Full resolution (JPEG) - On this page / på denna sida - The Roman Emperors in Marble - 3. Caligula
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50 ROMAN DA YS.
Egypt the year’s provision of corn for the metropolis of
the world, were collected, placed in order, bound to their
anchors in a double row, and were buried in a dike of
earth, which was laid with hewn stone, and furnished
with sidewalks and milestones. Stations for imperial
couriers, and taverns for thirsty travellers must not be
lacking, either. Within a few days, Caesar’s will and the
architect’s regard for his own .head, had conjured forth
this wonder, by the side of which Xerxes* bridge over the
Hellespont was a trifle. But the grandest part of it all,
was that the work was of no use. Utility is the object of
the undertakings of every mortal man, ripened to the
prose of life ; but children and gods are elevated above
this. When a god does a great deed, it is but play to
him. The day of dedication came. The visitors at the
bath wondered in what costume, or rather as what divin-
ity, Caius would make his appearance. Perhaps as Aph-
rodite? The fair Caius had often been seen in the
attire of the goddess of love. Or as Jupiter, with a false
beard, gilded, and a sheaf of thunderbolts in his hand?
Or as Neptune, with trident and the look so well coun-
terfeited by Caesar: Qiios ego— / Or, mayhap, as a
being between god and man, in pemila sprinkled with
gems ? These were the idlers’ questions, and the sub-
stance of their bets ; for dressed as a Roman, or even as
a human being, Caius had not been seen since he had
removed to the Palatine. But this time all had guessed
wrong. They had forgotten that Caius was now busy
with thoughts of battles in Germany. He came mounted,
clad in a Greek mantle embroidered with gold, with sword
by his side, and a shield of Spanish leather hanging from
a strap over his shoulder. A division of the praetorian
guard followed him. He points to Puteoli, gallops on over
the bridge, and after a sham siege of the city, returns’in
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