E T C C O N T E S T S W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 2 2
Hadrian , this is my name and , as everyone knows , I am the Roman empire ’ s emperor . Do you think I ’ m happy , being an emperor who has everything ? But how could I be happy if my heart hurts and tears fall from my eyes ?! Today , the great gods brought with them a new man whose name is Antinous ... my Antinous !
Antinous was like the sun that , after a thunderstorm , throws out the dark clouds : he was a handsome boy who loved me as much as he loved studying .
Seven years ago , I met my Antinous , while I was traveling to Bithynia , thanks to his teacher who wanted me to know him .
He was beautiful , when I saw him , I started blushing : I loved him . After that we usually go out and , when I had to come back to Rome , he came with me because I didn ’ t want to leave him alone .
For six years Antinous lived in my house and I traveled a lot with him : we were happy . But now , now he is not with me , his body , that three days ago , was between my arms , now is hugged by the Nile river ’ s waters .
Before going to Egypt , he promised to send a letter when he would have been in Egypt .
I waited for three days that letter , and today here he is , my servant who , holding a letter , said : " Antinous is ... dead , they said someone pushed him into the water ..."
I didn ’ t say a word , my heart was beating and I didn ’ t want to believe my servant . I took the letter : I knew that it was Antinous ’ letter , so I opened it immediately . “ My Hadrian , like
I promised , here is my letter . Now I am safe in Egypt , the ship that has to take me , will arrive soon , so I can ’ t write a lot . After ten days I should be able to come back home , so wait for me at the port ! I love you ."