I was crushed. I couldn't believe it. Finally I said, "Serum est cavendi tempus in mediis malis!"
"What?"
"'It is too late to be cautious when in the very midst of dangers.' Seneca said that two thousand years ago."
The young man rose and nodded towards the door. "Good day, professor. And an E pluribus unum to you!"
That was an hour ago.
Professor Clarke stopped talking. Jimmy and I said nothing. The only sound was the hum of traffic outside. "And that is the way it is, gentlemen," said Professor Clarke, finally. "Quando cadet Roma, cadet et mundus. When Rome falls—the world!" He sipped the beer which by now had gone flat. "Do you believe me?"
Jimmy and I exchanged glances. "Have another beer," said Jimmy. "On the house."
"I see." Professor Clarke sighed. "Well, I cannot really blame you, gentlemen. I only hope you do not live to regret it." He got up and put a coin on the bar. Jimmy went to make change.
Then we became aware of automobile horns blasting steadily on a rising note of urgency. Jimmy and I ran outside. Traffic was piling up rapidly in the street. And as far as we could see in every direction, all the traffic lights had turned green!