,*APT] #d 
,! ,HEAD ( ,DIOCLETIAN1 ,PO/ ,A,D #bi 

,PEOPLE 3 

,AU?OR 3 ,ALAN ,MOORE 

,AU?OR 3 ,NEIL ,RI*>D ,MAC,K9NON ,GAIMAN 

,TEXT 3 

,! ,HEAD ( ,DIOCLETIAN1 ,PO/ ,A,D #bi 

,MY TEE? HURT4 

,/&+ H]E BEYOND ! M>G9S ( ! VILLAGE !RE IS ONLY NI<T2 ! HOLL[ YAWN+ ( ,NOVEMB] W9D ACROSS COLD1 FURR[$ E>?2 A D>K ?AT SWALL[S UTT]LY1 SO ?AT ,I CANNOT TELL :]E D>KNESS 5DS & ,I BEG94 ,! T9-%>P SOR5ESS 9 MY GUMS IS ALL ,I HAVE TO TELL ME :]E ,I AM1 & ,I AM ALMO/ GLAD ( IT \T H]E AMONG ! BLACK FIELDS1 :]E ! DAMP W9D CUTS MY *EEK4 

,I HAVE BE5 />+ AT ?IS VOID SO LONG MY EYES >E WAT]+1 UNABLE TO DI/+UI% BETWE5 SKY & L&SCAPE2 NE> & F>4 ,WORSE YET1 ?IS IS ! SECOND NI<T ,I HAVE SUBJECT$ MY COMPLA9+ LUNGS TO ?IS ORDEAL1 ?IS VIGIL \T H]E 9 ! MIS]ABLE *ILL BE=E ! W9T] COMES4 ,ALL = ! SAKE ( SOME HALF-WITT$ LOCAL Y>N1 ! FANCY ( A F>M]'S BOY ) EYES SO CLOSE TOGE!R HE SEEM$ BR$ \T ( A PIG4 

,/ILL1 = ALL ?AT1 HE ANSW]$ :5 ,I SPOKE TO HIM4 ,HE DID NOT MAKE PRET5SE AT 9ABILITY TO COMPREH5D MY TONGUE1 OR SIMPLY SPIT & TURN AWAY AS HAVE ! O!R VILLAG]S1 ?\< ALL HE SAID WAS ANTIC MY/]IES1 FANTA/ICAL ACC\NTS ( WALK+ SPIRITS3 ON A HILL1 NOT F> FROM H]E & UP PA/ ! CREMATION FIELDS1 !RE IS AN ANCI5T CAMP1 HUNDR$S ( YE>S ( GRASS & WE$ ABOVE ITS DIT*ES & ITS RAMPS4 ,A SETTLEM5T1 HE SAID4 ,SCORE UPON SCORE ( PEOPLE :O ONE NI<T1 ACCORD+ TO ! TALE1 W]E QUITE DEV\R$ BY GIANT DOGS ) NEI!R HAIR NOR DROP ( BLOOD TO M>K ?AT !Y W]E EV] !RE4 ,AS IS ! CU/OM ) SU* HI/ORIES1 ! PLACE HAS EV] S9CE BE5 %UNN$1 AFFLICT$ BY ILL REPUTATION4 ,!RE >E SPECT]S1 NATURALLY4 ,ON C]TA9 NI<TS ! FI]Y EYES ( MON/R\S H\NDS MAY YET BE SE5 ATOP ! HILL1 !IR AWFUL GAZE 5\< TO LI<T ! SKY4 ,I'M WAT*+ = !M N[1 BUT !RE IS NO?+4 

,(F BEH9D ME 9 ! VILLAGE1 DI/ANT VOICES1 QU>REL+ AT FIR/1 !N LAU<+4 ,F\L & C>ELESS OA?S4 ,! HATEFUL BRAY+ ( !IR WOM51 CO>SE1 9S9UAT+4 ,IS IT ME8 ,/OOD H]E1 \T 9 ! BLU/] & ! T>RY D>K = NO MORE REASON ?AN ! VILLAGE FOOL SEES LI<T UPON A HILL-TOP8 ,IS IT ME1 ! S\RCE ( ALL !IR SCORN1 !IR NOISY RIBALDRY8 ,MY TEE? >E SCREAM+4 ,SOON4 ,A MOM5T MORE !N ,I'LL GIVE UP ! NI<T1 MAKE = ! TAV]N2 B$2 MY BAD1 L\SE-WORRI$ DREAMS4 

,ROBB$ ( MY RANGE & BE>+S BY ! D>K1 ! SUDD5 FL>E ( L[ CL\D LIT FROM UND]NEA? SEEMS CLOS] ?AN IT %\LD1 BE=E MY FACE RA!R ?AN (F ACROSS ! FIELDS4 ,ITS %AD[S LUR* & FLICK]1 MAKE AS IF TO LEAP T[>DS ME SO ?AT ,I /EP BACK UNN]V$ & ALMO/ FALL BE=E MY TIR$ EYES HAVE ! MEASURE ( IT4 

,LI<TS4 ,UP !RE BEYOND ! BURN+ GR\NDS :]E !Y R$UCE !IR DEAD TO A% & C9D]4 ,LI<TS UPON ! HILL1 NOT CA/ BY DOGS UNLESS !Y WALK UPON TWO LEGS4 

,I HAVE !M4 

,NO4 ,NO1 BETT] NOT TO ?9K SU* ?+S1 ?AT FATE IS NOT PROVOK$3 !RE MI<T BE O!R REASONS1 COMMONPLACES ?AT WILL QUITE EXPLA9 !SE GL[]+S4 ,TOMORR[1 ) ! LI<T1 ,I MAY RIDE UP ?AT WAY & JUDGE ?+S = MYSELF4 ,:Y1 H]E ,I AM AS GOOD AS ORD]+ ! CROSSES BUILT BE=E A S+LE %>D ( EVID5CE IS 9 MY H&S4 ,I CAN IMAG9E ,QU9TUS ,CLAUDIUS !RE 9 ,LOND9IUM1 HIS (FICE AT ! TREASURY1 H[ HE W\LD CLUCK HIS TONGUE ) DISAPPROVAL4 

',FIR/ ! TE/S1' HE'D SAY1 '! SCALES1 & ! COTICULA ( BAS5ITE4 ,IF !RE >E FUR!R PRO(S REQUIR$1 EMPLOY ! FURNACE & A :ITE-HOT %OVEL4 ,!N1 & ONLY !N1 ANN\NCE ! GUILTY & BR+ \T ! NAILS4' 

