Marcus Terentius Varro - On the Acta of Caesar

Now, senators, we must consider what to do with the acta of a leader who seized a position that was neither his to take nor ours to give. And given that a position that does not exist holds no authority, we might throw out all the acts he decreed after his last elected dictatorship expired. Would you, senator, follow a man who claimed to be consul without examining his name and rank? When the fingertip points to the sun at midnight, the fool will not look at the finger.

And yet, were we to look at them in another way, we should not be so hasty to abandon Caesar’s acta. All of his known acta, all that he either began construction on or announced intent to construct, serve as possibilities to glorify Rome. I think it only right, then, that we the senate consider the fate of these constructions, and the remaining decrees that Marc Antony holds, intrinsically, regardless of their connections to Caesar. I shall begin with my thoughts on the known and incomplete acta.

A temple to Mars, as proposed, would serve as a fitting tribute to a deity who has smiled so favorably upon the Romans throughout our existence. I fear what might befall us should be abandon and demolish the work in place.

As for the theatre and constant pool for sea-battles on the Tarpeian hill, these are luxuries, the sesterces for which we could find better use.

A reduction of the civil code would help ensure that our rule and our justice run smoothly throughout our territories. Yet I would suggest an independent examination of the codes rather than blindly follow the revisions of one man.

Of the library, I cannot speak impartially. But I would ask the senate to consider two things. First, what terrible loss have we incurred by the destruction of the library of Alexandria? Second, what would it mean to Roman knowledge, scholarship, thought, and glory to have a library as grand, nay, grander than that of Alexandria? And consider, dear senators, that Rome, not Greece, could truly become the intellectual center of the civilized world.

To drain the Pomptine marshes and divert some of Lake Fucinus would be to claim much new farmland for the Roman people. It would also be costly, both in wealth and in lives. We must consider if we indeed required more farmland before we drain any further.

Both the highway from the Adriatic to the Tiber and the canal through the Corinthian isthmus will bring more trade to Rome. I fail to see why we should not construct either.

The Dacians, as we know, have made advances into Pontus and Thrace. I am not a man ready to cede any part of the fatherland to barbarians, yet I fear the success of any check in the midst of our political turmoil. If we are divided to any significant degree regarding the Dacians, the campaign will fall from public scorn and the unease of the soldiers.

By extension, any declaration of war on the Parthians lies beyond our grasp. We can neither divide our attention nor gamble so heavily with public opinion while we still settle the affairs of Caesar.

I began my address to you, senators, with a warning: to be wary of the agent of an action. Now, I urge you also not to be unduly prejudiced against an action because of the agent. We do not reject agriculture because the Gauls engage in it, nor hunting because it is the sport of dogs. I would advise the senate to consider each of Caesar’s proposals as just that—another proposal, to be judged as proper or not for this republic.

Marcus Terentius Varro - On What to Do with the Assassins

Senators, it is in the aftermath of one of the strangest wakes of my lifetime that we gather to determine the fate of those who inspired it. Caesar rests, and his followers from all who walk the streets of Rome came to witness, despite the will of the Senate. Now we senators also must wake—both to our moral consciences and to the will of the people, for whom the assailants say they acted.

Caesar, as I have noted, has done much both great and terrible for Rome and for the Senate. I will not speak again of his territorial gains, of his clemency for the exiled, of his constructions within Rome itself. Nor will I remind you of his march against the city, of the white sash and laurel that decorated his monument, of his grasping for a perpetual singular authority. He was a decidedly political figure, and his assailants struck him down for decidedly political reasons. They wished us to return to the age of the Republic, to a period of growth and prosperity that has lasted us more than four hundred years. Perhaps he wished to return Rome to the age of kings, to the age of Tullius and Superbus. I shall not pretend to know the aspirations of the dead, nor shall I pretend to know absolutely the right path for Rome. I have read enough of our literature to know that either such assumption is ill-advised.

I’m old, senators. I may not look it, but I feel it. Very thin—sort of stretched, like butter scraped over too much bread. And I do not have the youthful certitude to that I, or others in the Senate, may judge correctly within a single meeting.

Therefore, let the case go to the quaestio de vi, the court of political violence. The decision regarding these assailants, especially considering their number and the complexity of the situation, requires the adequate gathering of information and argumentation that comes with such a case. Republicans, would you doubt the abilities of Cicero or others to argue such a case? And Caesarians, if you cannot find a strong enough scholar and wit on your side, I fail to see why the Roman people should entrust you to lead our fatherland.

Senators, this is a time of great turmoil, but not a time to forget ourselves. We are neither barroom brawlers nor petulant children whining over the loss of some bauble. We are the voice and rule of the people, and we would do well to act with the care, coolness, and rationality that befit a Roman senator. May Jupiter look kindly upon the just.

Marcus Terentius Varro - On the Death of Caesar

Senators, we gather today to acknowledge the death of Gaius Julius Caesar and to determine what is to be done with his remains. Caesar, as we must recognize, is a man of great yet conflicted importance to Rome and its people. He has expanded our territories with arms and men, and has invaded our city with the same. He has restored many of us here today from exile, myself included, and has diminished their importance by his dictatorship. He has captured the hearts of the Roman people, and has tried to establish a terrible precedent to remove their voices.

Senators, I will not pretend that I have received no privilege from Caesar, nor can I condone the manner by which the assailants slew him. But regardless of my feelings, Caesar’s death is immutable. All that we may decide is how to treat the body of this man.

Considering all the glories Caesar has earned and wrought for Rome, it would be a shame to see Caesar’s body lost in the Tiber River. What the conspirators slew Caesar for was a matter of potential harm Caesar posed to the republic and not actual harm having already been done. It, therefore, seems as unjust to me to dispose of the man so callously as it would to execute in the same manner a man who gathered knives and poisons but had yet committed no murder. Neither Caesar nor any man should be punished so harshly for actions untaken.

At the same time, his claim for himself as perpetual dictator, without the blessing of the senate and with an heir besides, is a serious offense, and a man who would steal such a position does not deserve the grand procession and deification proposed here. As I have said, Caesar has tried to establish a terrible precedent to isolate power in one man, whom we may not always trust to speak for the good of the people.

I propose that we instead grant it to the family and friends of Caesar to hold a private burial. For all his actions both inspiring and unsettling, Caesar was a citizen of Rome—nothing more or less. We would dishonor ourselves to deny Caesar this final rite, taking away as much freedom as his later action threatened to take from Rome. Further, we would deny one of the oldest stories on the matter in our history. As I’m certain all of you were taught as small boys, after Remus taunted his brother Romulus and leapt over the wall of Rome, our great founder slew his brother in anger. Yet, by certain accounts, after all battle ceased, Romulus gave his brother a proper burial. Now, I ask you senators, were the actions of Caesar truly worse than those of Remus, the betrayer of his brother and first enemy of Rome?

I should wish that none of us spoke so severely about Caesar, for to do whether favorably or unfavorably would be to distort the memory of Caesar. Grant him a proper, private burial if you wish to preserve the dignity of our fatherland.

Poem 6-Catullus on Antony

Hello man with the suave voice and the pretty face.

Just because you have the means to please people artificially,

do not think that we the senate can be held captive by your persuasive speech.

For even you Antony must be truthful to yourself (which we all know you were not).

Those who used to follow you have left your side. Is this not proof your stupidity in the trickery?

For treason against Rome will not go unpunished.

