No More Learning

His general
procuring the acquittal of his client. Soon after health was now firmly established, his lungs had
(B. C. 79) he again came indirectly into collision acquired strength, the habit of straining his voice
with Sulla ; for having undertaken to defend the to the highest pitch had been conquered, his exces-
interests of a woman of Arretium, a preliminary sive and unvarying vehemence had evaporated, the
objection was taken against her title to appear in whole form and character of his oratory both in
court, inasmuch as she belonged to a town the in- | matter and delivery had assumed a steady, sub-


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710
CICERO.
CICERO
ܪ
ducd, composed, and well-regulated tone. Trans- any circunstances, and at all hours, lowever in-
cendant natural titlents, developed by such elaborate convenient or unseasonable.
and judicious training under the most celebrated For upwards of four years after his return to
masters, stimulated by burning zeal and sustained Rome in the beginning of B. c. 74, the life of
by indomitable perseverance, could scarcely fail to Cicero presents an entire blank. That he was ac-
command success. His merits were soon discerned tively engaged in the courts of law is certain, for
and appreciated, the prejudice at first entertained he himself informs us, that he was employed in a
that he was a mere Greekling, an indolent man of multitude of causes (Brut. 92), and that his powers
letters, was quickly dissipated ; shyness and reserve had now attained to the full vigour of maturity;
were specdily dispelled by the warmth of public but we know not even the name of one of these
applause; he forthwith took his station in the fore orations, except perhaps that, “ Pro M. Tullio,"
mnost rank of judicial orators, and ere long stood some important fragments of which have been
alone in acknowledged pre-eminence; his most recently brought to light. Meanwhile, Lucullus
formidable rivals, Hortensius, eight years his senior, had been pressing the war in the East against
and C. Aurelius Cotta, now (B. c. 76) canvassing Mithridates with great energy and the happiest
for the consulship, who had long been kings of the results; the power of Pompey and of Crassus at
bar, having been forced, after a short but sharp home had been steadily increasing, although a bad
contest for supremacy, to yield.
feeling had sprung up between them in conse-
Cicero had now reached the age (of 30) at which quence of the events connected with the final sup-
the laws permitted him to become candidate for pression of the servile war of Spartacus. They,
the lowest of the great offices of state, and although however, discharged harmoniously the duties of
comparatively speaking a stranger, and certainly their joint consulship (B. C. 70), and seem to have
unsupported by any powerful family interest, his felt that it was necessary for their interests to
putation and popularity already stood so high, that control the high aristocratical faction, for by their
he was elected (B. C. 76) quaestor by the votes of united exertions the plebeian tribunes recovered
all the tribes. The lot decided that he should serve the vital privileges of which they had been de-
in Sicily under Sex. Peducaeus, praetor of Lily- prived by Sulla, and the equites were once more
baeum. During his tenure of office (B. c. 75) he admitted to serve as judices on criminal trials,
executed with great skill the difficult and delicate sharing this distinction with the senate and the
task of procuring large additional supplies of corn tribuni aerarii. In this year Cicero became can-
for the relief of the metropolis, then suffering from didate for the aedileship, and the issue of the
a severe dearth, and at the same time displayed so contest was if possible more triumphant than
much liberality towards the farmers of the revenue when he had formerly solicited the suffrage of
and such courtesy towards private traders, that he the people, for he was chosen not only by a ma-
excited no jealousy or discontent, while he main- jority in every tribe, but carried a greater num-
tained such strict integrity, rigid impartiality, and ber of votes than any one of his competitors. A
disinterested self-denial, in all branches of his ad- little while before this gratifying demonstration
ministration, that the delighted provincials, little of public approbation, he undertook the manage-
accustomed to the exhibition of these virtues in the ment of the most important trial in which he had
person of a Roman magistrate, devised unheard-of hitherto been engaged—the impeachment preferred
honours to testify their gratitude. Some of the against Verres, for misgovernment and complicated
leading weaknesses in the character of Cicero, in. oppression, by the Sicilians, whom he had ruled
ordinate vanity and a propensity to exaggerate as praetor of Syracuse for the space of three years.
extravagantly the importance of his services, now (73—71. ) Cicero, who always felt much more
began to shew themselves, but they had not yet inclined to appear in the character of a defender
acquired such a mastery over his mind as to pre than in the invidious position of an accuser, was
vent him from laughing at the disappointinents he prevailed upon to conduct this cause by the earnest
encountered. Thus we find bim describing with entreaties of his provincial friends, who reposed
considerable humour in one of his speeches ( pro the most perfect confidence in his integrity and
Planc. 26) the exalted idea he had formed at this good-will, and at the same time were fully alive to
period of his own extraordinary merits, of the posi- the advantage that would be secured to their suit
iion which he occupied, and of the profound sen- from the local knowledge of their advocate. The
sation which his proceedings must have caused at most strenuous exertions were now made by Verres,
Rome. He imagined that the scene of his duties backed by all the interest of the Metelli and other
was, as it were, the stage of the world, and that powerful families, to wrest the case out of the
the gaze of all mankind had been watching his hands of Cicero, who, however, defeated the at-
performances ready to condemn or to applaud. tempt; and, having demanded and been allowed
Full of the consciousness of this celebrity he land- 110 days for the purpose of collecting evidence,
ed at Puteoli (B. c. 74), and intense was his mor- instantly set out, accompanied by his cousin
tification when he discovered that even his own Lucius, for Sicily, where he exerted himself so
acquaintances among the luxurious crowd who vigorously, that he traversed the whole island in
thronged that gay coast were absolutely ignorant, less than two months, and returned attended by
not only of what he had been doing, but even of all the necessary witnesses and loaded with docu-
where he had been, a lesson, he tells us, which ments. Another desperate effort was made by
though severe was most valuable, since taught Hortensius, now consul-elect, who was counsel for
him that, while the eyes of his countrymen were the defendant, to raise up obstacles which might
bright and acute their ears were dull, and pointed have the effect of delaying the trial until the com-
out the necessity of mingling with the people and mencement of the following year, when he counted
keeping constantly in their view, of frequenting upon a more favourable judge, a more corrupt jury,
assiduously all places of general resort, and of ad- and the protection of the chief magistrates; but
mitting visitors and clients to his presence, under | here again he was defeated by the promptitude


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CICERO.
711
CICERO.
one.
