I shall therefore pass on to those things which are familiar to all, and which I have long studied.

And in these matters I believe, I feel, and I affirm that of all governments there is none which, either in its entire constitution or the distribution of its parts, or in the discipline of its manners, is comparable to that which our fathers received from our earliest ancestors, and which they have handed down to us.

And since you wish to hear from me a development of this constitution, with which you are all acquainted, I shall endeavor to explain its true character and excellence.

Thus keeping my eye fixed on the model of our Roman Commonwealth, I shall endeavor to accommodate to it all that I have to say on the best form of government.

And by treating the subject in this way, I think I shall be able to accomplish most satisfactorily the task which Laelius has imposed on me.
XLVII.