,ABOVE ! TUMULUS ! GRAY LI<TS %IFT & WRI!4 ,AT LA/ ,I TURN AWAY TO TRUDGE & TRIP ACROSS ! RUTT$ E>?1 BACK ?R\< ! LONG1 UNBROK5 D>K T[>DS ! SETTLEM5T1 ! LI/+ WOOD5 ALLEYWAYS ) T9Y1 CROOK$ W9D[S SQU9T+4 

,I HAVE BE5 H]E = SOME SEV]AL WEEKS N[1 & ! TAV]N IS NO LONG] PLUNG$ 9 HO/ILE SIL5CE :5 ,I 5T]4 ,= ! MO/ P>T !Y IGNORE ME AS ,I PICK MY WAY ACROSS ! /RAW-TOSS$ FLOOR BETWE5 ! POOLS ( VOMIT & ! COPULATIONS1 MAK+ = ! /AIRS4 ,TONI<T AT LEA/1 !Y'VE BETT] 5T]TA9M5TS1 ) A BUCK'S NI<T CELEBRATION 9 FULL ?ROE4 

,! GROOM1 A Y\? ( ?IRTE5 YE>S OR SO1 IS CLIMB+ DRUNK5LY TO /& UPON A /OOL ?AT LI/S & TILTS1 ABETT$ BY HIS FRI5DS & UNCLES4 ,ALL >\ND ! TAV]N'S L[] ROOM ! HULK+1 COPP]-HEAD$ CREATURES :OOP & CLAP !IR H&S TOGE!R 9 A FE>FUL UNISON1 A RHY?M ?AT GR[S FA/] AS ! Y\NG MAN WOBBLES !RE UPON HIS /OOL & BEAMS1 BEFUDDL$1 D[N UPON HIS AUDI5CE4 

,N[ !Y ?R[ A ROPE ACROSS ONE ( ! BLACK & /ICKY-LOOK+ BEAMS1 ) ONE 5D FA%ION$ 9 A NOOSE4 ,A HORRID 9TRIGUE SEIZES ME & AT ! BOTTOM ( ! /AIRWAY LEAD+ TO MY ROOM ,I PAUSE & TURN TO WAT*4 ,JE]+ & SPUTT]+1 !IR FACES P9K & BRI<T ) P]SPIRATION1 !Y >E SETTL+ ! LOOP ( ROPE AB\T ! BRIDEGROOM'S ?ROAT1 YET /ILL ?AT FOOLI% GR9 ACROSS HIS FACE4 ,ONE ( ! BRUTES1 A GREAT FAT CREATURE ) HIS SKULL %AV$ B>E SAVE = A TOP-KNOT1 PRESSES SOME?+ ?AT ,I CANNOT SEE 9TO ! Y\NG MAN'S H&1 !N TURNS T[>DS ! AUDI5CE1 HIS TATTOO$ BELLY GLI/5+ AS HE /ILLS ! P\ND+ H&CLAPS ) A /R+ ( SLURR$ VULG>ITIES4 ,HE BEL*ES1 & IS MET ) WAVES ( LAU<T]4 ,9 ! BRIDEGROOM'S H&1 ,I SEE IT N[1 A %ORT BRONZE KNIFE4 ,) HIS O!R H& HE WAVES HAPPILY D[N TO A D>K-HAIR$ GIRL AT ! FRONT ( ! PRESS+ CR[D1 B>ELY AW>E ( :]E HE IS ?R\< ! CL\DS 9 HIS EYES4 

,! FAT MAN KICKS ! /OOL AWAY4 

,! ROPE J]KS TAUT AGA9/ ! DANGL+1 KICK+ WEI<T & N[ ! CLAPP+ />TS AGA91 ITS M\NT+ PACE SET (F AGA9/ ! SL[]1 BURD5$ CREAK+S ( ! BEAM4 ,H[ CAN IT BE ?AT ,I AM WITNESS TO SU* ?+S8 ,! Y\NG MAN TWI/+ !RE BETWE5 ! FLOOR & CEIL+ SMILES NO LONG]1 & HIS EYES BULGE T]RIBLY4 ,HIS ?9 LEGS1 SWIMM+1 TREAD AIR4 ,FROM \T ( ! CR[D N[1 AS ONE MAN1 A K9D ( GRUNT+ IS COMM5C$1 AS ?AT ( ANIMALS 9 RUT4 

,! NATURE ( ! GAME IS N[ MADE CLE> TO ME AS SUDD5LY ! /RANGL+ BOY REMEMB]S ?AT HE HOLDS A KNIFE !RE 9 HIS H&4 ,REA*+ ABOVE HIS HEAD1 HIS D>K5+ FACE SUFFUS$ ) HORRID CONC5TRATION1 HE BEG9S HIS DESP]ATE SAW+ AT ! ROPE4 ,CL5*$ 9 HIS TREMBL+ FI/1 ! %ORT BLADE PLUNGES BACK & =?1 ?IS MOTION E*O+ GROTESQUELY ?AT ( SOLIT>Y PLEASURE4 ,QUITE AS IF RESPOND+ TO ! LURID & FAMILI> MOVEM5TS ( ! H&1 AL?\< REMOTE1 A BULGE IS RAIS$ ?AT /RA9S AGA9/ ! Y\NG MAN'S BRIT*ES1 & ! D>K GIRL PO9TS TO ?IS & LAU<S4 ,FROM BROK51 SCATT]$ COMM5TS OV]HE>D AMID ! D9 ,I UND]/& ?AT IF ! Y\? SURVIVES ?IS GAME ! D>K GIRL %ALL BE HIS1 A F9AL :ORE BE=E HE'S W$4 

,! Y\NG MAN TWIRLS1 & JIGS1 & RASPS ! KNIFE'S $GE BACK & =? AGA9/ ! ROPE1 FACE PURPL+1 & FE>FUL ?ROTTL$ NOISE LEAK+ FROM HIM N[4 ,IF ,ROME FALLS1 ALL WILL BE AS ?IS4 ,ALL ( ! WORLD4 

