M. Tulli Ciceronis pro C. Plancio Ora'io. Edited by the
Rev. Hubert A. Holden. (Cambridge University Press.)—Every one who Las read the Pro Plancio will agree with Dr. Holden's favourable estimate of it. As an oratorical effort, it cannot be compared with the great speeches, the Pro Cluentio or the second Philippic, to speak only of such as were actually delivered, but there is not one among the Orations which is equally pleasing. Cicero could defend his client without tearing the prosecutor in pieces. Both were his friends, both had stood on his side in his great struggle with his enemies, and he protests, sometimes, perhaps, half in irony, but doubtless on the whole with sincerity, that he honour and loves them both. The technical part of the speech is difficult and obscure, but it does not occupy any large proportion of it ; while the conclusion, in which the orator describes some of hie experiences in exile, is re- markably interesting. Dr. Holden has given us here an excellent edition. We hope that he somewhat overstates the case, when he says of an edition, that it is "practically useless, because the notes are written in German." Still, there can be no doubt the majority of students find English notes, if not indispensable, at all events more accessible. The commentary is even unusually full and complete, 160 pages, exclusive of critical note, to 42 of text ; and after going through it carefully, we find little or nothing to criticise. There is an excellent introduction, lucidly explaining the circumstances under which the speech was delivered, a table of events in the life of Cicero, and a useful index.
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