Just as you so desire to convict the conspirators for treason

We all wish to convict you of the same crime.

And while you have a few men who follow you like puppy dogs follow a mother,

Dependent on her appreciation and affirmation in order live happily,

The rest of the senate has grown a brain, used our eyes, and seen you for what you truly are...

A liar, a traitor, and a power hungry hazard to Rome .

Gaius Matius on the Acta, and M. Antony

Romans,

I am greatly angered at the events occurring within our Senate. I continually stood behind Caesar in my speeches, and after reading his acta, I once again urge each of you to recognize his good intentions. Logic clearly has reached none of the opposition here today, so I shall say it simply. Caesar is not a tyrant! He has the greatest love for Rome of anyone, rivaled only by Marcus Antonius in political matters.

On that note, my anger increases. I have stood behind this man in letters, meetings of the Senate and in my heart. I am astounded at the level of mistrust. Caesar, unaware of his future misdeeds, appointed Brutus as consul, blurring our currently drawn lines of Republican and Caesarian. This "liberator" shouldn't be given anything but a trial. And in what sort of backwards world do we live in that Marc Antony is tried BEFORE murderers? We must act on our beliefs, Romans, and carry out Caesar's acta as planned. Remember the greatness of a unified government. Do not let civil unrest erupt from your misguided judgments and misplaced trials. Trust in your fellow man and dismiss this prideful way of governing.

Gaius Matius

An Egyptian Reaction to Recent Senatorial Meetings

My dear Roman friends,

Upon receiving word from my interwebs of slaves and a detailed summary of the latest senatorial meeting, I am simply appalled by the audacity of a few of its members. Where do I begin? First of all, I find it utterly ridiculous that the trial of Marc Antony be held before the trial of the conspirators, who unlawfully murdered the leader of this fair nation. Let's use our minds that the gods have granted us, dear Romans. Does it make sense to bring someone to trial on accusations of forgery, which are completely unfounded and clearly biased due to personal feelings towards others in the senate before a disgusting and untrustworthy murderer? Along with this, let me remind you all that your senate is halfway filled with liars and cheaters who seek personal gain either through military or monetary purposes. I for one can think of a handful of Romans who thought that they would be in power and still hope to be, even if that means using force or intimidation.

It tears at my heart to see the direction in which this senate is going: creating political factions, not trusting one another, and forgetting the man that loved Rome and all within it.

Brutus is a murderer and all that associate with him I can safely call the same. If you befriend a murder, you are just as worthless and evil. Dolabella is greedy and wants nothing but more money and more power. If you befriend the greedy, you will become just as selfish. Lepidus is power hungry and wants to increase his military reserves. If you befriend a power hungry man, you will become just as ruthless.

I pray that the senate can calm itself and see the light. The will and acta of Caesar have always been the word of Caesar. These documents were not changed by Marcus Antonius; the men that claim this are those who should not be trusted.

Cleopatra VII

Ps. My children were not even mentioned in the will, and I still care more about your nation and the direction it is heading than most of you ever could. Toodles.

The trial of Marcus Antonius

Patres conscripti (and Cleopatra),

Based on the precedent of the Bona Dea scandal (a trial in which Cicero crushed that scam, Clodius, as you all remember), the trial of Marc Antony will be conducted by the Senate. Dolabella is responsible for bringing forth the charges and proposing a penalty.

All Senators are required to voice their opinion on the issue. Should they wish to pose questions to the defendant, he has the right to respond however he wishes, i.e. either on the spot or after each speech.

Gaius Octavius speaks concerning the will

Most noble senators,
I summon you here today to discuss the next most important document Caesar left behind: his will. Gaius Julius Caesar was undoubtedly a skillful general, a sharp politician, and a father to this republic and the Roman people. It seemed at times that my great-uncle made brash political decisions that are often misinterpreted as tyrannical, but let me remind you that he acted only for the betterment of our state. His work as the leader of Rome has brought great success to our republic that has ushered in a new era of progress.
Because of the combative nature of the Senate recently and the general trend of distrust, some of you may think that by having the will read, I am trying to take some sort of power so that I can rule over all of Rome myself. I would like to reassure you all that this is certainly not the case. Caesar was my great-uncle, my blood relative who trusted and esteemed me. I merely want my rightful inheritance that Caesar left to me. I believe that everyone included in the will wants and deserves whatever Caesar has left to them. Bear in mind that Caesar, in his generous nature, most likely has left something for the Roman people. The people of this great republic deserve what is rightfully theirs because Caesar was a father to them as well.
I would like to remind you all that Marcus Antonius and Brutus are the enemies of the senate. Brutus broke his oath of loyalty to Caesar and murdered him, probably in hopes of gaining power for himself. Marcus Antonius has said that the old ways are not good for Rome. If M.A. receives any sort of power, he will try to do away with the senate altogether, and will probably use his army to march on Rome in order to seize power and rule this nation himself. There was talk in the last meeting of a possible case of forgery of the acta by M.A. Let us hope that M.A. would not betray Caesar by making new acta and claiming that they are Caesar’s in order to give himself power. For if Caesar truly favored and trusted M.A. so much that he appointed him Pontifex Maximus, as the “acta” state, then M.A. would certainly be named Caesar’s heir in his will. Therefore, we must read the will to see if this is the case, and M.A. should also want the will read for this reason.
Lastly, it is important that we read the will of Caesar and honor his last wishes, for every man deserves respect in their passing from this earth. I now open the floor for discussion…

The Trial of Antony

Friends and Enemies of Rome-- With today's meeting having taken place, I am filled with grief and anger. I cannot help but grieve for Rome, for I feel as if the Senate is now driven by personal motives rather than a desire to soundly govern the state. I am angry, for I was extremely frustrated to find that no matter how hard I tried to convey my reasoning to all, Republicans and Caesarians alike, no one seemed to listen. I attempted to explain my brother's goodness, yet you all turned your back to me and ignored my sound arguments.

Even if you would believe Antony to be of foul character, what criminal would alter, create, or produce two documents of such different ideas? Neither document completely favors Antony. Both the Acta and the will give authority to Brutus. Why, if he had the ability to alter the document, would Antony do this? You all say that he wished to appear "fair" in hopes that Brutus would be tried and exiled from Rome-- what then? Most of us would say the election of another consul would occur. If this were the case, obviously you Republicans would win that battle, as you have all others, either by means of bribery or sheer stubbornness to the truth. So why do you worry that Antony will seize power, when you all hold the majority?

I am disgusted by all affairs occurring in the Senate. All are seemingly voting with their partition, and not with their heart. For do you all believe in the forgery of the will by Marc Antony? Do you all believe the matter dire enough to require his trial before that of the murderers of Caesar? Do you all believe a trial necessary that will only further divide the Senate? Why do you all follow so blindly!

I feel lost and hopeless and as if those that claim do hate Antony for his so-called desire for sole power, are the ones who truly desire the sole control and power of Rome.

Lucius Antonius

Poem 5-Catullus Praises a few Noble Romans

I know I have become known for my witty way with words,

But I promise with all that I have that Catullus speaks now with no salt in his voice.

In this time of turmoil and trouble where all the state and senate have a choice

Of which route to take and how to make peace in the senate. The birds

Are quiet. The rivers almost stops for fear of another

Incident of terror. But somehow, someone needs to settle the storm.

