Page:Plutarch's Lives (Clough, v.4, 1865).djvu/444

436 CATO THE YOUNGER. sake of others, that when he had secured their lives, he might put an end to his own. For it was easily perceived, that he had determined to die, though he did not let it appear. Therefore, having pacified the senators, he complied with the request of the three hundred, and went to them alone without any attendance. They gave hirn many thanks, and entreated him to employ and trust them for the future; and if they were not Catos, and could not aspire to his greatness of mind, they begged he would pity their weakness ; and told him, they had determined to send to Caesar and entreat him, chiefly and in the first place, for Cato, and if they could not prevail for him, they would not accept of pardon for themselves, but as long as they had breath, would fight in his defence. Cato commended their good intentions, and advised them to send speedily, for their own safety, but by no means to ask any thing in his behalf; for those who are conquered, entreat, and those who have done wrong, beg pardon ; for himself, he did not confess to any defeat in all his life, but rather, so far as he had thought fit, he had got the vic- tory, and had conquered Caesar in all points of justice and honesty. It was Csesar that ought to be looked upon as one surprised and vanquished ; for he was now con- victed and found guilty of those designs against his coun- try, which he had so long practised and so constantly de- nied. When he had thus spoken, he went out of the assembly, and being informed that Caasar was coming with his whole army, "Ah," said he, "he expects to find us brave men." Then he went to the senators, and urged them to make no delay, but hasten to be gone, while the horsemen were yet in the city. So ordering all the gates to be shut, except one towards the sea, he assigned their several ships to those that were to depart, and gave money and provision to those that wanted ; all