The history of this age is highly controversial, the learned literature overwhelming in bulk. […] The reason for such exceptional favour may be largely assigned to one thing the influence of literature when studied in isolation from history. […] The enemies of Caesar spread rumours to discredit the living Dictator: Caesar dead became a god and a myth, passing from the realm of history into literature and legend, declamation and propaganda. […] In its treatment of Caesar the inspired literature of the Augustan Principate is consistent and instructive. […] The newer movements in literature were sponsored by a brilliant circle of orators and poets, young men hostile to whatever party was in NotesPage=>062 1 C.