The owner of the villa with the free-flowing wine finally came to and found himself on his bed surrounded by frightened servants of both sexes and all ages.
"Master Civis, it is chaos!" cried one. Another said, "The line stretches all of the way down the Via!" The Household Leader spoke next. "Silence, all of you! Let the master have a moment to think!"
Civis was grateful for the pause. The thudding in his head eased slightly as the volume of cries and exclamations from his servants declined and ceased. Civis opened one eye and then the other. Good, he thought, the world is standing still, not spinning. He lifted bloodshot eyes to his chief household servant. "Cordelus, have the servants use some twisted hemp and create a pathway to the fountain. One that will also return the people to the street. Arm the younger men with swords and station them at the villa's doorways. Leave the gate open and allow the people to approach the fountain. Place a sign there that says the wine is free to the people so long as it lasts. A gift from Civis Romanus and Apolita. However, let no one enter the buildings. Do you understand my instructions?"
"Yes, Master Civis," replied Cordelus, and he repeated back to Civis what he had been directed to do. "Good, Cordelus. I know I can rely upon you. One more thing, if you would. Please have my horse saddled. I must attend to an appointment." Civis pulled himself off of the bed. The pounding in his head continued to recede, but the effort reawakend some of the devils and they warred a little harder for a brief minute or two.
"Right away, Master," replied Cordelus. "Master?"
"Yes, Cordelus."
"May the servants partake?"
"Yes, Cordelus... A gift from Civis Romanus and Apolita to their faithful household. Mind you though, one goblet only each day at supper and none to the young ones." Civis looked hard at the older man who had looked after his villa for many years. Then he smiled. "Go now... and just be sure you remember I said goblet, not tankard." With the departure of Cordelus, the room at last was emptied of servants.
Civis changed from his blue toga to his standard uniform of polished leather armor over blue and white linen. He tied on his metal shinguards, stepped into his military sandals then reach for and placed on his head his blue-plumed helmet. Lastly, he belted his short close-combat scabbard and sword to his side.
The horse was saddled and ready when Civis appeared. He took the reins and mounted the horse. Once elevated on the horse he could see far across the grounds of his villa and the many Romans who had lined up to sample the fountain's vintage. He had to pass by them to exit through the gate.
Word had spread very quickly about the fountain and the "gift". Cheers rose from the crowd as Civis made his way by the line of Romans and through the gate of his villa. He waved to them constantly as they continued to cheer his presence. Amazing what fame a little free wine will bring, he thought. There is someone I must thank for this and I suspect I will find that person at the Romehouse. He spurred his horse after passing the last in the line of jug-bearing Romans, and horse and rider swiftly made their way to the Romehouse without any further delay.