Pollo was barking orders to everyone. Servants were running this
way and that, carrying linens, cleaning the great estate house, cooking
and arranging the richly decorated furniture.
“Where’s Alexis?” he shouted. “Alexis, come here!”
An old man dressed in the blue toga that all the male servants of
the manor house wore, came scurrying around a corner.
“Yes, Master, I’m here, I’m here,” he called.
“Alexis, my son will soon be here and nothing is ready. This
house still needs cleaning and the cooking is way behind schedule. He
will arrive and nothing will be prepared. If he finds this place a
shambles, he’ll think we don’t care!”
The old man had a twinkle in his eye and a happy, single toothed
smile filled his craggy face.
“Don’t worry, master, everything will be in order by the time
Apollonius arrives. Alexis will take care. Alexis will see to it!”
Alexis ran off yelling at the other servants, his long arms and
large hands flaying this way and that as he gave the directions that
brought order out of the chaos. Alexis had been valet to ‘Pollo’s
father and had attended to the needs of this rich and aristocratic
family longer than anyone else. He was not the estate overseer nor was he the chief slave,
but when it came to serving the young Apollonius, the other servants
accepted his leadership. They knew that Apollonius looked to Alexis as
to a grandfather.
As Alexis assumed command of the preparations, ‘Pollo went up
to the patio on the roof of the manor house. From there, he looked
across the fields of his farm
dotted with slaves working among the grape arbors. He sat on a large,
wooden chair, and with his right hand, began to play idly with his
neatly cropped beard. His
mind wandered to thoughts of his fourteen-year old son, Apollonius, who
had been away at school in Tarsus for six months. ‘Pollo smiled. His
real name was Apollonius, too, but all his life, he had been known by
the familiar, “ ‘Pollo,” rather than the more formal, “Apollonius.”
However, among his business associates, he was known as “Apollonius
the Elder,” to distinguish between himself and his young son.
‘Pollo relaxed and looked out over his fields, his mind
recalling images of his son.
“Oh, how I’ve missed him,” thought ‘Pollo. “He’s such
a marvelous child, so handsome and happy.”
‘Pollo laughed to himself as he remembered how mischievous and
playful Apollonius could be.
“There was the time,” he mused, “when he found Alexis sound
asleep while fishing the small river that flows through the farm.
Apollonius was only eight years old. That little scamp tied
Alexis’s fishing line to an underwater root of a tree and then called
to the old coot that a fish was tugging on his line. Alex pulled and
pulled until his line snapped and he fell into the stream. Apollonius
rolled on the ground with laughter. Alexis could never be angry with
Apollonius and so he stood there dripping wet and laughed right along
with the little imp. The next day, Apollonius brought Alexis a new toga
to atone for his prank. Alexis told me that the real reason that
Apollonius tied his line to the root was because he didn’t want any
fish killed.”
‘Pollo shook his head.
“He’s such a loving and caring boy. He’s not at all like
other youngsters. I have always marveled at how he treats servants and
family with the same respect and deference. He’s never proud or
conceited because of our wealth and rank.
I remember once, when old Alexis was so sick that he couldn’t
stop vomiting. He was red with fever. Everyone thought he was dying, so
dehydrated was he. But, Apollonius, eleven years old at the time, I
believe, would not accept that. He cried and cried until we let him sit
by Alexis’s bed. Apollonius made him drink cool water gathered at the
river and continually bathed the old man’s head with a wet towel. He
never left Alexis’s side for a day and a half until that fever broke.
After that, Apollonius fed soup to Alexis with his own hand, making sure
that the old fellow ate enough to regain his strength. It never mattered
to him that Alexis was a slave.”
‘Pollo closed his eyes, letting his mind drift back to when the
young Apollonius was only seven.
“He is so compassionate. We had a bumper crop of wheat that
year. We needed help to bring it in. I hired some itinerant farm workers
and built tents for them to live in while they were with us. I took
Apollonius with me in a wagon one evening. We rode by those tents and
Apollonius observed how simply those people lived and how poor they
were. The next day, he had one of the household slaves pull a small
wagon filled with his own clothes.
He brought robes and togas and sandals. He gave them away to the
young children of those poor farmers. Some of them were so excited to
have the clothes that they just grabbed the gift and ran off and hid. I
remember how angry I was when I found out what he had done.”
The elder Apollonius rubbed his forehead.
