with Pompey on equal terms. This unlimited power of raising money was supplemented by an equally ide discretion in spending it. The decemvirs were empowered to buy lands and wplant colonies in whatever part of Italy they chose, or rather, says Cicero, to occupy the strategical points of the country with their garrisons, "keen partisans, eager for violence, ready for rebellion, who at a word from the decemvirs can be armed against the citizens and let loose for slaughter."[1]
Respecting the "Ten Kings," as Cicero calls them, who were to be set up by the law, two things were certain: first, that Rullus would, under the machinery proposed, practically have the nomination of them; and secondly, that Pompey was not to be one of them. While other existing magistrates were eligible, Pompey was excluded, almost by name, through a clause which required the personal appearance of each candidate in the Forum; "and can you doubt," says Cicero,[2] "that certain persons are seeking for domination and supremacy over the whole State, when you see that they keep out that man who, as they plainly perceive, will be the defender of your liberties?"
The bill as it stood was fairly open to Cicero's strictures. At the same time we need not suppose that its promoters were so foolish as to intend to bring about any immediate conflict with Pompey. If the bill had been carried, Cæsar would doubtless have persuaded his colleagues on the commission to
