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cato the younger-第3章

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tribune; was the only man that obeyed this law。 He took great pains to

learn by his own knowledge to salute those he had to speak with; and

to call them by their names; yet even those who praised him for

this; did not do so without some envy and jealousy; for the more

they considered the excellence of what he did; the more they were

grieved at the difficulty they found to do the like。

  Being chosen tribune; he was sent into Macedon to join Rubrius;

who was general there。 It is said that his wife showing much

concern; and weeping at his departure; Munatius; one of Cato's

friends; said to her; 〃Do not trouble yourself; Atilia; I will

engage to watch over him for you。〃 〃By all means;〃 replied Cato; and

when they had gone one day's journey together; 〃Now;〃 said he to

Munatius; after they had supped; 〃that you may be sure to keep your

promise to Atilia; you must not leave me day nor night;〃 and from that

time; he ordered two beds to be made in his own chamber; that Munatius

might lie there。 And so he continued to do; Cato making it his jest to

see that he was always there。 There went with him fifteen slaves;

two freedmen; and four of his friends; these rode on horseback; but

Cato always went on foot; yet would he keep by them; and talk with

each of them in turn as they went。

  When he came to the army; which consisted of several legions; the

general gave him the command of one; and as he looked upon it as a

small matter; and not worthy a commander; to give evidence of his

own signal valour; he resolved to make his soldiers; as far as he

could; like himself; not; however; in this relaxing the terrors of his

office; but associating reason with his authority。 He persuaded and

instructed every one in particular; and bestowed rewards or

punishments according to desert; and at length his men were so well

disciplined; that it was hard to say whether they were more

peaceable or more warlike; more valiant or more just; they were

alike formidable to their enemies their enemies and courteous to their

allies; fearful to do wrong; and forward to gain honour。 And Cato

himself acquired in the fullest measure; what it had been his least

desire to seek; glory and good repute; he was highly esteemed by all

men; and entirely beloved by the soldiers。 Whatever he commanded to be

done; he himself took part in the performing; in his apparel; his

diet; and mode of travelling; he was more like a common soldier than

an officer; but in character; high purpose; and wisdom; he far

exceeded all that had the names and titles of commanders; and he

made himself; without knowing it; the object of general affection。 For

the true love of virtue is in all men produced by the love and respect

they bear to him that teaches it; and those who praise good men; yet

do not love them; may respect their reputation; but do not really

admire; and will never imitate their virtue。

  There dwelt at that time in Pergamus; Athenodorus; surnamed

Cordylio; a man of high repute for his knowledge of the Stoic

philosophy; who was now grown old; and had always steadily refused the

friendship and acquaintance of princes and great men。 Cato

understood this; so that imagining he should not be able to prevail

with him by sending or writing; and being by the laws allowed two

months' absence from the army; he resolved to go into Asia to see

him in person; trusting to his own good qualities not to lose his

labour。 And when he had conversed with him; and succeeded in

persuading him out of his former resolutions; he returned and

brought him to the camp as joyful and as proud of this victory as if

he had done some heroic exploit; greater than any of those of Pompey

or Lucullus; who with their armies at that time were subduing so

many nations and kingdoms。

  While Cato was yet in the service; his brother; on a journey towards

Asia; fell sick at Aenus in Thrace; letters with intelligence of which

were immediately despatched to him。 The sea was very rough; and no

convenient ship of any size to be had; so Cato getting into a small

trading…vessel; with only two of his friends; and three servants;

set sail from Thessalonica; and having very narrowly escaped drowning;

he arrived at Aenus just as Caepio expired。 Upon this occasion; he was

thought to have showed himself more a fond brother than a philosopher;

not only in the excess of his grief; bewailing and embracing the

dead body; but also in the extravagant expenses of the funeral; the

vast quantity of rich perfumes and costly garments which were burnt

with the corpse; and the monument of Thasian marble; which he erected;

at the cost of eight talents; in the public place of the town of

Aenus。 For there were some who took upon them to cavil at all this; as

not consistent with his usual calmness and moderation; not

discerning that though he were steadfast; firm; and inflexible to

pleasure; fear or foolish entreaties; yet he was full of natural

tenderness and brotherly affection。 Divers of the cities and princes

of the country sent him many presents; to honour the funeral of his

brother; but he took none of their money; only the perfumes and

ornaments he received; and paid for them also。 And afterwards; when

the inheritance was divided between him and Caepio's daughter; he

did not require any portion of the funeral expenses to be discharged

out of it。 Notwithstanding this; it has been affirmed that he made his

brother's ashes be passed through a sieve; to find the gold that was

melted down when burnt with the body。 But he who made this statement

appears to have anticipated an exemption for his pen; as much as for

his sword; from all question and criticism。

  The time of Cato's service in the army being expired; he received;

at his departure; not only the prayers and praises; but the tears

and embraces of the soldiers; who spread their clothes at his feet and

kissed his hand as he passed; an honour which the Romans at that

time scarcely paid even to a very few of their generals and

commanders…in…chief。 Having left the army; he resolved; before he

would return home and apply himself to state affairs; to travel in

Asia; and observe the manners; the customs; and the strength of

every province。 He was also unwilling to refuse the kindness of

Deiotarus; King of Galatia; who having had great familiarity and

friendship with his father; was very desirous to receive a visit

from him。 Cato's arrangements in his journey were as follows。 Early in

the morning he sent out his baker and his cook towards the place where

he designed to stay the next night; these went soberly and quietly

into the town; in which; if there happened to be no friend or

acquaintance of Cato or his family; they provided for him in an inn;

and gave no disturbance to anybody; but if there were no inn; then and

in this case only; they went to the magistrates; and desiring them

to help them to lodgings; took without complaint whatever was allotted

to them。 His servants thus behaving themselves 
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