“Who is he, this boy I call my son? He’s not like me,
certainly. No, he is his mother’s son.
He is good and kind, like her,” he thought.
‘Pollo sighed as he remembered his wife who had died three
years earlier. He missed her still.
“He has her fine, chiseled features,” he thought.
“When I look at him, I see her. Maybe that’s why I love Him
so.”
He scratched the beard of his chin and his eyes moistened.
“How strange was the story of her pregnancy with Apollonius,”
he remembered.
“She
had that dream, that crazy dream. She said that Proteus, the Egyptian
God, came to her in that dream and told her that he would be born as her
son...our son. I don’t know much about Proteus except that He’s
supposed to be very wise and knows the past and the future. Some say
that he has the ability to elude capture. Many soldiers of many nations
along the Middle Sea have adopted Proteus as their Patron. They pray to
him to protect them from harm and from capture by the enemy. Well,” he
sighed, “my boy is intelligent and wise beyond his age. Alexis says
that Apollonius knows the future...and the past…like Proteus. It’s
hard for me to believe that. I have had no evidence of it.
Still...Alexis doesn’t lie and he is very close to the boy. Maybe,
he is...Proteus.”
‘Pollo wet his lips.
“My God, what am I thinking? Could it be true? Is it possible
that he is Proteus? I
remember what happened the day Apollonius was born. My wife wandered
with her retinue of slaves and servants amid the flower garden in the
back of the Manor house. Suddenly there was a rainbow across the sky
when there had been no rain! The colors were so intense. It was hard to
understand. Then she collapsed...passed right out. I was in the horse
barn checking on my favorite mount that had injured his hoof.
A servant ran in to tell me that she had fallen. I started to run
to the garden when I heard the music of lyres and drums and pipes
playing in the manor house. I didn’t know whether to run to her or to
investigate the intrusion of musicians into my home. All of a sudden,
the door of the house flew open and several house servants rushed
outside. They told me they had heard musical instruments playing
outside. They ran out of the house as I was running in. What I heard
inside, they heard outside. Yet, there were no musicians anywhere,
either inside or out.
When I finally reached the garden, my wife was sitting up and her
attendants were helping her to give birth. I saw a bright blue light
engulf her and hover about her. The baby Apollonius entered the world
easily. The blue light surrounded him also. Suddenly, thunder and
lightning erupted across the bright, sunny, blue sky. We all stood in
the garden hypnotized by these strange events.
I noted the time of birth and sought out the priests of three
different temples to have them consult the stars. The priests all
confirmed that Apollonius was a special child. One of them said that he
would have great fame as a miracle worker. Another said that he would
advise emperors and the third predicted a life of wandering and travel
among many peoples. I still can’t believe everything they said. I
mean, can it all be true? Is Apollonius truly one of those great souls
that come to earth from age to age? Is He another Socrates or Plato?”
‘Pollo opened his
eyes and scanned the fields. In the distance, his oldest son, Hestiaeus
was riding his horse among the workers. He pulled up his mount and with
his riding crop, swatted a worker who was resting on his pitchfork.
“Apollonius is so different, not at all like Hestiaeus.” said
‘Pollo out loud. “Apollonius could not bring harm to any living
thing. He would never strike a worker in the fields.”
‘Pollo stood up and walked to the low wall that ran around the
rooftop patio.
“Hestiaeus is a hunter and a fisherman for sport,” he
thought. Apollonius won’t even remain in the same room if meat is
served. He eats only what the earth yields from the fields. While his
brother spends my money on women, clothes and wine, Apollonius accounts
for every silver coin that I send to him in Tarsus. He lives frugally
and purchases only what is necessary. Ha! I have never seen him drink a
goblet of my own wine.”
The elder Apollonius pursed his lips and whistled softly to
himself.
“Still, I am proud of his goodness and pleased that he carries
my name, ‘Apollonius.’ Yet, he does not share my love of business
and, I fear, will never join my undertakings. He could share in the
profits of my farms, wineries, granaries and shipping enterprises and
become one of the most respected and wealthy men in Greece. From me, he
could inherit many farms and businesses that I worked so hard to
accumulate. Yet, to this time, he shows no interest in prosperity. But,
someday, he must! He is my son, after all. Ours is a wealthy and
respected Greek family. We can trace our ancestors for seven generations
back to the noble Menodotus, and so, Apollonius must at least be well
educated. Whether he joins my enterprises and participates in the family
business some day, only the gods know. I pray that he will. All I can do
is see to it that he has a good education to prepare him for his duties
if he does assume responsibilities for some of my enterprises.
