was due. In fact, according to some accounts, it was not Sylla, but the
creatures of Sylla (_adjutores_), who pursued Caesar. We know, at all
events, that Sylla formed a right estimate of Caesar's character, and that,
from the complexion of his conduct in this one instance, he drew his
famous prophecy of his future destiny; bidding his friends beware of that
slipshod boy, "for that in him lay couchant many a Marius." A grander
testimony to the awe which Caesar inspired, or from one who knew better the
qualities of that man by whom he measured him, cannot be imagined.

It is not our intention, or consistent with our plan, to pursue this great
man through the whole circumstances of his romantic career; though it is
certain that many parts of his life require investigation much keener than
has ever been applied to them, and that many might easily be placed in a
new light. Indeed, the whole of this most momentous section of ancient
history ought to be recomposed with the critical scepticism of a Niebuhr,
and the same comprehensive collation of authorities. In reality it is the
hinge upon which turned the future destiny of the whole earth, and having
therefore a common relation to all modern nations whatsoever, should
naturally have been cultivated with the zeal which belongs to a personal
concern. In general, the anecdotes which express most vividly the splendid
character of the first Caesar, are those which illustrate his defiance of
danger in extremity,--the prodigious energy and rapidity of his decisions
and motions in the field; the skill with which he penetrated the designs
of his enemies, and the exemplary speed with which he provided a remedy
for disasters; the extraordinary presence of mind which he showed in
turning adverse omens to his own advantage, as when, upon stumbling in
coming on shore, (which was esteemed a capital omen of evil,) he
transfigured as it were in one instant its whole meaning by exclaiming,
"Thus do I take possession of thee, oh Africa!" in that way giving to an
accident the semblance of a symbolic purpose; the grandeur of fortitude