De Lepidus

O conscript fathers, allow me to openly admit that the Senatorial decisions concerning Lepidus has left me deeply disturbed. I feel as if my entire reasoning regarding this situation has fallen upon deaf ears. A few days ago I sent a letter to all of you discussing the severity of Lepidus. In this, I reminded everyone that we had not yet decided what to do with the army, and therefore left it in the hands of Lepidus as a private citizen. The Senate had not yet re-assigned Lepidus to another public office, although we discussed the possibility of making him Pontifex Maximus in our first meeting after the assassination of Caesar. We agreed to put that aside, apparently along with the issue of Lepidus’ army. Lepidus clearly threatened the Senate by saying “If you are truly Romans, rise to bloody and just action. If, however, you want to play the Greek, then sit around and discuss the rights and wrongs of this action, philosophize, and fornicate with little boys, go ahead; you will get no sympathy from me. You will see my opinions through my actions.” His disappearance with his army most certainly arouses suspicions. This is why I immediately declared that we should finally decide what to do with the army. Legally, as well all know, he should not be in command of troops and therefore the consuls have decided to rightfully take control of the army. Somehow, fellow Senators, our discussion of finding Lepidus and acquiring his army turned into declaring Lepidus as Enemy of the State! As I have said before, I take blame along with the rest of you because we did not address the issue of Lepidus’ army in a timely fashion. I sincerely believe we would not be in this position if the Senate had swiftly attended to this matter, and that is why Lepidus should not be enitrely blamed for this situation. Declaring Lepidus as Enemy of the State is outrageous because we have not given Lepidus a chance to subside to senatorial orders. As for particular senators who left the meeting just before the vote, even though you clearly stated you thought declaring Lepidus as Enemy of the State was premature, shame! What is the point of you rising to speak and wasting our time if you lack the courage to take a stand? This is a serious matter and one that may result in great repercussions for Rome if we do not act wisely. Many of you are just assuming that Lepidus will refuse, and while I’m not denying that is a possibility, you should have given him that chance before you made any declarations. Just think of how he will respond when he hears he is declared Enemy of the State! This is more than an issue of being just, however. I greatly fear we are adducing war upon Rome. Obviously the Senate agrees since everyone unanimously voted to gather legions to protect Rome. What is being done to prevent this, Senators? Surely you do not want to inflict yet another civil war upon our glorious city! No true patriot of Rome would wish such horrors! As for myself, I have witnessed too much bloodshed and destruction in my lifetime. I cannot reverse the decisions of the Senate, but I advise all Senators to make the greatest efforts possible to maintain peace. We must show the world that we are strong and united following the death of Caesar. If we thrust ourselves immediately into war, what image would that reflect on Rome? Is this what you were planning when you assailed many daggers into the body of Caesar, assassins? I suggest we take no further actions against Lepidus until we have more information, which we should gather from scouts. If we determine that Lepidus does intend to attack Rome and disobey the commands of the Senate, then we must take action against him as one man but not at the risk of the lives of great Romans. Until we can affirm these accusations, any attack on Lepidus is embryonic.