Expressions that used to be familiar now require explanation. In the same way, the names of people who used to be heroes now need some explanation – Camillus, Cæso, Volesus, Leonnatus, a little later Scipio and Cato too, then also Augustus, then also Hadrian and Antoninus. For all things fade and become mere tales, and are buried soon thereafter in complete oblivion. And I’m speaking just of those who have shone in some way with great brilliance. As for the rest, they are gone and forgotten when they take their last breath. And what, after all, is even an everlasting remembrance? Completely
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