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At A Fairly Nice House In Suburban Rome
A Senator and (to those Christians) sinner,
I have invited one of them to dinner---
their chiefest, Simon Peter. I do not
think any arsonists lurk with that lot.
Their ordinary manner is too meek---
and too compassionate toward life---to seek
such criminal activity to wreak
havoc upon the majesty of Rome.
No, theirs is quite another threat toward home.
It strikes much closer than charred property.
Theirs is a lifestyle that, by its example,
leads ordinary Roman folks to trample
our ancient gods and customary rites;
and to believe life changes in the name
of Jesus, whom we crucified, a Jew.
That kind of hope strikes sparks, and each ignites
(in any soul) a thriving, leaping flame
far more destructive than mere fire can claim.
If he confirms this in our conversation,
I will know---without slightest hesitation---
what any loyal Roman ought to do:
and his arrest will follow rapidly.
Of course our Nero is a raving clown.
His wretched verses are hilarious.
But Simon might be far more dangerous,
and he could turn the empire upside down.
Such an upheaval we will not abide.
No citizen, he can be crucified.
Starward
[jlc]