For I have heard rumors of fear circulating in the Forum

About which man should be appointed to rule Rome. "For which men were more of a brother

Or a son to the late ruler than Lepidus and Octavius?" they say. For truly both men

Were not given any good fortune with the acta having been read,

Almost as if the acta were written by someone in the living rather than the dead.

Octavius, that young noble Roman who is the heir to Caesar. Lepidus who had been

His second for many years. Who better to lead Rome into the light

Than these two men who can truly bring justice to this republic more so than others who thirst

For power-who can almost taste it. Who have it in their sights. But the state comes first.

And the state needs leaders who will do the republic right.

I urge all you, o senators, to take my words and think them through.

For the fate of the state depends on what you, what I, what we do.

Lucius Caesetius Flavus on Caesar's acta

Oh conscript fathers,

I speak to you today in the midst of turmoil and tumult the likes of which we may have never seen before. We sit at a crossroads for our republic, and it is the charge of those whom the republic has chosen to guide it to determine which route we travel. As always, I speak today not on behalf of myself, but rather on behalf of those glorious, downtrodden civilians who only now begin to emerge, fear-stricken, from their homes into a Rome free of Caesar and the specter of his harrowing tyranny.

Caesar, like any man absorbed in his own power, in his own hubris, like any man fooled by the cult of his own personality, saw to it that his legacy would extend beyond his mere mortal life. Indeed, it is but further, albeit unnecessary evidence of Caesar’s tyranny that he felt his influence should last even post mortem. But Caesar sleeps now for eternity. Antony and his band of power hungry cronies would have you believe that such is not the case, but indeed we no longer need to live in fear, as I was once forced to, of Caesar’s expansive command and repression.

We come together today to discuss the fate of Caesar’s acta. I have made my case against Caesar’s tyranny before, you are all aware of his persecution of me for the noble crime of removing a diadem from the head of our late tyrant. But we cannot deny that Caesar had a distinctly organized plan drawn out for the circumstance of his death. I ask you, if Caesar was a tyrant in life, why would he not be so in death? Indeed, it surprises me not that Antony, who himself stands to gain so much from the execution of Caesar’s will, supports the carrying out of these acta. However, let us not be swayed by the selfishness and greediness of those who seek to use Caesar’s death as a means of promulgating their agendas.

Simultaneously, I do not believe that the mere fact that his would-be successors seek to exploit his acta necessarily means that we should ignore them completely. Instead, I believe that we, as a senate, should review the acta and decide, on a case-by-case level, which of these serve the republic and its noble people and which of these serves Caesar’s villanous supporters. May we all remember why we are here, to lead the republic and to protect its citizens, I urge you to join me in moving forwards towards a republic in which no man reigns supreme.

Thank you

Lucius Caesetius Flavus on what to with Caesar's body (sorry it's late)

Oh conscript fathers,

It is with a heavy heart that I approach you all today. I approach you, nevertheless, out of the sense of duty that I have to our great republic. For when our republic is in danger, we who have been appointed with the charge of protecting it must take action. And so, today, I heed my obligation and must move to defend that which is most dear to me. The matter I refer to is simple, and as such I have not much to say. Apologists for the late Julius Caesar have claimed that the man whose body we now discuss was not a tyrant but a hero. However, we must not allow those villainous men who seek to use the present tumult in our great republic for their own benefits to fool us. I speak to you today as I have always spoken to you fine senators, as the representative of the noble and most industrious plebs, who now celebrate their freedom from the tyrant whose excessive ambition and maniac lust for power threatened to unhinge the republic completely.

As tribune of the plebs, it is my sole charge to ensure that they are well represented and protected. This responsibility is not new for me, however I have recently been prevented from fulfilling it by this Caesar who once persecuted me for removing a diadem from a statue bearing his likeness. How can you Caesarians defend the integrity of a man who persecuted a Roman citizen for refusing to honor him as a king?

It is an unfortunate circumstance that Caesar, who for many years served as a legitimate hero of the republic, descended into tyranny and wretchedness when faced with the possibility of great power. Therefore I mourn not that Caesar has died, but that he had to die. That a man as virtuous as Caesar once was could not resist the temptation of supremacy is perhaps the strongest evidence of the lamentable but undeniable fact that excessive power necessarily corrupts.

However, if Caesar was truly the hero his apologists claim he was, surely he would have gladly given his life to the cause of preventing the destruction of the republic at the hands of a tyrant. Caesar breathes not now. Lest his sacrifice go to waste, I suggest we treat him as the despot he had become prior to his death and throw his body to the water, where it will serve as a warning to those who seek to exploit and manipulate the republic. Caesar’s reign of tyranny is finally over. While his death may be lamentable, it was necessary. Join me, oh conscript fathers, in heralding those who liberated us from Caesar’s clutches. May they be treated as the heroes they are and may we now move forward, for the time has come for re-growth. Truly, Caesar’s death will not have been in vain if it teaches us the dangers of autocratic power.

To Enact the Acta, Or Not to Enact the Acta

Perhaps there is a way for Caesarians to prove themselves to the assassins as worthy; perhaps there is a way for the assassins to prove themselves to the Caesarians as worthy. The only way for each faction to prove itself worthy to the other is to keep the acta as it is. We must all try to unite as one unit under Caesar's acta. Although we could not act as one unit under Caesar's rule, perhaps through his legislation alone, without the man behind the legislation, we can move past what many could call his tyrannical reign and back to the old, democratic ways of the Republic, when we acted as one united voting body.

However, again in the Senate meeting, Libo spoke for moderation, and moderation I again voted for. We must read Caesar's acta to revise and determine which of the acta are appropriate to enact during this time of turmoil and uproar, otherwise more uproar may ensue. Revising the acta together will unite us again as one single voting body.

ACTACAESARIS

ACTA CAESARIS

Here I delineate, lest something hinder me from enacting them in person, as well as for the benefit of my own memory, my own plans and appointments for the continued success of Rome.

I am aware that few call me a tyrant king. Every time I hear those words spoken I am stabbed with pain. I work only for the glory of Rome, and the powers I hold I hold only to stabilize a Rome that needed a guiding centralization of power for a time. However, now that I have been in this position of power for nearly ten years, steadied our state, and returned Rome to its former glory, I realize that the utter extent of my power is no longer needed. Thus, within the next year, I will work to restore balance to Rome and hopefully end the calls of tyranny that pain me so deeply. I will start by abandoning my position as Pontifex Maximus. I do believe, however, that I still have a role to play at the helm of our Roman ship, and that a centralized power, although much weakened, is necessary to execute the decrees of the Senate and act as a shining exemplum of Rome far from the walls of our city. Thus, with my deeper sentiments exposed, logic can be seen in the following plans and appointments.

My first delineated appointment serves to redeem a lost voice in Roman political life. Although Marcus Tulius Cicero and I have had an embittered history, and differ on our fundamental values, I believe him to be a man worthy of some degree of respect. As I have aged, I have realized that Rome needs difference of opinion spoken greatly, and in this there is no better man than Cicero. Thus, in order to restore his political life, I reaffirm Cicero’s title as Pater Patriae, hold a parade for the reaffirmation, and also award him the honorary title Senex Sapiens – a position that will allow all that he understands of our Roman Senate, all that he understands of the nature of politics, and all that he understands of oration, to be recorded by state-hired scribes so that his thoughts can immediately enter the public domain and be studied throughout Rome. Hopefully these honorary positions serve to return Cicero to the Senate on a regular basis.

