mselves of all rivals, Octavius
and Antony redivided the Empire, the former taking the West, the latter
the East.

Antony now repaired to Alexandria, and surrendered himself to the
fascinations of the famous Cleopatra. He assumed the habits and dress of
an Eastern monarch, and by his senseless follies disgusted his friends
and supporters. He resigned himself to luxury and idleness, and finally
divorced himself from his wife Octavia, sister of Octavius, disregarding
his good name and the wishes of his friends. Thus gradually he became
more and more estranged from Octavius, until finally the rupture
resulted in open war.

The contest was decided by the naval battle off Cape Actium, in Greece,
September 2, 31. Antony had collected from all parts of the East a
large army, in addition to his fleet, which was supported by that
of Cleopatra. He wished to decide the contest on land; but Cleopatra
insisted that they should fight by sea. The fleet of Octavius was
commanded by Agrippa, who had been in command at the sea-fight off
Naulochus. The battle lasted a long time, and was still undecided, when
Cleopatra hoisted sail and with her sixty vessels hastened to leave the
line. Antony at once followed her. The battle, however, continued until
his remaining fleet was destroyed, and his army, after a few days'
hesitation, surrendered.

Octavius did not follow Antony for about a year. He passed the winter in
Samos, sending Agrippa to Italy with the veterans. His time was occupied
in restoring order in Greece and Asia, in raising money to satisfy the
demands of his troops, and in founding new colonies. At length he
turned his attention to Egypt. After capturing Pelusium, the key of
the country, he marched upon Alexandria. Antony, despairing of success,
committed suicide, expiring in the arms of Cleopatra. The queen,
disdaining to adorn the triumph of the conqueror, followed his example,
and was found dead on her couch, in royal attire, with her two faithful
attendants also dead at her feet.

Octavius was now sole ruler of Rome. Before returning to the capital
to celebrate his triumphs, he organized Egypt as a province, settled
disputes in Judaea, and arranged matters in Syria and Asia Minor. He
arrived at Rome (August 29), and enjoyed three magnificent triumphs. The
gates of the temple of JANUS--which were open in time of war, and had
been closed but twice before, once during Numa's reign, and once between
the First and Second Pun