Parentalia VIII. — Attusius Lucanus Talisius, my Father-in-Law

Whoso would praise the nobles, the ancient Senate, and the houses of Bordeaux, illustrious from their first arising, let him tell of you and of your race, Lucanus Talisius — of you, whose life has added lustre to your ancient line. Handsome and noble in features, gentle and kindly in heart, your gift of eloquence made you yet greater still. You spent all your life in hunting, and husbandry, and all the pleasures of a refined life, despising public affairs. Eager to be recognized among the foremost, yet you refused to be the foremost, by living in seclusion from the throng at your own pleasure. When youth's heyday was mine, you desired me for your daughter's husband; but you were suffered only to desire this, not also to attain it. The Gods above give effect to prayers, and the Fates looking kindly on unsullied worth, fulfil what good men desire; and now, deep in the eternal tomb where rest your honoured bones, you still feel how constant I abide to your daughter's memory and to your own. For unwedded, I, your son-in-law, now pay this tribute of devotion: nor will I ever cease to be both unwed and your son-in-law.