Hopefully, his studies will kindle in him a desire for business that I
have not been able to instill in him myself.”
‘Pollo sighed. It hurt him to think that Apollonius, his son
and namesake, was not just like him. He wanted the family fortune to
expand and he had prayed in all of the temples of Tyana that his sons
would follow him in his businesses.
“If Apollonius could be just a little like Hestiaeus and
Hestiaeus a little like Apollonius,” he said to himself in an
inaudible whisper.
Apollonius the elder sat back down in the big wooden chair,
folded his hands across his slightly expanding stomach and closed his
eyes. Although he was happy that he would see Apollonius soon, ‘Pollo
was concerned that his son was coming home for a visit only six months
after he left for Tarsus. He suspected there was a reason why Apollonius
was coming home so soon. He worried that something was wrong.
“Muscellus is with Apollonius,” thought ‘Pollo. “He’s
one of my most trusted servants. He is totally loyal to my house.
He will certainly tell me the truth about how Apollonius is doing
in Tarsus. “
Tarsus! The thought of that decadent city made ‘Pollo open his
eyes.
“There are so many distractions for a young man in that
city,” thought ‘Pollo, recalling his own youth. “I spent as much
time in the brothels as I did in school!” He smiled at his own
memories.
“Has that harlot of a city changed my son?” he asked himself.
“Has he become a regular patron of the brothels and bars of that city?
Well, Muscellus will tell me. I hope
he has been seduced by some of its temptations. Then, maybe, he might be
ready to concentrate on our family affairs rather than philosophy and
God, God, God! We’ll see soon enough.”
‘Pollo dozed off, warmed by the late afternoon sun, his chin
falling to his chest. Light breezes wafted comfortably across the
rooftop. He slept soundly for a little while. Suddenly, someone shouting
at him from behind his chair awakened him. He turned to see Alexis
waving his long arms at him and calling him to come down from the Patio.
“He’s here, master, he’s here!
Apollonius has arrived!”
“Apollonius the Elder jumped up and ran toward the stairwell
that led down from the patio to the floors below. He was so excited that
he ran into Alexis who was moving as fast as his tired old legs would
allow. Both men were shouting as they ran.
“Apollonius! Apollonius! Welcome home! Welcome home!”
They rushed from the stair, through the Atrium to the main door
and then outside. There, in the distance was a small carriage being
pulled at a trot by a small brown horse. ‘Pollo could see that the
carriage carried two men, Muscellus, the family servant and Apollonius
the Younger. When the carriage reached the estate manor, Apollonius
quickly jumped down. First, he bowed to his father respectfully and then
warmly embraced him around his shoulders. Apollonius was already taller
than his father. The embrace pleased the elder Apollonius and warmed his
heart. He was so happy to see his son that he almost burst into tears.
With all of his inner strength, he fought back the urge and managed to
smile happily.
As Muscellus jumped from the carriage, Apollonius turned toward
Alexis and hugged him warmly.
“How are you, old friend?” he asked the elderly Alexis.
“I am fine, now that I find you home,” said Alexis with that
wide, single tooth grin of his.
Alexis dropped to his knees to touch the feet of the younger
Apollonius, who, with a loving smile, bent down and raised the old man
up. ‘Pollo was again amazed at the genuine love that Apollonius showed
to this old slave.
Out of the corner of his eye, the elder Apollonius noticed his
elder son, Hestiaeus, silently come through the front door of the manor
house. Hestiaeus hung back until Apollonius approached him and warmly
kissed him on the cheek. Hestiaeus was friendly and cordial with
Apollonius, but didn’t show the same warmth and affection towards him
that the elder Apollonius exhibited. ‘Pollo shook his head and sighed.
Muscellus reached to take the two trunks that were on the back of
the carriage. ‘Pollo noted that Apollonius wouldn’t let his servant
carry both pieces. He took one from Muscellus. They carried the trunks
inside the house where two household slaves appropriated them.
Apollonius the Elder walked with his young son, through the
Atrium and into his private office. ‘Pollo noted that his son had grown taller and more muscled
since he left for Tarsus just six months ago.
He was tanned and appeared healthy. ‘Pollo noticed that a light
auburn fuzz was visible above his upper lip.
“He is handsome,” thought ‘Pollo. “He has his mother’s
smile and eyes.”
