Therewerenotabouthimatthattimeabovethreehundredhorseandfivethousandfoot；fortherestofhisarmy，whichwasleftbehindtheAlps，wastobebroughtafterhimbyofficerswhohadreceivedordersforthatpurpose。Buthethoughtthefirstmotiontowardsthedesignwhichhehadonfootdidnotrequirelargeforcesatpresent，andthatwhatwaswantedwastomakethisfirststepsuddenly，andsotoastoundhisenemieswiththeboldnessofit；asitwouldbeeasier，hethought，tothrowthemintoconsternationbydoingwhattheyneveranticipatedthanfairlytoconquerthem，ifhehadalarmedthembyhispreparations。Andthereforehecommandedhiscaptainsandotherofficerstogoonlywiththeirswordsintheirhands，withoutanyotherarms，andmakethemselvesmastersofAriminum，alargecityofGaul，withaslittledisturbanceandbloodshedaspossible。HecommittedthecareoftheseforcestoHortensius，andhimselfspentthedayinpublicasastander—byandspectatorofthegladiators，whoexercisedbeforehim。Alittlebeforenightheattendedtohisperson，andthenwentintothehall，andconversedforsometimewiththosebehadinvitedtosupper，tillitbegantogrowdusk，whenherosefromtableandmadehisexcusestothecompany，beggingthemtostaytillhecameback，havingalreadygivenprivatedirectionstoafewimmediatefriendsthattheyshouldfollowhim，notallthesameway，butsomeoneway，someanother。Hehimselfgotintooneofthehiredcarriages，anddroveatfirstanotherway，butpresentlyturnedtowardsAriminum。WhenhecametotheriverRubicon，whichpartsGaulwithintheAlpsfromtherestofItaly，histhoughtsbegantowork，nowhewasjustenteringuponthedanger，andhewaveredmuchinhismindwhenheconsideredthegreatnessoftheenterpriseintowhichhewasthrowinghimself。Hecheckedhiscourseandorderedahalt，whileherevolvedwithhimself，andoftenchangedhisopiniononewayandtheother，withoutspeakingaword。Thiswaswhenhispurposesfluctuatedmost；presentlyhealsodiscussedthematterwithhisfriendswhowereabouthim（ofwhichnumberAsiniusPolliowasone），computinghowmanycalamitieshispassingthatriverwouldbringuponmankind，andwhatarelationofitwouldbetransmittedtoposterity。Atlast，inasortofpassion，castingasidecalculation，andabandoninghimselftowhatmightcome，andusingtheproverbfrequentlyintheirmouthswhoenterupondangerousandboldattempts，\"Thedieiscast，\"withthesewordshetooktheriver。Onceover，heusedallexpeditionpossible，andbeforeitwasdayreachedAriminumandtookit。Itissaidthatthenightbeforehepassedtheriverhehadanimpiousdream，thathewasunnaturallyfamiliarwithhisownmother。
AssoonasAriminumwastaken，widegates，sotosay，werethrownopen，toletinwaruponeverylandalikeandsea，andwiththelimitsoftheprovince，theboundariesofthelawsweretransgressed。Norwouldonehavethoughtthat，asatothertimes，themeremenandwomenfledfromonetownofItalytoanotherintheirconsternation，butthattheverytownsthemselveslefttheirsitesandfledforsuccourtoeachother。ThecityofRomewasoverrun，asitwere，withadeluge，bytheconfluxofpeopleflyinginfromalltheneighbouringplaces。Magistratescouldnotlongergovern，northeeloquenceofanyoratorquietit；itwasallbutsufferingshipwreckbytheviolenceofitsowntempestuousagitation。Themostvehementcontrarypassionsandimpulseswereatworkeverywhere。Nordidthosewhorejoicedattheprospectofthechangealtogetherconcealtheirfeelings，butwhentheymet，asinsogreatacitytheyfrequentlymust，withthealarmedanddejectedoftheotherparty，theyprovokedquarrelsbytheirboldexpressionsofconfidenceintheevent。Pompey，sufficientlydisturbedofhimself，wasyetmoreperplexedbytheclamoursofothers；sometellinghimthathejustlysufferedforhavingarmedCaesaragainsthimselfandthegovernment；
othersblaminghimforpermittingCaesartobeinsolentlyusedbyLentulus，whenhemadesuchampleconcessions，andofferedsuchreasonableproposalstowardsanaccommodation。Favoniusbadehimnowstampupontheground；foroncetalkingbiginthesenate，hedesiredthemnottotroublethemselvesaboutmakinganypreparationsforthewar，forthathehimself，withonestampofhisfoot，wouldfillallItalywithsoldiers。YetstillPompeyatthattimehadmoreforcesthanCaesar；buthewasnotpermittedtopursuehisownthoughts，but，beingcontinuallydisturbedwithfalsereportsandalarms，asiftheenemywascloseuponhimandcarryingallbeforehim，hegavewayandlethimselfbebornedownbythegeneralcry。
Heputforthanedictdeclaringthecitytobeinastateofanarchy，andleftitwithordersthatthesenateshouldfollowhim，andthatnooneshouldstaybehindwhodidnotprefertyrannytotheircountryandliberty。
Theconsulsatoncefled，withoutmakingeventheusualsacrifices；sodidmostofthesenators，carryingofftheirowngoodsinasmuchhasteasiftheyhadbeenrobbingtheirneighbours。
Some，whohadformerlymuchfavouredCaesar’scause，intheprevailingalarmquittedtheirownsentiments，andwithoutanyprospectofgoodtothemselveswerecarriedalongbythecommonstream。Itwasamelancholythingtoseethecitytossedinthesetumults，likeashipgivenupbyherpilots，andlefttorun，aschanceguidesher，uponanyrockinherway。Yet，inspiteoftheirsadconditionpeoplestillesteemedtheplaceoftheirexiletobetheircountryforPompey’ssake，andfledfromRome，asifithadbeenCaesar’scamp。
Labienuseven，whohadbeenoneofCaesar’snearestfriends，andhislieutenant，andwhohadfoughtbyhimzealouslyintheGallicwars，nowdesertedhim，andwentovertoPompey。Caesarsentallhismoneyandequipageafterhim，andthensatdownbeforeCorfinium，whichwasgarrisonedwiththirtycohortsunderthecommandofDomitius。
He，indespairofmaintainingthedefence，requestedaphysician，whomhehadamonghisattendants，togivehimpoison；andtakingthedose，drankit，inhopesofbeingdespatchedbyit。Butsoonafter，whenhewastoldthatCaesarshowedtheutmostclemencytowardsthosehetookprisoners，helamentedhismisfortune，andblamedthehastinessofhisresolution。Hisphysicianconsoledhimbyinforminghimthathehadtakenasleepingdraught，notapoison；uponwhich，muchrejoiced，andrisingfromhisbed，hewentpresentlytoCaesarandgavehimthepledgeofhishand，yetafterwardsagainwentovertoPompey。ThereportoftheseactionsatRomequietedthosewhowerethere，andsomewhohadfledthencereturned。
CaesartookintohisarmyDomitius’ssoldiers，ashedidallthosewhomhefoundinanytownenlistedforPompey’sservice。Beingnowstrongandformidableenough，headvancedagainstPompeyhimself，whodidnotstaytoreceivehim，butfledtoBrundusium，havingsenttheconsulsbeforewithabodyoftroopstoDyrrhachium。Soonafter，uponCaesar’sapproach，hesettosea，asshallbemoreparticularlyrelatedinhisLife。Caesarwouldhaveimmediatelypursuedhim，butwantedshipping，andthereforewentbacktoRome，havingmadehimselfmasterofallItalywithoutbloodshedinthespaceofsixtydays。Whenhecamethither，hefoundthecitymorequietthanheexpected，andmanysenatorspresent，towhomheaddressedhimselfwithcourtesyanddeference，desiringthemtosendtoPompeyaboutanyreasonableaccommodationtowardsapeace。Butnobodycompliedwiththisproposal；whetheroutoffearofPompey，whomtheyhaddeserted，orthattheythoughtCaesardidnotmeanwhathesaid，butthoughtithisinteresttotalkplausibly。Afterwards，whenMetellus，thetribune，wouldhavehinderedhimfromtakingmoneyoutofthepublictreasure，andadducedsomelawsagainstit，Caesarrepliedthatarmsandlawshadeachtheirowntime；\"IfwhatIdodispleasesyou，leavetheplace；warallowsnofreetalking。WhenI
havelaiddownmyarms，andmadepeace，comebackandmakewhatspeechesyouplease。Andthis，\"headded，\"Itellyouindiminutionofmyownjustright，asindeedyouandallotherswhohaveappearedagainstmeandarenowinmypowermaybetreatedasIplease。\"HavingsaidthistoMetellus，hewenttothedoorsofthetreasury，andthekeysbeingnottobefound，sentforsmithstoforcethemopen。
Metellusagainmakingresistanceandsomeencouraginghiminit，Caesar，inaloudertone，toldhimhewouldputhimtodeathifhegavehimanyfurtherdisturbance。\"Andthis，\"saidhe，\"youknow，youngman，ismoredisagreeableformetosaythantodo。\"ThesewordsmadeMetelluswithdrawforfear，andobtainedspeedyexecutionhenceforthforallordersthatCaesargaveforprocuringnecessariesforthewar。
