"True glory takes root, and even spreads; all false pretences, like flowers, fall to the ground; nor can any counterfeit last long"

In this quote, Cicero speaks of the distinction in between real splendor and false pretenses. He suggests that true magnificence has a strong structure, and can even spread out even more, whereas false pretences are like fragile flowers that quickly fall to the ground. In other words, Cicero stresses the importance of credibility and warns versus the threats of pretending to be something one is not. He recommends that pretending or counterfeiting can just last for a short duration prior to the truth is revealed. Overall, the quote reminds us of the value of honesty and integrity, as well as the power of being true to oneself.