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"We only guard—a dwindling band— The ancient fame of Attic land."

So he is your successor, I his. Come, therefore, I beg lest the seed for the harvest of wit perish along with the republic.

DCXCV (F XII, 21)

TO QUINTUS CORNIFICIUS (IN AFRICA)

My friend Gaius Anicius, a man possessed of every sort of accomplishment, has on urgent private affairs received a free legation to go to Africa. I should be glad if you would render him every kind of assistance and would take pains to enable him to settle his business as satisfactorily as possible. Especially—what is most valuable in his eyes—I request you to have an eye to his dignity. And I ask that of you, because I myself when in a province was accustomed without being asked to be careful to assign lictors to all senators. That is a compliment which I had myself received, and I knew that it was habitually done by the most distinguished men. Therefore, my dear Cornificius, pray do this, and in all other respects, if you love me, consult for his dignity and his property. You will exceedingly oblige me by doing so. Take pains to keep well.