Gaul and the West stood firm; but the horsemen of the Parthians were seen in Syria and on the western shore of Asia. […] Italy was held to be firm for conservative interests. […] Their coup had been countered by the Caesarian leaders, who, in negotiation with them, adopted a firm and even menacing tone. […] The degree of his responsibility for the turn which events took at the funeral will be debated: it was certainly in his interest to alarm the Senate and reinforce the argument for firm concord in the governing class and a firm control of affairs by the consuls. […] But Cicero stood firm: he refused to come to Rome and condone Caesar’s acts and policy by presence in the Senate.