Subject: Re: take notice of me |
From: Barrett Brown <barriticus@gmail.com> |
Date: 11/15/10, 18:23 |
To: "emilieduchatelet8@gmail.com" <emilieduchatelet8@gmail.com> |
Nerva: Your manservent awoke me in such a state of distress that I almost suspected to find you dead at the hands of your spirited grandson - or, perhaps he at your hands, which would have at least given me hope in payment
Tiberius: Nerva, tell me; what is statecraft?
Nerva: You should have asked someone before you set about trying to practice it. Why must we discuss it now?
Tiberius: Perhaps I am in a mood.
Nerva: Your father did not rely on moods.
Tiberius: My father did not have to contend with being forever reminded of his own fathers greatness.
Nerva: He did... at first.
Tiberius: Is there nothing about him that you are able to recall without trite reverence?
Nerva: His talents as a father.
Tiberius: Perhaps I should send you off to the Persian court as a gift; you would make a fine propagandist against my reign.
Nerva: You flatter me unfairly. Anyone who has been paying attention could fill such a role quite well.
Tiberius: I am sure that all of Rome would revolt were I to take you even father from the city than I have already. We hardly need a senate as long as we have your wisdom.
Nerva: We hardly need a senate to begin with.
Tiberius: If you will talk to me of statecraft, I promise to provide further openings by which you may display your wit.
Nerva: Very well. Shall we examine the subject in the manner of the Greeks?
Tiberius: By the asking of questions, you mean? It would appear that we have already done so by accident... wouldnt it? But let us allow the dialog to take whatever form it chooses.
Nerva: The imperative form does seem to suit you. Now, you have picked a wide subject that we ought to whittle down. What specifically
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Regards,
Barrett Brown
512-560-2302