William Watson
Palantine
Hill seemed especially bright and cheerful today as Tiberius sauntered down the
path towards the forum. He had just been freed by virtue of his age, and he
simply could not be happier. Though he was older now, he walked more bounce in
his step than he ever did in his youth. As the sun rose in his view he could
not help but think that perhaps his real life was just now beginning.
He had
skipped breakfast at the villa but brought it with him instead. As he pulled
out some bread and cheese to eat while walking, he thought about his plans for
the day. First thing he planned to do was to buy a fresh new toga, one fitting
for a freedman. His current one was a bit worn and dull, and though it had lots
of life left in it, he felt that it was a mark of his old life that had no
place in his new one. Ah, his sandals too. He should get new ones if prices
were right.
The Via
Sacra was especially busy today, but Tiberius paid no mind. As he strolled
along, he stopped to purchase some grapes and some wine to quench his thirst.
His acquaintances at the market were all aware of the good news already, but he
shared it with them again all the same. As he walked along the road a sudden
thought popped into his mind that perhaps he could even begin some schooling.
He had always admired the great minds of individuals like Cicero, whose
rhetoric was dazzling and whose wit was sharp. When he was a child he too had
aspirations of becoming a scholar whose intellect was unmatched throughout the
lands. Though he had wised up in his age he still felt the urges of becoming a
learned individual. Perhaps after he found a source of income he could think
about getting a tutor for language and the mathematics.
Suddenly a
loud crowd interrupted his thoughts. What was everyone doing and cheering
about? And then it hit him: Caesar was back from another campaign! Oh the new
toga and sandals could wait, this was his first opportunity to participate in
and enjoy the festivities of a triumph, and he was not about to miss it.
