- Hurry up, girls. - Nearly ready.
- You have too much metal on you. - It's not so much.
I'm a magistrate, not King of Asia.
Give one to your sister. Give one to your sister!
Please stop fussing and put that veil on. We'll be late.
- Patron, I kiss you. - Mabinio, you honor me. What is it?
Well, I'll go straight at it then.
My piss pots were all broken this past nine day.
Soldiers, naming no legions,
thought it funny to tip them out over honest citizens.
Now, now, who's to say it was soldiers?
Might have been gladiators simulating.
I know soldiers when I see 'em.
Not as I'm prejudiced. Most soldiers are good men, like yourself.
- But there's a lot of foreign element... - It won't happen again.
I should hope not. Roman citizens that need and deserve respect
and get drenched in piss instead!
There's not a drop left! How am I to make cloth without piss?
- How am I supposed to make... - It won't happen again.
Thank you, patron. Minerva keep you.
Brother Mascius.
Brother Vorenus.
- Big man now? - You're not so small.
These Roman bitches.
I've done nothing but fuck and eat and fuck since I got here.
We're not under goatskin now, brother.
No disrespect to your women?
I am pleased to speak with you more, Mascius, but I must see to my clients first.
They are upset if not received in their proper order.
Of course, of course.
Excuse my crude soldier's ways.
- What brings you here, Mascius? - Just seeing how you do.
Which is good, looks like.
- But where's old Titus Pullo? - I don't know. I haven't seen him.
Gerrae! You and Pullo were like Castor and Pollux.
Pullo's dead to me.
Well, I'm glad to see you're doing so good.
- How's our old chief? - Well.
Good, good.
I'll not lie.
Your brothers are unhappy. They feel the old chief's forgot who brung him here.
They cannot have more coin. There is an agreement.
There is. There is. And it's adequate coin.
- Got his picture on it now, I see. - A coiner may depict what he likes.
Fact is, our brothers need more than just money
if they're to lead honorable and peaceful lives.
Money runs out one day, then what do they do? What?
They need to take up a trade, maybe? It's unlikely. What are they to do?
Do not pose questions at me, brother. Speak directly.
We want land in Italy.
Caesar will give all veterans land when he can, as he promised he would, but not in Italy.
Caesar gave you land in Italy.
I am a magistrate, and he must have an income. But I am one man, not legions.
- Must be lovely. - I haven't seen it yet. I'm too busy.
Of course. Busy, busy.
- We don't want to be unreasonable... - Then don't be.
We have an agreement.
Talk it over with your man.
- Mars and Bellona keep you. - And you.
Cave, Chief.
Salve, Pullo.
How goes it?
Want some mouse?
- You should. They do 'em savory here. - Best mouse in the city.
Do you have some work for me?
- Always somebody needs mortality. - Give me a name.
Trouble is, my honey, you want discretion.
This last job? You ran that poor scurra up and down the Aventine
like Justice chasing chickens.
Might as well have done it in the Forum.
- I'll go quiet next time. - I don't know.
I have my reputation to think of.
People come to me for mortality work because my men are reliable.
That's right. Reliable men.
I'll be quiet as death next time.
Come back tomorrow, same time. Urbo will take you to your man.
Give me some money on spec.
Not here.
This is a respectable place for decent citizens.
What would they have me do? I cannot make farmland.
Certainly you can. It's called eviction.
- And who shall I evict? - Your enemies.
- Enemies? I have enemies still? - Strange to say.
- I shall make friends of them in time. - And make enemies of your veterans...
unless something is done.
Is it possible they turn on me?
They would never fight against you,
but if they are not satisfied, they will turn to banditry and raiding.
In your name. Not good.
Tell Mascius
I respect his honesty.
Tell him my veterans are as sons to me,
and to all loyal veterans I shall give good lands in...
Pannonia. Good fertile bottomlands.
- Pannonia? - Speak freely.
It's hard country, Pannonia, and far away. Mascius will refuse it.
Does Mascius have the men's full trust? Can he sway them either way?
He can sway the 10th men, and what the 10th men do will sway other legions.
Make him a personal offer, then.
- To what limit? - You be judge of that.
Oh, Magistrate Vorenus...
my niece is holding a symposium next market day
and I should like you and your wife to come as my guests.
- We are honored, sir. - You look troubled.
