Cato the Younger: born in 95 BC in Rome, died in April 46 BC in Utica, Africa (Roman province)

Called also Cato Of Utica a Roman senator and general, remarkable for the inflexibility of his disposition, his habits of austerity and frugality, and his integrity in the administration of justice; he was at first the opponent, and afterwards the partisan of Pompey.
After the death of Pompey, he stabbed himself at Utica, in the year of 709 of the city, and 45 years before the birth of Christ.

Caton d'Utique

Jean-Baptiste Romand & François Rude
Musée du Louvre

Having had the misfortune to lose his parents when very young, Cato was left to the care of Livius rusus, his mother's brother; in whose house he was brought up, with his half brother Caepio, and with three half sisters. From the earliest period at which his intellect began to dawn, be afforded indications of a resolute, firm, and inflexible temper. His voice, his countenance, and even his diversions, showed a firmness of character which neither irritation nor passion could move. He was slow of perception, but tenacious in his retention; for what ever he once comprehended, he seems never to have forgotten, and he overcame every difficulty, perseverance. The inflexibility of his character, perhaps, in some degree, retarded his progress in learning; for he could receive no information, with out first fully examining it, and satisfying his mind respecting it. As a pupil, he was tractable and obedient. Whatever his preceptor required to he done, he willingly did; but he was always desirous of having a reason given for everything that was set him.

When Cato was a child, not much more than four years old, the Roman allies, in different parts of Italy, demanded to be admitted citizens of Rome. Popedius Silo, who had come to Rome, to solicit this right, lodged in the house of Drusus. He soon became familiar with the children; and, one day, said to them: You, my good children, must desire your uncle to assist us in our solicitation for this freedom. Caepio answered with a smile of assent; but Cato not only refused to answer, but intimated, by his silence and his downcast looks, that he should object. Popedius, in joke, took him to the window and threatened to throw him out, if he would not consent: he even held him out of the window, spoke in a harsh tone, and gave him several shakes, as if he was about to let him fall. But, finding the resolution of Cato to be immovable, he set him down, and whispered to his friends: This child will be the glory of Italy: I am confident that, if he were now a man, we should not obtain a single vote from the people.

On another occasion, when one of the relatives of Cato invited him, with other children, to celebrates birthday, several of them assembled together to play. They formed a mimic court of justice, in which some of them were tried, for imaginary crimes; and those who were found guilty were afterwards conveyed to prison. One of them, after having been condemned, was shut up, in a distant apartment, by a bigger boy, who acted as officer. The prisoner called out to Cato; who, as soon as he understood that he had been oppressively and unjustly condemned, ran to the door, and, pushing away all those who opposed him, carried off the child, and went home in great anger. This occurrence, trivial as it may now appear, is said to have aided, with other circumstances, to gain him great reputation.

On a particular occasion, Sylla chose to exhibit a kind of tournament of boys. For this purpose, be selected two bands of young gentlemen, and assigned to them two captains. One of these they readily accepted, because he was a near relation of Sylla; but the other, although he was a nephew of Pompey the Great, they rejected. Sylla asked whom they would have in his stead; they instantly and unanimously said, Cato and the boy appointed by Sylla, readily yielded the honour, to one who was universally acknowledged superior to all the boys of his own age.

The abilities of Cato were so great, that Sylla was accustomed frequently to invite both him and Caepio to his house, where he talked with great familiarity to them, which he did to very few. Cato was now in his fourteenth year; and Sylla's house appeared like a place of public execution, in consequence of the number of people who were tortured and put to death there. One day, seeing the heads of several great men brought in, and observing many of the persons present, to sigh deeply at these scenes of blood, Cato whispered, to Sarpedon, his preceptor: Why does not some one kill that man? meaning Sylla. Because (replied Sarpedon) they fear him more than they hate him. Give me then a sword, (said Cato,) that with it I may free my country from slavery. Sarpedon, seeing his countenance fired with rage, was terrified lest his youthful passion, though instigated by a just indignation against the oppressor of his country, should lead him to some unjustifiable act, in seeking to rid it of so despicable a tyrant. From that time, there fore, he watched all the actions of the boy, with the closest attention.

