The family of Volusius was ancient, but, in the exercise
of public offices, rose never higher than the Praetorship; it was he, who
honoured it with the Consulship: he was likewise created Censor for
modelling the classes of the equestrian order; and first accumulated the
wealth which gave that family such immense grandeur. Crispus was born of
an equestrian house, great nephew by a sister to Caius Sallustius, the
renowned Roman historian, and by him adopted: the way to the great offices
was open to him; but, in imitation of Maecenas, he lived without the
dignity of Senator, yet outwent in power many who were distinguished with
Consulships and triumphs: his manner of living, his dress and daintiness
were different from the ways of antiquity; and, in expense and affluence,
he bordered rather upon luxury. He possessed however a vigour of spirit
equal to great affairs, and exerted the greater promptness for that he hid
it in a show of indolence and sloth: he was therefore, in the time of
Maecenas, the next in favour, afterwards chief confidant in all the secret
counsels of Augustus and Tiberius, and privy and consenting to the order
for slaying Agrippa Posthumus.
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