My wife and I are simple people, sir.
No matter. You shall get used to good society.
How is it?
Much more comfortable.
I don't think my back could take another of Cicero's eulogies.
No, he praises you so long and high,
one might think he was being sincere.
- Salve, Magistrate. - Salve, citizen.
My husband's home.
It was so good of you to visit.
Not at all, I'm sure.
Please come again. I'd be so happy to receive you.
Thank you.
Desist that now.
Receive us, she says.
- I would... - Ladies.
Magistrate, sir.
- Husband... - What are these now?
Leased, and at very good rates too. And don't they look impressive?
Put some more cloth on 'em.
You look tired.
- Why don't you lie down? - I wish I could.
"By claim of the Senate and people,
"our beloved father, Gaius Julius Caesar,
"has been declared dictator for life.
"Furthermore, the fifth month is henceforth named July in his honor."
Erase that.
Cassius.
It will do no good. The image is on every wall, on every hill.
Don't worry about scribbles. King Caesar knows you're loyal.
I'm not worried about that.
No, it's just, do I truly look like that?
It's near.
Well, that's tragic.
But an image cannot catch your vim,
your noble vitality.
I speak only what's true.
You have that grace in action your noble ancestor had.
Plebs put you on walls as they see him in you.
They see my wretched name, that's all.
Simpletons. Let us speak of something else.
There's weight in names, isn't there?
You may call a cat a fish, but it will not swim.
The plebs love liberty. In your name, they...
They would not pluck a hair for liberty.
Plebs like to see their betters fight.
It's cheaper than theater and the blood is real.
Come here with me.
Look, now. Look at that.
It is a chair. What of it?
Chair? It's a throne!
I believe thrones are generally more decorative.
That is decidedly plain and chairlike.
- Are you blind? - Do not be hysterical.
- Your mother said you were a coward. - My mother is very unhappy.
- Forgive me. I spoke in anger. - I am no coward, nor am I blind.
I know what Caesar is.
I can see.
But I have pledged myself his friend.
No, I am his friend.
So, for friendship, you would let the Republic die?
I am just a man.
The life or death of the Republic is not in my hands!
You are precisely wrong.
The Republic is in your hands.
The people will not accept a tyrant's death
unless a Brutus holds the knife.
Now you have gone too far.
He has to die.
You know him. You know he'd never accept exile.
He has to die.
Wait, friend. Wait!
How's that Gaulish cunny, then?
Greasy, I bet.
Don't talk unless I tell you.
There, in the middle. Aufidius.
Murderer! Murderer! Murderer!
He killed Aufidiu!
Pannonia?
- Pannonia is 900 miles away. - More like 600.
In Germania, practically. It's not even provinced.
Soil is black and deep, they say. Tall forests, full of game.
Full of Teuton raiders and Dacian bandits and who knows who?
Our brothers don't want any more fighting. They won't have it.
If our brothers accept Pannonia, Caesar will be extremely grateful to you.
- How so? - 5,000 denarii.
- I don't understand you. - I think you do.
I have been true to my brothers since I first spilled blood.
You think I will betray them for 5,000 denarii?
- Seven, then. - It might be 20,000.
- I am not so greedy as some. - Not so greedy as who?
I merely say that my honor is not for sale so cheap.
In favoring Pannonia, you would not betray our brothers.
If they will not have Pannonia, they will have nothing.
- Men with swords never starve. - But they still die, captains first.
- 15. - 10.
12.
I'll be away then, brother.
- Good to see you. - And you.
- Has that man gone? - He has.
- Is this all right? - You look beautiful.
I'm so scared I can hardly breathe.
It will be fine.
My dear girl, I have enough to worry about. I will not be fearful of graffiti.
I'm telling you, the scribblers are not wrong.
- Brutus will betray you. - You seem very sure.
His mother will compel him. She will not rest until you are dead.
I well imagine poor Servilia is not very fond of me, but really, wants me dead?
- Atia, you're a dramatist. - Well, I've warned you. I'll say no more.
I've warned him.
You're far away.
Somewhere pleasant, I hope.
- It's all one. - So they tell me.
I need your help.
Your mother is a vicious and heartless creature,
but I find I am...
wretched without her.
I have done my best to sway her, but still she shuns me like a leper.
Refuses even to speak to me.
Will you talk to her for me?
