The Good Book_ A Secular Bible - A. C. Grayling [292]
3. For there were no less than nine trophies, which, as their commander and conqueror of their enemies, he had set up for the honour of the city.
4. They talked thus among themselves, as though he were unable to understand or mind what they said.
5. He listened, however, all the while, and then spoke up, saying that he wondered they should commend things which were as much owed to luck as anything else,
6. And had happened to many other commanders, and, at the same time, should not mention that which was the most excellent and greatest thing of all.
7. ‘For,’ said he, ‘no Athenian, through my means, ever wore mourning.’
8. He was indeed a character deserving our highest admiration not only for his equitable and mild temper, which all along in the many affairs of his life,
9. And the great animosities which he incurred, he constantly maintained;
10. But also for the high feeling which made him regard it the noblest of his honours,
11. That in the exercise of such immense power, he never gratified his envy or his passion.
12. And to me it appears that this one thing gives that otherwise childish and arrogant title of ‘Olympian’ a fitting and becoming significance;
13. So dispassionate a temper, so unblemished a life in the height of power and place, might well be called Olympian.
14. Not as the poets represent, confounding us with their ignorant fancies; but in meaning of the metaphor as a truly great man.
15. The course of public affairs after Pericles’ death produced a speedy sense of his loss to Athens.
16. Those who had resented him because he eclipsed themselves, after making trial of other leaders,
17. Readily acknowledged that there had never been such a disposition as his, more moderate and reasonable in the height of the power he held,
18. Or more grave and impressive in the mildness with which he used it.
Chapter 50: Cato the Censor
1. Cato was known as the Censor because of the unbending strictness and severity of his moral rule when he held the office of Censor at Rome.
2. He is therefore an example either to be admired or shunned: let his life story suggest which.
3. He was also known as Cato the Younger, for he had a great-grandfather, remembered as Cato the Elder, who did Rome notable military service.
4. This elder Cato had often obtained military prizes, and having lost five horses under him in battle, received, for his valour, the worth of them out of the public exchequer.
5. The family was not however patrician, and the younger Cato himself was happier working on his farm than speaking in the forum at Rome.
6. He was born at Tusculum, though until he turned to civil and military affairs he lived in the country of the Sabines, where he had inherited a modest estate from his father.
7. He gained early in life a good habit of body by farming, austere living and military service, and seemed to have equal proportions of health and strength.
8. From an early age he practised his eloquence through all the villages of his neighbourhood,
9. Thinking eloquence necessary to anyone intending more than a humble and inactive life.
10. He would never refuse to serve as counsel for those who needed him, and was early reckoned a good lawyer and a capable orator.
11. Not only did he refuse fees for his legal work, but he did not put great value on the honour proceeding from winning court cases,
12. Being much more desirous to distinguish himself in military efforts.
13. While still a youth his breast received scars in combat, being only seventeen years old when he made his first campaign.
14. That was in the time when Hannibal, at the height of his success, was burning and pillaging all Italy.
15. In battle Cato would strike hard, without flinching, stand his ground firmly, present a bold countenance to his enemies, and shout at them with a harsh threatening voice,
16. Justly telling others that such rugged behaviour sometimes terrifies an enemy more than the sword itself.
17. When marching he carried his own weapons, followed by only one servant