Then we went by bus to Rome.

Unlike Americans of our day, however, few in the Roman Republic felt their system should be, or could be, embraced by others in the mysterious ancient societies of the East.

We were standing at the top of a church tower. My father had brought me to this spot in a small Italian town not far from our home in Rome.

I have come, therefore, express from Rome, to ask you for information.

Two thousand years ago, the word "Rome" meant civilization itself.