THE SCENE: Most history books are reluctant to report that, at the moment when he crossed the Rubicon, Caesar encountered a huge ghost who questioned his sincerity.
THE TEXT: When Caesar had concluded the campaign he turned towards Rome, marching with his forces across a river, distinguished by the name of Rubicon. Here a phantom of immense stature, standing in the middle of the water, opposed his passage. It said, “Caesar, if your purpose be the welfare of the state — pass on; but if not, beware how you advance another step.” Caesar replied, “I have long fought for, and am still prepared to undergo every hardship in defence of Rome; of which I take the gods whom I worship to be my witnesses.” As he said this, the phantom vanished. Caesar then spurred his war-horse and crossed the river; but having effected his passage, he paused on the opposite bank: — “I have rashly promised peace,” said he; “for in this case, I must relinquish my just right.” From that hour he pursued Pompey with the utmost virulence, even to the death; and was himself slain afterwards by a band of conspirators.
– Gesta Romanorum, 13th Century AD
[Image Credit: Ceasar, Adolphe Yvon]
