23.
Caesar, however, perceiving his artifice, chose to remain in his province, convinced that while he headed an army devoted to him, he could give law as well as magistrates to the state.
24.

The senate, which was devoted to Pompey, because he had for some time attempted to defend them from the encroachments of the people, ordered home the two legions which were in Caesar's army belonging to Pompey, as it was pretended, to oppose the Parthians, but in reality to diminish Caesar's power.25.Caesar saw their motive: but as his plans were not yet ripe for execution, he sent them home in pursuance of the orders of the senate, having previously attached the officers to him by benefits, and the soldiers by bounties.26.The next step the senate took, was to recall Caesar from his government, as his time was very near expiring.

But Cu'rio, his friend in the senate, proposed that Caesar should not leave his army till Pompey had set him the example.27.This for a while perplexed Pompey; however, during the debate, one of the senate declaring that Caesar had passed the Alps, and was marching with his whole army directly towards Rome, the consul, immediately quitting the senate, went with his colleagues to a house where Pompey at that time resided.

He there presented him with a sword, commanding him to march against Caesar, and fight in defence of the commonwealth.28.Pompey declared he was ready to obey, but with an air of pretended moderation added, that it was only in case more gentle expedients could not be employed.29.Caesar, who was instructed in all that passed, though he was still in Gaul, was willing to give his aims all the appearance of justice.

He agreed to lay down his employment when Pompey should do the same.