But much more do we long for your decision, for each one of us considers himself a better farmer than any other and expects to be the chosen man." I smiled.
"Suppose," I said, "that I am of the opinion that no one of you is better than all his fellows, but that two of you are better than the other seven, but equal to each other in merit ?" Ligo stood at loss, but old Chryseros spoke out at once, saying: "In that case, Master, it would be proper that both men go to Rome, as such a prize could not be divided into shares." His forwardness angered me.

I told him sharply to mind his manners and to keep his place; that Ligo had been chosen spokesman and that he was to hold his peace.

I also pointed out that I had not agreed to give any such prize for distinguished excellence, that far less had I agreed that a visit to Rome should be the prize.
All nine of them stood mute.
I was tingling with my elation over my prospects of winning Vedia, for I felt sure of her personal favor, and the two notes from my great neighbors had thrown me into a sort of trance of rapture.

I was genuinely pleased with the frugality, diligence and skill of my tenants.

My estate was in a way to return far more than I had expected of it.