why dost thou voice such a disquieting reproach against us?
HONORIUS
I have the impression that the Senate doeth not regard mine authority with the reverence it merits.
ENVOY
I would respectfully suggest, Emperor, that thou art in need of the Senate—as the Senate is of thee.
HONORIUS
Then return to the senators in Rome and inform them that I shall not be swayed to grant their petitions without the Pope’s consent.
SCENE II
In one of the halls of the Imperial Court.
Honorius has summoned Olympius to discuss the envoy’s visit.
OLYMPIUS
Emperor, I came as swiftly as I could! What hast prompted this sudden urgency?
HONORIUS
I summoned thee to speak of the envoy sent by the Senate.
OLYMPIUS
What are the senators demanding now?
HONORIUS
It seemeth the senators wish me to grant further concessions to the odious Goths.
OLYMPIUS
May I ask—what specific concessions?
HONORIUS
That is of no importance! It is the sheer audacity of Alaric that hath most vexed me.
OLYMPIUS
Then what dost thou intend to do?
HONORIUS
I shall declare war upon the perfidious Goths!
OLYMPIUS
Forgive me, Emperor, but art thou aware of the gravity of such a bold proclamation?
HONORIUS
Indeed, I am! That is my justification for seeking the eradication of Alaric and his followers. Thou wert appointed magister officiorum, replacing Stilicho in the line of succession. I am aware of thy disdain for the Goths and thy obsession with purging Stilicho’s former supporters.
OLYMPIUS
Truly, I am honoured by such a noble position in thy government. What dost thou require of me?
HONORIUS
For now, only thy obedience! Thou shalt rid the Empire of all allied barbarian foederati soldiers and their families residing in Roman cities. Is that clearly understood?
OLYMPIUS
Aye, my Emperor!
HONORIUS
Excellent! Then I shall await tidings of the elimination of these vulgar miscreants.
OLYMPIUS
By all means, the task shall be accomplished shortly.
HONORIUS
Do not fail me, Olympius! I granted thee great power—but I can as readily revoke it, without warning or justification.
OLYMPIUS
I shall never forget that natural distinction, Emperor!
HONORIUS
If thou remain loyal, Olympius, I shall reward thee generously in due time.
OLYMPIUS
I shall offer thee my loyalty unconditionally.
HONORIUS
Thou art dismissed! I must attend to other matters. Before thou goest, know that I have despatched Valens to hinder the Goths’ advance from Noricum.
SCENE III.
Outside the city of Noricum.
Alaric has been informed of the Roman campaign against the Goths. He speaks with his second-in-command, Videric.
ALARIC.
Art thou certain that no further Roman legions have been sighted in the surrounding area?
VIDERIC.
None have been observed, my lord. Our surviving men report that the Roman leading the campaign is named Olympius.
ALARIC.
I know of him well, and I know the Romans better still — they shall not cease until we are utterly destroyed.
VIDERIC.
What course shall we now take, my king?
ALARIC.
I shall demand of Honorius hostages, gold, and permission for our people to settle in Pannonia.
VIDERIC.
And if he refuseth to grant these demands?
ALARIC.
Then we shall invade Rome ere long!
VIDERIC.
Shall the Romans truly allow Rome to be invaded once more?
ALARIC.
The better question is — shall we be compelled to sack Rome not twice, but thrice?
VIDERIC.
Is it possible the Romans prepare even now to strike again, luring us into some hidden trap?
ALARIC.
Perhaps. Then we shall await their ambush and be ready.
VIDERIC.
Our people are weary of the broken promises made by the Romans.
ALARIC.
Tell them that the Romans shall soon yield to our demands. They must place their trust in my earnest words of faith and troth.
VIDERIC.
Thou art their leader, and they shall follow thee to Rome or Ravenna if need be, my king.
ALARIC.
I doubt not their loyalty nor their devotion, yet we must proceed with great caution.
VIDERIC.
They shall march with glory in their hearts and spirits!
ALARIC.
I know Honorius as I knew his father and brother. Though he cannot be trusted, he fears the Goths. I was once the magister militum per Illyricum.
VIDERIC.
Yet thou wert betrayed in the end by the Romans.
ALARIC.
Aye. But let this be the last betrayal I suffer at their hands.
VIDERIC.
The people see thee as our leader — and a valiant king.
SCENE IV.
In the Senate building in Rome.
The Senate has received word of Alaric’s approach. Several prominent senators have gathered to discuss the Gothic threat and hear the report of their envoy.
CAELIUS.
What response hath the young emperor made to our petition?
ENVOY.
I regret to inform you, noble senator, that the emperor intendeth to wage war against the Goths.
GAIUS.
Are we to understand, then, that the emperor hath chosen war against the terrifying Goths?
ENVOY.
Aye. That is the message he made most clear.