And decision of his opponent, who opened the case , sulship, on which every ambitious hope and desire
very briefly upon the fifth of August, proceeded at had long been fixed, was yet to be won, and be
once to the examination of the witnesses, and the had every reason to anticipate the most determined
production of the depositions and other papers, resistance on the part of the nobles (we use the
which taken together constituted a mass of testi- word in the technical Roman sense), who guarded
mony so decisive, that Verres gave up the contest the avenues to this the highest honour of the state
as hopeless, and retired at once into exile without with watchful jealousy against the approach of any
attempting any defence. The full pleadings, how- new man, and were likely to strain every nerve to
ever, which were to have been delivered had the secure the exclusion of the son of an obscure muni-
trial been permitted to run its ordinary course cipal knight. Well aware that any attempt to re-
were subsequently published by Cicero, and form, move or soften the inveterate prejudices of these
perhaps, the proudest monument of his oratorical men would be met, if not by open hostility and
powers, exhibiting that extraordinary combination insult, most surely by secret treachery, he resolved
of surpassing genius with almost inconceivable in- to throw himself into the arms of the popular
dustry, of brilliant oratory with minute accuracy faction, whose principles he detested in his heart,
of inquiry and detail, which rendered him irresis- and to rivet their favour by casting into the scale
tible in a good cause and often victorious in a bad of their idol the weight of his own influence with
the middle classes, his proper and peculiar party.
The most important business of his new office | The popularity of the orator rose higher than ever;
(B. C. 69) were the preparations for the celebration the friendship of Pompey, now certainly the most
of the Floralia, of the Liberalia, and of the Ludi important individual in the commonwealth, was
Romani in honour of the three divinities of the secured, and the success which attended the opera-
Capitol. It had become a common custom for the tions in the East smothered if it did not extinguish
aediles to lavish enormous sums on these shows, in the indignation of the senatorial leaders. Perhaps
the hope of propitiating the favour of the multitude we ought not here to omit adding one more to the
and securing their support. Cicero, whose fortune almost innumerable examples of the incredible in-
was very moderate, at once perceiving that, even if dustry of Cicero. It is recorded, that, during his
he were to ruin himself, it would be impossible for praetorship, notwithstanding his complicated en-
him to vie in splendour with many of those who gagements as judge, pleader, and politician, he
were likely to be his rivals in his upward course, found time to attend the rhetorical school of An-
with very correct judgment resolved, while he tonius Gnipho, which was now rising to great
did nothing which could give reasonable offence, eminence. (Suet. de Ilustr. Gramm. 7 ; Macrob.
to found his claims to future distinction solely on Sat. ii. 12. )
those talents which had already won for him his During the eighteen months which followed (65–
present elevation, and accordingly, although he 64), Cicero having declined to accept a province,
avoided everything like meanness or parsimony kept his eye steadily fixed upon one great object,
in the games presented under his auspices, was and employed bimself unceasingly in watching
equally careful to shun ostentation and profuse every event which could in any way bear upon
expenditure.
the consular elections. It appears from his letters,
For nearly three years the history of Cicero is which now begin to open their treasures to us,
again a blank, that is, until the close of B. C. 67, that he had six competitors, of whom the most
when he was elected first praetor by the suffrages formidable were C. Antonius, a nephew of the
of all the centuries, and this on three several oc- great orator, who perished during the Marian pro-
casions, the comitia having been twice broken off scription, and the notorious Catiline. The latter
in consequence of the disturbances connected with was threatened with a criminal prosecution, and it
the passing of the Cornelian law. The duties of is amusing to observe the lawyer-like coolness with
this magistracy, on which he entered in January, which Cicero speaks of his guilt being as clear as
B. C. 66, were two-fold. He was called upon to the noon-day sun, at the same time indicating a
preside in the highest civil court, and was also re- wish to defend him, should such a course be for
quired to act as commissioner (quaestor) in trials his own interest, and expressing great pleasure at
for extortion, while in addition to his judicial the perfidy of the accuser who was ready to betray
functions he continued to practise at the bar, and the cause, and the probable corruption of the
carried through single-handed the defence of Cluen- judices, a majority of whom it was believed
tius, in the most singular and interesting cause might be bought over. Catiline was, however, ac-
célèbre bequeathed to us by antiquity. But the quitted without the aid of his rival, and formed a
most important event of the year was his first ap coalition with Antonius, receiving strenuous assis-
pearance as a political speaker from the rostra, tance from Crassus and Caesar, both of whom now
when be delivered his celebrated address to the began to regard with an evil eye the partizan of
people in favour of the Manilian law, maintaining Pompey, whose splendid exploits filled them with
the cause of Pompey against the hearty opposition increasing jealousy and alarm. That Cicero viewed
of the senate and the optimates. That his conduct this union with the most lively apprehensions is
on this occasion was the result of mature delibera- evident from the fragments of his address, In Toga
tion we cannot doubt. Nor will it be difficult to candida, in which he appears to have dissected and
discern his real motives, which were perhaps not exposed the vices and crimes of his two opponents
quite so pure and patriotic as his panegyrists would with the most merciless severity. But his fears
have us believe. “Hitherto his progress, in so far proved groundless. His star was still in the ascen-
as any external obstacles were concerned, bad been dant; he was returned by all the centuries, while
smooth and uninterrupted; the ascent had been his colleague Antonius obtained a small majority
neither steep nor rough; the quaestorship, the only over Catiline. The attention of the new
Aedileship, the praetorship, had been gained almost consul immediately after entering upon office (B. C.
without a struggle : but the great prize of the con- | 63) was occupied with the agrarian law of Rullus,
:


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CICERO.
CICERO.
with regard to which we shall speak more fully | Caesar, who had viewed this alliance with no small
hereafter ; in quelling the tumults excited by the dissatisfaction, contrived to paralyze the hands of
enactment of Otho; in reconciling the descendants the only individual by whom ibe league could have
of those proscribed by Sulla to the civil disabilities been renewed.
under which they laboured ; in defending C. Rabi- Meanwhile, Cicero could boast of having accom-
rius, charged with having been concerned in the plished an exploit for which no precedent could be
death of Saturninus ; in bringing forward a measure found in the history of Rome. . Of ignoble birth,
to render the punishment of bribery more stringent; of small fortune, without family or connexions,
in checking the abuses connected with the nomi- without military renown, by the force of his intel-
nations to a legutio libera ; and in remedying va- lectual powers alone, he had struggled upwards,
rious defects in the administration of justice. But bad been chosen to fill in succession all the high
his whole thoughts were soon absorbed by the offices of the state, as soon as the laws permitted
precautions required to baffle the treason of Cati- him to become a candidate, without once sustaining
line. The origin and progress of that famous plot, a repulse ; in the garb of peace he had gained a
the consummate courage, prudence, caution, and victory of which the greatest among his predecessors
decision manifested throughout by Cicero under would have been proud, and had received tributes
circumstances the most delicate and embarrassing, of applause of which few triumphant generals could
are fully detailed elsewhere. (Catilina. ] For boast
. His fortune, after mounting steadily though
once the nation did not prove thankless to their swiftly, had now reached its culminating point of
benefactor. Honours were showered down upon prosperity and glory; for a brief space it remained
him such as no citizen of Rome had ever enjoyed. stationary, and then rapidly declined and sunk.
