al Caesar was probably superior to all others, excepting
possibly Hannibal. He was especially remarkable for the fertility of
his resources. It has been said that Napoleon taught his enemies how
to conquer him; but Caesar's enemies never learned how to conquer him,
because he had not a mere system of tactics, but a new stratagem for
every emergency. He was, however, not only a great general, but a
pre-eminent statesman, and second only to Cicero in eloquence. As
a historian, he wrote in a style that was clear, vigorous, and also
simple. Most of his writings are lost; but of those that remain Cicero
said that fools might try to improve on them, but no wise man would
attempt it.

CHAPTER XXXV. THE SECOND TRIUMVIRATE.--PHILIPPI AND ACTIUM.

Caesar in his will had appointed GAIUS OCTAVIUS, the grandson of his
sister Julia, heir to three fourths of his property; and his other
relatives were to have the remaining fourth.

Young Octavius was in his nineteenth year when Caesar was murdered.
He went at once to Rome to claim his inheritance. Caesar's widow,
Calpurnia, had intrusted to Mark Antony all the money in the house,--a
large sum,--and had also delivered to his care all the Dictator's
writings and memoranda.

Octavius was cool and sagacious, without passion or affection, and
showed himself a match for all his opponents. His arrival at Rome
was disagreeable to Antony, who was unwilling to surrender Caesar's
property. He claimed that he had already expended it for public
purposes. Octavius at once paid the dead Dictator's legacies, mostly out
of his own fortune, thus making himself very popular among the people.
He then joined the party of the Senate, and during the autumn and winter
of 44 was its chief champion. He was helped by the eloquent Cicero, who
was delivering against Antony his famous fourteen PHILIPPICS,--so called
from their resemblance to the great orations of Demosthenes against
Philip.

During the spring of 43 Octavius advanced against Antony, who was at
Mutina (Modena), and defeated him in two battles. He was then appointed
Consul, and, finding it for his interest, he deserted the Senate, made
friends with Antony, and with him and Lepidus formed (27 November, 43)
the SECOND TRIUMVIRATE, assuming full authority to govern and reorganize
the state, and to hold office for five years.

The provinces were divided as follows: Lepidus was to have Spain and
Gallia Narbonensis; Antony, the rest of Gaul b