It was a beautiful day in Rome, yet the Emperor was upset. Grain imports from Egypt were down, which agitated the poor. In the east, the Parthians were up to their old tricks. Worse, on the northern frontier, the Germanic tribes were restless and on the move.
That Sunday, the Emperor sought some relief in his box in the Coliseum. With him was Senator Pompus from a distinguished patrician family. Occasionally, the Emperor allowed others in his box. The lions had been going after the Christians.
“What a mess,” observed the Emperor.
“Do you mean on the German frontier? Or that the Britons are revolting?” The Senator never liked the Britons.
“No. I mean, look what the lions’ve done.”
It was true. The lions were not merely blood-thirsty but filthy.
The Coliseum was an architectural wonder. The royal box was resplendent with plush cushions and carpets.
Now came the gladiatorial combatants.
One after another defeated gladiator appealed to the Emperor for mercy. And to each, the dour Emperor gave a thumbs down.
“You’re pretty rough today,” mentioned the Senator after a ninth gladiator was condemned.
“I don’t know. But until things change…”
“Change?”
“Let’s say we finally get some decent grain.”
“Who knows when that’s going to be?”
“Exactly. So, for now, just giving a thumbs down to everyone makes me feel a little better.”
The next gladiator appealed for his life. Finally, the Emperor smiled.
David Sydney is a physician. He writes fiction both in and out of the Electronic Health Record.