Chapter 4 Chapter 3 Venus Hotel

In one of the most remote, narrowest, and dirtiest streets in the Esquevelling district, there is a tavern.This hotel is located in the old Servius.On the side of the city wall built in the era of Dulius, it is open for business day and night, and its main business hours are especially at night.The name of the hotel is Libikina.Venus, or Venus, the Goddess of Funeral, is the goddess of death, funerals, and the dead.The reason why this hotel has such a name is probably related to its nearby location.To one side of the hotel is a small cemetery for civilian burials.There are many small graves, which always emit a stench because the dead are buried in a mess; and on the other side of the hotel, there is a wasteland that stretches all the way to the Sestels Trading Hall.The corpses of servants, slaves, and the destitute poor were thrown here; wolves and vultures feasted on them.The putrid stench of this dreary wasteland affected the air all around.But fifty years later, Massena, a rich man with appalling wealth, opened several famous orchards and vegetable gardens on this wasteland that had become very fertile due to countless corpses; As one can imagine, those gardens yielded an exceedingly rich harvest.Those orchards and vegetable gardens brought to their master's table the delicious vegetables and rare fruits that grew on the fertile soil of the flesh and blood of the plebeian classes.

There is a signboard with a picture of the goddess Venus hanging at the door of the hotel, but the image of the god in the painting is not so much like the goddess of beauty, it is better to say that she looks like the multifaceted nemesis Meghera, which is obviously from a The handiwork of a down-and-out bad painter.A little lamp, blown to and fro by the wind, shone upon the poor Venus, but this did not in the least attract one to look at it more closely.But in any case, this low light is enough to call the attention of passers-by, and draw them to the door of the hotel nailed with beech branches; More or less expelled some.

As soon as the guest enters through the small, low door and descends steps made of haphazardly stacked stones, he enters a damp, smoky, soot-blackened room. On the right side of the door, there is a stove built against the wall.Bright flames blazed beneath the stove, on which a variety of food was cooked in metal vessels.Among these foods, there are the store's traditional famous dish enema and never-changing meatballs; no one wants to know what the raw materials of the meatballs are.The chef who cooks these foods is the one-eyed Lutaisia, the proprietress and proprietress of this winery.

On one side of the stove, in a small open alcove, stood four small statues of the god Ral, burnt in red clay.That is Grandpa Kitchen God who protects the house.In honor of these cooking gods, there was also a small ever-burning lamp, and several bouquets of flowers and a garland were placed. Beside the stove stood a grimy little table and a little stool, formerly gilded and red-lacquered.This stool was used by the proprietress of the hotel, Lutaisia, when she had spare time in serving guests. Along the walls, to the left and right, and also in front of the stove, stood several old dining tables.Around the table were rough benches and lame square stools.

From the ceiling hung a tin lamp with four bulbs of light in it.The light, together with the blazing fire in the hearth, constantly drove out the darkness that enveloped the cellar. Another door opened in the wall opposite the door that had served as the entrance to the hotel.Inside that door was another smaller and cleaner room.An apparently unashamed painter had, just for the fun of it, painted obscene pictures on the walls of that room.An oil lamp with only one straw in it was lit in the corner, dimly illuminating the room, and only part of the floor and two dining couches could be seen in the half-light.

On November 10, AD 675, an hour after the first torch was lit, the Hotel Venus was particularly crowded.The noise and noise not only filled the entire hotel, but also resounded through the entire alley.One-eyed Lutesia and her soot-black Ethiopian slave were busily trying to satisfy the hungry customers clamoring for them from all directions at the same time. One-eyed Lutetsia, a tall, strong, strong, rosy-cheeked woman of forty-five, with a fair amount of gray in her chestnut hair.She had been a beauty when she was young, but now her pretty face was disfigured by a scar.The scar ran from the temple, across the right eye, to the nose where the alar was destroyed.The eyeball of the right eye is gone, leaving only a shriveled eyelid covering the empty socket.Because of this ugly disfigurement, Lutesia was known for several years as Menocola, which means one-eyed woman.

Speaking of the origin of that scar, I have to mention something that happened a long time ago.Lutaisia ​​was originally the wife of the soldier Rufino.Rufino once followed the Roman legion to Africa to attack King Jugurtha.Fight bravely for more than a year.When Gaius.When Marius defeated King Jugurtha and returned to Rome, Rufino returned with the army.Lutetsia was at her most beautiful at that time, but she did not quite abide by the marriage statutes listed in the Twelve Tables.One day, because the husband was jealous that his wife had an affair with the pig-killing neighbor who lived next door, he drew his dagger and stabbed the butcher to death, and then chopped off his wife's head, trying to teach her to remember The necessity of observing the laws of marriage; and, consequently, the traces of that lesson were forever upon her head.But Lufino thought at the time that he had hacked her to death.He was afraid that he would be arrested and convicted by the magistrate. Killing his wife was nothing at that time, but killing the butcher would be punishable like killing a relative, so he fled in a hurry that night.Later, when the heroic Albinam Gaius.When Marius struck the Teutonic army head-on and relieved Rome near the memorable Thexter River, Rufino followed their admired commander and died in that very battle.

After a few months, when Lutesia's terrible wound was healed at last, she collected her private savings and money sent to her, and put together a modest sum for the purchase of a hotel.She impressed Kundus, the conqueror of the Numidian workers.Cecilius.Medel's generous heart got this humble little house he bestowed on her. But in spite of Lutesia's disfigured face, her courteous manner and jovial disposition attracted many customers, and more than once they got into fights over her. It was the poor who came to the Hotel Venus: carpenters, potters, blacksmiths, some hopelessly drunken gravediggers, circus hercules, the worst mummers and clowns, gladiators, crippled beggars and whores.

