wise enough a
student, I am not born of the dregs of the Roman populace; my houses
and the public places of Rome are full of antique images of my
ancestors and the Roman annals will be found full of many a triumph
led by the Quintii up to the Roman Capitol; nor is the glory of our
name fallen for age into decay, nay, it presently flourisheth more
splendidly than ever. I speak not, for shamefastness, of my riches,
bearing in mind that honourable poverty hath ever been the ancient and
most ample patrimony of the noble citizens of Rome; but, if this be
condemned of the opinion of the vulgar and treasures commended, I am
abundantly provided with these latter, not as one covetous, but as
beloved of fortune.[468] I know very well that it was and should have
been and should be dear unto you to have Gisippus here in Athens to
kinsman; but I ought not for any reason to be less dear to you at
Rome, considering that in me you would have there an excellent host
and an useful and diligent and powerful patron, no less in public
occasions than in matters of private need.

[Footnote 467: _i.e._ of your counsel.]

[Footnote 468: _i.e._ my riches are not the result of covetous
amassing, but of the favours of fortune.]

Who then, letting be wilfulness and considering with reason, will
commend your counsels above those of my Gisippus? Certes, none.
Sophronia, then, is well and duly married to Titus Quintius Fulvus, a
noble, rich and long-descended citizen of Rome and a friend of
Gisippus; wherefore whoso complaineth or maketh moan of this doth not
that which he ought neither knoweth that which he doth. Some perchance
will say that they complain not of Sophronia being the wife of Titus,
but of the manner wherein she became his wife, to wit, in secret and
by stealth, without friend or kinsman knowing aught thereof; but this
is no marvel nor thing that betideth newly. I willingly leave be those
who have aforetime taken husbands against their parents' will and
those who have fled with their lovers and have been mistresses before
they were wives and those who have discovered themselves to be married
rather by pregnancy or child-bearing than with the tongue, yet hath
necessity commended it to their kinsfolk; nothing of which hath
happened in Sophronia's case; nay, she hath orderly, discreetly and
honourably been given by Gisippus to Titus. Others will say that he
gave her in marriage to whom it appertained not to do so; but these be
all foo