His epic poem, the _Annales_, relates the traditional Roman history, from the arrival of Aeneas to the poet's own day.
CICERO (106-43).
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO, a native of Arpinum, ranks as the first prose writer in Roman literature.

As an orator Cicero had a very happy natural talent.

The extreme versatility of his mind, his lively imagination, his great sensitiveness, his inexhaustible richness of expression, which was never at a loss for a word or tone to suit any circumstances or mood, his felicitous memory, his splendid voice and impressive figure, all contributed to render him a powerful speaker.

He himself left nothing undone to attain perfection.

Not until he had spent a long time in laborious study and preparation did he make his _debut_ as an orator; nor did he ever rest and think himself perfect, but, always working, made the most careful preparation for every case.