CHAPTER XX.

Bibulus in Syria.--Approaching Term of Caesar's Government.--Threats of Impeachment.--Caesar to be Consul or not to be Consul?--Caesar's Political Ambition.--Hatred felt toward him by the Aristocracy.--Two Legions taken from him on Pretense of Service against the Parthians.--Caesar to be recalled before the Expiration of his Government.--Senatorial Intrigues.--Curio deserts the Senate.--Labienus deserts Caesar.--Cicero in Cilicia.--Returns to Rome.--Pompey determined on War.--Cicero's Uncertainties.--Resolution of the Senate and Consuls.--Caesar recalled.--Alarm in Rome.--Alternative Schemes.--Letters of Cicero.--Caesar's Crime in the Eyes of the Optimates.