After father and son exchanged questions and answers about the
younger man’s health and the conditions of life in Tarsus, Apollonius
informed his father that Euthydemus, his teacher, a rhetor from
Phoenicia, was coming to the manor and should arrive before dinner.
‘Pollo was delighted. That gave him another person to quiz about
Apollonius’ studies and activities in Tarsus. Soon, Apollonius begged
leave of his father for a short time in order to bathe and refresh
himself. The journey had
been long and the roads dusty.
After Apollonius was excused, ‘Pollo sent for Muscellus.
Muscellus was forty years old, three years younger than the elder
Apollonius. He was a native of Syria, dark skinned, and wore his graying
hair short and combed back across his ears. Muscellus had been a slave
in the household since childhood. He and ‘Pollo had been great friends
as children, but the realities of the master-slave relationship
eventually lessened the familiar contact between the two boyhood
friends. Yet, ‘Pollo never forgot his happy childhood memories and at
the first opportunity, manumitted Muscellus, giving him his freedom and
employment at a reasonable pay within the household.
Muscellus came immediately to ‘Pollo’s office. He was
smiling, but then, Muscellus always smiled. Muscellus was very
intelligent. Many years earlier, when ‘Pollo realized that Muscellus
was teaching himself to read and write, he arranged for a tutor to make
sure that his old friend acquired those skills. Both men loved each
other even though their station in life kept them separated and apart.
It was that love, that quiet friendship between them that made Muscellus
so loyal to the elder, Apollonius. It was that loyalty that made the
senior Apollonius assign Muscellus as his son’s servant while the boy
was in Tarsus.
‘Pollo asked Muscellus to sit with him. Muscellus was
surprised. In spite of their friendship, the unwritten rules and
regulations of their stations in life did not encourage familiarity.
“Tell me, Muscellus, asked ‘Pollo, “why has Apollonius
returned home only six months into his stay at Tarsus?”
“I think it’s better if Apollonius answers that directly, ‘Pollo.”
Of all the slaves and servants, it was only Muscellus who was
allowed to address Apollonius
the Elder by his nickname, ‘Pollo.
“Muscellus, old friend, you are in my employ. When I ask you a
question, I expect a direct answer, especially as regards my son,
Apollonius. Now tell me, how is Apollonius progressing with his
studies?”
Muscellus
took a deep breath. He was greatly relieved. In his exasperation,
‘Pollo had changed the question from “...why has Apollonius returned
home…?” to “..how is Apollonius progressing with his studies?”
Muscellus answered quickly now before ‘Pollo realized that he had
changed the direction of the inquiry.
“Apollonius is doing very well indeed,” said Muscellus.
“This year, his subjects of study are mathematics, philosophy, art and
rhetoric. He excels in all these disciplines. In fact, certain teachers
have been coming to him to hear his thoughts and opinions on certain
aspects of philosophy. He is revered by many as one who knows philosophy
innately without the need of study.”
“But how can this be?” asked the elder Apollonius. “He’s
just a boy?”
“No, master, not just a boy,” chuckled Muscellus.
“Apollonius has many extraordinary gifts.”
He looked warily at ‘Pollo and decided to risk more. “He can see the future! Many students, teachers and even the
political leaders of Tarsus, have sought him out to prophesize future
events.”
“I don’t believe this,” said ‘Pollo quietly. “They are
treating him like a great master! He is only fourteen, for God’s
sake!”
Still, he is recognized
as …exceptional, ‘Pollo,” answered Muscellus, shrugging his
shoulders.
“Exceptional? Yes, he is exceptional, but is he studying? I
want him to help manage some of my enterprises some day,” insisted
‘Pollo. “Is he learning any mathematics? Is he progressing in the
study of rhetoric? These are the subjects that he will need to develop
to do well in business. Is he ‘exceptional’ in these disciplines?”
“He does exceedingly well in both areas of study, ‘Pollo,”
said Muscellus quietly. “Yet
there is a problem. They’re not his first love. He lives for
philosophy. The study of the divine is his very nature.
Yet, most of the teachers in Tarsus, even the philosophers,
don’t live their teachings. They say one thing but live quite another.
Apollonius seems distracted by the lack of depth and interest in the
world of spirit at Tarsus. The teachers there are very much into their
minds.”
“That is precisely
why I sent him there in the first place,” said ‘Pollo. “I want him
to develop his mind!”
