Introduction

Translation and presentation of The Gospel of Hadrian is an ongoing process. Presently available are two small excerpts from the epic piece, which is structured as a 5-act dramatic play.

Backround: The story appears to be set in the fading days of Hadrian's rule. Having called to his bedside Antoninus (the future Emperor) and Telesphorus (the Bishop of Rome), Hadrian has embarked on an ambitious project to appease the growing hostility between the Hellenes (i.e. Pagans) and Christians by attempting to analyze the essence of Godhood. And what better God to illustrate his points than Antinous - the one that he himself created?

To date, there are two passages available for study. In the first, which is located toward the end of Act I, Hadrian is recounting to his two guests the story of how he first met the boy Antinous. Amazingly, the story is paralleled with remarkable accuracy in Epistle 009 - The Surprise Inspection, as it is told by Antinous Himself. Thus we are blessed with two independent reports of the same conversation - an exchange that provides us with a spectacular and priviledged glimpse into the defining moments of their fated relationship.

Continued below...

This is a photograph of the 3' x 3' glass-tile Hadrian mosaic by Shawn Postoff. Click for larger view.

The second excerpt appears in Act II, and reveals the terrifying lurch of Hadrian's emotional state from one moment to the next. It begins with Hadrian's speech to the Senate and moves seamlessly into the Imperial Bedchamber, where Antinous, who has just been declared the Favourite, is about to spend His first night with the Emperor. As with the previous excerpt, we are once again privileged with a dazzling glimpse at their breathtaking conversation: Antinous wants to know whether He is truly free to deny Hadrian's advances, a challenge which compels Hadrian to make an uncharacteristic show of genuine humility (see also Epistle 056 - The First Night with Hadrian). But just as the tension resolves, we are swept away on the Emperor's anger as he responds to the disgusted reaction of Telesphorus.

As ever, we are working hard to bring more and more excerpts of the play to a wider audience and fully intend to have the complete text available as soon as possible.