44 Plutarch’s Lives
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orses, carriages, and attendants, of whom they understood,that Metellus Nepos was going to Rome, to stand to be tribuneof the people. Hereupon Cato stopped, and after a little pause,gave orders to return back immediately; at which the companyseeming to wonder, “‘ Don’t you know,” said he, “ how dangerousof itself the madness of Metellus is? and now that he comesarmed with the support of Pompey, he will fall like lightning onthe state, and bring it to utter disorder; therefore this is notime for idleness and diversion, but we must go and prevent thisman in his designs, or bravely die in defence of our liberty.”Nevertheless, by the persuasion of his friends, he went first tohis country-house, where he stayed but a very little time, andthen returned to town. He arrived in the evening, and went straight the next morn-ing to the forum, where he began to solicit for the tribuneship,in opposition to Metellus. The power of this office consistsrather in controlling than performing any business; for thoughall the rest except any one tribune should be agreed, yet hisdenial or intercession could put a stop to the whole matter.Cato, at first, had not many that appeared for him; but as soonas his design was known, all the good and distinguished personsof the city quickly came forward to encourage and support him,looking upon him, not as one that desired a favour of them, butone that proposed to do a great favour to his country and allhonest men; who had many times refused the same office, whenhe might have had it without trouble, but now sought it withdanger, that he might defend their liberty and their government.It is reported that so great a number flocked about him that hewas like to be stifled amidst the press, and could scarce getthrough the crowd. He was declared tribune, with several others,among whom was Metellus. When Cato was chosen into this office, observing that theelection of consuls was become a matter of purchase, he sharplyrebuked the people for this corruption, and in the conclusion ofhis speech protested he would bring to trial whomever heshould find giving money, making an exception only in the caseof Silanus, on account of their near connection, he havingmarried Servilia, Cato’s sister. He therefore did not prosecutehim, but accused Lucius Murena, who had been chosen consulby corrupt means with Silanus. There was a law that the partyaccused might appoint a person to keep watch upon his accuser,that he might know fairly what means he took in preparing theaccusation, He that was set upon Cato by Murena, at first
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