Cato the Younger 47
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he same fault; and after she had borne him two children, hewas forced to put her away for her misconduct. After that, hemarried Marcia, the daughter of Philippus, a woman of goodreputation, who yet has occasioned much discourse; and the lifeof Cato, like a dramatic piece, has this one scene or passage fullof perplexity and doubtful meaning. It is thus related by Thrasea, who refers to the authority ofMunatius, Cato’s friend and constant companion. Among many that loved and admired Cato, some were more remarkable and conspicuous than others. Of these was Quintus Hortensius, aman of high repute and approved virtue, who desired not only to live in friendship and familiarity with Cato, but also to unite his whole house and family with him by some sort or other of alliancein marriage. Therefore he set himself to persuade Cato that his daughter Porcia, who was already married to Bibulus, andhad borne him two children, might nevertheless be given to him, as a fair plot of land, to bear fruit also for him. “‘ For,” said he, “though this in the opinion of men may seem strange, yet in nature it is honest, and profitable for the public that a woman‘in the prime of her youth should not hie useless, and lose the fruit of her womb, nor, on the other side, should burden and im- -poverish one man, by bringing him too many children. Also_by this communication of families among worthy men, virtuewould increase, and be diffused through their posterity; and thecommonwealth would be united and cemented by their alliances.” Yet if Bibulus would not part with his wife altogether, he wouldrestore her as soon as she had brought him a child, whereby he ‘might be united to both their families. Cato answered, that he loved Hortensius very well, and much approved of uniting theirhouses, but he thought it strange to speak of marrying hisdaughter, when she was already given to another. ThenHortensius, turning the discourse, did not hesitate to speakopenly and ask for Cato’s own wife, for she was young andfruitful, and he had already children enough. Neither can it bethought that Hortensius did this, as imagining Cato did not care for Marcia; for, it is said, she was then with child. Cato, per- ceiving his earnest desire, did not deny his request, but said that Phillippus, the father of Marcia, ought also to be consulted.Philippus, therefore, being sent for, came; and finding theywere well agreed, gave his daughter Marcia to Hortenstus in thepresence of Cato, who himself also assisted at the marriage. Thiswas done at a later time, but since I was speaking of women, Ithought it well to mention it now, ao Plutarch’s Lives Lentulus and the rest of the conspirators were put to death;but Cesar, finding so much insinuated and charged against himin the senate, betook himself to the people, and proceeded to stirup the most corrupt and dissolute elements of the state to forma party in his support. Cato, apprehensive of what might ensue,persuaded the senate to win over the poor and unprovided-formultitude by a distribution of corn, the annual charge of whichamounted to twelve hundred and fifty talents. This act ofhumanity and kindness unquestionably dissipated the presentdanger. But Metellus, coming into his office of tribune, beganto hold tumultuous assemblies, and had prepared a decree, thatPompey the Great should presently be called into Italy, with alihis forces, to preserve the city from the danger of Catiline’s con-spiracy. This was the fair pretence; but the true design wasto deliver all into the hands of Pompey, and to give him anabsolute power. Upon this the senate was assembled, and Catodid not fall sharply upon Metellus, as he often did, but urged hisadvice in the most reasonable and moderate tone. At last hedescended even to entreaty, and extolled the house of Metellusas having always taken part with the nobility. At this Metellusgrew the more insolent, and despising Cato, as if he yielded andwere afraid, let himself proceed to the most audacious menaces,openly threatening to do whatever he pleased in spite of thesenate. Upon this Cato changed his countenance, his voice, andhis language; and after many sharp expressions, boldly con-cluded that, while he lived, Pompey should never come armedinto the city. The senate thought them both extravagant, andnot well in their safe senses; for the design of Metellus seemedto be mere rage and frenzy, out of excess of mischief bringing allthings to ruin and confusion, and Cato’s virtue looked like a kindof ecstasy of contention in the cause of what was good and just. But when the day came for the people to give their voices forthe passing this decree, and Metellus beforehand occupied theforum with armed men, strangers, gladiators, and slaves, thosethat in hopes of change followed Pompey were known to be nosmall part of the people, and besides, they had great assistancefrom Czsar, who was then pretor; and though the best andchiefest men of the city were no less offended at these proceedingsthan Cato, they seemed rather likely to suffer with him than ableto assist him. In the meantime Cato’s whole family were inextreme fear and apprehension for him; some of his friendsneither ate nor slept all the night, passing the whole time indebating and perplexity; his wife and sisters also bewailed and ieer
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