“Conscript Fathers,

With our Junior Consul already traveling to his command, I take this opportunity to discuss with you the latest word received from Epirus. Now, as you all know, the Senate – via the SC Rabuleia de Epira Vara and the recently passed SC Sempronia Epira – has decided to intervene on the relations of the –allied- Kingdoms of Epirus and Macedonia. What’s more, the leading Roman magistrate in Epirus, now Decius Mucius Ahala, is authorized with signing a treaty between King Phillip of Macedon and King Alexander of Epirus that will geographically restore the Kingdom of Epirus to it’s rightful owner, King Alexander. However, fellow Senators, this treaty can’t be signed legally until the Macedonian troops have evacuated Epirus’ domain in full.

As I am sure most of you feel, I also think that from the actions the Senate and People of Rome, from the actions we have taken these last years, one should expect a thankful monarch in the face of King Alexander. A monarch who would firstly try not to inconvenience his allies, who have, so unselfishly, came to his aid.

Therefore, I ask myself, why the latest news indicate that King Alexander has not yet formally demanded that the Macedonian troops left his provinces, as the Senate and People of Rome expected of him? Why do the latest news indicate that the King has ‘vanished’, literally vanished from the negotiations, remaining in his palace at Stratus, there said to be drinking his time away? Why, fellow Senators, is the State burdened with the prolonged feeding and upholding six legions, currently settled in Ambracia, in order to enforce a treaty it’s benefited cares nothing for? Why, conscript Fathers, must we keep our brave soldiers from their families and friends when all that is needed is King Alexander to demand that the Macedonians leave Epirus’ lands and the negotiations to kick in? I say, friends, that King Alexander has enjoyed his improved diplomatic position, enforced from our presence in Ambracia, a little too much!

Therefore, I propose that we discuss on who we can bring this treaty between the Macedonians and the Epirotans to the speediest outcome. I suggest that this Senate House formulates a treaty proposal agreeable by us, a proposal to be sent to Decius Mucius Ahala and, based on that same proposal, conclude the negotiations.”