CHAPTER XX.
SECTION I.
FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE FIRST TRIUMVIRATE, TO THE DEATH OF POMPEY .-- U.C.

694.
How happy was I, in my lawful wars In Germany, in Gaul, and Brittany! When every night with pleasure I set down What the day ministered; then sleep came sweetly.
_Beaumont and Fletcher_.
1.

The first thing that Caesar did, upon forming the Trium'virate, was to avail himself of the interest of his confederates to obtain the consulship.2.The senate had still some influence left; and though they were obliged to concur in choosing him, yet they gave him for a colleague one Bib'ulus, whom they supposed would be a check upon his power.3.But the opposition was too strong for even superior abilities to resist; so that Bib'ulus, after a slight attempt in favour of the senate, remained inactive.4.Caesar began his schemes for empire by ingratiating himself with the people; he procured a law for dividing certain lands in Campa'nia among such of the poor citizens as had at least three children.

This proposal was just enough in itself, and it was criminal only from the views of the proposer.
5.

Having thus strengthened himself at home, he deliberated with his confederates about sharing the foreign provinces of the empire.6.