Publius Ventidius Bassus on the fate of the assassins

How could it be, senators, that we have come to this?

How could it be that Rome has sunk so low as to confuse traitors with heroes and murder with justice?

Up is not down, black is not white, and straw is not gold!

These men, these cowards, descended upon my commander Caesar like a pack of wild dogs, killing an unarmed man in order to keep power for themselves. After swearing their loyalty.

    And you debate what to do?

There is only one punishment for creatures such as these

There is only one punishment for mutiny

   But this will be done properly; we will not, as some might do, put Roman citizens to death without trial. No, this is Rome. Let each and every one of the conspirators stand trial for his crimes, regardless of rank or station. When they are found guilty, the Roman people will prevail!

    The punishment for mutiny will be given:

Let their hands be put on display as traitors' hand!

Let their tongues be plucked out to silence their lies!

Let their bodies be left to rot and sog in the Tiber, their names spat upon by all true citizens forever.

Ave Caesar