It is true that in our countryside the only senators are Aemilius, Vedius and Satronius, and that in our immediate vicinity Hirnio and Hedulio are the only proprietors of equestrian rank but we commoners here are no bumpkins or clodhoppers." "I apologize," Tanno spoke conciliatingly.

"You are right to call me down.
We Romans of Rome really know the worth of farmers and provincials and the like.

But we are so used, among ourselves, to thinking of Rome as the whole world, that our speech belies our esteem for our equals.

I should not have spoken so.

Who is Marcus Martius, Caius, and who is Marcia ?" "Marcus Martius," I said, "is a local landowner like the rest of us.