As the feelings of Cato were acute, so his attachments were ardent. From his earliest childhood, his affection for his brother was remarked by all who knew him. This affection increased with his years; in so much that, when he had attained the age of manhood, he was never happy unless Caepio was with him. They, however, differed much both in character and in habits. Caepio was effiminate, and was partial to the use of perfumes; Cato disliked effeminacy, and, through his whole life, and in all his habits, was plain and austere.

At a very early age, Cato became acquainted with Antipater, the Stoic philosopher; and, finding that the principles which were taught by him, corresponded with his own natural disposition, he cordially embraced them, and adhered so steadily to them, that he was afterwards considered one of the chief ornaments of that sect. He had a strong regard for virtue; and his notions of justice were so severe and inflexible, that he would not even listen to a possibility of its being influenced either by favour or compassion.

Like most other eminent Romans, he as siduously applied himself to the study of oratory, that he might be fitted for taking a leading part in the public assemblies. And, to strengthen his constitution, he accustomed himself to the most laborious exercise. He often went bare-headed, both in the hottest and the coldest weather; and he travelled, on foot, at all seasons of the year, In many instances, the friends who accompanied him were on horseback; and, in this case, he would join sometimes one and sometimes another, for the pleasure of their conversation, as he went along.

As the manners of the Romans were, at this time, estremely corrupt, and their luxurious mode both of clothing and living were, in the highest degree, blameable; Cato considered it requisite, in various particulars, to act contrary to the usual practice. The richest and brightest purple that could be obtained, was the fashionable colour for dress; and cloth of this colour was sold at a most extravagant price: he consequently chose always to wear black. It was his frequent practice to walk out, after dinner, bare-footed, and without his gown: not that he sought reputation from peculiarities like this, but that he was desirous of accustoming him self to be ashamed at nothing, except what was vicious. This principle may, however, be carried much too far; and, even in Cato, it appeared an extreme affectation of singularity.

During a considerable part of his life, when he went to either public or private entertainments, it was his practice to rise from table, after having drunk once; but, in process of time, he became fond of drinking, and, as it is said, would sometimes spend the whole night in conviviality. His friends accounted for this habit, by stating, that the business of the state occupied his attention through the whole day; and that, in consequence, he was induced to indulge in the relaxation of spending his evenings in conversation with philosophers.

The paternal estate of Cato, is said to have been valued at about one hundred and twenty talents and he succeeded to another estate worth one hundred talents. The latter, he immediately converted into ready money, which he kept by him, that he might, at all times, have it in his power to serve such of his friends as needed assistance. Before the acquisition of this property, he had, in many instances, mortgaged his paternal estate to the public treasury, for the purpose of supplying the wants of his friends.

He married a female named Attilia; but, on account of her misconduct, he obtained a divorce; and he subsequently married Marcia, the daughter of a person named Philippus, and a lady of exemplary virtue.

The first office which Cato obtained from the people, was that of military tribune; and, in this capacity, he was sent into Macedon, under Rubrius, the praetor there. He took with him fifteen slaves, two freed men, and four of his friends. The latter rode on horseback, but Cato always marched on foot; and he had so inured himself to the exercise of walking, that he had no difficulty in keeping pace even with the horsemen.

After he joined the army, he rendered the legion which he commanded a model of discipline, for he was equally respected and beloved by his soldiers. In his apparel, his diet, and manner of marching, he was was more like a common soldier than an officer; but, in virtue, courage, and wisdom, he exceeded most commanders.

