Wichita eagle., 1889-03-07


intents and purposes dis appeared. How
ever, to satisfy the letter of the law. Pub
Illus Claudius Pulcher has recently had him
self adopted by a plebeian whom he has ney-
er even seen.
Claudius still sleeps. He was kept busy
ali the previous day cleo ton eering, and In
order TO recuperate his system he attended
little supper at the house of his friend,
Caius Manlius. whose wines and dancing
girls were the talk of the seven hilled cities.
Claudius has probably INDUCED to excess
IN the flowing bowl hence his drowsiness.
His slaves are afraid to disturb his slum-
Der, although he has given strict orders to
be awakened early. Finally his favorite
slave, Callius, touches him gently on the
shoulder.
What do you want, wretched fool."
roars the awakened Claudius. "Isn't 1T
bad enough TO be adopted by some low
born tailor or shoemaker, without being
abused by my own slavesi By the immortal
gods, I'll have you dashed to the bOner'
my Lord, it is already Late" replies the
trembling Callius, 'and you gave strict
orders to be aroused early, as you had i'm
portant business TO attend TO-"
Fright you are, my boy. / must go out and
conciliate the plebeian mob, whom l hope
some day Jupiter will destroy with his
thunder-boits.
Pubhus Claudius Pulcher spurns at last
his downy couch, and proceeds TO make his
toilet, IN which proceeding he is almost as
solictous as a woman trying to ward off
the ravages of time. He is a middle-aged
man, but vice Of every description has made
him old before his time. In the meantime,
his slaves have brought him his breakfast,
l.. ~ A.
he energies from the door of his domcile, in
front of which is his chariot, 10 which are
hitched span of fiery Numidian steeds.
Claudius steps into his chariot and takes
the reins. To-day he will be his own driver.
There is only room for two persons in the
chariot, and he must leave his regular
driver behind, because he has to take
another slave with him, VIZ, NOmenclator.
Nomenclator means in English name
caller" Every rich Roman politician land
a poor Roman could never get an Office had
q slave whose whole duty was to become
acquainted with the names and peculiarities
of the registered voter. This acquired in
formation the Nomenciator impaired to his
master when he needed IL il political cam
paigns-
The chariot reaches the forum, where
there Is a promiscuous and much excited
crowd. On the speakers stand, which is
decorated with prows Of captured Punic
galleys, stands a man, singing his arms
around and addressing the suffragans in an
impsssioned manner.
THAT is Trlbonius," whispered the Nom
enclator; ''he is played-out lawyer, and is
generally drunk, but he has a great deal of
influence with the masses. You had bet
ter salute him, my lord"
Claudius throws the reins to the slave,
desoen6s from the chariot AID mingles with
she crowd. He listens devoutly to the
rubbish of the orator about the Government
donating lands to settlers in Mauretanla
As soon as the speech is concluded Claudius
advances and shakes hands with the orator,
saying:
81 have often wished for the opportunity
70 become personally acquainted with you,
NV dear Trbonius, about whom l have
heard SO much. / now know that your
ability as an orator has not been overesti-
mated. congratulate you on your mastery
effort am Claudius, and, like yourself, a
man of the people"
Tribonius feels very much fiattered by the
condescension of the former proud aristo-
crat, and replies:
40, Claudus,I hope the gods may vouch-
Is free land and kope that if you are elect
ed you will advocate land grants to settlers
In Mauretania."
al agree with you entirely. good Tribo-
MUS. Land should be free to actual settlers,
not only in Mauretania, but also in Gallia,
Hispania and other colonies"
"Hurrah for Claudius, the friend of the
people,n wells the mob. Claudius, bowling and
spoil;Dp retreats 10 his chariot
Over yonder, standing in front of his
store, is the shoemaker, Marcus. He has
considerable influence. He is worried al
most to death by his wife, who is regular
virago. He has six boys, but they are
tough lot" whispers the Nom enclator.
II suppose III smell of shoemakers wax
for a week if | shake hands with the varlet;
but suppose there is no help for it." re-
plies Claudius, with sigh.
Be sure and call him an old-fashioned
Roman"
The chariot halts.
II greet ycu, Marcus" says the candi-
date for Tribune, IN very solemn manner.
at does my eyes good to meet an old-fash-
toned Roman. You remind me- of the good
old DAYS of our republic when Cincinnatus
held plow."
Many thanks, Claudius," replied the
shoemaker, looking suspic1ously at the cleo
tioneering candidate.
IL know YOU are not going TO vote for me,
but as / was passing / thought l would do
myself the honor OF making your personal
acquaintance. l hear there IS such domes-
tic happiness under your roof as is rarely
found in these degenerate days. All, there
is the fair AemlLa herself, the mother of
your six stalwart sons. l salute thee, fair
lady So farewell, dear Marcus. | hope you
Will continue to be my friend even if you do
vote for my opponent, Aulus Lentulus."
The chariot rolls on, but before it is out
of sight the fair Aemilia Kisses in the ear
of her spouse: IF you vote for Aulus Len
tulus L Il break up every sandal in the shop
over your bald head"
Having made a number Of similar calls,
the chariot of Clsudius approaches tavern
il the suburbs.
ave must visit the summer garden Of
ailo. He is born Greek, but he has &C
ouired Roman citizenship, and is a great
man out in this ware" whispers the Nomen-
clator.
ClauGius enters the drinking room. A
queer crowd is gathered together. There
are gladiators, gamblers and loose women
The gladiators suppose that Claudius Is going
70 examine their physical condition before
betting his money on them in the arena
The patrician- plebeian candidate throws
handful of money TO the women and orders
the host TO set out wine for the crowd Fill
ing goblet Claudius gulps down the sour
stuff without moving muscle OF his face
Thy Palermo VINE, o Milo, is good. ]
hear that many worthy citizens frequent thy
charming resort, and would fam persuade
them TO vote for me- / wish also 10 obtain