“Shame,” said Acte. “He is a man obsessed with shame.”
The talk had turned remarkably serious, with none of the light gaiety that Caenis had anticipated. It was as though they were under some spell – or rather, had been released from one. The chains on their tongues had evaporated. Led by Claudia Acte, they were all discussing the greatest man in the world as if he were a man like any other, or a child they all thought had gone astray. All knew it was dangerous. All knew it could cost them everything. But, free for once, none could bring themselves to stop.
“He could have been good, I think,” continued Acte. “I mean, he"s a great man. He"s bold, he"s brave, he"s inventive. Yes, he has the Ahenobarbus streak. But I think he could also have been a good man. He wants what good men want – to
