309.) This image, employed by Julian in his ingenious fiction, is just and elegant; but when he considers this change of character as real and ascribes it to the power of philosophy, he does too much honor to philosophy and to Octavianus.] I.The death of Caesar was ever before his eyes.

He had lavished wealth and honors on his adherents; but the most favored friends of his uncle were in the number of the conspirators.

The fidelity of the legions might defend his authority against open rebellion; but their vigilance could not secure his person from the dagger of a determined republican; and the Romans, who revered the memory of Brutus, [27] would applaud the imitation of his virtue.

Caesar had provoked his fate, as much as by the ostentation of his power, as by his power itself.

The consul or the tribune might have reigned in peace.