Marcus Aemilius Scaurus, Princeps Senatus felt sympathy for this young quaestor who had so bravely stood his ground...

...that was, until Caesar pleaded "Am I to be blamed for this? If so, please enlighten me as to why?"

Well, the lad said he wanted enlightenment. Time to give him some. "Tiberius Iulius," Scaurus began, not unkindly, "our thanks to Fortuna and the Lares that you have survived your wounds and that you are once more among us.

"You have been nominated for a significant award in keeping with the brave stand you made atop the enemy ramparts. Do not, I beg you, diminish that moment for attempting to lay the blame for a failed assault at the feet of your subordinate.

"Just as it is the commander who celebrates the triumph for a battle well-fought, so must it be the commander who takes the responsibility upon his shoulder for a battle less well-fought. It is called 'the burden of command.'

"These were your men. It was your plan. It was your assault. Many things happen that fall beyond our control in life, nowhere more so than when battle is joined. That things should go badly are to be expected. That men shall die because of miscalculations and mistakes is to be expected.

"And...yes, that a commander should take responsibility like a man when things go badly is to be expected.

"So take this as a lesson very well learned, young Caesar. Take responsibility for your plan, your actions, your men. When you succeed, as I am sure you will, give credit to your men for their valour and stout-heartedness. When you fail, blame no one save yourself. In so doing, you will prove youself a true Roman.

"I, for one, think that you are deserving of a personal award, for your actions were brave ones indeed. Promise me, though, that you will learn the lessons of humility and responsibility."