Hibernica nodded, walked out, and followed the Praetor's orders immediately. At least it was good news. Hibernica couldn't deal with any more 'throwings,' beatings, or any other actions that would involve bodily harm to his person.

The next day, Hibernica had all of the copies of the Praetorial Decree done, and distributed them accordingly with the Praetor's seal. It read:

'TO THE PEOPLE OF THE ISLAND OF SICILIA,

'PRAETOR ARMINIUS TERENTIUS AURICOMUS ISSUES THE FOLLOWING DECREE:

'THAT THE PROVINCIAL TAXES ARE REMITTED AS OF APRILIS, AND WILL BE PAID OUT OF THE PRAETOR'S OWN PURSE FOR THE REMAINER OF THE YEAR DXLIX.

'THE PRAETOR OF SICILIA FOR THE YEAR DLXXX SHALL INSTITUTE THE NORMAL TAX RATE FOR THAT YEAR, OR CONTINUE AT HIS EXPENSE THE FURTHER REMISSION OF TAXES AS ORDERED BY HIS PREDECESSOR, ARMINIUS TERENTIUS AURICOMUS

'MAY THE GREAT ISLAND OF SICILIA PROSPER, AND THE GODS PROTECT HER AND HER PEOPLE FROM HARM!

'SIGNED AND SEALED BY ARMINIUS TERENTIUS AURICOMUS, PRAETOR OF SICILIA. LONG LIVE THE REPUBLIC OF THE SENATE AND PEOPLE OF ROME!'

After that, Hibernica went to get his toga cleaned, as it still smelled of horse dung....