80 CICERO. the death of Piso, her former husband. The philosophers from all parts came to comfort Cicero ; for his grief was so excessive, that he put away his new-married wife, because she seemed to be pleased at the death of Tulha. And thus stood Cicero's domestic affairs at this time. He had no concern in the design that was now forming against Ctesar, although, in general, he was Brutus's most principal confidant, and one who was as aggrieved at the present, and as desirous of the former state of public affairs, as any other whatsoever. But they feared his temper, as wanting courage, and his old age, in which the most daring dispositions are apt to be timorous. As soon, therefore, as the act was conrtnitted by Brutus and Cassius, and the friends of Csesar were got together, so that there was fear the city would again be involved in a civil war, Antony, being consul, convened the senate, and made a short address recommending concord. And Cicero, following with various remarks such as the occa- sion called for, persuaded the senate to imitate the Athe- nians, and decree an amnesty for what had been done in Caesar's case, and to bestow provinces on Brutus and Cassius. But neither of these things took effect. For as soon as the common people, of themselves inclined to pity, saw the dead body of Caesar borne through the market-place, and Antony showing his clothes filled with blood, and pierced through in every part with swords, enraged to a degree of frenzy, they made a search for the murderers, and with firebrands in their hands ran to their houses to burn them. They, however, being fore- warned, avoided this danger ; and expecting many more and greater to come, they left the city. Antony on this was at once in exultation, and every one was in alarm with the prospect that he would make himself sole ruler, and Cicero in more alarm than any one. For Antony, seeing his influence reviving in the
