Page:Plutarch's Lives (Clough, v.4, 1865).djvu/540

 532 CAIUS GRACCHUS. was generally spoken of amongst thein that they must hinder Cains from being made tribune. But soon after, it happened that he was elected quaes- tor, and obliged to attend Orestes, the consul, into Sar- dinia. This, as it pleased his enemies, so it was not un- grateful to him, being naturally of a warlike character, and as well trained in the art of war as in that of plead- ing. And, besides, as yet he very much dreaded meddling with state affairs, and appearing publicly in the rostra, which, because of the importunity of the people and his friends, he could no otherwise avoid, than by taking this journey. He was therefore most thankful for the oppor- tunity of absenting himself. Notwithstanding which, it is the prevailing opinion that Caius was a far more thorough demagogue, and more ambitious than ever Tiberius had been, of popular applause; yet it is certain that he was borne rather by a sort of necessity than by any purpose of his own into public business. And Cicero, the orator, relates, that when he declined all such concerns, and would have lived privately, his brother appeared to him in a dream, and calling him by his name, said, " why do you tarry, Caius? There is no escape ; one life and one death is appointed for us both, to spend the one and to meet the other, in the service of the people." Caius was no sooner arrived in Sardinia, but he gave exemplary proofs of his high merit ; he not only excelled all the young men of his age in his actions against his enemies, in doing justice to his inferiors, and in showing all obedience and respect to his superior officer ; but like- wise in temperance, frugality, and industry, he surpassed even those who were much older than himself. It hap- pened to be a sharp and sickly winter in Sardinia, insomuch that the general was forced to lay an imposition upon sev- eral towns to supply the soldiers with necessary clothes. The cities sent to Rome, petitioning to be excused from that