Germanicus, all tear-streaked. Have pity on their youth and misfortune, and fear<hr>
with me that their father, in abandoning them, may have taken all their morality with him. If his life<hr>
had been as long as it should reasonably have been, his example would always have<hr>
directed their instinct towards good. But as it is today, in the state of things as they are, who will be able to instruct them, to correct them? Who will lead them to war? Who will ensure that they hate wickedness and love ethics? I have no doubt that Tiberius will never have the same feelings for them that their father had, for his feelings do not change. Yet, considering that the emperor did not prevent Germanicus from having enemies, envious people, persecutors, and that he died poisoned, it is possible that the actions he will take for their education will be utterly useless to them. May heaven prevent all that I dread for Caligula from happening. Roman friends, let us leave the future in the hands of the gods and focus on the misfortunes that sadden us. These misfortunes are so great that they deserve all our tears. Pour them all out for my dear Germanicus, and remember that he was of the blood of Julius Caesar, the Antonys, the Marcellus, and the Octavians. It is your responsibility, Romans, to mourn his death siegeworthy and to celebrate his memory. And to show the esteem you had for him, hate those who hated him, despise his envious ones, his enemies, and his executioners. Do not be afraid to speak of Piso's cowardliness or Plancina's pretension. Fearlessly let it be known that these bodies found outside tombs, these curses made against Germanicus, his name engraved on lead plaques, and all these tales of enchantments and curses that we know of are clear evidence of a plot against his life. Proclaim that poison has accomplished what charms could not do, and do not fear punishment for this crime. Germanicus' death has brought such joy to those who caused it that they will not be in a mood to care about your sadness or your speeches for a long time to come. Their victory over the bravest man who ever lived makes them vain enough to neglect your feelings and thoughts about this matter. I believe that their desire for glory blinds them enough that they are fine with posterity knowing that they caused Germanicus' death. They covet the reputation of great politicians more than that of honorable men. As long as it's said that they succeeded in eliminating those who could oppose their authority, they do not care if they are deemed cruel, unnatural, disloyal, nefarious and bloodthirsty. Their priority is to maintain their authority, even if they have to use brutal methods to achieve it. Treacherous Piso and cowardly enemies of Germanicus, it will be known that you dominated, it will be known that you killed him, it will be known that you violated all human rights, it will be known that you did not respect the most honorable blood among the Romans, it will be known that you extinguished this flame because it illuminated too much the darkness of your life, and finally, it will be known that the overabundance of your crimes and the merits of Germanicus are the true cause of his death.<hr>
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