Acta Caesaris

Distinguished senators, at last we bring to the Senate floor the issue of the belated Caesar’s acta. I respected Caesar as an honorable character and trusted him with the hand of my daughter in marriage. I am deeply regretful that he is no longer with us; however, the Republic must unite to conquer the many plagues that have arisen by those who wished to further their own personal agenda and career.

I am aware of the former speculation that the marriage of Caesar to Calpurnia helped lead to my being elected consul in 58. While I am sure that all of you find this accusation blasphemous, I capped my political career as censor and now I am of senior rank in the Senate. The acta therefore cannot benefit me personally. Most unfortunately, several cherished friends of Caesar have recently used the acta to justify their own self-interest. They foolishly marched on Rome in an effort to advance the legacy of Caesar. Senators, I am sure you are all in agreement that dead men cannot effectively control the future of our beloved Rome. Caesar may have written an agenda for the years to come, but would likely alter plans in the event of changes in the characters of selected men.

Thus far, the Senate has obliged the acta by allowing Dolabella to become consul rather than submitting to re-elections. Obviously this was not a wise choice. Some of you may point out that I recommended the noble Aulus Hirtius since he is consul designate for 43. I was not simply following the acta, Senators, but rather recommending a moderate and epicure who, like me, wants reconciliation. I believe that similar men are the best remedy for the Republic. His willingness to sacrifice his consulship in 43 for the immediate concerns of the Republic displays a true Roman and alludes to the potential dispositions of other chosen men of Caesar.

The acta has several holes which cannot be carried out. The consul designate for 43 has already filled the position. Marcus Junius Brutus is consul designate for 41, but has recently been assassinated. Remember that Caesar ruled as a consul himself, only allowing a replacement if he was away from Rome, such as in the case of Dolabella. The Senate must keep its tradition of having two consuls.

I know many Caesarians will argue that Rome may fall into disarray with the abolition of the acta. I myself would hate to see further chaos, social unrest, and potential economic ruin. Therefore, I propose that the acta be maintained for the remainder of 44 so that the Senate can effectively control the situation with Marcus Antonius without the distraction of other internal affairs. After 44, elections for two consuls and the remaining magistrate positions should be reinstated. Any particular problems concerning economic and social problems should be brought before and voted on in the Senate. Let us continue the glory of Rome in the Senate, and privately support the memory of Caesar.

I leave you, conscript fathers, with words of advice to my fellow colleague and senior Senator Marcus Tullius Cicero, who recently surprised us all with the adoption of the bastard child of Cleopatra and, supposedly, Caesar: with all respect to the memory of my son-in-law, perhaps it would be wise to teach Marcus Ptolemy to avoid flaunting the obvious adultery in which Caesar so often engaged.