Now I return to myself, who am descended from a freed- man; whom every body nibbles at, as being descended from a freed- man. Now, because, Maecenas, I am a constant guest of yours; but formerly, because a Roman legion was under my command, as being a military tribune. This latter case is different from the former: for, though any person perhaps might justly envy me that post of honor, yet could he not do so with regard to your being my friend! especially as you are cautious to admit such as are worthy; and are far from having any sinister ambitious views. I can not reckon myself a lucky fellow on this account, as if it were by accident that I got you for my friend; for no kind of accident threw you in my way. That best of men, Virgil, long ago, and after him, Varius, told you what I was. When first I came into your presence, I spoke a few words in a broken manner( for childish bashfulness hindered me from speaking more); I did not tell you that I was the issue of an illustrious father: I did not[ pretend] that I rode about the country on a Satureian horse, but plainly what I really was; you answer( as your custom is) a few words: I depart: and you re - invite me after the ninth month, and command me to be in the number of your friends. I esteem it a great thing that I pleased you, who distinguish probity from baseness, not by the illustriousness of a father, but by the purity of heart and feelings. 