HewasnowproceedingtoSpain，withthedeterminationoffirstcrushingAfraniusandVarro，Pompey’slieutenants，andmakinghimselfmasterofthearmiesandprovincesunderthem，thathemightthenmoresecurelyadvanceagainstPompey，whenhehadnoenemyleftbehindhim。Inthisexpeditionhispersonwasoftenindangerfromambuscades，andhisarmybywantofprovisions，yethedidnotdesistfrompursuingtheenemy，provokingthemtofight，andhemmingthemwithhisfortifications，tillbymainforcehemadehimselfmasteroftheircampsandtheirforces。Onlythegeneralsgotoff，andfledtoPompey。
WhenCaesarcamebacktoRome，Piso，hisfather—in—law，advisedhimtosendmentoPompeytotreatofapeace；butIsauricus，toingratiatehimselfwithCaesar，spokeagainstit。Afterthis，beingcreateddictatorbythesenate，hecalledhometheexiles，andgavebacktheirrightsascitizenstothechildrenofthosewhohadsufferedunderSylla；herelievedthedebtorsbyanactremittingsomepartoftheinterestontheirdebts，andpassedsomeothermeasuresofthesamesort，butnotmany。Forwithinelevendaysheresignedhisdictatorship，andhavingdeclaredhimselfconsul，withServiliusIsauricus，hastenedagaintothewar。Hemarchedsofastthatheleftallhisarmybehindhim，exceptsixhundredchosenhorseandfivelegions，withwhichheputtoseaintheverymiddleofwinter，aboutthebeginningofthemonthofJanuary（whichcorrespondsprettynearlywiththeAthenianmonthPosideon），andhavingpassedtheIonianSea，tookOricumandApollonia，andthensentbacktheshipstoBrundusium，tobringoverthesoldierswhowereleftbehindinthemarch。They，whileyetonthemarch，theirbodiesnownolongerinthefullvigour，andtheythemselveswearywithsuchamultitudeofwars，couldnotbutexclaimagainstCaesar，\"Whenatlast，andwhere，willthisCaesarletusbequiet？Hecarriesusfromplacetoplace，andusesusasifwewerenottobewornout，andhadnosenseoflabour。Evenourironitselfisspentbyblows，andweoughttohavesomepityonourbucklers，andbreastplates，whichhavebeenusedsolong。Ourwounds，ifnothingelse，shouldmakehimseethatwearemortalmenwhomhecommands，subjecttothesamepainsandsufferingsasotherhumanbeings。Theverygodsthemselvescannotforcethewinterseason，orhinderthestormsintheirtime；
yethepushesforward，asifhewerenotpursuing，butflyingfromanenemy。\"SotheytalkedastheymarchedleisurelytowardsBrundusium。Butwhentheycamethither，andfoundCaesargoneoffbeforethem，theirfeelingschanged，andtheyblamedthemselvesastraitorstotheirgeneral。Theynowrailedattheirofficersformarchingsoslowly，andplacingthemselvesontheheightsoverlookingtheseatowardsEpirus，theykeptwatchtoseeiftheycouldespythevesselswhichweretotransportthemtoCaesar。
HeinthemeantimewaspostedinApollonia，buthadnotanarmywithhimabletofighttheenemy，theforcesfromBrundusiumbeingsolongincoming，whichputhimtogreatsuspenseandembarrassmentwhattodo。Atlastheresolveduponamosthazardousexperiment，andembarked，withoutanyone’sknowledge，inaboatoftwelveoars，tocrossovertoBrundusium，thoughtheseawasatthattimecoveredwithavastfleetoftheenemies。Hegotonboardinthenight—time，inthedressofaslave，andthrowinghimselfdownlikeapersonofnoconsequencelayalongatthebottomofthevessel。TheriverAniuswastocarrythemdowntosea，andthereusedtoblowagentlegaleeverymorningfromtheland，whichmadeitcalmatthemouthoftheriver，bydrivingthewavesforward；butthisnighttherehadblownastrongwindfromthesea，whichoverpoweredthatfromtheland，sothatwheretherivermettheinfluxoftheseawaterandtheoppositionofthewavesitwasextremelyroughandangry；andthecurrentwasbeatenbackwithsuchaviolentswellthatthemasteroftheboatcouldnotmakegoodhispassage，butorderedhissailorstotackaboutandreturn。Caesar，uponthis，discovershimself，andtakingthemanbythehand，whowassurprisedtoseehimthere，said，\"Goon，myfriend，andfearnothing；youcarryCaesarandhisfortuneinyourboat。\"Themariners，whentheyheardthat，forgotthestorm，andlayingalltheirstrengthtotheiroars，didwhattheycouldtoforcetheirwaydowntheriver。Butwhenitwastonopurpose，andthevesselnowtookinmuchwater，Caesarfindinghimselfinsuchdangerintheverymouthoftheriver，muchagainsthiswillpermittedthemastertoturnback。Whenhewascometoland，hissoldiersrantohiminamultitude，reproachinghimforwhathehaddone，andindignantthatheshouldthinkhimselfnotstrongenoughtogetavictorybytheirsoleassistance，butmustdisturbhimself，andexposehislifeforthosewhowereabsent，asifhecouldnottrustthosewhowerewithhim。
Afterthis，AntonycameoverwiththeforcesfromBrundusium，whichencouragedCaesartogivePompeybattle，thoughhewasencampedveryadvantageously，andfurnishedwithplentyofprovisionsbothbyseaandland，whilsthehimselfwasatthebeginningbutillsupplied，andbeforetheendwasextremelypinchedforwantofnecessaries，sothathissoldierswereforcedtodigupakindofrootwhichgrewthere，andtemperingitwithmilk，tofeedonit。Sometimestheymadeakindofbreadofit，andadvancinguptotheenemy’soutposts，wouldthrowintheseloaves，tellingthem，thataslongastheearthproducedsuchrootstheywouldnotgiveupblockadingPompey。ButPompeytookwhatcarehecouldthatneithertheloavesnorthewordsshouldreachhismen，whowereoutofheartanddespondentthroughterroratthefiercenessandhardihoodoftheirenemies，whomtheylookeduponasasortofwildbeasts。TherewerecontinualskirmishesaboutPompey’soutworks，inallwhichCaesarhadthebetter，exceptone，whenhismenwereforcedtoflyinsuchamannerthathehadliketohavelosthiscamp。ForPompeymadesuchavigoroussallyonthemthatnotamanstoodhisground；thetrencheswerefilledwiththeslaughter，manyfellupontheirownrampartsandbulwarks，whithertheyweredriveninflightbytheenemy。Caesarmetthemandwouldhaveturnedthemback，butcouldnot。
Whenhewenttolayholdoftheensigns，thosewhocarriedthemthrewthemdown，sothattheenemytookthirty—twoofthem。Hehimselfnarrowlyescaped；fortakingholdofoneofhissoldiers，abigandstrongman，thatwasflyingbyhim，hebadehimstandandfaceabout；butthefellow，fullofapprehensionsfromthedangerhewasin，laidholdofhissword，asifhewouldstrikeCaesar，butCaesar’sarmour—bearercutoffhisarm。Caesar’saffairsweresodesperateatthattimethatwhenPompey，eitherthroughover—cautiousnessorhisillfortune，didnotgivethefinishingstroketothatgreatsuccess，butretreatedafterhehaddriventheroutedenemywithintheircamp，Caesar，uponseeinghiswithdrawal，saidtohisfriends，\"Thevictoryto—dayhadbeenontheenemies’sideiftheyhadhadageneralwhoknewhowtogainit。\"Whenhewasretiredintohistent，helaidhimselfdowntosleep，butspentthatnightasmiserableaseverhedidany，inperplexityandconsiderationwithhimself，comingtotheconclusionthathehadconductedthewaramiss。Forwhenhehadafertilecountrybeforehim，andallthewealthycitiesofMacedoniaandThessaly，hehadneglectedtocarrythewarthither，andhadsatdownbytheseaside，wherehisenemieshadsuchapowerfulfleet，sothathewasinfactratherbesiegedbythewantofnecessaries，thanbesiegingotherswithhisarms。Beingthusdistractedinhisthoughtswiththeviewofthedifficultyanddistresshewasin，heraisedhiscamp，withtheintentionofadvancingtowardsScipio，wholayinMacedonia；hopingeithertoenticePompeyintoacountrywhereheshouldfightwithouttheadvantagehenowhadofsuppliesfromthesea，ortooverpowerScipioifnotassisted。
ThissetallPompey’sarmyandofficersonfiretohastenandpursueCaesar，whomtheyconcludedtobebeatenandflying。ButPompeywasafraidtohazardabattleonwhichsomuchdepended，andbeinghimselfprovidedwithallnecessariesforanylengthoftime，thoughttotireoutandwastethevigourofCaesar’sarmy，whichcouldnotlastlong。Forthebestpartofhismen，thoughtheyhadgreatexperience，andshowedanirresistiblecourageinallengagements，yetbytheirfrequentmarches，changingtheircamps，attackingfortifications，andkeepinglongnight—watches，weregettingwornoutandbroken；theybeingnowold，theirbodieslessfitforlabour，andtheircourage，also，beginningtogivewaywiththefailureoftheirstrength。Besides，itwassaidthataninfectiousdisease，occasionedbytheirirregulardiet，wasprevailinginCaesar’sarmy，andwhatwasofgreatestmoment，hewasneitherfurnishedwithmoneynorprovisions，sothatinalittletimehemustneedsfallofhimself。