HILARIUS.
What rash reason compeleth him to such haste in declaring war upon these savage foes?
ENVOY.
Alas, the emperor did not disclose his chief motive to me.
The envoy is dismissed. The three senators continue in private.
CAELIUS.
The emperor’s reckless urgency is deeply troubling.
GAIUS.
I know not who is the more impetuous — he or Alaric.
HILARIUS.
Honorius, by virtue of his inexperience, may doom us to the ruinous weight of the Vandals, Suebi, Alans, and Visigoths.
CAELIUS.
Let us hope it come not to that. Yet we must recognise the might of the Goths. Recent events remind us never to underestimate their vengeance.
GAIUS.
How then are we to thwart their relentless wrath?
HILARIUS.
Simply put, we must persuade the emperor that the sacking of Rome shall ensure the complete collapse of the Western Empire.
GAIUS.
And if that faileth to convince him, what then is to be our next recourse?
CAELIUS.
Reluctantly, we must involve the Pope.
GAIUS.
What dost thou mean by involving the Pope?
HILARIUS.
Why would the Pope be willing to entreat with the emperor?
CAELIUS.
Because the Pope’s very authority is imperilled by the imminent arrival of the Goths at Rome.
HILARIUS.
But surely the Pope may strike his own accord with the Goths?
CAELIUS.
True, yet he is mindful of the instability in the empire. If Honorius appeareth even more feeble in the eyes of the Goths, it signaleth grave weakness in Roman strength and dignity.
HILARIUS.
Alaric’s havoc in Epirus and the untimely death of Arcadius still haunteth us as signs of the cruel nature of the Gothic king. A vast tribute may be our only recourse.
HILARIUS.
Alaric is no fool. He may be placated with treasure or new lands.
CAELIUS.
For now, my foremost concern lieth not with him, but with the irrational temper of the emperor.
SCENE V.
At the basilica in Rome.
The Pope has received a letter from the Senate informing him of the imminent peril of the Goths to Rome. He has summoned Caelius to appear before him.
POPE INNOCENT I.
I was surprised by that letter, and more by the fact that thou hast deemed this threat of the Goths a most grievous matter to address. That is the chief reason I have summoned thee today, Senator.
CAELIUS.
Then thou knowest of our mutual interest—to convince the Emperor of a necessary treaty with the Goths.
POPE INNOCENT I.
Why should this concern the Papacy, since I can easily escape the city, Senator?
CAELIUS.
With all due respect, my noble lord, if we allow the Goths to pillage Rome anew, then the end of our great civilisation and ancestral empire shall surely come. The Catholic Church too is at risk of perishing!
POPE INNOCENT I.
Art thou not exaggerating somewhat? The Roman Empire hath survived barbarians before, and it shall continue to exist in some form. As for the Church, it can survive beyond the bounds of Rome.
CAELIUS.
I would respectfully dispute that assertion!
POPE INNOCENT I.
Then be frank in thine objection, so that I may truly understand thy words clearly!
CAELIUS.
As we converse here, the Goths are scheming to enter Rome as an enemy force. Hast thou forgotten what Alaric is capable of? Hast thou forgotten his savage plundering of the Eastern Empire—the Greek cities of Piraeus, Corinth, Argos, and Sparta?
POPE INNOCENT I.
The Goths can be reasoned with. They are not untamed savages when political office is granted them. Alaric was once a general in the Roman legions. Thus, the Emperor may be reasoned with as well.
CAELIUS.
That is precisely why I sensed that such an argument would be better received by thee than by the members of the Senate.
POPE INNOCENT I.
Thy point is understood. If I must be the messenger of that proposal, then I shall gladly assist in that important endeavour.
CAELIUS.
I knew thou wouldst grasp the dire predicament with which Rome is now confronted.
POPE INNOCENT I.
Indeed, there is a shared interest between the Senate and the Papacy—defeating the Goths.
CAELIUS.
I would hope that this common interest, as thou hast professed, might be extended to other matters of importance as well.
POPE INNOCENT I.
I am hopeful that it shall be so, in time.
CAELIUS.
We have a common foe—that is Alaric and his untamed Goths. Whatever differences exist between the Emperor and ourselves must be set aside for now.
POPE INNOCENT I.
I am in full agreement with that analogy.
CAELIUS.
Stilicho governed the Western Empire effectively and was able to control the Goths, and in particular, Alaric.
POPE INNOCENT I.
But Stilicho is dead. He was undoubtedly more adept as a politician than as a general.
CAELIUS.
When Alaric marched into Epirus, Stilicho failed to dispatch him.
POPE INNOCENT I.
True. Nevertheless, the Emperor had Stilicho executed in Ravenna—without hesitation.
CAELIUS.
We must do what we can to persuade the Emperor not to go to war with Alaric and the Goths.
