But Caesar was being forced into an autocratic position. […] Lepidus retained the position of nominal deputy to the Dictator. […] The Liberators were certainly a problem; yet Antonius was amicable, not exploiting his position unduly. […] Chance and his own resolution had given Antonius the position of vantage. […] The sanguine hopes of a concerted assault on the Caesarian position were rudely dispelled.