Conscript fathers, regarding the actions taken to resolve the matter of the absent Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus, I feel I must speak. Octavianus, incensed by the disrespect shown to him by some members of the senate who remain unnamed, and eager to continue what he feels is his father’s legacy, has left Rome with nine legions to wage war against the Parthians, that savage race that has been a thorn in Rome’s side for more then half a century. He took his legions without authority from the senate, and is paying them with his own money, which he received from the will of Caesar. We as a senate found this action of commanding these legions away from Rome on the authority which was found merely in the “inheritance” he received unacceptable, so we sent a messenger demanding Octavianus’s quick return to Rome. I voted in favor of this judgment, and I stand behind our decision to attempt to request that he return, without rushed judgment to declare him an enemy of the state, although when Lepidus left Rome, with fewer armies than Octavian has now, we were not so hasty in our decision concerning him. Nevertheless, Octavianus has refused. He was insulted more than a few times by the noble senators seated before me, and burns with anger at the absence of keen judgment he felt necessary that it be found against his father’s murderers; he will not come back to Rome.
This action is unacceptable. This senate will not tolerate insubordination, and therefore we cannot let him continue the Parthian campaign without our approval. I am not saying, however, that I believe Rome to be in danger of a possible attack from Octavianus and his legions. In spite of the injustices performed against him, Octavianus assures us that he is still one and the same with the people of Rome, that he is now and forevermore loyal to their interests. I trust him in this sentiment. As his cousin, I have some knowledge as to the content of his character, and I know that he loves Rome and her people as much as his father before him did, and will not see her fall into danger. Nevertheless, he cannot be let to flout the authority of the senate, thus making this body into even more of a mockery that it has been of late.
Some have suggested we send another message in which we demand again that he return and surrender his troops. This would be futile. He did not concede to our first request; why would he to our second? No, this action would do more harm that good for the people of Rome. I have stated that I know Octavianus’s character well, and that he had Rome’s best interests at heart. But I also know that he holds a high regard for honor, and will not stand insults to his. In repeatedly asking for his return, you are suggesting that his intentions are not what he states, that he has some devious alternative up his sleeve. We have seen what actions an angry Octavianus takes; would you like to see him furious? A furious Octavianus, I am sure, convinced that the senate in no longer an asset to the Roman people, would seek out another enemy of Rome, Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, and join forces with him. Then Rome would have fourteen of her own legions against her. Undoubtedly, this is not advisable; therefore we cannot send another messenger demanding his return.
Others opine that we should send an emissary with military experience, approved by the senate, to induce Octavianus to forfeit control of his legions to him. I have been nominated by Bassus as the man for the job, since my familial relationship with Octavianus would ingratiate me, and he would therefore be more likely to turn over to me control of his legions. I do not believe that the Republicans in this senate would at any time approve the transfer of nine legions from one Caesarian to another, from one heir of Caesar to another. Furthermore, I not believe that Octavianus will give up control of all of his legions to me, even though we share blood. I am a representative of the senate which mocked him and allowed Brutus to remain in office despite his actions, and although I did not take part in his mockery or vote in favor of clemency for Brutus, I remained in the senate; I did not take a stand against my uncle’s enemies. Therefore in Octavianus’s eyes, I am as culpable as if I had committed the actions myself. In addition, Octavianus is paying their salary out of his own pocket; they are loyal to him, and will not willingly accept another’s command. In light of these judgments, I decline to accept Bassus’s proposal.
Piso, however, in his great wisdom, has offered another solution to the wandering Octavianus: approve his command, and induce him to fight for the betterment of Rome. I understand that it was not advisable for Octavianus to depart in command of nine legions without the approval of this senate, but if we declare him a public enemy, as I fear Brutus may advise, Rome will have fourteen legions against her with no protection. I argue in favor of diplomacy and clemency. We must vote to support Octavianus’s control of his troops, and then use them to our advantage. Convince him that the real danger to Rome lies not in Parthia, but in the west with Lepidus. Encourage him to dispatch one or two legions to Rome for its protection, and then march west with his legion in pursuit of the public enemy of Rome. Persuade him to do away first with this more pressing threat against the people, as his father would have done, and only then resume his intended campaign against Parthia.
No comments:
Post a Comment