Studia Antiqua et Archaeologica 18(1): 341-349 Constantin-Ionuț Mihai, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iași, ABSTRACT The excerpt from Ammianus Marcellinus, Res gestae 15.5.23, where the Roman historian reproduces one of Cicero’s sayings, without mentioning its reference, was considered by Alberto Grilli to belong to the dialogue Hortensius. Though the Italian philologist had identified in this excerpt a series of motives common to other fragments from this dialogue (as for example the varietas fortunae or the critical analysis of the false goods which are not in our power), his interpretation remained a singular one. Until now no other scholar had supported Grilli’s interpretation. The quarrel of interpretations regarding this passage will be the starting point of this article in which I will try to advance a new reading of the excerpt from Res gestae 15.5.23 (= Hort. fr. 63 Grilli). The new reading will be done from the perspective of the(…)