[-19-] Thus was the constitution made over at that time for the better and in a way to provide greater security.  It was doubtless absolutely impossible for the people to be preserved under a democracy.  Events after this, however, can not be said to be similar to those preceding this period.  Formerly everything was referred to the senate and the people even if it occurred at a distance; hence all learned of it and many recorded it.  Consequently the truth of happenings, no matter with how much fear and gratitude and friendship and enmity toward any one they were related, has been found at least In the works of those who wrote of them and to a certain extent also in the public records.  But after this time business began to be transacted more often with concealment and secrecy.  Nowadays, even if anything is made public, it is distrusted because it can not be proved.  It is suspected that all speeches and acts are to meet the wishes of the men at the time in power and of their associates.  As a result much that never occurs is noised abroad and much that really happens is unknown.  Nearly everything is reported in a different form from what really takes place.  Yet the magnitude of the empire and the number of events render accuracy in regard to them most difficult.  In Rome there are many operations going on, and so in its subject territory, as well as against hostile tribes, always and every day, so to speak, clear information about which no one can easily get except those actively concerned.  There are great numbers who do not hear at all of what has taken place.  Hence all that follows which will require mention I shall narrate as it has been published, whether it is so in truth or is really somewhat different.  In addition, however, my own opinion so far as possible will be stated in matters where I have been able to deduce something else than the common report from the many things I have read or heard or seen.

[-20-] Caesar, as I have said, received the further designation of Augustus, and a sign of no little moment in regard to him occurred that very night.  The Tiber overflowed and occupied all of Rome that was built in the plain country so that it was submerged.  From this the soothsayers inferred that he would rise to great heights and keep the whole city subservient.  While different persons were rivals to show him excessive honors, one Sextus Pacuvius, or, as others say, Apudius[6] surpassed them all.  In the open senate he consecrated himself to him after the fashion of the Spaniards and advised the rest to do the same.  When Augustus hindered him he rushed out to the crowd standing near by, and (as he was tribune) compelled them and next all the rest who were wandering about through the streets and lanes to consecrate themselves; to Augustus.  From this episode we are wont even now to say in appeals to the sovereign “we have consecrated ourselves to you.”  Pacuvius ordered all to offer sacrifice for this occurrence and before the people he once said he should make Augustus his inheritor on equal terms with his son.  This was not because he possessed anything much, but because he wished to get more.  And his desire was accomplished.