that Caesar ought to become a private person and lay down his arms, and then get any favour that he could from the citizens; and when Pompeius did not prosecute the debate, but submitted as if he were worsted, his real opinions about Caesar became more suspected.  He also sent to Caesar and demanded back the troops[336] which he had lent him, pretending that he wanted them for the Parthian war.  But Caesar, though he knew why he was required to give up the troops, sent them back after handsomely rewarding them.

LVII.  After this Pompeius had a dangerous illness at Neapolis, from which he recovered.  Upon the suggestion of Praxagoras, the people of Neapolis offered sacrifices for his restoration to health.  The neighbouring people followed their example, and the thing thus going the round of Italy, every city, small and great, celebrated a festival for several days.  No place was large enough to contain the people, who flocked together from all parts, but the roads were filled and the villages and ports with the people rejoicing and sacrificing.  Many persons also with chaplets on their heads and lighted torches received Pompeius, and accompanied him throwing flowers over him, so that his journey and progress was a most beautiful sight and very splendid.  However, it is said that this circumstance contributed to bring about the war as much as anything else.  For an arrogant feeling entered the mind of Pompeius, and, with the greatness of the rejoicing, carried off all reflection on the present state of affairs; and throwing away the caution which had always secured his good fortune and his measures, he fell into a state of such unmingled confidence and contempt of Caesar’s power, as to suppose that he would require neither arms to oppose him nor any troublesome preparation, but that he could put him down much easier than he had raised him.  Besides this, Appius came from Gaul with the troops which Pompeius had lent to Caesar; and he greatly disparaged Caesar’s exploits there, and uttered much abuse against Caesar; and he said that Pompeius did not know his own power and reputation, if he intended to strengthen himself against Caesar by other troops, for that he could put down Caesar with Caesar’s own troops, as soon as he made his appearance; so great, as he said, was their hatred of Caesar and their affection towards Pompeius.  Accordingly Pompeius was so much elated, and through his confidence filled with such contempt, that he even ridiculed those who were afraid of the war; and to those who said that, if Caesar advanced against the city, they saw no troops sufficient to repulse him, with smiling countenance and tranquil mien he bade them give themselves no trouble about that, “for in whatever part of Italy,” he said, “I stamp the earth with my foot, there will spring up forces both men and horse.”