A Denarius for a Penny
Nice, wishful albeit, thought that the bloodletting ended: only a matter of time before there will be more, exactly because, we reap that which we sow. Regardless of our 29th Prime Minister's bona fides, he too is now and forever destined to his just deserts.
While many yearn for an Australian republic---to cut, finally, the purse-string from mother Britain---Mr Turnbull's adroit grab of the reigns means we may well get more than we bargained for.
Three of our elected foremost leaders have now been forcibly removed from office, kicking and screaming, within a period not all of five years, as Australia looks to have, for all intents and purposes, fixed its eyes on a republic style of governance. But what these folk perhaps had not counted on was a republic fixed in the style of Rome.
Where are all the haruspices? Where, those trained in the art of reading the entrails? The entrails are laid bare on Parliament's marble floor and no one can make tail or head of them.
For reading the omens, here's what they say: by next April we can all expect to be playing two-up with a Denarius.
How so?
Most of us know of the last words said to have been uttered by Julius Caesar before he died of murder. But far fewer of us know the ultimate disposition of Marcus Junius Brutus the Younger.
And while we're not a republic (... yet), and Mr Abbott would hardly bear up to the title of Caesar of our time, [nor are we talking about someone literally putting the dagger in some other one], nonetheless Mr Turnbull might proverbially dwell on the fate of those who live by the sword.
Psalm 82, King James Version (KJV)
KJV, by Public Domain
While many yearn for an Australian republic---to cut, finally, the purse-string from mother Britain---Mr Turnbull's adroit grab of the reigns means we may well get more than we bargained for.
Three of our elected foremost leaders have now been forcibly removed from office, kicking and screaming, within a period not all of five years, as Australia looks to have, for all intents and purposes, fixed its eyes on a republic style of governance. But what these folk perhaps had not counted on was a republic fixed in the style of Rome.
Where are all the haruspices? Where, those trained in the art of reading the entrails? The entrails are laid bare on Parliament's marble floor and no one can make tail or head of them.
For reading the omens, here's what they say: by next April we can all expect to be playing two-up with a Denarius.
How so?
Most of us know of the last words said to have been uttered by Julius Caesar before he died of murder. But far fewer of us know the ultimate disposition of Marcus Junius Brutus the Younger.
And while we're not a republic (... yet), and Mr Abbott would hardly bear up to the title of Caesar of our time, [nor are we talking about someone literally putting the dagger in some other one], nonetheless Mr Turnbull might proverbially dwell on the fate of those who live by the sword.
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Parma Psalter 82b-83a [as per user:Jonund, Wikimedia Commons -- Public Domain] It is only a matter of time. Selah.
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Psalm 82, King James Version (KJV)
82 God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods. 2 How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah. 3 Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. 4 Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked. 5 They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course. 6 I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. 7 But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes. 8 Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.
KJV, by Public Domain
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