Lucius Cornelius Cinna concerning Caesar's body

Gentlemen of the Senate, though many of you may feel the removal of Julius Caesar to be a tragedy, his demise was necessary to ensure the future of the Republic. And it is the Republic that we must strive to protect, always placing it first in our hearts and minds. Its sovereignty can never be allowed to become subservient to any man, no matter how sublime he may appear. Many of you, in your ignorance, maintain loyalty to that deceased tyrant, who bestowed you with lofty office while securing true, unchallenged authority for himself. Caesar similarly sought to purchase my servitude by appointing me praetor, but I discarded that tyrant’s insignia, as I am forever an unwavering servant to the Republic. Some may argue that Caesar’s rule brought prosperity to Republic, and while it is true that Caesar accomplished many great things in the name of Rome, claiming vast territories for the Republic by conquering Gaul and Britannia, his rule was transformed into tyranny when democracy was smothered for the sake of his own authority and ambition. The question that now faces this Senate is what shall become of Caesar’s body, and it is one that must be handled with poise. Some of you, in just anger, no doubt desire to desecrate his body and others wish to hold an elaborate and prolonged liturgy to be observed by all of Rome, yet will either of these benefit the Republic? Caesar through artful deception won the hearts of the people, they blind to his oppression of their very democracy. Neglect of his body could also result in misguided animosity toward the noble liberators, endangering their lives. Yes, he became an enemy to liberty, but his service in the name of Rome garner him the right to be treated better than that of a common criminal. A mass funeral ceremony would be equally foolish, resulting in fervent mobs and serving to elevate Caesar legacy and his misguided ideals in the minds of the people. Rome has been liberated from a tyrant and we should seek to move forward, not to praise the one by whom its liberty was stifled. I suggest the body of Julius Caesar be put to rest in a small, quick, and private funeral, and with Rome having been released from his tyrannical grasp, that we would restore the Old Republic.