got ready, and causing an assault to be made, proceeded with such vigour that, notwithstanding the height of the walls, the town was taken in a few hours. 24.  Caesar left it to be plundered, and, without delaying his march, went forward to Metrop’olis, another town of the same province, which yielded at his approach.  By this means he soon became possessed of all Thes’saly, except Laris’sa, which was garrisoned by Scip’io, with his legion who commanded for Pompey. 25.  During this interval, Pompey’s officers continually soliciting their commander to come to a battle, he, at length, resolved to renounce his own judgment in compliance with those about him, and gave up all schemes of prudence for those dictated by avarice and passion. 26.  Advancing, therefore, into Thes’saly, within a few days after the taking of Gom’phi, he drew down upon the plains of Pharsa’lia, where he was joined by Scip’io, his lieutenant, and the troops under his command.  There, waiting the coming of Caesar, he resolved to engage, and, by a single battle, decide the fate of kingdoms.

Questions for Examination.

1.  How was Pompey engaged at this time?

2.  What advantages did he possess?

3.  What farther contributed to give him hopes of success?

4.  Was Caesar discouraged by these formidable preparations?

5.  Was he resolutely bent on hostilities?

6.  What was Pompey’s first measure?

7.  Where did the armies first come in sight of each other?

8.  Was an immediate engagement the consequence?

9.  Was this junction soon effected?

10.  What was the consequence?

11.  What was Pompey’s next measure?

12.  Did he remain long in this place?

13.  What means did Caesar adopt to distress the enemy?

14.  What did he promise himself from the adoption of this plan?

15.  How were both armies employed?

16.  What was the conduct of Caesar on this occasion?

17.  How did Pompey frustrate his designs?

18.  Was he successful in his attempts?

19.  What was Caesar’s resolution on this occasion?

20.  By what means did he effect this?

21.  Did Pompey make the most of his victory?

22.  Whither did Caesar betake himself, and what was the consequence of his defeat?

23.  Did he quietly submit to this insult?

24.  What revenge did he take?

25.  How did Pompey act on this occasion?

26.  Where was this great contest about to be decided?

SECTION IV.

  Each had proposed an empire to be won;
  Had each once known a Pompey for his son,
  Had Caesar’s soul informed each private breast. 
  A fiercer fury could not be expressed.—­Lucan.

1.  Caesar had employed all his art for some time in sounding the inclinations of his men; and finding his army once more resolute and vigorous, he advanced towards the plains of Pharsa’lia, where Pompey was encamped.