Pliny Natural History, Vol. I (Loeb Latin-English)

our own, so that it may reach certain records, and everyone may know on what equal terms the empire lives with you. You are a man of triumphs and censorial rank, six times consul, a sharer in the tribunician power, and (what you have made more noble than these, while performing it for your father and the equestrian order alike) prefect of his bodyguard. All this you do for the republic—and to us, what a comrade you were in our military life! Nor has the grandeur of your fortune changed anything in you, except to enable you to do as much good as you desire. Therefore, while all other methods of paying you reverence are open to everyone, for me, only the boldness of treating you with more intimate respect remains. For this, therefore, you will blame yourself, and you will forgive me for my fault. I have put on a bold face, yet I have not succeeded, since you meet me on another path, appearing grand, and you push me even further back with the symbols of your genius: in no one does the dictatorial power of eloquence and the tribunician authority of wit shine more truly. With what a voice you thunder forth the praises of your father! With what power you proclaim the fame of your brother! How great you are in the art of poetry! O mighty fertility of mind—you have even contrived a way to imitate your brother!

But who could assess these works without trembling, about to undergo the judgment of your talent, especially since that judgment has been challenged? For the condition of those who publish and those who dedicate specifically to you is not the same.