Book Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1814 edition. Excerpt: ... was one of the council who were summoned on the occasion of his taking that decisive and desperate measure. Both Plutarch and Appion notice his holding a separate command, during which he conveyed to Messana in Sicily some troops, of which when Cato was informed, he instantly dispatched to him a messenger, "to enquire by whose authority, whether of the senate or people, he had landed in his province." To which Pollio returned this answer, "that what he had done, was by the authority of him who was master in Sicily." Whilst Cassar lived, he continued firmly attached to his interests, and in his African war, we learn from Plutarch, that he was most essentially served by Pollio, in suspending the flight of his men when surprised by Scipio4. On many trying among whom was the famous A. Pollio, said to them, "We may yet go back, but if we pass over this little bridge, we commit every thing to the decision of arms."-- Rollin, Horn. Hist. Plutarch has given us a very natural description of his feelings on the occasion.--Life of Jul. Ctesar. 4 This was Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio: he had a command under Pompey at the battle ofPharsalia, and after Pompey' death renewed the war in Africa. On being defeated by Caesar near Thapsus, he attempted to occasions he displayed such a degree of gallantry, as acquired and secured to him the dictator's favour. Of his services and attachment i Caesar was so sensible, that a short time previous to his death, he made him governour of the farther Spain5, from which he wrote three epistles to Cicero, which fortunately still are extant, and serve to throw a light on the early part of his character. These letters were written from Corduba in Spain, about the months of April, May, and June, all within...