Men of all ranks and all parties hailed him as the The honours so lavishly heaped upon him, instead
saviour of his country ; Catulus in the senate, and of invigorating and elevating, weakened and de-
Cato in the forum, addressed him as “ parens based his mind, and the most splendid achievement
patriae," father of his father-land; thanksgivings of his life contained the germ of his humiliation
in his name were voted to the gods, a distinction and downfal. The punishment inflicted by order
heretofore bestowed only on those who had of the senate upon Lentulus, Cethegus, and their
achieved a victory in a field of battle; and all / associates, although perhaps morally justified by
Italy joined in testifying enthusiastic admiration the emergency, was a palpable violation of the fun-
and gratitude. But in addition to the open and damental principles of the Roman constitution,
instant peril from which the consul had preserved which solemnly declared, that no citizen could be
the commonwealth, he had made a grand stroke of put to death until sentenced by the whole body of
policy, which, had it been firmly and honestly fol- the people assembled in their comitia ; and for this
lowed out by those most deeply interested, might act Cicero, as the presiding magistrate, was held
have saved the constitution from dangers more re responsible. It was in vain to urge, that the con-
mote but not less formidable. The equites or suls had been armed with dictatorial authority;
monied men had for half a century been rapidly for, although even a dictator was always liable to
rising in importance as a distinct order, and now be called to account, there was in the present in-
held the balance between the optimates or aristo- stance po semblance of an exertion of such power,
cratic faction, the members of which, although ex- but the senate, formally assuming to themselves
clusive, selfish, and corrupt, were for their own judicial functions which they had no right to ex-
sakes steadfast supporters of the laws and ancient ercise, formally gave orders for the execution of a
institutions, and felt no inclination for a second sentence wbich they had no right to pronounce.
Sulla, even had he been one of themselves; and the The argument, pressed again and again by Cicero,
populares or democratic faction, which had degene that the conspirators by their guilt had forfeited
rated into a venal rabble, ever ready to follow any all their privileges, while it is virtually an admis-
revolutionary scheme promoted by those who could sion of the principle stated above, is in itself a
stimulate their passions or buy their votes. Als mere fiimsy sophism, since it takes for granted the
though in such a state of affairs the equites were guilt of the victims—the very fact which no tribu-
the natural allies of the senate, from being deeply nal except the comitia or commissioners nominated
interested in the preservation of order and tranquil. by the comitia could decide. Nor were his ene-
lity, yet unfortunately the long-protracted struggle mies, and those who secretly favoured the traitors,
for the right of acting as judices in criminal trials | long in discovering and assailing this vulnerable
had given rise to the most bitter animosity. But point. On the last day of the year, when, accord-
when all alike were threatened with immediate ing to established custom, he ascended the rostra
destruction this hostility was forgotten ; Cicero to give an account to the people of the events of
persuaded the knights, who always placed confi- his consulship, Metellus Celer, one of the new tri-
dence in himn as one of themselves, to act heartily bunes, forbad him to speak, exclaiming, that the
with the senate, and the senate were only too glad man who had put Roman citizens to death without
to obtain their co-operation in such an emergency: granting them a hearing was himself unworthy of
Could this fair fellowship have been maintained, it being heard. But this attack was premature. The
must have produced the happiest consequences; audience had not yet forgotten their obligations
but the kindly feelings passed away with the crisis and their recent escape; so that when Cicero, in-
which called them forth; a dispute soon after arose stead of simply taking the common oath to which
with the farmers of the Asiatic revenues, who de- he was restricted by the interposition of the tri-
sired to be relieved from a disadvantageous con- bune, swore with a loud voice that he had saved
tract; neither side shewed any spirit of fair mutual the republic and the city from ruin, the crowd with
concession ; the whole body of the equites making one voice responded, that he had sworn truly, and
common cause with their brethren became violent escorted him in a body to his house with every
and unreasonable; the senate remained obstinate, demonstration of respect and affection.
the frail bond was rudely snapped asunder, and Having again refused to accept the government


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CICERO.
713
CICERO.
;
i
of a province, an employment for which he felt no fully discovered that, although addressed with
vocation, Cicero returned to the senate as a private courtesy, and listened to with respect, he was in
individual (B. C. 62), and engaged in several angry reality powerless when seeking to resist the en-
contests with the obnoxious tribune. But after croachments of such men as Pompey, Crassus, and
the excitement occasioned by these disputes, and Caesar; and hence he viewed with the utmost
by the destruction of Catiline with his army which alarm the disposition now manifested by these
followed soon after, had subsided, the eyes of men three chiefs to bury their former jealousies, and to
were turned away for a while in another direction, make common cause against the aristocratic leaders,
all looking forward eagerly to the arrival of Pom- who, suspicious of their ulterior projects, were using
pey, who at length reached Rome in the autumn, i every art to baffle and outmaneuvre them. Hence
loaded with the trophies of his Asiatic campaigns. Cicero also, at this epoch perceiving how fatal such
But, although every one was engrossed with the a coalition must prove to the cause of freedom,
hero and his conquests, to the exclusion of almost earnestly laboured to detach Pompey, with whom
every other object, we must not pass over an event he kept up a close but somewhat cold intimacy,
which occurred towards the end of the year, and from Caesar ; but having failed, with that unstea-
which, although at first sight of small importance, diness and want of sound principle by which his
not only gave rise to the greatest scandal in the political life was from this time forward disgraced,
city, but was indirectly the source of misfortune began to testify a strong inclination to join the
and bitter suffering to Cicero. While the wife of triumvirs, and in a letter to Atticus (ii. 5), B. C. 59,
Caesar was celebrating in the house of her hus actually names the price at which they could pur-
band, then praetor and pontifex maximus, the rites chase his adherence--the scat in the college of
of the Bona Dea, from which male creatures were augurs just vacant by the death of Metellus Celer.
