Summary

"August" is an account of a day in the life of Roman emperor Augustus as told primarily by a dwarf along with some third person omniscient information seen as flashbacks. The dwarf, Lycius, tells his story as an old man nearing death, about 50 years after Augustus died.

The story begins with a flashback showing Augustus at age 16, lying in a dark room. He is afraid to sleep and trying not to cry. He is obviously very troubled.

Lycius is an actor, summoned by Augustus to help him look like a beggar. They rub laundry soap flakes on their skin then pour vinegar on top of them to create blisters that look like ulcerated skin. They take to the streets to beg. During their day, they talk about a variety of subjects ranging from Augustus' policies regarding actors, the gods, their...