I showed him the letter the reader has seen.
"And I am keeping it as a model," I continued, putting it back into my pocket again.
"As a model of what?"
"Of diplomatic lying and of stupid sycophancy."
"Come, that is strong language!"
"True, but one ought to call a spade a spade."
"However that may be, let us drop the subject and speak of your position here."
"That is equivalent to discussing castles in the air."
"I do not refer to your past position, for I am well aware that you would decline to remain in the household under the old conditions; neither do we desire you to do so.... You must have leisure for your work."
"Continue, my lord Mæcenas, speak in the name of Augustus; I am listening."