Page:Cicero And The Fall Of The Roman Republic.djvu/23

Rh into the arena of national politics, or aspired to the magistracies of the imperial State. The family house, the actual birthplace of Cicero, was situated some three miles from the town on the banks of the river Fibrenus, an affluent of the Liris. The place may best be described in the words of Cicero himself, who has made it the scene of his dialogue on the Laws. The second book of that treatise opens as follows:—

Atticus. We have had enough walking, and you have come to a pause in your argument. What if we were to cross over and sit down to finish our conversation in the island of the Fibrenus—that, I think, is the name of this second stream?

Cicero. By all means, for this is my favourite spot whenever I want to think over anything quietly or to write or to read.

Atticus. For my part, this is the first time I have been at the place, and I cannot have enough of it; I think scorn now of splendid villas and marble pavements and fretted roofs. When one looks at this, one can only smile at the artificial canals which our fashionable friends call their "Nile" or their "Euripus." Just now when you were discussing law and jurisprudence you ascribed everything to nature; and certainly in regard to these objects at any rate which we seek for the repose and refreshment of the mind, nature is the only true mistress. I used to wonder when I considered that there was nothing in this district but rocks and mountains, (so I gathered from your verses and speeches), I used to wonder, I say, that you so delighted in this spot. Now on the contrary my astonishment is that, when you are away from Rome, you can bear to be anywhere else but here.

Cicero. Nay, whenever I am able to take a long absence from the city, especially if it be at this time of year, I seek this pleasant and healthy spot; but it is not often that I have the chance. However I have another reason for loving it, which will not affect you so much.

Atticus. What reason, pray?

Cicero. Well, if the truth must be told, this and no other is the very native land of Quintus and myself: here is the ancient stock from which we are sprung, here are our sacred rites, here our kindred,