excluded with the most scrupulous superstition, it Finding himself unable to conclude any satisfactory
was discovered that P. Clodius Pulcher, son of arrangement, like a spoiled child, he expresses his
Appius (consul R. C. 79), had found his way into disgust with public life, and longs for an opportu-
the mansion disguised in woman's apparel, and, nity to retire from the world, and devote himself
having been detected, had made his escape by the to study and philosophic contemplation. But while
help of a female slave. Instantly all Rome was in in the letters written during the stormy consulship
an uproar. The matter was laid before the senate, of Caesar (B. C. 59) he takes a most desponding
and by them referred to the members of the ponti- view of the state of the commonwealth, and seems
fical college, who passed a resolution that sacrilege to consider slavery as inevitable, he does not ap-
had been committed. Caesar forth with divorced pear to have foreseen the storm impending over
his wife. Clodius, although the most powerful in- himself individually; and when at length, after
terest was exerted by his numerous relations and the election of Clodius to the tribuneship, he began
connexions to hush up the affair, and attempts to entertain serious alarm, he was quieted by posi-
were even made to stop the proceedings by vio- tive assurances of friendship and support from
lence, was impeached and brought to trial. In Pompey conveyed in the strongest terms. One of
defence he pleaded an alibi, offering to prove that the first acts of his enemy, after entering upon
he was at Interamna at the very time when the office, notwithstanding the solemn pledge he was
crime was said to have been committed ; but Cicero said to have given to Pompey that he would not
came forward as a witness, and swore that he had use his power to the injury of Cicero, was to pro-
met and spoken to Clodius in Rome on the day in pose a bill interdicting from fire and water any
question. In spite of this decisive testimony, and one who should be found to have put a Roman
the evident guilt of the accused, the judices, with citizen to death untried. Here Cicero committed
that corruption which formed one of the most fatal a fatal mistake. Instead of assuming the bold
symptoms of the rottenness of the whole social front of conscious innocence, he at once took guilt
fabric, pronounced him innocent by a majority of to himself, and, without awaiting the progress of
voices. (B. C. 61. ) Clodius, whose popular talents events, changed his attire, and assuming the garb
and utter recklessness rendered him no insignificant of one accused, went round the forum, soliciting
enemy, now rowed deadly vengeance against Cice- the compassion of all whom he met. For a brief
ro, whose destruction from thenceforward was the period public sympathy was awakened. A large
chief aim of his life. To accomplish this purpose number of the senate and the equites appeared also
more readily, he determined to become a candidate in mourning, and the better portion of the citizens
for the tribuneship; but to effect this it was neces- seemed resolved to espouse his cause. But all
sary in the first place that he should be adopted demonstrations of such feelings were promptly re-
into a plebeian family by means of a special law. pressed by the new consuls, Piso and Gabinius,
This, after protracted opposition, was at length ac- who from the first displayed steady hostility, hav-
complished (B. C. 60), although irregularly, through ing been bought by the promises of Clodius, who
the interference of Caesar and Pompes, and be undertook to procure for them what provinces they
was elected tribune in the course of B. c. 59. pleased. The rabble were infuriated by the inces-
While this underplot was working, the path of sant harangues of their tribune; nothing was to
Cicero had been far more thorny than heretofore. I be hoped from Crassus; the good offices of Caesar
Intoxicated by his rapid elevation, and dazzled by had been already rejected ; and Pompey, the last
the brilliant termination of his consulship, his sell- and only safeguard, contrary to all expectations,
conceit had become overweening, his vanity uncon- and in violation of the most solemn engagements,
trollable and insatiable. He imagined that the kept aloof, and from real or pretended fear of some
authority which he had acquired during the late outbreak refused to interpose. Upon this, Cicero,
perilous conjuncture would be permanently main giving way to despair, resolved to yield to the
tained after the danger was past, and that he would storm, and quitting Rome at the beginning of April,
be invited to grasp the helm and steer single-handed (B. c. 58), reached Brundisium about the middle
tbe vessel of the state. But he slowly and pain of the month. From thence he crossed over to


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CICERO.
CICERO.
Greece, and taking up his residence at Thessalonica, / when suddenly hurled from a commanding cmi-
where he was hospitably received by Plancius, nence he found himself a helpless and almost friend-
quaestor of Macedonia, remained at that place less outcast; and again, on the other hand, the
until the end of November, when he removed to boundless enthusiasm with which he was greeted on
Dyrrachium. His correspondence during the whole his return by the selfsame populace who had exult-
of this period presents the melancholy picture of a ed so furiously in his disgrace. A little considera-
mind crushed and paralyzed by a sudden reverse tion will enable us, however, to fathom the myse
of fortune. Never did divine philosophy fail more tery. From the moment that Cicero laid down
signally in procuring comfort or consolation to her his consulship he began to lose ground with all
votary.
The letters addressed to Terention to parties. The senate were disgusted by the arrogant
Atticus, and others, are filled with unmanly wail- assumption of superiority in an upstart stranger;
ing, groans, sobs, and tears. He evinces all the the equites were displeased because he would not
desire but wants the physical courage necessary cordially assent to their most unreasonable and
to become a suicide. Even when brighter pros- unjust demands; the people, whom he had never
pects begin to dawn, when his friends were strain attempted to flatter or cajole, were by degrees
ing every nerve in his behalf, we find them receiv- lashed into fury against one who was unceasingly
ing no judicious counsel from the object of their held up before their eyes as the violator of their
solicitude, nought save renewed complaints, cap- most sacred privileges. Moreover, the triumvirs,
tious and querulous repinings. For a time indeed who were the active though secret movers in the
his prospects were sufficiently gloomy. Clodius whole affair, considered it essential to their designs
felt no compassion for his fallen foe. The instant that he should be humbled and taught the risk and
that the departure of Cicero became known, a law folly of playing an independent part, of seeking to
was presented to and accepted by the tribes, for- mediate between the conflicting factions, and thus
mally pronouncing the banishment of the fugitive, in his own person regulating and controlling all.
forbidding any one to entertain or harbour him, They therefore gladly availed themselves of the
and denouncing as a public enemy whosoever should energetic malignity of Clodius, each dealing with
take any steps towards procuring his recall. His their common victim in a manner highly charac-
magnificent mansion on the Palatine, and his ela- teristic of the individual. Caesar, who at all times,
borately decorated villas at Tusculum and Formiae even under the greatest provocation, entertained a
were at the same time given over to plunder and warm regard and even respect for Cicero, with his
destruction. But the extravagant and outrageous natural goodness of heart endeavoured to withdraw
violence of these measures tended quickly to pro- him from the scene of danger, and at the same time
duce a strong reaction. As early as the beginning to lay him under personal obligations; with this
of June, in defiance of the laws of Clodius, a move intent he pressed him to become one of his legates:
ment was made in the senate for the restoration of this being declined, he then urged him to accept
the exile ; and, although this and other subsequent the post of commissioner for dividing the public
efforts in the same year were frustrated by the un- lands in Campania ; and it was not until he found
friendly tribunes, still the party of the good waxed all his proposals steadfastly rejected that he con-
daily stronger, and the general feeling became more sented to leave him to his fate. Crassus gave him
decided. The new consuls (B. C. 57) and the whole up at once, without compunction or regret : they
of the new college of tribunes, led on by Milo, had never been cordial friends, had repeatedly
took up the cause ; but great delay was occasioned quarrelled openly, and their reconciliations had
by formidable riots attended with fearful loss of been utterly hollow. The conduct of Pompey, as
life, until at length the senate, with the full appro- might have been expected, was a tissue of selfish,
bation of Pompey, who, to give greater weight to cautious, calculating, cold-blooded dissimulation; in
his words, read a speech which he had prepared spite of the affection and unwavering confidence
and written out for the occasion, determined to in- ever exhibited towards him by Cicero, in spite of
vite the voters from the different parts of Italy to the most unequivocal assurances both in public and
repair to Rome and assist in carrying a law for the private of protection and assistance, he quietly de-
recall of him who had saved his country from ruin, serted him, without a pang, in the moment of great-
passing at the same time the strongest resolutions est need, because it suited his own plans and his
against those who should venture under any pre- own convenience. But soon after the departure of
text to interrupt or embarrass the holding of the Cicero matters assumed a very different aspect;
assembly. Accordingly, on the 4th of August, the his value began once more to be felt and his ab-
bill was submitted to the comitia centuriata, and sence to be deplored. The senate could ill afford
carried by an overwhelming majority. On the to lose the most able champion of the aristocracy,
same day Cicero quitted Dyrrachium, and crossed who possessed the greater weight from not properly
over to Brundisium, where he was met by his belonging to the order; the knights were touched
wife and daughter. Travelling slowly, he received with remorse on account of their ingratitude to
deputations and congratulatory addresses from all wards one whom they identified with themselves,
the towns on the line of the Appian way, and har- who had often served them well, and might again
ing arrived at the city on the 4th of September, a be often useful; the populace, when the first fer-
vast multitude poured forth to meet and escort him, vour of angry passion had passed away, began to
forming a sort of triumphal procession as he entered long for that oratory to which they had been wont
the gates, while the crowd collected in groups on to listen with such delight, and to remember the
the steps of the temples rent the air with acclama- debt they owed to him who had saved their tem-
tions when he passed through the forum and as- ples, dwellings, and property from destruction ;
cended the capitol, there to render homage and while the triumviri, trusting that the high tone of
thanks to Jupiter Maximus.
