阅读理解
Crossing the Rubicon
The march to Italy was began.The soldiers were even more enthusiastic than Caesar (恺撒) himself.
They climbed mountains, waded rivers, endured tiredness, and faced all kinds of danger for the sake of
their great leader.
At last they came to a little river called the Rubicon (卢比孔河). It was the boundary line of Caesar's
Province of Gaul; on the other side of it was Italy.Caesar paused a moment on the bank.He knew that to
cross it would be to declare war against Pompey and the Roman Senate; it would involve all Rome in a
fearful battle, the end of which no man could foresee.
But he did not hesitate long.He gave the word, and rode boldly across the shallow stream.
"We have crossed the Rubicon, " he cried as he reached the farther shore."There is now no turning
back." Soon the news was carried to Rome "Caesar has crossed the Rubicon" and there was great fear
among those who had planned to destroy him.Pompey's soldiers deserted him and hurried to join
themselves to Caesar's army.The Rome senators and their friends made ready to escape from the city.
"Caesar has crossed the Rubicon!" was shouted along the roads and byways leading to Rome; and
the country people turned out to meet and hail with joy the conquering hero.
The word was carried a second time to the city "Caesar has crossed the Rubicon" and the wild fight
began.Senators and public officers left everything behind and hurried away to seek safety with Pompey.
On foot, on horseback, in litters, in carriages, they fled for their lives-all because Caesar had crossed the
Rubicon.Pompey was unable to protect them.He hurried to the seacoast, and, with all who were able to
accompany him, sailed away to Greece.
Caesar was the master of Rome.
1. Which of the following can NOT be used to describe Caesar's army?
A. Enthusiastic in the march.
B. Not afraid of tiredness.
C. Brave in the march.
D. Eager to be great leaders.
2. According to the passage, crossing the Rubicon meant all of the following EXCEPT that________.
A. Caesar declared war against Pompey and the Roman Senate
B. Caesar would involve all Rome in the battle
C. Caesar would be defeated in the war
D. Caesar was determined to carry out the battle
3. What happened when the news was first carried to Rome that Caesar had crossed the Rubicon?
A. The people who had been against Caesar felt very frightened.
B. The people who had turned traitor to Caesar were wild with joy.
C. The public officers and soldiers fought bravely against Caesar.
D. The Rome senators and their friends had already escaped.
4. What did Pompey do after Caesar crossed the Rubicon?
A. He rode to the bank of the Rubicon hurriedly.
B. He fled to Greece by sea with all his companions.
C. He had all his relatives and soldiers stay with him.
D. He kept calm and stayed in Rome, defeating his enemies.
