'Do you want a cretin or a meddler?' 'Which is better for us?' 'Whoever gets the larger backhander.' 'We won't pay. We are going for probity.' 'Can't… - Lindsey Davis

The plumber plodded along in silence, like a man who has learned to be polite to lunatics through dealing with civil engineers.

Even the impetuous Helena Justina was an advocate of traditional family councils. However, every Roman matron knows that domestic councils were devised by our foremothers purely so the views of the matron of a household may prevail.

In fact, making up a spiteful lie has become respectable. Today's "jesters" are outright public nuisances.