The Rhodian said that the fleet was scattered.

The disaster happened on the Acharnanian coast.

How positive it sounded! But he had it only at second and third hand.

And what are mere rumours?
The source of the false tidings is discovered later.
Besides, even if the naval battle were really lost, the powerful army, which is far superior to Octavianus's forces, still remains.

Which of the enemy's generals could cope with Antony on the land?
How he will fight when all is at stake-fame, honour, sovereignty, hate, and love! Away with this fear, based on mere rumour! After Dyrrachium Caesar's cause was deemed lost, and how soon Pharsalus made him master of the world! Is it worthy of a sensible person to suffer courage to be depressed by a sailor's gossip?
And yet--yet! It began while I was ill.