, in which character he is
most generally known, though as a general scholar and statesman he was
almost without a peer. He was born on the third of January, 106 B.C.
His father was a member of the Equestrian order, and lived in easy
circumstances near Arpinum, but afterwards removed to Rome for the
purpose of educating his sons, Marcus and Quintus. The very best
teachers were procured for them. Almost immediately after his
schooling he was promoted, and rose from one station of honor and
distinction to another.

It may be doubted whether any individual ever rose to power by more
virtuous and truly honorable conduct, and the integrity of his public
life was only equaled by the purity of his private morals. But as his
history is taught to our school boys and his orations read in their
original language, we will not lengthen our remarks. The following are
his works. They are numerous and diversified, but may be arranged
under five separate heads: 1. _Philosophical Works._ 2. _Speeches._ 3.
_Correspondence._ 4. _Poems._ 5. _Historical and Miscellaneous Works._
The following are the most important:

First, his _Philosophical Works_, 1. _De Inventione Rhetorica_, "On
the Rhetorical Art;" intended to exhibit, in a compendious form, all
that are most valuable in the works of the Grecian rhetoricians. 2.
_De Partitione Oratorio Dialogus_, "A Dialogue on the several
Divisions of Rhetoric," a sort of catechism of rhetoric. 3. _De
Oratore_, "On the True Orator," a systematic work on the art of
oratory. This is one of his most brilliant efforts, and so accurately
finished in its minute parts, that it may be regarded as a masterpiece
of skill in all that relates to the graces of style and composition.
4. _Brutus: de claris Oratoribus._ This is in the form of a dialogue,
and contains a complete critical history of Roman eloquence. 5.
_Orator_, "The Orator," addressed to Marcus Brutus, giving his views
as to what constitutes a perfect orator. 6. _De Republica_, "On the
Republic," in six books, designed to show the best form of government
and the duty of the citizen; but a considerable portion of this is
lost. 7. _De Officiis_; a treatise on moral obligations, viewed not so
much with reference to a metaphysical investigation of the basis on
which they rest, as to the practical business of the world, and the
intercourse of social and political life. This is one of his most
precious legacies. 8. _De Finibus Bonorum et Malorum_, "On the