But One-Eyed Lutesia was not exacting about her guests, and she did not ask about their details, for this was not the place where moneyholders, knights, and nobles came.Above all, in the eyes of the magnanimous Lutetsia, the sun that hangs high in the sky according to Jupiter's will is alike to the rich and the poor, since there are shops, taverns, and inns for the rich, Then the poor ought to have their own taverns; besides, Lutetia was quite convinced that asses, quatrons, and sesterces from the pockets of some poor man or swindler, There is no difference in the money that the rich city people or the proud nobles put out.

Lutetia, hell, don't you bring the damn meatballs?shouted an old gladiator with scars all over his face and chest. I'll bet Kistels that the meat of the meatball was brought by Ruffini for her from the land of the Eskvelin's family, the flesh of a dead man who had not yet been pecked by the crows.This is the material of the devil's meatballs eaten by Lutai Siyana!cried a beggar who sat beside the old gladiator. There was a loud roar of laughter at the vicious jest of the pretended crippled beggar.But Ruffini the gravedigger, a stocky, stout man with many wine stings, a ruddy but indifferent expression.He seemed displeased with the beggar's joke, so he exclaimed in a vengeful voice:

Listen to me, honest gravedigger, Lutetia: when you make meatballs for this filthy Fan Laine (that's the beggar's name), you tie him with strings to your chest, pretending to be bloody Let's put the piece of stinky beef from the wound in it together.In fact, he didn't have any injuries on his body, it was just to make those merciful people give him more money. This retort was followed by a deafening burst of laughter. Jupiter is not a sluggish man, and will never sleep in the sky; he will send a thunderbolt at once, and you will be reduced to dust at once!At that time, I will go with you, you bottomless stinking winebag! I swear by the black staff of Prudden, the god-king of hell, I'll break your savage face with my fists, and give you several real wounds, so that you can't be deceived; but this Now, beggar, you have the right to beg pity for you. Well, wait, wait, you bastard!The beggar jumped up from his seat, pumped his fists and opened his whole throat, shouting.Wait, then.I will send you to Caron at once.I swear to the wings of Merculis, I'll give you a copper coin from my own money, and I'll stick it in your wolf's tooth, and you stand firm! Stop it, you two beasts!Gaius the strongman in a tall circus troupe.Theulivus, bewildered by the throw of the dice, shouted: Stop, or, I swear to the great god of Olympus, I will make you two collide face to face, Shatter your smelly bones to pieces, and make you like two bundles of ramie combed among the twine! Fortunately, the one-eyed Lutaisia ​​and her female slave, the Ethiopian woman Asur, brought two large bowls full of steaming meatballs and put them on the table.The two largest groups of diners gathered in the hotel immediately rushed towards the basin. The noise stopped immediately.The lucky ones who grabbed the food first swallowed the meatballs with great energy.They found that Lutaisia's cooking skills were indeed very clever.At that moment, some of the guests at the adjacent tables were playing dice and uttering rude and profane curses, while others were talking about the news before them about gladiator fights in the arena.Some of the diners were free citizens, lucky enough to have been to the Colosseum.The miracles they described amazed those who, because they belonged to the slave class, were not allowed to enter the arena to enjoy the performances.Everyone praised in unison, praising Spartacus' bravery and divine power to the sky. Lutesia hurried back and forth, delivering enemas to each table.The Venus Hotel gradually became silent. The first to break the silence was the old gladiator. I have wrestled for twenty-two years in various theaters and arenas, he exclaimed.Yes, I got a lot of holes in my body, and then healed up, but I managed to keep the skin.That is to say, God did not spare me strength and courage.But, I