Journal #2

Dear Lady Swantrom,

            It’s good to be a Patrician here in Rome.  We control all 300 seats of the Senate, and we have the right to interpret decreed laws.  We even elect our own consuls to do our dirty work for us.  We have plebeians to farm our fields, sell our goods, and make our products while we simply govern them in our luxurious and boastful mansions.  But, now there are talks of them wanting to have “written laws” inscribed on tablets so the laws can be clearly defined to the people.  What a waste of stone tablets!  They even want to elect their own officials with a right to “veto” laws that they feel are “harmful.”  We might as well hand them the entire government in a hand basket! 

            In better news, our borders are being greatly expanded.  We’ve occupied the entire Italian peninsula, from the Rubicon River in the north to the very tip of the peninsula in the south.  Our armies are well disciplined and experienced.  I feel bad for the poor souls that have to be in them though.  Losing a battle is not an accepted practice, and harsh punishments are often delivered.  Reversely, winning a battle often brings great rewards to our victorious soldiers.  As our country grows, it brings more and more wealth to us wealthy Patricians of Rome.  All in all, it’s a good time to be a Patrician in Rome.  Not so much for the slaves.

Sincerely,

    Alexavier