CHAP. X.
Caesar hasteth to meet with Antonius, and pre∣venteth Pompey.
CAesar and Pompey had both intelli∣gence almost at one instant of time, of Antonius fleet;* 1.1 for they saw them passe by Apollonia and Dyrrachi∣um, and directed their journeys along the Coast after them: but they understood not for a while where they were landed. Howbeit having notice thereof, either of them took a contrary resolution. For Caesar purposed to joyn with Antonius, assoon as possibly he might: and Pompey resolved to hinder their meeting, and by ambushments (if he could) to set upon them at unawares.
The same day, either of them drew their Army out of their standing Camps, upon the River Apsus: Pompey secretly, and by night; Caesar openly, and by day: but Caesar had the greater circuit to fetch, and a longer journey to go up the River, to find a Foord. Pompey having a ready way, and no River to passe, made towards Antonius by great journeys: and when he understood that he came near unto him, chose a convenient place, and there bestowed his forces; keeping every man with∣in the Camp, and forbidding fires to be made, that his coming might be the more hidden. Whereof Antonius being presently adverti∣sed by the Greeks, he dispatched Messengers to Caesar, and kept himself one day within his Camp. The next day Caesar came unto him. Upon notice thereof, Pompey left that place, least he should be intrapped between two Ar∣mies, and came with all his forces to Aspa∣ragus (which appertained to them of Dyrra∣chium) and there, in a convenient place, pitch∣ed his Camp.
OBSERVATIONS.
VVHere two Armies are in a Country, and one of them hath succours coming to renforce them, each of those Parties are, by the example of these glorious Commanders (caeteris paribus) to make towards those suc∣cours: the one, to cut them off; and the o∣ther, to keep them standing. And to that end, as it suted Pompey's condition to go secretly; howsoever Caesar noteth it, as a touch to his va∣lour: so on the other side, it stood not only well enough with Caesar's party to go openly, but also was an argument of his courage and magnanimity, and might raise him estimation in the opinion of the Greeks. The disadvan∣tage which Pompey could take thereby, was the danger to be inclosed with Armies; which he foreseeing, avoided.