have to tell you, I have never met or seen such a gladiator, strongman and swordsman like the invincible Spartacus! If he was born a Roman, Hercules Gaius.Tymalivus himself was born in Rome, speaking patronizingly.He can become a hero. What a pity he was a savage!One is called Amyrius.cried Valin's handsome lad.The lad was only twenty years old, but his face was already covered with lines, a sure sign of the premature decay of a dissolute life. Ah, what a lucky man Spartacus was!Said a veteran of the Roman legions who fought in Africa.There was a broad gash above his forehead, and one of his feet was lame from the injury.Although he is a deserter, they still gave him freedom!This is really unheard of strange thing!Su La was obviously in a good mood, so she became generous! But the Gladiator boss Akzien hated it to the core!said the old gladiator. Yes, he would cry to everyone, why he was robbed, he was bankrupt, he was finished! What's the matter, his batch of goods sold for a lot of money! Yeah, to tell you the truth, his batch was really good too!Such young lads are getting stronger and stronger every time! Who will argue with you, the shipment was a good one, but two hundred thousand sesterces is a lot of money! What else is there to say!I swear to Jupiter the protector! I swear to Hercules!shouted Hercules.It would be great if you could give me that money!How I longed to taste the powers of gold, and use it to satisfy my desires! you?Don't we?Do you think, Théulives, that the two hundred thousand sesterces we have won will not be used for good? Spending money is easy, but not everyone does it. Only you must not convince me that Sulla had worked so hard to get this money! He made his fortune from the inheritance of the woman in Nicopol When the woman fell in love with Sura, she was already old, but Sura was very young, and even if she wasn't very beautiful, she probably wouldn't be as ugly and scary as she is now. When she died, she promised Su La that she would give him all her property. Sulla was very poor when she was young.I know that Sulla once lived for a long time in a citizen's house and ate and drank.Hercules said.The citizen has an annual income of three thousand sesterces. Sulla received the most spoils when he fought against King Mithridates, and when he besieged and captured Athens.At that time, his fortune increased a lot.Then came the period of persecution, when at Sulla's order seventeen consuls, six magistrates, sixty praetors and tax collectors, three hundred senators, sixteen hundred knights, and seventy thousand citizen!Where do you think all their belongings went?Did it go directly to the treasury?Could it be that Sulla didn't get it at all? If only I could get the smallest share of the money Sulla received during the persecution! But in any case, the well-educated young man Wenmilius.Valin said gloomily that he had a tendency to philosophize that evening.Let Sulla rise from a pauper to a rich man, let him rise from a nobody to dictator of Rome and triumphant marshal, let him erect a golden statue in front of the altar of galleys, and inscribe the lucky man Cornelius.Sulla, the name of the Generalissimo, but in any case, this almighty man is still infected with an incurable disease that neither gold nor medicine can conquer. These words made a deep impression on all the poor people gathered here, and they all shouted in unison: Yes, yes, yes! He deserved it!That used to follow Gaius.cried the crippled veteran who Marius had fought in Africa and admired so much.This is the punishment he deserves!Let him suffer!He is a crazy beast, a monster in human skin!He is responsible for the blood of six thousand Shamnites.They surrendered to Sulla on the condition that he save their lives, but he drove them all to the arena to kill them.When countless sharp arrows were shot at them, the senators gathered in the Senate of Hostilius for a meeting heard the screams of those poor people and jumped up in fright.But Sulla continued his speech very quietly, but coldly called the senators to listen to him attentively, and told them not to pay attention to what happened outside.He