“My first duty is to you, Dominus.”
“Not unless you’re a fool, which I don’t think you are. Every man’s first duty is to himself, boy. If I hadn’t followed that rule, how do you think the son of an Illyrian peasant could have gotten to be Emperor of Rome?”
“In your case I’m sure it was through the will of the gods, Dominus.”
“Perhaps.” Diocletian shrugged. “I have ruled as wisely as I could and the Empire is prosperous and peaceful, so I shouldn’t ask for more. You’re a fine officer, Constantine,” he continued. “If the gods had given me a son, I couldn’t want him to be different from you.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Perhaps you’re a bit too tenderhearted and concerned about others for your own good, but in time you will change. All of us do, as we grow older and discover that the world is like a dark forest filled with wild beasts seeking to destroy each other, and us. Only the strong survive in such a world, Constantine, but I believe you have the strength for it.”
“At least I can follow your example, Dominus.”
Salonae to plant the cabbages
“You could do worse, particularly if you discover the virtue of waiting. Galerius has never learned that and I suppose he never will. You have served me well, Constantine, so I felt I should tell you that I have finally decided to abdicate, at the beginning of May. I am sending word to my gardener at Salonae to plant the cabbages as soon as the winter frosts are over.” Diocletian’s eyes kindled at the thought. “The twentyyear reign I promised myself and the people has already passed. I think the Empire will remain at peace now, with your father and Galerius as rulers.”
He had said nothing about the Caesars, Constantine noted, and dared to let his hopes rise a little. For if Diocletian were leaving to Galerius the selection of the Caesar of the East, the choice of one for the West would very likely be left to Constantius. And he was quite sure who his father would select.
“Of the two Caesars your father is the stronger,” Diocletian continued. “He has a considerably stronger army, too, so my son inlaw is not likely to realize his ambition to rule the whole Empire.”
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