RUDIMENTS, pt. 1,038 ('so where will I go, and who will I follow?') Well. Sidetrack here. One day away. Let's not talk about me! 'What's often referred to as the first pandemic began in the city of Pelusium, near modern-day Port Said, in northwestern Egypt. Year 541.' (Hmmm, that equals 10; a curiously final number, for so many beginnings). You know, in our language we say 'said.' Like 'He said...' But this is pronounced 'Sayeed,' Like 'hayseed' sorta . The historian Procopius said the pestilence 'spread both west, toward Alexandraia, and east, toward Palestine.' Then it kept going. In his view, it seemed to move almost consciously, as if fearing lest some corner of the Earth might escape it. (OK. 'Procopius,' would not that mean, like, 'For a Lot?' Maybe. As opposed to that other Historian named 'Antiplentius,' meaning opposed ...