"And," continued Pompeius, "I shall not forget to applaud the energetic counsels of Domitius and Lentulus Crus. Let those who wish to preserve life and property," he added, with a menacing significance, "see to it that they do as these gentlemen advise."
And thereupon there was a great shout of applause from all the more rabid senators, in which the rest thought it safer to join, with simulated heartiness. But Pompeius did not stop here. He brought before the senators tribunes from the two legions taken from Cæsar, and these tribunes loudly declaimed—having learned their lesson well—that their troops were ill-affected toward their former commander, and would follow Pompeius to the last. And the Magnus produced veteran officers of his old campaigns, whom hope of reward and promotion had induced to come and declare for their former commander. Late, very late, the informal session of the Senate broke up. The "Fathers of the Republic" went each man to his own dwelling; but there was no longer any doubt as to what was to come of the doings of the day.
Flaccus, the banker, had of course no access to the conference; but he had waited outside the gate of the palace, to learn the issue from an acquaintance in the Senate. His patience was at last rewarded.
"Tell me, friend," was his question, "what will be the outcome of this; shall I risk any loans to-morrow?"
The friendly senator seemed doubtful.
"Cæsar is a ruined man. Who imagines his legions will fight? We know Labienus is with Pompeius."
"You are wrong," said Flaccus.
"Wrong? I?" replied the senator. "I know whereof I speak."
"Phy!" cried the banker, "not Cæsar, but you are ruined. The legions will fight."
"Don't prophesy," sneered the acquaintance, "seeing that you brokers always keep out of politics."