The Succession Lesson

A Play

Cast Marcus Aurelius

(The familiar room with the view of the lake. The students sit, so does the Instructor. Marcus Aurelius is in the middle of his lecture.)

Marcus So, yes, I understood the principle. Choose the most able, the most capable. "To the strongest", as your previous guest said on his deathbed. But Nerva didn't have a son, nor did Trajan, nor Hadrian. It was easy for them. But I — I had a son. And I loved him dearly.

(A beat.)

Marcus Despite all his flaws. I mean, of course, deep down, I understood he was, well, difficult.

(Another beat.)

Marcus Let's face it. He was a proper psychopath. A sociopath, a megalomaniac and a sadist. And I wished Faustina had never borne him. But once he was there, he was my all.

(A further beat.)

Marcus Would I have chosen differently with hindsight? I have to be honest here with myself. I wouldn't have. Blood is just too thick. So, my dear children, here is the lesson after all.

(A final beat.)

Marcus Do not have children.