A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

Smith, William

A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology. William Smith, LLD, ed. 1890

5. P.Decius, a colleague of M. Antony in the septemviratus. Cicero says of him, with a fine irony, that he endeavoured to follow the example of his great ancestors (the Decii), by sacrificing himself to his debts, that is, by joining Antony, through whose influence he hoped to get rid of his debts. He accompanied Antony in the war of Mutina, but was taken prisoner there. Afterwards, when Octavian wished for a reconciliation with Antony, he allowed Decius to return to his friend. (Cic. Phil. 11.6, 13.13; Appian, App. BC 3.80.)