Plutarch, Cato the Younger
Bernadotte Perrin, Ed.

66. Lucius Caesar, a kinsman of the great Caesar, was about to go on an embassy to him in behalf of the three hundred, and requested Cato to suggest to him a convincing speech which he might employ in the case; ‘for,’ said he, ‘in thine own behalf it were well for me to fall down at Caesar's knees and clasp his hands.’ But Cato would not suffer him to do this. [2] ‘For if,’ said he, ‘I were willing to be saved by grace of Caesar, I ought to go to him in person and see him alone; but I am unwilling to be under obligations to the tyrant for his illegal acts. And he acts illegally in saving, as if their master, those over whom he has no right at all to be the lord. However, if it is thy wish, let us consider jointly how thou mayest obtain mercy for the three hundred.’ [3] After his conference with Lucius on this matter, he presented his son and his companions to him as he was going away; and after escorting him on his way and bidding him farewell, he came back home, called together his son and his friends, and discoursed with them on many subjects. In particular, he forbade the young man to engage in political matters; for to do so worthily of a Cato was no longer possible, as things were going, and to do so otherwise would be disgraceful. And presently, towards evening, he betook himself to the bath.

[4] But while he was bathing he bethought himself of Statyllius, and called out in loud tones, saying: ‘Apollonides, didst thou send off Statyllius? And didst thou bring him down from that lofty purpose of his? And has the man set sail without even bidding me good-bye?’ ‘By no means,’ said Apollonides ‘although we reasoned much with him; but he is lofty and unbending, and says he will remain and do whatever thou doest.’ At this, we are told, Cato smiled, and said: ‘Well, we shall see about that presently.’