But the wealth of knights often outstripped many an ancient senatorial family, giving them a greater power than the nominal holders of dignity and office. 4 Equestrian or senatorial, the possessing classes stood for the existing order and were suitably designated as boni. […] Scribonius Curio (cos. 76), a man of capacity and repute, came of a senatorial family that had not previously reached the consulate. […] Cornificius (Catullus 38), of a senatorial family: he married a step-daughter of Catilina (Ad fam. 8, 7, 2). […] Catullus’ family would perhaps have been eligible for senatorial rank, if not Virgil’s as well. […] Al. 31, 3) promoted to senatorial rank by Caesar.