1But among other occupations which are pursued by the intellect, the recording of past events is of especially great service. 2Since many have spoken of its merit, I think I should pass over it, and at the same time so that no one may think that I am vainly exalting my own pursuit by praising it. 3And yet I believe there will be some who, because I have resolved to spend my life far from public affairs, will give the name of idleness to my labour, so great and so useful as it is; certainly those to whom it seems the greatest industry to court the common people and to seek favour by banquets.
4Yet if they consider both in what times I won my magistracies, and what kind of men were unable to attain the same, and what sorts of men have since entered the senate, they will surely judge that it was for good reason rather than through sloth that I changed my mind, and that greater benefit will come to the state from my leisure than from the busy activity of others. 5For I have often heard that Quintus Maximus, Publius Scipio and other eminent men of our state used to say that, when they gazed on the masks of their ancestors, their minds were most fiercely kindled to virtue. 6Of course it was not that wax or that likeness that had such power in itself, but the memory of their deeds made that flame grow in the breasts of outstanding men, and it was not quenched until their own merit had equalled their ancestors' fame and glory.
7But now, by contrast, given the present morals, who is there of all men who does not compete with his ancestors in riches and extravagance rather than in honesty and diligence? 7Even new men, who formerly used to surpass the nobility through merit, strive towards commands and honours by stealth and banditry rather than by good practices; 8just as if a praetorship and a consulship and all other things of this kind were illustrious and splendid in themselves, and were not esteemed just in proportion to the merit of those who hold them. 9But I have gone on too freely and too far, while the morals of our state vex and weary me.
9Now I return to my undertaking.