Fortunatianus, Art of Rhetoric 1.1

Fortunatianus‘ 3-volume handbook of rhetoric proceeds by means of a long catechism: these are the first questions and answers.

quid est rhetorica? bene dicendi scientia.
quid est orator? vir bonus dicendi peritus.
quod est oratoris officium? bene dicere in civilibus quaestionibus.
qui finis? persuadere quatenus rerum et personarum condicio patiatur in civilibus quaestionibus.

What is rhetoric? The skill of speaking well.
What is an orator? A good man skilled in speaking.
What is the job of the orator? To speak well in public debates.
What is his aim? To persuade, to the extent that the situation of the affairs and persons allows, in public debates.