ABSTRACT
43 In Epirus the Consuls assemble the Senate, who unanimously appoint Pompey General of the War against Cæsar, and decree public Thanks to the several Princes and States who assisted the Commonwealth. Appius, at that Time Prœtor of Achaia, consults the Oracle of Delphos, concerning the Event of the Civil War. And, upon this Occasion, the Poet goes into a Digression concerning the Origine, the manner of the Delivery, and the present Silence of that Oracle. From Spain, Cæsar returns into Italy, where he quells a Mutiny in his Army, and punishes the Offenders. From Placentia, where this Disorder happen’d, he orders ’em to march to Brundusium; where, after a short Turn to Rome, and assuming the Consulship, or rather the Supreme Power, he joins them himself. From Brundusium, tho’ it was then the middle of Winter, he transports Part of his Army by Sea to Epirus, and lands at Palæste. Pompey, who then lay about Candavia, hearing of Cæsar’s Arrival, and being in pain for Dyrrachium, march’d that Way: On the Banks of the River Apsus, they met and encamp’d close together. Cæsar was not yet join’d by that part of his Troops which he had left behind him at Brundusium, under the Command of Mark Anthony; and being uneasie at his Delays, leaves his Camp by Night, and ventures over a tempestuous Sea in a small Bark to hasten the Transport. Upon Cæsar’s joining his Forces together; Pompey perceiv’d that the War wou’d now probably be soon decided by a Battle: and upon that Consideration, resolv’d to send his Wife to expect the Event at Lesbos. Their Parting, which is extreamly moving, concludes this Book.