their adversary would be brought low by this se
Nothing at first sight can appear more strange vere lesson, and that he would henceforth be pas-
and inexplicable than the abrupt downfal of Cicero, sive, if not a subservient tool, were eager to chuck


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CICERO.
715
CICERO.
and overwe Clodius, who was now no longer dis- accept it. His appetite for praise seems to have
posed to be a mere instrument in their hands, but, become more craving just in proportion as his rcal
breaking loose from all restraint, had already given merits had become less and the dignity of his posi-
symptoms of open rebellion. Their original pur- tion lowered; but Rome was the only theatre on
pose was fully accomplished. Although the return which he desired to perform a part.
From the
of Cicero was glorious, so glorious that he and moment that he quitted the metropolis, his letters
others may for a moment have dreamed that he are filled with expressions of regret for what he
was once more all that he had ever been, yet he had left behind, and of disgust with the occupa-
himself and those around him soon became sensible tions in which he was engaged; every friend and
that his position was entirely changed, that his acquaintance is solicited and importuned in turn to
spirit was broken, and his self-respect destroyed. use every exertion to prevent the period of his ab-
After a few fecble ineffectual struggles, he was sence from being extended beyond the regular and
"forced quietly to yield to a power which he no ordinary space of a single year. It must be con-
longer dared to resist, and was unable to modify or fessed that, in addition to the vexatious interrup-
guide. Nor were his masters content with simple tion of all his pursuits and pleasures, the condition
acquiescence in their transactions; they demanded of the East was by no means encouraging to a man
positive deinonstrations on their behalf. To this of peace. The Parthians, emboldened by their
degradation he was weak enough to submit, con- signal triumph over Crassus, had invaded Syria ;
senting to praise in his writings those proceedings their cavalry was scouring the country up to the
which he had once openly and loudly condemned very walls of Antioch, and it was generally be
(ad Att. iv. 5), uttering sentiments in public to lieved that they intended to force the passes of
tally inconsistent with his principles (ad Att. iv. 6), mount Amanus, and to burst into Asia through Cili-
professing friendship for those whom he hated and cia, which was defended by two weak legions only,
despised (ad Fam. i. 9), and defending in the se- a force utterly inadequate to meet the emergency.
nate and at the bar men who had not only distin- Happily, the apprehensions thus excited were not
guished themselves as his bitter foes, but on whom realized : the Parthians received a check from
he had previously lavished every term of abuse Cassius which compelled them in the mean time to
which an imagination fertile in invective could sug- retire beyond the Euphrates, and Cicero was left
gest. (Ad Fam. vii. 1, v. 8. )
at liberty to make the circuit of his province, and
Such was the course of his life for five years to follow out that system impartiality, modera-
(B. C. 57–52), a period during the whole of which tion, and self-control which he was resolved should
he kept up warm social intercourse with the mem- regulate not only his own conduct but that of every
bers of the triumvirate, especially Pompey, who member of his retinue. And nobly did he redeem
remained constantly at Rome, and received all out the pledge which he had voluntarily given to his
ward marks of high consideration. A large por- friend Atticus on this head-strictly did he realise
tion of his time was occupied by the business of in practice the precepts which he had so well laid
pleading; but being latterly in a great measure down in former years for the guidance of his bro-
released from all concern or anxiety regarding pub ther. Nothing could be more pure and upright
lic affairs, he lived much in the country, and found than his administration in every department; and
leisure to compose his two great political works, his staff, who at first murmured loudly at a style
the De Republica and the De Legibus.
of procedure which most grievously curtailed their
After the death of Crassus (B. c. 53) he was ad- emoluments, were at length shamed into silence.
mitted a member of the college of augurs, and to The astonished Greeks, finding themselves listened
wards the end of B. c. 52, at the very moment to with kindness, and justice dispensed with an
when his presence might have been of importance even hand, breathed nothing but love and grati-
in preventing an open rupture between Pompey tude, wbile the confidence thus inspired enabled
and Caesar, he was withdrawn altogether from Cicero to keep the publicans in good-humour by
Italy, and a new field opened up for the exercise settling to their satisfaction many complicated dis-
of his talents, an office having been thrust upon putes, and redressing many grievances which had
him which he had hitherto earnestly avoided. In sprung out of the wretched and oppressive arrange
order to put a stop in some degree to the bribery, ments for the collection of the revenue.
Not con-
intrigues, and corruption of every description, for tent with the fame thus acquired in cultivating the
which the Roman magistrates had become so noto- arts of peace, Cicero began to thirst after military
rious in their anxiety to procure some wealthy renown, and, turning to account the preparations
government, a law was enacted during the third made against the Parthians, undertook an expedi-
consulship of Pompey (B. C. 52) ordaining, that no tion against the lawless robber tribes who, dwell-
consul or praetor should be permitted to hold a ing among the mountain fastnesses of the Syrian
province until five years should have elapsed from frontier, were wont to descend whenever an oppor-
the expiration of his office, and that in the mean- tunity offered and plunder the surrounding dis-
time governors should be selected by lot from those tricts. The operations, which were carried on
persons of consular and praetorian rank who had chiefly by his brother Quintus, who was an expe-
never held any foreign command. To this number rienced soldier and one of his legati, were attended
Cicero belonged : his name was thrown into the with complete success. The barbarians, taken by
urn, and fortune assigned to him Cilicia, to which surprise, could neither escape nor offer any effectual
were annexed Pisidia, Pamphylia, some districts resistance; various clans were forced to submit;
(of Cappadocia) to the north of mount Taurus, and many villages of the more obstinate were destroyed;
the island of Cyprus. His feelings and conduct on Pindenissus, a strong hill fort of the Eleutherocilices,
this occasion present a most striking contrast to was stormed on the Saturnalia (B. C. 51), after a
those exhibited by his countrymen under like cir- protracted siege ; many prisoners and much plun-
Never was an honourable and lucra- der were secured; the general was saluted as im-
tive appointment bestowed on one less willing to perator by his troops ; a despatch was transmitted
*
a
cumstances.