,UNABLE TO BE> MORE1 ,I TURN AWAY & /UMBLE UP ! /AIRS1 ! TREAD WORN ?9 !RE AT ! C5T] & ! WORM-%OT RIS]S DU/$ GRE5 ) AGE4 

,SAFE 9 MY ROOM B5EA? ! L[-SLUNG EAVES1 ! DOOR PU%$ %UT BEH9D ME1 FROM BEL[ !RE COMES ! MUFFL$ ?UD ( BODY HITT+ FLOOR ) *E]+ 9 ITS WAKE1 SO ?AT1 DESPITE MYSELF1 ,I AM RELIEV$4 ,I D>E SAY ?AT HIS W9DPIPE WILL BE CRU%$ & BRUIS$1 & HE'LL BE HELP$ HOME 9 NO /ATE TO CLAIM ! PR(F]$ PRIZE = HIS ORDEAL4 ,NO D\BT ! SAME FRI5DS :O 5C\RAG$ HIM TO M\NT ! /OOL WILL SEE ?AT ANY FAVORS PAID = 9 ADVANCE DO NOT GO WA/$4 

,9 ! CORN]1 /A9$ GRAY B$D+4 ,MORBID SPID]S CURL$ AB\T !MSELVES1 TRANSLUC5T1 HANG FROM RAFT]S 9 DU/-COLOR$ %R\DS ( !IR [N MAK+4 ,! GIRL :O US$ ?IS ROOM BE=E ME MOV$ 9TO A *AMB] D[N/AIRS AT ! RE> :5 ,I >RIV$1 BUT EV]Y DAY ,I F9D SOME PIECE ( H]3 A *IPP$ %ELL COMB1 ! SCRAPS ( CLO?+ HALFWAY ?R\< !IR J\RNEY 9TO RAGS1 BLUE BEADS /RUNG ON A HAIR ( RU/$ WIRE4 ,SOMETIMES ,I SMELL H] <O/ UPON ! BLANKETS & ! BO>DS4 

,:5 ,I CAME TO ,LOND9IUM A HALF-YE> S9CE1 ,I ?\<T IT HUN*$ & SQUALID1 BRE$+ UGLY HUMORS1 PE/IL5CES 9 AMONG ! JETTIES & ! N>R[ Y>DS1 POOL$ UR9E YELL[+ !RE :]E ! COBBLES DIP4 ,! LOCALS1 HULK+ ,TR9OVANTE FI%]M5 OR %IFTY ,CANTIACI TRAD]S1 HAD A PLEAS+ 9SUL>ITY1 DESPITE !IR SULL5NESS4 ,!Y KEPT AMONG !IR [N K9D & MADE LITTLE FUSS1 YET FRE% FROM HOME ,I ?\<T ! CITY ,HADES2 !Y ITS FI5DS & *IM]A4 ,ONE ( A TEAM ( TREASURY 9VE/IGATORS S5T FROM ,ROME AT ! REQUE/ ( ,QU9TUS ,CLAUDIUS1 ,I SP5T MY WEEKS !RE ) MY FELL[S QUAFF+ V9EG>Y W9E1 AWAIT+ \R ASSIGNM5TS COMPLA9+ EA* NEW 9CONV5I5CE1 EA* FRE% 9DIGNITY4 

,I WORK ONE ?UMB & =EF+] 9SIDE MY M\? & G5TLY TE/ ! TEE? TO SEE H[ MANY MOVE1 LOOSE 9 ! BLUE & %RUNK5 GUMS4 ,I FE> ?AT IT IS ALL ( !M1 & WI% ?AT ,I W]E 9 ,LOND9IUM AGA91 = IT W\LD SEEM A P>ADISE N[ 9 MY EYES4 

,S5T H]E 9TO ! MIDDLE-L&S TWO MON?S S9CE ) REPORTS ( =G]Y1 ,I WAS A *ILD ) NO?+ TO PREP>E ME = ?IS PLACE1 !SE ,CORITANI1 REEL+ DRUNK ?R\< %ORT & BLOODY LIVES !Y TAKE = GRANT$2 = !IR UNCONSID]$1 UNREL5T+ VIOL5CE2 = ! COLOR$ SC>S1 ! CURLS ( 9K ?AT CRAZE !IR BR[S & BACKS1 AS T]RIBLE & QUE] AS PA9T$ DOGS4 ,:5 ,I >RIV$ H]E1 ,I WAS YET SO DELICATE ( S5SIBILITY ?AT ,I MI<T BLAN* TO HE> SOME LURID PASSAGE FROM A DRAMA TOLD 9 V]SE1 & N[ ,I WAT* !M HANG !IR Y\NG = SPORT1 & SC>CELY ?9K ( IT4 

,I LI<T ! LAMP & SIT UPON ! CRUMPL$ B$D+ TO REMOVE MY >MY-ISSUE BOOTS4 ,D[N/AIRS1 A WOMAN />TS TO HISS & SNORT1 AS RHY?MIC AS A BA?-H\SE PUMP1 ?US SIGNAL+ ?AT SOMEONE HAS RECEIV$ ! HANG$ BOY'S PRIZE4 ,! WOM5 H]E DISCOMFIT ME4 ,!Y >E SO BIG & FIL?Y1 SMELL SO F\L1 YET NOT AN H\R GOES BY SAVE ?AT ,I ?9K ( !M1 ! R$ HAIR LACQU]$ BY !IR P]SPIRATION COIL+ 9TO T9Y SICKLES UND]NEA? !IR >MS1 !IR C['S-MILK HAUN*ES SW++ UND] PRICKLY SKIRTS4 ,I HAVE NOT HAD A WOMAN = A YE>1 NOT S9CE ! DY]'S ELDE/ DAU<T] BACK 9 ,ROME4 ,H[ LONG BE=E ,I TAKE A :ORE8 ,!IR FLAT :ITE FACES1 & !IR SPECKL$ BREA/S4 ,I MU/ NOT ?9K ( IT4 