SCENE VI.
At Ariminum.
Alaric and his Visigoths sack the city and continue their march southward towards Rome. A warrior of the Goths approaches his king. His name is Heldebald.
HELDEBALD.
Shall the Romans continue to offer such passive resistance as they have in these cities we have conquered, my king?
ALARIC.
I have learnt well from my time amongst them—they are an aristocratic people, proud of their long history and legacy.
HELDEBALD.
I fear the Romans shall never allow our people to live beside them in true peace and harmony.
ALARIC.
I believe in but one thing—that our kingdom shall, one day soon, be an independent nation of Gothic brethren.
HELDEBALD.
I hope that, as a Visigoth, I live to see that glorious day—the culmination of our history.
ALARIC.
Even if we are to perish ultimately at the hands of the Romans, another Gothic king and warrior shall rise to take my place, with honour. Our people shall never bow again to Roman subjugation.
HELDEBALD.
The people place their trust in thee, my king, to lead them to victory over the deceitful Romans.
ALARIC.
I am always grateful for their steadfast devotion—to the cause, and to me, their king.
(Heldebald bows before his king.)
HELDEBALD.
I am thy faithful servant and warrior, ready to carry out whatever thou commandest of me.
ALARIC.
I am well aware of thy loyalty, and I trust my men to fight gallantly by my side.
HELDEBALD.
May thee live a long life of glory, my king.
ALARIC.
We must now concentrate on avoiding weakness before the cunning Romans.
HELDEBALD.
How shall we achieve that, my king?
ALARIC.
By sacking Rome once more. This shall give the Romans the dreadful impression that we can dominate them at will. A lesson they shall not soon forget! They shall grant us our nation—by force, or by fear.
HELDEBALD.
Afterwards, the Romans shall surely seek vengeance upon us!
ALARIC.
I am fully aware of that eventuality—but I know how to make them understand.
HELDEBALD.
There is much about the Romans I fail to comprehend.
ALARIC.
I know them well enough to say—they are not what they once were. I, who was raised by them, shall repay their tutelage with blood and sacrifice.
HELDEBALD.
And how many men shall we gather to enter Rome?
ALARIC.
Enough to lay siege to the city and force the Roman Empire to kneel—before me, a mere Goth—as just punishment.
HELDEBALD.
Then it shall be, as thou hast foreseen.
ALARIC.
The days of bowing to mighty Rome are ended. Soon, they shall bow to us—the Goths, their rulers.
ACT II
SCENE I
At the imperial court of Ravenna.
A second senatorial emissary is sent; this time, Pope Innocent I and several papal guards arrive to persuade the Emperor to establish an immediate treaty with the Goths.
HONORIUS
When I was informed that the Pope had come to visit me, I was indeed surprised by this most unusual revelation.
POPE INNOCENT I
I believe thou art apprised of the principal motive of this visit.
HONORIUS
I believe I am, but if I have forgotten some detail, then pray disclose that pertinent information.
POPE INNOCENT I
I have come, not only on behalf of the Senate, but on behalf of the Church and the Roman people. My visit is not of a convivial nature.
HONORIUS
Since when hast thou become the advocate of the Senate’s members? And as for the Roman people, I am loved in Ravenna and loathed in Rome.
POPE INNOCENT I
If thou professest to me that thou hast no consideration for thy subjects in Rome, then I must enquire: hast thou no regard for the preservation of the Roman Empire which Theodosius, thy proud father, strove to maintain?
HONORIUS
How deferential thou art to the memory of my beloved father. Nevertheless, allow me to interject, with thy permission.
POPE INNOCENT I
Of course.
HONORIUS
I know the Goths well, as I know the growing reputation of Alaric. This same man, who calleth himself king of the Visigoths, betrayed my father unscrupulously. I blame this treacherous man for his death and for sending my poor brother Arcadius to an early grave. Canst thou then understand why I despise these haughty barbarians whom thou darest to defend before me?
POPE INNOCENT I
I have not come to defend these barbarians, but to defend thy subjects and the honour of Rome. Hast thou forgotten that it is dutiful to act righteously, in memory of our great Emperor Constantine?
HONORIUS
And hast thou forgotten that this man Alaric once demanded 288,000 solidi, and threatened to invade Italy if he were denied? If I am not mistaken, this sum equates to the annual property revenue of a single senatorial family. Ask the Senator who came with thee.
DOMITIUS
That is accurate, Emperor. But I must remind thee that thy lavish banquets and feasts are funded by the patricians, of whom I am a distinguished member.
HONORIUS
Since when have the dignified members of the Senate not enjoyed these banquets and feasts at which thou hast been present on numerous occasions, Domitius?
DOMITIUS
Agreed. But whether I have enjoyed them or not is hardly relevant to the matter at hand.
