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.

On Lepidus

This Senate has accomplished very little in the last handful of days, and in the meantime, who knows what plots and schemes have been laid out in every corner of the city and, indeed, the Mediterranean world? Rather than harp on the failures of the past, however, and place blame on poor leadership and useless incessant squabbling from every side of this house, I’d think our time now is best spent focusing on the tasks immediately at hand, the most pressing matters, detrimental to the members of the Senate themselves as well as the city and the citizens and the colonies as a whole. While I for one certainly cannot stand the presence of murderers and agitators here in this sacred house, I have to admit that issues more important than these stand before us, namely the whereabouts and movements of Marcus Aemilius Lepidus. I’ll not have anyone think that I approve of murderers voicing their opinions on any matters such as these, but it is impossible, I think, to pretend that the trial of the assassins of Caesar would not bog us down further into turmoil, rendering the future of peace all but hopeless anytime in the near future.
We know that Lepidus, having been declared an enemy of the state, left the city last week with his men while the pyre of Caesar’s cremation still burning. We squabbled momentarily about whether or not to send out scouts, and even if this matter was resolved (the topic was so quickly pushed aside, I hardly remember if we voted on more than one issue regarding Lepidus), a handful of men gathering information, easily bribed and even more easily killed, would hardly suffice when a third round of this civil war is so surely and imminently on our horizon. Did we even decide to raise a legion, or were we stopped at the details of leadership? Even if some of us weren’t convinced of the importance of this man’s actions a few days ago, for now the truth is evident: we must act quickly and we must act strongly. Raise at least as many legions as he has, send out scouts to every corner of Italy, and as soon as we find him, begin allying with the locals in every direction around him. As long as we keep him alone and isolated, with as few political friends as possible, and as long as we march quickly, he cannot do much apart from surrender the lives of his own men.
I’d like to be brief on this matter, conscript fathers, and simply emphasize the importance of acting as a unit and as a united front against this man who, while he may have not antagonized most of us personally, does represent the threat of a dictator in much the same vein as Caesar, something I’m sure the vast majority of us are not looking to live through again in our lifetimes or even in our children’s. We are unaware of the depth of his motivations, and we don’t know what his exact intentions are. I’d guess that, considering the rashness of the events of late, he may not even know what his next plans are. I’m certainly not advocating any more bloodshed or another war, but as we approach this man and this situation with caution, I find it important that our caution err on the side of careful protection rather than unorganized apathy. Nothing good can come of sitting still, arguing more about games, and allowing Lepidus to plot and bribe his way into a threatening position of power, which is what we’ve been doing for a week. Now is the time to come together with one front, conquer this enemy, and consider it a task necessary for the future, necessary for peace.

On the virge of Civil War

Everywhere I find myself—in the Forum honoring my father's financial obligations to the citizenry, on the streets of the city in discussion with veterans, in the audience of the Senate itself, I am confronted with the specter of Rome once again in Civil War. Who can we say is responsible besides Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, a man I held in such high esteem as a great general and a great father of Rome. He has been declared an enemy of Rome for his actions in direct conflict with the Senate's authority.

So what can be done? It is not nearly as easy an issue as many Senators believe—men whom, for their considerable worldly wisdom, I fear have become increasingly distant from the actual realities of Roman life beyond their own: the lives of Rome's soldiers, Rome's citizens, and others residing within this city. Rome's soldiers, in particular, are a very different audience with very different minds than the Senate. Many of them still honor Lepidus for his great deeds in the past and even speak of following him if they were called to do so. Despite his actions against the Senate, he is still their general—this is not a reality we can afford to ignore. Contrary to what some might assume, any war against Lepidus will not be an easy one, and victory is by no means guaranteed.

My personal opinion is this situation is based on an idea: a natural urge to avoid the self-destructive act of Civil War in the nation I love, and if that is not possible, protecting it from utter destruction. The idea of Romans fighting other loyal Romans is most tragic, and the fact that our wise Senate was unable to avoid such an outcome, even as it was thrust upon them, is a severe disappointment. I wish it could have been the case that Lepidus could have been negotiated with, rather than declared an enemy of the Senate outright, in what amounts to a death-sentence for thousands of men under arms on both sides. Still, I understand that it is not my position to question the wisdom of the Senate, as I am a young man who has not benefited from the insight and judgment that comes with advanced age.