“Yes, I understand, master,” said Muscellus, “but
Apollonius finds these teachers too intellectual, without passion for
their subjects. He believes that they don’t experience or live what
they profess.”
The elder Apollonius stood and walked around the room rubbing his
hands.
“Friends? Does He have any...friends?”
“Ah yes, he does,” answered Muscellus with a smile. Many
students follow after him like a gaggle of geese following the lead
goose in flight.”
“Well then,” said ‘Pollo, “he is active in the social
life of Tarsus.”
The
observation was framed as a statement but in reality was a question.
Muscellus answered cautiously.
“Your son is well liked and is often asked to attend parties
and affairs sponsored by students, teachers and even your business
associates in Tarsus. Yet, He doesn’t usually accept those invitations
as he finds such evenings trivial and a waste of time. When we first
arrived in Tarsus, Orynx, a client of yours and wealthy in his own
right, invited him to a party at his villa. Because of Orynx’s
relationship with you, Apollonius accepted. As it turned out, for him,
it was a disaster.”
“What do you mean?” asked the elder. “Orynx is a good
friend. I’m sure that he did everything possible to make Apollonius
comfortable.”
“Well, maybe he did, but Apollonius was anything but
comfortable. The party became quite rowdy with many of the guests
drinking too heavily. Apollonius excused himself and left the hall. A
young woman, Orynx’s daughter, followed him. She is quite beautiful.
Orynx had told her to become familiar with Apollonius as he was from a
wealthy family. Orynx had hopes that his daughter might marry your son,
even though she is four years his senior.
He thought it a good match...economically. When the daughter saw
Apollonius and realized how comely he is, Orynx did not have to persuade
her to pursue your son. When He left the hall for the garden, she
followed him and made advances. Brazenly, she threw her arms around him
and kissed him.”
“What happened?” asked ‘Pollo, “Did my son return her
affections?”
Muscellus cleared his throat.
“No. He simply turned and left the villa of Orynx. He never saw
her again.”
‘Pollo slapped his forehead.
“My god, what was he thinking?
He is certainly not like his brother, Hestiaeus! Hestiaeus would
have bedded the wench and forgotten it in the morning!”
The elder Apollonius placed his hands on his hips and raised his
head to the ceiling.
“Muscellus, I swear, I have no idea who my own son is” cried
‘Pollo. “I don’t understand him. Others call him, uh, uh,
uncommon! Hrummph, maybe he is, I don’t know. I do know that he’s
different, so very different.”
Suddenly, ‘Pollo’s eyes became as large as dinner plates.
“Oh my God, he is not so different as to prefer men, is he?”
Muscellus burst out laughing.
“No, no, ‘Pollo, you have nothing to fear in that regard. Men
do not motivate Apollonius. He’s just spiritually inclined.”
Alexis burst into the room.
“Master, Euthydemus, Apollonius’ teacher has arrived. He has
traveled here directly from Tarsus without rest. He awaits you in the
atrium. While you greet him, I’ll see to his chamber and arrange a
bath.”
“Thank you, Alexis. Please tell him that I’m on my way,”
‘Pollo said as he dismissed Alexis with a wave of his hand. He turned
to Muscellus and asked,
“What does this Euthydemus teach, Muscellus?”
“Mathematics, rhetoric and philosophy master,” answered
Muscellus, “mostly the thoughts of Plato and the teachings of
Socrates. He is very eloquent and is in demand for his rhetoric.”
“Is he an ascetic?” asked ‘Pollo.
“No, far from it. He’s like the worldly teachers of Tarsus
that I described earlier. Euthydemus is not personally comfortable with
the rigors of austere disciplines. However, he’s a good man and an
excellent teacher. I have observed that he has a good heart and that he
loves Apollonius.”
‘Pollo greeted Euthydemus warmly.
“I have heard that you love my son, Euthydemus. For that
reason, if for no other, you are welcome under my roof. Dinner is being
prepared. Yet there is a little time before it will be served.
Alexis, my servant, has prepared your chamber and a bath. Do take
advantage of the few minutes left before dinner. Bathe and rest until
Alexis calls you to join us.”
Euthydemus was a tall, slender man. His beard was gray and neatly
trimmed. His piercing, deep, brown eyes set close to the bridge of his
long nose made him look somewhat like a wolf. Although he was a great
orator and commanded a beautiful, deep, resonant voice, privately, he
was a shy man, given to few words. He bowed gracefully to his host and
followed Alexis who arrived to bring him to his chamber.