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716
CICERO.
CICERO.
to the senate, in which these achievements were return to Rome and act as a mediator, a proposal
detailed with great pomp; every engine was set to to which Cicero, who appears, if we can trust his
work to procure a flattering decrce and supplica- own account, to have comported himself for the
tions in honour of the victory; and Cicero had now moment with considerable boldness and dignity,
the weakness to set his whole heart upon a triumph refused to accede, unless he were permitted io use
-a vision which he long cherished with a degree his own discretion and enjoy full freedom of speech
of childish obstinacy which must have exposed -a stipulation which at once put an end to the
him to the mingled pity and derision of all who conference. At last, after many lingering delays
were spectators of his folly. The following spring and often renewed procrastination, influenced not
(B. C. 50) he again made a progress through the so much by any overpowering sense of rectitude or
different towns of his province, and as soon as the consistency as by his sensitiveness to public opi-
year of his command was concluded, having re- nion, to the " sermo hominum” whose censure he
ceived no orders to the contrary, delegated his au- dreaded far more than the reproaches of his own
thority to his quaestor, C. Caelius, and quitted conscience, and impressed also with a strong belief
Laodicea on the 30th of July (B. c. 50), having that Caesar must be overwhelmed by the enemies
arrived in that city on the 31st of the same month who were closing around him, he finally decided
in the preceding year. Returning homewards by to pass over to Greece, and embarked at Brundi-
Ephesus and Athens, he reached Brundisium in sium on the 7th of June (B. C. 49). For the space
the last week of November, and arrived in the of nearly a year we know little of his movements;
neighbourhood of Rome on the fourth of January one or two notes only have been preserved, which,
(B. C. 49), at the very moment when the civil combined with an anecdote given by Macrobius
strife, which had been smouldering so long, burst (Sat. ii. 3), prove that, during his residence in the
forth into a blaze of war, but did not enter the camp of Pompcy he was in bad health, low spirits,
city because he still cherished sanguine hopes of embarrassed by pecuniary difficulties, in the habit
being allowed a triumph.
of inveighing against everything he heard and saw
From the middle of December (B. C. 50) to the around him, and of giving way to the deepest des-
end of June (B. C. 49) he wrote almost daily to pondency. After the battle of Pharsalia (August
Atticus. The letters which form this series exhibit 9, B. c. 48), at which he was not present, Cato,
a most painful and humiliating spectacle of doubt, who had a fleet and a strong body of troops at
vacillation, and timidity, together with the utter Dyrrachium, offered them to Cicero as the person
absence of all singleness of purpose, and an utter best entitled by his rank to assume the command;
want of firmness, either moral or physical. At and upon his refusing to have any further concern
first, although from habit, prejudice, and conviction with warlike operations, young Pompey and some
disposed to follow Pompey, he seriously debated others of the nobility drew their swords, and, de-
whether he would not be justified in submitting nouncing him as a traitor, were with difficulty
quietly to Caesar, but soon afterwards accepted restrained from slaying him on the spot. It is
from the former the post of inspector of the Cam- impossible to tell whether this narrative, which
panian coast, and the task of preparing for its de- rests upon the authority of Plutarch, is altogether
fence, duties which he soon abandoned in disgust. correct; but it is certain that Cicero regarded the
Having quitted the vicinity of Rome on the 17th victory of Caesar as absolutely conclusive, and felt
of January, he spent the greater portion of the persuaded that farther resistance was bopeless.
two following months at Formiae in a state of While, therefore, some of his companions in arms
miserable restlessness and hesitation ; murmuring at retired to Achaia, there to watch the progress of
the inactivity of the consuls ; railing at the policy events, and others passed over to Africa and Spain
of Pompey, which he pronounced to be a tissue of determined to renew the struggle, Cicero chose
blunders; oscillating first to one side and then to rather to throw himself at once upon the mercy of
the other, according to the passing rumours of the the conqueror, and, retracing his steps, landed at
hour; and keeping up an active correspondence all Brundisium about the end of November. Here
the while with the leaders of both parties, to an he narrowly escaped being put to death by the
extent which caused the circulation of reports little legions which arrived from Pharsalia under the
favourable to his honour. Nor were the suspicions orders of M. Antonius, who, although disposed to
thus excited altogether without foundation, for it treat the fugitive with kindness, was with the
is perfectly evident that he more than once was on greatest difficulty prevailed upon to allow him to
the point of becoming a deserter, and in one epistle continue in Italy, having received positive instruc-
(ad Att
. viii. 1) he explicitly confesses, that he had tions to exclude all the retainers of Pompey except
embarked in the aristocratical cause sorely against such as had received special permission to return.
his will, and that he would at once join the crowd At Brundisium Cicero remained for ten months
who were flocking back to Rome, were it not for until the pleasure of the conqueror could be known,
the incumbrance of his lictors, thus clinging to the who was busily engaged with the wars which
last with pitiable tenacity to the faint and fading sprung up in Egypt, Pontus, and Africa. During
prospect of a military pageant, which must in his the whole of this time his mind was in a most
case have been a mockery. His distress was if agitated and unhappy condition. He was
possible augmented when Pompey, accompanied stantly tormented with unavailing remorse on ac-
by a large number of senators, abandoned Italy ; count of the folly of his past conduct in baving
for now arose the question fraught with perplexity, identified himself with the Pompeians when he
whether he could or ought to stay behind, or was might have remained unmolested at home; he was
bound to join his friends; and this is debated over filled with apprehensions as to the manner in which
and over again in a thousand different shapes, his in- he might be treated by Caesar, whom he had so
teliect being all the while obscured by irresolution often offended and so lately deceived ; he moreover
and fear. These tortures were raised to a climax by was visited by secret shame and compunction for
a personal interview with Caesar, who urged him to having at once given up his associates upon the
con-


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CICERO.
717
CICERO.
