immediately quitting the senate, went with his colleagues to a house where Pompey at that time resided.  He there presented him with a sword, commanding him to march against Caesar, and fight in defence of the commonwealth. 28.  Pompey declared he was ready to obey, but with an air of pretended moderation added, that it was only in case more gentle expedients could not be employed. 29.  Caesar, who was instructed in all that passed, though he was still in Gaul, was willing to give his aims all the appearance of justice.  He agreed to lay down his employment when Pompey should do the same.  But the senate rejected his propositions, blindly confident of their power, and relying on the assurances of Pompey.  Caesar, still unwilling to come to an open rupture with the state, at last was content to ask the government of Illyr’ia, with two legions; but this also was refused him. 30.  Finding all attempts at an accommodation fruitless, and conscious, if not of the goodness of his cause, at least of the goodness of his troops, he began to draw them down towards the confines of Italy; and passing the Alps with his third legion, stopped at Raven’na, whence he once more wrote to the consuls, declaring that he was ready to resign all command in case Pompey would do so. 31.  On the other hand, the senate decreed, that Caesar should lay down his government, and disband his forces within a limited time; and, if he refused obedience, that he should be declared an enemy to the commonwealth.

Questions for Examination.

1.  What was Caesar’s first act after the Triumvirate had been formed?

2.  Whom did the senate appoint as Caesar’s colleague, and why?

3.  Had Bibulus any controul over Caesar?

4.  How did Caesar commence his schemes?

5.  How did he farther promote his views?

6.  How were the provinces allotted?

7, 8.  Was Caesar’s a desirable allotment?

9.  Who were the first that submitted to Caesar’s arms?

10.  Who were the next?

11.  Who made the most formidable resistance?

12.  What other nations were subdued by Caesar?

13.  Did these conquests content him?

14.  What opposition did he experience on the British coast?

15.  What followed this defeat?

16.  In what way were Caesar’s views promoted?

17.  Did not Pompey suspect his intentions?

18.  When undeceived, what measures did he pursue?

19.  What contributed to widen the breach?

20.  How did Caesar ascertain the disposition of Pompey towards him?

21.  Did Pompey take an active part?

22.  What was Pompey’s view in this?

23.  Did Caesar fall into the snare?

24.  Which side did the senate favour?

25.  Did Caesar give up the legions?

26.  What was the next step they took?

27.  What was the consequence of this proposal?