‘I’ve done all those things, seen all those places. Even so, I suspect in many ways I'm an even greater doubter than your sceptical master. Yes, it's merely a trick. A game of logic'

'But how can simple logic yield new knowledge? You told me you had never heard of Cicero before I came here. I've told you nothing at all about him, and yet you're able to tell me exactly why I've come. It's like producing coins out of thin air. How can you create something out of nothing? Or discover a truth without evidence?'

'You miss the point, Tiro. It's not your fault. I'm sure you're able to think as well as the next man. It's the sort of logic that's taught by Roman rhetors that's the problem. Retrying ancient cases, refighting ancient battles, learning grammar and law by rote, and all with the point of learning how to twist the law to the client's advantage, with no regard for right or wrong, or up or down for that matter. Certainly with no regard for the simple truth. Cleverness replaces wisdom. Victory justifies all. Even the Greeks have forgotten how to think.'

'If it's only a trick, tell me how it's done.'

I laughed and took a bite of cheese. 'If I explain, you'll have less respect for me than if I leave it a mystery.'

Tiro frowned. 'I think you should tell me, sir. Otherwise, how will I cure myself in the event that I'm ever lucky enough to be allowed to have a hangover?' A smile showed through the frown. Tiro was capable of striking poses no less than Bethesda. Or myself.

'Very well.' I stood up and stretched my arms over my head and was surprised to feel hot sunshine bathing my hands, as palpable as if I had immersed them in steaming water. Half the garden was rilled with light. 'We'll take a walk around the garden, while it's still cool enough. Bethesda! I will explain my deductions, Bethesda will take away the food — Bethesda! — and order will be restored.'