they were crowned with laurel. The senate soon afterwards adopted the proposal, not in the way of acclamation or decree, but by commissioning M. Messala, in an unanimous vote, to compliment him with it in the following terms: > “With hearty wishes for the happiness and prosperity of yourself and your family, Caesar Augustus, (for we think we thus most effectually pray for the lasting welfare of the state), the senate, in agreement with the Roman people, salute you by the title of FATHER OF YOUR COUNTRY.” To this compliment Augustus replied, with tears in his eyes, in these words (for I give them exactly as I have done those of Messala): > “Having now arrived at the summit of my wishes, O Conscript Fathers 195, what else have I to beg of the Immortal (116) Gods, but the continuance of this your affection for me to the last moments of
LIX. To the physician Antonius Musa 196, who had cured him of a dangerous illness, they erected a statue near that of Aesculapius, by a general subscription.
Some heads of families ordered in their wills, that their heirs should lead victims to the Capitol, with a tablet carried before them, and pay their vows, “Because Augustus still survived.”
Some Italian cities appointed the day upon which he first visited them, to be thenceforth the beginning of their year.
And most of the provinces, besides erecting temples and altars, instituted games, to be celebrated to his honour, in most towns, every five years.
LX. The kings, his friends and allies, built cities in their respective kingdoms, to which they gave the name of Caesarea; and all with one consent resolved to finish, at