The shadow of Mithridates and Tigranes looms large, a formidable threat not only to our allies and cherished revenues but to the very honor of Rome itself. The war in Asia, protracted and perilous, demands a leader of unparalleled caliber, a general whose very name inspires confidence and strikes fear into the hearts of our enemies. The time for hesitant deliberation is past; the moment calls for a decisive choice, for a singular commander to confront this immense challenge.
Indeed, if only Rome possessed a multitude of men brave and upright enough to make our selection difficult! But the truth is stark and clear: Gnaeus Pompeius alone shines forth, his excellence surpassing not merely the fame of those who live today, but echoing the storied achievements of generations long past. Who then, could possibly hesitate in entrusting him with such vital matters, with a war of such magnitude?
A perfect general, it is widely agreed, must possess four cardinal virtues: profound knowledge of military affairs, exceptional overall excellence, commanding prestige, and the invaluable blessing of divine favor. Let us consider the first: who among men has ever been, or indeed ever could be, more deeply versed in the art of war than Pompey? His very youth was spent not in the quiet halls of learning, but amidst the clash of steel, in the disciplined ranks of his father's army, facing fierce adversaries. Before he reached full manhood, he commanded a substantial force himself. He has engaged in more battles against foreign foes than many have waged against personal enemies, conducted more campaigns than others have merely read about, and held more public offices than most could ever aspire to. His military wisdom was forged not in theory, but in the crucible of command, not through setbacks, but through a string of glorious victories and triumphs.
Italy itself bears witness to his prowess, liberated by his skill and assistance, an achievement even the great Sulla acknowledged. Sicily, once besieged by perils, found salvation not through the terror of war, but through the swiftness of his strategic mind. Africa saw its fields drenched in the blood of its invaders, while through Gaul, his legions carved a path into Spain. But perhaps no deed illuminates his extraordinary command more brightly than his recent campaign against the pirates. A war that plagued all nations, stretching across vast seas, was prepared for in the depths of winter, engaged at the first whisper of spring, and utterly concluded by mid-summer. Who, in their pursuit of business or profit, could traverse so many lands, complete such immense journeys, in the time it took for Pompey's military might to sweep across the sea?
This, then, is his almost divine, unbelievable excellence as a general. But what of those other qualities, those essential companions to military brilliance? For a truly consummate commander requires more than just martial skill. He must possess outstanding integrity, moderation in all aspects of life, unwavering trustworthiness, an approachable demeanor, keen talent, and profound human kindness. These virtues, though often overlooked in the clamor for martial glory, are indispensable.
Indeed, the very enemies of Rome, across every land, have found his word inviolable, a testament to his honor. And such is his humanity that it is difficult to say whether his foes have more dreaded his valor in battle or embraced his clemency in defeat. These are the qualities that secure the loyalty of allies, the devotion of soldiers, and the respect even of the vanquished. These are the qualities that Gnaeus Pompeius possesses in abundance, making him not merely a great general, but the *only* general capable of bringing this dire war to a triumphant conclusion. We must not repeat the mistakes of the past, when an insistence on customary practice hobbled our efforts. The Roman people have already shown their wisdom in entrusting him with extraordinary command against the pirates, and they were proven right.
