Chapter 2 Fire and Sword on the Tip of the Tongue (Part 2)
At this time, many republican supporters started to clamor loudly again. Amidst the tide of shouting, Lepidus and Anthony had already reached out their hands in tacit agreement and made a "please" gesture. At this time, the sky above the entire venue floated. With the thin raindrops falling, the air became even duller, as if it was about to burst into flames.
"I must first tell the two respected cavalry commanders, Lepidus and Antony, that although your positions are extraordinary, the republic will not always be extraordinary. All its orders and possible disposal methods , were engraved on the bronze tablet of the law by the wise ancestors, and they were determined not to forget. For example, the consuls only had a one-year term, and Dictado only had a six-month term, but Caesar coerced everyone into serving indefinitely. Dictado, and consuls with five-year or even ten-year terms. For example, the law stipulates that the Republican Army is not allowed to cross the two natural boundaries of Brindisi and the Rubicon River, and is not allowed to enter the city of Rome armed. , but previously Caesar attacked his own country very brazenly. Under his rule, many citizens were killed and many more were exiled. This is the reality of Caesar's rule, and now we are just trying to do it through the same extraordinary means. It’s just about returning the country to its normal and traditional state.”
"Then let me ask you, Brutus, before you dated Cassiopeia, were you a citizen of the Republic? And have you ever fought against Caesar?" Antony next to Lepidus asked immediately.
"Yes, I have always been a citizen. Caesar does not and has no right to deprive me of this innate qualification. Most people present can pat their chests and say that I am a citizen of the Republic. I have a natural sense of national security. Right to participate!" said. Brutus became excited. He beat his chest and shouted, "I love Caesar, but I love Rome more, and I love freedom more!"
"Then don't be too excited - you and Cassius surrendered to Caesar midway in the sea outside Ephesus. You were in Pompey's camp before. So, did Caesar kill you? Did he? Exile you?" Anthony asked aggressively.
"Don't fall for his trick, Marcus, that guy wants to bring the topic back to personal relationships." Casio warned from the side.
At this time, the raindrops were already falling, but Brutus blocked Cassius's gesture with his hand, and then he publicly answered Antony's question, "Yes, I surrendered to Cassius, and Caesar once called I swore allegiance to him and granted me amnesty. I could have continued to live in obscurity, but the tyrant used the same method to force all citizens to swear an oath to him, using benefits, bribes and oaths to force everyone to treat him. I am loyal to one person and use the simple virtues of the Romans to achieve my own ulterior goals, so I can no longer bear it.”
"So Caesar pardoned you, pardoned most of you, so that you could use your sword to despicably assassinate him, right? This is really an ulterior goal!" Antony mocked loudly, followed by the public mood on the scene. They all became excited, and those who supported Brutus and those who supported Caesar began to quarrel with each other. The former called the latter a servant of the tyrant, and the latter called the former a despicable actor.
Brutus became even more agitated and shouted, "Those who criticize me, if Caesar has not deprived you of your freedom, then why did he not remove the right to elect consuls, the right to elect provincial governors, and the executive?" He will not give you the right to elect the chief, the power to command the army, the power of the priests, and the right to sit on the colonial council! He claimed to return the power of the Republic to you. But Caesar did not. He just used the excuse of an expedition to deprive you of your freedom for five years. Rome has become a death place that suffocates freedom, and there is no hope. I can’t feel a trace of fire. Everything is based on Caesar’s personal happiness and anger, but Romans are born to die and refuse to be slaves. Give them freedom or die!”
At this time, the atmosphere on Brutus' side reached a fever pitch. All the senators and supporters shouted the slogan "Give me liberty or give me death", while Cassius behind him also applauded and smiled gloomily. got up.
At this time, there was only Cicero on the steps, pondering, pacing back and forth, paying attention to the changes in Lepidus' eyes. He was keenly aware that everything was not over yet.
"Brutus just talked about his beloved, eternal law, and begged the dead Caesar, or us alive, to hand over the command of the army to the people, then I would like to consult Lord Brutus - the Roman What law stipulates that the Senate has the right to campaign, the power to appoint generals, and the right to draw lots for provincial governors?" Lepidus suddenly came over and fired cannons at Brutus' group on Antony's behalf.
As a result, many people, including Brutus, were speechless. Yes, originally these powers were in the Council of Centuries, but during the emergency period of the Punic War, the Senate took these powers away, and then they never Didn't give it back.
Seeing that Brutus was speechless, Casca also came over and replied to Lepidus, "Because it is a measure of extraordinary times, just like now, the specially selected fathers of the Senate naturally have the right to direct state affairs at such a time. ”
"But this extraordinary period is not irresistible, but it is created by you! Therefore, you should admit that some conspiracy groups in the Senate are the culprits who put the country into an emergency, assassinated Julius, and attempted to usurp state power." Lepidus loudly counterattacked, and then the voices of "punishing the murderer" were like a landslide.
"I have already said that it was an extraordinary period, at the critical moment of the Punic War." Casca was also panicked.
"Then isn't the upcoming war against Dacia and Parthia a critical moment for the country? Isn't it you who gave Caesar the titles of father of the nation, lifelong tribune and commander-in-chief of the war? In extraordinary times, isn't it reasonable to make appropriate changes to the law? Roman laws are always changing. Only people with ulterior motives will use this as an excuse to do truly despicable things. If there is any ulterior motive, it is you - Cassius, Eurabella, Casca, Luca, Spinzel. You used the stupid Brutus to achieve your dirty goals - and Caesar just extended the term of consul. What's wrong with that?"
"Of course it's wrong, because the term of consul should only be one year. Caesar used the war to occupy this position and strangle the freedom of the people." Spinzel took over.
"Now you finally admit that you are angry that Caesar has taken this position, instead of considering the issue based on the public interest. People, now our Lord Spinzel wants to be consul and command the army, so I suggest that he be sent to the front line of the battlefield against Parthia to command the Republic's legions. What do you think?" Antony waved his arms excitedly and advocated to everyone. (To be continued...)
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