Antony approached, and established his camp opposite to that of Cassius, near the sea, while Octavius took post opposite to Brutus.

The four armies then paused, contemplating the probable results of the engagement that was about to ensue.
The forces on the two sides were nearly equal; but on the Republican side, that is, on the part of Brutus and Cassius, there was great inconvenience and suffering for want of a sufficient supply of provisions and stores.

There was some difference of opinion between Brutus and Cassius in respect to what it was best for them to do.

Brutus was inclined to give the enemy battle.

Cassius was reluctant to do so, since, under the circumstances in which they were placed, he considered it unwise to hazard, as they necessarily must do, the whole success of their cause to the chances of a single battle.