discussion, resulting in a decree that Caesar should resign his
command. The Tribunes opposed; but, being threatened by the Consuls,
they were compelled to leave the city, and went directly to Ravenna.

When the action of the Senate was reported to Caesar, he called
together his soldiers, and addressed them thus: "For nine years I and
my army have served our country loyally and with some degree of
success. We have driven the Germans across the Rhine; we have made
Gaul a province; and the Senate, for answer, has broken the
constitution in setting aside the Tribunes who spoke in my defence. It
has voted the state in danger, and has called Italy to arms, when no
single act of mine can justify it in this course." The soldiers became
enthusiastic, and were eager to follow their leader without pay.
Contributions were offered him by both men and officers. LABIENUS, his
trusted lieutenant, alone proved false. He stole away, and joined
Pompey. Caesar then sent for two legions from across the Alps. With
these legions he crossed the RUBICON into Italy, and marched to
Ariminum.

Meanwhile the report of his movements reached Rome. The aristocracy
had imagined that his courage would fail him, or that his army would
desert. Thoroughly frightened, Consuls, Praetors, Senators,-leaving
wives, children, and property to their fate,-fled from the city to
seek safety with Pompey in Capua. They did not stop even to take the
money from the treasury, but left it locked.

Caesar paused at Ariminum, and sent envoys to the Senate, stating that
he was still desirous of peace. If Pompey would depart to his province
in Spain, he would himself disband his own troops. He was even willing
to have a personal interview with Pompey. This message was received by