Roman Senate.
Enter Lucius Aemilius Paullus, Gaius Terentius Varro, Scipio the younger and other senators.
1st Senator: Hither this day we are
gathered to review and assess the strategies to counter our elusive and
dangerous foe, Hannibal.
2nd Senator: I do hear that in Cannae he
keeps his state, and has blocked off our supplies till south. Hie we must, and
ere he may wrest control of our southern provinces we must stop him.
3rd Senator: The need o’th’hour is swift
and brutal action. Ought not we summon our best and brightest men, our best
legions and amass the largest army ever, to bludgeon the enemy down? Or may we
like feeble fools submit to his demands and supremacy? What sayst thou, noble
countrymen?
Others: Aye!
4th Senator: I have already given word of
this to our most promising men- Lucius
Aemilius Paullus and Gaius Terentius Varro; to lead the largest force ever, and
they are hither present to lay bare their plans.
Lucius Aemilius Paullus: Countrymen and noble
servants of Rome, the hour grows darker due to the gloomy thunder clouds which
cover the sun yonder; but we have had time to ponder and reflect; and fear not
fellow Romans, there shallst be sunshine yet. Hannibal shallst feel the might
of Rome.
Gaius Terentius Varro: So at this darkest hour, let
us solemnly vow, that we the Romans, protectors of the Republic, guarantors of
the rule of law and guardians of freedom and justice; shallst march out to meet
the enemy head on fearing none, in service of our motherland to ensure its
unity in the face of relentless enemy onslaught.
A Senior Senator: All Hail Rome! Look, thy bravest
sons have gathered to uphold thy cause. Thus I, by virtue of my post, do move a
measure and urge the Senate to maketh thee Lucius Aemilius Paullus and Gaius
Terentius Varro, the two new consuls of Rome, so that unopposed thou canst
raise thy troops to wage war, and prove thy mettle; Son of Scipio, thy valour
didst not go unnoticed by the Senate, so I propose to promote thee to the rank
of officer, and thus at the forefront of war thou shallst remain. Does the
Senate move these measures?
All Senators: Aye, we agree.
Lucius Aemilius Paullus & Gaius Terentius Varro:
We humbly accept this duty.
Scipio the younger: I shallst do my duty like a true
warrior.
The senate: Then ‘tis settled. All Hail Rome!
Others: Rome! Rome!
