Votum

Alterutrum fors offeret clementia fati
     Sive velim Augustus, sive Maro fiero,
Heic mihi firma animo perstat sententia: regnum
     Nolle, sed ingenii velle Maronis opes.

My Desire

If by fortune Destiny offered me mildly to be Augustus or Maro, my heart would confirm this unchangeable avowal: I do not want any kingdom, I only desire Maro’s rich talent.

(Maro is Virgil’s nickname)

Votum, c. 1587-1604
Peder Hansen's book (p. 169)