Did you admit a man who was so openly filthy to the fasces and the
tribunal? Yes, it was because you were thinking of the great old
Scaurus, the chief of the Senate, and were unwilling that his
descendant should be despised.

XXXII. It is probable that the gods act in the same manner, that
they show greater indulgence to some for the sake of their parents
and their ancestry, and to others for the sake of their children
and grandchildren, and a long line of descendants beyond them; for
they know the whole course of their works, and have constant access
to the knowledge of all that shall hereafter pass through their
hands. These things come upon us from the unknown future, and the
gods have foreseen and are familiar with the events by which we are
startled. "Let these men," says Providence, "be kings, because
their ancestors were good kings, because they regarded
righteousness and temperance as the highest rule of life, because
they did not devote the state to themselves, but devoted themselves
to the state. Let these others reign, because some one of their
ancestors before them was a good man, who bore a soul superior to
fortune, who preferred to be conquered rather than to conquer in
civil strife, because it was more to the advantage of the state.
[Footnote: Gertz, "Stud. Crit," p. 159, note.] It was not possible
to make a sufficient return to him for this during so long a time;
let this other, therefore, out of regard for him, be chief of the
people, not because he knows how, or is capable, but because the
other has earned it for him. This man is misshapen, loathsome to
look upon, and will disgrace the insignia of his office. Men will
presently blame me, calling me blind and reckless, not knowing upon
whom I am conferring what ought to be given to the greatest and
noblest of men; but I know that, in giving this dignity to one man,