said it was just a troop of soldiers on his orders teaching a handful of bad guys. During the massacre in the city of Pleneste, Sulla killed all the poor residents of the city, except those who had paid him homage, no matter men, women, old or young, all in one night, leaving twelve thousand people behind. ! Sulla had ravaged and destroyed the most prosperous cities in Italy: Sulmo, Spoletium, Ingiramna, and Florence, only because the inhabitants of those cities were loyal to Mario and not to him. Hey, my children, shut up!cried Lutesia; she was sitting on a little stool, putting into the pan some rabbit meat which was to be fried.I think you are slandering lucky man dictator Sulla.I forewarn you, let your tongues stop behind your teeth!I don't want anyone to slander the greatest citizen of Rome in my hotel! I see!This one-eyed woman was actually a partisan of Sulla!Oh, you damned woman!cried the veteran. Hello, Metius, growled Ruffini the Gravedigger.How well you speak to our lovely Lutetsia! , I swear to Pei Longna's shield, shut up!What a big joke!How dare a gravedigger teach a war veteran in Africa! No one knew how this new conflict would end; but then suddenly from outside there was a tumult of women's singing.The singing is very out of tune, but the singer obviously thinks he can sing very well. This is Ilaunia.said one of the customers. This is Lucilia. This is Diana. All eyes were on the door, from which came five singing and dancing girls in too short dresses, with rouged faces and bare shoulders.They answered the raucous welcome with very obscene words. But we do not intend to stop at this description of the scene which is brought about by the arrival of the unfortunate girls, but we had better note the eagerness with which Lutesia and her slave girl put the food on the table.According to the food she had prepared, the supper was very rich. Who are you waiting to come to your hotel tonight?Who are you frying those dead cats for and you're going to take them out as rabbit?asked Fan Laine the beggar. You are probably waiting for Marcus.Will Crassus come to dinner? No, she was waiting for the great Pompey! The laughter and ridicule continued, but suddenly, a tall and strong man appeared at the entrance of the hotel. Although his hair had turned gray, his appearance was still very beautiful. O Treponny! Treponny, I wish you well! Welcome, welcome, Treponny!There were sounds from all corners of the hotel at the same time. Treponny was a gladiator owner who closed his gladiatorial school a few years ago and was living off the savings from his lucrative career.But his habits and hobbies kept him among the gladiators.He was a frequent visitor to the cheap inns and taverns in the districts of Esquevelín and Subra, where the dissatisfied with the goddess of fortune always had a noisy pleasure. It is said that although Trepony was proud of being a gladiator and his close relationship with the gladiators, this did not prevent him from serving the nobles to make money: during the Civil War, he was entrusted by some nobles and hired Lots of gladiators.It is said that he has a legion of gladiators under him, and he often leads them there when they meet to discuss important issues in the Great Council or other venues.For the benefit of someone, he can threaten and intimidate the magistrate, or directly interfere with something. Sometimes when electing magistrates or certain officials, they even fight for others.Everyone believed that Treponny had made a lot of money by mixing with the gladiators. But in any case, Treponny was the friend and protector of the gladiators.So on that day, as usual, he was also in the arena, and when the fight in the arena was over, he was waiting for Spartacus at the gate of the arena.He embraced him, kissed him furiously, congratulated him warmly, and invited him to dinner at the Venus Hotel. In this way, Treponi led Spartacus and a dozen other gladiators into Lutai Xiya's hotel. Spartacus was still wearing the same purple jacket he wore when fighting in the arena.Over his shoulders was a burqa, shorter than the toga, which soldiers usually wear over