Another quality that should not go unrecorded
 is his urbanity. For although he held honour in fee, and had power at his
 beck, and to these added sovereignty — sovereignty not plotted against but
 regarded with affection — yet no traces of arrogance could have been
 detected in him, whereas signs of a fatherly affection and readiness to
 serve his friends, even if unsought, were evident. He delighted, moreover, to take his part in light talk, yet he showed an
 eager sympathy with friends in all their serious concerns. Thanks to his
 optimism, good humour, and cheerfulness he was a centre of attraction to
 many, who came not merely for purposes of business, but to pass the day more
 pleasantly. Little inclined to boastfulness himself, he heard without
 annoyance the self-praise of others, thinking that, by indulging in it, they
 did no harm and gave earnest of high endeavour.