New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1865-06-15
NEW PUBLICATIONS.
rORsYTH'S LIFE OF CICERO.
favy o. MARCUS TpILIus Cicxxo. By WiLIAs foRsfl
z yolr I2.no. Charles Scribner { 90.


sesented in the Emperor Louis Napoleon's mono
graph on julius Caesar will fnd fresh stimulus and
ratification in these able volumes by au accom-
paished English scholar. Unlike the work of His
Imperial Majesty, they written in support Of no
Seregone conclusions strictly impartial in their
tone and although not insensibe TO the defects OF
Sbe great Roman orator, present a just and kindly
appreciation of his character The public career OF
Cicero is singalary suggestive to tho student Oh
political history. His craftsmanship, though com
Vehensive and humane in its purposes was infected
With bis vicious personal vanity, the weakness OF
nh mental resolution, and his timdty and vacla-
Ssn in those critical epochs which demanded above
a things firm decision of purpose and undaunted
vigor Of execution The errors which diminish
0e brightness of his illustrious course afford
Azitful lesson Of wisdom TO all ages.
The work Of Mr. Forsyth, however, is not e1clu-
gtvely devoted TO the consideration of Cicero as
lssaer in the politics OF Rome. but allows large
space to the details Of private and domestic life
Which form q chief of the fascination in bio
graphical composition. This purpose has been
made less prominen, in most previous works on the
subject, and our readers accordingly cannot fail TO
y
Denan, as he was surrounded by his family and
friends, and acting as other men OF like passions
With ourselves in the ordinary affairs of home
Marcus Tullius Cicero was born in the year LOG
before the Christian His native place was the
sncielt town of Arpnum, pleasant locality on
the steep side o. one Of the Volscian hills, amidst
succession of rocky nights and forests, near the
confluence of the Liris and the Fibrenus. His
SAmily was Of the plebian order although oil and
respectable. None of its members had ever filled
any of the higher Offices. II belonged TO the eques-
Aiaa class, and had long been settled in the neigh
1orhood of Arpinum. The family name of Cicero
vas perhaps derived from the fact that some ances-
Sos had been addicted to the cultivation of the do
nestic vegetable called cicer," or vetch.
His father, who was also called Marcus, was an
lAbtual invalid, preferring to lead the quiet life OF
Q country gentleman on his modest rural property,
rather than to take part in the social excitements Of
Rome. He was also Of cultivated tastes, not
without certain tincture of literature. OF the
childish years of Cicero in the family home at
Arpinum no authentic anecdote has been pre-
served We only know that he always cherished a
warm attachment to his birthplace, and loved its
Wild scenery with passionate fondness.
At On carly age he was sent by his father TO
BONE, in order to pursue the course of education
which was enjoyed by Roman youths of good
1hanily. His first teachers were Greeks, from whom
be learned the rudiments Of their own language,
together with rhetoric, grammar, and composition.
Greek was at that time the fashionable study at
Rome, holding similar position in q course OF ed
scation to that of French at the present day. 1t
vas cultivated in the provinces with quite much
zeal as in the capital. Greek phrases and Greek
quotations were everywhere curentin good society.
A knowledge of the language was considered the
accomplishment of gentleman. Cicero, with
he exquisite taste which was early developed,
cherished passion for Greek literature, and in after
life, his letters abound in expressions and quota
lions which show his familiarity with its rich
treasures. Among his other Greek teachers was
The poet Archias, who had como to Rome from
Antioch when Cicero five years old, and the in
tmacy with whom may have awakened the desire in
ms pupil 10 be himself poet. His few efforts in this
hind. however, were attended with but slight sue
cess, although he to have chung to them with
The partially Of parent for deformed offspring.
He never could have become a great poet, but lac
vas not without talent for vershcation, and IN
point Of style and harmony, may be deemed supe-
nor to the poets who had hitherto written in the
Latin language.
At the age of sixteen, according TO the custom OF
fhe Roman youth, Cicero was brought before the
Prator in the forum with the usual ceremonies,
where he formally laid aside his boyish dress, and
assumed tho costume designated as the badge of
adolescence. This was an important epoch in the
Hee of young Roman, and was celebrated with
d.-g. To ry m
hood.
The education Of Cicero in eloquence and law
commenced under the care Of Scevola the Augur
It was the custom with the Roman jurists TO open
their houses for the gratuious instruction both of
suitors and students This was given in the form
Of familiar conversation, sometimes during walk
n the hail Of the house, and sometimes during
saunter in the Forum. Cicero scarcely ever left
che side Of his teacher. He took notes of his
lectures, committed his msxims and sayings to
memory, and followed him TO the courts when he
pleaded as an advocate, and to the rostrun when
he harangued the people. lie thus formed himself
for the career in law and oratory in which he was
destined to acquire such immortal fame. His time
vas now necessarily occupied. He lost no oppor-
tpnty Of hearing the speeches of the different
orators and advocates in the Forum and the courts
He studied the gestures Of tho best actors, like
Assop and Roscus. Every day was spent in read
Soe. writing, and defamation. His appetite for
knowledge was Unsuitable. He took every depart
nent of learning for his province. Rhetoric, dia-
beetles, philosophy, and law by turns engaged his