The affection of Cato for his brother, was strongly exhibited whilst he was with the army in Macedonia. He was informed, by letter, that Caepio had been taken ill at OEnus, in Thrace. It was now the middle of winter, the sea was extremely rough, and no large vessel could be procured. Cato, however, was not to be deterred from going to him. He sailed, from Thessalonica, in a small boat; and, at the utmost hazard of his life, he succeeded in reaching OEnus. Not long after his arrival there, Caepio expired; and Cato, forgetting his stoical principles, lamented the loss of his former associate, with expressions of the most poignant regret. He celebrated his funeral with great magnificence; and he erected a splendid monument to his memory. This was not indeed accordant with the simplicity of character, which he, in general, professed; but it shows that, although he was firm and inflexible with regard to the solicitations of pleasure and of importunity, yet it was possible for him to be overcome by the emotions of tenderness and sensibility.

At the expiration of his tribuneship, Cato left the army; and his departure was marked by the most affectionate regret, both of the officers and men. Before he returned to Rome, be resolved to travel through a considerable part of Asia Minor, that he might witness the manners and customs of the inhabitants, and examine the military strength of the various provinces in that part of the globe.

As he travelled with only a small retinue, he often experienced an unfavourable reception; but, when he reached the camp of Pompey, who was then at Ephesus, carrying on a war against Mithridates, that general received him with the most distinguished marks of respect. After this, the cities through which he passed, seem to have vied with each other in the expression of their regard, and in the magnificence of the entertainments which they gave to him. Between Dejotarus, king of Galatia, and the father of Cato, there had subsisted a very ardent friendship. That monarch, therefore, had earnestly requested of Cato to visit him; he was also desirous to recommend his children to the protection of a man for whom be entertained a sincere regard. On Cato's arrival, Dejotarus offered him many valuable presents, and strongly urged him to accept them; but Cato refused them all. After he had proceeded a day's journey from the palace, he found, at Pessinus, a still greater number of presents, with a letter, from Dejotarus, entreating of him to receive them: or (says be) if you will not yourself accept them, or (says be) if you will not yourself accept them, permit, at least, your friends to do so. They deserve some reward for their services, yet they can not expect it out of your estate. Some of his companions were, visibly, much disappointed at his refusal; yet Cato would not suffer them to be touched. Corruption (said he to them) will never want a pretence; but you shall, at all times, freely share with me whatever I can obtain with justice and with honour.

After his return to Rome, Cato assiduously applied himself to study; and, though he was now in his thirty-second year, and was, consequently, of a sufficient age for the quaestorship, he would not so licit that office until he had, in every respect fully qualified himself for it. And when, at last, he was elected, he introduced many important reformations, and discharged the duties of the office with almost unexampled fidelity. The people spoke loudly in praise of his indefatigable industry; and, indeed, his application was almost incessant. He was in the treasury from morning till night; and there was no Assembly of the people, nor any meeting of the senate, that he did not attend; so attentive was he to the correct management of public affairs. At the expiration of his office, he was conducted to his house by nearly the whole body of citizens. But his attention to the duties of it did not now cease. He still kept a vigilant eye upon the treasury, and passed much of his time in inspecting the public accounts. Whenever the senate was summoned to meet, Cato was the first to attend and the last to withdraw; and, that he might not lose any time, it was his frequent practice, (whilst the rest of the members were assembling) to sit down and read, holding his gown before his book, that it might not be seen.

The reputation of Cato for invincible integrity was so great, that, at length, it became proverbial among the people. Hence, when any thing incredible was asserted, it was customary to say that they would not believe it, even if it were affirmed by Cato. One of the Roman orators, in a cause where only a single witness was produced, exclaimed, to the judges: The evidence of one man is insufficient, even if that man were Cato. A man profuse in his expenditure, and, in all respects, a worthless character, one day speaking, before the senate, in praise of temperance; he was thus instantly opposed by another: It is not to be endured, (said his opponent,) to hear a man, who eats and drinks like Crassus, and builds like Lucullus, pretend to talk like Cato.

