To the ancient Romans, civic virtue was central. Citizens were expected to serve their country temporarily, when needed. An example of this was Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus, who gained eternal fame, however, for (1) his selfless devotion to the Republic when it needed him at a time of crisis and for (2) his willingness to give up power as soon as the crisis had ebbed. He was famously depicted as a model for all the Romans to emulate, “Cincinnatus at the Plow” by the prominent Roman orator Cicero.

In 458 BCE Cincinnatus was working on a small farm when the call from his country came. Although he questioned why he was being chosen, he accepted the request of delegates and was appointed temporary dictator so that he could rescue an armythat had been surrounded by the enemy.Cincinnatus formed his army, engaged the enemy, and defeated it – all in fifteen days.

The correct answer is B.