,NAK$ N[ 9 ! *ILL ,NOVEMB] ROOM1 ,I PULL ON ! NI<T-%IRT ,I HAVE TAK51 FOLD$1 FROM MY >MY BAG1 ?AT HAS ! /5CIL$ CRE/4 ,!RE'S FEW SIGNS ( ! ,EMPIRE TO BE SE5 \T H]E1 A SCATT]+ ( VILLAS :]E RETIR$ G5]ALS /RUGGLE TO AF=D !IR MI/RESSES4 ,SOME SMALL WAY NOR? BEYOND ?IS SETTLEM5T ONE ,M>CUS ,JULIUS1 A VET]AN ( ! ,EMP]OR ,AURELIAN'S CAMPAIGN AGA9/ ! ,GALLIC ,EMPIRE /ILL MA9TA9S A MODE/ F>M4 ,I WAS TOLD TO VISIT %\LD ,I F9D MYSELF CLOSE BY4 ,IT WAS EXCRUCIAT+4 ,ON DISCOV]+ ,I WAS NOT LONG FROM ,ROME1 HE SEEM$ CAPABLE ( MAK+ ONLY ONE 9QUIRY3 ',WELL8 ,H[ F>E ! ,BLUES8' ,I TOLD HIM ,I TOOK LITTLE 9T]E/ 9 ! *>IOT RACES1 :]EUPON HIS DISPOSITION TO ME COOL$1 SO ?AT ,I LEFT NOT MU* !REAFT]4 

,I FANCY IT WAS HIM :O LET ! COG-NAME BY :I* ,I AM KN[N BE B&I$ BACK & =? AMONG ! VILLAGE FOLK1 SO ?AT !Y DO NOT CALL ME ,CAIUS ,SEXTUS N[ BUT TAUNT ME ) ',ROMILIUS'3 ',HELLO !RE1 ,LITTLE ,ROMAN6 ,H[ D'Y\ LIKE ?IS WOMAN ON MY >M8 ,I'LL BR+ A /OOL ?AT Y\ MAY KISS ON H] ABOVE ! WAI/6' ,ALL ( !M HATE ME1 ALL ! WOM51 ALL ! M51 ?\< TO BE JU/1 IT IS NOT )\T CAUSE4 ,!Y KN[ :Y ,I AM H]E1 & FUR!R KN[ ! PUNI%M5T = =G]Y4 ,H[ %ALL !Y BE ! FRI5D ( ONE :O'S COME TO SEE !M CRUCIFI$8 

,I BURR[ DEEP 9TO MY B$1 SU* AS IT IS4 ,D[N/AIRS1 ! WOMAN B>KS ?IS PEOPLE'S WORD = COPULATION1 OV] & AGA94 ,IF ,ROME %\LD FALL 444 

,PUT ?AT ASIDE4 ,! DAY WILL NEV] COME :ILE WE >E /ILL PRODUC+ ,EMP]ORS ( ,DIOCLETIAN'S METTLE1 M5 ( SCALE :O S+LE-H&$LY V9DICATE !IR TIMES4 ,?OSE BOLD RE=MS TO /EM ! PLOTS & MURD]\S FEUDS ?AT ?REAT5 \R /ABILITY1 DIVID+ UP HIS (FICE SO ?AT ,MAXIMIAN IS BECOME ,AUGU/US 9 ! ,WE/ ) ,DIOCLETIAN AS ,AUGU/US 9 ! ,EA/4 ,! WEAV]S & ! BREW]S C>P1 COMPLA9 ?AT HE HAS FIX$ ! PRICE ( RUGS OR BE]1 & YET 9FLATION IS CONTA9$4 ,\R CURR5CY IS /RONG4 ,)\T ?AT /R5G? ! WILD]NESS W\LD HAVE US ALL4 

,& YET MY TEE? HURT4 ,M9E & MY FELL[S' TEE? ALIKE4 ,:Y1 ON ! BOAT ACROSS !RE W]E SOME T5 ( US1 9VE/IGATORS TO ! MAN1 ALL ) ! SAME BLUE & REC$$ GUMS1 ! HEADA*ES & ! LE?>GIES1 ! LAPS+ CONC5TRATION1 LAPS+ MEMORY4 ,ONE ( ! Y\NGE/ SAID HE FELT AS IF ALREADY DEAD & CRUMBL+ AWAY1 /UPID ) MAGGOTS1 ?\< = MY P>T IT IS NOT SO BAD4 ,IT'S JU/ ! TEE?4 ,NO ONE CAN FIX ?IS AILM5T ) A NAME1 NOR YET DET]M9E ANY CAUSE4 ,WE SPEAK AB\T IT AS '! SICKNESS'1 IF WE SPEAK ( IT AT ALL4 

,P]HAPS WE >E SO MU* A P>T ( ,ROME ?AT WE GR[ SICK AS %E DOES2 SOME PECULI> BOND1 SOME SYMPA?Y ( FLE% & L&4 ,! BANGL$1 RAGG$ K+S >E AT \R GATES & WE APPEASE !M1 GRANT !M SETTLEM5TS & T]RITORIES 9 ! L&S SURR\ND+ ,ROME UNTIL IT IS AS IF ! VAGRANT TRIBES SIT PATI5T ALL AB\T A SUMPTU\S TABLE AT SOME BEGG>S' FEA/1 ) ,ROME ! C5T]-PIECE4 ,!Y SIT POLITELY = ! MOM5T1 BUT !IR /OMA*S GR[L4 ,IF !Y COMM5C$ TO D9E ! WORLD %\LD ALL BE GONE4 ,! D>K ?AT GU/S ABOVE ! *ILL FIELDS AT ! VILLAGE $GE W\LD SWALL[ US 5TIRE2 ! BRI<T T[NS GUTT]+1 EXT+UI%$1 ALL ACROSS ! GLOBE4 

,SPRAWL$ ON MY SIDE B5EA? ! COV]+S1 ,I NOTICE ?AT ! QUALITY ( LAMPLI<T 9 MY ROOM HAS *ANG$1 & GLANC+ UP ,I REALIZE ) A DULL UNC]TA9TY ?AT ALL ALONG ! GIRL :O HAD ?IS ROOM BE=E ME HAS BE5 SITT+ !RE AGA9/ ! FUR!/ WALL1 CROSS-LEGG$1 WAT*+ SIL5TLY4 ,%E /&S & WALKS )\T A S\ND ACROSS ! CRACK$1 UNEV5 BO>DS T[>DS A DOORWAY SET BEH9D MY B$4 ,RIS+ TO FOLL[ H]1 ,I NOTICE AS %E PASSES ?R\< ! DOOR ?AT IT IS 9LAID ALL AB\T ! FRAME ) BLACK & T>NI%$ CO9S4 ,I WOND] ?AT ,I NEV] NOTIC$ IT BE=E4 

