The latter indulged in more bitter threats against Octavian,and when they became known the people were still more incensed against him.The tribunes of Antony's guard, who had served under the elder Caesar,and who were then in the highest favor with Antony,urged him to refrain from insult,both on their account and on his own,as he had served under Caesar and had obtained his present good fortune at Caesar's hands. Antony, recognizing the truth of these words, and feeling a sense of shame before those who uttered them and needing some help from Octavian himself with the people, to procure the exchange of provinces,agreed with what they said and swore that what he had done had been quite contrary to his intention,
but that he changed his purpose because the young man was inordinately puffed up, being still a youth and showing no respect for his elders and no honor for those in authority.Although for his own benefit the young man still needed reproof, yet in deference to their remonstrances he would restrain his anger and return to his former disposition and intention, if Octavian, also, would curb his presumption.The tribunes were delighted with this reply and they brought Antony and Octavian together, who, after some mutual chiding, formed an alliance. The law concerning Cisalpine Gaul was proposed at once to the great dismay of the senators. They intended, if Antony should first bring the law before them, to reject it,
and if he should bring it before the popular assembly without consulting them,to send the tribunes of the people to veto it.There were some who advised that this province be made free altogether,so much was it dreaded on account of its nearness. Antony,on the other hand, accused them of entrusting it to Decimus because he had been one of Caesar's murderers and of having no confidence in himself because he had not joined in killing the man who had subdued the province and brought it to its knees — throwing out these insinuations openly against all of his opponents, as persons who rejoiced over the assassination. When the day for the comitia came the Senate expected that the people would be summoned by centuries,