their armor.This burqa was temporarily borrowed by Spartacus from a friend of the centurion Treponny. A group of regular customers in the hotel greeted the guests in a tumultuous manner.Those who were in the arena that day proudly pointed out to their friends the brave Spartacus, the hero of the fight. Valiant Spartacus, I present to you the fair Affinia, the most beautiful of all the beauties who have come to the tavern.said the old gladiator. I am happy to be able to embrace you, continued Affinia.She was a tall, wiry girl with brown hair, eyes, and skin, and she had not lost the allurement that was acknowledged.Then, without waiting for Spartacus to answer, she put her arms around his neck and kissed him. Spartacus tried his best to smile a little to conceal his displeasure caused by the girl's actions. He took Elaunia's hand away, gently pushed her away and said: Thank you girl now I'd rather eat something to regain my strength it's very necessary for me Come here, come here, brave gladiator, Lutesia walks before Spartacus and Treponny, inviting them to the inner chamber.I've put your supper here.Please, please, she went on, Treponny, your Lutetia is very concerned about you.I'm going to treat you to the best roasts: such rabbits that even Marcus .I wouldn't even send it to Crassus' table! Well, let's taste it and judge your cooking skills, you crafty one!Treponny patted Lutesia on the shoulder lightly and said.Now bring us a bottle of Veritra vintage.But you have to be careful, the wine must be old! God who blesses all people!cried Lutesia, finishing preparations for the dinner, when the guests were ready.God who gives blessings to everyone!He also warned me in advance: Chen's!I have already prepared the best wine!I can't even think of it!Fifteen years old wine!This wine is still in Gaius.Celius.Calida and Luzius.Tomizius.It was collected in the year when Ahaino Barbus was in power! While Lutaisia ​​greeted the guests, her Ethiopian slave, Asur, brought an amphora.She took off the seal on it, and the guests passed the seal back and forth to watch.Then, Azuer poured part of the wine into a tall, thick glass bottle that was half full of water, and poured the rest into a smaller glass bottle, which was specially used to hold water. Pure wine without water.A Su'er put both wine bottles on the table.Lutaisia ​​also placed wine glasses in front of each guest.Then, between the two decanters, she placed a wine ladle, which was used to scoop the wine, pure or watered, into the glass. After a while, the gladiators had the opportunity to judge Lutaisia's cooking skills, that is, to taste the roast rabbit meat she roasted, and to identify how old the wine was.Although the Veritra didn't quite live up to the date on the amphora seal, it was nevertheless quite full-bodied and arguably a very good wine. The dishes were greatly appreciated, the wine was more than adequate, and the gladiators were all in high spirits.Everyone began to talk kindly and excitedly, and soon the small room became really lively. Only Spartacus, although he received enthusiastic praise from everyone, was not contaminated with everyone's enthusiasm.He was not joking, and seemed to be eating with reluctance. Perhaps the events of the day were still affecting him, and he had not yet recovered from the coma of astonishment brought on by his sudden freedom.There seemed to be a cloud of melancholy over his head, so that whatever witty jokes or kind words his tablemates diverted his attention from, could not dispel his sorrow. I swear to Hercules, dear Spartacus, I don't understand you Treponny, who was about to pour another spoonful of Viritra into Spartacus' glass, but found The wine in the glass is still full, and I can't help but say to him in surprise.What’s wrong with you?Why don't you drink it? Why are you so sad?another guest asked. I swear to Juno, the mother of all gods!exclaimed another gladiator, apparently a Shamnit from his accent.It seems that we are gathered here not at a friendly banquet, but at some family's funeral.And you, Spartacus, seem to be celebrating not your freedom but your mother! Mother!Spartacus