He could not escape from the Egyptian galleys if they had received orders to intercept him, nor could he resist violence if violence were intended.

To do any thing like that would evince distrust, and to appear like putting himself upon his guard would be to take at once, himself, the position of an enemy, and invite and justify the hostility of the Egyptians in return.

As to flight, he could not hope to escape from the Egyptian galleys if they had received orders to prevent it; and, besides, if he were determined on attempting an escape, whither should he fly?
The world was against him.

His triumphant enemy was on his track in full pursuit, with all the vast powers and resources of the whole Roman empire at his command.

There remained for Pompey only the last forlorn hope of a refuge in Egypt, or else, as the sole alternative, a complete and unconditional submission to Caesar.