American Journal of Philology

In his proem to the Bellum Catilinae, Sallust elaborates the metaphorical theme of "the way," which is further supported by words that allow for the association of the same image. It is easily grasped by Roman readers because of the well-established parable of the choice between two paths of life, and particularly appropriate in the historian's case, as he justifies his turning away from the cursus honorum towards a new career. The particular imagery reflects the general theme.