that was far from strong.  He next set out against Spanish Carthage, but since in his absence Pollio made an attack and did some damage, he returned with a large force, met his opponent, and routed him.  After that the following accident enabled him to startle and conquer the rest, as well, who were contending fiercely.  Pollio had cast off his general’s cloak, in order to suffer less chance of detection in his flight, and another man of the same name, a brilliant horseman, had fallen.  The soldiers, hearing the name of the latter, who was lying there, and seeing the garment which had been captured, were deceived, and thinking that their general had perished surrendered.  In this way Sextus conquered and held possession of nearly that entire region.  When he was now a powerful factor, Lepidus arrived to govern the adjoining portion of Spain, and persuaded him to enter into an agreement on condition that he should recover his father’s estate.  Antony, influenced by his friendship for Lepidus and by his hostility toward Caesar, caused such a decree to be passed.

So Sextus, in this way and on these conditions, held aloof from Spain proper. [-11-] Caesar and Antony in all their acts opposed each other, but had not fallen out openly, and whereas in reality they were alienated they tried to disguise the fact so far as appearances went.  As a result all other interests in the city were in a most undecided state and condition of turmoil.  People were still at peace and yet already at war.  Liberty led but a shadow existence, and the deeds done were the deeds of royalty.  To a casual observer Antony, since he held the consulship, seemed to be getting the best of it, but the enthusiasm of the masses was for Caesar.  This was partly on his father’s account, partly on account of the hopes he held out to them, but above all because they were displeased at the considerable power of Antony and were inclined to assist Caesar while he was yet devoid of strength.  Neither man had their affection, but they were always eager for a change of administration, and it was their nature to try to overthrow every superior force and to help any party that was being oppressed.  Consequently they made use of the two to suit their own desires.  After they had at this period humbled Antony through the instrumentality of Caesar they next undertook to destroy the latter also.  Their irritation toward the men temporarily in power and their liking for the weaker side made them attempt to overthrow the former.  Later they became estranged from the weaker also.  Thus they showed dislike for each of them in turn and the same men experienced their affection and their hatred, their support and their active opposition.