Of personal popularity up to this time I doubt whether Caesar had achieved much.

Yet we learn that, when Bibulus with Cato and Lucullus endeavored to carry out their constitutional threats, they were dragged and knocked about, and one of them nearly killed.

Of the illegality of Caesar's proceedings there can be no doubt.

"The tribunitian veto was interposed; Caesar contented himself with disregarding it."[248] This is quoted from the German historian, who intends to leave an impression that Caesar was great and wise in all that he did; and who tells us also of the "obstinate, weak creature Bibulus," and of "the dogmatical fool Cato." I doubt whether there was anything of true popular ferment, or that there was any commotion except that which was made by the "roughs" who had attached themselves for pay to Caesar or to Pompey, or to Crassus, or, as it might be, to Bibulus and the other leaders.

The violence did not amount to more than "nearly" killing this man or the other.