The friends of Cato were desirous that he should offer himself for the tribuneship; but he refused to do so, asserting that he was not yet sufficiently prepared for the office. An occurrence, however, which, not long afterwards took place, induced him to change his mind. He was, one day, proceeding to his country seat, in Lucania, accompanied by a few of his philosophical friends, when he met a great number of horses and attendants, belonging to Metellus Nepos, the brother-in-law of Pompey. This person was going to Rome, for the purpose of Offering himself a candidate for the tribuneship. Cato, apprehending that he might entertain designs that were inimical to the welfare of the state, immediately returned to the city, and became his opponent. No sooner was it known that Cato had returned, and was a candidate for this office, than the people flocked around him, with so much zeal and eagerness, that it was with great difficulty he could even make his way to the forum. Both he and Metellus were chosen.

It had, for many years, been customary to influence the election of consuls by bribery. This was a practice so injurious to the state, that Cato publicly declared, he would accuse, before the Roman tribunals, any man who was guilty of it. In his procedure, on this subject, he was, however, charged with an undue partiality: he excepted Silanus, who was married to one of his sisters, and be accused the consul Muraena, who was not more guilty than the other. Cicero was the advocate of Muraena, and pleaded his cause with great eloquence. He was acquitted; and it is highly to his credit, that, instead of resenting the conduct of Cato, he always, afterwards, treated him with the greatest respect; and, through the whole of his administration, exhibited towards him every possible mark of honour and of confidence.

Before Cato entered upon his office of tribune, he took an active part against Publius Cornelius Lentulus, and some other accomplices of catiline who had formed a plan for burning the city and overturning the government. He made a memorable speech against them in the senate, in which also be strongly inveighed against the corrupt manners of the age. He concluded his speech by stating, it was absolutely necessary that all the conspirators should be put to death; and the senate were influenced by him to pass a decree for that purpose.

Pompey was, now, at the head of the Roman army in Syria; and a law had been proposed for recalling him, for the alleged purpose of preserving the city from the danger of Catiline's conspiracy. The real design, however, was to deliver the republic into his hands; for he had contrived to prevail with the people, to invest him with almost absolute power. The firmness of Cato alone preserved the government; but, in consequence of his opposition to those projects, which, in case of their success, would, probably, have terminated in the misery of the people, he was exposed to great personal danger. Pompey, being informed that it was impossible for him to accomplish his designs, without the concurrence of Cato, sent to him a friend, to propose an alliance by marriage. He was desirous of himself marrying the elder, and his son the younger, of Cato's two nieces. But Cato, without hesitation, replied: Go and tell Pompey that I am not to be gained by female influence, though I otherwise much value his kindness. So long as Pompey acts honourably and justly, he shall find in me a friendship more firm than any alliance; but I will not give hostages to Pompey's glory, against my country's safety.

This reply, laudable as it was, proved injurious his country; for Pompey, soon afterwards, established a connexion with Caesar; and the united power of these two eminent men, gave rise to the civil wars which followed, and which terminated in the destruction of the government. But, in whatever manner he acted, Cato had an extremely difficult task to perform. He had to preserve a government which was undermined by the intrigues of men great in power, and sunk in luxury and corruption: he had to oppose the corruptions both of the patrieians and plebeians.

Pompey returned to Rome, and, to increase his popularity, he projected the establishment of the Agrarian law, in favour of the army. This was strongly opposed by Cato, and was, in consequence, laid aside. After Caesar's return from Spain, that general acted in conjunction with Pompey; and, among other measures to acquire popularity, they again proposed the passing of laws for the distribution of lands among the poor. Cato, suspecting the evil designs of this apparent favour conferred upon the people, was strenuous in opposing it. He foresaw, and expressly stated, that the intention of Pompey was not to benefit the people; but merely to entice them to confer power on those by whom the favour should be obtained: that, in fact, the people were deceiving themselves, and would, in the end, be the sufferers. This, eventually, proved the case. The whole popular voice, however, being against him, and, consequently, all opposition being useless, he was persuaded, by Cicero, and other opponents of the measure, to yield to the public opinion. He did so; and the Agrarian law was passed. Cato had long foreseen the evil consequences that would result from the alliance betwixt Cesar and Pompey; but could not prevent them: We have lost our liberty: (said be) there is an end of the republic.

