< What are we waiting for, assembled in the forum?      > The barbarians are to arrive today.      < Why did our emperor wake up so early, and sit at the greatest gate of the city, on the throne, solemn, wearing the crown?      > Because the barbarians are to arrive today. And the emperor waits to receive their chief.      < Why have our two consuls and the praetors come out today in their red, embroidered togas?      < Why do they wear amethyst studded bracelets, and rings with brilliant, glittering emeralds?		> Because the barbarians are to arrive today, and such things dazzle the barbarians.      < Why all of a sudden this unrest and confusion.       < How solemn the faces have become!      > Because night is here and the barbarians have not come.      > And some people arrived from the borders, and said that there are no longer any barbarians.      < And now what shall become of us without any barbarians?      < Those people were some kind of solution. CONSTANTIN CAVAFY 1863-1933