De Caesaris

Now, with the death of Gaius Julius Caesar having been undertaken riotously and without just consideration, the people of Rome stand in chaos, risking the certain future of peace and prosperity imminent in his reign. Conscript fathers, consider thoroughly, I urge you, the actions that these men have taken, the disorder they have created and now encourage, the anarchy they're promoting not only in the Forum and in the streets among the proud people of our city with rumors and meaningless words, but also, soon, I am sure, abroad among the entire population that has been proud to call Caesar their leader. Recognize wholly the uncertainties and miseries with which these men threaten our fatherland and its dependents, our leaders and their masses, those standing here deciding the future and those whose future will be decided for them.

As for the man whose death has brought upon this uproar, what is fitting and proper to be done? What funeral would be most appropriate for this situation, the assassination of the most capable ruler Italy has seen since the days of his very own ancestor Romulus? How few options we could possibly consider! A grand state funeral must be held for this hero of the people, celebrating the life and achievements that he has done for the state and for those around him. Who of you present here today have not in some way, at some point or another, benefited from the consideration or mercy ofGaius Julius Caesar? While the slain sons, brothers, and nephews of some of you haunt your memory and cloud your opinions of this brave general and fine politician, you must be able to understand the overall improvements he has made possible within our state. You must be able to recognize the greatness this man showed and embodied early on in his career, long before the bloodshed and warfare. Weigh equally his early career and the final years. Consider the full life of the man, not merely his faults. Consider his good deeds along with his bad and celebrate his life and death accordingly.

Recognize also, conscript fathers, the consequences of these alternatives, how the people would react to a public funeral and, more importantly, how they would react to any less honorable possibility. A public funeral would allow a beloved leader, promoter of new temples and economic security, to be dignified and revered properly by those whom he served with the most deliberate regard. On the other hand, however, the uproar taking place now in our city will pale in comparison to the nightmare that would erupt from any actions considered dishonorable taken to dispose of Caesar's body. Consider, my countrymen, the threats that would follow you and your family from home to Forum to bath, like the hawk seeking its prey. Consider, conscript fathers, the ire and hatred with which our citizens would avenge the insults of their highly regarded ruler. Keep in mind, sirs, that not one of our number would still be safe, not one of our institutions would still be secure, not one of our glorified principles (republican or otherwise) would still be strong. Keep in mind, sirs, that there would be nothing of our promising future left standing if a proper state funeral is disregarded.