Elated with his success, Caesar proposed a law for distributing part of the province of Campania amongst the poor. Cato alone opposed it; and, although Caesar occasioned him to be dragged from the bench in the senate and conveyed to prison, this independent Roman could not be prevented, as he passed along, from exhorting the people to consider well the evil consequences that would result from such proceedings. The most virtuous of the senators, alarmed at the conduct of Caesar, followed Cato to prison; and Caesar, beginning to fear that his violence might excite general odium, secretly directed that one of the tribunes should rescue Cato from the officers and liberate him.

The virtuous character and independent conduct of Cato, determined his opponents to remove him, for a while, out of the country. For this purpose they induced the tribune Clodius to procure an order for him to go, on a special commission, to the island of Cyprus. He was thus, for a while, prevented from opposing the projects of Pompey and Caesar. As soon, however, as the duties imposed on him had been discharged, he returned to Rome. When the arrival of his fleet in the Tiber was announced, the magistrates and priests, the senate, and great multitudes of the people, went to the bank of the river to receive him; and the senate, afterwards, voted to him some distinguished honours; but he thought it proper to decline them. This took place in the six hundred and ninety-sixth year of the city, and in the thirty-eighth year of his age.

About this time Caesar, meditating the most ambitious projects, set out for the western parts of Europe . His design was to conquer Gaul, to bring back his victorious hands into Italy to subvert the republic, and then to raise himself to supreme power.

Alter some time, and after he had obtained many important victories, he contrived to obtain interviews with Pompey and Crassus, in which it was agreed that the two last should be candidates for the consulship, that Caesar should retain his command five years longer, and that they should be careful to secure to themselves the best provinces, revenues, and troops. This was nothing less than a division of the state, and a direct plot against the established liberties of the people.

Pompey and Crassus were, accordingly, elected consuls; and Cato, watchful for the public welfare, and well knowing that they contemplated the destruction of the government, was resolved, to the utmost of his power, to oppose their tyranny. He, therefore, offered himself a candidate for the Praetor ship; but Pompey, by united violence, artifice, and bribery, prevented his election, and caused that office to be filled by a man of worthless character. At the close of the election, Cato, standing up in the assembly of the people, foretold, as if, by inspiration, all the calamities which afterwards befel the state; and earnestly exhorted the people to be on their guard against the projects of Pompey and Crassus.

In the ensuing year he was a candidate for the same office, and succeeded; and the rectitude of his conduct and the equity of his judgments, were the subject of universal approbation. But he gave considerable offence by his want of dignity, whilst in the act of administering of justice. When the weather was hot, he would often sit, on the practorial bench, without his robe and shoes; and, in this state, would hear the trials, and would give judgment upon personages of even the first rank in Rome. His enemies asserted that he had sometimes been known even to pass sentence, when in a state of intoxication; but of this there is not the slightest proof.

He, fearlessly, proceeded in the performance of his duty. Among other things be resolved, if it were possible, to extirpate the extreme corruption which, at that time, was prevalent in elections of almost every description. For this purpose, be moved that a law should be passed, requiring, of every candidate, that he should declare, upon oath, the manner in which he had gained his election. This gave so much offence, that, as Cato was one morning proceeding to the tribunal, he was so excessively insulted by the mob, that it was not with out difficulty he escaped with his life. On reaching the tribunal, he stood up, and his firm and dignified aspect soon hushed the clamours and disorder of the population. He afterwards addressed them on the subject, and was heard with general attention. The senate declared their approbation of his conduct; but he replied, that no compliment could in return he paid to them; for they had deserted their praetor, when even his life was in danger. His law, however, was pased, and it had such an effect, that the candidates for the tribuneship of that year, agreed that each should deposit, in the hands of Cato, a sum of money equal to about four hundred pounds, to be forfeited to the public, if he should be found guilty of bribery. Cato refused to take the money, and only required that each of the candidates should found security. On a subsequent conviction of one of them, Cicero is said to have exclaimed: 0 happy Cato, from whom no one dares to ask a dishonest thing! On another occasion, Cicero declared that if the elections should go on freely and without bribery, Cato alone would have effected more than all the laws and courts of justice of the republic.

