NIGIDIUS FIGULUS, PUBLIUS, one of the most
learned men of ancient Rome, flourished at the same
time with Cicero. He wrote on various subjects; but
his pieces appeared so refined and difficult that they
were not regarded. He assisted Cicero, with great
prudence, in defeating Catiline's conspiracy, and did
him many services in the time of his adversity. He
adhered to Pompey in opposition to Cæsar; which oc-
casioned his exile, he dying in banishment. Cicero,
who had always entertained the highest esteem for him,
wrote a beautiful consolatory letter to him (the 13th of
lib. iv. ad Familiares).