victory.  Pharna’ces attempting to take refuge in his capital, was slain by one of his own commanders—­a just punishment for his former parricide.  Caesar achieved this conquest with so much ease, that in writing to a friend at Rome, he expressed the rapidity of his victory in three words, “VENI, VIDI, VICI."[2] A man so accustomed to conquest might, perhaps, think a slight battle scarcely worth a long letter; though it is more probable that these memorable words were dictated rather by vanity than indifference.

Questions for Examination.

1.  What were the abilities and character of Caesar?

2.  Did he rest satisfied with his present successes?

3.  Whither did he steer his course?

4.  What occurred on his arrival?

5.  Was Caesar pleased with this spectacle?

6.  What was the conduct of the Egyptians towards Caesar?

7.  Did Caesar resent this conduct?

8.  Did he continue this appearance of confidence?

9.  Who were at this time the sovereigns of Egypt?

10.  What rendered Caesar’s interference necessary?

11.  Was this interference agreeable to the Egyptians?

12.  How did Caesar conduct himself on this occasion?

13.  Was the attack formidable?

14.  How did Caesar prevent the designs of the enemy?

15.  What was the conduct of Cleopatra?

16.  What attractions did she possess?

17.  What obstacles presented themselves, and how were they overcome?

18.  Was Caesar captivated by her charms?

19.  What measures did Arsinoe pursue?

20.  What attempts did the enemy make to annoy Caesar, and how were they frustrated?

21.  What unlucky accident occasioned the miscarriage of Caesar’s design?

22.  How did Caesar escape?

23.  What did the Alexandrians next attempt?

24.  Did Caesar comply with their wishes?

25.  How was Caesar delivered from this dangerous situation?

26.  What was the consequence of this victory?

27.  Did Caesar pursue his career of victory?

28.  What was the consequence of this boldness?

29.  What farther cause of offence had Pharnaces given?

30.  Did Pharnaces boldly oppose the invader?

31.  Did he succeed?

SECTION II.

  Oh, my friends,
  How is the toil of fate, the work of ages,
  The Roman empire fallen!  Oh, cursed ambition! 
  Fallen into Caesar’s hand:  our great forefathers
  Had left him nought to conquer but his country.—­Addison’s Cato.