Vivit adhuc completque vagis sermonibus aures gloria fusa Probi, quam non ventura silebunt lustra nec ignota rapiet sub nube vetustas. ilium fama vehit trans aequora transque remotas Tethyos ambages Atlanteosque recessus. 35 audiit et gelido si quem Maeotia pascit sub Iove vel calido si quis coniunctus in axe nascentem te, Nile, bibit. virtutibus ille Fortunam domuit numquamque levantibus alte intumuit rebus; sed mens circumflua luxu 40 noverat intactum vitio servare rigorem. hic non divitias nigrantibus abdidit antris nec tenebris damnavit opes; sed largior imbre sueverat innumeras hominum ditare catervas. * * * * * Page 5 counted by the fasces (for each has held them), the same recurring honours crown them, and a like destiny awaits their children in unbroken succession. No noble, though he boast of the brazen statues of his ancestors, though Rome be thronged with senators, no noble, I say, dare boast himself their equal. Give the first place to the Auchenii and let who will contest the second. It is as when the moon queens it in the calm northern sky and her orb gleams with brightness equal to that of her brother whose light she reflects; for then the starry hosts give place, Arcturus’ beam grows dim and tawny Leo loses his angry glint, far-spaced shine the Bear’s stars in the Wain, wroth at their eclipse, Orion’s shafts grow dark as he looks in feeble amaze at his strengthless arm. Which shall I speak of first? Who has not heard of the deeds of Probinus of ancient lineage, who knows not the endless praise of Olybrius? The far-flung fame of Probus[41] and his sire lives yet and fills all ears with widespread discourse: the years to come shall not silence it nor time o’ercloud or put an end to it. His great name carries him beyond the seas, beyond Ocean’s distant windings and Atlas’ mountain caverns. If any live beneath the frozen sky by Maeotis’ banks, or any, near neighbours of the torrid zone, drink Nile’s stripling stream, they, too, have heard. Fortune yielded to his virtues, but never was he puffed up with success that engenders pride. Though his life was surrounded with luxury he knew how to preserve his uprightness uncorrupted. He did not hide his wealth in dark cellars nor condemn his riches to the nether gloom, but in showers more abundant than rain would ever enrich countless numbers of [41] Probus was born about 332 and died about 390. He was (among many other things) proconsul of Africa and praefectus of Illyricum. * * * * * Page 6