These men would, of course, feel under obligations of gratitude to Pompey, as they owed their military rank to his friendly interposition in their behalf.

As soon as the war broke out, Caesar gave them all his free permission to go over to Pompey's side, if they chose to do so.
[Sidenote: Modern politicians.] Caesar acted thus very liberally in all respects.

He surpassed Pompey very much in the spirit of generosity and mercy with which he entered upon the great contest before them.

Pompey ordered every citizen to join his standard, declaring that he should consider all neutrals as his enemies.

Caesar, on the other hand, gave free permission to every one to decline, if he chose, taking any part in the contest, saying that he should consider all who did not act against him as his friends.