>
1
first turn of fortunc; above all, he was haunted | with the intention of being absent until the new
by the foreboding that they might after all prove consuls should have entered upon office, from whose
victorious, in which event his fate would have been vigour and patriotism he anticipated a happy
desperate; and the cup of bitterness was filled by change. While in the neighbourhood of Rhegium
the unnatural treachery of his brother and nephew, (August 2, B. C. 44), whither he had been driven
who were seeking to recommend themselves to from the Sicilian coast by a contrary wind, he was
those in power by casting the foulest calumnies persuaded to return in consequence of intelligence
and vilest aspersions upon their relative, whom that matters were likely to be arranged amicably
they represented as having seduced them from their between Antony and the senate. How bitterly
duty. This load of misery was, however, light- this anticipation was disappointed is sufficiently
ened by a letter received on the 12th of August proved by the tone and contents of the first two
(B. C. 47) from Caesar, in which he promised to Philippics; but the jealousy which had sprung up
forget the past, and be the same as he had ever in Antony towards Octavianus soon induced the
been-a promise which he amply redeemed, for on former to quit the city, while the latter, commen-
his arrival in Italy in September, he greeted Cicero cing that career of dissimulation which he main-
with frank cordiality, and treated him ever after tained throughout a long and most prosperous life,
with the utmost respect and kindness.
affected the warmest attachment to the senate,
Cicero was now at liberty to follow his own and especially to the person of their leader, who
pursuits without interruption, and, accordingly, was completely duped by these professions. From
until the death of Caesar, devoted himself with the beginning of the year B. C. 43 until the end of
exclusive assiduity to literary labours, finding con- April, Cicero was in the height of his glory ;
solation in study, but not contentment, for public within this space the last twelve Philippics were all
display and popular applause had long been almost delivered and listened to with rapturous applause ;
necessary to his existence; and now that the se- his activity was unceasing, at one moment en-
nate, the forum, and the courts of law were silent, couraging the senate, at another stimulating the
or, at all events, no longer presented an arena for people, he hurried from place to place the admired
free and open discussion, the calm delights of spe- of all, the very hero of the scene; and when at
culative research, for which he was wont to sigh length he announced the result of the battles under
amid the din and hurry of incessant business, the walls of Mutina, he was escorted by crowds to
seemed monotonous and dull. Posterity, however, the Capitol, thence to the Rostra, and thence to
has good cause to rejoice that he was driven to his own house, with enthusiasm not less eager than
seek this relief from distracting recollections ; for, was displayed when he had detected and crushed
during the years B. C. 46, 45, and 44, nearly the the associates of Catiline. But when the fatal news
whole of his most important works on rhetoric arrived of the union of Lepidus with Antony (29th
and philosophy, with the exception of the two May), quickly followed by the defection of Octa-
political treatises named above, were arranged and vianus, and when the latter, marching upon Rome
published. In addition to the pain produced at the head of an armed force, compelled the comitia
by wounded vanity, mixed with more honourable to elect him consul at the age of 19, it was but too
sorrow arising from the degradation of his coun- evident that all was lost. The league between the
try, he was harassed by a succession of domestic three usurpers was finally concluded on the 27th
annoyances and griefs. Towards the close of of November, and the lists of the proscribed finally
B. c. 46, in consequence, it would appear, of some arranged, among whom Cicero and sixteen others
disputes connected with pecuniary transactions, he were marked for immediate destruction, and agents
divorced his wife Terentia, to whom he had been forth with despatched to perpetrate the murders
united for upwards of thirty years, and soon after before the victims should take alarm. Although
married a young and wealthy maiden, Publilia, his much care bad been taken to conceal these pro-
ward, but, as might have been anticipated, found ceedings, Cicero was warned of his danger while
little comfort in this new alliance, which was spee- | at his Tusculan villa, instantly set forth for the
dily dissolved. But his great and overpowering coast with the purpose of escaping by sea, and
affliction was the death of his beloved daughter, actually embarked at Antium, but was driven by
Tullia (early in B. C. 45), towards whom he che stress of weather to Circeii, from whence he coasted
rished the fondest attachment. Now, as formerly, along to Formiae, where he landed at his villa,
philosophy afforded no support in the hour of trial; diseased in body and sick at heart, resolving no
grief for a time seems to have been so violent as longer to fly from his fate. The soldiers sent in
almost to affect his intellects, and it was long be- quest of him were now known to be close at hand,
fore he recovered sufficient tranquillity to derive upon which his attendants forced him to enter a
any enjoyment from society or engage with zest in litter, and hurried him through the woods towards
his ordinary occupations. He withdrew to the the shore, distant about a mile from the house. As
small wooded island of Astura, on the coast near they were pressing onwards, they were overtaken
Antium, where, hiding himself in the thickest by their pursners, and were preparing to defend
groves, he could give way to melancholy thoughts their master with their lives, but Cicero command-
without restraint; gradually he so far recovered as ed them to desist, and stretching forward called
to be able to draw up a treatise on Consolation, in upon his executioners to strike. They instantly
imitation of a piece by Crantor on the same topic, cut off his head and hands, which were conveyed
and found relief in devising a variety of plans for to Rome, and, by the orders of Antony, nailed to
a monument in honour of the deceased.
the Rostra.
The tumalts excited by Antony after the mur- A glance at the various events which form the
der of Caesar (B. C. 44) having compelled the lead subject of the above narrative will sufficiently de-
ing conspirators to disperse in different directions, monstrate, that Cicero was totally destitute of the
Cicero, feeling that his own position was not free qualifications which alone could have fitted him to
froin danger, set out upon a journey to Greece sustain the character of a great independent states-


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718
CICERO.
CICERO.
man amidst those scenes of turbulence and revolu- | which he extended his forgiveness to his unworthy
tionary violence in which his lot was cast. So nephew and to his brother Quintus, after they had
long as he was contented in his struggle upwards been guilty of the basest and most unnatural
to play a subordinate part, his progress was niarked treachery and ingratitude ; his devotion through
by extraordinary, well-merited, and most honour life to his daughter Tullia, and his despair upon
able success. But when he attempted to secure the her death, have already called forth some remarks,
highest place, he was rudely thrust down by and when his son, as he advanced in years, did
bolder, more adventurous, and more commanding not fulfil the hopes and expectations of his father,
spirits ; when he sought to act as a mediator, be he was notwithstanding treated with the utmost
became the tool of each of the rivals in turn; and forbearance and liberality. One passage only in
when, after much and protracted hesitation, he had the private life of Cicero is obscured by a shade of
finally espoused the interests of one, he threw an doubt. The simple fact, that when he became
air of gloom and distrust over the cause by timid embarrassed by pecuniary difficulties he divorced
despondency and too evident repentance. His the mother of his children, to whom he had been
want of firmness in the hour of trial amounted to united for upwards of thirty years, and soon after
cowardice; his numerous and glaring inconsistencies married a rich heiress, his own ward, appears at
destroyed all confidence in his discretion and judg- first sight suspicious, if not positively discreditable.
ment; his irresolution not unfrequently assumed But it must be remembered that we are altogether
the aspect of awkward duplicity, and his restless ignorant of the circumstances connected with this
craving vanity exposed him constantly to the snares transaction. From a series of obscure hints con-
of insidious flattery, while it covered him with tained in letters to Atticus, we infer that Terentia
ridicule and contempt. Even his boasted patriotism had been extravagant during the absence of her
was of a very doubtful, we might say of a spurious husband in the camp of Pompey, and that she had
stamp, for his love of country was so mixed up with made some arrangements with regard to her will
petty feelings of personal importance, and his which he looked upon as unfair and almost dis-
hatred of tyranny so inseparably connected in his , honest; in addition to which, we know from other
mind with his own loss of power and consideration, sources that she was a woman of imperious and
that we can hardly persuade ourselves that the unyielding temper. On the other hand, the con-
former was the disinterested impulse of a noble nexion with Publilia could not have been contem-
heart so much as the prompting of selfishness and plated at the period of the divorce, for we find that
vain glory, or that the latter proceeded from a his friends were busily employed for some time in
generous devotion to the rights and liberties of his looking out for a suitable match, and that, among
fellow-citizens so much as from the bitter con- others, a daughter of Pompey was suggested.
