Theater of Fate

while I strive to take counsel, my own powers are endangered; I hesitate, not unaware,

And I am not far from falling silent. Lest that happen, I defer this business to another time. And since diligent preparation must be applied to all matters before one undertakes them Cicero, On Duties, Book 1, let it be permitted to present the Record of the most famous men who have left their opinions on such matters consigned to literary monuments for posterity. For in this way, the path to what remains will be easier, and the most certain leaders in these winding paths will become known. Nor do I augur that it will be displeasing to YOUR EXCELLENCY to contemplate the most celebrated writers before they descend into the arena, and to learn the story of their lives. Nor do they refuse to come forth into the light under your auspices, whom all who know you honor and venerate.