HONORIUS
Ye, the members of the Senate, consider yourselves the elite patricians of the Empire.
POPE INNOCENT I
Gentlemen, must I remind ye of the urgent reason for our gathering today?
HONORIUS
Thou mayest proceed.
POPE INNOCENT I
I thank thee for that gracious gesture, Emperor.
HONORIUS
’Tis not often that the Pope visiteth me.
POPE INNOCENT I
All that is asked of thee is that thou refrain from provoking the Goths into war until we have sufficient men to defend the city.
HONORIUS
Art thou suggesting that we appease and acquiesce to the Goths’ every whim?
DOMITIUS
No one is making such a suggestion. We merely ask that thou grant us time to defend the city of Rome.
HONORIUS
And what shall I gain from this gesture of civility on my part?
POPE INNOCENT I
With all due respect, young Emperor—thine Empire!
SCENE II
At the imperial court of Ravenna.
The Emperor has been informed by one of his eunuchs, Junius, that Ataulf, Alaric’s brother-in-law, has crossed the Julian Alps with his Goths into Italy, intent on joining Alaric’s march on Rome. The Emperor is joined by Olympius.
JUNIUS
Forgive me, Emperor, for the intrusion, but I had to inform thee of this matter of urgency.
HONORIUS
Thou hast interrupted my leisure time for this mundane revelation?
JUNIUS
Nay, my noble Emperor. ’Twas not my intention. However, there is word amongst our spies that the Goths may ultimately march on Ravenna.
HONORIUS
Nonsense! The Goths are brutes, but not fools. They know that sacking Ravenna would accomplish nothing but invoke our lasting wrath.
OLYMPIUS
Perhaps the eunuch hath a point, Emperor.
The eunuch is excused. The Emperor remains alone with Olympius.
HONORIUS
Why should I care for the city of Rome or Mediolanum, for that matter?
OLYMPIUS
Because thou mayest meet the same fate as Gainas—with thine head sent as a gift to Alaric.
HONORIUS
Art thou serious, Olympius?
OLYMPIUS
That is a terrible possibility, Emperor.
HONORIUS
I shudder with immutable horror at such a dreadful thought. What dost thou suggest I do to prevent that eventuality?
OLYMPIUS
The unseemly behaviour of the Goths can be tamed.
HONORIUS
How, I should like to know, since most of them are not civil men, as we are?
OLYMPIUS
From what I understand of this Alaric, he is demanding a nation for his people. Let us make him believe he shall have it.
HONORIUS
He dareth to call himself the mighty king of the Visigoths.
OLYMPIUS
Then let us beguile him into continuing that belief.
HONORIUS
I had confided in Stilicho, and he betrayed me. If there is amongst the inflexible Goths a dignitary, then perchance it is Alaric.
OLYMPIUS
We cannot overlook the fact that he once served as a soldier, then a general, in the Roman army under thy father's rule.
HONORIUS
All I desire in the end is the complete submission of the Goths, since I cannot destroy them as I wish. War is all they understand!
OLYMPIUS
I agree—but let us not stain our hands with unnecessary blood when we have mercenaries to do our bidding.
HONORIUS
Whom dost thou have in mind?
OLYMPIUS
The Huns. They can subdue the insolence of the Goths.
HONORIUS
I shall ponder thy suggestion accordingly.
SCENE III.
Near the city of Pisa.
(Ataulf and Alaric discuss their new demands and established position.)
ALARIC.
We have gathered more men along our march to Rome. With thy warriors, we have amassed a great host to intimidate the Romans.
ATAULF.
The question is—shall it be enough to make them capitulate willingly to the demands we have indicated?
ALARIC.
I believe that if we display our strength in numbers, then the Emperor shall acquiesce. He would seem defiant, but Honorius is weak. Stilicho is no longer there to protect him.
ATAULF.
Then why do we not march on to Ravenna and dethrone him—or execute him?
ALARIC.
Though that coward deserveth such a fate, I cannot yet afford to kill him—not until I know what he is planning.
ATAULF.
Why not?
ALARIC.
Because he is but a puppet, easily manipulated. Were I to kill him, who would then ascend the throne in his place—someone we can trust? I dare not entrust any man with such singular power!
ATAULF.
Thou couldst replace him—as Emperor of the Roman Empire.
ALARIC.
I do not wish to be Emperor of the Roman Empire. I am King of the Visigoths, and naught more do I aspire to in rank or in life.
ATAULF.
But we shall require the aid of Rome's enemies to compel the Romans to comply and respect any treaties made.
ALARIC.
We must outwit Honorius, as we did the Eastern Emperor, Arcadius.
ATAULF.
How long, thinkest thou, before Emperor Honorius shall succumb to our demands?
ALARIC.