repeated with a deep sigh, as if he was stirred by the two words. As Spartacus grew more melancholy, the former Gladiator boss stood up, raised his glass and cried: I suggest a toast to freedom! for freedom!When the gladiators heard the word freedom, their eyes sparkled, and they shouted in unison.Then, everyone stood up and raised their cups high. How lucky you are, Spartacus, to be set free while still alive, said a fair-haired young gladiator mournfully.But we shall have it only when freedom comes with death! . As soon as Spartacus heard the cry of freedom, his face suddenly brightened. He smiled and raised his cup high, and shouted in a loud and powerful voice: for freedom! But the young gladiator's tragic words moved Spartacus so deeply that he could not finish the glass, and he could not get it down his throat.He hung his head in grief.Finally, he put down his glass and sat down, lost in thought.Everyone was silent.A dozen pairs of gladiator eyes stared at the lucky one who had been freed, and in these eyes burst out the light of jealousy, love, joy and sorrow. Suddenly, Spartacus broke the silence.With fixed eyes fixed on the table thoughtfully, he read aloud, slowly and clearly, the well-known song that the gladiators of the Akzien gladiator school used to sing when they practiced swordplay. The lyrics come from: He was a free man, Born in his hometown, But the enemy with iron shackles lock him up. Now, He fought with men in foreign lands, But it is no longer for his country, Nor for distant and lovely homeland; In that cruel gladiatorial struggle, The blood of gladiators is shed! This is our song!some of the gladiators murmured in surprise and delight. Spartacus's eyes began to shine with happiness, but he immediately became melancholy again, as if trying to hide his joy; but Treponny did not understand the reason.Spartacus asked several gladiators at the same table: Which gladiatorial school are you from? Julius.From Boss Rabezius's gladiatorial school. Spartacus picked up his wine glass, drank the wine indifferently, and then turned to the door, as if speaking to the female slave Asu who happened to come in at this time: bright! The gladiators exchanged glances, but the young blond-haired Shamnit, as if continuing what Spartacus had left, said in a casual manner: free!Brave Spartacus, you deserve to be free! At that moment, Spartacus restricted him to exchange a quick meaningful look and they understood each other. But just as the young gladiator had said these words, suddenly a man appeared at the door, and said in a resounding voice: You deserve to be free, invincible Spartacus! Everyone turned their heads and saw a burly man in a black burqa standing motionless by the door.This is Lucius.Sergeus.Catilina. Catiline spoke so strongly of the word liberty that Spartacus and all the gladiators, except Treponny, looked at him inquiringly. Catilina!exclaimed Treponny, who, sitting with his back to the door, did not immediately see the person entering. Treponny hurried up to meet Catiline, bowed respectfully to him, and, as was the custom at that time, touched his lips with his hand, and said: The famous Catilina.I welcome you!What good goddess, our protector, has given us this honor to see you at such an hour and in such a place? I have come to see you, Treponny, replied Catiline.And also came to look for you, he turned to Spartacus and said. The gladiators exchanged glances at the name of Catirina, known all over Rome for his cruelty, assassination, strength, and bravery, and several of them turned pale with fright.Even Spartacus himself, with a fearless heart always beating in his breast, shuddered involuntarily at the voice of this dreadful nobleman; he wrinkled his brow and looked at Catiline. Find me?Spartacus asked in surprise. Yes, I was looking for you, Katirina replied calmly.He sat down on the stool that had been drawn up to him, and made a sign for everyone to sit down together.I didn't expect to meet you here, I never even hoped to, but I'm almost sure I'll meet Treponny here, and he'll tell me how to find fortitude and Brave Spartacus! Spartacus still looked