23.  Antony having heard of his brother’s overthrow, and of his wife being compelled to leave Italy, was resolved to oppose Augustus.  He accordingly sailed at the head of a considerable fleet, and had an interview with Fulvia at Athens. 24.  He much blamed her for occasioning the late disorders, testified the utmost contempt for her person, and, leaving her upon her death-bed, hastened into Italy to fight Augustus.  They both met at Brundu’sium, and it was now thought that the flames of civil war were going to blaze out once more. 25.  The forces of Antony were numerous, but mostly newly raised; however, he was assisted by Sextus Pompei’us, who, in those oppositions of interest, was daily coming into power.  Augustus was at the head of those veterans who had always been irresistible, but who seemed no way disposed to fight against Antony, their former general. 26.  A negociation was therefore proposed, and a reconciliation was effected:  all offences and affronts were mutually forgiven; and, to cement the union, a marriage was concluded between Antony and Octavia, the sister of Augustus. 27.  A new division of the Roman empire was made between them; Augustus was to have command of the West—­Antony of the East; while Lepidus was obliged to content himself with the provinces in Africa.  As for Sextus Pompei’us, he was permitted to retain all the islands he already possessed, together with Peloponnesus; he was also granted the privilege of demanding the consulship, though absent, and of discharging that office by a friend.  It was stipulated to leave the sea open, and to pay the people what corn was due out of Sicily.  Thus a general peace was concluded, to the great satisfaction of the people, who now expected an end to all their calamities.

Questions for Examination.

1.  What ensued on the death of Brutus?

2.  Were the triumviri possessed of equal power?

3.  What were their first measures?

4.  By what were the people most affected?

5.  What observation has been made on these events?

6.  What was the consequence of the establishment of their power?

7.  Whither did Antony betake himself for that purpose?

8.  How was he employed?

9.  By what means did Cleopatra incur his displeasure?

10.  What personal advantages did she possess?

11.  Did she appear before Antony as an humble suppliant?

12.  What was the result of the interview?

13.  How was Augustus employed in the mean time?

14.  What recompense had he promised these troops?

15.  What was the consequence of this tyranny?

16.  What remarkable person was among the sufferers?

17.  Was his request granted?

18.  What was the state of Italy at this time?

19.  What occasioned it?

20.  What did she consider as the most probable means of reclaiming him?