Julius Caesar and the foundation of the Roman imperial system . extinguishing the embers of rebellion. Thetwo generals, who might claim the credit of havingsaved Italy from anarchy and the Sullan governmentfrom disgrace, arrived at Rome with their veterans ;and the question on the lips of every citizen waswhether they would be content with that credit,and continue the obedient servants of the Senate,or seize the tempting prize of supreme militarydominion. ilt was an extremely critical moment. The des-tinies of Rome hung on the action and character ofthese two men, and Caesar must have been wel
Julius Caesar and the foundation of the Roman imperial system . extinguishing the embers of rebellion. Thetwo generals, who might claim the credit of havingsaved Italy from anarchy and the Sullan governmentfrom disgrace, arrived at Rome with their veterans ;and the question on the lips of every citizen waswhether they would be content with that credit,and continue the obedient servants of the Senate,or seize the tempting prize of supreme militarydominion. ilt was an extremely critical moment. The des-tinies of Rome hung on the action and character ofthese two men, and Caesar must have been that his own future was no less in their was but six years older than himself, and hadno ancestry, no accomplishments, no civic education,to secure him influence. But he had what was thenfar more important, the reputation of a tried gen-eral, and the support of a victorious army. Thoughhe had never yet filled even the lowest magisterialoffice, these would make him secure of absolutismif he chose to demand it, and if he could dispose of. BUST OF POMPEIUS. IN THE SPADA PALACE IN ROME. {^Bautneisters Denkindler des Klassisc/ten A/Ceriums.) 70 ] Under the Sullan Government, 49 Crassus, who was on bad terms with him. Crassushimself was older and more experienced ; his bound-less wealth gave him an immense secret influence,and he too had an army, which had borne the bruntof the struggle against the slaves. But he was neverat any moment of his life capable of being madeinto a hero. He was not a man to be trusted ; andto repose trust in some one was just what thewearied Roman world was beginning ardently to de-sire. If the two came into collision, and fought forthe possession of Rome, the best chance lay withPompeius, as the better soldier and the more hon-ourable man. He might be vain and inexperiencedin politics; but of all the men then living of assuredreputation and power, he was the only one whosecharacter was really respected, and whom all partiescould
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