Cato, Valerius

, a Latin poet, was born in Narbonensian Gaul, the son of a free man; but when young and an orphan, he was obliged to fly his country during the civil war in the time of Sylla, with the loss of all his property. He then went to Rome and opened a public school, and had many scholars, especially the youth of families of rank. Suetonius says “docuit multos et nobiles.” Bibaculus characterises his method of education in these words:

"Cato Grammaticus, Latina syren,

Qui solus legit ac facit poetas."

For some time he became rich by his school, but experienced, it is not known from what cause, a reverse of fortune, and lived afterwards in poverty, which, however, he supported with philosophy. He died in the year 20 B. C. The only part of his works that has reached us, is his poem, entitled “Dirae,” in which he laments his banishment from his country and his dear Lydia. This was published by Christopher Arnold, Ley den, 1652, 12 mo, and has been reprinted by Maittaire in his “Corpus Poetarum,” but it is doubted, after all, whether this poem be the genuine production of Cato Valerius. ²