Sallust: Comparison of Caesar and Cato
Sallust compares these two men to show two different "routes to glory" in the late
Roman Republic.
Lines 1–3, original Latin
Sed memoria mea ingenti virtute, divorsis moribus fuere viri duo, M. Cato et C.
Caesar, quos quoniam res obtulerat, silentio praeterire non fuit consilium,
quin utriusque naturam et mores, quantum ingenio possum, aperirem.
Igitur eis genus aetas eloquentia prope aequalia fuere, magnitudo animi par, item
gloria, sed alia alii.
Caesar beneficiis ac munificentia magnus habebatur, integritate vitae
Cato. ille mansuetudine et misericordia clarus factus,
huic severitas dignitatem addiderat.
Lines 1–3, translation
But in my recollection there were two men of enormous ability, with very
different characters—Marcus Cato and Gaius Caesar. Since the circumstances had
brought them before us, I did not think it right to pass them over in silence, but
rather to set forth the nature and qualities of each, as far as my talent allows.
Accordingly, their birth, age, and eloquence were almost equal; their greatness of
spirit was equal, and so too their fame—but each had it in a different way. Caesar
was regarded as great for his kindnesses and generosity; Cato for the uprightness of
his life. The one became famous for gentleness and compassion; the other’s severity
added to his dignity.
Lines 4-7, original Latin
Caesar dando sublevando ignoscundo, Cato nihil largiundo gloriam adeptus est.
in altero miseris perfugium erat,
in altero malis pernicies. illius facilitas, huius constantia laudabatur. postremo Caesar
in animum induxerat laborare, vigilare; negotiis amicorum intentus sua neglegere,
nihil denegare quod dono dignum esset; sibi magnum imperium, exercitum,
bellum novom expetebat, ubi virtus enitescereposset. at Catoni
studium modestiae, decoris, sed maxume severitatis erat;
non divitiis cum divite neque factione cum factioso, sed cum strenuo virtute,
cum modesto pudore, cum innocente abstinentiacertabat;
esse quam videri bonus malebat: ita, quo
minus petebat gloriam, eo magis illum sequebatur.
Lines 4–7, translation
Caesar won glory by giving, helping, and forgiving; Cato by giving nothing freely. In
the one there was a refuge for the wretched; in the other, destruction for the
wicked. Caesar’s affability and Cato’s steadfastness were praised.
Finally, Caesar had resolved in his mind to toil and keep watch: attentive to the
affairs of his friends, he neglected his own; he refused nothing that was worthy to be
Sallust compares these two men to show two different "routes to glory" in the late
Roman Republic.
Lines 1–3, original Latin
Sed memoria mea ingenti virtute, divorsis moribus fuere viri duo, M. Cato et C.
Caesar, quos quoniam res obtulerat, silentio praeterire non fuit consilium,
quin utriusque naturam et mores, quantum ingenio possum, aperirem.
Igitur eis genus aetas eloquentia prope aequalia fuere, magnitudo animi par, item
gloria, sed alia alii.
Caesar beneficiis ac munificentia magnus habebatur, integritate vitae
Cato. ille mansuetudine et misericordia clarus factus,
huic severitas dignitatem addiderat.
Lines 1–3, translation
But in my recollection there were two men of enormous ability, with very
different characters—Marcus Cato and Gaius Caesar. Since the circumstances had
brought them before us, I did not think it right to pass them over in silence, but
rather to set forth the nature and qualities of each, as far as my talent allows.
Accordingly, their birth, age, and eloquence were almost equal; their greatness of
spirit was equal, and so too their fame—but each had it in a different way. Caesar
was regarded as great for his kindnesses and generosity; Cato for the uprightness of
his life. The one became famous for gentleness and compassion; the other’s severity
added to his dignity.
Lines 4-7, original Latin
Caesar dando sublevando ignoscundo, Cato nihil largiundo gloriam adeptus est.
in altero miseris perfugium erat,
in altero malis pernicies. illius facilitas, huius constantia laudabatur. postremo Caesar
in animum induxerat laborare, vigilare; negotiis amicorum intentus sua neglegere,
nihil denegare quod dono dignum esset; sibi magnum imperium, exercitum,
bellum novom expetebat, ubi virtus enitescereposset. at Catoni
studium modestiae, decoris, sed maxume severitatis erat;
non divitiis cum divite neque factione cum factioso, sed cum strenuo virtute,
cum modesto pudore, cum innocente abstinentiacertabat;
esse quam videri bonus malebat: ita, quo
minus petebat gloriam, eo magis illum sequebatur.
Lines 4–7, translation
Caesar won glory by giving, helping, and forgiving; Cato by giving nothing freely. In
the one there was a refuge for the wretched; in the other, destruction for the
wicked. Caesar’s affability and Cato’s steadfastness were praised.
Finally, Caesar had resolved in his mind to toil and keep watch: attentive to the
affairs of his friends, he neglected his own; he refused nothing that was worthy to be
