Page:Plutarch's Lives (Clough, v.4, 1865).djvu/443

CATO THE YOUNGER. 435 him, but openly declaring that no one should compel them to make war against Coesar ; which, they said, they were neither able nor willius; to do. And some there were who muttered words about retaining the senators till Ctesar's coming ; but Cato seemed not to hear this, as indeed he had the excuse of being a little deaf. At the same time came one to him, and told him the horse were going away. And now, fearing lest the three hundred should take some desperate resolution concerning the sen- ators, he presently went out with some of his friends, and seeing they were gone some way, he took horse, and rode after them. They, when they saw him coming, were very glad, and received him very kindly, entreating him to save himself with them. At this time, it is said, Cato shed tears, while entreating them on behalf of the sena- tors, and stretching out his hands in supplication. He turned some of their horses' heads, and laid hold of the men by their armor, till in fine he prevailed with them, out of compassion, to stay only that one day, to procure a safe retreat for the senators. Having thus persuaded them to go along with him, some he placed at the gates of the town, and to others gave the charge of the citadel. The three hundred began to fear they should suffer for their inconstancy, and sent to Cato, entreating him by all means to come to them ; but the senators flocking about him, would not suffer him to go, and said they would not trust their guardian and saviour to the hands of perfid- ious traitors. For there had never, perhaps, been a time when Cato's virtue appeared more manifestly ; and every class of men in Utica could clearly see, with sorrow and admiration, how entirely free was every thing that he was doing from any secret motives or any mixture of self-regard ; he, namely, who had long before resolved on his own death, was taking such extreme pains, toil, and care, only for the