24. Having thus provided for continuing the war, he departed from Rome, resolved to subdue Pompey's lieutenants, Afra'nius and Petrei'us, who had been long in Spain at the head of a veteran army, which had ever been victorious. 25. Caesar, however, who knew the abilities of its present commanders, jocosely said, as he was preparing to march, "I am going to fight an army without a general, and return to fight a general without an army." 26. The first conflict which he had with Afra'nius and Petrei'us was rather unfavourable. It was fought near the city of Ilerda,[8] and both sides claimed the honour of the victory. But, by various stratagems, he reduced them at last to such extremity of hunger and drought, that they were obliged to yield at discretion. 27. Clemency was his favourite virtue; he dismissed them all with the kindest professions, and then sent them home to Rome loaded with shame, and with obligations to publish his virtues, and confirm the affections of his adherents. 28. Thus, in the space of about forty days, he became master of Spain, and returned again victorious to Rome. The citizens on this occasion received him with fresh demonstrations of joy, and created him dictator and consul. But the first of these offices he laid down when he had held it eleven days. _Questions for Examination._ 1. How did Caesar conduct himself on the night previous to his intended journey to Italy? 2. Did he accomplish his journey in safety? 3. What rendered this little river of consequence? 4. Did Caesar pass it without hesitation? 5. How did he determine? 6. What effect was produced at Rome by this enterprise? 7. How was Pompey affected by it? 8. What taunting expressions were used on this occasion? 9. What was Pompey's conduct in reply? 10. How did he represent the state of affairs? 11. What was the consequence of this statement? 12. How was Caesar employed in the mean while? 13. What city first arrested his progress? 14. Did he succeed in his endeavour? 15. What attempt was made to incline Caesar to mercy? 16. What was Caesar's reply? 17. What was the consequence of this reply? 18. Did he dismiss the soldiers likewise? 19. Whither did Pompey retreat, and with what view? 20. Did he succeed in his aims? 21. What was the consequence of his retreat? 22. Did Caesar follow Pompey? 23. Was he opposed in his attempt? 24. What was his next enterprise? 25. What was Caesar's opinion of these commanders? 26. Were they easily conquered? 27. What use did he make of his victory? 28. What was the duration of this campaign, and what were its consequences? SECTION III. O war! what art thou? At once the proof and scourge of man's fall'n state! After the brightest conquest, what appears Of all thy glories? for the vanquish'd, chains! For the proud victors, what? Alas! to reign O'er desolated nations.--_H. More_.