In Silv. 4.4 Statius pays homage to Vitorius Marcellus, the young dedicatee of the poem (for this small but meaningful detail, see Stat. Silv. 4.4.45 iuuenes … annos; 4.4.74 iuuenemque … parentem), praising his skills as an orator (4.4.39–45) and foreseeing a brilliant military career for him (4.4.61–4). The last point is highlighted in a brief portrait of Marcellus as a perfect foot soldier and horseman (4.4.64–9):
… nec enim tibi sola potentis
eloquii uirtus: sunt membra accommoda bellis 65
quique grauem tarde subeant thoraca lacerti.
seu campo pedes ire pares, est agmina supra
nutaturus apex, seu frena sonantia flectes,