Let her know how pitiful I have become?
There's no need.
Her disdain for you is an act.
She is entirely infatuated with you.
That is a wicked, foolish lie!
Atia, let me speak with you...
Daughter, that creature over there by the door, who is she?
The beauty in the vulgar dress?
She's with Lucius Vorenus. His wife, I expect.
It's so beautiful.
They've even painted the ceiling.
She has a wonderful tang of the street.
Let me introduce you.
- We should walk around. - We should wait.
- They're coming. - Calm.
Magistrate, my niece would like to meet your lovely wife.
- Honored. - Niobe, Atia.
How did a grim thing like you win such a flower?
I found her when she was young and foolish.
Would you entertain Niobe while I speak with her fortunate husband?
Delighted.
Now, tell me, who on Gaia's earth
- made this astonishing dress? - I did.
- You didn't. - I did.
What does Mascius say?
He will accept Pannonia for 12.
Very good.
I did not think he would sell himself so cheap.
I must send you to negotiate all my corruptions.
I would rather not, sir.
I spoke in jest.
I understand.
Please.
You have corrupted one man
and saved thousands from banditry.
I often wish I were back in Gaul. Warfare is pleasingly simple.
- Vorenus. - Magistrate Vorenus, if you please.
He outranks you now, my boy.
Excuse me, Magistrate Vorenus.
I hear rumor among the servants
that Titus Pullo is in the dungeons awaiting trial for murder.
- Is it true? - It is.
He has been hiring himself out as a knife man.
He killed a man in broad daylight.
- We must do something for him. - We must do nothing.
- Nothing? - The man he killed was Aufidius Dento,
Deputy Chief of the Caelian Nailmaker's Association.
Popular man, apparently, and a vocal critic of my leadership.
People will suspect I ordered his death.
I must not confirm those suspicions by helping Pullo.
And did you...
order his death?
I did not know he existed until he didn't.
I have no notion why he was killed.
Public man like that, might be many reasons.
I can't appear to be sending out my soldiers to murder anyone who opposes me.
I would lose support.
Perhaps Vorenus and I...
Nor can anyone associated with me help him.
Has he any friends who will help him find a lawyer to defend him?
He is guilty.
People must see justice done. Soldiers have to learn they're not above law.
I'm sorry, Vorenus. I know he is brother to you, but there is no choice.
It's all true.
I think we can go now, unless you...
Can we? It's very nice, but...
I know.
Castor. In the morning, bring Timon the Jew here.
- Good night, Mother. - Good night, my love.
I don't see what's wrong with it.
Moses, you need law?
Number one justice right here! Right here!
Take me, boss! Top lawyer! Top lawyer!
- You're good, are you? - Good?
I could have Medea acquitted. What's your case?
Man, name of Titus Pullo...
- On your way, Jew. - You don't want the case?
I'd rather suck Pluto's thorny cock.
Anyone?
Anyone want work?
Anyone?
It would go much easier for you if you said who paid you.
- It shows penitence. - I can't help you. Sorry.
I gave my word.
Perhaps you need the money to help your sick mother or a friend in need?
- Something like that would help. - I needed money for wine.
Have... have you any friends that would speak for you?
There must be someone.
Good bread, this. Have you got any more?
Titus Pullo, soldier, 13th Gallic Legion.
Accused of homicide
re citizen Aufidius Dento,
Caelian Hill, tribe of Falerna.
Brought to trial by his friends.
Throw him to the animals!
We begin.
Who speaks for the corpse of Aufidius Dento?
I... Maius Nigidius.
Who speaks for Titus Pullo?
I.
Priscus Maevius.
Accusator, proceed.
Citizens, friends...
when I was told of the death of Aufidiu,
I was deeply saddened.
A good man, stabbed! Butchered!
Hacked to death in daylight on a public street!
Vicious scum!
I was deeply saddened.
But I was not surprised.
These horrors have become commonplace.
Wretched specimens like this
- are common as rats. - That's right!
I will not take your time with lengthy proof of his guilt. Look at him!
It's not open to question. We all know he's guilty.
- Salve, brother. - And you, brother.
Not good, eh? What are you doing here? I thought Pullo was dead to you?
Dead to all, soon.
Hard as adamant, you. Well, you might be wrong, though.
Many's the slip 'tween knife and altar.
