1.  Caesar, having settled affairs in this part of the empire, embarked for Italy, where he arrived sooner than his enemies could expect, but not before his presence there was absolutely required. 2.  During his absence, he had been created consul for five years, dictator for one year, and tribune of the people for life. 3.  But Antony, who in the mean time governed for him in Rome, had filled the city with riot and debauchery, and many commotions ensued, which nothing but the arrival of Caesar could appease. 4.  By his moderation and humanity he soon restored tranquillity to the city, scarcely making any distinction between those of his own and the opposite party. 5.  Having, by gentle means, restored his authority at home, he prepared to march into Africa, where Pompey’s party had found time to rally under Scipio and Cato, assisted by Juba, king of Maurita’nia; and, with his usual diligence, landed with a small party in Africa, while the rest of his army followed him. 6.  Scipio coming to a battle soon after, received a complete and final overthrow, with little, or no loss on the side of the victor.  Juba, and Petrei’us his general, killed each other in despair.  Scipio, attempting to escape by sea into Spain, fell in among the enemy, and was slain; so that of all the generals of that undone party, Cato was now the only one that remained.

7.  This extraordinary man, whom prosperity could not elate, nor misfortunes depress, having retired into Africa, after the battle of Pharsa’lia, had led the wretched remains of Pompey’s army through burning deserts, and tracts infested with serpents of various malignity, and was now in the city of Utica, which he had been left to defend. 8.  In love, however, with the show of Roman government, Cato had formed the principal citizens into a senate, and conceived a resolution of holding out the town.  But the enthusiasm for liberty subsiding among his followers, he was resolved no longer to force men to be free, who seemed naturally prone to slavery. 9.  He now, therefore, desired some of his friends to save themselves by sea, and bade others submit to Caesar’s clemency; observing, that, as to himself, he was at last victorious.  After this, supping cheerfully among his friends, he retired to his apartment, where he behaved with unusual tenderness to his son, and to all his friends.  When he came into his bed-chamber, laying himself down, he took up Plato’s Dialogue on the Immortality of the Soul, and read for some time.  Casting his eyes to the head of his bed, he wondered much not to see his sword there, which had been conveyed away by his son’s order while they were at supper.  Calling to one of his domestics to know what was become of it, and receiving no answer, he resumed his studies; and some time after asked again for his sword.  When he had done reading, and perceived that nobody obeyed him, he called for his domestics one after the other, and with a peremptory air again demanded his sword. 10.  His son, with tears, besought