The Casual Ward: Academic and Other Oddments. Godley Alfred Denis

situation, and is resolved to remodel His conduct accordingly. Tension is greatly alleviated.

* * * * *

      I cannot more graphically summarize the present improved situation than by quoting the headlines in the Acta Diurna.

GREAT REVIEW OF PRAETORIANS

OUTSIDE THE SENATE HOUSE

RESTORED RELATIONS BETWEEN

CONSCRIPT FATHERS AND EMPEROR

HIS MAJESTY IN THE SENATE

AVE CAESAR OPTIME MAXIME

GREAT ENTHUSIASM

DIVINE HONOURS PRACTICALLY CERTAIN

IMPROVED FINANCIAL POSITION

NEW ISSUE OF CONSULS EXPECTED

      All this tends to indicate that the period of mutual suspicion and distrust is practically at an end. Nothing shows it more clearly than the happy renewal of social relations between the Emperor and the leading members of the Senate. As a guarantee of good feeling, several of our legislators have consented, at His Majesty’s earnest request, to assist Him in the forthcoming Pageant of Empire to be held in the Circus Maximus. Their collaboration is indeed indispensable, large consignments of empty lions being reported to have arrived at Ostia. The hearty sympathy between our Ruler and His people is still further attested by the fact that several Senators who were but lately among the foremost critics of Absolutism are now taking a personal and prominent share in the scheme of street illuminations recently suggested to the Emperor by His Chancellor. Members of the Stoic Democratic Federation have been invited to meet H.I.M. at dinner at the Café Locusta.

* * * * *

      The Café Locusta dinner has been a great success. It is not expected that the Stoic Democratic Federation will express any further opinion hostile to the Imperial policy.

      M. Nymphidius has been commissioned to form a Ministry.

      Not the least noteworthy among social événements is the departure of Piso (whose tendency to form cabals has for some time been a sore subject in Imperialistic circles) for his estates in Thule, N.B. He has left, according to one account, by the Hook (unco).

* * * * *

      I quote from the Court Journal: —

      “The Emperor Nero reigns in the hearts of His People. Persons asserting the contrary will be decapitated.”

      PHILOGEORGOS, OR CONCERNING BRIBERY

      Going down the other day to the Kerameikos, I met my friend Philogeorgos, who is at present one of those who desire to hold office in the city. And I said to him —

      “Philogeorgos, you look sad; is it because you fear lest you should not be elected Archon?”

      “No, Socrates,” he replied. “It is not that which saddens me; it is the baseness of those who try to prevent the people from choosing me.”

      “In what way do they act basely?” I asked.

      “There is a certain wine-seller,” he said, “who is offering what the Hyperboreans call Free Drinks (that is, you know, draughts of wine without payment) to all those who will vote for Misogeorgos, but not for me.”

      “That is very unkind of the wine-seller. But why do you say that the transaction is base?”