Saeculum Aureum, 189-211 Summary

The empress arrives in Lyceum to spend time with Hadrian. Now that she no longer consorts with Suetonius, he is happier to receive her. Lucius comes with her, and Hadrian continues to be deeply affectionate toward his old friend. They all settle for a time in Alexandria, where life is impulsive and the local populace is varied of belief and lifestyle. Antinous becomes something of a source of political ridicule because of his proximity to the emperor. While in Alexandria, Hadrian attempts to negotiate with the Jewish population through a civic leader, Akiba. He finds, however, that the man is so intransigent in his beliefs that negotiation goes nowhere.

One day, Hadrian and his entourage go to Canopus, where a fortune-teller tells the emperor's fortune. Her predictions are full of dire reports. She offers, however, the alternative of a...