Cotta stands, nodding.

Senators, I agree with what is being said here. Along with Patavium and Mediolanium, I do stress we should also ally ourselves with the city of Massilia to protect the routes to the west. We can use the northern allies to protect our borders, while we ourselves turn southward. I know how precious and resourceful the island of Sicily is, and how rich it will make our republic.

However, I will not have blood on my hands. I refuse to accept that Rome will simply throw away treaties of alliance and friendship without provocoraton. Carthage, although powerful and potentially dangerous in the furute, are still allied to us.