I appoint Catullus, honorable poet, to the new position of Poet Laureate, a position which encourages our Roman art and grants Catullus a state income, so that he will be further encouraged to compose his biting poetry that captures both the good and bad of our Rome.

I appoint Marcus Terentius Varro to the position of Scriptor Magnus, an honor which grants him the ability to directly request and receive from the consuls state funds in order to establish necessary schools of literature throughout the state.

In attempts to move away from unnecessary centralization of potentially violent power, I revoke the title of Magistrum Equitum from Lepidus not because of any reason in his character or for any action. Lepidus will be instead stationed in Armenia, to work skillfully with the Persians so that we may expand and ensure our territories under his honorable guidance.

With Lepidus having been transfered to Armenia, I break up his three armies, and thus secure Rome further from potential misuse of force, and transfer those three armies, one to Lucius Antonius for his truly natural leadership skills, one to Bassus, a noble servant to Rome, and one to Quintus Tulius Cicero, the younger brother of Marcus Tulius Cicero and a promising young soldier.

In my past I have tried to appoint Dolabella to the position of consul, but it was wisely rejected by Marc Antony, who exceeds me in political sense. Since my attempt to appoint Dolabella as consul, I have become aware of Dolabella’s duplicitous nature, noticing glances and grimaces in his face that suggest he is somehow unhappy. I have also become aware of the enormous debt he owes to other Roman citizens, including Cicero, and I demand Dolabella to repay Cicero in full, plus standard interest. Surely Marc Antony saved us all when he stopped Dolabella from bankrupting Rome as consul the same way he has bankrupted himself. Therefore I appoint Dolabella to the position of overseas granary commissioner in Crete.

Brutus, more of a son to me than a senator, will be appointed consul alongside the existing consuls immediately after, and only after, Marc Antony is granted the additional position of Pontifex Maximus.

All other positions currently held by citizens unnamed in this document will be retained by those unnamed citizens.


With these acta, I attempt to realign the power of Rome that had been tipped, not for an unworthy reason, in my favor so that I could secure our state. Now, the three consuls, Brutus, Marc Antony and myself, in union with the Senate, will work together, I pray, to ensure that future glory come to Rome.

Libo On Caesar's Acta

My fellow citizens, senators and countrymen,

I come to you today to offer my opinions on the proposal to adapt Caesar's Acta. As you may recall from my last speech, I was a master negotiator in Caesar's feud with Pompey. From our last meeting I was disheartened to hear the accusations that came across the floor from both sides. Is it true that many of you were bought by Caesar, or that you hid behind his toga when you were in trouble?!

On the other hand concerning the Acta, I want to remind you that it was Caesar that assigned Marcus Varro the duty to increase public participation in libraries. He wanted to build the temple of Mars and to build a theater of vast size. Caesar wanted the Roman empire to be extended by planning to wage war against Parthia. He corrected the calendar and he worked on many more projects.

Therefore, I would like to propose that we go through the Acta point by point, line by line and that we vote individually on each decree. The proposals that increase Rome's glory should be adopted, while those that set to increase selfish gain should be abolished.

Libo

Brutus on the Acta of Caesar

Today we gather Senators to discuss the acta of Caesar. For me this is an easy decision, as it should be for you all. For our first responsibility is to our people, and this decision should be made in their favor. Since the death of the tyrant, the people have been confused and in mourning. Many of you would claim that this is of my hands. You all know my thoughts on such an opinion, but the fact remains that there is unrest. And in my heart, I feel that it is our responsibility to handle this unrest.
In my opinion the best way to do this is to uphold these acta. There is already so much discord that holding elections would only lead to more confusion and chaos. I fear it would also lead to rioting and protests.
I must also make the motion to uphold the appointment to uphold Dolabella to consul, as he is the consul elect. For truly, if we are to return to the ways of the republic, then we ought to have two consuls instead of one. As well as the fact that I don't believe it wise for our current consul to rule by himself. Not only does this give the wrong impression to the people about our intentions with the republic, I do not trust Marc Antoni on his own. Let us postpone elections until such a time as the republic is more stable.

Libo On the Issue of the Conspirators

My fellow senators,

I write to you all to clarify my position on the issue of the conspirators who assassinated Julius Caesar. As you might have observed, I withheld my tongue from speaking on the issue because I wanted both sides to get an equal chance to form their argument. I was disappointing at the personal attacks that were being thrown around by both sides towards the end of the session.

When the final vote came down (one side for a fair trial, the other for no trial) I voted for no trial. I felt that the assassins should not be tried since their actions were done, in their own minds, for a higher moral calling. A calling that they felt was for the benefit and freedom of all Roman people. I for one cannot judge any man like that. I wanted the conspirators to be acquitted because I judged that they had won the debate.

I may be wrong though. If it turns out that during the trials incriminating evidence is presented to suggest that the assassination was done for selfish gains then I would be open to changing my opinion.

May the senate serve the people,

Libo

Publius Ventidius Bassus on the Acta of the beloved Caesar

Senators:

What good is a world where pledges are not honored?

The plans our beloved Caesar penned - with only the good of Rome and its people in mind - 

must be followed through. Must be executed to the fullest extent in honor of his most glorious memory.

Where is your sense of duty? Has it fled along with your honor and shame? Has it scurried into some dark hole to quiver at the sounds of battle?

A man's plans are an extension of himself and his vision.

I knew Caesar.

I fought for Caesar against the barbarians on the frontier.

How many of you can say the same?

I trust Caesar; Rome has never had a greater champion, and in this my faith is unshakeable.

If his plans for the future are enacted as they would have been if by some happy fortune Caesar were alive, then Rome would be strong. Strength is needed in these troubled times.

There are those who would rob the state of this strength for their own gain. I am filled with disgust for men of such kind, wasps and ticks and leeches that they are to drain the state of its vitality until it can no longer stand.

If you value the states continued survival, you will support these acts

Ave Caesar

My Previous Two Speeches: On the Acta, and the Conspirators

On the Acta of Caesar:

I must agree with my brother, Marc Antony concerning the Acta: I believe that we must keep the Acta intact. I also believe that we must read aloud the will. Thirdly, I know that many believe we need to go over the Acta point by point for editing. Although Marc Antony seems whole heartedly against this, I feel it is necessary. However, I think that we should put off the reading until the conspirators have been tried, for I feel as if they should not be allowed to vote on the points.

As Marc Antony stated, we have a divided senate, and reconciliation is key. We need a reunified senate that can stand strong, and present a united front. We all took an oath to uphold the Republic, and we need the acta to carry us through this questionable period after Caesar's death.

We need to keep the acta until we seek out and punish the conspirators. After that, we should go through the acta point by point so that we can keep those points that benefit the Roman people. 

On the fate of the conspirators:

My fellow Roman citizens. I come to you all today to speak on the subject of the conspirators against the republic. I know that we all have very different opinions on these men-- some of you would call them liberators, some murderers, and some would call them your friends. I suggest that we look at their crimes  from as neutral a position as possible, and make our aim not one of revenge, but one of saving the republic. These men killed the ruler of Rome, living our fatherland without a leader. They made us vulnerable to attack, as we still are, and they took a matter into their own hands instead of allowing the people to pass judgement on their own ruler. They condemn Caesar for being a dictator, yet it is they that are making decisions without the consent of the senate and people of Rome. For these reasons, I see no other option than to call their crime treason.

