1I predict, and my prediction does not deceive me, that your histories will be immortal; 1all the more — I will frankly confess it — do I want to be included in them. 2For if we usually take care that our likeness should be portrayed by the best artist, ought we not to wish that our deeds should find a writer and herald like you? 3So I point this out, although it cannot escape your diligence, since it is in the public records, I point it out all the same so that you may the more readily believe that it will be pleasant to me if you adorn my deed, whose credit grew from the danger, with your genius and your testimony.
4The senate had assigned me together with Herennius Senecio as advocate for the province of Baetica against Baebius Massa, and, when Massa had been condemned, had decreed that his property should be held in official custody. 4Senecio, having found out that the consuls would be free to hear petitions, came to me and said: 'With the same harmony with which we carried out the prosecution entrusted to us, let us approach the consuls and ask them not to allow the property to be dispersed which it is their duty to keep in custody.' 5I replied: 'Since we were advocates assigned by the senate, consider whether you think our part is finished now that the senate's hearing is over.' 5And he: 'You may set whatever limit you like for yourself, since you have no connection with the province except through your service to it, and that a recent one; 5but I was both born there and quaestor in it.' 6Then I: 'If your mind is fixed and resolved on this, I will follow you, so that if any ill will arises from it, it may not be yours alone.' 7We came to the consuls; 7Senecio says what the matter required, I add a few things.
7We had scarcely fallen silent when Massa, complaining that Senecio had shown not the good faith of an advocate but the bitterness of an enemy, demands that he be charged with impiety. 8Everyone was horrified; 8but I said: 'I fear, most distinguished consuls, that by his silence Massa has charged me with collusion, since he has not demanded that I too be charged.' 8This remark was both taken up at once and afterwards much talked about. 9The deified Nerva indeed — for even as a private citizen he paid attention to whatever was rightly done in public life — sent me a most weighty letter congratulating not only me but also our age, which had been granted an example — for so he wrote — like those of old.
10These things, whatever their worth, you will make better known, more famous, greater; 10though I do not demand that you go beyond the measure of what was done. 10For history ought not to overstep the truth, and for honourable deeds the truth is enough. 10Farewell.