Context
       This speech is dedicated to the greatness of literature, but even if it is its primary aim,
I can say it does not divert me from the overall goal of my book. Being one of the most 
pleasurable occupations, one of the most adored entertainments, to admit this pleasure whilst
showing its worth is legitimate. Therefore, this is what I have sought to accomplish in this speech,
which is more reasonable than motivated by personal interest. At least, I know well that if I 
defend this cause, it's because I believe it to be good, thus I do not break the oath of 
orators who oblige them to defend no cause that they think to be ill. Judge and listen
to what Livie has to say on this subject, to Mecenas, protector of the Muses. But do not be surprised to
hear her speak in depth on this matter. Octave was too fond of poems not to 
have inspired this same passion in the one who held his heart. And she was too skilled not 
to be attentive. Thus, if I have selected these characters, it’s because I had reasons 
for doing so, and one would not find fault with me for this.

                                          Livie to Mecenas
       I know, Mecenas, that Octave owes his empire to your advice. The Romans owe you 
the bliss they enjoy under a reign distanced from tyranny. And I too, owe you
the position that I hold today. Yes, Mecenas, it is you who overcame the mighty reasons 
of Agrippa that day when Octave wrestled within himself whether to hold onto the supreme power or
to relinquish it into the hands of the people. This great emperor desired to strip off the crown 
he had on his head, abandon the reins of the empire, descend from the throne he had reached
after such long labors and, by a surrender more disgraceful than Antony's flight at the battle
of Actium, lose the reward of so many victories won. One might say that Antony's flight 
was borne out of love, but here one could only justify Octave's by 
weakness. It was claimed that his hand was not strong enough to hold the scepter it clinged to,
and that he was renouncing what he could not conserve.
       Mecenas, you did not have insignificant enemies to face for you stood before Octave and 
Agrippa and they opposed you. Their opinion seemed the most just, for it appeared to be more 
altruistic. And it seemed that there was more honor in dispersing the Empire than in consolidating 
it, and more perks in obeying than in commanding. But you emerged as the victor in this struggle, and 
in a most extraordinary manner the loser remained crowned. And you were content to obey
the one whom you allowed to retain authority. The debt the emperor owes you is 
undoubtedly very large, but he is even more indebted to you for the effort you made to 
bring him closer to the good grace of the Muses. It is through this means that you can offer him 
immortality and grant it to yourself too.


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