4.2
He practised also the kind of speaking which is effective with a multitude, deeming it right that in political philosophy, as in a great city, a certain warlike element should also be maintained. However, he did not perform his exercises in company with others, nor did any one ever hear him rehearsing a speech. Indeed, to one of his companions who said, Men find fault with thee, Cato, for thy silence, he replied: Only let them not blame my life. I will begin to speak when I am not going to say what were better left unsaid.
5.1
The Basilica Porcia, as it was called, had been dedicated by the elder Cato while he was censor.Cf. the Cato Major, xix. 2. This was in 182 B.C. Here, then, the tribunes of the people were accustomed to transact their business; and as one of the pillars was thought to be in the way of their seats, they determined to take it down or move it to another place. This brought Cato for the first time, and against his wishes, into the forum; he opposed the tribunes, and was admired for the proof of eloquence and high character which he gave.