Page:Plutarch's Lives (Clough, v.4, 1865).djvu/387

This page needs to be proofread.
TEXT
379

CATO THE YOUNGER. 379 commander, to give evidence of his own single valor, he resolved to make his soldiers, as far as he could, like him- self, not, however, in this, relaxing the terrors of his office, but associating reason with his authority. He per- suaded 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 and courteous to their allies, fearful to do wrong, and forward to gain honor. 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 knowl- edge 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 labor. And when he had