The epic poem is distinct. It deifies the princes. It displays their selflessness in all their splendor, recounts their conquests with panache, and, should they have any, ingeniously softens their flaws. Fortune, victory and renown are forever on their side. There is no enemy they do not overcome. They know delight, both in the arts of war and love. Their prowess is passed from generation to generation. And while it is common for children to earn their fame from the meritless history of their forebears, here, the ancestors bestow the greatest advantages of their power upon their children, thus making them deserving in their own right. The generosity of Octavius is why Virgil has immortalized the piety of Aeneas. The conquests Octavius achieved will eternally remember the feats of his forefather. It is through the love of Octavius that this poet led this victorious Trojan to the throne. 

And, indeed, Octavius is the one who saved Aeneas from the flames of Troy, including his father and his gods. For without Octavius, this hero would likely have remained buried under the imposing ruins and sunk into obscurity. Future generations wouldn’t have heard of his bravery, as if he never existed. Thus, it is the duty of princes carefully to seek amongst their subjects those capable of performing such a lofty task, to urge them through their favor to pursue grand ventures. Those who can bring Hector, Achilles or Agamemnon to life in a tragedy with the same wisdom Homer gave them would be capable of penning a tale as extended, if encouraged wholeheartedly. But it is hard to undertake such a race without the guarantee of a reward at its end. Those who participated in the Olympic Games received laurels at the finish. Why then would a man devote his efforts, his days, his youth, and his whole life to a poem with only the act of its completion as a reward? Maecenas, this would not be just. And I say it one more time, it is up to the prince to choose who will sing of his victories, it is up to the prince to make him happy if he wants to be immortalized, and it is up to the prince to do what Octavius and Maecenas did for Virgil. 

You see, I am not straying from your sentiments, and, through my discussions with Octavius and you, I have become sufficiently educated in poetry to dare to speak of it. If perchance you are surprised by my learning, the reason will become evident once you understand that it is about the fame of the emperor. It was for this reason that I sought to learn all of these things, and it's for this reason I beseech you to keep cultivating it in such a favorable trend. So, Maecenas, carry on this project, enrich our Muses with the treasures of Octavius. Like the gods, offer them gold in exchange for their incense, and trust that if you gifted them kingdoms, you would receive even more in return. Yes, Maecenas, you will rule over all the legends of the centuries to come, your name will be so renowned among posterity that anyone who becomes its protector will take pride in being it.

                                                    
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