Cato Maior de Senectute with Introduction and Notes
In this classic dialogue, the aged Roman statesman Cato the Elder, then in his eighty-fourth year, converses with two young friends, Scipio and Laelius, who marvel that he bears his advancing years so lightly. Cato sets out to defend old age against the four chief charges commonly brought against it: that it withdraws men from active affairs, weakens the body, denies the pleasures of sense, and stands near to death. Drawing on examples from Roman history and Greek philosophy, he answers each objection in turn, showing that age brings not loss but a ripening of mind, counsel, and tranquillity.
The work celebrates wisdom, moderation, and the dignity of a life well spent, treating death itself as a natural release rather than an evil. This edition adds introductions and copious notes illuminating the Latinity, history, and thought, making Cicero's graceful meditation a rewarding study for students and admirers of Roman literature alike.
How it begins
Three years ago Mr. James S. Reid, of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, prepared for the Syndics of the University Press editions of Cicero's Cato Maior de Senectute and Laelius de Amicitia. The thorough and accurate scholarship displayed, especially in the elucidation of the Latinity, immediately won for the books a cordial reception; and since then they have gained a permanent place in the esteem of English scholars. The present volume has the full authorization of Mr. Reid, and was prepared with the design of presenting to American students, in a form best adapted to their use, the results of his work. The Text remains substantially that of Mr. Reid; while mention is made in the notes of the most important variations in readings and orthography from other editions. The Introductions have been recast, with some enlargement; the analyses of the subject-matter in particular have been entirely remodelled. The Notes have been in some instances reduced, in others amplified,—especially by the addition of references to the standard treatises on grammar, history, and philosophy. It was at first the intention of the American editor to indicate by some mark the matter due to himself; but as this could hardly be done without marring the appearance of the page, and thus introducing a source of confusion to the student, it was not attempted.
Text from Project Gutenberg, public domain.