Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 BC) was a key figure in the turbulent closing years of the Roman Republic. The principles he expounded, occasionally compromised, and eventually died for, draw on wide practical experience as well as deep knowledge and reflection. Against Verres (II, 5) : how not to govern a province—For Murena : when to sacrifice a principle—For Balbus : the admission of foreigners to citizenship—On the state (III) : the ideal form of government ; (V, VI): the good statesman—On laws (III) : how to run the ideal government—The Brutus : the importance of oratory—The Philippics (IV, V, X) : against rule by one man—Appendix 1: Some of the arguments used in For Balbus—Appendix 2: Minor orators mentioned in the Brutus.