Whether, therefore, in respect to this story of the shepherd trumpeter, it was an incident that really and accidentally occurred, or whether Caesar planned and arranged it himself, with reference to its effect, or whether, which is, perhaps, after all, the most probable supposition, the tale was only an embellishment invented out of something or nothing by the story-tellers of those days, to give additional dramatic interest to the narrative of the crossing of the Rubicon, it must be left for each reader to decide.
[Sidenote: Caesar assembles his troops.] [Sidenote: His address to them.] As soon as the bridge was crossed, Caesar called an assembly of his troops, and, with signs of great excitement and agitation, made an address to them on the magnitude of the crisis through which they were passing.

He showed them how entirely he was in their power; he urged them, by the most eloquent appeals, to stand by him, faithful and true, promising them the most ample rewards when he should have attained the object at which he aimed.

The soldiers responded to this appeal with promises of the most unwavering fidelity.
[Sidenote: Surrender of various towns.] The first town on the Roman side of the Rubicon was Ariminum.

Caesar advanced to this town.

The authorities opened its gates to him--very willing, as it appeared, to receive him as their commander.