Page:Plutarch's Lives (Clough, v.4, 1865).djvu/429

 CATO THE YOUNGER. 421 for the business of canvassing, as he was more anxious to sustain the dignity of his life and character, than to obtain the office. Thus by following his own way of soliciting, and not suffering his friends to do those things which take with the multitude, he was rejected, and lost the consul- ship. But whereas, upon such occasions, not only those who missed tbe office, but even their friends and relations, used to feel themselves disgraced and humiliated, and observed a sort of mourning for several days after, Cato took it so unconcernedly, that he anointed himself, and played at ball in the Field, and after breakfasting, went into the forum, as he used to do, without his shoes or his tunic, and there walked about with his acquaintance. Cicero blames him, for that when affairs required such a consul, he would not take more pains, nor condescend to pay some court to the people, as also because that he afterwards neglected to try again ; whereas he had stood a second time to be chosen praetor. Cato answered, that he lost the prastorship the first time, not by the voice of the people, but by the violence and corrupt dealing of his adversaries ; whereas in the election of consuls, there had been no foul play. So that he plainly saw the peo- ple did not like his manners, which an honest man ought not to alter for their sake ; nor yet would a wise man attempt the same thing again, while liable to the same prejudices. Caesar was at this time engaged with many warlike nations, and was subduing them at great hazards. Among the rest, it was believed he had set upon the Germans, in a time of truce, and had thus slain three hundred thou- sand of them. Upon which, some of his friends moved the senate for a public thanksgiving ; but Cato declared, they ought to deliver Caesar into the hands of those who had been thus unjustly treated, and so expiate the offence