_Cato._ Let us appear nor rash nor diffident; Immod'rate valour swells into a fault; And fear, admitted into public councils, Betrays like treason. Let us shun them both. Fathers, I cannot see that our affairs Are grown thus desp'rate: we have bulwarks round us; Within our walls are troops inured to toil In Afric's heat, and season'd to the sun; Numidia's spacious kingdom lies behind us, Ready to rise at its young prince's call. While there is hope, do not distrust the gods; But wait, at least, till Caesar's near approach Force us to yield. 'Twill never be too late To sue for chains, and own a conqueror. Why should Rome fall a moment ere her time? No, let us draw her term of freedom out In its full length, and spin it to the last, So shall we gain still one day's liberty; And let me perish, but in Cato's judgment, A day, an hour, of virtuous liberty, Is worth a whole eternity in bondage. _Enter_ MARCUS. _Marc._ Fathers, this moment, as I watch'd the gate, Lodged on my post, a herald is arrived From Caesar's camp, and with him comes old Decius, The Roman knight; he carries in his looks Impatience, and demands to speak with Cato. _Cato._ By your permission, fathers--bid him enter. [_Exit_ MARCUS. Decius was once my friend, but other prospects Have loosed those ties, and bound him fast to Caesar. His message may determine our resolves. _Enter_ DECIUS. _Dec._ Caesar sends health to Cato-- _Cato._ Could he send it To Cato's slaughter'd friends, it would be welcome. Are not your orders to address the senate? _Dec._ My business is with Cato. Caesar sees The straits to which you're driven; and, as he knows Cato's high worth, is anxious for your life. _Cato._ My life is grafted on the fate of Rome. Would he save Cato, bid him spare his country. Tell your dictator this; and tell him, Cato Disdains a life which he has power to offer. _Dec._ Rome and her senators submit to Caesar; Her gen'rals and her consuls are no more, Who check'd his conquests, and denied his triumphs. Why will not Cato be this Caesar's friend? _Cato._ These very reasons thou hast urged forbid it. _Dec._ Cato, I've orders to expostulate And reason with you, as from friend to friend: Think on the storm that gathers o'er your head, And threatens ev'ry hour to burst upon it; Still may you stand high in your country's honours-- Do but comply, and make your peace with Caesar; Rome will rejoice, and cast its eyes on Cato, As on the second of mankind. _Cato._ No more; I must not think of life on such conditions. _Dec._ Caesar is well acquainted with your virtues, And therefore sets this value on your life. Let him but know the price of Cato's friendship, And name your terms. _Cato._ Bid him disband his legions, Restore the commonwealth to liberty, Submit his actions to the public censure, And stand the judgment of a Roman senate. Bid him do this, and Cato is his friend. _Dec._ Cato, the world talks loudly of your wisdom----