,BEYOND ! DOOR ,I FOLL[ H] BY TALL[-LI<T ?R\< W9D+ PASSAGEWAYS BETWE5 GREAT PILES ( NAMELESS ODDITIES4 ,%E R\NDS A B5D AHEAD &1 AS ! HALF-LI<T CAT*ES ON H] FEATURES1 ,I BEG9 TO FEEL DI/URB$4 ,!Y >E MORE SMALL & P9*$ ?AN ,I RECALL1 SO ?AT %E SEEMS A DIFF]5T GIRL4 ,I W\LD NOT KN[ H] SAVE %E WE>S H] NECKLACE ( BLUE BEADS1 ! WIRE ?AT ?READS !M BURNI%$ TO A BRAZ5 %E54 

,N[ WE >E AT ! C5T] ( ! LABYR9?1 :]E PA9T$ SK9S >E HUNG4 ,AB\T A L[ R$ FIRE PECULI> FIGURES GA!R 9 A R+1 & WAIT1 & DO NOT SPEAK4 ,!RE IS A BOY ?AT ,I AT FIR/ MI/AKE = ! Y\NG MAN ,I SAW HANG$1 BUT ?IS ONE'S Y\NG]1 /ILL A *ILD1 & ON HIS ?ROAT ! W\ND+ M>K IS NOT A ROPE-BURN BUT AN UGLY GA%4 ,BESIDE HIM SITS A BEGG>1 B>ELY CONSCI\S1 VOMIT MATT$ 9 HIS BE>D & MUMBL+ TO HIMSELF4 ,A CRONE ) ONE FOOT GONE4 ,A BLACK-FAC$ MAN ) TWIGS TI$ 9 HIS HAIR4 ,AN AWFUL /ORK-LIMB$ CREATURE1 HALF AS TALL AGA9 AS ANY MAN1 /&S AGITAT$1 %IFT+ N[ FROM ONE FOOT TO ! O!R1 %\LD]S HUN*$ B5EA? ! CEIL+1 C\<+ N[ & !N4 ,! GIRL & ,I /EP UP & JO9 ! CIRCLE2 GAZE LIKE !M 9TO ! DY+ COALS4 ,\TSIDE1 !RE IS A FE>FUL B>K+1 GR[+ CLOS] BY ! MOM5T1 & ,I FEEL A MON/R\S LOSS1 A CRU%+ SADNESS UNLIKE ANY ,I HAVE FELT 9 LIFE1 & ,I AM WEEP+4 ,NEXT TO ME1 ! BOY :OSE ?ROAT IS SLA%$ /EPS CLOSE & TAKES MY H&4 ,HE MAKES GREAT %[ ( GIV+ ME A PEBBLE ?AT'S BE5 C>V$ 9TO ! LIK5ESS ( A T9Y MAN4 ,I PUT IT 9 MY M\?4 ,! S\ND ( DOGS IS DEAF5+4 

,I WAKE UP ) ! M>E'S-TAIL GRAY ( MORN+ 9 MY ROOM4 

,!RE'S SOME?+ RATTL+ 9 MY M\?4 

,A SUDD5 T]ROR GRIPS ME & ,I SPIT IT \T1 AFRAID ?AT IT WILL BE ! PEBBLE-FIGURE FROM MY DREAM1 ITS SCRIBBL$ EYES & GAP+ MAW1 BUT NO4 ,IT IS A TOO?4 ,MY TONGUE-TIP PROBES ! BLOODY SOCKET LEFT BEH9D ) *ILDI% SATISFACTION1 & ,I ROLL ! IVORY PELLET 9 MY PALM1 LETT+ ! PALLID DAYLI<T R9SE AWAY ! AFT]-FLAVOR ( MY DREAM4 ,I ?9K AB\T LA/ NI<T1 ! BALE-FIRES DANC+ !RE ATOP ! HILL1 RECALL+ MY RESOLVE TO RIDE ?AT WAY & MAKE 9SPECTION ) ! MORN1 & !N ,I DRESS & GO D[N/AIRS4 

,BREAK+ MY FA/ ) *EESE & FRUIT & BREAD1 ! ONLY FOODS ON (F] SAFE TO EAT1 ,I WALK D[N TO ! /ABLES :]E ,I *OOSE MY HORSE2 A TAN1 /EAM-SN\T$ ?+ ) EYES MORE CIVILIZ$ ?AN ANY ELSE ,I HAVE SE5 9 ?IS PLACE4 ,LEAD+ H] \T BETWE5 ! WAT]-TR\<S ,I NOTICE SEV]AL M5 ?AT LOIT] NE> ! /ABLE-5TRANCE1 WAT*+ ME4 ,ONE ( !M IS ! FAT MAN ) ! TOP-KNOT1 HE :O ?RU/ ! KNIFE 9TO ! HUNG BOY'S H&4 ,! O!R M5 ,I DO NOT RECOGNIZE1 BUT ALL !IR EYES >E ON ME AS ,I M\NT & TROT T[>DS ! GATES1 NOT LOOK+ RI<T NOR LEFT1 ATTEMPT+ TO DISPLAY MORE UNCONC]N ?AN ,I CAN TRULY MU/] 9 MY HE>T4 ,!Y WAT* ME GO4 ,SOME DIFF]5CE 9 MY BE>+ HAS AL]T$ !M4 ,!Y KN[ ,I'M CLOSE TO SOME?+4 

,I RIDE NE> ! RIV]'S $GE MU* ( ! WAY1 !N BRAN* T[>DS ! LOOM+ HILL2 FOLL[ ALONG ! BEAT5 PA? ME&]+ UP BY ! CREMATION FIELDS4 ,HALFWAY T[>DS ! SUMMIT1 ,I LOOK BACK1 ! FIELDS A PAUP]'S BLANKET MADE FROM SCRAPS DISPLAY$ B5EA? ME4 ,FUR!R UP ! ROAD ?AT PASSES NE> ! BOTTOM ( ! HILL ,I SPY ! L[ %$S ( ! ,*RI/IAN COLONY1 E/ABLI%$ !RE UPON A SWELL+ M\NT BEYOND ! BRIDGE'S FUR!R SIDE4 ,I ALMO/ FEEL A PANG ( K9%IP = ! WRET*$1 RANT+ LUNATICS1 SUBJECT$ AS !Y >E TO ALL ! SAME SUSPICION & MI/RU/ ! VILLAG]S AF=D TO ME4 

