Chapter 76: First Step (1)
Chapter 76: First Step (1)
The registration for candidates closed, and the official campaign period began.
The Senate aimed to defeat Caesar but encountered difficulties from the start. The Triumvirate was skillfully manipulating public opinion behind the scenes, leveraging Caesar's populists, Marcus's secretly hired mercenaries, and Pompey’s soldiers. Their combined influence easily swayed the Roman citizens.
Everyone knew by now that Caesar had been unjustly denied a triumph by the Senate. His popularity surged even further due to this perceived injustice. The outcome of the election seemed inevitable: Caesar’s victory was a certainty.
Recognizing this, the Senate, though not entirely inept, prepared to discuss countermeasures, assuming Caesar would become consul. Cato presented his latest plan, his eagerness to restrain Caesar suggesting it might be his life's mission.
Afranius accepted Cato’s proposal and called a Senate meeting to discuss the allocation of provinces for the next consuls. Caesar and Bibulus, the likely candidates, were required to attend.
Afranius addressed the assembled senators. “Gentlemen, today’s matter is of utmost importance. The allocation of provinces for the next consuls is a concern for the entire Mediterranean world. We must resolve this swiftly to alleviate the confusion among the provincials.”
Pompey clapped in mock surprise. “I had no idea the Senate cared so deeply about the provinces. But why was my request for reorganization of the eastern provinces only processed after approval by the assembly? Was Asia Minor not considered a Roman province?”
Some neutral senators, including Caesar, chuckled at Pompey’s pointed sarcasm. Afranius, lacking a suitable response, chose to ignore the comment and continued his speech.
“Before we proceed with the provincial allocations, Porcius Cato and Calpurnius Bibulus wish to address the Senate. If there are no objections, I will grant them the floor.”
Cato stood up first. Unlike his usual lengthy speeches, he began without hesitation.
“Honorable senators, I believe everyone here is a true patriot who loves Rome. While we may have differing political views, this shared sentiment unites both aristocrats and populists. Isn’t that right, Caesar?”
Caesar, surprised to be addressed directly, regarded Cato with interest. It was the first time Cato had posed such a courteous question. Caesar suspected there was a trick behind it.
Cato did not seem to hide his intentions. Caesar decided to play along and see what Cato’s scheme entailed.
“Of course, Cato. My love for Rome remains unwavering, even if my flesh returns to dust.”
“Excellent. I have long opposed Caesar in the Senate, but I have never doubted his loyalty to Rome. Unfortunately, the current situation is troubling. Young people with misguided attitudes disregard the value of modest contributions and instead praise deceitful and dishonest behavior. How did Rome come to this? It is shameful, but we, the aristocrats, have failed to set a proper example.”
Cato paused and surveyed the room. As planned, the aristocrats made insincere remarks, pretending to feel ashamed or promising to set a better example.
“I am heartened to see that Rome’s conscience still exists, with so many of you agreeing with me. We must act before it is too late. As the leaders of society, the aristocrats must lead by example. How do we do that? We must reject the materialism that has permeated the Senate.
This relates to the governorship of provinces for the next consuls. Traditionally, people have always sought assignment to wealthy provinces, believing that amassing wealth there is their reward for their efforts. What message does this send to young people when they see Rome’s esteemed elders behaving this way? They think, ‘I too want to succeed and make quick money.’ Wouldn’t such thoughts naturally arise? I would feel the same!”
Caesar chuckled. He clearly understood Cato’s strategy.
It was not a bad move.
Caesar glanced back and saw Marcus with an impressed expression. While Marcus appeared engrossed in the speech, Caesar knew the truth. The expression was a trick Marcus had recently learned to mask his boredom and thoughts. This skill had been honed during Cato’s marathon speeches lasting over eight hours.
Unaware of Marcus’s ruse, Cato was grateful for his loyal presence.
“To address the moral decay in Rome,” Cato continued, “I consulted with Bibulus, who is likely to be the next consul. Thankfully, Bibulus deeply agreed with me. Henceforth, it will not be me but Bibulus himself who will express his noble intentions.”
Cato made an exaggerated gesture, and Bibulus stood up with the most dignified posture he could muster.
“Thank you, Porcius Cato. Your advice reminded me of the precious values I had forgotten. Initially, when I became consul, I was eager to go to Asia Minor, rumored to be a place for substantial wealth. But after hearing Cato’s words, I realized how wrong I was. How could I be a role model if I focused only on personal gain? How could the consuls serve Rome if they were solely interested in their own pockets? This reflection showed me what I must do.”
As Bibulus spoke, members of the aristocratic faction smiled quietly, sensing victory. Bibulus continued, delivering his final blow with calm triumph.
“So, I propose to the Senate that the role of governor of a province should not be about personal gain. To inspire young politicians and prove the value of humble tasks, let the next consul oversee the forests and roads of Italy instead of governing a province. Let him engage directly with the lives of the citizens and truly serve the Roman people’s well-being. I, Bibulus, will lead by example and show how noble it is to undertake these modest duties rather than leading armies or collecting taxes!”
