Hence a deliberately critical attitude towards Augustus. […] A new combination was ready to form, with the ultimate decision to turn on the dynast’s attitude towards Caesar and towards Cato. […] Allied both to Pompeius and to Caesar, Balbus gradually edged towards the more powerful attraction. […] Brutus left Italy towards the end of the month, not before publishing a last edict. […] The sentiments which the young man entertained towards his adoptive parent were never revealed.