concerned over public interests but that they were looking about for an opportunity to acquire public office and supreme power. To their mind, the man who had previously enjoyed that power was out of the way, and Octavian was altogether too young and not likely to hold out against so great a tumult, with one man looking out for one thing, another for another, and all of them seizing what they could for their own gain. For with all attention to public welfare put away, and with the foremost citizens separated into many factions, and everyone trying to encompass all the power for himself, or at least as much of it as could be detached, the rule showed many strange aspects. Lepidus, who had broken off a part of Caesar’s army and who was trying to seize the command himself, was in nearer Spain; he also held the part of Gaul which borders on the upper sea.[145] Gallia Comata Lucius Munatius Plancus, the consul elect, held with another army.[146] Further Spain was in charge of Gaius Asinius, with another army.[147] Decimus Brutus held Cisalpine Gaul[148] with two legions, against whom Antonius was just preparing to march. Gaius Brutus[149] laid claim to Macedonia,[150] and was just about to cross over to that place from Italy; Cassius Longinus laid claim to Syria, though he had been appointed praetor for Illyria.[151] So many were the armies that had been assembled at that time, so many the commanders in charge, each of whom was trying to get complete power into his own hands without consideration of law and justice, every matter being decided according to the amount of force that was available for application in each case. Octavian alone, to whom all the power had justly been bequeathed,[152] in accordance with the authority of him who had obtained it in the first instance, and because of his relationship to him, was without any share of authority whatever, and he was buffeted between the political envy and greed of men who were lying in wait to attack him and seize the supreme command. Divine providence finally ordered these things aright. But for the present fearing for his life, knowing Antonius’ attitude toward him and yet quite unable to change it, Octavian remained at home and awaited his opportunity.