It was shown abundantly, on many occasions in the course of Caesar’s life, that he had no faith in omens.  There are equally numerous instances to show that he was always ready to avail himself of the popular belief in them; to awaken his soldiers’ ardor or to allay their fears.  Whether, therefore, in respect to this story of the shepherd trumpeter, it was an incident that really and accidentally occurred, or whether Caesar planned and arranged it himself, with reference to its effect, or whether, which is, perhaps, after all, the most probable supposition, the tale was only an embellishment invented out of something or nothing by the story-tellers of those days, to give additional dramatic interest to the narrative of the crossing of the Rubicon, it must be left for each reader to decide.

[Sidenote:  Caesar assembles his troops.] [Sidenote:  His address to them.]

As soon as the bridge was crossed, Caesar called an assembly of his troops, and, with signs of great excitement and agitation, made an address to them on the magnitude of the crisis through which they were passing.  He showed them how entirely he was in their power; he urged them, by the most eloquent appeals, to stand by him, faithful and true, promising them the most ample rewards when he should have attained the object at which he aimed.  The soldiers responded to this appeal with promises of the most unwavering fidelity.

[Sidenote:  Surrender of various towns.]

The first town on the Roman side of the Rubicon was Ariminum.  Caesar advanced to this town.  The authorities opened its gates to him—­very willing, as it appeared, to receive him as their commander.  Caesar’s force was yet quite small, as he had been accompanied by only a single legion in crossing the river.  He had, however, sent orders for the other legions, which had been left in Gaul, to join him without any delay, though any re-enforcement of his troops seemed hardly necessary, as he found no indications of opposition to his progress.  He gave his soldiers the strictest injunctions to do no injury to any property, public or private, as they advanced, and not to assume, in any respect, a hostile attitude toward the people of the country.  The inhabitants, therefore, welcomed him wherever he came, and all the cities and towns followed the example of Ariminum, surrendering, in fact, faster than he could take possession of them.

[Sidenote:  Domitius appointed to supersede Caesar.]

In the confusion of the debates and votes in the Senate at Rome before Caesar crossed the Rubicon, one decree had been passed deposing him from his command of the army, and appointing a successor.  The name of the general thus appointed was Domitius.  The only real opposition which Caesar encountered in his progress toward Rome was from him.  Domitius had crossed the Apennines at the head of an army on his way northward to supersede Caesar in his command, and had reached the town of Corfinium, which was perhaps one third of the way between Rome and the Rubicon.  Caesar advanced upon him here and shut him in.