Whenever a consul appeared in public, he was preceded by two officers called _lictors_, each of whom carried the fasces as a symbol of the power which was vested in the distinguished personage who followed them.
The Egyptian officers and the people of the city quarreled with Caesar on account of his moving about among them in his imperial state, accompanied by a life guard, and preceded by the lictors.

Contests occurred between his troops and those of the garrison, and many disturbances were created in the streets of the city.

Although no serious collision took place, Caesar thought it prudent to strengthen his force, and he sent back to Europe for additional legions to come to Egypt and join him.
[Sidenote: Pompey's head sent to Caesar.] [Sidenote: Caesar mourns Pompey.] The tidings of Pompey's death came to Caesar at Alexandria, and with them the head of the murdered man, which was sent by the government of Ptolemy, they supposing that it would be an acceptable gift to Caesar.
Instead of being pleased with it, Caesar turned from the shocking spectacle in horror.

Pompey had been, for many years now gone by, Caesar's colleague and friend.

He had been his son-in-law, and thus had sustained to him a very near and endearing relation.