e belligerents? The Extreme Left, as represented
by Messrs. Barea and T. Peters (? Paetus), goes much farther, and does
not hesitate to criticize the autocratic dilettantism which professes to
lay down the law on artistic matters which it does not in the least
understand. It is time (said one speaker) that our so-called Emperor
should cease to be persuaded by the plaudits of a decadent and servile
entourage into imagining Himself a Second Sarasatius. Absolutism is
generally condemned.

Messrs. Nerva and Nymphidius and other prominent Imperialists have, of
course, defended their master; but their apologies, it is felt, were
somewhat perfunctory and half-hearted. In allusion to the lamented
demise of the Dowager Empress, it was pointed out that pity and loyalty
alike should forbid trampling on a Ruler bowed down by repeated domestic
bereavements; and attempts were made to enlist sympathy for the Imperial
Orphan. These, however, have not been uniformly crowned with success.

Tension undoubtedly exists. I cannot (to speak plainly) conceal from
myself the fact that in a given contingency, the nature of which it is
unnecessary and, perhaps, undesirable to specify further, circumstances
at present unforeseen might conceivably pave the way for developments of
which it might be impossible to predict the eventual termination.

* * * * *

"Ought Nero to Abdicate?" is the subject of a "symposium" in the current
_Primum Saeculum et Post_. The signatures L and S are commonly
associated with the talented author whose _Pharsalia_ has long been
recognized as the most charming of Saturnalian gift-books, and the Rev.
L. A. Seneca, formerly private tutor in His Majesty's household. Should
H.I.M. decide to abdicate, it is anticipated that He will edit our
Boeotian contemporary the _Oracle_, which is sadly in need of new blood.
Nero will give it that. The meetings held at the Palazzo Pisone were
strictly private.

* * * * *

The Suebian Press continues to hint at fresh indiscretions. There is no
doubt that a state of tension exists, which can only be alleviated by the
restoration of reciprocal confidence between H.I.M. and the Roman people.
The result of the approaching conference between the Emperor and Prince
Tigellinus is eagerly discussed.

Later.

H.M.'s interview with the Chancellor at Br