BY JAMES BALDWIN
The Story of Cincinnatus
Famous Stories Retold: Story 24 of 50
Heading
Roman Patriot: Cincinnatus was a Roman farmer who was called upon to save Rome from invasion.
Historical Influence: Cincinnatus’ story influenced later leaders and thinkers, including the Founding Fathers of the United States.
A good book we like, we explorers. That is our best amusement, and our best time killer
- Roald Amundsen, Explorer
The Heroic Tale of Cincinnatus: Rome's Humble Saviour
In history, some stories stand out as timeless parables of virtue and valor. Among these is the tale of an unassuming Roman farmer named Cincinnatus, thrust into the limelight by an extraordinary set of circumstances. His story, a testament to the power of humility and selflessness, holds valuable lessons for every generation. It's a tale that unfolds against the backdrop of a besieged Rome, where the fate of the city depended on one man's courage and wisdom. Join us on this historical journey, as we delve into the life of Cincinnatus, shedding light on how he saved Rome and forever etched his name in history.
The Humble Beginnings of Cincinnatus
Cincinnatus, a man of Roman roots, lived a simple life on a small farm not far from the city of Rome. Once upon a time, he was a man of wealth and power, holding the highest office in the land. However, due to a series of events, he had lost all his riches and was reduced to a life of poverty. This, though, did not diminish his stature or respect in the eyes of his countrymen. Living in an era when tilling the soil was considered a noble profession, Cincinnatus did not shy away from doing his own work on his farm. His humble beginnings and the simplicity of his lifestyle spoke volumes about the man he was.
Cincinnatus: The Respected Counselor
Despite his humble circumstances, Cincinnatus was a man of remarkable wisdom and justice. His reputation as a wise counselor was known far and wide. His neighbors had immense faith in his judgment and would often seek his guidance in times of trouble. Their trust in him was such that the common saying among them was, "Go and tell Cincinnatus. He will help you." In this way, Cincinnatus became the respected counselor for the people of Rome, offering advice and aid to those in need.
Podcast
The Threat Looming Over Rome
At this time, a tribe of fierce, half-wild men living in the nearby mountains posed a significant threat to the Roman people. These men, fueled by their hostility towards Rome, formed an alliance with another tribe of warriors. They advanced towards the city, ravaging and looting everything in their path. Their bold declaration of tearing down the walls of Rome, burning the houses, and enslaving its women and children posed a serious threat to Rome's existence. The Romans, known for their bravery and pride, initially dismissed this threat, believing that their army, the finest in the world, would easily drive away the mountain men. However, the gravity of the situation soon became apparent, leading to a desperate call for help and the rise of Cincinnatus as the savior of Rome.
The Desperate Call to Cincinnatus
In the midst of the mounting chaos, the wisdom of Cincinnatus was invoked. While he was in his field, plowing with earnest simplicity, he was interrupted by the urgent arrival of messengers from Rome. Their plea was desperate and their words weighed heavy with the fate of Rome. "Put on your cloak, Cincinnatus," they implored, "and hear the words of the Roman people."
Confounded by their urgency, Cincinnatus inquired about the welfare of Rome. Once cloaked, he listened to the dire news of the entrapped Roman army, the impending danger to the city, and the desperate plea of the people. The Roman people, in their hour of need, had chosen him as their ruler, entrusting him with the task of leading their city to safety. The urgency of the situation left no room for hesitation, and Cincinnatus, leaving his plow behind, rushed to the city to take up the mantle of leadership.
Cincinnatus: The Savior of Rome
With the power vested in him, Cincinnatus swiftly took command. He armed the guards and boys of Rome and led them fearlessly against the formidable mountain men. His strategic acumen and his courageous leadership turned the tide of the battle, rescuing the entrapped Roman army and driving the mountain men back to their territories.
The news of the victory brought immense joy to the city of Rome. The triumphant return of the Roman army, led by Cincinnatus, was a sight to behold. Banners waved in the air and the city echoed with the cheers of their hero. Cincinnatus, once a humble farmer, had risen as the savior of Rome.
Return of Cincinnatus: The Humble Hero
Amid the jubilant celebrations and the clamor of praise, Cincinnatus remained a humble hero. He could have easily seized this moment of glory to ascend to the throne and become king. His word was law, and no one would have dared to oppose him. Yet, he chose to return the power to the white-haired Roman Fathers. He stepped down from his position, leaving behind the grandeur and power of ruling Rome.
His sixteen days as the ruler of Rome ended as abruptly as they had begun. With the same stoic demeanor, he returned to his humble life on the farm, to the plow he had left behind. The story of Cincinnatus is the embodiment of true nobility and humility, a tale that echoes through the corridors of time.
