Against Anthony (Pre-Marches on Rome)

My fellow Romans, we have gathered here today to address a most shocking and appalling issue. It grieves me deeply that such an issue most be brought before this most illustrious body of men, especially in such uncertain times. However it should not be so surprising to me or to any of you that such has come to pass. For it is in the worst of times that the most cowardly and base of men seek to pursue their own agendas and in doing so they threaten the very foundation of our most esteemed Republic and the offices that govern it. Therefore, as it is my duty as consul that I bring before this court the charge of forgery to one Mark Anthony. The accusation stands that Anthony forged the acta of Caesar in order to dispel all opposition to his selfish quest for power and to insure that he may pick up whatever scraps of Caesar he could. Not only was such a crime an attempt the honor of some of Rome’s most illustrious citizens but a crime against Rome herself.
Before I open the court to discussion I wish to address some complaints that have been brought up regarding the reasons behind this accusation. It has been said by few that such accusations have arisen is a result of personal feelings regarding Anthony, I can assure you that this is not so. You cry foul that this court seeks to punish Anthony now in such times but I ask you when exactly you would believe the right time to be. When there is a snake crawling among us oh enscripted fathers, it is only natural to strike it down before it can do the same.
You ask why we bring these charges before murderers. You say that these Liberators sought to disrupt Rome and such crimes should be called to order before the one we have gathered to discuss today. I wish to clarify here that the Liberators sought to end a tyrant for the betterment of Rome. Their methods may have been lacking but their sentiment was strong. You believe we should not place Anthony before this court crying of his character, his live for Rome and her Republic but I ask you when has Anthony displayed this love. I was not there. I however was here when Anthony sought to veto every law passed by you oh conscripted fathers in order to ensure his master would give him whatever crumbs of power he could spare. I was at the Lupercalia festival when Anthony so dared to place the diadem on a would be tyrants head. I was there that day when Anthony sought to give Rome away to one man in one gesture. And now I am here and now Anthony must pay for his crimes against the Republic. Now he can no longer hide behind his owner and we see the real Anthony.
What should be the punishment? Several methods have been mentioned. I have taken them into consideration and have decided to propose what I believe is the more moderate punishment. I do not to this for any love of Anthony but for the love of this Republic and for you oh conscripted Fathers. I do not wish for further disruption to the Republic that we are seeking to repair. Therefore, I propose that Anthony be exiled from Rome immediately and his status within its walls be stripped from him. Now shall open the court for discussion.