ForthesereasonsPompeyhadnomindtofighthim，butwasthankedforitbynonebutCato，whorejoicedattheprospectofsparinghisfellow—citizens。Forhe，whenhesawthedeadbodiesofthosewhohadfalleninthelastbattleonCaesar’sside，tothenumberofathousand，turnedaway，coveredhisface，andshedtears。ButeveryoneelseupbraidedPompeyforbeingreluctanttofight，andtriedtogoadhimonbysuchnicknamesasAgamemnon，andkingofkings，asifhewereinnohurrytolaydownhissovereignauthority，butwaspleasedtoseesomanycommandersattendingonhim，andpayingtheirattendanceathistent。Favonius，whoaffectedCato’sfreewayofspeakinghismind，complainedbitterlythattheyshouldeatnofigseventhisyearatTusculum，becauseofPompey’sloveofcommand。
Afranius，whowaslatelyreturnedoutofSpain，and，onaccountofhisillsuccessthere，labouredunderthesuspicionofhavingbeenbribedtobetraythearmy，askedwhytheydidnotfightthispurchaserofprovinces。Pompeywasdriven，againsthisownwill，bythiskindoflanguage，intoofferingbattle，andproceededtofollowCaesar。Caesarhadfoundgreatdifficultiesinhismarch，fornocountrywouldsupplyhimwithprovisions，hisreputationbeingverymuchfallensincehislatedefeat。ButafterhetookGomphi，atownofThessaly，henotonlyfoundprovisionsforhisarmy，butphysictoo。Fortheretheymetwithplentyofwine，whichtheytookveryfreely，andheatedwiththis，sportingandrevellingontheirmarchinbacchanalianfashion，theyshookoffthedisease，andtheirwholeconstitutionwasrelievedandchangedintoanotherhabit。
WhenthetwoarmieswerecomeintoPharsalia，andbothencampedthere，Pompey’sthoughtsranthesamewayastheyhaddonebefore，againstfighting，andthemorebecauseofsomeunluckypresages，andavisionhehadinadream。Butthosewhowereabouthimweresoconfidentofsuccess，thatDomitius，andSpinther，andScipio，asiftheyhadalreadyconquered，quarrelledwhichshouldsucceedCaesarinthepontificate。AndmanysenttoRometotakehousesfittoaccommodateconsulsandpraetors，asbeingsureofenteringuponthoseofficesassoonasthebattlewasover。Thecavalryespeciallywereobstinateforfighting，beingsplendidlyarmedandbravelymounted，andvaluingthemselvesuponthefinehorsestheykept，andupontheirownhandsomepersons；asalsoupontheadvantageoftheirnumbers，fortheywerefivethousandagainstonethousandofCaesar’s。
Norwerethenumbersoftheinfantrylessdisproportionate，therebeingforty—fivethousandofPompey’sagainsttwenty—twothousandoftheenemy。
Caesar，collectinghissoldierstogether，toldthemthatCorfiniuswascominguptothemwithtwolegions，andthatfifteencohortsmoreunderCalenuswerepostedatandAthens；hethenaskedhimwhethertheywouldstaytillthesejoinedthem，orwouldhazardthebattlebythemselves。Theyallcriedouttohimnottowait，butonthecontrarytodowhateverhecouldtobringaboutanengagementassoonaspossible。Whenhesacrificedtothegodsforthelustrationofhisarmy，uponthedeathofthefirstvictim，theaugurtoldhim，withinthreedaysheshouldcometoadecisiveaction。Caesaraskedhimwhetherhesawanythingintheentrailswhichpromisedahappyevent。\"That，\"saidthepriest，\"youcanbestansweryourself；forthegodssignifyagreatalterationfromthepresentpostureofaffairs。
If，therefore，youthinkyourselfwelloffnow，expectworsefortune；ifunhappy，hopeforbetter。\"Thenightbeforethebattle，ashewalkedtheroundsaboutmidnight，therewasalightseenintheheavens，verybrightandflaming，whichseemedtopassoverCaesar’scampandfallintoPompey’s。AndwhenCaesar’ssoldierscametorelievethewatchinthemorning，theyperceivedapanicdisorderamongtheenemies。However，hedidnotexpecttofightthatday，butsetaboutraisinghiscampwiththeintentionofmarchingtowardsScotussa。
Butwhenthetentswerenowtakendown，hisscoutsrodeuptohim，andtoldhimtheenemywouldgivehimbattle。Withthisnewshewasextremelypleased，andhavingperformedhisdevotionstothegods，sethisarmyinbattlearray，dividingthemintothreebodies。OverthemiddlemostheplacedDomitiusCalvinus；Antonycommandedtheleftwing，andhehimselftheright，beingresolvedtofightattheheadofthetenthlegion。Butwhenhesawtheenemy’scavalrytakingpositionagainsthim，beingstruckwiththeirfineappearanceandtheirnumber，hegaveprivateordersthatsixcohortsfromtherearofthearmyshouldcomeandjoinhim，whomhepostedbehindtherightwing，andinstructedthemwhattheyshoulddowhentheenemy’shorsecametocharge。Ontheotherside，Pompeycommandedtherightwing，Domitiustheleft，andScipio，Pompey’sfather—in—law，thecentre。Thewholeweightofthecavalrywascollectedontheleftwing，withtheintentthattheyshouldoutflanktherightwingoftheenemy，androutthatpartwherethegeneralhimselfcommanded。Fortheythoughtnophalanxofinfantrycouldbesolidenoughtosustainsuchashock，butthattheymustnecessarilybebrokenandshatteredalltopiecesupontheonsetofsoimmenseaforceofcavalry。Whentheywerereadyonbothsidestogivethesignalforbattle，Pompeycommandedhisfoot，whowereinthefront，tostandtheirground，andwithoutbreakingtheirorder，receive，quietly，theenemy’sfirstattack，tilltheycamewithinjavelin’scast。Caesar，inthisrespect，also，blamesPompey’sgeneralship，asifhehadnotbeenawarehowthefirstencounter，whenmadewithanimpetusandupontherun，givesweightandforcetothestrokes，andfiresthemen’sspiritsintoaflame，whichthegeneralconcurrencefanstofullheat。Hehimselfwasjustputtingthetroopsintomotionandadvancingtotheaction，whenhefoundoneofhiscaptains，atrustyandexperiencedsoldier，encouraginghismentoexerttheirutmost。Caesarcalledhimbyhisname，andsaid，\"Whathopes，CaiusCrassinius，andwhatgroundsforencouragement？\"Crassiniusstretchedouthishand，andcriedinaloudvoice，\"Weshallconquernobly，Caesar；andIthisdaywilldeserveyourpraises，eitheraliveordead。\"Sohesaid，andwasthefirstmantoruninupontheenemy，followedbythehundredandtwentysoldiersabouthim，andbreakingthroughthefirstrank，stillpressedonforwardswithmuchslaughteroftheenemy，tillatlasthewasstruckbackbythewoundofasword，whichwentinathismouthwithsuchforcethatitcameoutathisneckbehind。
Whilstthefootwasthussharplyengagedinthemainbattle，ontheflankPompey’shorserodeupconfidently，andopenedtheirranksverywide，thattheymightsurroundtherightwingofCaesar。Butbeforetheyengaged，Caesar’scohortsrushedoutandattackedthem，anddidnotdarttheirjavelinsatadistance，norstrikeatthethighsandlegs，astheyusuallydidinclosebattle，butaimedattheirfaces。ForthusCaesarhadinstructedthem，inhopesthatyounggentlemen，whohadnotknownmuchofbattlesandwounds，butcamewearingtheirhairlong，inthefloweroftheirageandheightoftheirbeauty，wouldbemoreapprehensiveofsuchblows，andnotcareforhazardingbothadangeratpresentandablemishforthefuture。
Andsoitproved，fortheyweresofarfrombearingthestrokeofthejavelins，thattheycouldnotstandthesightofthem，butturnedabout，andcoveredtheirfacestosecurethem。Onceindisorder，presentlytheyturnedabouttofly；andsomostshamefullyruinedall。Forthosewhohadbeatthembackatonceoutflankedtheinfantry，andfallingontheirrear，cutthemtopieces。Pompey，whocommandedtheotherwingofthearmy，whenhesawhiscavalrythusbrokenandflying，wasnolongerhimself，nordidhenowrememberthathewasPompeytheGreat，but，likeonewhomsomegodhaddeprivedofhissenses，retiredtohistentwithoutspeakingaword，andtheresattoexpecttheevent，tillthewholearmywasroutedandtheenemyappearedupontheworkswhichwerethrownupbeforethecamp，wheretheycloselyengagedwithhismenwhowerepostedtheretodefendit。Thenfirstheseemedtohaverecoveredhissenses，anduttering，itissaid，onlythesewords，\"What，intothecamptoo？\"helaidasidehisgeneral’shabit，andputtingonsuchclothesasmightbestfavourhisflight，stoleoff。Whatfortunehemetwithafterwards，howhetookshelterinEgypt，andwasmurderedthere，wetellyouinhisLife。
