Ellen Lloyd – AncientPages.com – When Cato was a child, one could see he would be different one day. He was extremely stubborn and could not tolerate obvious signs of injustice.
He was only 13-year-old when he questioned the Roman general and dictator Lucius Cornelius Sulla’s harsh methods along with violations of laws and regulations. Once he became aware of how Sulla in the year 82 B.C. seized power by force and proclaimed himself dictator, Cato asked his teacher why no one had killed the brutal Roman general yet.
According to the Greek philosopher, biographer, and essayist, Plutarch, the teenager Cato whispered to his teacher Sarpedon: “Why does nobody kill this man?” “Because,” said he, “they fear him, child, more than they hate him.” “Why, then,” replied Cato, “did you not give me a sword, that I might stab him, and free my country from this slavery?” Sarpedon hearing this, and at the same time seeing his countenance swelling with anger and determination, took care thenceforward to watch him strictly, lest he should hazard any desperate attempt. “ 1
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