A full investigation should be mandated by the state, with selected neutral parties and witnesses to provide all details necessary about the conspirtators. Once we discover the names of these men, I suggest the harshest punishments be dealt to them.

Although the Roman people may wish for your death, I unfortunately cannot support their desire. For the man whom you killed saves you-- Caesar's complete abandonment of the death penalty for those having commited treason leaves us no other option but exile. If you were to stay in Rome, it would appear as if we condone the murder of our leaders.  If this does not concern you, then your own safety and that of these conspirators should; there have already been a number of threats against your lives. Should they stay in Rome I fear that we will have more than one murder to deal with. Seeing as how the known conspirators are Roman citizens, I reccomend that they be allowed to chose their place of exile, be escorted out of Rome, and be stripped of all of their assets. Because they killed the Roman's people's leader, I believe that the assets of the conspirators should be distributed amongst all Roman citizens.

Gaius Rabirius Postumus on the Acta

O Conscript Fathers,

I, Gaius Rabirius Postumus, must first apologize for my prior absences from the senate. Following the death of Caesar, I was much too shocked to participate in anything but mourning. Even now that I have regained my composure, I find myself shocked yet again; shocked by the actions and words of those sitting here amongst us. Caesar undoubtedly was a strong man and strong leader for the Republic. My relationship with Caesar stretches far back, both politically and personally. He and I had been business partners not only in Rome but throughout the Roman Empire. However, every great man and great thing has its downfalls. Although Caesar strengthened the Republic, he undertook inappropriate measures to become ingrained into the foundation of the Republic deeper than any single man should ever be. His military campaigns obtained wealth and land for the glory of Rome. But at what price? Must every citizen be subjugated beneath a tyrant simply to enjoy a healthy and strong Republic? There are those who claim the attack on Caesar was an attack on the Republic itself. Some would like to believe that the strike on Caesar was a strike at the heart of the Republic. I must disagree. The heart of the Republic lies in the people, not in any single man. As a man, Caesar was a dear friend to many of us. As a ruler, he was a threat to each and every one of us. Illustrious senators; out of the darkness comes the light and out of this tragedy comes our responsibility to carry the Republic in a new, brighter direction devoid of tyranny.

There is no question that some among us were granted their post merely to be lapdogs of Caesar. With your master gone, we shall see the true colors of you men. Will you climb into the lap of Marc Antony? Or will you stand for the Republic in the face of tyranny? My fellow senators, do not let history repeat itself so quickly. A tyrant should not rule from his grave. Nor should any man with questionable motives concerning the Republic be entrusted to relay a dead king’s acta. However, it would be foolish to simply discard these acta in a time of turmoil for the Republic. As has been suggested, we need to go over the acta and make our own judgments for which are harmful and which are helpful to the state of the Republic. In this time it is more crucial than ever that we act as a single body and compromise, for the good of the Republic.

Concerning Caesar's Acta

Senators,

I want to briefly state my views concerning Caesar's acta as well as encourage my fellow Republicans to listen attentively to its contents, and not to let hatred for Caesar prevent us from recognizing wisdom IF we happen to hear it speaking to us today. If there is one compromise we have all agreed upon it is that Caesar was responsible for much good as well as much evil during his life. Therefore, in hopes of hearing the wisdom of the Caesar we once supported, I fully support the reading and analyzation of the acta.

Indeed, I am always willing to listen to opinions and ideas from any faction, for is this not what we as a body are meant to do? Is this not what defines us as a senate? If I, as a Republican, sought to silence the voice of Caesar's acta, would I not be functioning identically to the former tyrant himself, who sought to fill the senate with his supporters, hoping to drive out all dissenting opinions?

Fellow Republicans, let us realize that we have already won the battle. We have given power and authority to the senate once again, and we must allow all senators their voice, for it is a privilege we sorely missed while Caesar lived. As long as we can prevent those who would claim the title of "heir" from ascending the fabricated throne so recently left vacant, we can be confident that this senate, through debate and reason, will now guide the republic safely and peacefully.

Lucius Cornelius Cinna concerning Caesar's Acta

O Conscript Fathers, I speak to you once again at this most crucial moment in the long history of Rome. Publius Cornelius Dolabella has called upon us to decide what should be done with Caesar’s Acta but I find myself insulted once again that this sacred Senate should even debate such a matter. I understand that the Acta already carried out should be left in place to retain order, but concerning those which have not been enacted, why do we even meet when some of you would rather be told what to do by the no doubt deranged writings of a dead dictator? Do you wish to abandon your office and allow the recordings of a tyrant to lead Rome? Unfortunately I fear many of you have already done just that. I maintain that it is impossible to support the Republic of Rome while still yielding to the wishes of Julius Caesar! Did we not all take a sacred oath to serve the Republic?! You claim that the liberators betrayed Julius Caesar, and in response I ask you to examine yourselves. Have you not betrayed the Roman Republic and its people’s liberty by pledging allegiance to a tyrant who neglected its noble democratic principles? Should we not consider this a much more grave crime? To support these Acta is to support the continued hindrance of Rome’s republicanism. Why should we continue to let Caesar, through these decrees, fill the senate with his corrupt peons who will mindlessly carry out his desires and continue to snatch power from the people of Rome! My fellow Romans is our duty to protect the people’s democratic powers under which Rome prospered and was transformed into the greatest power in the world! I beg you to remember you devotion to the principles, which governed this nation for over 400 years! Despite my feelings on the matter, in the name of democracy I support the reading of Caesars Acta and will, and that a fair vote be carried out afterwards.

Poem 4-Catullus's Grand Solution to The Acta Problem

You all speak of unification and the acta of Caesar.

Catullus has a grand idea!!

Let us all, Republicans, Caesarians, and others alike,

Let us all join at my house!

We shall drink and socialize and become friends again (for we all know how I LOVE love).

Then when we are all fuzzy with wine and hold love for our brothers

We can bring forth this scary acta, with its contents unknown,

And as friends figure out what to do together.

It is only politics, senators. It is only the fate of this republic.

Let us spice up the reading!

Wine only brings clarity, as some of you believe better than others.

My house is a warm and comfortable space.

And as a man who you all love and hold dearly, where better! I shall invite Libo to co-host

(for this man is the only sane one in the senate!)

I'll read, you'll listen, we'll all drink and then when all has been revealed

And we have all come together in love, BAM!

All this political nonsense will be settled.

Or if you disagree with my plan, by all means take your time and debate some more!

It is only the fate of the republic senators. Take your time!

(perhaps even a year as some say)....no rush senators. It's only politics.

