When the hall was complete Cato gathered the children in the early morning on the grounds before the statue of the goddess. Fight, and who wins will have a place of honor in this school. At first the boys remained silent, and then one struck out across another until the whole company was in battle. Cato saw that most boys threw fists and bludgeoned the others. A few though looked to the goddess and grappled their foes. They used their mass against them. In this fashion smaller boys were able to submit stronger ones. It was this species which remained standing. Cato grinned and said these will be my class leaders. Let it be so said that he who is prudent will steer away from the rocky shoals of life and find serene waters. To embrace the world in its collision against us, and to move with that force, rather than pull from it, is wise. Let your bruises remind you of the error of your ways.

Half of the boys did not return the next day. Those who did not return lack the fortitude to serve or lead others. They will be schooled in the crafts, and instead take pride in pleasures rather than virtue. As they lack the liberality of mind to minister the needs of the people, we shall do so for them. Those who refuse this will not be welcome among us, as a rotting leaf is not welcome to a thriving tree. That rot attracts mites.

In this way Cato schooled the boys of the village on the character of a wise man. Cato warned that there would be an exam at the hall one day. Those who scored well would go on to become the heads of the village, while those who failed would execute the directives of this former group. They had proven their courage, and expedience, but this test would prove their justice. On the day of the exam Cato laid outside the hall, clutching the goddess. He was disguised as a beggar and looked to be bleeding from the gut. The boys came by first light and rushed past the prostate man into the hall. Cato called for aid but was not answered. At last a few boys stopped to check his wounds and helped him to his feet. These boys brought their teacher to one of their homes and fed him. Cato washed his face of the grime and dirt and loosed his rotting tunic, revealing his armor. You have done well my sons, Cato said. You are fit to rule others.Many were wrestlers, though a few were not.