The Price of Public Opinion (based on a real story)

Cleopatra cavalierly plunked the priceless pearl into vinegar, stirred, and sipped, still staring serenely at Caesar.

Guests aghast gawked and gasped, gazing and gossiping hushedly, guessing at obscene sums she had dissolved and drunk.

Rome’s dictator nodded dismissively, grinning at his garrulous guests whilst surreptitiously swiping away a telltale trickle of icy sweat.