Fact 37

EXAMINATION BY TIBERIUS The Emperor Tiberius had a convenient way of ridding himself of undesirable people. To reach his castle, perched high on a rocky cliff on the island of Capri, one had to traverse treacherous ledges that jutted out dangerously over the edge of the abyss, risking a fall into the sea. All those suspected of treason or plotting intrigues were invited to visit the Emperor in his gloomy palace. The visitors were always accompanied by huge Ethiopian servants, both in front and behind, who, on the way back, would hurl them off the cliff at the narrowest and most dangerous spot if their explanations did not seem satisfactory to Tiberius. Once, the astrologer Thrasyllus, who had obeyed the imperial command but with great trepidation, had to follow the black servants along the perilous path. Tiberius received the astrologer very graciously and for some time conversed with him about the merits of science. Thrasyllus, it seems, felt distinctly uneasy when he received the highest confirmation that none of the traitors had ever remained alive. The Emperor feigned surprise at his reaction and, in a tone that suggested indifference, asked: “My dear Thrasyllus, surely you have cast your own horoscope?” The astrologer replied that he had. “Well then, what do the stars promise you in the near future?” the Emperor continued. At the decisive moment, Thrasyllus seized the opportunity. He paused, frowned, then suddenly flared up, turned to the Emperor, and cried out in despair: “Sire, the planets warn me that I am in great danger!” The Emperor’s face brightened, and he extended his hand to the astrologer. “You are, without doubt, a wise man, since tonight I had intended to cast you off the cliffs of Capri.” From that time on, this gifted theologian often advised Tiberius and even instructed him, and invariably enjoyed the Emperor’s favor.