The first care of Augus'tus was to assure himself of the friends of Antony; to which end he publickly reported that he had burnt all Antony's letters and papers without reading them, convinced that, while any thought themselves suspected, they would be fearful of even offering him their friendship.
5.

He had gained the kingdom by his army, but he resolved to govern it by the senate.

This body, though greatly fallen from its ancient splendor, he knew to be the best constituted, and most remarkable for wisdom and justice.

To the senate, therefore, he gave the chief power in the administration of his government, while he himself secured the fidelity of the people and the army by donatives, and acts of favour.
6.

By these means the odium of severity fell upon the senate, and the popularity of pardon was solely his own.