Gaius Octavius speaks concerning the acta

Most noble Roman senators,
I, Gaius Octavius, come before you today to address another pressing issue that faces this state: Caesar’s acta. As you are well aware, before Caesar’s untimely death at the hands of some violent and misguided men, he had composed a substantial amount of acta aimed at various political and social issues. The past legislations enacted by Caesar were for the betterment of Rome as a whole and allowed it to reach a state of stability and political equilibrium. Despite how many of you might feel about his political actions in the past, there is no doubt that Caesar maintained a tight control over this empire that allowed it to run smoothly but also exhibit itself in a just manner. His political appointments might have seemed, at times, an attempt to gain favor and support, but it was those appointments that allowed for this state to see the prosperity it has achieved to this day. Who among us would argue that his own appointment from Caesar was a wrong one? There is no doubt that Caesar’s magistrates, who were appointed to maintain our foreign states, have done great work in maintaining our far-reaching boundaries and vast empire. Caesar’s military prowess and unmatched diplomacy have allowed for our foreign policy to see monumental success and has allowed for this state to gain an excess of wealth and opulence. It was Caesar who was courageous enough to initiate many policies regarding internal affairs, so that justice and legality might always be considered when issues arose. I know that in this state of turmoil the positive aspects of Caesar’s acta are clouded and often misunderstood. But remember, conscript fathers, that it was these acta which enabled Rome to become what it is today.
With all this having been said, I want to say that I agree with Marc Antony- the acta should be confirmed and a time limit should be placed on the acta. This would lead us through this time of turmoil until we get back on our feet and can then make new decisions on how we want to run the republic. I implore that you consider this idea for the good of Rome.
Thank you.

Lucius Amelius Paullus on the Acta

Senators,  

Today we convene to discuss what is to be down with the acta of Caesar. I understand the desires of both the Caesarians and the Republicans. I believe the murder of Caesar to be a dastardly and unforgivable deed. One which cannot be  tolerated and those who committed the crime must be put to death as examples to traitors. In the past, I have aligned myself with my brother Lepidus and the rest of the Caesarians. However, we must realize Caesar is dead. We cannot enact his plans based simply on the assumption that he would have done the  same. In politics, nothing is a assured. We must not linger on the murder of the  former consul and we must progress forward. The new consul though, does have  the opportunity and right to enact the acta of Caesar and pursue the changes  outlined by the former consul. If that is how he chooses to lead, then so be it.  But voting to enact the memoirs based solely on what it is believed Caesar  would have done is not only presumptuous, but also irresponsible. Please  Romans, let us move the city forward out of this stagnant pond of controversy  and bring the Republic back to the glory it has earned.  

Lucius Aemilius Paullus.

Dolabella Convenes the Senate

Inasmuch as it may be good and fortunate for the Roman people of the Quirites, I bring before you, conscript fathers the matter of Caesar’s acta. As you all know, the papers and will of Caesar are being held by Marc Anthony and I believe it is time that we concern ourselves with their fate. I ask you all, oh conscript fathers: What does it please you should be done about this matter?

But before I release the floor to this debate, I have a few words I would like to say on the matter of Caesar’s acta. My feelings toward the late Caesar are split, oh conscript fathers. He was a man I once called friend and he granted me my consulship as well as the positions of many a man in this room. However, I cannot let this friendship lead my will. For while I honord Caesar the man and concul, I cannot uphold the will of Caesar the King, for a kingship is surely what he was after. It has been asked at what point did some Senators start proclaiming traitors to be heros and I can only answer since you decided to worship Caesar as a god. With this being said I can only submit to you senate that it is my opinion that the acta of Caesar, the man and consul, should be approved for the benefit of Rome and the acta that Caear dared declare as king be put down as the self-serving garbage that it surely is.

How are we to know which is which though, oh senators? Easliy enough. Surely the appointment of such honorable men as Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, others, and myself was made by the man, Caesar whose only desire was to restore the Republic in Rome and who unfortunatly died long before the events of last week. The installment of worthy men in positions of power is surely an honorable one and this wil be carried forward by Rome the Republic with such appointments of Sextus Pompeius, who I hear has made a name for himself while abroad in Spain.

In regards to Caesars other acta, those named in his will concerning the direction of Rome’s legislative and foreighn policy matters, it is not hard for learned men to smell the stinch of selfish desires. As to who should be named heir to Caesar, I can only ask this, how can a man have an heir to a thrown that was brought down many years ago. For Rome has spoken and desires no king.

Therefore it is in my opinion, oh conscript fathers, that the only acta of Caesar that should be honored is the appointment of learned men in the leadership posistions that they have carried most honorably and that the royal decrees of Caesar should be ignored as the illegal acts of a false king.

Cicero For Keeping Caesar's Acta for Temporary Stability

Here we are still, ripe from the passing of Caesar the tyrant. He was a man who took power from the people, and I am ashamed to say that the body of men sitting here let him. The senate allowed him to take power, and while he had this power it was too dangerous for his political opponents to speak out against him. But now, with this barrier to our liberty having been removed, we may speak freely and decide for ourselves the path that the Republic must take. The Republic has always been stronger than its opponents, and though many of the power hungry among you threaten it now, I tell you that I have full confidence that, if you be true Romans, the Republic can survive even this.
Many among you are nervous about the coming days, and I understand your reasons. It will be difficult to once again take responsibility, in this senate, for the good of the Roman people, because we are now so used to allowing the decisions to be made for us by a man who asserted that he had every right to make decisions for the our great nation. Caesar had suppressed the operation of the state with his force, and now that that force has been lifted, it is our duty to see that the senate returns to its rightful position as a decision making body.
Despite the fact that Caesar wrongfully appointed many of his friends as magistrates without proper election, I think that it is necessary for us to allow these magistrates to remain in their positions. Next election we can make sure that all are appointed fairly, but for now the good of the people lies in keeping the senate functioning. We need our senate in the coming days to make decisions for the good of the Republic, and without some of our magistrates having the right to state their opinion in this debate it will be far too difficult to restore the proper operations of the state. It is only if the current magistrates attempt, like Caesar their benefactor, to seize more power from the people that we should call for their removal from office. As long as they do their duty that I now charge them to do and keep the decrees of Caesar to avoid chaos without acting themselves like Caesar, they should keep their positions.
While it is better to keep the acta of Caesar in order to maintain order in this republic, I would charge you all not to allow any new acta to be enforced by those who think they should replace him as heir. This will of his should be disregarded, and while the laws he enforced should be kept, we should not support the will of a tyrant in death. No doubt these people think that they are carrying on in some great legacy of Caesar, but they are in reality carrying on his legacy of tyranny.
Marcus Antonius betrayed his sentiments on this matter when he said that the old ways of the republic are outdated, and stability lies in following the new ways of Caesar. He wishes to take power for himself and impose it on the people. He is another man who wishes to be like a king and we should not allow this. We should impose restrictions on Marcus Antonius and others who claim to be Caesar’s heirs to prevent them from enacting any new decrees and enslaving the Roman people. These men believe that the tyranny of Caesar was justified, and he obviously wants to take Caesar’s place. We cannot allow this to occur! We must protect the republic from the new tyrant, who will enforce his will as Caesar attempted to. We must make sure that Marcus Antonius and his ilk do not divide our united republic as they intend to gain power themselves. I do not propose we throw out current magistrates, but I do say that those who were appointed by Caesar and would follow in his footsteps of tyranny should be prevented from doing so. Speak out against corruption in our state, and allow only those laws to pass that protect the whole of the republic, not just the self-interest of a few select men. Do not allow anyone acting from the will of Caesar to enforce new acta and allow the senate to return to the way it should be, in which a body of people elected to serve represent the interests of the whole republic.
Caesar appointed Antony and many others to maintain his tyranny. I charge you who he appointed in such away to fulfill the position you were given when you entered this senate, and speak out for the good of the republic. Do not shy away from the opportunity now to make new laws, while allowing Caesar’s laws to stand to prevent chaos. Do the right thing and do not allow a new tyrant to rule you, instead acting on the laws we now have in place to guarantee the safety and prosperity of the republic.

