486 CIVIL CHARACTER OF JULIUS CAESAR. 



them to fulfil all his commands ; or by striking a 

 shame into them to disobey, or by carrying a severe 

 hand over them : but by such a way as did wonder 

 fully stir up an alacrity and cheerfulness in them ; 

 and did in a sort assure him of the victory aforehand, 

 and which did oblige the soldier to him, more than 

 was fit for a free estate. Now whereas he was 

 versed in all kinds of martial knowledge, and joined 

 civil arts, with the arts of war ; nothing came so 

 suddenly, or so unlocked for upon him, for which 

 he had not a remedy at hand : and nothing was so 

 adverse, but that he could pick something for his turn 

 and benefit out of it. 



He stood sufficiently upon his state and great 

 ness. For in great battles he would sit at home in 

 the head-quarter, and manage all things by mes 

 sages, which wrought him a double benefit. First, 

 that it secured his person more, and exposed him 

 the less to danger. Secondly, that if at any time 

 his army was worsted, he could put new spirit into 

 them with his own presence, and the addition of 

 fresh forces, and turn the fortune of the day. In 

 the conducting of his wars, he would not only follow 

 former precedents, but he was able to devise and 

 pursue new stratagems, according as the accidents 

 and occasions required. 



He was constant, and singularly kind, and indul 

 gent in his friendships contracted. Notwithstand 

 ing, he made choice of such friends, as a man might 

 easily see, that he chose them rather to be instru 

 ments to his ends, than for any good-will towards 