,! CULTI/S [N ONE ( ! ONLY TWO MILLS 9 ! SETTLEM5T1 ! O!R BE+ MANAG$ BY A DRUNK>D ) AN IDLE SON :O LETS ! BUS9ESS FALL TO DISREPAIR4 ,! ,*RI/IANS1 IRRITAT+ ) !IR SOMB] DIRGES & !IR PALSI$ TE/IFY+1 >E YET %REWD 9 MATT]S ?AT P]TA9 TO COMM]CE4 ,F9D+ !IR REW>D 9 FAI? ALONE1 ! CONV]TS WORK ! MILL UNWAG$1 ALL S++ :ILE !Y SLAVE1 & AS !Y TOIL ! MAJOR TRADE )9 ! VILLAGE FALLS TO !M & SO ! C(F]S GR[4 ,SOON1 IT IS RUMOR$1 !Y WILL BUY ! O!R MILL4 ,9CREAS+LY DEP5D5T ON !SE JABB]+ FANATICS1 SO ! VILLAGE GR[S UNEASY :ILE ITS *ILDR5 W&] (F1 NEXT SE5 G>B$ ALL 9 BLACK & CROON+ AT !IR MILL:EEL4 

,IF ,I F9D NO SOLID EVID5CE ?AT WILL CONNECT A CULPRIT TO ! =G]IES1 ,I MI<T F>E WORSE ?AN TO ATTRIBUTE AU?OR%IP TO !SE RELIGI\S \TCA/S4 ,!RE'S NO D\BT ?AT IT W\LD BE A POPUL> DECISION ) ! VILLAG]S1 ABSOLV+ ME FROM BLAME OR1 MORE AL>M+ YET1 REPRISALS4 ,BETT] /ILL1 ! ,EMP]OR IS PRES5TLY 9CL9$ AGA9/ ! SECT & ( A HUMOR ?AT W\LD WELCOME P]SECUTIONS4 ,?\< A DOZ5 =G]S CRUCIFI$ MI<T E>N = ME A FAVORABLE REPORT1 A ,*RI/IAN PLOT AGA9/ ! TREASURY1 AGA9/ ! V]Y HE>T ( ,ROME1 MI<T E>N ME A PROMOTION4 ,WE %ALL SEE4 

,I TURN ! HORSE AB\T & MOVE ON UP ! PA?1 COM+ AT LA/ UPON ! SUMMIT1 :]E A SPL5DID QUIET & DESOLATION REIGNS4 ,SAVE = A G5]AL 9D5TATION1 NO?+ CAN BE SE5 ?AT M>KS ! FAT$ HILL-CAMP'S SITE1 :ATEV] CONT\RS ?AT MAY YET REMA9 ALL SMO!R$ BY ! HEAP+ WE$S4 ,H]E ,I DISM\NT & LEAVE MY TE!R$ /E$ TO SLOBB] ON ! GRASS :ILE ,I REG>D ! FLAT EXPANSE MORE CLOSELY4 

,AFT] A MOM5T'S SCRUT9Y ! R\ND$ \TL9E ( ! CAMP IS MADE DISC]NIBLE1 P>T FR+$ BY BRI]4 ,! RILL ( RIS5 TURF ?AT MEASURES ! P]IMET] IS BROK5 AT ONE PO9T1 P]HAPS D5OT+ :]E A GATE ONCE /OOD4 ,I WALK ACROSS T[>DS IT &1 ON MY APPROA*1 NOTICE A SMALL] R+ ( TIME-WORN /ONES SET JU/ 9SIDE ! GAP2 P]HAPS A REMNANT KILN OR OV5 ( SOME K9D4 

,SAVE ?AT !RE >E W>M A%ES AT ITS C5T]4 

,AL?\< ! FIRE IS DEAD1 !SE C9D]S >E ITS VOICE3 IT SPEAKS TO ME4 ,SOMEONE HAS SET A BLAZE ATOP ?IS HILL1 & ON MORE NI<TS ?AN ONE IF :AT ,I'M TOLD IS TRUE4 ,TOO BIG TO SIMPLY ROA/ A F[L OR W>M ! H&S BY1 ?IS IS FIRE ) PURPOSE1 & ?AT PURPOSE W\LD SEEM CL&E/9E4 ,:Y ELSE *OOSE ?IS REMOTE SPOT1 %UNN$ BY ALL Y\R SUP]/ITI\S K9SM58 ,:Y ELSE *OOSE ! CRACK ( NI<T TO BE AB\T Y\R LABORS UNLESS !Y >E SECRET2 WORKS :I*1 IF DISCOV]$1 W\LD 5SURE ?AT Y\ W]E P9N$ \T 9 ! SUN TO DRY8 

,= PURPOSES ( =G]Y1 A QUIET & ISOLAT$ SPOT :OSE VANTAGE WILL ALL[ 9TRUD]S TO BE NOTIC$ HALF A LEAGUE AWAY'S PREF]ABLE4 ,A HAUNT$ HILL IS QUITE IDEAL4 ,! FIRE W\LD BE REQUIR$ TO HEAT ! UNM>K$ METAL BLANKS & MAKE !M S(T1 FOLL[+ :I* !Y W\LD BE SET UPON AN ANVIL :]E IS RAIS$ ! OBV]SE IMPR9T ( A CO94 ,A PUN*1 CYL9DRICAL 9 %APE1 IS PLAC$ ABOVE ! WEI<$ BLANK DISC1 & 9 ! PUN* IS A REV]SE IMPRESSION ( ! SAME SILV] ,D5>IUS4 ,! PUN* IS BEAT5 ) A HAMM] & 9 ?IS WAY >E ! FRE%-=G$ CO9S /AMP$ \T4 

,I DROP D[N TO MY KNEES & C>EFULLY BEG9 TO COMB ! DEW-DR5*$ GRASS1 WORK+ \T 9 A SPIRAL FROM AB\T ! REMNANTS ( ! FIRE4 ,IF !Y W]E BEAT+ \T ! CO9S BY LAMPLI<T1 HURRI$LY1 & IF MY LUCK IS ) ME 444 

,AFT] ONE HALF ( AN H\R ,I F9D IT1 FALL5 !RE BETWE5 A BRACE ( GRAY & SPECTRAL D&ELIONS4 ,I LIFT IT UP BETWE5 MY ?UMB & F+]1 TURN+ IT AGA9/ ! LI<T4 ,! HEAD ( ,DIOCLETIAN GAZES UN=GIV+1 \T ACROSS ! BURI$ CAMP4 

