CHAP. XII.
Caesar sendeth forces into Thessalia, Aetolia, and Macedonia. Scipio cometh into Greece.
CAesar being joyned with Antonius,* 1.1 drew that legion out of Oricum, which he had formerly lodged there to keep the Sea-coast; and thought it expedient to make tri∣all of the Province, and to advance further in∣to the Country. And whereas Embassadours came unto him out of Thessalia and Aetolia, as∣suring him, that if he would send forces to protect them, the Cities of those Provinces would readily obey what he commanded: he sent L. Cassius Longinus, with the legion of young souldiers, called the seven and twenti∣eth, and two hundred horse, into Thessalia; and C. Calvisius Sabinus, with five cohorts, and a few horse, into Aetolia; exhorting them specially, to take a course for provision of Corn in those two provinces, which lay near at hand.
He sent likewise Cn. Domitius Calvinus with two legions, the eleventh and the twelfth, and five hundred horse into Macedonia: of which Province (for that part thereof which is cal∣led Frank or Free) Menedemus,* 1.2 a principall man of that Countrey, being sent as an Em∣bassadour, had professed exceeding great for∣wardnesse on their behalf. Of these, Calvisius upon his coming was entertained with great affection of the Aetolians: and having cast the garrison of the enemy out of Caledon and* 1.3 Naupactum, became Master of all Aeto∣lia. Cassius arrived with the Legion in Thes∣salia; and finding there two Factions, was accordingly received with contrary affections.
Egesaretus, a man of ancient power and au∣thority, favoured Pompey's party: and Petrei∣us, a man of a most noble house, endeavoured by all means to deserve well of Caesar. At the same time also came Domitius into Macedo∣nia: and as Embassadours began to come thick unto him from divers States of that Pro∣vince, it was told him, that Scipio was at hand with the legions, and came with great fame and opinion of all men: which is oftentimes a fore-runner of novelties. He, making no stay in any part of Macedonia, marched di∣rectly with great fury towards Domitius; and when he came within twenty miles of him, turned his course suddenly to Cassius Longi∣nus, in Thessalia: which he did so speedily, that newes came together of his coming, and of his arrivall. For, to the end he might march with greater expedition, he left M. Favonius at the River Haliacmon (which divideth Ma∣cedonia from Thessalia) with eight cohorts,* 1.4 to keep the carriages of the legions: where he commanded them to build a Fort.
At the same time, the Cavalry of King Cottus, which was wont to keep in the Con∣fines of Thessalia, came flying suddenly to Cassius Campe. Whereat he being astonished (understanding of Scipio's coming, and seeing the horsemen whom he thought to be his) made towards the hills which inclose Thessalia, and from thence marched towards Ambracia. And as Scipio made hast to follow after, Letters overtook him, sent from Favonius, that Do∣mitius was at hand with the legions, and that he could not hold the place wherein he was left, without Scipio's help.
Upon the receipt of which letters, Scipio alter∣ed both his purpose and his journey; & lea∣ving Cassius, made hast to help Favonius: so that continuing his journey night and day, he came unto him in very good time. For as the dust of Domitius Army, approaching, was seen to rise, the fore-runners of Scipio his Army were likewise discovered. Whereby it happen∣ed, that as Domitius industry did help Cassius, so did Scipio his speed save Favonius.
OBSERVATIONS.
CAesar being now ready with his forces to proceed against Pompey, the first thing he did, was to make triall of the provinces of Greece, and to get their favour and assistance, for his better furtherance in contesting his Adversary. For as an Army standeth firm by two speciall means, first, in themselves, as they are able to resist any opposing force; and secondly, through the favour of the Countrey, wherein they are ingaged: so on the other side, their overthrow