Several minutes later, Euthydemus stretched out his tall frame in
a marble tub filled with warm water. The servants left him alone to
relax after his long trip.
“My God, how luxurious this bath feels,” thought Euthydemus.
“I’m so grateful to be able to rest here alone for a little while. I
have a feeling there will be great tension in this household when
‘Pollo learns that his son wishes to leave his studies in Tarsus and
register as a student at the medical school of Aesculapius in Aegae.”
Euthydemus realized that if Apollonius registered in Aegae, he
would lose his position as chief tutor to this wealthy young man. The
thought caused him great anxiety as Euthydemus had no other source of
income. He knew the elder Apollonius would question him about the plans
of the younger.
‘Pollo will want to know if it’s in the best interest of the
young master, to transfer to Aegae.”
Euthydemus was an honorable man. He would tell the elder
Apollonius the truth, and the truth was that Apollonius could gain
nothing by remaining his student.
“There is nothing more that I can teach him,” thought
Euthydemus sadly. “He
seems to absorb the lessons before I give them and he never forgets
anything. His memory is tremendous. What is
amazing to me, is that although the study of rhetoric, logic, and
numbers comes easy to him, he’s not interested in the pursuit of them.
He is totally consumed with philosophy and the study of divinity,
always...divinity. Everything else bores him.”
Euthydemus reluctantly drew himself out of the bath.
“I’ll lose my tutoring position, I know,” he sighed.
“Yet, I must tell ‘Pollo that his son, Apollonius, wishes to go to
Aegae to study philosophy and medicine. He’s so different, sometimes I
think him, at the very least, a genius, or maybe a daemon.”
He laughed nervously.
“There will be tension between father and son tonight, but
Apollonius will go to Aegae. I’m sure of it”
Euthydemus, Hestiaeus, ‘Polo and Apollonius dined together. Hestiaeus was sullen.
He didn’t want to be with his brother or his father. He wanted to be
in the city with his friends. The conversation of the learned Euthydemus
bored him and his sibling jealousy of his brother rankled him.
Euthydemus was uncomfortable. He expected ‘Pollo to be furious when he
heard Apollonius’ plan to begin medical studies at the Temple of
Aesculapius in Aegae. He didn’t relish being part of the argument that
he knew would follow Apollonius’ declaration.
‘Pollo, too, was
on edge. He was disturbed and uneasy about Apollonius. ‘Pollo
didn’t quite know why, but he sensed something in the air. Only
Apollonius seemed relaxed. His conversation at dinner was pleasant and
cheerful. ‘Pollo decided to find out if his misgivings were well
founded. He invited everyone to join him on the rooftop patio. Hestiaeus
begged to be excused as he had another appointment. Hestiaeus didn’t
have any knowledge of Apollonius’ activities in Tarsus so Pollo
allowed him to leave. However, ‘Pollo knew that Muscellus knew more
than they discussed earlier so ‘Pollo sent for Muscellus to join them
on the patio.
When Muscellus arrived, ‘Pollo wasted no time and got right to
the point.
“Apollonius, my son, I’m very happy to see you and have you
home,” he said sincerely. “I
have missed you greatly during these last six months. However, I’m
concerned that you have returned home so quickly after beginning your
studies in Tarsus. Is there a particular reason why you have interrupted
your schooling and come home?”
Muscellus standing behind Euthydemus stiffened. Euthydemus took
out his handkerchief and wiped his brow. Both men were very anxious and
knew that ‘Pollo would be very upset as soon as he learned of
Apollonius’ intentions. Apollonius, however, did not seem perturbed.
He answered his father’s question directly.
“Father, I am unhappy in Tarsus.
It’s an immoral and wicked city. I’m not comfortable with its
corrupt attractions. Tarsus is a city of prostitution and greed. I wish
for a more noble environment.”
‘Pollo interrupted him.
“But I’m not asking you to debase yourself. I’m only asking
you to gain an education. I want you to have training and knowledge in
rhetoric and mathematics. These will help you in business. It’s
important, too, that you have an appreciation of fine ideas and art so
that you can converse with educated, intelligent and wealthy men in an
intelligent manner worthy of your station in life. Tarsus offers you
that education!”
‘Pollo was slamming his left hand with his right fist.
