“This is what I have to say for the present, in the face of pressing need.  When feeling has subsided, let us then consider any remaining subjects of discussion.”

[-34-] Cicero by the foregoing speech persuaded the senate to vote that no one should bear malice against any one else.  While this was being done the assassins also promised the soldiers that they would not undo any of Caesar’s acts.  They perceived that the military was mightily ill at ease for fear it should be deprived of what he had given it, and so they made haste, before the senate reached any decision whatever, to anticipate the others’ wishes.  Next they invited those who were present there down below to come within hearing distance, and conversed with them on matters of importance; as a result of the conference they sent down a letter to the Forum announcing that they would take nothing away from anybody nor do harm in other ways, and that the validity of all acts of Caesar was confirmed.  They also urged a state of harmony, binding themselves by the strongest oaths that they would be honest in everything.  When, therefore, the decisions of the senate also were made known, the soldiers no longer held to Lepidus nor did the others have any fear of him, but hastened to become reconciled,—­chiefly at the instance of Antony,—­quite contrary to his intention.  Lepidus, making a pretence of vengeance upon Caesar, was anxious to institute a revolution and as he had legions at his command he expected that he would succeed to his position as ruler and gain the mastery; these were his motives in endeavoring to further a conflict.  Antony, as he perceived his rival’s favorable situation and had not himself any force at his back, did not dare to adopt any revolutionary measures for the time being, and furthermore he persuaded Lepidus (to prevent his becoming greater) to bow to the will of the majority.  So they came to terms on the conditions that had been voted, but those on the Capitol would not come down till they had secured the son of Lepidus and the son of Antony to treat as hostages; then Brutus descended to Lepidus, to whom he was related, and Cassius to Antony, being assured of safety.  While dining together they naturally, at such a juncture, discussed a variety of topics and Antony asked Cassius:  “Have you perhaps got some kind of dagger under your arm even now?” To which he answered:  “Yes, and a big one, if you too should desire to play the tyrant.”

[-35-]This was the way things went at that time.  No damage was inflicted or expected, and the majority were glad to be rid of Caesar’s rule, some of them even conceiving the idea of casting his body out unburied.  The conspirators well pleased did not undertake any further superfluous tasks and were called “liberators” and “tyrranicides.”  Later his will was read and the people learned that he had made Octavius his son and heir and had left Antony, Decimus, and some of the other assassins to be the young man’s guardians and inheritors