Bibulus bowed gracefully, and the Senate erupted in thunderous applause. Not only those in the aristocratic faction but also the relatively neutral senators praised Bibulus’s proposal. After all, Bibulus would be the one benefiting, not them.
Afranius, with a smug smile, addressed Caesar. “Gaius Julius Caesar, as a leading candidate for the next consul, do you have any objections to this proposal? If you disagree, we will respect your opinion.”
Cato, who had devised the plan, was confident it would corner Caesar. If Caesar accepted Bibulus’s proposal, he would be rendered a powerless puppet after his consulship. If he refused, he would be seen as obstructive.
Leaning forward with anticipation, Cato was disappointed by Caesar’s response. Caesar smiled leisurely and clapped enthusiastically.
“Of course I have no objection. I applaud Bibulus’s noble decision.”
Caesar’s relaxed demeanor unsettled Cato and the aristocrats, but they proceeded with the vote. As expected, Bibulus’s proposal passed overwhelmingly, with Caesar voting in favor.
The only one who opposed the decision was Pompey. He angrily denounced it as political tyranny, but the aristocrats paid him no heed. Caesar and Pompey’s contrasting reactions reassured the anxious aristocrats, who were now convinced that Caesar was merely bluffing.
The Senate’s current strategy seemed flawless. Even if Caesar became consul, Bibulus would veto all his policies. They might face criticism from the public, but Marcus, who was overseeing the censors, would help restore the Senate’s popularity. The Senate could not always rely on controlling the assembly through tribunes, but they had strong support among plebeian nobles.
Many plebeian nobles backed by the Senate were running in the tribune elections. The Senate was confident that even if three or four of them were elected, they could restrain Caesar. Once Caesar’s consulship ended, he would be left in a powerless position. His massive debts would make it impossible for him to avoid creditors, and he would likely be forced into submission within three years.
The Senate believed they had underestimated Caesar in the past. But now they saw him as a serious threat and were determined not to lose. They had always triumphed in the past, whether against the Gracchi brothers, during Catiline’s rebellion, or even against Pompey Magnus. It seemed absurd to lose to a rapidly rising politician like Caesar, who was only 39.
Election Results
The election results aligned with expectations. On July 15th, 61 BC, just seven days before the Ides, Caesar was elected consul with an overwhelming majority. Bibulus narrowly secured second place.
The Senate breathed a sigh of relief. The margin of victory didn’t matter; as long as Caesar was elected, it was sufficient. The consul election had been nerve-wracking, but the other elections went as the Senate hoped. Three out of twelve tribunes were allies of the Senate. Despite the re-election of Vatinius and Clodius, the Senate was comforted by their overall numbers.
Moreover, Marcus secured his position as aedile faster than anyone else, garnering more votes than all other candidates combined. The Senate, pleased by the popularity of the Republic’s star, looked forward to the next year with anticipation.
As the elections concluded with acceptable results for both sides, the underlying political maneuvers intensified. The Senate remained vigilant, viewing Caesar as a serious threat. They continued to mobilize their factions and influence public opinion as they awaited the new year.
Caesar, for his part, was proactive. Immediately after his election, he requested a meeting with Cicero, who had been hinted by Marcus as not being hostile towards Caesar. Caesar and Cicero had met privately before, and despite their differing political views, they both respected each other’s intellect and found their conversations stimulating.
However, Cicero was wary of being seen as colluding with Caesar. To alleviate his concerns, he agreed to the meeting only if Marcus accompanied him. Caesar agreed to this condition without hesitation.
Exactly two days later, the meeting between Cicero, Caesar, and Marcus took place at Caesar’s residence.
Cicero arrived with a prepared gift and offered his congratulations in a manner that was neither too warm nor too distant.
“I sincerely congratulate you on your election as consul.”
“There’s no need for such formality. I arranged this meeting to seek your advice.”
“I’m afraid I’m not in a position to offer any useful counsel. Aligning with you would immediately label me a traitor to the Optimates.”
“Oh, don’t worry about that. I’m not asking you to devise a clever plan for seizing control. Quite the opposite, actually. Let me be clear, with my trustworthy son-in-law present: I have no intention of dismantling the Senate or upending the established order. I believe that resolving our issues through dialogue is the best approach.”
Cicero, looking skeptical, scratched his head.
“So you’re asking me and Marcus to mediate between the Senate and you?”
“To be precise, I’m asking you to mediate. Marcus is my son-in-law, so he might be seen as biased. While the Crassus family is aligned with the aristocratic faction, Marcus lacks the influence you have.
If there’s anyone in Rome who can serve as a neutral mediator, it’s you. Marcus only needs to demonstrate that you are not swayed by me.”
Cicero was touched by the acknowledgment of his unique role in this situation. His mood brightened, and he hid his smile behind a wine cup.
He was no less vain than Pompey when it came to self-promotion. He drank from his diluted wine and considered that this might be a significant opportunity. If he succeeded in bridging the gap between the populares and the optimates, his fame would soar.
He could claim the title of ‘savior of Rome’ and no one could deny it. But first, he needed to understand Caesar’s intentions in detail.
Cicero finished his wine and tried to appear as casual as possible.
“I’ll consider your request after I hear your plan. How do you propose I mediate?”