Such were the pressures of office that the once-great man became unhinged. Before taking office, he always presented a well-groomed and fashion-conscious mien. At this point, to call him disheveled would be a kindness. Additionally, he developed the alarming habit of talking to himself. There, in the very shadow of the palace, he could be seen shuffling along, head bent to the ground, muttering, drooling, hands shaking. If one didn’t know better, they could be forgiven for thinking him a drunk.
One day, Queen Pirouette caught sight of him in the West Garden. “My God!” She cried, “What has become of our dear Vespasian?
