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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