also been reinforced by Ventidius Bassus
the prætor.
June 3Oth, Lepidus declared a hostis.
But Antony and he are joined soon afterwards
by Pollio and Plancus also.
Octavian demands the consulship and
approaches Rome with his army. He is
elected consul on August 19th, with his
cousin Q. Pedius. Cicero, who had opposed
the demand of Octavian, conceals
himself. He reappears on a rumour that
the Martia and Fourth Legion mean to
desert Octavian, but on that proving false
returns to Tusculum (App. B. Civ. iii. 89-93).
Octavian leaves Rome to attack Decimus
Brutus, who, deserted by his army,
was trying to reach Ravenna. Being prevented
by Octavian's approach, he crossed
the Alps into Gaul, and was there put to
death (October-November).
November 27th, Antony, Lepidus, and
Octavian, having come to terms, are appointed
triumviri r. p. c. by a lex. The
first proscription list had already been
forwarded to Rome. Cicero and his
brother Quintus and his nephew Quintus
attempt to escape. But the two Quinti
are caught at Rome—where they went
for money—and put to death. Cicero
escapes to Astura, but after one vain attempt
to get away by sea is overtaken by
the soldiers near Formiæ and beheaded
December 7th.
Letters DCCCXIII to End.
END OF VOL. III.
