so many legions." This interview took place at Formiæ. "We were much mistaken, March 25.when we supposed that Cæsar would be easy to deal with; I never saw any one less so. He would be discredited, he said, by my refusal, and the others would be more unwilling to speak if I did not come. I said their case was different. At length, 'Come,' says he, 'and speak for peace.' 'Am I to say what I please on the subject?' 'Do you suppose,' says he, 'that I claim to dictate what you shall say?' 'Then I shall move that the Senate disapproves of any expedition to Spain, or of any transport of troops to Greece; and I shall express many regrets about Pompey.' 'I should object,' says he, 'to a speech of that sort.' 'So I supposed, and that is my reason for not wishing to go to Rome; I must either utter, what I have told you, and much more about which I could not hold my tongue, if I were on the spot, or else I must stay away.' The end was that, to put a stop to the discussion, he begged me to think the matter over. This of course I could not refuse, and so we parted. I imagine that he is much displeased with me; but I am pleased with myself, a feeling that I have not had for this long time. . . . Now, if ever, I must call for your advice. This makes a fresh departure. I almost forgot to mention an ugly remark with which he clenched his argument—'that if he were not to have the benefit of my counsel he must follow the advice of those who would give it, and stick at nothing.'"[1]
Cicero's mind was now made up, and he only- ↑ Ad Att., ix., 18.
