In Pompey's tent a magnificent entertainment was preparing.

The tables were spread with every luxury, the sideboards were loaded with plate, and the whole scene was resplendent with utensils and decorations of silver and gold.
[Sidenote: His confidence of victory.] Pompey and all his generals were perfectly certain of victory.

In fact, the peace and harmony of their councils in camp had been destroyed for many days by their contentions and disputes about the disposal of the high offices, and the places of profit and power at Rome, which were to come into their hands when Caesar should have been subdued.

The subduing of Caesar they considered only a question of time; and, as a question of time, it was now reduced to very narrow limits.

A few days more, and they were to be masters of the whole Roman empire, and, impatient and greedy, they disputed in anticipation about the division of the spoils.
To make assurance doubly sure, Pompey gave orders that his troops should not advance to meet the onset of Caesar's troops on the middle ground between the two armies, but that they should wait calmly for the attack, and receive the enemy at the posts where they had themselves been arrayed.
[Sidenote: The battle of Pharsalia.] [Sidenote: Defeat of Pompey.] [Sidenote: Scene of horror.] The hour at length arrived, the charge was sounded by the trumpets, and Caesar's troops began to advance with loud shouts and great impetuosity toward Pompey's lines.