Act Six
Scene One
Sub-Scene Two
Mark Antony caution
The famed Sazerac Coffee House was
founded in New Orleans in 1850 and soon became known as the home of “America’s
First Cocktail,” the Sazerac. Using rye whiskey (in place of French brandy), a
dash of Peychaud’s Bitters, and Herbsaint, what eventually became the official
cocktail of New Orleans was created. This straight rye has a mellow spice and
dry sweetness that dance on the tongue, giving pure delight.
“It was also my mom’s favourite."
Brutus took Mark to a posh coffeeshop overlooking the busy street of Rome.
“Much as that was my drink I sipped with her then, I had blended in Bloody
Mary. You cannot make a vodka cocktail if you do not have vodka. And you cannot
make a Bloody Mary without a ready-to-serve source of tomato juice. With this
new cocktail, production had reached five million cases.” Brutus roared out in
laughter. (https://lettersandliquor.com/33-BLOODY-MARY-1920s).
Mark, seated there facing the door, was
trying his coffee. He missed it much, for when he was with the Sicilian, the
boys there were more onto Amaro Averna; the drink had a mouth-coating and
bittersweet taste, carrying hints of orange and licorice, balanced with notes
of myrtle, juniper berries, rosemary, and sage.
“It stimulates the senses, instantly
transporting you to the island and making Averna not just an amaro but an
authentic Sicilian experience.” The boy who served the drink daily to Mark told
him then. “Cin cin!”
Mark obliged the host, although Amaros
was designed to be enjoyed with dinner and as a digestivo, or an after-dinner
drink. It can be drunk neat, though it is most often served over ice. Adding a
splash of soda and an orange wedge is common as well; blood orange seems to be
the best match. (https://www.amaroaverna.com/).
Brutus was onto his fourth serving then,
and then he blurted out his woes.
“I think Julius Caesar is a nit. He
fought with Crassus and Pompey. Yes, he won by the skin of his buttock. Crassus
was more influential but a poor fighter. When Caesar went down, Pompey was
cornered.” Brutus smiled. “I was there and was with... Julius, for I knew the
winning factors and promptly defeated Pompey.”
“Brutus, do you...” Mark came along, for
he was told that Brutus had some news on Moses, but it turned out to be more of
an ego-bashing session.
“Do you know I negotiated Pompey’s terms?
I had him spared and exiled to the ports.” Brutus smiled. “We are Romans and
ought to behave like one. Julius was reluctant but conceded, for he knew that
he could not challenge all of Rome.”
“Brutus, these are all old tales. I
am...” Mark wanted to end the session.
“No, Mark. These are not old tales, but
recurring tales. I wanted to tell you that the trio at the mansion is planning
to revolt against Caesar.”
“They are his lieutenants,” Mark reminded
Brutus.
“No, they are Roman’s lieutenants, but
they seem... or appear to side with Julius Caesar, but everyone in Rome looks
for an opportunity to be the boss.”
“Brutus, you told me that you have news
on Moses.”
“Yes, Moses. Good man, but he died for
his own greed. Do you know he was in Egypt, where Caesar now travels? I did ask
myself what he was doing there, but before I could know, he was killed.” Brutus
chuckled at the thought. “Was he acting alone or had a boss above him? Someone
powerful. Like... Caesar. I meant well. Caesar may have had some plans, and
Moses was his lieutenant.”
“I …… Was Moses in Egypt?” Mark feigned
ignorance.
“I was told, and then, with Moses dead,
Caesar travels there. Truly a coincidence.” Brutus took his drink, and part of
the shade of red liquor spilled down his chin to the white toga.
“Oops! I got my blood spilled.”
“Brutus, what else do you know?” Mark
pressed on.
“Lieutenant Antony. I …… That is all I
know. I think we will part ways now. I will leave you, my vehicle. I have
another one outside.”
“Oh, hello, mother.” Brutus greeted his
mother, who had just arrived. “Do you know Mark Antony?”
“I do not think we met. I am Lady...”
“Lady Servilia. I heard of you. I am Mark
Antony, husband of Lady Fulvia.”
“My mother teaches Caesar Latin lessons.
He had been learning from her since his teens.” Brutus smiled. “Do you want to
learn, Mark?”
“Darling, I am sure he has learned his
lessons from Lady Fulvia. She is better at Latin than me.” Lady Servilia
smiled. “Esne paratus, deliciae? Nolo esse nuper meis Samba choreas. Are you
ready, darling? I do not want to be late for my Samba dances.” “Mother, please
do not talk in Latin. I am not...” Brutus sighed. “Yes, darling. We must go
now.” Lady Servilia smiled. Brutus then left with his mother while Mark sat
there nursing his unfinished coffee. Enobarbus walked in and sat on the seat
left by Brutus.
“Boss, how was...”
“Brutus knew Moses was in Egypt. Why tell
me now?” Mark looked at the Enobarbus.
“I would not know, but I heard news that
Cicero met Moses. They were together at church.”
“So, Cicero goes to church. That is
nothing new.” Mark shrugged off the information.
“Cicero is a Jew."
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