“As such, power is properly wielded, for the good of the state, by those men specially trained in the laws and usages of state governances. Military command should only be given to those who have spent years in the civil branch, lest commanders be capable of thinking only in military terms, and seek out wars to enrich themselves rather than undertake military action only for the good of the state.” This was a none-too-subtle jab at Pompey, who had attained generalship with almost no public service and then, through military power, had assumed the highest office.
“Sergius Catilina,” Caesar said, “share your thoughts on the subject.”
Catilina was bleary-eyed, but his voice was sharp. “While none of us, of course, would wish to see a restoration of the monarchy, our esteemed Marcus Tullius totally neglects the value of good birth in selecting those who should wield power. Those who are raised up from the dregs have no sense of duty to the state, but only a lust for personal aggrandizement. It takes centuries of breeding to produce the innate qualities of character that go into true nobility, and this is, regrettably, becoming a rare quantity. Every day, I see the sons of freedmen sitting in the Senate!” Like Publius, Catilina was a man who thought he deserved high office because of his birth. He certainly had no other qualifications. “I would propose that public office and military command be restricted to patricians and to the plebeian nobility. Then we would not have so many mere adventurers in positions of power.”
“Admirably put,” Caesar said dryly. “Now, since Quin-tus Curius has withdrawn himself from the discussion”—the gentleman had passed out and was snoring—"let us hear from our Consul-elect for the coming year.”
“I am not a political philosopher,” Hortalus intoned, “but a mere lawyer and dabbler in the arts of statecraft. While I would never want to see a Roman king, yet I am a friend to kings.” Here he bowed to Tigranes. “And while I agree that arbitrary power wielded by a single man is a menace to order, yet we have the admirable practice of dictatorship for those emergencies when only the quick decisions of a single commander can preserve the state. As for the military”—he gestured eloquently with his winecup—"I think that we have for some time allowed far too much latitude in our generals abroad. There is now a tendency among them to forget that they owe their commands and all else to the Senate, and thus come to regard themselves as virtual independent rulers within their areas of operation. We all remember Sertorius, and earlier this evening Sergius Catilina made some remarks of this nature about General Lucullus.” It was typical of Hortalus to use someone else’s statement to make his own point. “Perhaps it will soon be time to introduce legal proceedings spelling out the duties of our generals, and limiting their powers.”
“Excellent points,” Caesar said. “Now we shall hear from our host.”
Publius was well gone in wine, but still marginally coherent. “I am soon to join my brother-in-law, the glorious Lucullus, in the war against Mithridates. Military service is essential in one who would serve the state. Always said so. But power resides here, in Rome. If a man wants to have supreme power, it’s not to be had conquering Spaniards or Egyptians. Power comes from the Roman people. All of the Roman people, patrician and plebeian both. The Senate passes ultimate decrees, but power rests in the Popular Assembly as well. One who would wield power is deceiving himself if he thinks that a mere Senate majority is enough. A popular following is also essential, and not just in the assemblies, but in the streets.”
“Most interesting,” Caius Julius said when the rather disjointed harangue seemed to be over. “But now, for a different perspective, let us hear from our visiting prince.”
“First,” Tigranes said, “you must allow me to express my unbounded admiration for your unique Roman system, which chooses from among its best people those fit to govern half the world. However, I fear that it would never be suitable for my part of the world. Here you are steeped in Greek culture, and have a long tradition of elected government. My people are for the most part primitive Asiatics, unused to any but autocratic government. To them, their king is a god. Take away the king, and they lose their god as well.”
He smiled at all the guests gathered around the table, as if we were the best friends he had ever known. “No, I believe that the East will always be ruled by kings. And I think you will agree that they should be kings who are friends of Rome. Few share my views on the matter in the East these days.” Still angling for Papa’s throne, I noted.