Caesar，whenhecametoviewPompey’scamp，andsawsomeofhisopponentsdeadupontheground，othersdying，said，withagroan，\"Thistheywouldhave；theybroughtmetothisnecessity。I，CaiusCaesar，aftersucceedinginsomanywars，hadbeencondemnedhadI
dismissedmyarmy。\"Thesewords，Polliosays，CaesarspokeinLatinatthattime，andthathehimselfwrotetheminGreek；adding，thatthosewhowerekilledatthetakingofthecampweremostofthemservants；andthatnotabovesixthousandsoldiersfell。Caesarincorporatedmostofthefootwhomhetookprisonerswithhisownlegions，andgaveafreepardontomanyofthedistinguishedpersons，andamongsttheresttoBrutus，whoafterwardskilledhim。Hedidnotimmediatelyappearafterthebattlewasover，whichputCaesar，itissaid，intogreatanxietyforhim；norwashispleasurelesswhenhesawhimpresenthimselfalive。
Thereweremanyprodigiesthatforeshadowedthisvictory，butthemostremarkablethatwearetoldofwasthatatTralles。InthetempleofVictorystoodCaesar’sstatue。Thegroundonwhichitstoodwasnaturallyhardandsolid，andthestonewithwhichitwaspavedstillharder；yetitissaidthatapalm—treeshotitselfupnearthepedestalofthisstatue。InthecityofPadua，oneCaiusCornelius，whohadthecharacterofagoodaugur，thefellow—citizenandacquaintanceofLivy，thehistorian，happenedtobemakingsomeauguralobservationsthatverydaywhenthebattlewasfought。Andfirst，asLivytellsus，hepointedoutthetimeofthefight，andsaidtothosewhowerebyhimthatjustthenthebattlewasbegunandthemenengaged。Whenhelookedasecondtime，andobservedtheomens，heleapedupasifhehadbeeninspired，andcriedout，\"Caesar，arevictorious。\"Thismuchsurprisedthestanders—by，buthetookthegarlandwhichhehadonfromhishead，andsworehewouldneverwearitagaintilltheeventshouldgiveauthoritytohisart。ThisLivypositivelystatesforatruth。
Caesar，asamemorialofhisvictory，gavetheThessalianstheirfreedom，andthenwentinpursuitofPompey。WhenhewascomeintoAsia，togratifyTheopompus，theauthorofthecollectionoffables，heenfranchisedtheCnidians，andremittedone—thirdoftheirtributetoallthepeopleoftheprovinceofAsia。WhenhecametoAlexandria，wherePompeywasalreadymurdered，hewouldnotlookuponTheodotus，whopresentedhimwithhishead，buttakingonlyhissignet，shedtears。ThoseofPompey’sfriendswhohadbeenarrestedbytheKingofEgypt，astheywerewanderinginthoseparts，herelieved，andofferedthemhisownfriendship。InhislettertohisfriendsatRome，hetoldthemthatthegreatestandmostsignalpleasurehisvictoryhadgivenhimwastobeablecontinuallytosavethelivesoffellow—citizenswhohadfoughtagainsthim。AstothewarinEgypt，somesayitwasatoncedangerousanddishonourable，andnowaysnecessary，butoccasionedonlybyhispassionforCleopatra。Othersblametheministersoftheking，andespeciallytheeunuchPothinus，whowasthechieffavouriteandhadlatelykilledPompey，whohadbanishedCleopatra，andwasnowsecretlyplottingCaesar’sdestruction（topreventwhich，Caesarfromthattimebegantositupwholenights，underpretenceofdrinking，forthesecurityofhisperson），whileopenlyhewasintolerableinhisaffrontstoCaesar，bothbyhiswordsandactions。ForwhenCaesar’ssoldiershadmustyandunwholesomecornmeasuredouttothem，Pothinustoldthemtheymustbecontentwithit，sincetheywerefedatanother’scost。Heorderedthathistableshouldbeservedwithwoodenandearthendishes，andsaidCaesarhadcarriedoffallthegoldandsilverplate，underpretenceofarrearsofdebt。Forthepresentking’sfatherowedCaesaronethousandsevenhundredandfiftymyriadsofmoney。Caesarhadformerlyremittedtohischildrentherest，butthoughtfittodemandthethousandmyriadsatthattimetomaintainhisarmy。Pothinustoldhimthathehadbettergonowandattendtohisotheraffairsofgreaterconsequence，andthatheshouldreceivehismoneyatanothertimewiththanks。CaesarrepliedthathedidnotwantEgyptianstobehiscounsellors，andsoonafterprivatelysentforCleopatrafromherretirement。
Shetookasmallboat，andoneonlyofherconfidants，Apollodorus，theSicilian，alongwithher，andintheduskoftheeveninglandednearthepalace。Shewasatalosshowtogetinundiscovered，tillshethoughtofputtingherselfintothecoverletofabedandlyingatlength，whilstApollodorustiedupthebeddingandcarrieditonhisbackthroughthegatestoCaesar’sapartment。
CaesarwasfirstcaptivatedbythisproofofCleopatra’sboldwit，andwasafterwardssoovercomebythecharmofhersocietythathemadeareconciliationbetweenherandherbrother，ontheconditionthatsheshouldruleashiscolleagueinthekingdom。Afestivalwaskepttocelebratethisreconciliation，whereCaesar’sbarber，abusylisteningfellow，whoseexcessivetimiditymadehiminquisitiveintoeverything，discoveredthattherewasaplotcarryingonagainstCaesarbyAchillas，generaloftheking’sforces，andPothinus，theeunuch。Caesar，uponthefirstintelligenceofit，setaguarduponthehallwherethefeastwaskeptandkilledPothinus。Achillasescapedtothearmy，andraisedatroublesomeandembarrassingwaragainstCaesar，whichitwasnoteasyforhimtomanagewithhisfewsoldiersagainstsopowerfulacityandsolargeanarmy。Thefirstdifficultyhemetwithwaswantofwater，fortheenemieshadturnedthecanals。Anotherwas，whentheenemyendeavouredtocutoffhiscommunicationbysea，hewasforcedtodivertthatdangerbysettingfiretohisownships，which，afterburningthedocks，thencespreadonanddestroyedthegreatlibrary。Athirdwas，wheninanengagementnearPharos，heleapedfromthemoleintoasmallboattoassisthissoldierswhowereindanger，andwhentheEgyptianspressedhimoneveryside，hethrewhimselfintothesea，andwithmuchdifficultyswamoff。Thiswasthetimewhen，accordingtothestory，hehadanumberofmanuscriptsinhishand，which，thoughhewascontinuallydartedat，andforcedtokeephisheadoftenunderwater，yethedidnotletgo，butheldthemupsafefromwettinginonehand，whilstheswamwiththeother。Hisboatinthemeantime，wasquicklysunk。Atlast，thekinghavinggoneofftoAchillasandhisparty，Caesarengagedandconqueredthem。Manyfellinthatbattle，andthekinghimselfwasneverseenafter。Uponthis，heleftCleopatraqueenofEgypt，whosoonafterhadasonbyhim，whomtheAlexandrianscalledCaesarion，andthendepartedforSyria。
ThencehepassedtoAsia，whereheheardthatDomitiuswasbeatenbyPharnaces，sonofMithridates，andhadfledoutofPontuswithahandfulofmen；andthatPharnacespursuedthevictorysoeagerly，thatthoughhewasalreadymasterofBithyniaandCappadocia，hehadafurtherdesignofattemptingtheLesserArmenia，andwasinvitingallthekingsandtetrarchstheretorise。Caesarimmediatelymarchedagainsthimwiththreelegions，foughthimnearZela，drovehimoutofPontus，andtotallydefeatedhisarmy。WhenhegaveAmantius，afriendofhisatRome，anaccountofthisaction，toexpressthepromptnessandrapidityofitheusedthreewords，Icame，saw，andconquered，whichinLatin，havingallthesamecadence，carrywiththemaverysuitableairofbrevity。
HencehecrossedintoItaly，andcametoRomeattheendofthatyear，forwhichhehadbeenasecondtimechosendictator，thoughthatofficehadneverbeforelastedawholeyear，andwaselectedconsulforthenext。Hewasillspokenof，becauseuponamutinyofsomesoldiers，whokilledCosconiusandGalba，whohadbeenpraetors，hegavethemonlytheslightreprimandofcallingthemCitizensinsteadofFellow—Soldiers，andafterwardsassignedtoeachmanathousanddrachmas，besidesashareoflandsinItaly。HewasalsoreflectedonforDolabella’sextravagance，Amantius’scovetousness，Antony’sdebauchery，andCorfinius’sprofuseness，whopulleddownPompey’shouse，andrebuiltit，asnotmagnificentenough；fortheRomansweremuchdispleasedwithallthese。ButCaesar，fortheprosecutionofhisownschemeofgovernment，thoughheknewtheircharactersanddisapprovedthem，wasforcedtomakeuseofthosewhowouldservehim。
AfterthebattleofPharsalia，CatoandScipiofledintoAfrica，andthere，withtheassistanceofKingJuba，gottogetheraconsiderableforce，whichCaesarresolvedtoengage。HeaccordinglypassedintoSicilyaboutthewintersolstice，andtoremovefromhisofficers’
