A source-book of ancient history - The Search For Mecca

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Character and Habits of Cato 411
should speak about their tragic actors, some would think
I was merely jesting.
VI.
Cato the Censor
Marcus Porcius Cato (another eminent man of the age)
was born at Tusculum and brought up on a farm belonging
to his father in the Sabine country. There he lived till
he began to take part in war and politics. In appearance
he was
Red-haired, gray-eyed, and savage-tusked as well.
Marcus
Porcius
Cato.
Plutarch,
Cato, I.
Ancient
World, 405 f.
The estate adjoining that of Cato belonged to one of
the most powerful and highly born patricians of Rome,
Valerius Flaccus, a man who had a keen eye for rising
merit, and generously fostered it till it received public
recognition.
This man heard of Cato's life from his servants,
who told how their master would go to the court
early in the morning and plead the causes of all who required
his services, and then on returning to his farm would
work with his servants, in winter wearing a coarse coat
They
without sleeves, in summer nothing but his tunic.
added that he used to sit at meals with them and eat the
same loaf and drink the same wine.
Many other stories of his goodness, simplicity, and sententious
remarks were told Valerius, who became interested
in his neighbor, and invited him to dinner. They
grew intimate; and Valerius, noticing his quiet and frank
disposition,
and thinking him Uke a plant that requires
careful treatment and an extensive space in which to
develop, encouraged and urged him to take part in poUtical
life at Rome.
On going to Rome, he at once gained admirers by his
able pleadings in the law courts, while he was advanced to
His life in
the country.
Plutarch,
Cato, 3.
Cato at
Rome.