To save the commonwealth and retain its provinces we must have a Caesar competent, diligent, discreet and brave; and not one of these epithets can be properly applied to the autocrat now in power.

We feel that he must be removed and that there must be substituted for him a ruler who is all that the State needs and has the right to expect." "Fine words," I said.

"Masking a conspiracy to assassinate our Emperor." He looked shocked and pained.
"Hear me out," he pleaded.
"I am curious, I confess," I admitted, "to learn what all this has to do with reconciling Vedius and Satronius and regaining me the good graces of both.

I ought to terminate the interview, but I am weak.

Go on." "Naturally," he said, "both Vedius and Satronius resent what the Emperor did and said concerning your entanglement in their feud and they are both infuriated at their humiliation and at the effective means he took to tie their hands as far as concerns you and to ensure your safety, as far as they were concerned." "Commodus," I interrupted, "is not altogether a bungler when he gives his mind to the duties of his office." "May I go on ?" Capito enquired, mildly, even reproachfully and, I might say, irresistibly.