An parum saepe experti sumus hanc esse rerum condicionem, ut senatus favor apud principem aut prosit aut noceat? Nonne paulo ante nihil magis exitiale erat quam illa principis cogitatio: hunc senatus probat, hic senatui carus est? Oderat quos nos amaremus, sed et nos quos ille.
Has history not taught us time and again about situations where the approval or disapproval of the Senate could greatly influence the Emperor's opinion of a person? Until recently, it was extremely dangerous for an individual to be perceived as having the favor and support of the Senate, as it often evoked the Emperor's disapproval. Though we despised the Emperor's favorites, he reciprocated with hatred towards those we loved.