sciousness of being individually depressed and Moreover, if the new alliance had been dictated
overshadowed by the superior weight and emi- by motives of a purely mercenary nature, more
nence of another. It is rain to undertake the de- anxiety would have been manifested to retain the
fence of his conduct by ingenious and elaborate advantages which it procured, while on the contra-
reasonings. The whole case is placed clearly be rary we find that it was dissolved very quickly in
fore our eyes, and all the common sources of fallacy consequence of the bride having incautiously tes-
and unjust judgment in regard to public men are tified satisfaction at the death of Tullia, of whose
removed. We are not called upon to weigh and influence she may have been jealous, and that
scrutinize the evidence of partial or hostile wit- Cicero steadily refused to listen to any overtures,
nesses, whose testimony may be coloured or per- although a reconciliation was earnestly desired on
verted by the keenness of party spirit. Cicero is the part of the lady.
his own accuser, and is convicted by his own de (Our great authority for the life of Cicero is his
positions. The strange confessions contained in own writings, and especially his letters and ora-
his correspondence call for a sentence more severe tions. The inost important passages will be found
than we have ventured to pronounce, presenting a collected in Meierotto, " Ciceronis Vita ex ipsius
most marvellous, memorable, and instructive spec- scriptis excerpta," Berolin. 1783, and in the “ Ono-
tacle of the greatest intellectual strength linked masticon Tullianum,” which forms an appendix to
indissolubly to the greatest moral weakness. Orelli's Cicero, Zurich, 1826-1838. Much that
Upon his social and domestic relations we can is curious and valuable may be collected from the
dwell with unmixed pleasure. In the midst of al- biographies of the orator and his contemporaries by
most universal profligacy he remained uncontami- Plutarch, whose statements, however, must always
nated ; surrounded by corruption, not even malice be received with caution. Something may be
ever ventured to impeach his integrity. To his gleaned from Velleius Paterculus also, and from the
dependents he was indulgent and warm-hearted, books of Appian and of Dion Cassius which belong
to his friends affectionate and true, ever ready to to this period. These and other ancient testimo
assist them in the hour of need with counsel, in- nies have been diligently arranged in chronological
fluence, or purse; somewhat touchy, perhaps, and order in the Historia M. Tullii Ciceronis,” by F.
loud in expressing resentment when offended, but Fabricius. Of modern works that of Middleton
easily appeased, and free from all rancour. In his has attained great celebrity, although it must be
intercourse with his contemporaries he rose com- regarded as a blind and extravagant panegyric ;
pletely above that paltry jealousy by which literary some good strictures on his occasional inaccuracies
men are so often disgraced, fully and freely ac- and constant partiality will be found in Tunstall's
knowledging the merits of his most formidable “ Epistola ad Middletonum," Cantab. 1741, and in
rivals - Hortensius and Licinius Calvus, for the Colley Cibber's "Character and Conduct of Cicero,"
former of whom he cherished the warmest regard. London, 1747 ; but by far the most complete and
Towards the members of his own family he uni- critical examination of all points relating to Cicero
formly displayed the deepest attachment. Nothing and his times, down to the end of B. c. 56, is con-
could be more amiable than the readiness with tained in the fifth volume of Drumann's “Gesch-


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CICERO.
719
CICERO.
ichte Roms," a work not yet brought to a conclu-
De Natura Deorum libri III.
sion. )
De Divinatione libri II.
E. Theology.
IJ. WRITINGS OF CICERO.
De Fato.
* Dc Auguriis Auguralia.
The works of Cicero are so numerous and diver- The Editio Princeps of the collected philoso
sificd, that it is necessary for the sake of distinct-phical works of Cicero was printed at Rome in
ness to separate them into classes, and accordingly 1471, by Sweynheym and Pannartz, 2 vols. folio,
they may be conveniently arranged under five and is a work of excessive rarity. The first vo-
heads :- 1. Philosophical works. 2. Speeches. 3. lume contains De Natura Deorum, De Divinatione,
Correspondence. 4. Poems. 5. Historical and De Officiis, Paradoxa, Laelius, Cato Major, Versus
Miscellaneous works. The last may appear too duodecim Sapientium; the second volume, Quaes-
vague and comprehensive, but nothing of impor- tiones Tusculanae, De Finibus, De Fato, Q. Cicero
tance belonging to this section has been preserved. de Petitione Consulatus, Fragments of the Horten-
sius, Timaeus, Academicae Quaestiones, De Legibus.
1. PHILOSOPHICAL WORKS.
We have belonging to the same period, De
Several of the topics handled in this department
Officüs, De Amicitia, De Senectute, Somnium
are so intimately connected and shade into each 2 vols. folio, without place or date, but known to
Scipionis, Paradoxa, Tusculanae Quaestiones, in
other by such fine and almost imperceptible grada- have been published at Paris about 1471, by Gering,
tions, that the boundaries by which they are
Crantz, and Friburger.
separated cannot in all cases be sbarply defined,
and consequently some of the subdivisions may De Fato, De Legibus, Hortensius, (Modestus,) De
Also, the De Natura Deorum, De Divinatione,
appear arbitrary or inaccurate ; for practical pur- Disciplina Militari, appeared in 1 vol. 4to. , 1471,
poses, however, the following distribution will be
found sufficiently precise :-
at Venice, from the press of Vindelin de Spira.
A. Philosophy of Taste or Rhetoric, B. Political whole philosophical works of Cicero, was com-
An excellent edition, intended to embrace the
Philosophy. c. Philosophy of Morals. D. Specu- menced by J. A. Goerenz, and carried to the extent
lative Philosophy. E. Theology.
In the table given below, those works to which of three yolumes, 8vo. , which contain the De Legi-
an asterisk is prefixed have descended to us in a
bus, Academica, De Finibus, Leipz. 1809–1813.
very imperfect and mutilated condition, enough, philosophic writings in detail, we must consider very
Before entering upon an examination of Cicero's
however, still remaining to convey a clear concep briefly the inducements which first prompted Cicero
tion of the general plan, tone, and spirit; of those
to which a double asterisk is prefixed, only a few the extent to which his original views were subse-
to devote his attention to the study of philosophy,
fragments, or even a few words, survive ; those
printed in Italics are totally lost; those included quently altered and enlarged, the circumstances
under which his various treatises were composed,
within brackets are believed to be spurious :-
the end which they were intended to accomplish,
Rhetoricorum s.