Sextus Agrippa Rufus once again addressed the Senate.

“Conscript Fathers, since various events have transpired to whittle our several courses of actions with respect to the Germanic invasion down to a single choice, I support that choice wholeheartedly. Having said that, of course, I would point out to my colleagues the frightening advantage which the enemy enjoys in cavalry. We cannot match them horse for horse, but we must provide our forces with sufficient means to mitigate, if not negate, the enemy’s advantage in this area.

“I propose to do so by providing our Commander with increased numbers of friendly cavalry, supported by additional missile troops. Together, they will do much to delay and disrupt any attempts by superior numbers of enemy cavalry to outflank the mainstay of our army, our heavy infantry.

“With that stratagem in mind, I offer for your consideration and debate the following…”

SENATUS CONSULTUM RUFIUM DE MAGIS EQUITATUM

I. Recognizing the considerable advantage in mounted warriors which our Cimbric enemies enjoy, the Senate and People of Rome do hereby authorize the following:

II. That an additional Three Alae of Gaulish heavy cavalry be raised in Gallia Transalpina and that an additional Two Alae of Spanish light cavalry be raised in the Spains.

III. That a force of One Thousand Gaulish archers and One Thousand Spanish slingers be raised in the same provinces as above, and

IV. That these forces, once assembled, march to eastern Gallia Transalpina, there to link up with the legions stationed in that region and await further orders.

V. That our allies in Noricum raise, at their own expense, Four Alae of heavy cavalry and Two Thousand missile troops, and that these forces when assembled make their way to Northern Illyricum, there to await transport by ship to northern Italia or such other direction as the Roman Commander might dictate.