THE MENTOR 1918.03.01, No. 150,
Julius Cæsar

The Real Julius Cæsar

In person Cæsar was tall and slight. His features weremore refined than was usual in Roman faces; theforehead was wide and high, the nose large and thin,the lips full, the eyes dark gray like an eagle’s, the neckextremely thick and sinewy. His complexion was pale.His hair was short and naturally scanty, falling off towardthe end of his life and leaving him partially bald. Hisvoice, especially when he spoke in public, was high and shrill.

His health was uniformly strong until his last year,when he became subject to epileptic fits. He wasscrupulously clean in all his habits, abstemious in hisfood, rarely or never touching wine, and noting sobrietyas the highest of qualities when describing any newpeople. He was an athlete in early life, admirable inall manly exercises, and especially in riding. From hisboyhood it was observed of him that he was the truestof friends, that he avoided quarrels, and was most easilyappeased when offended. In manner he was quiet andgentlemanlike, with the natural courtesy of high-breeding.

He was singularly careful of his soldiers. He allowed hislegions rest, though he allowed none to himself. Herarely fought a battle at a disadvantage. He never exposedhis men to unnecessary danger, and the loss by wear and tearin the campaigns in Gaul was exceptionally and even astonishinglyslight. When a gallant action was performed, heknew by whom it had been done, and every soldier, howeverhumble, might feel assured that if he deserved praise hewould have it. The army was Cæsar’s family.

JAMES ANTHONY FROUDE