at Catilina in amazement. You have been given freedom, and you deserve it.But you don't have enough money to live on until you get a job.Because of your bravery, I won the bet against Gnaeus.Cornelius.Torabella, more than 10,000 cestels, I am looking for you to give you part of the winnings from the bet.This is yours: if I was risking my money, you were risking your life during those two full hours! Among the people present, there were bursts of whispers expressing their approval and affection for the nobleman.For he condescends to come here to meet gladiators whom most people despise, to praise their exploits, and to come to their aid in their time of need. Although Spartacus did not trust Catiline, he could not help but be moved by the noble and unique hospitality that Catiline expressed to him.But this is not used to him. O noble Catirina, thank you for your kindness!he replied.But I don't have this right and I can't accept the money you send me.I could teach wrestling, gymnastics, and fencing at my former gladiator boss's school, and I believe I could make a living from my labors. Catiline tried to divert the attention of Treponny who was sitting next to him.He handed the glass to Treponny, and ordered him to add some water to the Veritra wine, while at that moment he bent over Spartacus, in a barely audible low voice. language, said hastily: You have to understand that even I am oppressed by these rich nobles, I am also a slave of this lifeless and corrupt Roman society, among these nobles, I am also a gladiator, I also long for freedom I know everything about you Spartacus shuddered, raised his head, and glanced at the nobleman with a surprised expression, but Catiline continued: Yes, I know everything I want to be with you and be with you And then he got up from his seat so that everyone could hear him, and said aloud, You can't refuse for that, You must accept this purse, which contains twenty new and beautiful Oreos.So, he handed Spartacus an exquisite small purse, and then said: I repeat, this is not a gift from others, but earned by you yourself, and it belongs to you.This is your share of the money I won today. All the people present paid respectful praise to Catilina and praised him for his generosity.But Catilina held Spartacus's right hand in his own hand, and Spartacus trembled immediately when he held it. I know everything, now you believe it?Catiline whispered to Spartacus. 斯巴達克斯覺得非常奇怪，他怎麼也不明白，這位貴族是從哪兒知道他們的暗號和切口的，但事情很明顯，卡提林納確實知道，因此他就用握手回答卡提林納，同時把錢袋藏到懷裡去，接著說： 現在我太激動了，你的好意使我太窘了，高貴的卡提林納，但我現在不可能很好地表達我對你的謝意。明天早晨，如果你允許的話，我一定到你的府上去拜訪你，表示我深切的謝意。 他緩慢但是清楚地說出每一個字眼，同時用試探的眼光望著這個貴族。卡提林納點一點頭表示明白，接著回答道： 在我的家裡，斯巴達克斯，你將永遠是一位受歡迎的客人。但是現在，他迅速地轉過身子對特萊龐尼和別的角鬥士說，如果在這個糟糕的地方也有法烈倫酒的話，那我們一定要喝上一杯。 如果我這所簡陋酒店，站在卡提林納背後的獨眼魯泰茜雅殷勤地說，卡提林納，居然能蒙像您這樣高貴的客人、這樣有名望的貴族光顧，那麼，顯然是未卜先知的神幫助了我：在貧窮的獨眼魯泰茜雅的地窖裡，還藏著小雙耳瓶的法烈倫酒，那是可以拿到萬神之王朱庇特的宴會桌上去的。 接著，她向卡提林納鞠了一躬，就去取法烈倫酒了。 現在聽我說，特萊龐尼，卡提林納轉身向這位從前的角鬥士老板說。 我用心地聽著呢。 當卡提林納和特萊龐尼低聲交談的時候，角鬥士們看著卡提林納，不時地低聲交換著意見，讚賞著他的力氣和他手臂上疙疙瘩瘩地向上隆起的肌肉。 聽說過的，聽說過的，特萊龐尼說。我聽說過這位錢莊老板艾捷福爾，他的店就在神聖街和新街的十字口，離荷斯季里烏斯元老院不遠 it's him.你上艾捷福爾那兒去，裝做要幫他忙的樣子，向他暗示：如果他不放棄把我告到法官那兒叫我立刻償付五千塞斯太爾司債款的念頭，他就要遭到很大的危險。 我明白，我明白。 你告訴他，說你和角鬥士們碰面時曾經聽見他們在暗中商議，彷彿幾位跟我有交情的年輕貴族，因為得過我很大好處，受過我的照顧，已經湊集了整整一中隊的角鬥士自然，你得說他們是背著我幹事的準備跟他找麻煩 我全明白了，卡提林納，您不用操心。我一定照您所吩咐的辦理。 這時候魯泰茜雅已經把法烈倫酒放到桌子上來了。客人們嘗了一嘗，覺得這酒雖然不如他們所想像的那麼醇厚，也還不錯，便把它斟在大家的杯子裡。 高貴的卡提林納，你覺得這酒怎麼樣？魯泰茜雅問。 酒還不錯。 這酒還是盧齊烏斯．瑪爾西烏斯．菲里浦斯和塞克斯比斯．朱里烏斯．凱撒執政的那一年藏起來的。 總共只不過十二年！卡提林納叫道。但他一聽到這兩位執政官的名字以後，就憂鬱地沉思起來。他用張得大大的眼睛注視著桌子，機械地轉動著手中的錫製食叉。就這樣，卡提林納在這沉默的氛圍中好久都沒有說一句話。 從那突然閃耀著火花的兩眼、顫抖的手、痙攣的臉，以及前額上隆起的靜脈看來，大概在卡提林納的心中有著種種不同的感情在衝突，而且有好些陰鬱的念頭集結在他的腦子裡。他是一個爽直的、性情開朗的人，他在平時是如此，在他顯出殘忍的性格來時也是如此。他不願意也不能夠隱藏他心中暴風雨一般的矛盾感情，而且這種感情就像照鏡子一樣，立刻會在他精力充沛的臉上反映出來。 你在想什麼，卡提林納？什麼事情使你這麼不高興呢？特萊龐尼聽到從他胸中迸發出來的微弱嘆息聲後，問道。 想起往事啦，卡提林納答道，他的眼睛還是注視著桌子，一面焦躁不安地轉動著他手裡的那柄叉子。我記得，就在這瓶法烈倫葡萄酒封口的那一年，護民官里維烏斯．德魯蘇斯在他自己家裡的拱廊下和另一個護民官盧齊烏斯．阿普萊烏斯．薩杜爾寧納斯被人陰險地暗殺了。 在這以前幾年，提伯里．格拉古和蓋烏斯．格拉古兄弟也遭到凶殘的殺戮。這是點綴我們祖國歷史的偉人中靈魂最純潔的兩個人！他們兩位都為了共同的事業，為了貧民和被壓迫者的事業獻出了他們的生命，他們這幾位全都死在這批殘暴的人的手裡死於卑劣的至尊派貴族的手裡。 接著，他想了一會，喊道： 難道在偉大的神的聖書中寫著，被壓迫者永遠不得安寧，窮人永遠不該有麵包，世界上永遠應該區分為豺狼和羔羊，吃人和被人吃的兩類人嗎？ No!我對所有奧林帕斯山的大神發誓！斯巴達克斯用雷鳴般的聲音喊道，同時用他的大拳頭敲了一下桌子，他的臉上顯出極其憎惡和憤怒的表情。 卡提林納哆嗦了一下，並且用兩眼注視著斯巴達克斯。