Pompey adopted every possible mode of injuring the character, and diminishing the reputation, of this eminent Roman; and he elevated his own credit and authority to such a pitch, that, in the year of the city 701, he caused himself to be elected consul, and to be invested with the privilege of choosing for himself a colleague. The state of the public affairs, at this time, must have been indeed bad, for this unprecedented election had the assent of Cato, who declared that any government was better than anarchy and confusion. Indeed, so much discord did actually prevail in Rome, that there were almost incessant riots, disturbances, and assassinations, among the adherents of those who were candidates for public offices.

Pompey was so much delighted with the assent of Cato, that he invited him to his house; received him with the most marked indications of kindness; entreated to assist him in the administration, and, in particular, to preside at his councils. Cato replied, that he had not formerly opposed Pompey from any motives of private enmity; and that, on the present occasion, he had not supported him from personal favour; but that, in both, he had been actuated by an anxious desire for the welfare of the state: that, in private, he should always be glad to assist him with his counsel; but that, in public, he would not be deterred from speaking his sentiments, whether they might be favourable or obnoxious to the plans which might be proposed. And be adhered to this declaration; for, in several instances, afterwards, he publicly reproved the conduct of Pompey.

Caesar, who, during several years, had been occupied in carrying on war against the western nations of Europe, had gained many important victories. He had attacked the Germans, though at peace with the Romans, and had slain no fewer than three hundred thousand of them. Some of the citizens proposed, in the senate, that a general thanksgiving to the gods should be decreed, for his success; but Cato was of a different opinion. He strongly opposed it, and said, that Caesar ought to be delivered up to the vengeance of those nations whom he had so unjustly attacked. When Caesar was informed of this opposition, he wrote a severe letter against him. This was read in the senate, and afforded Cato an opportunity of speaking strongly, respecting the conduct and designs of Caesar. These he fully exposed; and he stated to the senate, in distinct terms, that Rome had nothing to fear from any of the enemies against whom Caesar was contending, but only from Caesar himself. On a subsequent occasion, when the designs of Caesar became evident, Cato asserted, in the senate, that now was coming to pass the very event which he had so long foretold.

This proved to be the case. News was shortly afterwards brought, that Caesar had crossed the Rubicon, and was advancing, with his army, towards Rome. It was now acknowledged by all, that Cato alone had distinctly foreseen, and as distinctly foretold, the intentions of Caesar. Cato said that if the senate had followed his advice, they would not, at this time, have been reduced to the necessity of fearing one man, nor of depending upon one man for safety.

As it was now but too evident that Caesar was looking forward to the supreme power, Cato, to counteract his projects, thought it requisite to advise that the chief command should be given to Pompey: For those (said he) who have been the authors of great evils, can best remove them. But, had the constitution of the republic been still unshaken; had the nobles and the people acted with cordiality and firmness, both Caesar and Pompey ought to have been deprived of their command. Cato joined Pompey, because, by so doing, he believed that he was adopting the only means that were left, of endeavouring to restore the liberties of his country : but it appears that liberty was in equal danger from Caesar and from Pompey.

A civil war took place in consequence of the quarrel between these two commanders. Pompey retired into Thessaly, where he was followed by Caesar; and, in a battle which was fought on the plains of Pharsalia, he was defeated. He escaped thence into Africa; and Cato, informed of the course that he had taken, hastened after him, with all the troops that he could collect. On reaching the coast of Africa, he was informed of the death of Pompey. The troops now declared that they would follow no other leader than Cato; he consequently took upon himself the command, and marched into Libya, intending to join Scipio, the father-in-law of Pompey. The march was painful and hazardous, through sandy and inhospitable deserts. Notwithstanding this, Cato proceeded all the time, on foot, undergoing the same hardships and inconveniences as his men. Caesar afterwards landed in Africa, to attack the Roman forces which were in that country; and Cato, after having given up the command of his little army to Scipio, has tened to Utica. This place he furnished with am munition and provisions, and rendered sufficiently strong to sustain an attack, if Caesar should approach it. He also advised Scipio, as he had done Pompey, not to risk; a general engagement, but to prolong the war, and endeavour to wear down the strength of his enemy, by incessantly harassing him. Scipio, however, despised the advice and was overthrown.