mindsallhopesofdelaythere，encampedbytheseashore，andassoonaseverhehadafairwind，puttoseawiththreethousandfootandafewhorse。Whenhehadlandedthem，hewentbacksecretly，undersomeapprehensionsforthelargerpartofhisarmy，butmetthemuponthesea，andbroughtthemalltothesamecamp。Therehewasinformedthattheenemiesreliedmuchuponanancientoracle，thatthefamilyoftheScipiosshouldbealwaysvictoriousinAfrica。Therewasinhisarmyaman，otherwisemeanandcontemptible，butofthehouseoftheAfricani，andhisnameScipioSallutio。ThismanCaesar（whetherinraillerytoridiculeScipio，whocommandedtheenemy，orseriouslytobringovertheomentohisside，itwerehardtosay），putattheheadofhistroops，asifheweregeneral，inallthefrequentbattleswhichhewascompelledtofight。Forhewasinsuchwantbothofvictuallingforhismenandforageforhishorses，thathewasforcedtofeedthehorseswithseaweed，whichhewashedthoroughlytotakeoffitssaltness，andmixedwithalittlegrasstogiveitamoreagreeabletaste，TheNumidians，ingreatnumbers，andwellhorsed，wheneverhewent，cameupandcommandedthecountry。Caesar’scavalry，beingonedayunemployed，divertedthemselveswithseeinganAfrican，whoentertainedthemwithdancingandatthesametimeplayeduponthepipetoadmiration。Theyweresotakenwiththis，thattheyalighted，andgavetheirhorsestosomeboys，whenonasuddentheenemysurroundedthem，killedsome，pursuedtherestandfellinwiththemintotheircamp；andhadnotCaesarhimselfandAsiniusPolliocometotheirassistance，andputastoptotheirflight，thewarhadbeenthenatanend。Inanotherengagement，also，theenemyhadagainthebetter，whenCaesar，itissaid，seizedastandard—bearer，whowasrunningaway，bytheneck，andforcinghimtofaceabout，said，\"Look，thatisthewaytotheenemy。\"
Scipio，flushedwiththissuccessatfirst，hadamindtocometoonedecisiveaction。HethereforeleftAfraniusandJubaintwodistinctbodiesnotfardistantandmarchedhimselftowardsThapsus，whereheproceededtobuildafortifiedcampabovealake，toserveasacentre—pointfortheiroperations，andalsoasaplaceofrefuge。
WhilstScipiowasthusemployed，Caesarwithincredibledespatchmadehiswaythroughthickwoods，andacountrysupposedtobeimpassable，cutoffonepartoftheenemyandattackedanotherinthefront。Havingroutedthese，hefolloweduphisopportunityandthecurrentofhisgoodfortune，andonthefirstcarriedAfranius’scamp，andravagedthatoftheNumidians，Juba，theirking，beinggladtosavehimselfbyflight；sothatinasmallpartofasingledayhemadehimselfmasterofthreecamps，andkilledfiftythousandoftheenemy，withthelossonlyoffiftyofhisownmen。Thisistheaccountsomegiveofthatfight。Otherssayhewasnotintheaction，butthathewastoofardisorderedhissenses，whenhewasalreadybeginningtoshakeunderitsinfluence，withdrewintoaneighbouringfortwherehereposedhimself。Ofthemenofconsularandpraetoriandignitythatweretakenafterthefight，severalCaesarputtodeath，othersanticipatedhimbykillingthemselves。
CatohadundertakentodefendUtica，andforthatreasonwasnotinthebattle。ThedesirewhichCaesarhadtotakehimalivemadehimhastenthither；andupontheintelligencethathehaddespatchedhimself，hewasmuchdiscomposed，forwhatreasonisnotsowellagreed。Hecertainlysaid，\"Cato，Imustgrudgeyouyourdeath，asyougrudgedmethehonourofsavingyourlife。\"YetthediscoursehewroteagainstCatoafterhisdeathisnogreatsignofhiskindness，orthathewasinclinedtobereconciledtohim。Forhowisitprobablethathewouldhavebeentenderofhislifewhenhewassobitteragainsthismemory？ButfromhisclemencytoCicero，Brutus，andmanyotherswhofoughtagainsthim，itmaybedivinedthatCaesar’sbookwasnotwrittensomuchoutofanimositytoCato，asinhisownvindication。
CicerohadwrittenanencomiumuponCato，andcalleditbyhisname。A
compositionbysogreatamasteruponsoexcellentasubjectwassuretobeineveryone’shands。ThistouchedCaesar，wholookeduponapanegyriconhisenemiesasnobetterthananinvectiveagainsthimself；andthereforehemadeinhisAnti—Catoacollectionofwhatevercouldbesaidinhisderogation。Thetwocompositions，likeCatoandCaesarthemselves，haveeachofthemtheirseveraladmirers。
Caesar，uponhisreturntoRome，didnotomittopronouncebeforethepeopleamagnificentaccountofhisvictory，tellingthemthathehadsubduedacountrywhichwouldsupplythepubliceveryyearwithtwohundredthousandatticbushelsofcornandthreemillionpounds’
weightofoil。HethenledthreetriumphsforEgypt，Pontus，andAfrica，thelastforthevictoryover，notScipio，butKingJuba，asitwasprofessed，whoselittlesonwasthencarriedinthetriumph，thehappiestcaptivethateverwas，who，ofabarbarianNumidian，camebythismeanstoobtainaplaceamongthemostlearnedhistoriansofGreece。Afterthetriumphs，hedistributedrewardstohissoldiers，andtreatedthepeoplewithfeastingandshows。Heentertainedthewholepeopletogetheratonefeast，wheretwenty—twothousanddiningcoucheswerelaidout；andhemadeadisplayofgladiators，andofbattlesbysea，inhonour，ashesaid，ofhisdaughterJulia，thoughshehadbeenlongsincedead。Whentheseshowswereover，anaccountwastakenofthepeoplewho，fromthreehundredandtwentythousand，werenowreducedtoonehundredandfiftythousand。SogreatawastehadthecivilwarmadeinRomealone，nottomentionwhattheotherpartsofItalyandtheprovincessuffered。
Hewasnowchosenafourthtimeconsul，andwentintoSpainagainstPompey’ssons。Theywerebutyoung，yethadgatheredtogetheraverynumerousarmy，andshowedtheyhadcourageandconducttocommandit，sothatCaesarwasinextremedanger。ThegreatbattlewasnearthetownofMunda，inwhichCaesar，seeinghismenhardpressed，andmakingbutaweakresistance，ranthroughtheranksamongthesoldiers，andcryingout，askedthemwhethertheywerenotashamedtodeliverhimintothehandsofboys？Atlast，withgreatdifficulty，andthebesteffortshecouldmake，heforcedbacktheenemy，killingthirtythousandofthem，thoughwiththelossofonethousandofhisbestmen。Whenhecamebackfromthefight，hetoldhisfriendsthathehadoftenfoughtforvictory，butthiswasthefirsttimehehadeverfoughtforlife。ThisbattlewaswononthefeastofBacchus，theverydayinwhichPompey，fouryearsbefore，hadsetoutforthewar。TheyoungerofPompey’ssonsescaped；butDidius，somedaysafterthefight，broughttheheadoftheeldertoCaesar。
Thiswasthelastwarhewasengagedin。ThetriumphwhichhecelebratedforthisvictorydispleasedtheRomansbeyondanything，forhehadnotdefeatedforeigngeneralsorbarbariankings，buthaddestroyedthechildrenandfamilyofoneofthegreatestmenofRome，thoughunfortunate；anditdidnotlookwelltoleadaprocessionincelebrationofthecalamitiesofhiscountry，andtorejoiceinthosethingsforwhichnootherapologycouldbemadeeithertogodsormenthantheirbeingabsolutelynecessary。Besidesthat，hithertohehadneversentlettersormessengerstoannounceanyvictoryoverhisfellow—citizens，buthadseemedrathertobeashamedoftheactionthantoexpecthonourfromit。
Neverthelesshiscountrymen，concedingalltohisfortune，andacceptingthebit，inthehopethatthegovernmentofasinglepersonwouldgivethemtimetobreatheaftersomanycivilwarsandcalamities，madehimdictatorforlife。Thiswasindeedatyrannyavowed，sincehispowernowwasnotonlyabsolute，butperpetualtoo。Ciceromadethefirstproposalstothesenateforconferringhonoursuponhim，whichmightinsomesortbesaidnottoexceedthelimitsofordinaryhumanmoderation。Butothers，strivingwhichshoulddeservemost，carriedthemsoexcessivelyhigh，thattheymadeCaesarodioustothemostindifferentandmoderatesortofmen，bythepretentionsandextravaganceofthetitleswhichtheydecreedhim。Hisenemies，too，arethoughttohavehadsomeshareinthis，aswellashisflatterers。Itgavethemadvantageagainsthim，andwouldbetheirjustificationforanyattempttheyshouldmakeuponhim；forsincethecivilwarswereended，hehadnothingelsethathecouldbechargedwith。AndtheyhadgoodreasontodecreeatempletoClemency，intokenoftheirthanksforthemildusehemadeofhisvictory。Forhenotonlypardonedmanyofthosewhofoughtagainsthim，but，further，tosomegavehonoursandoffices；asparticularlytoBrutusandCassius，whobothofthemwerepraetors。Pompey’simagesthatwerethrowndownhesetupagain，uponwhichCiceroalsosaidthatbyraisingPompey’sstatueshehadfixedhisown。Whenhisfriendsadvisedhimtohaveaguard，andseveralofferedtheirservices，hewouldnothearofit；butsaiditwasbettertosufferdeathoncethanalwaystoliveinfearofit。Helookedupontheaffectionsofthepeopletobethebestandsurestguard，andentertainedthemagainwithpublicfeastingandgeneraldistributionsofcorn；andtogratifyhisarmy，hesentoutcoloniestoseveralplaces，ofwhichthemostremarkablewereCarthageandCorinth；whichasbeforetheyhadbeenruinedatthesametime，sonowwererestoredandrepeopledtogether。
