Should history tell of good men and their good estate, the thoughtful listener is spurred on to imitate the good; should it record the evils ends of wicked men, no less effectually the devout and earnest listener or reader is kindled to eschew what is harmful and perverse, and himself with greater care pursue those things which he has learned to be good and pleasing in the sight of God. Colgrave and Mynors translation (1969)