Rome had been the prey of many conspiracies.

The dominion of Marius and the dominion of Sulla had been effected by conspiracies.

No doubt the opinion was strong with many that both Caesar and Crassus, the rich man, were concerned with Catiline.

But Caesar was very far-seeing, and, if such connection existed, knew how to withdraw from it when the time was not found to be opportune.

But from first to last he always was opposed to the oligarchy.