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Headache and weighty business

Ah, Libanius, in bygone days you were not so chary of your presence.

I come where I am bidden. Ought I to be intrusive? Would you have me stand in the way of the Emperor's much-honoured Maximus?

Maximus never appears at court.

And for good reason. Maximus holds a court of his own. The Emperor has conceded him a whole palace.

Oh my Libanius, have I not conceded you my heart? How can you envy Maximus his palace?

I envy no man. I do not even envy my colleagues Themistius and Mamertinus, although you have conferred on them such signal proofs of your favour. Nor do I envy Hekebolius, whose wealth you have increased by such princely presents. I even rejoice to be the only man to whom you have given nothing. For I well know the reason of the exception. You wish the cities of your empire to abound in everything, and most of all in oratory, knowing that it is that distinction which marks us off from the barbarians. Now you feared that I,