Roma Mater (2011)
“That evening the Fire Fountain was kindled in the Forum. Its jets and cascades of flame would make luminous the next six nights, for which the Nine had promised fine weather – part of the celebrations, both solemn and sportive, that would give thanks for victory.
In certain houses happiness was absent. Among them were those which had lost a man in battle. Some other people had their different misgivings.
At sunrise Gratillonius left the palace. He did not seek the gate for its ceremonious unloc...king; the waves were still running too high. Instead he went alone, in a hooded cloak, unrecognized by such few persons as were abroad this early, to the Forum. Oil to the fountain was turned off just as he came on to the plaza; a little smoke lent acridity to remnant mists.
Mounting the west stairs of the former temple of Mars, he heard the voice of Eucherius the Christian pastor quaver out of a bronze door left ajar. He frowned and halted. Evidently the daily Mass was not over yet. He recognized the blessing that followed Communion, having caught snatches of Christian liturgy throughout his life.MoreLess
In certain houses happiness was absent. Among them were those which had lost a man in battle. Some other people had their different misgivings.
At sunrise Gratillonius left the palace. He did not seek the gate for its ceremonious unloc...king; the waves were still running too high. Instead he went alone, in a hooded cloak, unrecognized by such few persons as were abroad this early, to the Forum. Oil to the fountain was turned off just as he came on to the plaza; a little smoke lent acridity to remnant mists.
Mounting the west stairs of the former temple of Mars, he heard the voice of Eucherius the Christian pastor quaver out of a bronze door left ajar. He frowned and halted. Evidently the daily Mass was not over yet. He recognized the blessing that followed Communion, having caught snatches of Christian liturgy throughout his life.MoreLess
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