., so that a continuous narrative may run down to that date, thence to diverge into a description of the character and working of government. […] From Thrace to the Caucasus and down to Egypt the eastern lands acknowledged his predominance. […] Cicero, of course, complains of having been let down by the Optimates (ib., passim). […] Had not Sulla enriched his partisans, from senators down to soldiers and freedmen? […] Caesar never let down a friend, whatever his character and station.