Gaius Matius' letter to the Senate concerning Caesar's acta

Fellow Romans, I apologize for my absence from the convening of the Senate. My grief has overcome me and I have fallen ill again.
For now I will address the issue of what to do with Caesar’s acta. As I have previously stated, my support is for Caesar and in turn, for Marcus Antonius. I believe in his ability to lead us all to the restoration of the Republic by means of the proper interpretation of the intentions of Caesar. I believe that these papers and decrees should be reviewed by the Senate in order to satisfy the traditions of our government. We, as senators, should issue formal decrees to enact whatever pieces of legislature may be within these papers.
Conscript fathers, I realize that some of you are reluctant to trust in this government. How can I blame you? The assassins of Caesar are to blame for this feeling of uneasiness that resides in each of us. Without our leader, we feel as if no one is trustworthy, and I find myself battling this unsettling feeling. It is difficult for me, having lost my friend, to move on within this government and for however many years I may have left. I feel as if those who are in opposition of the enactment of Caesar’s decrees fear what consequences may come their way, for they truly must have never been a friend of Caesar!
We must remember our faith in government, and trust in this man, M. Antonius. We must review these papers and enact what Caesar has laid out for the restoration of the government. And we must do this expediently!

Brutus on the Treatment of the Liberators

Senators, I come to speak before you, again in a time of turmoil. Our people are in mourning. Many of you have claimed that I and my fellow men are the source of such sorrow. While they may believe they mourn the death of Caesar, truly it is their sourls that mourn the slow death of this republic. And What is the cause of this death? There are those who have claimed that it is the death of Caesar, but this is not so. For the death of the Republic did not begin with Caesar's death, but with the Civil war between himself and Pompey.
Indulge me, Senators, as I bring forth from our memories the truth of our current situation. Recall when Caesar crossed the Rubicon, his claim was that the senate was taking away the rightful powers of duly elected officials. You may recall that these "officials" that he claimed were losing their powers was really one official, who now sits in this room: Marc Antoni. For he, as you may recall, oh Senators, was at that time a Tribune of the Plebs. And also recall that at that very time, while the senate was attempting to pass decrees, intended to protect the commonwealth and safety of the republic, when many of you had entreated upon him to not cause the destruction of the republic, that he not once, but many times, vetoed those decrees meant for the protection of the republic. So that the only response the senate had was to pass the Senatus Consultum Ultimum against you as it would pass against an enemy. This stripped you of your powers, and instead of receiving your punishment as a man should, you feld to hid behind Caesar's toga, like a child hiding behind his mother's dress, and sad to say Senators, it was not the first time. For this Caesar crossed the Rubicon, and fashioned himself to be a king. So you must see, that truly, this death of the republic is the fault of Marc Antoni.
One of Caesar's great gifts was distraction and persuasion. He convinced you to forget these acts of Antoni; he bought the pople with bread and circuses, and truly, you Senators, were bought with forgivesness and positions. Even I was a subject to this charm. See the light with me, Oh Senators. See with me that Antoni is still an enemy to this republic, it is easier now without Caesar here to hide his debacherous ways.
But I am not here to attack Marc Antoni. I am here, Senators, to remind you that both Caesar and Antoni were bringers of death to this republic, not I. And even though I became entranced by Caesar's charms, promises, and gifts, remember that I came to the truth. I remembered the heart of my oath's, which first go to this republic before any man. And remember that Caesar's death was a consequence of this oath to the republic, and that truly I liberated us all. Treat me justly Senators, for that is your oath to this republic.

Fit of Rage

Conscript fathers, today we convene again, and again concerning Caesar's death. Yet this time we gather to discuss the fate of his assassins. Most of them sit here in this very room, and I for one am ashamed to be gathered among them today. I believe these men should be punished in the most cruel and unusual manner, as they killed Caesar in the most cruel and unusual manner. They gathered around Caesar, not as his supporters, but as his vicious attackers, and each took turns stabbing our poor, former leader. They showed no signs of compassion for the life of a fellow human; they slaughtered him as if he were some kind of animal to be eaten at their next meal. These assassins should be shown mercy, however, because we, conscript fathers, know the meaning of the word compassion; yet this compassion should only go so far as to the manner of their deaths, for as Julius Caesar died, so should the ones who killed him die. They should not be cruelly stabbed to death in succeeding turns, yet they should, in fact, die.

Nevertheless, as I said in the Senate meeting, I am willing to give the assassins a fair trial for the murder of Caesar. I wrote this speech in a fit of rage and heat of passion, and I realize now that the true meanings of the words mercy and compassion should also extend to the word duty. It is our duty as rational men to give these men a fair trial, as they did not give one for Caesar, for clearly they possess no rational or reason or, for that matter, the capacity for mercy and compassion.

Poem 3-What to do with the Conspirators

You argue for a fair trial, senators.

For this is the just solution.

But why be just when we can be entertained?!

Let us present to the Roman people the funeral games of Caesar

With gladiatorial games featuring...the conspirators!!!!

Since the liberators so enjoy using their swords,

Let them use their swords again, only now against each other.

Let us kill two birds with one stone-

Present the public with games for the fallen and punishment for the assassins!

Their punishments will range from death to embarrassment

(for I wouldn't allow any Brutus to set forth as a gladiator without a gladiatorial costume!)

Efficiency is the key, o senators.

So stop all your debating and follow the musings of your Catullus.

Quintus Pedius on the fate of the assassins

Senators,

When I first learned of my great uncle’s death, I was deeply saddened. But when I learned how and by whose hands he was slain, I was filled with rage. My only thoughts were of revenge. I believed that these conspirators, these assassins, should be made to feel the same fear, the same pain that my great uncle felt moments before he died. I believed these men should be killed, as they had taken another’s life. I believed their bodies should be thrown into the Tiber, which was not outrageous as some of them wanted Caesar’s body to be thrown into the river, because they had acted as criminals.

But as the days passed, the anger turned into grief. I began to think differently about the fates of these so-called liberators. At my great uncle’s funeral, for which I thank you, Senators, for allowing his family to have, I watched my family mourn the loss of our beloved Caesar. And as I watched my family weep, I knew I could not argue for the deaths of any more men. No one else should have to die. No more families should have to fight for the right to have a funeral. No more wives should have to mourn the loss of their husband, nor should children have to mourn the loss of their father because of the actions of a few stupid, cowardly men.

So I propose a fair trial for these conspirators. Let them face a court of their peers and be put on display for the world to see. And let them truly face justice. And, if they are found guilty, which surely they will be, for I have faith in our courts, let them be known as traitors, murderers, and ex-patriots wherever they should go for the rest of their lives. For truly that is a fate worse than death.

(Sorry the font was so huge in the last post, I'm technologically challenged.)

Quintus Pedius on the death of Caesar

Conscript Fathers,

Many of you have stated your desire for Caesar’s body to not receive the proper burial he deserves. Some even go as far as saying that his body should be tossed into the Tiber, as if he was a condemned criminal. So I ask you, what exactly is a criminal? Is it a man who swears to protect his leader and then concocts a plan to assassinate him? Maybe you do not think this is criminal behavior. But surely you would say that surrounding a man so closely that he cannot defend himself, and then stabbing him to death would be criminal. And if you think that one who murders another in cold blood is a criminal, then all of you are to be considered criminals. And if you still believe that Caesar’s body should be thrown into the river as a criminal’s body would, then you are saying that your bodies, when all of you die, should be tossed in as well.