After this, Caesar advanced to Utica, and Cato made every preparation that he considered requisite for supporting a long siege; but, finding the inhabitants and many of his soldiers unwilling to concur with him, he resolved to terminate his life, that he might not fall into the hands of Caesar. He, however, studiously concealed his intention from his friends.

For such of his adherents as were desirous of escaping by sea, he provided ships and whatever else was necessary; and he gave money and other requisites, to those who wished to escape by land. To the people of Utica he advised that, without delay, they should send to Caesar, and endeavour to make their peace with him.

In the evening Cato bathed, as usual; and then went to supper with a large company, consisting of his friends and of the magistrates of Utica. After supper, the conversation was carried on with much animation. Several philosophical questions were proposed and discussed. Among other subjects of discussion, was that maxim of the stoics: That the wise or good man only is free, and that all wicked men are slaves. On this subject Cato spoke with so much earnestness, that several persons in the company began to suspect his design. A profound silence followed, and Cato immediately changed the discourse.

When the supper was over, he walked a little while, with his friends, and then gave the requisite orders to the captains of the guard. He afterwards retired into his chamber, and, having embraced his son and each of his friends, with more than usual affection, took leave of them for the night. Lying down on his couch, he read Plato's Phaedon, or dialogue on the immortality of the soul. When he had perused the book about half through, he looked up, and saw that his sword was not hanging, as usual, at the head of his bed; for his son had taken it away, during the supper. He ordered it to be brought; and, after various excuses and delays, it was again suspended in its place. After this he again took up the book, and having read it aloud twice through, he slept till about midnight, when he called for two of his freed men. One of these, named Butas, he sent out, to enquire if all his friends had embarked. Butas, in a short time returned, and stated that they were all gone. Cato once more laid down, as if to sleep; and Butas closed the door and left him. Immediately afterwards, Cato took up his sword and stabbed himself under the breast. Struggling, in the agonies of death, he fell from his bed. The noise alarmed his friends, who instantly rushed into the room. They found him weltering in his blood, and made some attempts to save his life; but he tore open the wound with his hands, and, soon afterwards, expired, in the forty-ninth year of his age.

The intelligence of his death was soon circulated through the city; and the inhabitants flocked round the house, calling Cato their benefactor and their saviour, the only free and unconquered man. Although they knew that Caesar was fast approaching the place, they performed the funeral obsequies of Cato with the greatest magnificence. They buried him by the sea-side, where, in the time of Plutarch, about one hundred and seventy years afterwards, his statue still remained. From the circumstance of his death at this place, he has since been called Cato of Utica.

When Caesar was informed of what had taken place, he is reported to have exclaimed, Cato, I envy thy death, since thou couldst envy me the glory of preserving thy life. There can be little doubt that Caesar would have rejoiced to save the life of Cato, if he could have secured the influence of so eminent a man, in promoting the schemes of ambition which at this time occupied his mind. But Cato was not likely to have countenanced any project of Caesar, for he had, long before, declared that if Caesar proved victorious, he would terminate his existence.

