CIVIL CHARACTER OF JULIUS C^SAIl. 485 



that had any power in the commonwealth, so firmly 

 to himself, with private benefits ; that he was fearless 

 of any combination or opposition against his designs, 

 till he had openly invaded the imperial power. 



Which thing, though he always bare in his mind; 

 and at the last acted it ; yet he did not lay down his 

 former person : but coloured things so, that what 

 with the reasonableness of his demands ; what with 

 his pretences of peace ; and what with the moderate 

 use of his successes, he turned all the envy of the 

 adverse party ; and seemed to take up arms upon 

 necessity for his own preservation and safety. But 

 the falseness of this pretence manifestly appeared ; 

 inasmuch as soon after having obtained the regal 

 power, all civil wars being appeased ; and all his 

 rivals and opposites, which might put him to any 

 fear, being removed out of the way by the stroke of 

 death ; notwithstanding he never thought of resign 

 ing the republic ; no, nor ever made any shew or 

 offer of resigning the same. Which shewed plainly, 

 that his ambition of being a king was settled in him, 

 and remained with him unto his last breath. For 

 he did not lay hold upon occasions, as they hap 

 pened, but moulded and formed the occasions, as 

 himself pleased. 



His chief abilities consisted in martial know 

 ledge ; in which he so excelled, that he could not 

 only lead an army, but mould an army to his own 

 liking. For he was not more skilful in managing 

 affairs, than in winning of hearts. Neither did he 

 affect this by any ordinary discipline, as by inuring 