,A BIRD %RILLS FROM ! BRI] H$GE4 ,I FLIP ! CO9 AB\T & NOTE )\T SURPRISE A FAULT !RE 9 ! REV]SE4 ,SIMPLY1 IT IS ?AT BELONG+ TO A DIFF]5T CO92 A DIFF]5T YE>1 P]HAPS ! REIGN ( ,SEV]US4 ,MISMAT*+S SU* AS ?IS >E COMMONPLACE1 = ?\< AN ANVIL ) AN OBV]SE DIE MI<T LA/ = SIXTE5 ?\S& PUN*+S1 ONLY HALF AS MANY W\LD BE MADE BE=E ! PUN* WORE \T1 SO ?AT ANO!R WAS REQUIR$4 ,IF ! CORRECT REV]SE C\LD NOT BE F\ND1 A DIFF]5T ONE WAS US$ ON ! ASSUMPTION FEW W\LD NOTICE4 

,BUT ?IS ,LITTLE ,ROMAN NOTICES4 ,HE DOESN'T MISS A ?+4 

,MY TROPHY SAFELY FA/5$ 9 A HIP P\*1 ,I REM\NT MY HORSE = AN UNEASY /UMBLE D[N ! HILL T[>DS ! RIV]-TRACK1 :]E MY EXCITEM5T AT MY F9D QUITE OV]COMES ME & ,I GALLOP ALL ! WAY BACK TO ! SETTLEM5T4 ,! CREW AB\T ! /\T1 TOP-KNOTT$ MAN M>K MY RETURN & READ MY AGITATION4 ,!RE >E DECORATIONS HUNG AB\T ! /REETS 9 PREP>ATION = SOME S5SELESS FE/IVAL4 ,A SMALL BOY DRESS$ UP AS A GIRL WALKS AT ! HEAD ( A PROCESSION ) A PIG UPON A LEA%1 BUT 9 MY HA/E TO GET 9DOORS & RACE UP/AIRS ,I FAIL TO REGI/] ?IS VISION UNTIL ,I AM 9 MY ROOM1 PULL+ A SET ( SCALES FROM \T ( ! >MY BAG4 

,!RE >E ?REE PRO(S = SILV]1 ANY ONE SUFFICI5T TO E/ABLI% =G]Y4 ,! FIR/ EMPLOYS ! USE ( ! COTICULA1 A T\*/ONE MADE ( BAS5ITE OR LYDIAN4 ,:5 IT IS RUBB$ ON SILV] OR ON GOLD1 FROM ! M>K+S LEFT AN EXP]T MAY READ ! METAL'S PURITY D[N TO ! CLOSE/ SCRUPLE4 ,I HAVE SE5 ?IS DONE1 ALWAYS BY OLD] M51 BUT DO NOT HAVE SU* CONFID5CE AB\T MY [N ABILITIES4 

,! SECOND PRO( REQUIRES A FURNACE1 ) AN IRON FIRE %OVEL HEAT$ :ITE1 ! METAL TO BE TE/$ HEAP$ !REON4 ,AT SU* HEATS1 PURE/ SILV] WILL GL[ :ITE1 :ILE AN 9F]IOR GRADE WILL GL[ DULL R$1 & BLACK WILL SIGNAL WOR?LESSNESS4 ,! TE/ IS NOT 9FALLIBLE4 ,! %OVEL MAY BE DR5*$ FIR/ 9 M5'S UR9E1 & WILL !N PROVIDE A DIFF]5T 9DICATION4 

,ON ! :OLE1 = CO9S1 ! PRO( BY WEI<T IS /ILL ! BE/1 & EASIE/4 ,ASSEMBL+ ! SCALES1 ,I TAKE ! =G$ ,D5>IUS FROM \T MY P\* & SET IT D[N BESIDE ANO!R CO91 A NEWLY /RUCK ONE GIV5 TO ME AT ! M9T !RE 9 ,LOND9IUM1 TO S]VE AS A COMP>ISON4 

,EA* CO91 IF G5U9E1 %\LD WEI< ONE-SIX? P>T ( AN \NCE4 ,ADULT]AT$ METAL W\LD NOT WEI< SO MU*1 HAV+ LESS HEAVY SILV] 9 ! BL5D4 ,?IS TE/ IS A =MALITY1 YET ONE :I* ,QU9TUS ,CLAUDIUS SPECIFICALLY REQUIRES1 & SO ,I SET ! CO9S1 BO? TRUE & FALSE1 ONE 9 EA* BRONZE PAN ( ! SCALES1 TO WEI< !M ONE AGA9/ ! O!R4 ,!N ,I WAT*4 

,! FALSE CO9 S9KS4 ,! TRUE CO9 RISES4 

,FR[N+1 ,I REMOVE BO? CO9S & TE/ ! SCALES BE=E REPLAC+ !M1 TAK+ ESPECIAL C>E TO SEE :I* CO9 IS 9 :I* PAN4 

,! FALSE CO9 S9KS4 ,! TRUE CO9 RISES4 

,H[ IS ?IS8 ,H[ CAN ?IS BE8 ,! CO9 F\ND AT ! CAMP CAN BE NO O!R ?AN A =G]Y ) ITS TWO SIDES MISMAT*$1 & YET 444 

7,UPON ! /AIRS UP FROM ! TAV]N TO MY ROOM !RE COMES A MUFFL$ S\ND3 ONE ( ! DOGS ?AT HAUNTS ! 9N4 ,5GROSS$ 9 MY/]Y1 IT B>ELY REGI/]S47 

,I TAKE ! SCALES AP>T & REASSEMBLE !M4 ,I SET ! CO9S BACK 9 !IR SEP>ATE PANS4 ,! FALSE CO9 S9KS4 ,! TRUE CO9 RISES4 ,>E ! LAWS ( NATURE N[ REV]S$1 ?AT SU* ?+S MAY OCCUR8 ,H[ MAY A WR5 \TWEI< A HORSE8 ,H[ MAY A CO9 PLUCK$ FROM A =G]'S D5 \TWEI< ONE FRE% /RUCK FROM ! M9T ITSELF1 UNLESS 444 

,! =G]Y4 ,UNLESS ! =G]Y W]E PUR]1 HAD ! PURE/ METAL1 PURE/ SILV]1 PUR] ?AN ! M9T4 ,BUT NO1 ?AT CANNOT BE4 ,NO PO9T 9 =G+ MONEY PUR] ?AN ! ,EMPIRE /&>D1 NOT UNLESS 444 

