Caius Octavius came to Rome from Epirus, whither Cæsar had sent him to
conduct the war in Macedonia; and, having received favourable omens,
assumed the name of Cæsar. In the confusion and bustle of affairs,
Lepidus procured the office of chief priest. But when Marcus Antonius,
the consul, governed with violence, and forcibly caused a law to be
passed respecting the change of provinces; and had also given very
injurious treatment to Cæsar, when he requested that he would assist him
in punishing the murderers of his uncle; Cæsar, to strengthen himself
and the commonwealth against him, called out the veteran soldiers, who
had been settled in the colonies. The fourth and Martian legions also
deserted from Antony to Cæsar. Afterwards also very many revolted to
Caasar, on account of the cruelty of Antony, who slaughtered every where
in their own camps even those whom he suspected. Decimus Brutus, in
order to stop Antonius on his way into Cisalpine Gaul, seized Mutina
with his army. This book contains also the history of the attempts of
both parties to possess themselves of the provinces, and of the
preparations for war.