As long as it shall take! Once we have plundered Rome, he will no longer hesitate—for he will know the dire consequences to his empire.
ATAULF.
I agree—and we shall be there to persuade him, if necessary.
ALARIC.
The situation demandeth action. We shall greet the Romans in Rome—with a Gothic festivity they shall remember for generations.
(Alaric turns to address his warriors.)
ATAULF.
The men are inspired by thee, Alaric.
ALARIC.
Ye brave warriors of the Visigoths, I am honoured to serve thee and to be thy king. What we embark upon shall not end at Rome—instead, it shall mark a new beginning for our people.
I swear, as I stand before thee, that our kingdom shall not remain a vision, but shall become an attainable reality. Our cause shall not be in vain, nor shall the sacrifice of any who fall.
We are a glorious people, and generations of Visigoths shall remember our struggle for a homeland! We descend from the noble Balti dynasty of the Tervingian Goths!
ATAULF.
May the glory of thy kingdom be triumphant over thy foes, including the unworthy Romans!
ALARIC.
Long live the Visigoths!
ATAULF.
Long live Alaric!
(The men raise their voices in the same vociferous cry.)
SCENE IV.
The Hall of the Imperial Court of Honorius at Ravenna.
(The Emperor has replaced Olympius with Jovius as Praetorian Prefect of Italy. In a formal ceremony, Jovius is granted the title of Patrician and becomes the power behind the throne.)
HONORIUS.
Now that thou hast been formally granted this position, I expect thee to administrate the tedious affairs of the empire, Jovius.
JOVIUS.
I am grateful for the privilege thou hast afforded me. I shall not betray thy trust, noble Emperor.
HONORIUS.
I can imagine nothing more entertaining than to declare war on the Goths. The thought of Alaric’s head served to me on a silver platter is most pleasing.
JOVIUS.
Let us not get carried away by the details of their demise. Instead, we should concern ourselves, Emperor, with the defence of Ravenna and Rome.
HONORIUS.
Dost thou truly believe that Alaric is bold enough to march on Rome—and then Ravenna—with his band of barbarians he dareth call warriors?
JOVIUS.
Whether or not it is probable, we must act with caution in our decisions.
HONORIUS.
Thou mayest dwell upon such possibilities. I shall indulge myself in the luxuries of my birthright.
JOVIUS.
We shall convince the Huns that 'tis in their interest to fight against the Goths.
HONORIUS.
I entrust thee, Jovius, to deal with Alaric, for thou knowest him well. At the very least, delay his advance until we know more of his intentions.
JOVIUS.
Then dost thou intend to defend the city of Rome?
HONORIUS.
I could care less for Rome. I did send five legions from Dalmatia—six thousand men—under the command of Valens to garrison the city. But Valens failed me utterly. Now I shall send thee with an army to negotiate with the barbarians. Truly, all I care for is the utter elimination of the Goths. Let them ransack Rome and pilfer its wretched pelf—so long as we can encircle them and then annihilate them.
JOVIUS.
Let us drink to their final defeat!
HONORIUS.
Shortly—we shall toast to that and much more!
JOVIUS.
Aye!
HONORIUS.
Enough of this insipid conversation. Let the festivity continue!
JOVIUS.
I agree, Emperor!
HONORIUS.
The night is still young—far too young for the revels to end so promptly.
JOVIUS.
Shall I have more wine brought for the occasion, Emperor?
HONORIUS.
Aye! And more women as well! There is naught more wondrous than the beauty of wine accompanied by women!
JOVIUS.
Thy wish is my command.
HONORIUS.
Then let us toast—to victory!
SCENE V.
At the city of Ariminum, located on the Adriatic Sea.
Alaric arrives in Ariminum to meet Jovius and present his latest demands.
ALARIC.
Jovius, my old friend and comrade-in-arms.
JOVIUS.
Alaric, how I regret that we meet again under such unfortunate circumstances.
ALARIC.
We once fought beneath the same banner of the Roman Empire, yet that empire hath now turned its back on me and cast me aside like a hound rejected by its once-loving master.
JOVIUS.
Thou knowest full well the reason I have come to speak with thee in person.
ALARIC.
Thou hast been sent by Honorius.
JOVIUS.
Indeed! The Emperor hath sent me to learn the terms of thy demands. What is it thou requirest, Alaric?
ALARIC.
I demand yearly tribute in gold and grain, and lands in the provinces of Dalmatia, Noricum, and Venetia for my people.
JOVIUS.
I cannot, at this moment, guarantee that these demands shall be accepted by the Emperor.
ALARIC.
Then what canst thou offer me with any certainty?
JOVIUS.
I can offer thee a post in the Roman office of magister utriusque militiae.
ALARIC.
And how am I to place my trust in an Emperor who hath time and again betrayed my people with his false promises?
JOVIUS.
