Discipline; A Public Table

I did not want to beat the girl, Portia, for a few reasons. First, she will not be able, or permitted, to work the streets for the rest of the hand. Even then, it will be with considerable discomfort, I imagine. Second, I like the whore. She is spirited, self-assured and knows precisely what she is. Moreover, she likes what she is. However, the rule she broke was severe enough that I dispensed of the notion of returning home that I might lash her with a proper quirt. Rather, there before the Fountain of Hesius with a crowd of Love Feast patrons milling about, both citizen and foreign, free and slave, I removed my belt and put it to her. I should have removed her silk as well. Even with her considerable skill, I doubt it can be mended. I purchased several of the garments, one like the other, in bulk. All of them red. All of them embroidered with the words 'Have me. Boarding House. Anbar' across the backside hem. She will not be easily rid of the garment that advertises my interest. The others will have to work extra ahn for the remainder of the week to earn what I am losing with her off the street. A chain must be tested from time to time. One way to do that is to give it a firm tug, just to ensure the links are secure. For all Portia has done wrong, richly earning her ass whipping, there was one thing she did properly. She held her tongue until I concluded my meeting with the Lady Tia last evening.

Before the Baker left my side, I agreed to cancel the debt she had yet to pay from her concession work at the Great Theater during the performance of The Good Citizen. She seemed disconcerted, perhaps a little embarassed when I brought the subject up, assuring me that she had fully intended to pay the money, but it was not my intention to put the woman on her slippered heels. Rather the opposite. To celebrate the Love Feast, I wanted to provide the poorer citizens living in tenements and insulae in the Street of Brands District with a free meal. Nothing pretentious. Plain fare for proud folks. There will be tables of this sort set up in other districts for residents and visitors all over the city, so it should not be taken as charity. Rather, I hope, it is an acknowledgment to the people of the insulae that their district is no less a part of the city than any other. By providing this food to people of the Insula of Achiates and others, the Baker's debt to me will be considered absolved. She will have the use of my girls if she requires it, and I will see to it that the tables are laid out for her before she arrives.

I sent Tupita along this morning with a note for the Magistrate of the Street of Brands that he be aware what occurs in his district tonight. I have not met the man, but the girl seemed to know where his offices were. As a cylinder slave, property of the municipality, I should hope so.