But still, Augustus deliberated about giving his daughter to a
Roman knight. Where is the wonder, if perplexed with a crowd of
distracting cares, and apprised to what an unbounded height above others
he raised whomsoever he dignified with such a match, he talked of
Proculeius, and some like him; remarkable for the retiredness of their
life, and nowise engaged in the affairs of state? But if we are influenced
by the hesitation of Augustus, how much more powerful is the decision;
since he bestowed his daughter on Agrippa, and then on me? These are
considerations which in friendship I have not withheld: however, neither
your own inclinations, nor those of Livia, shall be ever thwarted by me.
The secret and constant purposes of my own heart towards you, and with
what further ties of affinity, I am contriving to bind you still faster to
me; I at present forbear to recount. Thus much only I will declare, that
there is nothing so high but those abilities, and your singular zeal and
fidelity towards me, may justly claim: as when opportunity presents,
either in Senate, or in a popular assembly, I shall not fail to testify.
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