g the Rubicon, he fled without a struggle. In little more
than a year and a half all was over. The battle of Pharsalia was fought
on the 9th of August, and on September the 29th the man who had
triumphed over three continents lay a naked, headless corpse on the
shore of Egypt.

CHAPTER X.

EXILE.

The suppression of the "Great Conspiracy" was certainly the most
glorious achievement of Cicero's life. Honors such as had never before
been bestowed on a citizen of Rome were heaped upon him. Men of the
highest rank spoke of him both in the Senate and before the people as
the "Father of his fatherland." A public thanksgiving, such as was
ordered when great victories had been won, was offered in his name.
Italy was even more enthusiastic than the capital. The chief towns voted
him such honors as they could bestow; Capua in particular erected to him
a gilded statue, and gave him the title of Patron of the city.

Still there were signs of trouble in the future. It was the duty of the
consul on quitting office to swear that he had discharged his duty with
fidelity, and it was usual for him at the same time to make a speech in
which he narrated the events of his consulship. Cicero was preparing to
speak when one of the new tribunes intervened. "A man," he cried, "who
has put citizens to death without hearing them in their defense is not
worthy to speak. He must do nothing more than take the oath." Cicero was
ready with his answer. Raising his voice he said, "I swear that I, and I
alone, have saved this commonwealth and this city." The assembly shouted
their approval; and when the ceremony was concluded the whole multitude
escorted the ex-consul to his house. The time was not come for his
enemies to attack him; but that he had enemies was manifest.

With one dangerous man he had the misfortune to come into collision in
the year that followed his consulship. This was the Clodius of whom we
have heard something in the preceding chapter. The two men had hitherto
been on fairly good terms. Clodius, as we have seen, belonged to one of
the noblest families in Rome, was a man of some ability and wit, and
could make himself agreeable when he was pleased to do so. But events
for which Cicero was not in the least to blame brought about a life-long
enmity between them. Toward the close of the year Clodius had been
guilty of an act of scandalous impiety, intruding himself, disguised as
a woman, into some peculiarly sacred rites wh