The Admirable Crichton. 113 



or Ciceros, or Scaevolas of greater virtue or piety tlian was 

 witnessed in tliose very distinguislied men by wliose departure 

 from tiie Senate tlie State has been weakened or most grievously 

 stricken; and by wliose righteous deeds an unlimited reward of 

 honour and splendour has been firmly established, and, together 

 with their most illustrious predecessors — a collection of wliose 

 immortal actions for the benefit of this Republic is deservedly 

 -set forth with the highest approbation — shall live again for ever. 

 But, as the poet says concerning the Golden Tree, by which the 

 most difficult question imparts its significance to penetrating 

 virtue, that if one bough is broken off, another springs up in 

 the same place; it follows in like manner that, on the retire- 

 ment of the most excellent magistrates from the official toga, an 

 equal number of most admirable men come forward, whom the 

 State itself with acclamation welcomes and embraces. Mark, 

 therefore, and consider well in your minds, most illustrious 

 citizens, and you will not fail to see that the most splendid 

 leaders, Stephanus Cygalla, Octavianus de Auria, Stephanus 

 Pinellus, Franciscus Zoaglius, and Alexander Imperialis, are 

 able worthily — whether we have regard to their magnanimity, 

 their moderation, their prudence or their pride of race, and again 

 to their surpassing dignity — to add not only to the sovereignty 

 of this city or Republic, but of the world at large. For on their 

 virtue, fidelity, and wisdom the State relies, good men rejoice, 

 pernicious citizens are seized with terror, the princes are 

 gladdened, and, in short, the entire multitude of the people are 

 exultant. But I fear to dwell longer on their praises, which are 

 truly endless. For their merits are better known to you than to 

 me ; for under your own eyes they have with incredible virtue 

 and constancy of mind, whilst maintaining undimmed the lustre 

 of their origin, exerted themselves to the utmost in public and 

 priwite affairs ; and they have created a great reputation by the 

 most important benefits conferred on this Republic and their 

 unbounded affection for their native land ; so that from such 

 trophies and distinguished memorials a certain subtle rumour has 

 arisen which reaches me as often as I contemplate their magnifi- 

 cence. It is much the same as commonly happens to people 

 who from a distance perceive with their ears the sounds of pipes 



