A source-book of ancient history - The Search For Mecca

CHAPTER XXXVII
THE REVOLUTION: (II) THE MILITARY POWER
IN CONFLICT WITH THE REPUBLIC
I. POMPEY
(Among the rising officers of the army Gnaeus Pompey Gnaeus
was most fitted to be the heir of Sulla's policy.) Never did
the Roman people give to any other man so strong tokens PompL \,
of affection as to Pompey, or at so early an age, or which
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grew so rapidly with the good fortune of the receiver, or World, 428-
remained so firm in his misfortunes. The causes of their
affection were many: his temperate life, his skill in arms,
the persuasiveness of his speech, the integrity of his character,
and his affability to every man who came in his way,
so that there was no person from whom one could ask a
favor with so little pain, whose requests one would more
willingly strive to satisfy. In addition to his other endearing
qualities, Pompey could do a kindness without
seeming to do it, and could receive a favor with dignity.
At first his face, too, contributed greatly to win the good His appearflue
will of the people, and to secure a favorable reception be-
6
fore he opened his mouth. For the sweetness of his expres- pompeyji.
sion was mingled with dignity and kindness; and while he
was yet in the very bloom of youth, his noble and kingly
nature clearly showed itself. The slight falling back of the
hair and the expression of the eyes caused people to notice
a resemblance to the portraits of Alexander, though in fact
the likeness was more talked of than reaL
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