Good day, gentlemen, I fear I have ill repaid this courteous attention by keeping you so long awaiting. Ah, Isauricus, my dear old friend, this is too kind. Too kind; it is I that should be calling on you; you must not expose yourself to this morning air; all Rome is waiting for your speech on this new Land Bill or Agrippa’s. By the way, Egnatius, I do not think you have yet taken the public into confidence as to your attitude? You reserve it? Ha! I am not sure you are right, if I may say so. One loses a great part of one’s due influence, I always think, unless one gives an opinion time to percolate, as one might say. I have told Agrippa frankly all along that I shall oppose him on the municipal clauses. What says Piso? Opposed to the whole scheme; you will speak, of course? Aha, good day, Iulus. What says Iulus on the question of the hour? An excellent measure all around! So—well, it should be an interesting debate, and personally I am still open to be convinced. And here is the author of all the trouble, himself. How do you do, Agrippa? Eh? A word in private; by all means, old man. Want to go away? No, no, dear fellow, we want you here. Pannonia and Germany? Nonsense, you’re losing your nerve. Why, we settled the Pannonians years ago. Well, we’ll think it over. Good morning, Maecenas; survived your own wine, I see! Amusing fellow, that little Horace of yours. Underbred? No, I didn’t notice it. I tell you what, though, if I were that man I wouldn’t stand the way you treat him for five minutes, good as your dinners are. However, that’s his affair. Been here long? I’m beginning to agree with you about Iulus. See me before dinner. Well, gentlemen, I thank you once more for the high honor you have paid me. I am afraid you spoil me with your indulgence, for I am now about to ask to be excused. You have put me in an important public position, and I am anxious not to disappoint you. Adieu, my friends.