Concerning the Assassins

Conscript fathers, we convene again to decide that matter of the treatment of his assassins. And I say “assassins of Caesar” not “liberators of Rome,” as I have heard some so unceremoniously call those vagabonds, that band of miscreants. Concerning the assassins of the most faithful leader of Rome, one who was also a most dedicated general, and who protected Rome against its foreign enemies, how can there be any doubt as to what should be carried out with regards to his murderers, those killers of the people’s hero? There is no doubt in my mind that as citizens of Rome, they should be put on trial as such, although previously they have shown signs of barbarianism.

Marcus Junius Brutus, a man of senatorial rank, led the assassination against Caesar. At the beginning of the meeting of this most honorable senate on the Ides of March, he and his fellow conspirators swooped down upon the unsuspecting dictator, wounding him more than twenty times, robbing him of his life, disgracing his body publicly. Immediately thereafter they fled, knowing that in truth they had committed a heinous act, and if Justice performed her duty, they would be condemned for the actions which they had recently carried out.

We all agree that something must be done with regards to these, whether you call them liberators or murderers. They cannot continue as they are, either unglorified or unpunished for their deeds, for we senators have a duty to the people of Rome to be the voice of justice and reason with regards to the matters of the state. And this is of great interest to the fatherland, for because of these men, the head of this Republic is taken forever from his people. Of the possible courses of action to be taken against these, I say take these criminals to trial! They do not deserve our reverence as liberators of the sate. For what purpose did they commit this heinous act? To free the people of a leader they loved? To liberate Rome from a brilliant and skilled general? For he was unparalleled in his military conquests, and brought Rome much honor and glory in war, sharing with the people the spoils of his expeditions and enriching Rome with its wealth, and four times celebrating his victory over foreign peoples with a triumphal march. These honors are not bestowed to one whom everyone hates, but one whom all adore. For these reason they cannot be honored in their actions against Caesar. Therefore they must be declared public enemies, with us putting them on trial for the evil they have done. Worse punishments have been carried out for lesser crimes than these; do you not remember the conspiracy of Catiline? In an attempt on a consul’s life only, these men were put to death without trial. The Grachii also were put to death on mere suspicion. In remembrance of these previous acts of this noble senate, how can we let these murderers go unpunished when you were previously so decisive and held up such a strong hand against conspiracy? Therefore let us vote in favor of what is certainly the most just course of action: to bring the assassins to trial.