For united valour and patriotism, Cato was indisputably the most celebrated character of his time. In every public situation, he acted with a great and independent spirit; the spirit not of turbulence and faction, but of true patriotism, of eager contention in support of the established laws and government of his country. Sallust says of him, that he was a lover of moderation, of propriety, and, above all, of strict discipline. He did not seek to vie with the rich in riches, nor in faction with the factions; but, in bravery with the brave, in modesty with the modest, and in abstinence with even the most abstemious. He chose rather to be good, than to appear so. Much of his anxiety and some of his most powerful exertions were employed in resisting and counteracting the effects of the luxury and corruption of the times. Fearless and intrepid, he performed his duty in opposing the turbulent demagogues among the Roman people; equally unmoved by the tumult and violence of the plebeians, and by the threats and hatred of the great. He was invincible by all the temptations that could be proposed, and superior to all the insults and ridicule which could be cast upon him, by men, who, at the same time that they pretended to treat him with contempt, really most envied his glory. On the tribunal of justice, he had the esteem and the confidence of every unbiassed Roman; for he was far above all influence, either of corruption or of fear. In the office of quaestor, or manager of the public treasury, Cato exhibited the most shining abilities, and the utmost diligence and fidelity. He reduced the national accounts, from a state of confusion into good order; and took care that the public should neither do nor suffer wrong. He very much improved the condition of the Roman treasury, and rendered it evident that a state may be rich without oppressing the people. In the senate he was much admired, for his eloquence, his industry, and integrity. From the day on which he first took his seat with that body, he applied himself, with the most indefatigable diligence, to public business; and it is his senatorial integrity which chiefly merits attention. He was here, uniformly, the same honest man as when seated on the bench of the judges: was intrepid in whatever he thought would be beneficial to his country; and his sagacity in detecting and in unveiling the secret views and projects of Pompey and of Caesar, appeared, after the event, to he truly prophetic.

Notwithstanding these highly estimable and admirable traits of character, there were some weaknesses in Cato, which it is requisite to mention. Even his virtues appear to have been strained to too high a pitch. His apparent magnanimity is considered, in some instances, to have originated in pride. His manners were sometimes harsh and morose, and his apparent simplicity degenerated into singularity. He became so fond of social enjoyments, that be frequently prolonged them through a great part of the night. Caesar once reproached him, on this subject, but in such a manner (says Pliny) as to exalt the charaster of Cato, while he endeavoured to expose it. He stated, that while Cato was going home from one of his evening parties, in a state of intoxication, with his head covered, that he might not be known, some persons whom he met, uncovered; This head; but they were so ashamed when they discovered who it was, that it might have been thought Cato had detected them, and not they Cato. His conduct respecting his wife Marcia has been much censured. He gave her to Hortensius the orator, after whose death he took her again; but it must be observed that, in doing this, he only acted according to a practice which had long been admitted amongst the Romans. Cato was unhappy in his family: his son was immoral, his two sisters were notorious for their miscomduct, and his second wife did not wholly escape the suspicion of irregularity. His daughter Porcia, however, who was married to Marcus Junius Brutus, was much admired for her virtues; and was not inferior to her father, either in prudence or in fortitude.

Cicero, in one place, saying that Cato died in such a disposition of mind, that he was happy in having found a cause for quitting life; and, in another place, that we ought not to quit the present life without the order of the deity who has placed us in it. Marry of the heathens considered the suicide of Cato as the act of a noble mind; but it was censured by some even of them. Martial says, I prefer the man who deserves renown for hearing his misfortunes patiently, and not him who kills himself to get rid of them.

It has been well observed that, a due consideration of the perpetual mutability of human affairs, is one of the many supports which reason, even unassisted by revelation, offers against despair. It is impossible for any one to be certain that his condition in life is really and absolutely desperate. Perhaps, even at the very time when his circumstances appear to him most extreme, a considerable change of fortune may be approaching. Had Cato, in his last studies at Utica, sufficiently attended to the doctrines in Plato's Phaedon, which is strongly declarative against suicide, and had he followed the example of the other senators, in prudently retiring from the untenable post of Utica, he would have found, in Spain, the power of the Roman patriot: rising with such strength, as, soon afterwards, even without the assistance of Cato's name, to reduce Caesar to a situation of peril and difficulty, from which it required his utmost efforts to extricate himself.

Authorities-Appian, Caesar, Plutarch and Pliny's Epistlea.