Conclusion
In the compelling narrative of Cincinnatus, we witness the embodiment of true heroism. Shunning glory for the tranquil life of a farmer, he reminds us that greatness often resides in simplicity. The tale of Cincinnatus, the humble hero who saved Rome, underscores the significance of wisdom, courage, and selflessness. His ability to relinquish absolute power and return to his humble beginnings is a testament to his character, one that echoes through time. His story serves as a beacon, illuminating the path of virtue, and reminding us that true heroes are often those who seek not fame, but the welfare of their people.
There was a man named Cincinnatus who lived on a little farm not far from the city of Rome. He had once been rich, and had held the highest office in the land; but in one way or another he had lost all his wealth. He was now so poor that he had to do all the work on his farm with his own hands. But in those days it was thought to be a noble thing to till the soil.
Cincinnatus was so wise and just that everybody trusted him, and asked his advice; and when any one was in trouble, and did not know what to do, his neighbors would say,—
"Go and tell Cincinnatus. He will help you."
Now there lived among the mountains, not far away, a tribe of fierce, halfwild men, who were at war with the Roman people. They persuaded another tribe of bold warriors to help them, and then marched toward the city, plundering and robbing as they came. They boasted that they would tear down the walls of Rome, and burn the houses, and kill all the men, and make slaves of the women and children.
At first the Romans, who were very proud and brave, did not think there was much danger. Every man in Rome was a soldier, and the army which went out to fight the robbers was the finest in the world. No one staid at home with the women and children and boys but the whitehaired "Fathers," as they were called, who made the laws for the city, and a small company of men who guarded the walls. Everybody thought that it would be an easy thing to drive the men of the mountains back to the place where they belonged.
But one morning five horsemen came riding down the road from the mountains. They rode with great speed; and both men and horses were covered with dust and blood. The watchman at the gate knew them, and shouted to them as they galloped in. Why did they ride thus? and what had happened to the Roman army?
They did not answer him, but rode into the city and along the quiet streets; and everybody ran after them, eager to find out what was the matter. Rome was not a large city at that time; and soon they reached the market place where the whitehaired Fathers were sitting. Then they leaped from their horses, and told their story.
"Only yesterday," they said, "our army was marching through a narrow valley between two steep mountains. All at once a thousand savage men sprang out from among the rocks before us and above us. They had blocked up the way; and the pass was so narrow that we could not fight. We tried to come back; but they had blocked up the way on this side of us too. The fierce men of the mountains were before us and behind us, and they were throwing rocks down upon us from above. We had been caught in a trap. Then ten of us set spurs to our horses; and five of us forced our way through, but the other five fell before the spears of the mountain men. And now, O Roman Fathers! send help to our army at once, or every man will be slain, and our city will be taken."
"What shall we do?" said the whitehaired Fathers. "Whom can we send but the guards and the boys? and who is wise enough to lead them, and thus save Rome?"
All shook their heads and were very grave; for it seemed as if there was no hope. Then one said, "Send for Cincinnatus. He will help us."
Cincinnatus was in the field plowing when the men who had been sent to him came in great haste. He stopped and greeted them kindly, and waited for them to speak.
"Put on your cloak, Cincinnatus," they said, "and hear the words of the Roman people."
Then Cincinnatus wondered what they could mean. "Is all well with Rome?" he asked; and he called to his wife to bring him his cloak.
She brought the cloak; and Cincinnatus wiped the dust from his hands and arms, and threw it over his shoulders. Then the men told their errand.
They told him how the army with all the noblest men of Rome had been entrapped in the mountain pass. They told him about the great danger the city was in. Then they said, "The people of Rome make you their ruler and the ruler of their city, to do with everything as you choose; and the Fathers bid you come at once and go out against our enemies, the fierce men of the mountains."
So Cincinnatus left his plow standing where it was, and hurried to the city. When he passed through the streets, and gave orders as to what should be done, some of the people were afraid, for they knew that he had all power in Rome to do what he pleased. But he armed the guards and the boys, and went out at their head to fight the fierce mountain men, and free the Roman army from the trap into which it had fallen.
A few days afterward there was great joy in Rome. There was good news from Cincinnatus. The men of the mountains had been beaten with great loss. They had been driven back into their own place.
And now the Roman army, with the boys and the guards, was coming home with banners flying, and shouts of victory; and at their head rode Cincinnatus. He had saved Rome.
Cincinnatus might then have made himself king; for his word was law, and no man dared lift a finger against him. But, before the people could thank him enough for what he had done, he gave back the power to the whitehaired Roman Fathers, and went again to his little farm and his plow.
He had been the ruler of Rome for sixteen days.
