For the Latins call a vetch Cicer, and a nick or dent at
the tip of his nose, which resembled the opening in a vetch, gave
him the surname of Cicero.
Cicero, whose story I am writing, is said to have replied with
spirit to some of his friends, who recommended him to lay aside or
change the name when he first stood for office and engaged in
politics, that he would make it his endeavor to render the name of
Cicero more glorious than that of the Scauri and Catuli. And when
he was quaestor in Sicily, and was making an offering of silver
plate to the gods, and had inscribed his two names, Marcus and
Tullius, instead of the third, he jestingly told the artificer to
engrave the figure of a vetch by them.
Cicero was born on the third of January, the same day on which now
the magistrates of Rome pray and sacrifice for the emperor. As
soon as he was of an age to begin to have lessons, he became so
distinguished for his talent, and got such a name and reputation
amongst the boys, that their fathers would often visit the school,
that they might see young Cicero, and might be able to say that
they themselves had witnessed the quickness and readiness in
learning for which he was renowned. And the more rude among them
used to be angry with their children, to see them, as they walked
together, receiving Cicero with respect into the middle place.
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