in history, because it was fought by the Roman aristocracy in their
own persons in defence of their own supremacy. Senators and the sons
of Senators, the heirs of the names and fortunes of the ancient Roman
families, the leaders of society in Roman salons, and the chiefs of
the political party of the optimates (aristocracy) were here present
on the field. The other great actions were fought by the ignoble
multitude whose deaths were of less significance. The plains of
Pharsalia were watered by the precious blood of the elect of the
earth."

For several days the armies watched each other without decisive
action. One morning towards the end of May (August 9, old style)
Caesar noticed a movement in Pompey's lines that told him the expected
attack was coming.

The position of the Senatorial army was well taken. Its right wing
rested on the Enipeus, its left was spread out on the plain. Pompey
himself commanded the left with the two legions the Senate had taken
from Caesar. Outside him on the plain were his allies covered by the
cavalry. Opposite Pompey was Caesar, with the famous Tenth Legion. His
left and centre were led by his faithful Tribunes, Mark Antony and
Cassius Longínus.

At the given signal Caesar's front ranks advanced on a run, threw
their darts, drew their swords, and closed in. At once Pompey's
cavalry charged, outflanking the enemy's right wing, and driving back
the opposing cavalry, who were inferior in numbers. But as they
advanced flushed with victory, Caesar's fourth line, which he had held
in reserve, and which was made up of the flower of his legions,
appeared in their way. So fierce was their attack that the Pompeians