Decimus Brutus, that most excellent citizen and consummate
 general, adorned the approaches to his temples and monuments with the verses of Attius. And
 lately that great man Fulvius, who fought with the Aetolians, having Ennius for his companion,
 did not hesitate to devote the spoils of Mars to the Muses. Wherefore, in a city in which
 generals, almost in arms, have paid respect to the name of poets and to the temples of the
 Muses, these judges in the garb of peace ought not to act in a manner inconsistent with the
 honour of the Muses and the safety of poets. And that you may do that the more willingly, I will now reveal my own feelings to you, O
 judges, and I will make a confession to you of my own love of glory,—too eager perhaps, but
 still honourable. For this man has in his verses touched upon and begun the celebration of the
 deeds which we in our consulship did in union with you, for the safety of this city and empire,
 and in defence of the life of the citizens and of the whole republic. And when I had heard his
 commencement because it appeared to me to be a great subject and at the same time an agreeable
 one, I encouraged him to complete his work. For virtue seeks no other reward for its labours and
 its dangers beyond that of praise and renown; and if that be denied to it, what reason is there,
 O judges, why in so small and brief a course of life as is allotted to us, we should impose such
 labours on ourselves?