of Caesar, and bequeathed him three parts of his private fortune; which, in case of his death, Brutus was to have inherited.  To the Roman people were left the gardens which he possessed on the other side of the Tiber; and to every citizen three hundred sesterces.  Unfolding Caesar’s bloody robe, pierced by the daggers of the conspirators, he observed to them the number of stabs in it.  He also displayed a waxen image, representing the body of Caesar, all covered with wounds. 25.  The people could no longer retain their indignation, but unanimously cried out for revenge, and ran, with flaming brands from the pile, to set fire to the houses of the conspirators.  In this rage of resentment, meeting with one Cinna, whom they mistook for another of the same name that was in the conspiracy, they tore him in pieces. 26.  The conspirators themselves, however, being well guarded, repulsed the multitude with no great trouble; but perceiving the general rage of the people, they thought it safest to retire from the city.

27.  In the mean time, Antony, who had excited this flame, resolved to make the most of the occasion.  But an obstacle to his ambition seemed to arise from a quarter in which he least expected it, namely, from Octa’vius, afterwards called Augus’tus, who was the grand-nephew and adopted son of Caesar.  A third competitor also for power appeared in Lep’idus, a man of some authority and great riches. 28.  At first, the ambition of these three seemed to threaten fatal consequences to each other; but, uniting in the common cause, they resolved to revenge the death of Caesar, and dividing their power, they formed what is called the Second Triumvirate.

Questions for Examination.

1.  What design was Caesar supposed to entertain?

2.  Was this rumour well founded?

3.  When hints of danger were given him, what was his conduct?

4.  What was the consequence of this imprudence?

5.  What was the character of Brutus?

6.  What time was fixed for the conspiracy to take place?

7.  Had Caesar any intimations of his danger?

8.  Was he at all influenced by them?

9.  Were no other attempts made to warn him of his approaching fate?

10.  In what way did the conspirators commence their attempt?

11.  What followed?

12.  What was the consequence of this?

13.  What was Caesar’s age?

14.  Did Caesar plan the conquest of his country from the first?

15.  By what means did he accomplish it?

16.  How did the conspirators escape the vengeance of the people?

17.  What advantage was taken of this event?

18.  What was the character of Antony, and what resolution did he form?

19.  What were his first acts?

20.  How were the seriate situated on this occasion?

21.  Was Antony satisfied with this decree?