Our Actions Against Lepidus

Conscript fathers, the matter of Marcus Aemilius Lepidus’ behavior forced us to address several questions which most of us had hoped never again to deal with in our lifetimes. For some of us, these questions were painful and inflammatory in nature, causing tempers to rise as our voices did. However, by the time the meeting was concluded, it had become obvious that Lepidus’ divisive action, though it is perhaps arguable that he was forced by the Senate’s lack of action on the matter of the burial of Gaius Julius Caesar, could not be condoned. While I still hold some reservations concerning our former magister equitum’s intentions, even I am not blind to the implications of actions such as his.

It may be true that Lepidus acted only as he though was best for the honor and burial of Caesar; at the same time, for the wellbeing and safety of the republic, his behavior could not be allowed to pass without consequence. It was because of this reasoning that I was in favor of sending emissaries to deliver our inquiries to our seemingly prodigal general whilst taking the actions necessary for raising our own armies to a state of readiness. I am still unconvinced that we were not premature to declare him an enemy of the state with as little information as we had; nevertheless, we have attempted to afford him an opportunity to explain his actions. It remains to be seen what he will do with this opportunity, but, as for myself, I remain hopeful that this whole business may be concluded without needless bloodshed.

Honored senators, let me be clear: I do not disagree with the actions that this body has taken thus far on this matter; indeed, I bore witness as many men gave wise council that day and that council was, for the most part, followed. As a result, we have ensured that the necessary actions will be taken while we await further intelligence, as is evidenced by the fact that troops are in the process of being levied.

At this time, we must wait for further information before deciding upon our next actions, but, for the good of Rome, we must also be prepared to put aside any differences we might have had concerning the decision regarding Lepidus’ status, pending his response to our emissaries. Should he choose to disband his legions and return to Rome peacefully in order to explain his actions, we must be willing to hear his words with open ears and open minds, lest we cause the situation to escalate into yet another civil war. Similarly, if he should chose to remain in command of his legions without explanation or even take the unthinkable action of marching on Rome herself, we must put aside any affections that any one of us might have held toward him, and treat him as his behavior would warrant: as an enemy combatant. Until he demonstrates his intentions by word or actions (or lack thereof), we must tread cautiously, for a single misstep could send us hurtling once again into the chaos and discord of an internal war, the aftermath of which could have greater consequences for the longevity of our newly restored republic than any previous conflict.