mmander-in-chief, according to law, and the precedence of his consular
dignity. But on his refusing the command, and wholly declining to take
part in their plans for continuing the war, he was in the greatest
danger of being killed, young Pompey and his friends calling him
traitor, and drawing their swords upon him; only that Cato interposed,
and with difficulty rescued and brought him out of the camp.

Afterwards, arriving at Brundusium, he tarried there some time in
expectation of Caesar, who was delayed by his affairs in Asia and Egypt.
And when it was told him that he had arrived at Tarentum, and was coming
thence by land to Brundusium, he hastened towards him, not altogether
without hope, and yet in some fear of making experiment of the temper of
an enemy and conqueror in the presence of many witnesses. But there was
no necessity for him either to speak or do anything unworthy of himself;
for Caesar, as soon as he saw him coming a good way before the rest of
the company, went forward to meet him, saluted him, and, leading the
way, conversed with him alone for some furlongs. And from that time on
he continued to treat him with honor and respect, so that, when Cicero
wrote an oration in praise of Cato, Caesar, in writing an answer to it,
took occasion to commend Cicero's own life and eloquence, comparing him
to Pericles and Teramenes. Cicero's oration was called "Cato"; Caesar's,
"Anti-Cato."

So also, it is related that when Quintus Ligarius was prosecuted for
having been in arms against Caesar, and Cicero had undertaken his
defence, Caesar said to his friends, "Ligarius, without question, is a
wicked man and an enemy. But why might we not as well once more hear
a speech from Cicero?" yet when Cicero began to speak, he wonderfully
moved him, and proceeded in his speech with such varied pathos, and
such a charm of language, that the color of Caesar's countenance often
changed, and it was evident that all the passions of his soul were in
commotion. And when at length, the orator touched upon the Pharsalian
battle, he was so affected that his whole frame trembled and some of the
papers he held dropped out of his hands. And thus he was overpowered,
and acquitted Ligarius.

Henceforth, the commonwealth being changed into a monarchy, Cicero
withdrew himself from public affairs, and employed his leisure in
instructing those young men that wished, in philosophy; and by the near
intercourse he thus had with some of the nob