Julius Caesar and the foundation of the Roman imperial system . wasterrible, for the soldiers had the bit between theirteeth, and slaughtered even those who surrendered,under Caesars very eyes. They were taking theirrevenge for the restraint that had been so longplaced on them, a restraint which had probably beenone cause of their recent mutiny. | Caesars humanityhad tried their patience too hard, and he now hadto learn that there was a limit to his power overthem. From this time to the end of his life theremust have been vexation in his heart; disappoint-ment, like that of Cromwell, because h
Julius Caesar and the foundation of the Roman imperial system . wasterrible, for the soldiers had the bit between theirteeth, and slaughtered even those who surrendered,under Caesars very eyes. They were taking theirrevenge for the restraint that had been so longplaced on them, a restraint which had probably beenone cause of their recent mutiny. | Caesars humanityhad tried their patience too hard, and he now hadto learn that there was a limit to his power overthem. From this time to the end of his life theremust have been vexation in his heart; disappoint-ment, like that of Cromwell, because he could notinspire others with his own ideal of just conduct;misgiving, perhaps, as well, because the greater histriumphs the more isolated he became. / Still more painful was the last and best rememberedevent of this grievous war. Cato had been for yearsthe most determined enemy of Caesar and all his * The author of the De Bello Afr., (ch. 83) on the other hand,describes Caesar as yielding to the men, giving the signal * Goodluck,and galloping to the DEFENCES OF A CAMP. a. VALLUM PED XIL b, LORICULA. C. FOSSA DUPLEX. d. TURRES. e. PONTES. f. PORTA. 45 ] Ccesar s Last Wars. 321 works, perhaps from personal reasons as well aspolitical; yet in that age he was like Caesar alone inthis, that he had clear political convictions, and actedon them not only with consistency, but with justiceand humanity. He was the only republican leader,we are told, who did not disgrace the cause in Africaby wanton cruelty. When the fugitives arrived atUtica from Thapsus in wild panic, he tried to staytheir cruelty to the citizens, but in vain; and then,seeing that no resistance could be organized, hemade arrangements for the embarkation of all whowere ready to go, and, disdaining to, fly himself,committed suicide. The story is familiar from Plu-tarchs narrative, and need not be told here, nor needwe comment on the character of a man who hadlittle real influence on affairs, no gifts as a le
Size: 1643px × 1521px
Photo credit: © The Reading Room / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bo, bookcentury1800, booksubjectcaesarjulius, booksubjectgenerals