“It may do all of that father,” but I’m not interested in
business or worldly culture. I am intent on learning more of God and
philosophy. I wish to be a servant to mankind and so, I wish to attend
the Temple of Aesculapius in Aegae to study medicine. I ask for your
blessings on that endeavor for I can not study philosophy or divinity or
medicine among the materialistic teachers of Tarsus.”
‘Pollo was visibly upset. He rose from his chair and walked
across the patio. He turned abruptly and shouted at Apollonius.
“Medicine! Philosophy! How did a son of mine become so blind to
the realities of the world that he ignores prestige, wealth and business
and seeks only divinity!”
“Father, don’t you see?” asked Apollonius.
“It is time for me to begin my life’s mission. It is time for
me to serve mankind.”
“Mission? What are you talking about? What mission? Your duty
is to follow in my footsteps and to take over your share of my
enterprises.”
“No father, my duty is to serve others,” said Apollonius.
“I must begin my spiritual journey.”
‘Pollo was beside himself. He slapped his forehead and looked
to Euthydemus for support, begging his help with sad eyes.
“Please Euthydemus, you’re his tutor. Explain to him how
important it is that he prepare to manage the family enterprises, not
waste his time with healing and philosophy. Explain to him how much he
needs your education and help in order to do this. Please, make him
understand!”
Euthydemus rubbed his head before he responded, trying to choose
ideas that would diffuse the situation and help ‘Pollo understand. Try
as he might, he could not find the words to calm the elder Apollonius.
“No sir, I can’t do what you ask,” he answered softly.
“Your son has no further need for an education from me or from
any other tutor. He knows the lessons that I impart before I teach them.
He has absorbed the lessons for boys four years older than himself.
Apollonius’ memory is already famous in Tarsus. He remembers
everything word for word. Whether he reads it in a text or hears it from
me or from others, he absorbs it totally. No, he needs no further
schooling. ‘Pollo, your son is now my teacher. I learn from him!”
‘Pollo was enraged. His hands shook and spittle came out of his
mouth with his words. He
screamed at Euthydemus.
“What? And is this son of mine so schooled at age fourteen that
he’s ready to take over my businesses and my farms? Is he trained to
manage the estate that five generations of my family have worked so hard
to accumulate?”
Apollonius stood before his father.
“Father, I did not take birth at this time, on this plane, to
live the life of a householder or a businessman. I am here to teach and
to heal.”
‘Pollo could not believe what he was hearing. He turned to
Muscellus, his servant, who had traveled to Tarsus with his son.
Although ‘Pollo had called him to join the discussion on the rooftop
patio, Muscellus was not comfortable enough to sit with his master and
the others. He stood behind Euthydemus.
“Muscellus! You’re my servant. Tell me the truth. Don’t
hide anything from me.
Are
Euthydemus and my son, Apollonius, acting here in concert?
Is there a nefarious conspiracy between them to promote a wicked
scheme or has Euthydemus, here, drugged my young son’s mind? Answer
me! Has Apollonius a need to leave Tarsus for some indiscretion that he
may have perpetrated? Oh my god, how can my son abandon his family and
its vast holdings for the life of a doctor or a wandering philosopher,
living off alms?”
He spit out the questions so fast that he lost his breath and had
to sit down. Muscellus walked to him. The loyal servant put a loving
hand on his shoulder. He would tell ‘Pollo the truth.
“Master,” he began respectfully, “Euthydemus is an
honorable man. He’s not using your son for his own ambitions. In fact,
if your son goes to Aegae, Euthydemus will lose a very good income and
will have to seek out a new student to teach.
No, Euthydemus is honest and no conspirator. As to Apollonius,
please know that his character and morality is of the highest order. He
has no ulterior motive behind his desire to transfer to the Temple of
Aesculapius and to serve others. He has told you the simple truth
tonight. He finds that his soul is called by the Gods.”
“Called by the Gods! What are you saying?” screamed ‘Pollo. “You are all idiots! I haven’t worked hard all my life so
that my sons could become philosophers or, or worse, priests!”
The senior Apollonius turned to his son and pointed an accusing
finger in his direction.
“If I command you to return to Tarsus and continue your
studies, what will you do?”
Without hesitation, Apollonius responded: “I will obey your
command, Father.” ‘Pollo was taken aback. He didn’t expect such a quick
response and he didn’t expect total obedience after all that had
transpired that night.
“But Father,” continued Apollonius, “it is my destiny to
teach and heal and so, even if you deny my request,
eventually, my mission will begin.”
