all the potentates of Italy who, finding themselves in a manner wholly disarmed, were struck with the greatest terror at the thoughts of Caesar having so very powerful an army in the field, without an enemy to oppose him. Nor were their fears so much allayed by what many reported of Caesar's good disposition and inclination to peace, without any desire of usurping the states of others, as they were increased on the consideration of the danger that, moved either by ambition, a passion natural to all princes, or by that insolence which commonly attends victories, and besides instigated by the forward zeal of those who had the management of his affairs in Italy or, lastly, stimulated by his Council and whole Court, he would not neglect so fair an opportunity, of itself sufficient to warm the coldest disposition, to turn his whole thoughts on making himself lord of all Italy, especially as they did not ignore how easy it was for any great prince, and much more for a Roman Emperor, to justify their undertakings under pretences which might have the appearance of reason and honour. (The History of Italy, XVI, i)