This dramatic monologue unveils the inner turmoil of a Praetorian Guard during the reign of the infamous Roman Emperor Caligula. Through vivid imagery and powerful emotion, the poem explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the desperate yearning for justice in a time of tyranny.
Contents
The Burden of Witness
The poem opens with the guard clutching his gladius, a constant reminder of his duty and a potential instrument of vengeance. He grapples with the conflict between his sworn allegiance to the emperor and his mounting disgust for Caligula’s depravity. The opening lines establish the poem’s setting within Caligula’s palace and the historical context of the year 41 A.D.
“This gladius—this dagger of sharp steel—
Has been my closest comrade since the reign
Of Emperor Augustus. I can feel
It sheathed and waiting.”
The juxtaposition of Augustus, a symbol of Roman order and prosperity, with the “crazed jackal” Caligula highlights the guard’s disillusionment and the empire’s decline. The guard’s internal struggle is palpable as he wrestles with his desire for revenge against the emperor who murdered his uncle, a priest of Jupiter.
Descent into Madness
The poem chronicles Caligula’s transformation from a beacon of hope after the oppressive reign of Tiberius into a tyrannical monster. The guard recounts the emperor’s descent into madness, marked by paranoia, cruelty, and an insatiable thirst for power.
“Four years ago, Caligula brought hope.
Tiberius had just died in Capri
Which freed Rome from his pedophilic grope.
We thought his nephew would bring sanity,”
Caligula’s erratic behavior, from his mock invasion of Britain to his incestuous relationship with his sister Drusilla, is depicted with stark realism. The guard’s descriptions paint a vivid picture of an emperor consumed by his own delusions and increasingly detached from reality.
The Breaking Point
The poem reaches its climax with Caligula’s infamous attempt to appoint his horse, Incitatus, to the Roman Senate. This act of absurdity becomes the final straw for the guard and his fellow conspirators.
“But all the madness and the strange abuse,
Including laws debased without remorse,
Was crowned by his attempt to introduce
The Senate’s newest member: a trained horse
Named Incitatus!”
The failed conspiracies and the constant fear of betrayal create a sense of mounting tension. The guard’s plea to the gods for a chance to strike down the tyrant reveals the desperation of those who seek to restore order and justice to Rome.
A Call to Action
The poem concludes with a chilling declaration of intent. The guard’s resolve hardens, and he embraces his role in the impending assassination. The final image of the unsheathed gladius, “sharp and steady,” leaves the reader with a sense of anticipation and the grim understanding that violence is seen as the only path to liberation.
“My gladius unsheathed is sharp and steady—
It knows for Rome to live the Beast must bleed.”
Exploring Deeper Themes
“Surviving Caligula” is more than just a historical narrative. It delves into universal themes of power, corruption, and the struggle against tyranny. It explores the psychological toll of living under oppression and the difficult choices individuals must make in the face of injustice. Brian Yapko’s masterful use of language and imagery brings this historical moment to life, offering readers a glimpse into the heart and mind of a man caught in extraordinary circumstances.