Page:Plutarch's Lives (Clough, v.4, 1865).djvu/440

 432 CATO THE YOUNGER. so freely exposes his life to effect the most unrighteous designs, yet never can hope for so happy a conclusion, as they may promise themselves ; for notwithstanding the uncertainty of war, they will be sure of a most happy life, if they succeed, or a most glorious death, if they mis- carry. However, he said, they ought to deliberate among themselves, and he joined with them in praying the gods that in recompense of their former courage and good- will, they would prosper their present determinations. When Cato had thus spoken, many were moved and en- couraged by his arguments, but the greatest part were so animated by the sense of his intrepidity, generosity, and goodness, that they forgot the present danger, and as jf he w r ere the only invincible leader, and above all fortune, they entreated him to employ their persons, arms, and estates, as he thought fit ; for they esteemed it far better to meet death in following his counsel, than to find their safety in betraying one of so great virtue. One of the assembly proposed the making a decree, to set the slaves at liberty ; and most of the rest approved the motion. Cato said, that it ought not to be clone, for it was neither just nor lawful; but if any of their masters would wil- lingly set them free, those that were fit for service should be received. Many promised so to do ; whose names he ordered to be enrolled, and then withdrew. Presently after this, he received letters from Juba and Scipio. Juba, with some few of his men, was retired to a mountain, where he waited to hear what Cato would resolve upon ; and intended to stay there for him, if he thought fit to leave Utica, or to come to his aid with his troops, if he were besieged. Scipio was on shipboard, near a certain promontory, not far from Utica, expecting an answer upon the same account. But Cato thought fit to retain the messengers, till the three hundred should come to some resolution.