Asforthemenofhighrank，hepromisedtosomeofthemfutureconsulshipsandpraetorships，someheconsoledwithotherofficesandhonours，andtoallheldouthopesoffavourbythesolicitudeheshowedtorulewiththegeneralgood—will，insomuchthatuponthedeathofMaximusonedaybeforehisconsulshipwasended，hemadeCaniniusReviliusconsulforthatday。Andwhenmanywenttopaytheusualcomplimentsandattentionstothenewconsul，\"Letusmakehaste，\"saidCicero，\"lestthemanbegoneoutofhisofficebeforewecome。\"
Caesarwasborntodogreatthings，andhadapassionafterhonour，andthemanynobleexploitshehaddonedidnotnowserveasaninducementtohimtositstillandreapthefruitofhispastlabours，butwereincentivesandencouragementstogoon，andraisedinhimideasofstillgreateractions，andadesireofnewglory，asifthepresentwereallspent。Itwasinfactasortofemulousstrugglewithhimself，asithadbeenwithanother，howhemightoutdohispastactionsbyhisfuture。Inpursuitofthesethoughts，heresolvedtomakewarupontheParthians，andwhenhehadsubduedthem，topassthroughHyrcania；thencetomarchalongbytheCaspianSeatoMountCaucasus，andsoonaboutPontus，tillhecameintoScythia；thentooverrunallthecountriesborderinguponGermany，andGermanyitself；andsotoreturnthroughGaulintoItaly，aftercompletingthewholecircleofhisintendedempire，andboundingitoneverysidebytheocean。Whilepreparationsweremakingforthisexpedition，heproposedtodigthroughtheisthmusonwhichCorinthstands；andappointedAnienustosuperintendthework。HehadalsoadesignofdivertingtheTiber，andcarryingitbyadeepchanneldirectlyfromRometoCirceii，andsointotheseanearTarracina，thattheremightbeasafeandeasypassageforallmerchantswhotradedtoRome。Besidesthis，heintendedtodrainallthemarshesbyPomentiumandSetia，andgaingroundenoughfromthewatertoemploymanythousandsofmenintillage。HeproposedfurthertomakegreatmoundsontheshorenearestRome，tohindertheseafrombreakinginupontheland，toclearthecoastatOstiaofallthehiddenrocksandshoalsthatmadeitunsafeforshippingandtoformportsandharboursfittoreceivethelargenumberofvesselsthatwouldfrequentthem。
Thesethingsweredesignedwithoutbeingcarriedintoeffect；buthisreformationofthecalendarinordertorectifytheirregularityoftimewasnotonlyprojectedwithgreatscientificingenuity，butwasbroughttoitscompletion，andprovedofverygreatuse。ForitwasnotonlyinancienttimethattheRomanshadwantedacertainruletomaketheirmonthsfallinwiththerevolutionsoftheyear，sothattheirfestivalsandsolemndaysforsacrificewereremovedbylittleandlittle，tillatlasttheycametobekeptatseasonsquitethecontrarytowhatwasatfirstintended，butevenatthistimethepeoplehadnowayofcomputingthesolaryear；onlythepriestscouldsaythetime，andthey，attheirpleasure，withoutgivinganynotice，slippedintheintercalarymonth，whichtheycalledMercedonius。Numawasthefirstwhoputinthismonth，buthisexpedientwasbutapooroneandquiteinadequatetocorrectalltheerrorsthataroseinthereturnsoftheannualcycles，aswehaveshowninhislife。Caesarcalledinthebestphilosophersandmathematiciansofhistimetosettlethepoint，andoutofthesystemshehadbeforehimformedanewandmoreexactmethodofcorrectingthecalendar，whichtheRomansusetothisday，andseemtosucceedbetterthananynationinavoidingtheerrorsoccasionedbytheinequalityofthecycles。Yeteventhisgaveoffencetothosewholookedwithanevileyeonhisposition，andfeltoppressedbyhispower。Cicerotheorator，whensomeoneinhiscompanychancedtosaythenextmorningLyrawouldrise，replied，\"Yes，inaccordancewiththeedict，\"
asifeventhiswereamatterofcompulsion。
Butthatwhichbroughtuponhimthemostapparentandmortalhatredwashisdesireofbeingking；whichgavethecommonpeoplethefirstoccasiontoquarrelwithhim，andprovedthemostspeciouspretencetothosewhohadbeenhissecretenemiesallalong。ThosewhowouldhaveprocuredhimthattitlegaveitoutthatitwasforetoldintheSibyls’booksthattheRomansshouldconquertheParthianswhentheyfoughtagainstthemundertheconductofaking，butnotbefore。Andoneday，asCaesarwascomingdownfromAlbatoRome，someweresoboldastosalutehimbythenameofking；buthe，findingthepeopledisrelishit，seemedtoresentithimself，andsaidhisnamewasCaesar，notking。Uponthistherewasageneralsilence，andhepassedonlookingnotverywellpleasedorcontented。Anothertime，whenthesenatehadconferredonhimsomeextravaganthonours，hechancedtoreceivethemessageashewassittingontherostra，where，thoughtheconsulsandpraetorsthemselveswaitedonhim，attendedbythewholebodyofthesenate，hedidnotrise，butbehavedhimselftothemasiftheyhadbeenprivatemen，andtoldthemhishonourswantedrathertoberetrenchedthanincreased。Thistreatmentoffendednotonlythesenate，butthecommonaltytoo，asiftheythoughttheaffrontuponthesenateequallyreflecteduponthewholerepublic；sothatallwhocoulddecentlyleavehimwentoff，lookingmuchdiscomposed。Caesar，perceivingthefalsestephehadmade，immediatelyretiredhome；andlayinghisthroatbare，toldhisfriendsthathewasreadytoofferthistoanyonewhowouldgivethestroke。Butafterwardshemadethemaladyfromwhichhesufferedtheexcuseforhissitting，sayingthatthosewhoareattackedbyitlosetheirpresenceofmindiftheytalkmuchstanding；thattheypresentlygrowgiddy，fallintoconvulsions，andquitelosetheirreason。Butthiswasnotthereality，forhewouldwillinglyhavestooduptothesenate，hadnotCorneliusBalbus，oneofhisfriends，orratherflatterers，hinderedhim。\"Willyouandremember，\"saidhe，\"youareCaesar，andclaimthehonourwhichisduetoyourmerit？\"
Hegaveafreshoccasionofresentmentbyhisaffronttothetribunes。TheLupercaliawerethencelebrated，afeastatthefirstinstitutionbelonging，assomewriterssay，totheshepherds，andhavingsomeconnectionwiththeArcadianLycae。Manyyoungnoblemenandmagistratesrunupanddownthecitywiththeiruppergarmentsoff，strikingalltheymeetwiththongsofhide，bywayofsport；
andmanywomen，evenofthehighestrank，placethemselvesintheway，andholdouttheirhandstothelash，asboysinaschooldotothemaster，outofabeliefthatitprocuresaneasylabourtothosewhoarewithchild，andmakesthoseconceivewhoarebarren。Caesar，dressedinatriumphalrobe，seatedhimselfinagoldenchairattherostratoviewthisceremony。Antony，asconsul，wasoneofthosewhoranthiscourse，andwhenhecameintotheforum，andthepeoplemadewayforhim，hewentupandreachedtoCaesaradiademwreathedwithlaurel。Uponthistherewasashout，butonlyaslightone，madebythefewwhowereplantedthereforthatpurpose；butwhenCaesarrefusedit，therewasuniversalapplause。Uponthesecondoffer，veryfew，anduponthesecondrefusal，allagainapplauded。
Caesarfindingitwouldnottake，roseup，andorderedthecrowntobecarriedintothecapitol。Caesar’sstatueswereafterwardsfoundwithroyaldiademsontheirheads。FlaviusandMarullus，twotribunesofthepeople，wentpresentlyandpulledthemoff，andhavingapprehendedthosewhofirstsalutedCaesaraskingcommittedthemtoprison。Thepeoplefollowedthemwithacclamations，andcalledthembythenameofBrutus，becauseBrutuswasthefirstwhoendedthesuccessionofkings，andtransferredthepowerwhichbeforewaslodgedinonemanintothehandsofthesenateandpeople。Caesarsofarresentedthis，thathedisplacedMarullusandFlavius；andinurginghischargesagainstthem，atthesametimeridiculedthepeople，byhimselfgivingthemenmorethanoncethenamesofBrutiandCumaei。
