I, L. Alanus Licerius, hereby pledge allegiance to the almighty gods of Rome who helped Romulus and Remus found this great city. The same gods who have helped our generals and soldiers win battles in foreign lands. The same gods who have warned us about possible invasions from our enemies. The same gods who have helped Rome overcome times of crisis at times when no one seemed to know how to govern the people. And the same gods who have given us the great privilege of having Emperor Marcellinus as our ruler. Born in a powerful family. His father was a Senator, his only brother served as Equestrian not long time ago. He has learned the mystic arts of ruling an Empire. Appointed by almighty Jupiter on the Capitoline Hill to rule over all of us. We thank the gods for their generosity. Not always we have the pleasure of being commanded by such a great person, by such a great personage.
Dear friends, we have been blessed by the almighty gods. Emperor Marcellinus will go down in history as the best emperor Rome has ever had. Not only because of his ambition but because of his touch with the people and his appropriate reaction in times of crisis. We asked the gods for a good ruler, after decades of tyranny and poverty, the gods and the heavenly sky heard our requests and had mercy on us. They sent us more than what we asked for. We asked for a ruler, destiny gave us Emperor Marcellinus.
Emperor Marcellinus, you have been given the honorable privilege of ruling the whole Empire. This responsibility is such a great honor for all the tasks and good deeds you have done in the past and during your command as Emperor. And we, the people of Rome, are pretty certain that this trend will continue to give Rome positive results in the future.
Oh Emperor Marcellinus, you who with your power and determination helped overthrow the tyranny of Emperor Dominicus. You, who served as a Senator and Consul, were one of the few who was against Emperor Dominicus. Many saw you as a revolter who wanted power for himself and only himself. Many others wanted you dead for planning a coup to overthrow Emperor Dominicus. But you did not listen to those who criticized you and wanted you dead, rather you raised an army by yourself. Fought a battle with passion and courage. All wounded and with your bare hands, stabbed the heart of Emperor Dominicus. You risked your life and your family name in order to save Rome. There is an old saying who goes like this: ‘facis te omnes’, which means “Everything you do, will return to you”. What I am trying to say is that if you do good things, good things will happen to you. When you saved Rome, the gods appointed you Emperor, and there is no greater honor and privilege than that.
Rome prayed for someone to rule properly arrived, then you came. Wonderful things you have done while Emperor. You have eliminated numerous threats and have expanded the Empire all the way to Africa. You improved the living conditions for the Plebeians and restructured the taxation throughout the Empire, making the foreigners pay more taxes and the locals, your people, pay a minimum amount, as it should be. People love you because you are selfish and do care for them and for Rome. Oh, Emperor Marcellinus, you have changed everything around here and thus we are grateful for having you as Emperor.
Enough for talking in behalf of all the Romans, do not take me wrong, I also think that everything that was said is very accurate, but now I will express my individual gratitude to you, all-powerful Emperor Marcellinus.
I am so honored and grateful with your highness for conferring me the absolute power and privilege to be consul of Rome. I have no words to describe how grateful I am for this honor. With many other qualified people for the job, you chose me, a junior senator and great advocate for you, dear Marcellinus. You looked in me something that nobody else did. You looked into my accomplishments, which are minimal compared to what you have done, and gave me this great task. You showed me the confidence to serve alongside you, our people. I assure you that I will not fail you neither I will fail the people of Rome. My family and I are so honored for looking at me to perform this quest as consul of Rome.
During the last couple of days, we met in order to discuss what tasks and legislations we deemed right that will improve the living conditions in Rome. I was shocked by how right and on-point you were those days, acting not only as an Emperor but as a citizen. Our meetings those days helped me determine what could be the best approach to solve many current problems that face the Empire. Whenever you disagreed with my views, you pointed that out with extreme care and gave your opinion about the subject so we could arrive at a common approach. You never treated me with disrespect and never made me feel inferior to you. With all due respect, you made me feel with the same authority and power as you, I am just a pawn who serves at your command, but you wanted to hear my opinion. Together we reached many important conclusions that will help our people. That only highlights your compromise with Rome and your selfishness and willingness to serve.
As consul, I will help you to pass very important legislation throughout this term that I will serve. Based on the several meetings we had, we agreed to increase the Roman army by about ten percent (10%). This will be done by recruiting young citizens who want to serve and protect the Empire. In addition, all individuals currently serving as Roman soldiers, as well as future ones, will be given a monetary incentive that is yet to be determined. This in order to increase the number of people who are willing to serve Rome. The increment of the army was a measure that you were against for, but after listened to my explanations, you agreed to it in order to protect our people.
Secondly, I will lower the numbers of lictors from 12 (twelve) to 9 (nine). This seemed important because twelve lictors are not necessary and rather hurt the Roman people. The money saved will be destined to improve road conditions. This measure will be effective immediately. Meaning that as soon as I take office, it will be done.
Thirdly, I will make the office of consul to last 1 (one) year, rather than 2 (two) months. I know this measure will be criticized, especially by the Senatorial Elite, but I think it is necessary in order to give back this office, the importance, and prestige it once had. It will also help strengthen the bond between the Emperor and the Consul.
Fourthly, I will command the legions, upon your request, to conquer new land. We deemed necessary to take action and conquer Germania. I know that this land is very harsh and its inhabitants are hard to defeat, but with dialogue in the best scenario, and with a battle in the worst outcome, I am confident that we will dominate those lands. This measure was taken in order to improve our relations with the East. And to improve our importations from a foreign land. This measure will lower costs and strengthen the Empire.
Last but not least, I will command the edification of several statues, which purpose will be the reunion of people to perform reverence at you, Emperor Marcellinus. I will also instruct and authorize the construction of a temple where people can gather and worship you as you deserve. The construction of the temple will be voted upon by the people older than 18 (eight-teen) years of age. But I am pretty sure it will pass. This will be a gift form from all the Roman people who want to thank you for everything that you have done for the Empire.
I have no words to thank you, Emperor Marcellinus, for what you have done. All people love what you have done and are willing to have you as absolute ruler until the almighty gods call you to rest in peace. I am so grateful for this opportunity that you have given to me and that will certainly shape my political career. It will be a huge honor working for the next year with you and I am willing to learn as much as I can from a mastermind like you, dear Emperor.
I am confident that we will achieve great things and will continue doing what we deem best for Rome. I want to thank you again for this opportunity. Be assured that I will serve under your command. I swear to protect the office of consul and protect you, Emperor Marcellinus, against any revolts and/or people who will try to overthrow you from power.
May the almighty gods save Rome from our enemies who want to seize our land and take our women. May the almighty gods protect the citizens of Rome from any outsider who tries to murder any of our own. May the almighty gods bless me, L. Alanus Licerius, consul of Rome, serving alongside with Emperor Marcellinus, to perform an adequate job in serving the will of the people. May the almighty gods bless all the changes that are about to be made in the Empire. And may the almighty gods bless and protect you, dear Emperor Marcellinus, appointed by Jupiter himself. May the gods bless Rome and the Empire.