“Ave! Old knitter of black wool. Morituri te salutant.” (pg. 12)
This phrase, which originally had “Caesar” in the place of “old knitter of black wool,” can be translated from Latin to English as “Hail...those who are about to die, salute you.” This saying was used by gladiators when addressing their emperor at the onset of a gladiatorial match. Marlow uses this phrase to express how risky his new endeavor will be and how uncertain the outcome will be. Because gladiatorial matches typically ended in the obliteration of the gladiators involved, the emperor was usually the last individual to see the victims, much like the two weavers who rarely saw the employers of the Company return. Although this phrase is seemingly unimportant, Conrad uses it to create a considerable amount of suspense surrounding Marlow and his ensuing journey.
"Ave Caesar morituri te salutant: Information from Answers.com." Answers.com. Web. 12 Aug. 2009. http://www.answers.com/topic/ave-caesar-morituri-te-salutant
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