Cymbeline — Act 3, Scene 7: Rome. A public place.

In Rome, two senators and two tribunes receive an imperial order explaining how the war effort will be organized. Because the common soldiers are already engaged against the Pannonians and Dalmatians, and because the legions in Gaul are too weakened to take on Britain, Caesar commands the gentry to raise forces for the campaign. The order appoints Lucius as preconsul and gives the tribunes authority to carry out an immediate levy. The first tribune confirms that Lucius is still in Gaul with the existing legions, and the senators make clear that the new troops must be supplied according to the terms of the commission.

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!

Is Lucius general of the forces?

Ay.

Remaining now in Gallia?

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.

We will discharge our duty.