But perhaps you have not been swayed. Caesar was more than a valiant military and political leader. He was also the father of the Roman people. And in the next days, I’m sure you will witness the profound grief and hostility of a people who have just lost their adored father. So I appeal to you, not as senators, but as sons, fathers, husbands, and brothers. Think of your family. How would you want your father or sons to be treated in death? You would want them to receive a proper funeral; you would want their achievements to be celebrated. And this is what Caesar deserves: a proper burial with the traditional rituals. Not only do I, his great nephew, believe this, but the Roman people as a whole do as well. For if you are truly for the Republic, then you will comply with the wishes of the common people.

To those noble Romans...not you, Brutus

My Roman friends of the Senate,

I write this letter to those noble men of the senate that are working tirelessly and for days on end to settle the dispute over the proper course of action for the late and wonderful Gaius Julius Caesar. As many of you may already have been aware, G.J.C. and I were close not only intimately but politically. Our alliance was one that the gods themselves arranged for the betterment of the world and will forever be kept in my heart. Gaius Julius Caesar was a golden light that shone throughout the world bringing peace and guidance wherever it touched. His vision for Rome is often skewed by those evil and nefarious men who were jealous of his success and position. But as woman of power, I can empathize with this misunderstood leader. I implore you to recognize Caesar for all the good that he brought to your nation, including wealth, prosperity, and victories on so many military fronts. He acted for what he thought was best, and what he wanted was to benefit every person in Rome.

Now you might be asking yourselves why Cleopatra of Egypt would care so much about the fate of Rome, and the answer is very simple. I am a mother once and soon to be twice to this fallen hero. It is my duty to speak on behalf of my children who are potentially a major part of Rome in the future. Those “liberators,” those scum of Rome have a misguided sense of what is right. I ask you, is it right to betray your oath to Rome by mercilessly and unjustly killing the beloved leader of the nation you promised to protect? What kind of logic is it to kill your leader and claim it to be for Rome? What kind of idiotic person might think that murder and sending your nation into a state of political and emotion turmoil is a “good idea?” Apparently, those moronic men of misguided self-righteousness would, and Brutus, from letters I have received, continuous to defend himself and those disgusting principles. I suggest you run very far, Brutus, for those noble men of the senate along with Marcus Anotnius, Gaius Octavius, and the masterful Publius Ventidius Bassus are coming to get you and see that you meet the same fate you unjustly bestowed upon the fair Caesar, legally of course.

I hope to see that those men are punished swiftly and that Rome is to be set straight again. I and the Egyptian nation wish those Caesarians the best and we mourn for your loss.

Toodles,

Cleopatra VII
Ps. I hope to be a part of these deliberations soon. My Caesarion and soon-to-be-son are seeking someone to guide them and teach them, by example, how to lead, speak, and act with dignity, as a Roman man should. I hope to hear from you soon for my scribes have formed a series of interwebs that allow me to receive letters with great speed.

Former Consul on the fate of the Conspirators

Fellow Romans,

I would first like to congratulate the Senate on making the right decision in regards to Caesar's funeral. It was the honorable and morally right thing to do for a former military leader and consul of Rome. This man led the Roman army in a time of great prosperity and expansion. Politics must be put aside at a time like this and a former servant of the Rome honored.

Now as to the fate of the conspirators, every last one of them should be given a fair trial as any criminal of the state. With many witnesses and the entire Senate knowing the identities of the murderers, this should not be a difficult conviction. The one claim the conspirators have to excuse their actions was their belief that Caesar was leading Rome down a dangerous road toward tyranny. Fellow Senators, worry over political future is no excuse for murder. If found guilty, these murderers must be put to death as a warning to those who choose to deal political differences in such an extreme and barbaric manner. This trial should be quick and easy, for we cannot excuse murderers of the consul of Rome. I urge you to give these men a trial and let their fates be determined the lawful way.

Lucius Aemilius Paullus

Libo On Caesar's Funeral

Most noble and honorable senators,

After listening to many of my fellow senators speak about the death of Caesar, today I would like to share my thoughts on the matter and on what to do with his body.

Many of you have made the argument that Caesar should be treated as a criminal. That he is undeserving of a funeral oration in the Forum; and as such, that the Roman state should under no circumstance pay the cost of such a funeral. You, and in some cases rightfully so, point to the regal powers that Caesar possessed as the reason why he was and should be treated as a tyrant. By this time last year, your attitudes toward Caesar began to shift. The fact that Caesar dressed as a king and, admittedly, claimed to be a descended of the Alba Kings only further increased your distaste of him. And Marc Anthony's attempt to place a golden crown on his head during the celebration of Lupercalia seemed to be one of the last straws.

Yet others recall that during that incident Caesar refused to accept the offer of the crown. More importantly, many of you recall the glory that Caesar brought to Rome. I, myself, looking only to bring peace and resolution for the Roman people, have been able to work with and negotiate with Caesar. During his conflict with Pompey he wanted me to act as a mediator between the two sides. Just as I have brought glory to Rome by commanding fleets so has Caesar through his campaigns through Gail and Britannica. And finally, I would like to mention that some time ago I have personally reconciled my differences with him.

Whether Caesar was a tyrant or a criminal is irrelevant to me at this point in time. My interests only side with those that look our for the Roman people first.
Therefore, I want to express my agreement with a previous proposal that Caesar's body should neither be thrown in the river nor given an illustrious funeral. Rather, his immediate family should be allowed to bury him in a private function.

Letter From Lucius Cornelius Cinna on the fate of the Liberators

O Conscript Fathers, it pains me to see that some of you allow yourselves to be puppets of the tyrant Julius Caesar even now. I fear that you have abandoned your wisdom for folly, thereby endangering the Roman Republic and the liberty of its people. You vehemently condemn the actions of us, the liberators of Rome, as if Caesar himself still held your leash. Open your eyes! The tyrant has been thrown down and this body, with the guidance of the Republicans, must now lead the restoration of the Republic. Do not allow yourselves to be deceived by Mark Antony, who denounces the opponents of his dear Caesar, for he himself was the tyrant’s lap dog. Though he claims he wishes to lead Rome in a “new” direction, he and others only aspire to replace Caesar with their own tyranny. Antony claims that the Republic is out dated, but I ask what ways are better than the Old? Are we to believe that democracy and liberty are no longer relevant?! Was Rome not marvelous before Caesar? Furthermore, allowing a man, such as Antony, to take power will undoubtedly ignite civil war, with others just as power hungry vying for authority. Do we truly wish to endure the horrors of war as we did in 49? Even though Caesar has been removed, it is clear that new enemies already seek to take his place in attacking the liberty of all Romans. We who dared to challenge Caesar are labeled as criminals, condemned as traitors, and many of you desire our lives be taken in revenge of the tyrant. But we are liberators I say, not seeking personal gain or glory, but only the preservation and prosperity of the republic and this sovereign body that represents it. When Caesar sacrificed the Republic for his own power we renounced any loyalty that we previously felt toward him and threw him down for Rome! I implore you Senators, do not allow yourselves to be manipulated by false leaders, do not impose your wrath upon those who have so nobly stripped Rome of its shackles, join them in pledging your lives to the Republic once more, pledging your service to the people. Let not the Rome’s liberators be smote, but rather those who would seek to replace the bonds that were broken.