24. Caesar, by this last blow, subdued all his avowed enemies; and the rest of his life was employed for the advantage of the state. He adorned the city with magnificent buildings; he rebuilt Carthage and Corinth, sending colonies to both cities: he undertook to level several mountains in Italy, to drain the Pontine marshes near Rome; and he designed to cut through the Isthmus of Peloponne'sus. 25. Thus, with a mind that could never remain inactive, he pondered mighty projects and schemes, beyond the limits of the longest life; but the greatest of all was his intended expedition against the Parthians, by which he designed to revenge the death of Crassus, who having penetrated too far into their country, was overthrown, taken prisoner, and put to a cruel death, by having molten gold poured down his throat, as a punishment for his former avarice. From Parthia, Caesar intended to pass through Hyrca'nia, and enter Scyth'ia, along the banks of the Caspian sea; then to open a way through the immeasurable forests of Germany into Gaul, and so to return to Rome. These were the aims of ambition; but the jealousy of a few individuals put an end to them all. _Questions for Examination._ 1. What was Caesar's next step? 2. What honours were awarded him in his absence? 3. What was the conduct of his deputy? 4. How did he put an end to these disturbances? 5. What was his next enterprise? 6. What was the success of the campaign? 7. How was Cato situated? 8. What measure had he pursued? 9. When all hope had forsaken him, what was his conduct? 10. Was no effort made to change his resolution, and what followed? 11. Was the wound mortal? 12. What happened after the death of Cato? 13. Describe the triumph. 14. Was not Caesar extremely liberal? 15. What returns were made for this extraordinary liberality? 16. Was he deserving of these honours? 17. Was he destined to pass the rest of his life in tranquillity? 18. Describe the opening of the campaign? 19. Were the sons of Pompey successful in their attempts? 20. What were the dispositions of the two armies? 21. What memorable expression did the danger of the conflict draw from Caesar? 22. What was the consequence of this exclamation? 23. What was the result of the battle? 24. In what manner did Caesar employ himself at this time? 25. What were his most important resolutions? SECTION III. O mighty Caesar! dost thou lie so low? Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils, Shrunk to this little measure?--_Shakspeare._