click to read pdf file - The Preterist Archive

THE GLADIATORS' SCHOOL 325
We are brothers,' he said.
' '
Even in this hell we can love
one another.'
But one sickening thought was in the breasts of both of
them. They had sat side by side in daily intercourse their
;
common friendlessness, their common sympathies, had thrown
them together
in the closest bonds, and those bonds had been
strengthened by the discovery that both had been taught at
least the rudiments of a holy faith. But the day of the games
was rapidly approaching, and the chances of the lot, or the
caprice of the Praetor, might easily cause them to be pitted
against each other. It was horrible to think that either of
them might be compelled to drive sword or dagger into the
throat or heart of his friend.
'
Supposing that we are matched '
together ? said Glariydou,
the evening before the display.
'
'
Then we must fight,' said Onesimus. Have we not taken
the oath " to be bound, to be burned, to be scourged, to be
slain," or do anything else that is required of us as legitimate
gladiators, giving up alike our souls and our bodies ? ' 1
'
Which of us will win ?
'
asked Glanydou, with a sad
smile.
'
You/ said the Phrygian.
'
You are stronger than I am,
and taller.'
'
Yes, but you are quicker and more active, and you can't
tell how I hate that net of yours. I know you will catch me
in it
'
'
If I do, you will still have fought so well that the people
will all turn down their thumbs, and you will be spared.
tall fine fellow like you is just the gladiator whom the Eomari
ladies like to look at, and they won't have you killed in your
first fight.
But as for me a mere Phrygian slave !
Yes,
Glanydon, to-morrow your short sword will perhaps be red
with my blood.'
'
'
Never said '
!
Glanydon. I will fight because I must, and
will do my best ;
and when my blood is up I might kill you
or any other opponent in the blind heat of the combat but as
;
for slaughtering in cold blood I could not do it least of all
could I murder the friend I love.'
'
You won't be able to help yourself, Glanydon. And we
netsmen (worse luck !)
have our faces uncovered. Many of
1
Note 36. The Gladiator's Oath.
A