An Enemy of Rome

In regards to our action against Lepidus, I feel that it was inadequate and will only serve to infuriate Lepidus more causing him to inflict more damage upon Rome. Regardless of whether I agreed with declaring him a public enemy in the first place, it is done now. We must move on and deal with the situation at hand. As far as dealing with Lepidus further, I believe that we should strip him of his provinces and make it known throughout Rome and the world, that he is an Enemy of Rome and should be treated as such. Allowing Lepidus to take control of his provincial armies would be detrimental to our already unstable position. Sitting around and doing nothing about him now will only lead to trouble later. We should be hunting him down, as he is an Enemy of Rome, and dealing with him as quickly as possible; thus allowing the Senate and Rome to get on with business as usual. While there are many issues vying for our attention, and they are all very important, I would like to remind you fellow Senators that we have no idea where Lepidus is right now. He could have gathered his legions from Spain and Gaul already or be in Egypt gathering more troops preparing to march on Rome. Lepidus should be our main concern right now. The issue of Brutus and the conspirators can wait. As much as it pains me to speak highly of him, Brutus has remained in Rome ready to accept the consequences of his actions, whether it be honor or death, and for that I thank him. Do not think that I feel that Brutus deserves no punishment, but I believe that Brutus will remain in the city until we decide what his fate should be. Lepidus however, has taken over the forum, and left Rome with a legion of troops! Only the gods know how many he has gathered by now! He has proven again and again that he is prone to rash action and will do anything to accomplish his objectives. I feel that we should suspend the discussion of Brutus until immediately after the crisis with Lepidus is resolved.