ThismadethemultitudeturntheirthoughtstoMarcusBrutus，who，byhisfather’sside，wasthoughttobedescendedfromthatfirstBrutus，andbyhismother’ssidefromtheServilii，anothernoblefamily，beingbesidesnephewandson—in—lawtoCato。ButthehonoursandfavourshehadreceivedfromCaesartookofftheedgefromthedesireshemighthimselfhavefeltforoverthrowingthenewmonarchy。ForhehadnotonlybeenpardonedhimselfafterPompey’sdefeatatPharsalia，andhadprocuredthesamegraceformanyofhisfriends，butwasoneinwhomCaesarhadaparticularconfidence。Hehadatthattimethemosthonourablepraetorshipfortheyear，andwasnamedfortheconsulshipfouryearsafter，beingpreferredbeforeCassius，hiscompetitor。Uponthequestionastothechoice，Caesar，itisrelated，saidthatCassiushadthefairerpretensions，butthathecouldnotpassbyBrutus。NorwouldheafterwardslistentosomewhospokeagainstBrutus，whentheconspiracyagainsthimwasalreadyafoot，butlayinghishandonhisbody，saidtotheinformers，\"Brutuswillwaitforthisskinofmine，\"intimatingthathewasworthytobearruleonaccountofhisvirtue，butwouldnotbebaseandungratefultogainit。Thosewhodesiredachange，andlookedonhimastheonly，oratleastthemostproper，persontoeffectit，didnotventuretospeakwithhim；butinthenight—timelaidpapersabouthischairofstate，whereheusedtositanddeterminecauses，withsuchsentencesinthemas，\"Youareasleep，Brutus，\"\"YouarenolongerBrutus。\"Cassius，whenheperceivedhisambitionalittleraiseduponthis，wasmoreinstantthanbeforetoworkhimyetfurther，havinghimselfaprivategrudgeagainstCaesarforsomereasonsthatwehavementionedintheLifeofBrutus。NorwasCaesarwithoutsuspicionsofhim，andsaidoncetohisfriends，\"WhatdoyouthinkCassiusisaimingat？Idon’tlikehim，helookssopale。\"
AndwhenitwastoldhimthatAntonyandDolabellawereinaplotagainsthim，hesaidhedidnotfearsuchfat，luxuriousmen，butratherthepale，leanfellows，meaningCassiusandBrutus。
Fate，however，istoallappearancemoreunavoidablethanunexpected。Formanystrangeprodigiesandapparitionsaresaidtohavebeenobservedshortlybeforethisevent。Astothelightsintheheavens，thenoisesheardinthenight，andthewildbirdswhichperchedintheforum，thesearenotperhapsworthtakingnoticeofinsogreatacaseasthis。Strabo，thephilosopher，tellsusthatanumberofmenwereseen，lookingasiftheywereheatedthroughwithfire，contendingwitheachother；thataquantityofflameissuedfromthehandofasoldier’sservant，sothattheywhosawitthoughthemustbeburnt，butthatafterallhehadnohurt。AsCaesarwassacrificing，thevictim’sheartwasmissing，averybadomen，becausenolivingcreaturecansubsistwithoutaheart。OnefindsitalsorelatedbymanythatasoothsayerbadehimprepareforsomegreatdangerontheIdesofMarch。Whenthisdaywascome，Caesar，ashewenttothesenate，metthissoothsayer，andsaidtohimbywayofraillery，\"TheIdesofMarcharecome，\"whoansweredhimcalmly，\"Yes，theyarecome，buttheyarenotpast。\"ThedaybeforehisassassinationhesuppedwithMarcusLepidus；andashewassigningsomelettersaccordingtohiscustom，ashereclinedattable，therearoseaquestionwhatsortofdeathwasthebest。Atwhichheimmediately，beforeanyonecouldspeak，said，\"Asuddenone。\"
Afterthis，ashewasinbedwithhiswife，allthedoorsandwindowsofthehouseflewopentogetherhewasstartledatthenoise，andthelightwhichbrokeintotheroom，andsatupinhisbed，wherebythemoonshineheperceivedCalpurniafastasleep，butheardherutterinherdreamsomeindistinctwordsandinarticulategroans。ShefanciedatthattimeshewasweepingoverCaesar，andholdinghimbutcheredinherarms。Otherssaythiswasnotherdream，butthatshedreamedthatapinnacle，whichthesenate，asLivyrelates，hadorderedtoberaisedonCaesar’shousebywayofornamentandgrandeur，wastumblingdown，whichwastheoccasionofhertearsandejaculations。Whenitwasday，shebeggedofCaesar，ifitwerepossible，nottostirout，buttoadjournthesenatetoanothertime；andifheslightedherdreams，thatshewouldbepleasedtoconsulthisfatebysacrificesandotherkindsofdivination。Norwashehimselfwithoutsomesuspicionandfears；forheneverbeforediscoveredanywomanishsuperstitioninCalpurnia，whomhenowsawinsuchgreatalarm。Uponthereportwhichthepriestsmadetohim，thattheyhadkilledseveralsacrifices，andstillfoundtheminauspicious，heresolvedtosendAntonytodismissthesenate。
Inthisjuncture，DecimusBrutus，surnamedAlbinus，onewhomCaesarhadsuchconfidenceinthathemadehimhissecondheir，whoneverthelesswasengagedintheconspiracywiththeotherBrutusandCassius，fearinglestifCaesarshouldputoffthesenatetoanotherday，thebusinessmightgetwind，spokescoffinglyandinmockeryofthediviners，andblamedCaesarforgivingthesenatesofairanoccasionofsayinghehadputaslightuponthem，forthattheyweremetuponhissummons，andwerereadytovoteunanimouslythatheshouldbedeclaredkingofalltheprovincesoutofItaly，andmightwearadiademinanyotherplacebutItaly，byseaorland。Ifanyoneshouldbesenttotellthemtheymightbreakupforthepresent，andmeetagainwhenCalpurniashouldchancetohavebetterdreams，whatwouldhisenemiessay？Orwhowouldwithanypatiencehearhisfriends，iftheyshouldpresumetodefendhisgovernmentasnotarbitraryandtyrannical？Butifhewaspossessedsofarastothinkthisdayunfortunate，yetitweremoredecenttogohimselftothesenate，andtoadjournitinhisownperson。Brutus，ashespokethesewords，tookCaesarbythehand，andconductedhimforth。Hewasnotgonefarfromthedoor，whenaservantofsomeotherperson’smadetowardshim，butnotbeingabletocomeuptohim，onaccountofthecrowdofthosewhopressedabouthim，hemadehiswayintothehouse，andcommittedhimselftoCalpurnia，beggingofhertosecurehimtillCaesarreturned，becausehehadmattersofgreatimportancetocommunicatetohim。
Artemidorus，aCnidian，ateacherofGreeklogic，andbythatmeanssofaracquaintedwithBrutusandhisfriendsastohavegotintothesecret，broughtCaesarinasmallwrittenmemorialtheheadsofwhathehadtodepose。HehadobservedthatCaesar，ashereceivedanypapers，presentlygavethemtotheservantswhoattendedonhim；andthereforecameasneartohimashecould，andsaid，\"Readthis，Caesar，alone，andquickly，foritcontainsmatterofgreatimportancewhichnearlyconcernsyou。\"Caesarreceivedit，andtriedseveraltimestoreadit，butwasstillhinderedbythecrowdofthosewhocametospeaktohim。However，hekeptitinhishandbyitselftillhecameintothesenate。SomesayitwasanotherwhogaveCaesarthisnote，andthatArtemidoruscouldnotgettohim，beingallalongkeptoffbythecrowd。
Allthesethingsmighthappenbychance。Buttheplacewhichwasdestinedforthesceneofthismurder，inwhichthesenatemetthatday，wasthesameinwhichPompey’sstatuestood，andwasoneoftheedificeswhichPompeyhadraisedanddedicatedwithhistheatretotheuseofthepublic，plainlyshowingthattherewassomethingofasupernaturalinfluencewhichguidedtheactionandorderedittothatparticularplace。Cassius，justbeforetheact，issaidtohavelookedtowardsPompey’sstatue，andsilentlyimploredhisassistance，thoughhehadbeeninclinedtothedoctrinesofEpicurus。Butthisoccasion，andtheinstantdanger，carriedhimawayoutofallhisreasonings，andfilledhimforthetimewithasortofinspiration。AsforAntony，whowasfirmtoCaesarandastrongman，BrutusAlbinuskepthimoutsidethehouse，anddelayedhimwithalongconversationcontrivedonpurpose。WhenCaesarentered，thesenatestooduptoshowtheirrespecttohim，andofBrutus’sconfederates，somecameabouthischairandstoodbehindit，othersmethim，pretendingtoaddtheirpetitionstothoseofTilliusCimber，inbehalfofhisbrother，whowasinexile；andtheyfollowedhimwiththeirjointapplicationstillhecametohisseat。Whenhewassatdown，herefusedtocomplywiththeirrequests，andupontheirurginghim，furtherbegantoreproachthemseverelyfortheirimportunities，whenTillius，layingholdofhisrobewithbothhishands，pulleditdownfromhisneck，whichwasthesignalfortheassault。Cascagavehimthefirstcutintheneck，whichwasnotmortalnordangerous，ascomingfromonewhoatthebeginningofsuchaboldactionwasprobablyverymuchdisturbed；Caesarimmediatelyturnedabout，andlaidhishanduponthedaggerandkeptholdofit。Andbothofthematthesametimecriedout，hethatreceivedtheblow，inLatin，\"VileCasca，whatdoesthismean？\"andhethatgaveit，inGreektohisbrother，\"Brother，help！\"Uponthisfirstonset，thosewhowerenotprivytothedesignwereastonished，andtheirhorrorandamazementatwhattheysawweresogreatthattheydurstnotflynorassistCaesar，norsomuchasspeakaword。Butthosewhocamepreparedforthebusinessenclosedhimoneveryside，withtheirnakeddaggersintheirhands。Whichwaysoeverheturnedhemetwithblows，andsawtheirswordslevelledathisfaceandeyes，andwasencompassedlikeawildbeastinthetoilsoneveryside。
