Judged by the standard of today ---
a standard by which Cicero alone of all the
Romans is ever judged --- his character
was not spotless. He was intensely vain, hot tempered, not always
considerate of his friends, vindictive toward his enemies,
extravagent and selfish. On the other hand, his morals were
conspicuously pure. In an age of corruption and social degeneracy he
was always above all scandal and reproach. He was merciful and
compassionate to his slaves; his dealings with the poor and helpless
were just and humane. The lifelong devotion of Atticus and Tiro
testifies to his amiable and affectionate nature; his defence of
Roscius, Sestius, and Milo to his courage and loyalty. His
tenderness to his daughter Tullia and his love for his brother
Quintus touch us still. His welath was acquired honorably, and, if
spent lavishly, was spent on books and villas and works of art, not
on the gratifiation of the meaner passions.
(emphsis mine)
-Harold W. Johnston, Selected Orations & Letters of Cicero. Scott, Foresman & Co., 1902.