I claim not to have the answer to that, Alaric. I can only vouch for my own desire to bring an end to this strife between our peoples.
ALARIC.
And what assurance have I that I shall not meet the same grim fate as Stilicho, Turpilio, and Vigilantius?
JOVIUS.
It is simple, Alaric. Join us and become our rightful ally.
ALARIC.
And if I refuse?
JOVIUS.
Then thou shalt remain our foe. Wouldst thou not rather be our ally and help rule the world?
ALARIC.
The world? All I desire is a homeland for my weary people. Tell me, Jovius, is that too much for thy Emperor to grant?
JOVIUS.
I suppose not. Yet again I ask, is it not better to rule the world than govern a nation?
ALARIC.
Not when that world is ruled by tyrants who govern through selfish despotism! Go in peace and tell Honorius that we shall not cease in our struggle until we have a nation of our own.
JOVIUS.
Peace be with thee, Alaric. I shall inform the Emperor of thy demands upon my return. I pray our next meeting shall not be upon the field of battle, but for the making of peace.
ALARIC.
If that be not the case, Jovius, then know this: I shall count thee a foe, and no longer a friend!
SCENE VI.
At the Imperial Court in Ravenna.
The Emperor, with his courtiers, receives a private letter from Jovius informing him of Alaric's demands. He discusses its contents with his minister, Livianus.
LIVIANUS.
Judging by thy countenance, sire, thou seemest troubled.
HONORIUS.
When shall the Goths learn to act as civil men, and not as ungrateful barbarians?
LIVIANUS.
That I cannot answer, yet they shall be driven out of the Empire in time.
HONORIUS.
Of that I have no doubt, Livianus.
LIVIANUS.
If I may speak frankly, sire, I would not dwell too much upon the Goths. Their loyalty may be bought—if not with land, then with gold.
HONORIUS.
A grim declaration, yet one that reflects the truth of our burden.
LIVIANUS.
I dread the day that Ravenna may suffer the same fate as Rome.
HONORIUS.
Worry not. Unlike Rome, Ravenna is nigh impenetrable.
LIVIANUS.
Of that I am certain, my Emperor.
HONORIUS.
Enough of these filthy Goths! Bring me women to delight my eyes and goblets of wine to gladden my heart!
LIVIANUS.
As you command, sire.
(Livianus returns shortly with women and wine. He is then instructed to write a letter to Alaric.)
HONORIUS.
Livianus, before thou departest, I have need of thee to pen a letter addressed to the Visigoth King, Alaric.
LIVIANUS.
What would you have me write, my Emperor?
HONORIUS.
I shall dictate it word for word—and thou shalt write with neither omission nor embellishment.
(Once the letter is finished, Honorius gives further orders.)
HONORIUS.
See that a messenger delivers it to Jovius, who even now waits outside Ariminum for our reply.
LIVIANUS.
I shall have it sent forthwith, so that it may reach the praetorian prefect without delay.
HONORIUS.
The Goths shall have their answer—though it shall not please them.
LIVIANUS.
Shall you require aught else, sire?
HONORIUS.
Not for the present. Thou art dismissed.
LIVIANUS.
I shall take my leave and retire to my chambers.
HONORIUS.
And I shall feast—till nightfall.
ACT 3.
SCENE I.
In the camp of the Goths, near Ariminum.
Jovius has returned to Alaric’s camp, reading the letter sent by Honorius. Alaric receives him, believing Jovius has come to resume negotiations. He shall not be content with the emperor’s response.
ALARIC.
Am I to understand, then, that this is thine emperor’s final reply?
JOVIUS.
Hark, I cannot acknowledge this letter by the emperor as final. Thou art a statesman, Alaric, and thou knowest that nothing is ever final. If thou art willing to accept the emperor’s terms, then we might forge a new and lasting treaty between our peoples.
ALARIC.
He is willing to agree to the annual payment, yet refuseth to grant me command of the Roman army or to give us meaningful lands. Mark well my words: I am king of the Visigoths, not a mere warrior or statesman. Doth thine emperor think me an ignorant fool to be so easily beguiled?
JOVIUS.
What I think matters not, Alaric, but what doth matter is thy people. Dost thou desire to expose thy folk to a bloody war that shall bring them utter desolation and thee defeat? The outcome shall be ill-favoured to thy cause.
ALARIC.
Thy emperor knoweth naught of the immediate plight or concerns of my people. I know him well enough to say his bravery is mere diversion.
JOVIUS.
Wilt thou be so foolish as to lead them to absolute ruin and perdition?
ALARIC.
’Tis better to suffer such things than to endure lingering humiliation.
JOVIUS.
Then thou must prepare thyself, for the suffering of thy people cometh by thine own deeds.
ALARIC.
Tell the people of Rome that they shall suffer more, owing to the pride of their emperor.