What is done is done: if Lepidus is to threaten Rome, we must rise up in her defense. I may honor Lepidus for his prior accomplishments, but I do not advocate simply staying inactive and hoping the crisis resolves itself. In fact, despite the perhaps-misinformed accusations of Marcus Junius Brutus, I have been appealing to veterans loyal to my father, and reorganizing and reequipping soldiers for new legions. Many of these loyalists—and make no mistake, there are large numbers of them—are loyal Lepidus as well as Caesar. To the best of my ability, I have sought to organize soldiers under my command, because for every veteran I successfully rally to my standard, there is one fewer man whom might oppose the Senate. I'm sure those men most vigorous in their opposition and condemnation of Lepidus, such as Marcus Tullius Cicero, understand the importance of keeping this enemy of the Senate from bolstering his army's numbers even further.

I will not shirk from any responsibilities I owe as a Roman. If asked to command or serve in any Army against Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, I will not decline—in fact, I'd consider it an honor to serve Rome in such a manner. What more serious threat is there to Rome than Civil War? The situation must be defused, one way or another, as soon as possible.

apologies for being out of character...

Does anyone care to have the background color of the blog changed from stark white to something a little easier on the eyes? We can change this easily if a majority of you would like to. Just comment to this post, email me, or tell me (Travis Green/L.J.Caesar) and I will do whatever most of you prefer.

On Lepidus

Lepidus as of late has been the topic of many rumors which, surprisingly, seem not to have reached many senators’ ears. Some among you find complacency in the fact that Lepidus has been declared an enemy of the state. I believed, and still believe, that this is so. The senate has lacked recently the ability to follow through with her decrees, though. The point I bring up, conscript fathers, is that naming Lepidus an enemy of the state is only half of a solution to a problem which every one of us knows is growing more threatening daily. Leaving the matter at this stage is akin to formally declaring the need build defensive walls, for instance, but stopping discussion before construction actually begins.
Marcus Aemilius Lepidus has shown that he is more than able to take initiative; even going so far as to ignore the entire senate, the most sacred of Roman institutions, while doing so. To have a man able to circumvent, or rather, preempt the will of the senate by burying Caesar’s body without approval and still escape Rome with no apparent repercussions is a disgrace to the body which has been the primary vehicle for holding up the values of the republic, and a direct insult to every citizen of Rome.
Lepidus’ crime was one which, fortunately, the gods have granted us a brief time to resolve. This emergency requires that we set aside bitter differences for however long it takes to decide what ELSE must be done in order to better prepare the republic in the event that Lepidus return armed. It is known that Lepidus fled Rome with a legion under his command; it would be irresponsible to assume that he would be alone in his return. For this reason, an army ought to be set up to protect Rome in the event that Lepidus returns to Rome with intentions to bring down the senate for personal gain. Let not our progress regarding the rule of two consuls be trashed by a man whose actions have shown has no regard for republican ideals or the stability of Rome. Let not the members of this astute body be divided so deeply by personal differences that we all lose sight of what could—and what undoubtedly will—happen if Lepidus returns to the same unguarded and disorganized Rome from which he departed.
The Senate’s army will have the sole aim of domestic protection, not chasing Lepidus around all of Italy. We have seen enough war already. Having a domestic army protecting the city, or repositioning certain legions so that they may directly defend Rome will insure that the senate may continue to conduct business normally, without fear of invasion, and doubly will not put more strain on Rome’s resources. This army will be stationed a short distance outside of the city to insure that Lepidus can do no harm to the citizens of Rome should this situation elevate to open conflict.
Always remember Lepidus’ preemption of the senate and never forget that he would do it again if given the opportunity. Keep in mind that Romans do not want to see another civil war. And if an enemy of the state should return to Rome, may the gods grant that the senate not forget why he was declared such in the first place. Let the formation of a protective army show finally to any who doubt that Rome’s system of government is still intact, that the senate will always retain the authority and power to enforce the laws of the republic, and moreover, that insubordination or preemption shall be dealt with in the most severe manner acceptable to retain Rome’s sovereignty.

