More in sadness that in anger

In this case, the fiddling is euphemistic, but the burning actual. Refers to the Emperor Nero, who "fiddled around" while Rome actually was burning.

For such erudition we may award a prize, but not yet.

I have a direct modern equivalent 'Pissing down with rain'

...the riposte, while witty, is more rude than erudite, I humbly submit...and much too literal

In this case, the pissing is euphemistic, but the raining actual. Refers to the fact that the rain is falling in steady streams and not a series of separated droplets.

Self evidently I can indeed read and, in addition, I can write, reason and evaluate evidence. Perhaps if you could demonstrate ownership of these same skills your frequent contributions would be more readable, informative and less arrogant and abusive.

Perhaps it's the lack of any connection to an independent source that's the problem. Simply to assert is seldom sufficient and can lead to 'Urban Myths' and gross misunderstandings.

Dear LCC: Try the Columbia Encyclopedia, Third Edition,.....if you can read, that is!!!