JOVIUS.
What wilt thou achieve by the futile sacking of Rome?
ALARIC.
Honorius once consented to pay ransom after the first siege, and I shall make him yield to my demands anew!
JOVIUS.
Thou riskest the emperor’s vengeance with this insolence.
ALARIC.
Is that threat from thee or from thine emperor?
JOVIUS.
Alaric, once thou wert magister militum of Illyricum, a statesman.
ALARIC.
True enough! But that is past. I am now king of the Visigoths!
JOVIUS.
King or not, thou hast fought for Rome and the Empire, and now thou hast betrayed them as a traitor.
ALARIC.
I fought valiantly for the Empire when I was but an impetuous and naive mercenary. Now I am a king, and mine allegiance is to my people, not to Rome nor the Empire.
JOVIUS.
So swiftly hast thou changed thy allegiance, and so blindly wilt thou lead thy people into madness wrought by rage. Where, then, is thy kingdom, Alaric, mighty king of the Visigoths?
ALARIC.
Soon shall I call Italy my kingdom. We are no longer thy subjects! This time, I shall enter Rome beneath a triumphal arch, not Honorius.
JOVIUS.
If so, it shall be seen as an open act of war.
ALARIC.
Unlike at Pollentia and Verona, Stilicho shall not save Rome or the emperor this time.
JOVIUS.
Until we meet again, mine old friend and foreseen enemy.
SCENE II.
At the city of Ariminum.
Alaric has learned that Honorius seeks to recruit 10,000 Huns to fight the Goths.
VIDERICK.
The Huns shall be ruthless against our people, slaughtering them without mercy, my king.
ALARIC.
I do not fear the Huns; they are mercenaries who fight for whoever pays them gold.
VIDERICK.
What shall we do next?
ALARIC.
We shall put pressure upon the emperor until he complies.
VIDERICK.
If he refuses, then what?
ALARIC.
Be patient, Viderick; the Roman emperor is no fool. Like his father and brother, he too hath a price.
VIDERICK.
We cannot disregard the possibility of the Huns’ presence in the Roman ranks.
ALARIC.
I have not dismissed their inclusion, but I have calculated that we must outsmart the Romans.
VIDERICK.
How dost thou hope to achieve that?
ALARIC.
I shall gather a group of Roman bishops and send them to Honorius with new terms. I no longer demand a Roman office or tribute in gold; I shall only ask for lands in Noricum for now.
VIDERICK.
Will the Roman emperor acquiesce to these demands?
ALARIC.
He shall have no choice once he realises we can lay siege to Ravenna.
VIDERICK.
I trust not this emperor; his actions are deceitful.
ALARIC.
I think I now understand whom I deal with in these negotiations.
VIDERICK.
How long must we wait for the emperor’s decision, my king?
ALARIC.
I cannot say precisely, but I hope he doth not delay.
VIDERICK.
If the emperor calls upon the Huns, we shall need more warriors to face them.
ALARIC.
Indeed. Yet we shall strike fear into the Romans before Honorius can act.
VIDERICK.
So, we shall strike Rome before the Huns strike us.
ALARIC.
That is the plan, and I am confident it shall not fail in part or in whole.
SCENE III.
At the Imperial Court at Ravenna.
Jovius has returned to Ravenna. Honorius rejects Alaric’s new demands and declares war upon Alaric and the Goths.
HONORIUS.
How doth Alaric dare to impose upon me yet more demands? ’Tis a blatant act of disrespect and disloyalty. I have grown weary of being deemed inferior to the Goths. I shall not be subservient to their needs nor merciful to them. Upon this day, I shall issue the proclamation of war against the Goths.
JOVIUS.
Art thou aware of what this sudden proclamation shall signify to the Goths, Emperor?
HONORIUS.
Indeed! Alaric hath been a burden to the Roman Empire. He dared to defy my father and my brother, but he shall not intimidate me any longer!
JOVIUS.
I know him well, and he cannot be easily manipulated. Rather, he can be persuaded. We must take calculated measures in our definite actions.
HONORIUS.
Rest assured, I shall deal with him accordingly. This declaration shall either antagonise him or compel him to surrender to me. I want him to kneel before me in total submission to mine authority.
JOVIUS.
I pledge to thee, my sovereign Emperor, that I shall defeat Alaric if he attempts to destroy the Empire.
HONORIUS.
I entrust thee with the army of the Roman Legions. I warn thee, Jovius, do not fail me, as Olympius did.
JOVIUS.
I swear I shall not fail thee, Emperor!
HONORIUS.
I cannot afford to dismiss the presence of the Senate, but the diminution of their influence might benefit me, should Rome be sacked by the Goths.
JOVIUS.
Then thou art prepared to permit the Goths to pillage Rome?
HONORIUS.
