The Complete Works of Oliver Goldsmith (Volume 18); History of Rome

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1825. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER II. FROM THE DEATH OF C.ESAR TO THE BATTLE OF ACTIUM AND THE DEATH OF ANTONY, WHICH SETTLED THE CONSTITUTION IN AUGUSTUS. 10 Upon the death of Caesar, a conjuncture happened which was never known before, --there was no longer any tyrant, and yet liberty was extinguished; for the causes which had contributed to its destruction still subsisted to prevent its revival. The senate had made an ill use of their power in the times of Sylla, and the people shuddered at the thought of trusting them with it once more. As soon as the conspirators had dispatched Caesar, they began to address themselves to the senate, in order to vindicate the motives of their enterprise, and to excite them to join in procuring their country's freedom; but the universal coldness with which their expostulations were received, soon taught them to fear their conduct would not meet with many advocates. All the senators, who were not accomplices, fled with such precipitation that the lives of some of them were endangered in the throng. The people also, being now alarmed, left their usual occupations, and ran tumultuously through the city: some actuated by their fears, and still more by a desire of plunder. In this state of confusion the conspirators all retired to the Capitol, and guarded its accesses by a body of gladiators which Brutus had in pay. It was in vain they alleged that they only struck for freedom, and that they killed a tyrant who had usurped the rights of mankind: the people, accustomed to luxury and ease, little regarded their professions, dreading more the dangers of poverty than of subjection. The friends of the late dictator now began to find that this was the time for coming into greater power than before, and for satisfying their ambition under the veil of promoting justice. Of this number...