Cinaedus Romulus

Do we really question Caesar's tyranny?!
The man whose pet offered him a crown?
Only when we booed did he thrice turn it down,
A cover-up for his staged regality.

The Republic stained by his wanton member
A diplomatic mission to bed Nicomedes,
Transacting deals with that Queen on her knees.
These illicit affairs, do you refuse to remember?

Betraying his wife for the bed of Servilia,
Betraying the Great Pompey by sleeping with Mucia.
Such foul deeds have past been punished:
The perverse Tarquins were expelled and banished.
Now banish Caesar's memory to his grave,
and uphold your liberator, Brutus the brave!

In Lepido ET Antonio

Most honorable Senators, I find myself before you speaking about a subject that, though undoubtedly important to the safety of Rome, should have been dealt with long ago by our all too incompetent consuls, Marc Antony and Dolabella.  While we sat in this Senate House idiotically debating whether to give the tyrannical and sexually depraved, not to mention dead, Caesar his expensive and unnecessary public games, Marcus Aemilius Lepidus marauded around the Forum and beyond Rome’s borders with his dangerously loyal legion.  In the age of our ancestors, such behavior and threatening activities would be considered of the utmost precedence and would have been discussed before any other matter in the Senate.  However, sadly, it is obvious that the noble age of our ancestors is long gone.  Instead, we Senators sit by idly and watch as one consul seeks nothing more than his own political gain and glory and the other quietly and cowardly plays the part of a puppet, in order that he might receive gold tainted with dishonor.  But I am tired of wasting my pen on these corrupt lowlives.  Instead, let us turn our attention to the matter of Lepidus.

            Declaring Lepidus a public enemy should have been a much simpler matter than it was.  Aulus Hirtius and other Senators so faint of heart suggested that we send scouts to find the criminal and then ask him politely to lay down his army and return to Rome peacefully.  What kind of sissies are we?  Do we not know our own law?  It should not have been a matter of asking at that point, Senators.  Lepidus had already violated Roman law by stealing the body of Caesar from Calpurnia’s home and seizing the Forum in order to carry out his funeral.  He seized the Forum!  And yet you wanted to ask him to come home and play nice?  Why do you think he left Rome with his legion?  For a peaceful vacation?  No Roman leaves the city with his troops, telling no one of his whereabouts, unless he has a despicable and violent plan to carry out.  Thankfully, enough of us were dedicated to Rome that Lepidus was still declared a public enemy of the state.  But in the future, let us not forget the time we wasted listening to cowards and instead let us enforce the Roman law to its fullest extent!

            After declaring Marcus Aemilius Lepidus a public enemy, we voted on raising a legion to protect Rome if he should, which he undoubtedly will, march on the city.  I wholeheartedly agree with this decision, and believe that the levying of troops should be carried out with as much haste as possible.  Lepidus could lay arms on Rome any day now, and we do not want another man to seize the city and chain us with his tyranny, when we have just been freed of the dictator Caesar.  However, I realized after the meeting, that technically we only voted for Dolabella to gather legions.  I believe this is an irresponsible move.  It is clear to everyone in the Senate that Dolabella is being bribed by Marc Antony to support everything he suggests.  Marc Antony has already made it quite obvious that he cares not for Rome’s safety, but only for his own advancement.  Thus, placing his puppet in charge of the troops is dangerous and may lead to Rome having two advancing legions on her hands.  I suggested and again expound that Vorrenus head the troop-levying as he is a third-party in the split Senate and he adheres to traditional Republican ideals.  With him as general of the Senate’s legion, we could all sleep easier at night, knowing that the man in charge of our troops aims solely to protect the Roman Republic. 

            Now, Senators, act with haste!  Place Vorrenus in charge, and gather these troops as quickly as possible!  While we wait, Lepidus’ anger boils ever more fervently.  Let us not allow the ineptitude and greed of our consuls deter us from protecting Rome.  I want to be proud to be a Roman citizen once again, as I was when I arrived here from Verona, carrying the noble values of Cato close to my heart.  We have seen how those values were thrown to the wayside when Caesar ruled solely in Rome.  We cannot allow Lepidus, or Antony for that matter, to lay low the Republic once more and reduce us all to pawns!