21. How was Catiline employed in the mean time? 22. Had he a fair prospect of success? 23. Did he boldly face his opponents? 24. What followed? 25. Did the extinction of this conspiracy give peace to Rome? 26. Who were the contending parties, and what was the consequence of this dissension? 27. Who profited by these jealousies? 28. Who was Julius Caesar, and by what means did he acquire popularity? 29. What was his first step towards power? 30. To whom did he next apply? 31. What consequence resulted from his application? 32. What agreement was entered into by them, and what were they called? FOOTNOTES: [1] Ci'cero, the first of Roman orators, as Demos'thenes was of the Greek, was born at Arpin'um, a town of the Volsci, and studied under the most celebrated orators and philosophers of Greece. His style of eloquence was copious, highly ornamented, and addressed more to the passions than to the judgment of his hearers. He was consul at the time of Cat'iline's conspiracy; and, for his eminent services in detecting and frustrating it, was honoured with the title of Pater Patriae. [2] On his entrance, the senators near whom he attempted to seal himself, quitting their places, left him quite alone. [3] On his arrival, he assumed all the insignia of a supreme magistrate being preceded by lictors carrying the axes and fasces. [4] Cataline himself, finding his affairs desperate, threw himself into the midst of the enemy, and there found the death he sought. (Sallust.) * * * * * CHAPTER XX. SECTION I. FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE FIRST TRIUMVIRATE, TO THE DEATH OF POMPEY.--U.C. 694. How happy was I, in my lawful wars In Germany, in Gaul, and Brittany! When every night with pleasure I set down What the day ministered; then sleep came sweetly. _Beaumont and Fletcher_. 1. The first thing that Caesar did, upon forming the Trium'virate, was to avail himself of the interest of his confederates to obtain the consulship. 2. The senate had still some influence left; and though they were obliged to concur in choosing him, yet they gave him for a colleague one Bib'ulus, whom they supposed would be a check upon his power. 3. But the opposition was too strong for even superior abilities to resist; so that Bib'ulus, after a slight attempt in favour of the senate, remained inactive. 4. Caesar began his schemes for empire by ingratiating himself with the people; he procured a law for dividing certain lands in Campa'nia among such of the poor citizens as had at least three children. This proposal was just enough in itself, and it was criminal only from the views of the proposer.