Forithadbeenagreedtheyshouldeachofthemmakeathrustathim，andfleshthemselveswithhisblood；forwhichreasonBrutusalsogavehimonestabinthegroin。Somesaythathefoughtandresistedalltherest，shiftinghisbodytoavoidtheblows，andcallingoutforhelp，butthatwhenhesawBrutus’ssworddrawn，hecoveredhisfacewithhisrobeandsubmitted，lettinghimselffall，whetheritwerebychanceorthathewaspushedinthatdirectionbyhismurderers，atthefootofthepedestalonwhichPompey’sstatuestood，andwhichwasthuswettedwithhisblood。SothatPompeyhimselfseemedtohavepresided，asitwere，overtherevengedoneuponhisadversary，wholayhereathisfeet，andbreathedouthissoulthroughhismultitudeofwounds，fortheysayhereceivedthree—and—twenty。
Andtheconspiratorsthemselvesweremanyofthemwoundedbyeachother，whilsttheyalllevelledtheirblowsatthesameperson。
WhenCaesarwasdespatched，Brutusstoodforthtogiveareasonforwhattheyhaddone，butthesenatewouldnothearhim，butflewoutofdoorsinallhaste，andfilledthepeoplewithsomuchalarmanddistraction，thatsomeshutuptheirhouses，otherslefttheircountersandshops。Allranonewayortheother，sometotheplacetoseethesadspectacle，othersbackagainaftertheyhadseenit。
AntonyandLepidus，Caesar’smostfaithfulfriends，gotoffprivately，andhidthemselvesinsomefriends’houses。Brutusandhisfollowers，beingyethotfromthedeed，marchedinabodyfromthesenate—housetothecapitolwiththeirdrawnswords，notlikepersonswhothoughtofescaping，butwithanairofconfidenceandassurance，andastheywentalong，calledtothepeopletoresumetheirliberty，andinvitedthecompanyofanymoredistinguishedpeoplewhomtheymet。Andsomeofthesejoinedtheprocessionandwentupalongwiththem，asiftheyalsohadbeenoftheconspiracy，andcouldclaimashareinthehonourofwhathadbeendone。As，forexample，CaiusOctaviusandLentulusSpinther，whosufferedafterwardsforvanity，beingtakenoffbyAntonyandtheyoungCaesar，andlostthehonourtheydesired，aswellastheirlives，whichitcostthem，sincenoonebelievedtheyhadanyshareintheaction。Forneitherdidthosewhopunishedthemprofesstorevengethefact，buttheill—will。Thedayafter，Brutuswiththerestcamedownfromthecapitolandmadeaspeechtothepeople，wholistenedwithoutexpressingeitheranypleasureorresentment，butshowedbytheirsilencethattheypitiedCaesarandrespectedBrutus。Thesenatepassedactsofoblivionforwhatwaspast，andtookmeasurestoreconcileallparties。TheyorderedthatCaesarshouldbeworshippedasadivinity，andnothing，evenoftheslightestconsequence，shouldberevokedwhichhehadenactedduringhisgovernment。AtthesametimetheygaveBrutusandhisfollowersthecommandofprovinces，andotherconsiderableposts。Sothatallthepeoplenowthoughtthingswerewellsettled，andbroughttothehappiestadjustment。
ButwhenCaesar’swillwasopened，anditwasfoundthathehadleftaconsiderablelegacytoeachoneoftheRomancitizens，andwhenhisbodywasseencarriedthroughthemarket—placeallmangledwithwounds，themultitudecouldnolongercontainthemselveswithintheboundsoftranquillityandorder，butheapedtogetherapileofbenches，bars，andtables，whichtheyplacedthecorpseon，andsettingfiretoit，burntitonthem。Thentheytookbrandsfromthepileandransometofirethehousesoftheconspirators，othersupanddownthecity，tofindoutthemenandtearthemtopieces，butmet，however，withnoneofthem，theyhavingtakeneffectualcaretosecurethemselves。
OneCinna，afriendofCaesar’s，chancedthenightbeforetohaveanodddream。HefanciedthatCaesarinvitedhimtosupper，andthatuponhisrefusaltogowithhim，Caesartookhimbythehandandforcedhim，thoughhehungback。UponhearingthereportthatCaesar’sbodywasburninginthemarket—place，hegotupandwentthither，outofrespecttohismemory，thoughhisdreamgavehimsomeillapprehensions，andthoughhewassufferingfromafever。Oneofthecrowdwhosawhimthereaskedanotherwhothatwas，andhavinglearnedhisname，toldittohisneighbour。ItpresentlypassedforacertaintythathewasoneofCaesar’smurderers，as，indeed，therewasanotherCinna，aconspirator，andthey，takingthistobetheman，immediatelyseizedhimandtorehimlimbfromlimbuponthespot。
BrutusandCassius，frightenedatthis，withinafewdaysretiredoutofthecity。Whattheyafterwardsdidandsuffered，andhowtheydied，iswrittenintheLifeofBrutus。Caesardiedinhisfifty—sixthyear，nothavingsurvivedPompeyabovefouryears。Thatempireandpowerwhichhehadpursuedthroughthewholecourseofhislifewithsomuchhazard，hedidatlastwithmuchdifficultycompass，butreapednootherfruitsfromitthantheemptynameandinvidiousglory。Butthegreatgeniuswhichattendedhimthroughhislifetimeevenafterhisdeathremainedastheavengerofhismurder，pursuingthrougheveryseaandlandallthosewhowereconcernedinit，andsufferingnonetoescape，butreachingallwhoinanysortorkindwereeitheractuallyengagedinthefact，orbytheircounselsanywaypromotedit。
ThemostremarkableofmerehumancoincidenceswasthatwhichbefellCassius，who，whenhewasdefeatedatPhilippi，killedhimselfwiththesamedaggerwhichhehadmadeuseofagainstCaesar。Themostsignalpreternaturalappearanceswerethegreatcomet，whichshoneverybrightforsevennightsafterCaesar’sdeath，andthendisappeared，andthedimnessofthesun，whoseorbcontinuedpaleanddullforthewholeofthatyear，nevershowingitsordinaryradianceatitsrising，andgivingbutaweakandfeebleheat。Theairconsequentlywasdampandgrossforwantofstrongerraystoopenandrarefyit。Thefruits，forthatreason，neverproperlyripened，andbegantowitherandfalloffforwantofheatbeforetheywerefullyformed。Butaboveall，thephantomwhichappearedtoBrutusshowedthemurderwasnotpleasingtothegods。Thestoryofitisthis。
Brutus，beingtopasshisarmyfromAbydostothecontinentontheotherside，laidhimselfdownonenight，asheusedtodo，inhistent，andwasnotasleep，butthinkingofhisaffairs，andwhateventshemightexpect。Forheisrelatedtohavebeentheleastinclinedtosleepofallmenwhohavecommandedarmies，andtohavehadthegreatestnaturalcapacityforcontinuingawake，andemployinghimselfwithoutneedofrest。Hethoughtheheardanoiseatthedoorofhistent，andlookingthatway，bythelightofhislamp，whichwasalmostout，sawaterriblefigure，likethatofaman，butofunusualstatureandseverecountenance。Hewassomewhatfrightenedatfirst，butseeingitneitherdidnorspokeanythingtohim，onlystoodsilentlybyhisbedside，heaskedwhoitwas。Thespectreansweredhim，\"Thyevilgenius，Brutus，thoushaltseemeatPhilippi。\"Brutusansweredcourageously，\"Well，Ishallseeyou，\"
andimmediatelytheappearancevanished。Whenthetimewascome，hedrewuphisarmynearPhilippiagainstAntonyandCaesar，andinthefirstbattlewontheday，routedtheenemy，andplunderedCaesar’scamp。Thenightbeforethesecondbattle，thesamephantomappearedtohimagain，butspokenotaword。Hepresentlyunderstoodhisdestinywasathand，andexposedhimselftoallthedangerofthebattle。
Yethedidnotdieinthefight，butseeinghismendefeated，gotuptothetopofarock，andtherepresentinghisswordtohisnakedbreast，andassisted，astheysay，byafriend，whohelpedhimtogivethethrust，methisdeath。