"Hush, Gallus! Weren't you speechless a moment ago? Think of it as a welcome gift to the Palatine now that you have decided to set up home over here. And also I was flattered that you asked my opinion to decorate your new home." Vitulus slapped Gallus on the back with amusement, glad for once to have dumfounded his fellow Tribune.

"Now, is that Agrippa over there? And what's this proposal of his?" He led the way into the peristyle garden and greeted Agrippa warmly. "I hope you are doing well, friend. Now, let me take a cup of wine and you can tell me of this proposal I believe you have."

Sipping his wine, Vipsanius Agrippa summarised his proposal. "In the winter and spring the streets are muddy, in the summer they are hot and dusty. Could we not present legislation that would ensure that the streets of the Subura are paved, and funds set aside for repairs every year?"

"Well, it's the job of the Aediles to make oversee public works is it not?" replied Vitulus. "I know last year's lot didn't exactly pull their weight in that respect, but that is one of their responsibilities. Of course, if you highlight the problem to the people, they may be shamed into action. An Aedile likes nothing better than to make an impression on the people, or else why would he be prepared to spend all that money? And after all, the rich should have something to spend it on!"

Taking a deep breath in the calm environment of the garden, Vitulus sipped a little more of his wine and realised his cup was empty already.