It is supposed that he alluded here to Caesar; but, if so, he probably misunderstood the alliance which was already being formed between Caesar and Pompey.

After that comes the real object of the epistle.

He had received letters from Pompey congratulating him in very cold language as to the glories of his Consulship.

He had expected much more than that from the friend for whom he had done so much.

Still, he thanks his friend, explaining that the satisfaction really necessary to him was the feeling that he had behaved well to his friend.