斯巴達克斯用了極大的意志力才克制了自己激動的情緒，用比較平靜的態度說話。 不，偉大的神絕不會允許這些不公正的字眼出現在他們的聖書中！ 大家又沉默了。接著，卡提林納又打破了這一沉寂，在他的聲音中充滿了悲憤與同情： 可憐的德魯蘇斯我了解他當他還很年輕的時候他就已經是一個心地善良、性格堅強的人了。老天爺慷慨地賜給他多方面的才能，而他卻在叛徒與暴君的手中犧牲了。 我也還記得他，特萊龐尼說。我記得他曾就建議批准土地法的提案在公民大會上發表演說。他攻擊貴族說：由於你們的貪婪，很快你們就只會給人民剩下汙泥和空氣。 他的最凶惡的敵人就是執政官盧齊烏斯．瑪爾西烏斯．菲里浦斯，卡提林納說。有一次，平民起來反對菲里浦斯，如果不是德魯蘇斯救了他，把他帶到牢獄裡去，無疑，他早就被人家打死了。但是德魯蘇斯略微遲了一步：菲里浦斯的臉上已經滿是烏青，鼻孔也流出了血。 據說，卡提林納接著說，德魯蘇斯一看見鮮血滿面的菲里浦斯就喊道：這根本就不是鮮血，這是薰炸鶇鳥的紅醬！原來德魯蘇斯是在指摘菲里浦斯每晚的荒淫無度的酒宴。 當卡提林納他們談話的時候，外面的房間裡，隨著喝醉酒的人數愈來愈多，不但吵鬧和喧囂愈來愈厲害，粗魯的喊叫聲也愈來愈響亮了。突然，卡提林納和跟他同桌的人都聽見，外面的那些客人異口同聲地喊道： 羅多帕雅！羅多帕雅！ 斯巴達克斯一聽到這名字就哆嗦了一下。這個名字使他記起了他的故鄉色雷斯，色雷斯的高山，他的老家和他的家人！這是一種甜蜜和悲愴混合在一起的回憶。 welcome!歡迎美麗的羅多帕雅！約莫有二十來個遊手好閒的人一齊叫道。 讓我們用葡萄酒，款待這位特地來拜訪我們的美人兒，掘墓人叫道，於是所有的人都來圍住了這位姑娘。 羅多帕雅很年輕，還不過二十二歲，而且的確生得很美：高大結實的身材，雪白的皮膚，秀麗的臉蛋黃金色的長髮，以及天藍色的、靈活而又富於表情的眼睛。深藍色的長袍鑲著銀色的花邊，銀子的手鐲，淡藍色的綢帶，都明顯地表示她不是普通的羅馬女人而是一個過著娼妓生涯的女奴隸。而且完全可能是被迫出此下策的。 按照維納斯酒店中這批厚顏無恥的客人對她那種殷勤而又相當尊敬的情形看來，很可以明白，這位姑娘是一個好人。儘管她外表上強顏歡笑，但她對自己命中註定的悲慘生活感到極其痛苦，因此，她能贏得這批粗暴的人的無私關切。 羅多帕雅那溫柔的臉和質樸的態度，她的善良和禮貌，征服了所有的人。有一次她被她妓院老板毆打以後，渾身鮮血、淚流滿面地跑到維納斯酒店裡來，她渴得要死，客人們為了讓她恢復元氣，就給她喝了幾口葡萄酒。這事情發生在我們所敘述的事情之前兩個月光景。從那時候起，每隔兩、三天，羅多帕雅只要一有空就跑到酒店裡來待上十來分鐘。她覺得只有在這兒自己才是個自由人，而且只要能從她不得不在那兒生活的地獄中暫時逃出來，哪怕是幾分鐘，她已感到很幸福了。 羅多帕雅在魯泰茜雅的小桌子旁停下來，馬上就有人遞給她一杯阿爾巴葡萄酒，她開始一小口一小口地喝著杯裡的酒。由於她而引起的喧嘩聲頓時停止了。但突然，從屋角裡又傳來了另一陣吵鬧聲。 掘墓人魯菲尼，他那個叫阿萊齊烏斯的夥伴以及乞丐范萊尼，因為喝了大量的酒興奮起來，他們開始大聲地批評卡提林納，雖然大家都知道他就坐在隔壁的房間裡。這幾個醉漢不管同座人的勸阻，還是破口大罵卡提林納以及所有的貴族。 no no!另一個掘墓人阿萊齊烏斯叫道。他是一個肩膀寬闊身材高大的小夥子，可以和大力士蓋烏斯．泰烏利維斯爭個高下的人。不，不，我對海克力斯和蓋古斯起誓！這些萬惡的吸血鬼就是靠我們的血和眼淚過活的。絕不能放他們到這兒來。絕不能讓他們玷辱我們這塊歡聚的好地方！ 是啊，卡提林納這富豪是一個壞蛋，他是一個陷在酒宴和罪惡中的傢伙。一個凶殘的劊子手，蘇拉的走狗！他穿著華麗的袍子到這兒來，就是為了嘲弄我們這些窮漢。可是，是誰使我們變得這麼窮苦啊？就是他自己和他手下的一批狐群狗黨，他的那批貴族朋友！ 魯菲尼惡毒地喊著，努力想從按住他的大力士蓋烏斯的手中掙出去，以便衝到隔壁房間裡去打架。 閉嘴，該死的醉漢！你為什麼要去侮辱他？他並沒有來惹你啊？難道你沒有看見裡面有十幾個角鬥士跟他在一起，他們會把你這張老皮撕得粉碎的！ 我可不在乎那些角鬥士！我可不在乎那些角鬥士！魯莽的艾米里烏斯．瓦林跟著掘墓人像瘋子一般地狂叫。你們是自由的公民，我對朱庇特萬能的雷火發誓，難道你們還害怕這些下賤的奴隸不成，他們生來只配互相廝殺，給我們取樂的！我對浪花中誕生的維納斯的神聖美貌起誓，我們必須給這個穿漂亮寬袍的傢伙一頓教訓，在他這件寬袍裡隱藏著貴族們的一切最卑汙的罪惡，必須打得他以後永遠也不會產生來這兒欣賞我們不幸的平民的念頭！ 滾到巴拉丁山那邊去吧！范萊尼叫道。 只要離開這兒，即使到斯季克斯河裡去也沒有關係！阿萊齊烏斯附和道。 讓這些至尊派貴族以後不再來擾亂我們窮人的安寧，不要再爬到我們這兒來，也不要到來里、埃斯克維林和蘇布拉去。讓他們離開這些地方滾到大議場、卡庇托爾山和巴拉丁山那面去，讓他們沉溺在無恥的筵宴和狂歡中吧！ 打倒貴族！打倒至尊派！打倒卡提林納！馬上有八九個聲音同時喊了出來。 卡提林納一聽到這陣喧嘩聲，就可怕地皺起了眉頭從座位上跳了起來。他的眼睛裡閃爍著狂野的、惡狠狠的火花。特萊龐尼和好幾個角鬥士想拉住他，說他們自己對付得了這些卑鄙的流氓，但是卡提林納推開了他們，衝了過去。他站在門口，兩手交叉在胸前，高高地昂起了頭，顯得又強壯又可怕。他怒沖沖地瞧著外面所有的人，大聲地叫道： 你們這些沒有頭腦的青蛙，在這兒呱呱地叫些什麼？為什麼要用你們下賤而卑劣的舌頭，玷辱卡提林納尊貴的大名？下賤的東西，你們準備對我怎麼樣？ 他那可怕的聲音，一剎那間使那些醉漢懾服了，但是，他們一會兒又發出了喊聲： 我們要你從這兒滾出去！ 滾到巴拉丁山去！滾到巴拉丁山去！好幾個聲音一齊叫道。 上蓋摩尼石階去吧，那兒才是你去的地方！Aemilius.瓦林用刺耳的尖嗓子狂叫道。 那你們都過來吧！喂，快些！嘿，你們這些討厭的傢伙！卡提林納叫道，並且伸伸手，好像準備打架似的。 那群平民慌亂起來了。 我對阿維爾納斯湖的神發誓！掘墓人阿萊齊烏斯叫道。你可不能像對付可憐的葛拉季齊昂那樣，從背後刺死我！你算是海克力斯嗎？ 於是阿萊齊烏斯首先向卡提林納猛撲過去，但是他的胸膛受到了極其猛烈的一拳，晃了晃往後倒退幾步，跌到那批站在他後面的同伴們的手上去了；接著，跟著阿萊齊烏斯撲到卡提林納身上去的掘墓人魯菲尼，也在附近的牆腳下倒了下來：原來卡提林納掄起兩個沉重的拳頭，對準魯菲尼的禿頭像閃電般一左一右接連打了幾拳就把他打昏了。 女人們亂做一堆，她們大聲嚎哭、尖叫著躲到魯泰茜雅的櫃檯後面去了。屋子裡亂成一團糟：酒客們竄來竄去，他們拋擲和掀翻凳子，打碎碗碟器皿；房間裡充滿了一陣陣的震耳欲聾的哄響、喊叫、吵鬧和喧嘩，中間還夾雜著詛咒和辱罵。從裡面的房間裡傳來了特萊龐尼、斯巴達克斯和其他角鬥士們的聲音，他們請求卡提林納讓開門口。使他們有可能一齊大打出手，迅速結束這次吵架。 正在那時候，卡提林納提起腿來，對拔出匕首向他撲來的乞丐范萊尼的肚子猛烈地踢了一腳，范萊尼就倒下去了。 擁在小房間門前的那批卡提林納的對手，一看見范萊尼倒在地上的那副樣子便紛紛後退，卡提林納就拔出短劍趕到外面的那個大房間裡去。他一面用短劍平敲著那些醉漢的背，一面好像怒吼的獅子一般，用斷斷續續的粗野的聲音喊叫： 下賤的傢伙，無恥的潑皮！對那些把你們踩在腳下的人，你們只配永遠舐他們的靴子，而對那些跟你們特別客氣伸出手來援助你們的人，你們卻反而欺侮到他頭上來了！ 卡提林納剛剛離開門跑到大房間裡，特萊龐尼、斯巴達克斯和別的角鬥士們也一個接著一個地跑出來了。 在卡提林納冰雹一般的打擊下已經開始後退的那群人，一遭到角鬥士們的攻打就都沒命地逃到外面去了。酒店裡只留下了嗄聲呻吟的范萊尼和魯菲尼，他們被打昏了頭，四腳四手攤在地上。再有一個不走的人就是沒有參加打架的蓋烏斯．泰馬利維斯；他採取一個冷靜的旁觀者的態度，把雙手疊在胸前站在灶旁的壁角裡。 賤種！卡提林納重重地喘息著叫道，他把這些逃命的人一直趕到門口。接著，他回到那堆抱怨和哭泣著的女人前面喝道：還不閉嘴，該死的哭蟲！拿去吧，說著便把五個金幣丟到魯泰茜雅身邊的桌子上。原來她坐在那兒痛哭自己所遭到的損失：打破的碗盞，以及那些逃走的醉漢沒有付過錢的食品和酒。拿去吧，你這叫人受不了的長舌婦！卡提林納代所有這些騙子把錢付給你了！ 正在這時候，恐懼地睜大了眼睛看著卡提林納和他的朋友們的羅多帕雅，臉色突然變成慘白，她喊了一聲，直向斯巴達克斯撲過去。 I am not mistaken!不，不，絕不會錯！Spartacus!你不是我的斯巴達克斯哥哥嗎？ What!斯巴達克斯用不像是自己的聲音叫道，他用一種形容不出的激動表情注視著這位姑娘。It's you?is it possible!you?密爾查！密爾查！我的妹妹啊！ 在死一般的沉寂中，哥哥和妹妹互相撲了過去，擁抱在一起。但是，斯巴達克斯在經過撫愛、親吻和流淚的第一陣衝動以後，突然掙脫了妹妹的擁抱。他擋住她的手，把她從自己的身上推開去，從頭到腳地打量了她一番，然後，臉色慘白的斯巴達克斯用抖顫的聲音輕輕問道： Have you not?you?他把姑娘憎厭地推了開去，用痛苦而又輕蔑的聲音叫道。你竟變成 我是奴隸啊！密爾查叫道。她的聲音裡面充滿了哽咽。我是奴隸我的主人是一個無賴！他折磨我，用燒紅的烙鐵拷打我你明白嗎，哥哥，你明白嗎？ 可憐的妹妹！我不幸的妹妹啊！斯巴達克斯用激動得發抖的聲音叫道。到我這兒來，到我的胸前來，這兒來，這兒來！他把妹妹拉了過來，熱烈地親吻，緊緊地把她摟在胸前。 過了一會兒，他抬起滿含淚水、閃爍著怒火的眼睛，威嚇地舉起他強有力的拳頭，同時用可怕的聲音怒叫道： 朱庇特的雷火到哪兒去了？難道朱庇特能算是神嗎？不，不，朱庇特只不過是一個無恥的小人！朱庇特只是一個微不足道的傢伙！ 但是密爾查卻緊偎著她哥哥的寬闊胸膛，傷心地哭泣起來了。 在大家難堪地沉默了一會兒以後，斯巴達克斯突然用粗野的聲音叫道： 我要詛咒那把世界上的人類劃分為自由人和奴隸的第一個人！