Such petitions were part of the role of the notability as understood at the time; a manifestation of their social hegemony was the obligation to speak for or represent the local community to the imperial center.

Indeed it is very doubtful that Seneca's plays were ever intended for full performance; it is more likely that they were presented by a cast of reciters, like an oratorio.

took her fancy

The humble dung-beetle was at least a fact. All this psychic stuff is not. No doubt you have good grounds for your views, chirped the mischievous Millworthy, a mild youth with a velvety manner.