If I must grant Alaric the spoils of war, let it be Rome and not Ravenna.
JOVIUS.
And what of the army of the Huns?
HONORIUS.
The Huns shall tear the Goths to pieces and slaughter them.
JOVIUS.
If we cannot dissuade Alaric with the Huns, then we shall face them in the field and destroy them.
HONORIUS.
Do whatever thou must to defeat the Goths!
JOVIUS.
Aye, Emperor!
HONORIUS.
I am tired of this conversation. Thou art excused, Jovius.
Jovius bows in reverence and departs the court.
JOVIUS.
I shall keep thee informed, Emperor.
HONORIUS.
I shall be awaiting thy tidings.
JOVIUS.
Long live the Emperor!
SCENE IV.
Alaric sends a solemn embassy of the bishops of Rome, moderating his terms, but his dire warning is unheeded. He then hastily seizes the port of Ostia.
VIDERIC.
Ostia hath fallen, my king!
ALARIC.
Rome shall be the next city to fall under our control.
VIDERIC.
Shall I tell the men to march on to Rome?
ALARIC.
Nay! We shall rest and resume the march to Rome on the morrow.
VIDERIC.
I shall inform the men, and they shall be ready for the march to Rome!
ALARIC.
Let us rest and enjoy the spoils of Ostia this day.
VIDERIC.
The Romans underestimated our strength, my king.
ALARIC.
And our tenacity and will.
VIDERIC.
Hast thou thought on what we might encounter upon reaching the city of Rome?
ALARIC.
If ’tis as the previous time, then mine expectations are of weak resistance from the Romans.
VIDERIC.
And the Huns?
ALARIC.
We shall see if they have materialised, as Honorius hath threatened.
VIDERIC.
The Huns are not to be dismissed lightly. They are formidable opponents.
ALARIC.
On the contrary, I do not underestimate their capacity.
VIDERIC.
If we must advance upon Ravenna, then the men shall follow thee valiantly.
ALARIC.
Patience, Videric. First, there is Rome to pillage. Then, if need be, we shall conquer Ravenna!
VIDERIC.
And the rest of the Roman Empire!
ALARIC.
I care not for the Roman Empire. I care only for our kingdom.
VIDERIC.
Long live that kingdom!
ALARIC.
May we live to see the promising fruition of its dominion!
SCENE V.
At the gates of Rome, Attalus, the Prefect of the City, is invested with the imperial purple. It is the first time in nearly 800 years that Rome has fallen ingloriously, since it fell to the Gauls under their leader Brennus in 390 B.C.
Alaric compels the Senate to proclaim Attalus the new temporary emperor. Faced with the return of starvation and disease, the members of the Senate meet with Alaric.
ALARIC.
The legendary city of Rome hath fallen, and it hath, upon this day, a new emperor — the Emperor Attalus.
SENATOR.
I am Caelius, the highest-ranking member of the Senate, and I speak on behalf of its governing body.
ALARIC.
I demand to appoint one of mine own as emperor to rival Honorius. He shall instigate the election of the elder Priscus Attalus to that end — a pagan, who shall permit himself to be baptised.
CAELIUS.
Is that all thou demandest of us?
ALARIC.
I shall be made magister utriusque militiae, and my brother-in-law Ataulf shall be granted the post of comes domesticorum equitum in the new, rival government. Once this is accomplished, the siege shall be lifted thereafter.
CAELIUS.
If the members of the Senate grant thee these requests, how am I to know thou speakest the truth?
ALARIC.
Hitherto I promise thee nothing. Instead, I offer the people of Rome life. That is more than thy emperor hath promised mine own people, these many years.
CAELIUS.
And how do we know thou shalt not invade Rome again?
ALARIC.
Thou shalt not know. But I suggest that the people of Rome leave the city, just in case.
CAELIUS.
Wherefore?
ALARIC.
Because I shall not be so lenient — nor shall my men — the next time.
CAELIUS.
Am I to understand those words as a serious threat?
ALARIC.
Thou canst interpret them as thou pleasest. ’Tis not I who stands at a clear disadvantage, Senator.
CAELIUS.
Honorius shall not accept the usurper thou hast placed upon the throne.
ALARIC.
I do not believe he is presently in any position to do anything.
CAELIUS.
Thou shalt only enrage him further.
ALARIC.
We shall see whether Honorius is brave enough to meet me on the battlefield.
CAELIUS.
I do not know who is more brazen — Honorius or thee, Alaric.
ALARIC.
I wonder, if thou hadst to choose between me and the tyrant in Ravenna, whom wouldst thou choose, Senator?
CAELIUS.
Verily, I suppose if I were forced to choose, I would choose the lesser evil — without a doubt.
For more features, such as favoriting, recommending, and reviewing, please go to the full version of this story.