
In the bustling streets of ancient Rome, a striking athlete—muscular, dark‑bearded, and eyes as sharp as a lance— commands every gaze. Celebrated for his feats in the arena and admired by noblewomen and matrons alike, he moves through the city like a living statue, his presence a blend of raw power and unsettling grace. Yet beneath the applause and the glittering armor lies a restless spirit yearning for something beyond triumph.
His heart belongs to Livia, a marble‑like woman whose love he cannot grasp despite his fame. As he roams from the marble forums to distant provinces, his thoughts constantly return to the quiet moments they once shared, stirring a conflict between duty and desire. The narrative follows his early wanderings, the alluring promises of glory, and the lingering ache of an unfulfilled love, inviting listeners to explore the tension between heroic legend and the fragile humanity that fuels it.
Language
pt
Duration
~10 minutes (10K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
Porto: Typ. de A. J. da Silva Teixeira Rua da Cancella Velha, 62 1883
Credits
Produced by Tiago Tejo
Release date
2007-08-31
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1848–1921
A rebellious Portuguese poet and essayist, he became known for intense, imaginative writing that moved between satire, social criticism, and spiritual searching. His work helped make him one of the striking literary voices of late 19th-century Portugal.
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