Pompey, in his flight from Pharsalia, hastened by the shortest way to
the sea, and, seeing a vessel weighing anchor, embarked with a few
companions who had accompanied him in his flight. He went to Mityléne,
and from there to Egypt, hoping to obtain an asylum with the young
PTOLEMY; but he was seized upon his arrival, and beheaded, 28
September, 48.

Just before his death Pompey had completed his fifty-eighth year.
"Though he had some great and good qualities, he hardly deserved the
surname of GREAT. He was certainly a good soldier, and is said to have
excelled in all athletic sports, but he fell short of being a first-
class general. He won great successes in Spain, and more especially in
the East; but for these he was, no doubt, partly indebted to what
others had already done. Of the gifts which make a good statesman, he
had really none. He was too weak and irresolute to choose a side and
stand by it. Pitted against such a man as Caesar, he could not but
fail. But to his credit be it said, that in a corrupt time he never
used his opportunities for plunder and extortion."

Meanwhile Caesar, pursuing his victory with indefatigable activity,
set sail for Egypt. Upon his arrival the head of his enemy was brought
to him. He turned from the sight with tears in his eyes. The murderers
now saw what would be their fate. Ptolemy was at variance with his
sister, the famous CLEOPÁTRA, Caesar sided with her. The inhabitants
of Alexandría revolted, and besieged Caesar in the palace; but with a
handful of soldiers he bravely baffled their attacks. Setting fire to
the neighboring buildings, he escaped to his ships. Afterwards he
returned and wreaked vengeance upon the Alexandrians, establishing
CLEOPÁTRA upon the throne (47).