Later.
H.M.’s interview with the Chancellor at Brundisium is stated to have been productive of entirely
satisfactory results. It is said that Nero now thoroughly understands the 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.