long besought him to grant was now before them.  “What advantages,” said he, “could you wish, that you are not now possessed of.  Your numbers, your vigour, a late victory, all assure us of a speedy and an easy conquest of those harassed and broken troops, composed of men worn out with age, and impressed with the terrors of a recent defeat; but there is still a stronger bulwark for our protection than the superiority of our strength; and that is, the justice of our cause.  You are engaged in the defence of liberty and of your country; you are supported by its laws, and followed by its magistrates; the world are spectators of your conduct, and wish you success:  on the contrary, he whom you oppose is a robber, an oppressor of his country, already nearly sunk with the consciousness of his crimes, as well as the ill success of his arms.  Show then, on this occasion, all that ardour and detestation of tyranny which should animate Romans, and do justice to mankind.”

14.  Caesar, on his part, went among his men with that steady serenity for which he was so much admired in the midst of danger.  He insisted on nothing so strongly, as his frequent and unsuccessful endeavours for peace.  He spoke with terror of the blood he was about to shed, and pleaded the necessity that urged him to it.  He deplored the many brave men that were to fall on both sides, and the wounds of his country, whoever might be victorious. 15.  His soldiers answered only with looks of ardour and impatience.  He gave the signal to begin.  The word on Pompey’s side was, “Her’cules the Invincible:”  that on Caesar’s, “Ve’nus the Victorious.” 16.  There was no more space between both armies than to give room for the charge:  Pompey therefore ordered his men to receive the first shock without moving from their places, expecting the enemy’s ranks to be put into disorder.  Caesar’s soldiers were now rushing on with their usual impetuosity, when, perceiving the enemy motionless, they all stopt short, as if by general consent, and halted in the midst of their career. 17.  A terrible pause ensued, in which both armies continued to gaze upon each other with mutual terror and dreadful serenity.  At length, Caesar’s men having taken breath, ran furiously upon the enemy, first discharging their javelins, and then drawing their swords.  The same method was observed by Pompey’s troops, who as firmly sustained the attack.  His cavalry also were ordered to charge at the very onset, which, with the multitude of archers and slingers, soon obliged Caesar’s men to give ground. 18.  Caesar instantly ordered the six cohorts, that were placed as a reinforcement, to advance, and to strike at the enemy’s faces. 19.  This had its desired effect:  Pompey’s cavalry, that were just before sure of the victory, received an immediate check.  The unusual method of fighting pursued by the cohorts, their aiming entirely at the visages of the assailants, and the horrible disfiguring wounds they made, all contributed to intimidate