[Sidenote:  His policy in releasing Domitius.]

The further he advanced, too, the more he found the people of the country through which he passed disposed to espouse his cause.  They were struck with his generosity in releasing Domitius.  It is true that it was a very sagacious policy that prompted him to release him.  But then it was generosity too.  In fact, there must be something of a generous spirit in the soul to enable a man even to see the policy of generous actions.

[Sidenote:  Letter of Caesar.]

Among the letters of Caesar that remain to the present day, there is one written about this time to one of his friends, in which he speaks of this subject.  “I am glad,” says he, “that you approve of my conduct at Corfinium.  I am satisfied that such a course is the best one for us to pursue, as by so doing we shall gain the good will of all parties, and thus secure a permanent victory.  Most conquerors have incurred the hatred of mankind by their cruelties, and have all, in consequence of the enmity they have thus awakened, been prevented from long enjoying their power.  Sylla was an exception; but his example of successful cruelty I have no disposition to imitate.  I will conquer after a new fashion, and fortify myself in the possession of the power I acquire by generosity and mercy.”

[Sidenote:  Ingratitude of Domitius.]

Domitius had the ingratitude, after this release, to take up arms again, and wage a new war against Caesar.  When Caesar heard of it, he said it was all right.  “I will act out the principles of my nature,” said he, “and he may act out his.”

[Sidenote:  Caesar’s generosity.]

Another instance of Caesar’s generosity occurred, which is even more remarkable than this.  It seems that among the officers of his army there were some whom he had appointed at the recommendation of Pompey, at the time when he and Pompey were friends.  These men would, of course, feel under obligations of gratitude to Pompey, as they owed their military rank to his friendly interposition in their behalf.  As soon as the war broke out, Caesar gave them all his free permission to go over to Pompey’s side, if they chose to do so.

[Sidenote:  Modern politicians.]

Caesar acted thus very liberally in all respects.  He surpassed Pompey very much in the spirit of generosity and mercy with which he entered upon the great contest before them.  Pompey ordered every citizen to join his standard, declaring that he should consider all neutrals as his enemies.  Caesar, on the other hand, gave free permission to every one to decline, if he chose, taking any part in the contest, saying that he should consider all who did not act against him as his friends.  In the political contests of our day, it is to be observed that the combatants are much more prone to imitate the bigotry of Pompey than the generosity of Caesar, condemning, as they often do, those who choose to stand aloof from electioneering struggles, more than they do their most determined opponents and enemies.