CATO THE YOUNGER. 433 As for the senators that were there, they showed great forwardness, and at once set free their slaves, and fur- nished them with arms. But the three hundred being men occupied in merchandise and money-lending, much of their substance also consisting in slaves, the enthusiasm that Cato's speech had raised in them, did not long con- tinue. As there are substances that easily admit heat, and as suddenly lose it, when the fire is removed, so these men were heated and inflamed, while Cato was present; but when they began to reason among them- selves, the fear they had of Caesar, soon overcame their reverence for Cato and for virtue. " For who are we," said they, " and who is it we refuse to obey ? Is it not that Ctesar, who is now invested with all the power of Rome ? and which of us is a Scipio, a Pompey, or a Cato ? But now that all men make their honor give way to their fear, shall we alone engage for the liberty of Rome, and in Utica declare war against him, before whom Cato and Pompey the Great fled out of Italy ? Shall we set free our slaves against Caasar, who have ourselves no more liberty than he is pleased to allow? No, let us, poor creatures, know ourselves, submit to the victor, and send deputies to implore his mercy." Thus said the most mod- erate of them ; but the greatest part were for seizing the senators, that by securing them, they might appease Caesar's anger. Cato, though he perceived the change, took no notice of it ; but wrote to Juba and Scipio to keep away from Utica, because he mistrusted the three hundred. A considerable body of horse, which had escaped from the late fight, riding up towards Utica, sent three men before to Cato, who yet did not all bring the same message ; for one party was for going to Juba, another for joining with Cato, and some again were afraid to go into Utica. When Cato heard this, he ordered Marcus vol. iv. 28
