For many Romans, the daily grind of living and working in Rome stands in stark contrast to the gentle, rural pleasures of rus - the countryside. Indeed, city life is all too stressful for Acilius Glabrio, a member of one of the noblest Roman families, who grumbles about it to his friend, Helvidius Lupus. Talk turns from city to rustic matters, and then to military affairs abroad, popular poets and - most dangerously - discontent over the Emperor Domitian's rule. They should be careful...