ABSTRACT
When Octavian was preparing in Syria, during the month of June BC 30, to invade Egypt, both Cleopatra and Antony attempted to open negotiations with him. Octavian would not listen to any proposals in regard to Antony; but to Cleopatra he sent a secret message, conveyed by one of his freedmen, named Thyrsus, indicating that he was well-disposed towards her, and would be inclined to leave her in possession of Egypt, if only she would cause Antony to be put to death. Antony would have to be murdered or made to take his own life: it would be awkward to have to condemn him to death and formally to execute him. When the anniversary of her birthday had occurred in the previous winter she had celebrated it very quietly; but Antony's birthday, which fell at about this time of year, she celebrated in the most elaborate manner, giving great presents to all those who had enjoyed her hospitality.
