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The Story of Cincinnatus

The story tells about Cincinnatus a brave citizen of Rome. He was wise but never wanted power. One day Romans were needed his help to protect city, and he did his best to win against tribe of fierce, half-wild men. After a victory he came back to his farm and to his daily routine. He could even be a King after victory but he had prefered a quiet life. When fate requires you to take decisive action do what is in your power and do not demand anything in return.

"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 white-haired Roman Fathers, and went again to his little farm and his plow. He had been the ruler of Rome for sixteen days."

James Baldwin, "Fifty Famous Stories Retold", 24.16
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