Note 33 — TRANSLATION

It was Caesar’s practice to put to death any who fell captive to him a second time (Dio 41, 62; 43, 17; 44, 45; 44, 46; Suet., Caes., 75). In describing the incident which follows, however, Nicolaus seems to have exaggerated the importance of Octavius’ exploit, for in every case of similar circumstances Caesar allowed each of his subordinates to secure the release of one prisoner. Dio 43, 12-13 says further that Caesar released Cato’s son and ‘most of the rest.’ Nicolaus evidently drew from Augustus’ personal memoirs of his youth for this portion of the biography, and found it advantageous to emphasize Octavius’ act at this juncture. For a contemporary commentary, see Cic., Fam. 6, 13, 3, where Caesar is said to be especially incensed at those involved in the African disturbance, but that with the lapse of time he seems to have become more indulgent toward them.