though even profligates avoided his kiss? Was it not Verrucosus,
and Allobrogicus, and the three hundred who to serve their country
blocked the invader's path with the force of a single family? It is
our duty to respect the virtuous, not only when present with us,
but also when removed from our sight: as they have made it their
study not to bestow their benefits upon one age alone, but to leave
them existing after they themselves have passed away, so let us not
confine our gratitude to a single age. If a man has begotten great
men, he deserves to receive benefits, whatever he himself may be:
he has given us worthy men. If a man descends from glorious
ancestors, whatever he himself may be, let him find refuge under
the shadow of his ancestry. As mean places are lighted up by the
rays of the sun, so let the degenerate shine in the light of their
forefathers.

XXXI. In this place, my Liberalis, I wish to speak in defence of
the gods. We sometimes say, "What could Providence mean by placing
an Arrhidaeus upon the throne?" Do you suppose that the crown was
given to Arrhidaeus? nay, it was given to his father and his
brother. Why did Heaven bestow the empire of the world upon Caius
Caesar, the most bloodthirsty of mankind, who was wont to order
blood to be shed in his presence as freely as if he wished to drink
of it? Why, do you suppose that it was given to him? It was given
to his father, Germanicus, to his grandfather, his great
grandfather, and to others before them, no less illustrious men,
though they lived as private citizens on a footing of equality with
others. Why, when you yourself were making Mamercus Scaurus consul,
were you ignorant of his vices? did he himself conceal them? did he
wish to appear decent?