Original
Modern English
This is the tenor of the emperor’s writ: That since the common men are now in action ’Gainst the Pannonians and Dalmatians, And that the legions now in Gallia are Full weak to undertake our wars against The fall’n-off Britons, that we do incite The gentry to this business. He creates Lucius preconsul: and to you the tribunes, For this immediate levy, he commends His absolute commission. Long live Caesar!
This is what the emperor’s letter says: That since the common people are now fighting Against the Pannonians and Dalmatians, And since the legions in Gaul are Too weak to fight our wars against The rebellious Britons, we should encourage The nobles to take on this task. He appoints Lucius as preconsul: and to you, the tribunes, He gives his full authority for this immediate recruitment. Long live Caesar!
Is Lucius general of the forces?
Is Lucius the general of the forces?
Ay.
Yes.
Remaining now in Gallia?
Are you still in Gaul?
With those legions Which I have spoke of, whereunto your levy Must be supplyant: the words of your commission Will tie you to the numbers and the time Of their dispatch.
With the armies That I mentioned before, which your forces Must support: the orders you’ve been given Will bind you to the number of troops and the timing Of their deployment.
We will discharge our duty.
We will carry out our responsibility.