New-York tribune., 1879-05-30
NEW PUBLICATIONS.
FROUDE'S CESAR.

Mommsen's History of Rome" is supplemented
in a popular form by the present work OF the
most lively historical writer of the day. MI.
Froudo makes no pretenslons to fresh discoveries OF
ORIGINAL conceptions of character in the composition
of this volume. Its peculiar merit consists IN tne
viyacitv and force with which the author mas de-
pcted the scenes of pregnant period OF Roman MS
tory and presented its chief actors almost Ill the
natural and living colors of personal experience.
HIS style resembles narrative OF recent
evonts rather than q chronicle of tho faded
incidents Of the past. He scarcely claims the posi-
tion of an impartial historian, and his brilliant
eulogium Of Cesar often seems like the argument
of a special pleader He insists on the moro favora-
HE noints of his character with an ingenious sub
tlety that throws a shadow, if it does not cast a
doubt on the transparent fairness OF his amrlna-
tons Mr.. Froude's admiration of julius Caesar Is
fully equalled by his aversion 1t might almost DC
said his antpathy TO Cicero. The weaknesses OF the
illnstrous Roman orator are always placed III
strong contrast with the athletic virtues of the
great Roman general. The one affords an example
of feebeneSs of purpose and dupcity of principle /;
the other presents model of masculine vlgor oil
mind and lofty and noble aims.
The condition Of the Roman Republic at the time
of its conversion into military empire is set torth
Inv Mr.. Froude with his characteristic power of ex-
old civilization had attained its most luxuriant
bloom The intellect had been trained to the high
est point on the great subjects of human interest,
Oh morals and politics, on poetry and art and even
ON religion and the speculative problems of life. In
many respects the age was the counterpart of our
own. at was an ace of material progress and ma
teria civilization; an age of civil liberty and intel
ectual culture; an age of pamphlets and epigrams,
of salons aud of dinner parties. of senatorial ma
jorities and electoral corruption" The highest
Offices Of State were virtually confined to those who
had the longest purses, or the loudest tongue
on popular platforms. The distinctions of wealth
had taken the place of the distinctions of birth.
The soil was held by few favored families,
and cultivated by slaves. The old agricultural
population was driven off the land and crowded into
towns The occupation of the higher classes was 10
obtain money without labor, and spend it in idle
enjoyment. Patriotism had become a name. Re-
Igon had ceased to be the law of conduct, and had
subsidized into matter of speculative opinion. Tenn
ples were still built with increasing splendor; the
established forms were scrupulously observed but
of genuine belief that life had any serious meaning
there was little left. The whole spiritual atmos-
phere was saturated with cant. The truest think
ers like Lucretius, who frankly spoke out their real
convictions, declared that Providence was dream,
and man and the world the product of natural forces
and of cosInc atoms. Rome had grown ripe for
Judgment The foundation of popular government
the supremacy of duty over pleasure and OF justice
over expedlency-had passed away.
One of the most satisfactory portions of the
volume is the account of the battle of Pharsalia,
and the political consequences which ensued from
the occurrence of that event. This battle Mr.
Froude remarks, has acquired a special place IN
history. because it was fought by the Roman aris-
tocracy in their own persons in defence OF their
own supremacy. Senators and the sons of sena-
TORS: the heirs of the names and fortunes of the
ancient Roman families; the leaders of society in
Roman saloons and the chiefs of the political party
of the Optimates IN the Cura and Forum, were here
present on the field; representatives III person and
in principle Of the traditions of Syia, brought face
to face with the representative of Marius. Here
were the men who had pursued Caesar through so
many wears with hate so inveterate. Here
were the naughty Patrician Guard, who had drawn
their swords him in the Senate-house, young
lords whose theory of life to lounge through 1t
i'm patrician iasouciance The other great actions
were fought by the ignoble multitude whose deaths
were of less significance. The plains of PharsalIa
were watered by the precious blood of the elect of
the earth The battle there marked an epoch like
no other in the history of the world" After watch
ing each other for several days, Caesar had offered
10 Pompey an opportunity of fighting. But Pompey
insisted on Keeping secure position. In order TO
draw him into open ground, Caesar had continually
shifted his camp. But Pompey still remaiued on
his guard, though taunted with cowardIce by his
political opponents. They insisted that he should
promptly set his footOn his insignificant antagonist
and gathering courage from their confidence, he
finally consented to make of the first occasion
that should be offered The time at length came.
The signal was given:-
Caesars front rank advanced running Seeing the
Pompeans did not move they halted recovered BREATH
then rushed or, flung their darts, and closed sword IN
hand At P0mpey's horse bore down, outnal,klng
tween them raining showers OF arrows C@sars cavalry
gave way before the shock ana the outer s9ua4tons
came wheeling round to the rear expecting that thee
would he one to encounter them The fourth line,
the pick and flower OF the egons rose suddenly IN their
way surprised and shaken BY the hereenes o me at
tack them, the PomPeians turned they Droke tney
gsloped wildly OFF The best cavalry III those Roman
battles were match for infantry when In close
formation and PoDpeys brilliant squadrons were car
rallied or tried rally; they made OF for the nearest
hills The archers were cut TO pieces ana the chosen
they told on threw themselves ON the now eX-
posed flank Of Pompeys left wing lt was COMPOSED as
Caesars which had fought under him at the Ningeanne
mu and we're In DO humor TO stand the charge Of
their old comrades coming Ou with the familiar Tush OF
Victory Caesar ordered up his third line. which had not
Vet beeu engaged; ard al once all sides Pompey's
great army gave way and ned. POmpey himself, the
Shadow OF his old name. long harassed out or sefro-
spcet by his senatorial directors, commander only in
appearance had left the field IN the beginning OF the
action had lost heart the defeat OF the cavalry,
and mad retired TO his tent to wait the issue OF The day.
The stream OF fugtves pouring in told him too surely
what had been. He sprang on hls EOrSe ana
rode of in despair His legons were rushing back in
Confusion Caesar swift always at the right moment.
gave the enemy leisure 10 Reform and fell at once
upon the camp 1t was noon, ana the morning had Deeh
sury; but and WEAKNESS were forgotten IN the
enthusiasm of triumph which all then Deneved must
conclude the few COMPANIES OF Ihraclans VINO
had been left guard made brief resistance but they
were soon borne down. The beaten army. which few
hours before sharing III Imagination the lands ana
Offices Of their cOnquerOr fed out through the opposite
gales throwing away their arms Ringing down Their
etandards and racing officers and men, for the rocky
hills which at miles distance promised mem sheitef
The camp itself was singular picture. houses OF
turf had been built for the luxurious pGrcanswth IVY
trained the entrances 70 shade nelr decate faces
from the summer cOuches had been LAID out for