After that he went away on certain military enterprises which kept him some time from her.

He returned again, and again he went away.

All this time Octavia's influence over him and over her brother was of the most salutary and excellent character.

She soothed their animosities, quieted their suspicions and jealousies, and at one time, when they were on the brink of open war, she effected a reconciliation between them by the most courageous and energetic, and at the same time, gentle and unassuming efforts.

At the time of this danger she was with her husband in Greece; but she persuaded him to send her to her brother at Rome, saying that she was confident that she could arrange a settlement of the difficulties impending.