Caesar and His Fortune (2)

Caesar carried on the war in Spain with much spirit, forcing the wild tribes to submit to the Roman eagles; and he led his troops as far as the Atlantic Ocean.

On his return to Rome he was elected to a high government official position. Then he took over the rule of Gaul -- the country which is now the home of the great French nation, with the Belgians as their neighbors; but at that time it was parted among three hundred different tribes. And beyond the sea in the north was the land so often clothed in fog and beaten by contrary winds -- the land of the British. In the plains and forests of this vast region the Romans -- hard as oak, proud as kings, bold as lions --met the tribes, and fought with them in many a dreadful struggle.

It is said that Caesar took eight hundred cities in Gaul, and engaged in various battles with three million men, a million of whom his armies killed, and another million of whom which were taken captive. Of course, we cannot be sure of the numbers, but the fact is clear that Caesar conquered.

The general was slender in body. His health was not robust; sometimes his head ached painfully, and a fit would seize him. Yet nothing stayed him from his purpose. He set his face like stone; and his men seemed to worship him, just as the French did with Napoleon long after he ruled.

For instance, in Britain the Romans met the natives in a muddy spot, and a band of Caesar's men found themselves entrapped among the British. One of the Romans took the lead, cut right and left among the inhabitants, beat them off, and rescued his comrades. Then he plunged into the stream that ran by, making his way through the mud of the swamp, and reach the place where the general was watching. However, he lost his shield, and, in deep distress, he fell at Caesar's feet, saying:

"General, I have lost my shield. I ask your pardon!" As if he had done something disgraceful!

In another instance of his men's sworn loyalty to their leader, one of Caesar's ships was captured off the coast of Africa, and all crew members were put to death except one, to whom quarter (or mercy) was shown. But he was too proud to accept even life from an enemy. As such, he exclaimed, "It is not the custom of Caesar's soldiers to take quarter, but to give it!" before he thrust a sword into his own breast.

Caesar was not merely a strict commander. He took comfort in the great loyalty of his men.

One day Caesar and some friends were on a journey. A storm burst forth, and, looking around for shelter, they spied a poor man's hut. To this they ran. There was only one room in the dwelling, and only space to take in one of the strangers. It is assumed that the owner of the hut was himself present.

One of Caesar's party, named Oppius, was taken ill. To Caesar, as the person of highest rank, the bed in the hut was given, for it was obvious that the travelers could not fare any further that night, as the storm howled. But Caesar yielded his place to the sick man, and he himself, with the rest of his companions, slept under a shed that stood outside the cottage. Thus did Caesar show his belief that it is the duty of the strong to help the weak.

When a battle was to be fought, Julius Caesar did not stand in an easy place while his soldiers bore the burden of war. In his campaign in Gaul, he was surprised by a sudden rush of nearby Swiss tribe. Very hastily the Roman army drew itself into close array, and faced the enemy. A page brought Caesar's horse, but he would not mount.

"Take it away, " he said to the attendant, "until the enemy retires, and until I need my horse for the pursuit."

So saying, the general charged on foot upon the natives; and his men, feeling that their leader was sharing the danger, felt confident in going into battle.