The World's Orators (Volume 2); Comprising the Great Orations of the World's History with Introductory Essays, Biographical Sketches and Critical Note

by Guy Carleton Lee

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1905. ... THE SECOND PHILIPPIC Cicero. Caesar's death gave Antonius the opportunity to make himself the virtual dictator of Rome. He seized the property left by Caesar, he amassed by fraud and violence great riches. Through his ill-gotten wealth and his force and ability he seemed to have established a permanent hold upon the State. Yet opposition was active, and the Republican party, led by Cicero, only waited the opportunity to regain the power that it had held for one brief moment after the death of Caesar. Antonius might have controlled and eventually conquered this opposition to his tyranny, but a more formidable antagonist arose. Caius Octavius, the nephew and heir of Caesar, though but eighteen years of age, was destined to grasp the power at which Antonius aimed. Octavius returned to Rome from the camp at Apollonia, where he had become the idol of the soldiers, and claimed the inheritance of Caesar. He instantly obtained a following. Caesar's veterans flocked to his support, Caesar's friends were ready with substantial aid. He assumed the name of Caius Julius Caesar Octavius, and demanded his inheritance from Antonius. Antonius refused to disgorge the sums stolen from Caesar. Octavius addressed the Senate. He won the people by his mild and conciliatory conduct. He made especial and successful efforts to win Cicero. He visited him, and, for the time at least, convinced the old statesman that he was again to save the State by combating the designs of Antonius, by whom the welfare of Rome was placed in jeopardy. The following months were crowded with political intrigue and indecisive conflict. On August 30th, Cicero came to Rome, and was received with acclamations. Antonius convened the Senate upon September 1st. He invited Cicero to be present. Cicero did not...

66 pages, Paperback

First published September 27, 2015

About the author

(1862-1936)