Page:Plutarch's Lives (Clough, v.4, 1865).djvu/404

 396 CATO THE YOUNGER. to win over the poor and unprovided-for multitude, by a distribution of corn, the annual charge of which amounted to twelve hundred and fifty talents. This act of humanity and kindness unquestionably dissipated the present danger. But Metellus, coming into his office of tribune, began to hold tumultuous assemblies, and had prepared a decree, that Pompey the Great should pres- ently be called into Italy, with all his forces, to preserve the city from the danger of Catiline's conspiracy. This was the fair pretence ; but the true design was, to deliver all into the hands of Pompey, and give him an absolute power. Upon this the senate was assembled, and Cato did not fall sharply upon Metellus, as he often did, but urged his advice in the most reasonable and moderate tone. At last he descended even to entreaty, and ex- tolled the house of Metellus, as having always taken part with the nobility. At this Metellus grew the more inso- lent, and desj>ising Cato, as if he yielded and were afraid, let himself proceed to the most audacious men- aces, openly threatening to do whatever he pleased in spite of the senate. Upon this Cato changed his coun- tenance, his voice, and his language ; and after many sharp expressions, boldly concluded, that while he lived, Pompey should never come armed into the city. The senate thought them both extravagant, and not well in their safe senses ; for the design of Metellus seemed to be mere rage and frenzy, out of excess of mischief bringing all things to ruin and confusion, and Cato's virtue looked like a kind of ecstasy of contention in the cause of what was good and just. But when the day came for the people to give their voices for the passing this decree, and Metellus beforehand occupied the forum with armed men, strangers, gladiators, and slaves, those that in hopes of change followed Pom- pey, were known to be no small part of the people, and