( He is gracious, at least, courteously yielding. Seeming to understand that she owes him only the bare scraps of her attention, and yet she gives more, and he thanks her the award of her generosity.

As it should be. As she will allow it. She nods, perfunctorily. )

It will be difficult. You believe the start will be strife, and peace must be worked for. I believe the start will be peace. Strife would be the exception. I have no answer. Because I have no problem. You have a problem, because you are living. Living men, they are not tired. They believe the world is for conquest.

( Here, she waves her hand as if to signal the hall they reside in, and the absent Senator who donated his villa for her fleeting use. )

My people, they have no appetite. Only, let them be free. I ask so much?