,UNLESS IT IS NOT ?AT ! =G$ CO9 IS MORE PURELY /RUCK1 BUT RA!R ?AT ! TRUE CO9 IS F\ND LACK+4 ,?IS CANNOT BE SO4 ,I SAW IT1 FRE%LY M9T$4 ,HELD IT1 YET W>M1 CLOS$ )9 MY H&4 ,IT IS AS PURE AS ANY CO9 9 ,ROME4 

7,\TSIDE MY *AMB] N[1 A CLOS] SCUFFL+4 ,SOME?+ NE>S1 & /ILL ,I CANNOT TAKE MY EYES FROM ?OSE ( ,DIOCLETIAN1 >G5T & SEV]E47 

,UNLESS4 ,UNLESS WE CUT ! CO9S4 

,! BLOOD IS SCALD+1 SIMM]+ 9 MY *EEK ?AT ,I %\LD 5T]TA9 SU* BLASPHEMY4 ,IT IS GROTESQUE & FLIES AGA9/ ALL REASON TO SUPPOSE ! ,EMPIRE CAPABLE ( SU* ADULT]ATION1 TO ! PO9T ?AT \NCE = \NCE A WOR?LESS =G]Y MI<T HOLD MORE VALUE4 ,:Y1 IF ?AT W]E SO1 IF ALL ! WEAL? ( ,ROME W]E BUT A GILT CONCEAL+ POV]TY1 !N ,ROME ITSELF W\LD BE ! =G]Y1 A %AM1 AS GOOD AS FALL5 ) NO RAMP>T SAVE = PROMISSORY NOTES TO KEEP ! TICK-SC>R$ HORDES AT BAY4 ,IT IS MON/ROSITY ITSELF1 ?IS ?\<T4 ,IT IS A NI<T-/>T4 ,IT IS />K1 & BOTTOMLESS4 

,& IT IS TRUE4 

,IT CRA%ES 91 ! FE>FUL C]TA9TY1 & BREAKS ME4 ,LET ME DIE1 OR BETT] YET HAVE DI$ BE=E ?IS COLD1 WEI<$ FACT C\LD MURD] ME1 BE=E ,I KNEW ?AT WE W]E POOR & ALL WAS RU94 ,?\< MY *EEKS >E SIMM]+ YET1 ! EYES BOIL OV]1 TE>S ?AT /+ LIKE V9EG>4 ,BEH9D ME N[ ! DOOR IS OP5+4 ,I HE> A %UFFLE AS ( MANY FEET1 & KN[ IT IS ! VILLAGE M51 ?AT !Y HAVE COME TO KILL ME1 BUT ,I CANNOT LOOK AT !M = %AME3 = !M TO WITNESS ME1 TO WITNESS ,ROME LIKE ?IS4 

,AT LA/ ,I LIFT MY HEAD4 ,!Y /& HULK$ 9 ! DOOR ) MUSCL$ CUDGELS 9 !IR FI/S1 ! GRAY MAN ) HIS PAUN* & TOP-KNOT TO ! =E4 ,/ONE-FAC$1 EXPRESSIONLESS1 !Y WAT* ME1 WAT* ! LITTLE ,ROMAN AS HE SOBS ABOVE HIS SCALES1 & IF !Y FEEL DISGU/ AT ?IS DISPLAY IT IS NOT %>P] ?AN MY [N4 ,!Y PASS A GLANCE BETWE5 !M1 & ! GRAY MAN %RUGS4 ,!Y'RE GO+ TO KILL ME N[4 ,KNEEL+ UPON ! FLOOR1 ,I CLOSE MY EYES & ,I AWAIT ! BL[4 ,A F9AL SIL5CE FALLS4 

,!N1 MANY FOOT/EPS1 MOV+ (F D[N/AIRS1 AN AVALAN*E ( WOOD & LEA!R4 ,DOORS SLAM SOME:]E F> BEL[4 ,I OP5 UP MY EYES4 ,! M5 >E GONE4 

,!Y SAW IT 9 MY FACE4 ,!Y SAW ME AS A MAN ALREADY SLA91 NOT WOR? ! KILL+4 ,ROME IS DEAD4 ,ROME IS DEAD4 ,ROME IS DEAD1 & :]E %ALL ,I GO N[8 ,NOT HOME4 ,HOME IS A /AGE FACADE ( PAP]1 PEEL+1 FAD$ BY A SUN ( *EAP PYRITES4 ,I CANNOT GO HOME1 & :O1 :O ELSE WILL HAVE ME8 

,I CR\* />+ AT ! CO9S1 ONE FALSE1 ONE FALS] YET1 UNTIL ! LI<T BEG9S TO FAIL & !Y >E BO? BECOME PALE BLURS !RE 9 ! GLOOM1 NO LONG] TO BE TOLD AP>T1 A %AD[ FALL5 ON ?AT NOBLE BR[4 

,! ROOM FILLS UP ) MURK4 ,I CANNOT BE> ! D>KNESS H]E1 ?AT DR9KS ALL DEF9ITION1 & ,I RISE & /UMBLE AS ONE 9 A DREAM1 FIR/ D[N ! /AIRS1 !N1 DAZ$1 9TO ! /REET4 ,! CELEBRATIONS >E ALREADY UND] WAY1 /REETS HEAVY ) ! /5* ( RUFFIAN LIFE4 ,!Y PISS 9 DOORWAYS1 SW+ O>S AT EA* O!R'S HEADS1 & LAU<1 & KNEEL 9 !IR [N SICK4 ,!Y =NICATE AGA9/ ! ALLEY WALLS LIKE PRISON]S4 ,!Y F>T & %\T & !Y >E ALL ?AT IS1 & ALL ?AT WILL BE4 ,SL[1 ,I %UFFLE \T AMONG ! GREAT LEWD PU% ( !M4 ,A JUG ( ALE IS PRESS$ 9TO MY H&4 ,) ROTT5 SMILES !Y GRIP MY >M1 & KISS MY TE>-TRACK$ *EEK1 & DRAW ME 94 

,FROM 3 ,!,AN>*I/,LIBR>Y4ORG4 

,*RONOLOGY 3 
,JANU>Y #b#d1 #bba 3 ,*APT] #d -- ,ADD$4 

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