The elder Apollonius picked up his wine goblet from the table
next to his chair and hurled it over the wall to the ground below and
stormed off, leaving Apollonius, Euthydemus and Muscellus in silence.
‘Pollo stood in the middle of his private chamber, shaking with
anger and crying. He didn’t know what to do. All of his dreams for his
son were crashing down around him. His anger became
self-pity.
“I have planned for a lifetime to invest my sons with wealth
and power,” he said out loud to no one, “and Apollonius refuses my
offer. My goals, my work are all for naught. My son will not join our
family enterprises.”
He lay down on his bed, his arm across his eyes. His feelings
were very foreign to him. He felt...failure.
Abruptly, there was a soft knock on the door of the chamber.
Before ‘Pollo could ask who was there, the door opened and the old
servant of the manor house, Alexis, entered the room. ‘Pollo was
embarrassed to be found on his bed in tears.
“I didn’t give you permission to enter,” he bellowed.
Alexis ignored the remark and approached the bed and addressed
his master, formally:
“Apollonius, let the boy go to Aegae and the Temple of
Aesculapius,” said Alexis sternly.
“What? What right do you have to question my judgments!”
screamed ‘Pollo. “I will have you flogged!”
The old man sighed and turned up the palms of his hands.
“You can have me killed for all I care, ‘Pollo, I am an old
man and I don’t have much time to live anyway.”
Alexis sat down on the foot of the bed. ‘Pollo could not
believe his insubordination.
“Master, I served your father and helped raise both you and
your two sons, in turn. My love for you and your boys can’t be
questioned. My loyalty to you both is part of my very nature. I come to
you now, because there is a need to help you understand. Your son,
Apollonius, is unique. You are blind to his true nature because he is
your son. Know this! He is sent from the gods. He has a mission, a
mission, which must be accomplished.
‘Pollo jumped from the bed and extended his arms almost in
supplication.
“What would you have me do, Alexis? Do you want me to let him
wander the world, dependent on alms when I have the power to grant him
great wealth, influence, even political power?”
‘Pollo sat down heavily on the bed and put his head in his
hands.
“I don’t know what to do,” he cried softly.
Alexis rubbed ‘Pollo’s shoulder and then took his hands in
his.
“Your son is not like other men, ‘Pollo. He will bring great
respect to your family name and his work will bring great honor to your
house. His fame will extend over the lands of the Middle Sea, beyond
Tyana, beyond Cappadocia and Greece. He will be a light to the world.”
As Alexis spoke, his face shone with joy and inspiration.
‘Pollo was deeply moved.
“How do you know this, Alexis?” he asked quietly.
Alexis smiled sweetly.
“I have always known it from the miraculous day of his birth to
this very moment.” whispered Alexis.
“While you rejoiced over a son to inherit, I found a leader,
felt his love and kindness and listened to his wisdom. And yes, I saw
his miraculous power.”
“What are you talking about? What power?” asked ‘Pollo.
“He has the power of the gods,” answered Alexis.
“He can command the elements.”
The elder Apollonius was apprehensive.
“What do you mean?”
Alexis looked out the window as he recalled a scene several years
earlier.
“Once when Apollonius and I were walking through the fields
north of the manor house, dark storm clouds arose behind us. Lightning
flashed and thunder rolled above us. I told Apollonius that we should
run to the house to avoid the impending storm. He laughed and raised his
hands to the sky and yelled out: ‘Be calm for Alexis is an old man and
can not run!’ When the storm caught up with us, it parted and as we
walked along, it rained and stormed to our left and to our right, behind
us and before us. Yet, the sky directly above us was blue and clear.
When we reached the manor house, the storm raged all about, but we had
arrived safely and dry. No rain fell upon us.”
The elder Apollonius stared at the old man incredulously.
“Why didn’t you tell me of this event when it occurred?”
“Because, at that time, you would not have listened to me, let
alone believe me,” said Alexis. “I
kept it in my heart.”
Alexis released ‘Pollo’s hands and stood up.
“Give him your permission to go to Aegae, ‘Pollo, please. Let him go with his father’s blessings. Let this
eagle...fly!”
Alexis turned and walked out of the chamber. The door closed
behind him. ‘Pollo sat on his bed alone and wondered.
Spiritual education is the only
true education.
Sathya Sai Newsletter
Winter
1994-1995
Volume
19
Number
2