The double

(Sozia)

When the Roman consul Lucus Anitius gave orders
For the legions to march into the Illyrian heartland
He had not only a chronicler on his war council
But also a double of King Gentius,
Dressed just like him, with painted eye-brows
Most certainly with a false sceptre,
And with a sentence learnt by heart:
"I am Gentius, King of the Illyrians!"

The consul said to the chronicler that day
"What happens to the real Gentius is of no consequence to the battle. We are the truth and shall spread it as we wish,
The tools of writing are the arms of victory too,
Words which the most distant of our descendants will read.
The shackles of Roman victories must not fall
Even though they are made of paper!"

When Lucus Anitius celebrated his 'Illyrian triumph' in Rome,
Riding his martial chariot and crowned with golden laurels
The double walked in front of him,
Moaning loudly, so as to be heard by all:
"I am Gentius, King of the Illyrians!"
The masses roared and made fun of the captive.

The official chronicle attributed to the ancient spectacle
'Universal' significance!