- What? - Pullo is not alone.
We'll not let any brother be damned by this dirty mob.
These dogs will be yelping louder soon.
When they bring him down, we'll go in and have him away.
- Call them off! - Why?
Do you not understand what is at stake here?
- Brother Pullo's life. - Politically. What is at stake politically.
Politically. I fuck politically in her fat arse.
If Pullo is rescued by Caesar's men, people will assume that he ordered Dento's killing
- and Caesar will be held responsible. - So? Caesar can do as he likes.
He is re-establishing law and order.
That won't work if his soldiers are seen to kill citizens without consequence.
- I can't call the boys off now. - Why not?
- Because it makes me look bad. - You could look far worse.
You would tell them?
I will if I have to.
Look at us, brother.
How has it come to this?
It is for the good of the Republic.
It's a worthy cause, then.
Just call them off.
To add insult to injury, this soldier,
this brute, this barbarian from who knows where,
refuses to name his paymaster!
- Caesar! - Caesar!
We name no names, citizen. We cannot know.
We might guess. We might very well guess,
but we cannot know.
Which makes his crime even worse.
Is there punishment enough for monsters such as this?
No!
I think not. I think not.
But perhaps my learned friend can tell us otherwise.
Priscus Maevius speaks.
This man...
is nothing but a helpless servant.
A tool, a puppet.
We should feel pity, not anger.
Pity for his...
Pity for his degradation.
Wait. Do you claim him innocent?
No, I'm simply saying...
Well if you do not deny his guilt, then we're done with him.
- Do you deny his guilt? - No, I do not, sir.
Very well. Titus Pullo condemned to death in the arena.
You know I have always looked on you as my son.
Oh dear, one of those conversations.
Good move.
I have a favor to ask of you, father to son.
I need someone to take over Macedonia from that idiot Valerius.
I would like to appoint you.
- I govern Macedonia? - If you will accept.
Why by three Furies would you want me to do it?
You are the right man for the job.
I can think of few men less right.
You've always underestimated yourself.
You might achieve great things if you would but try.
In Macedonia?
I think not.
I would ask you to reconsider.
I need someone I can trust.
- You need me out of Rome? - Not at all.
I need your help.
Someone you can trust?
Am I wrong to do so?
- You have doubts, do you? - I did not say that.
Speak plain, I beg you. Have I given you reason for doubt?
Since you ask, you have, as you well know.
- You speak of years ago. - Old betrayals do not signify?
I betrayed nothing.
Had you told me you were to march on Rome
and asked me for my allegiance,
I would have given it.
I would have judged you insane...
But I would have given you my allegiance because I look on you as my father.
- Brutus... - But you did not ask for my allegiance.
You demanded it at sword point. I betrayed nothing!
Forgive me, I spoke too hot. You have never betrayed me.
- So why do you not trust me now? - I trust you completely.
So much so that you would send me from Rome to govern Macedonia?
Well, thank you.
I am honored, but I will not go.
It is in my legal power to insist that you do go.
As my father...
As my father, I looked on you...
For a year or so, no more.
- Until the city is stable. - Forgive me. I feel unwell.
- Perhaps we can finish this game later. - Be reasonable!
You're on every wall with a knife at my throat!
I would be foolish to ignore it.
Only tyrants need worry about tyrant killers.
And you are no tyrant.
Haven't you told me so many times?
You may go.
Janus, Gaia and Dis...
I humbly beg you accept this creature as my offering,
and if it pleases you...
I ask you to give Eirene long life.
And same for my friend Lucius Vorenus and his family,
if it's not too much.
And let Eirene know
that I am sorry for what I did.
Come on, soldier, up!
Cave with this one...
soldier.
Come on, coward! Fight!
- Stand up and fight. - I don't want to.
That's not how it works. You're supposed to resist.
Not if I don't want to.
I just want to die, all right?
So come ahead and kill me and be done with it.
Bollocks. Move!
What's wrong with you? Where's your dignity?
Get up and fight!
- Soldier. Wake up! - Get up!
Why don't you come here and suck my cock?
Look, just hold your sword.
Just stand up and hold it, that's all. You don't have to run about.
You're naught but a bloody molly.
You and the whole 13th! Naught but bloody mollies.
Don't talk of the 13th.
Aye? I piss on the 13th!
Pig spawn, all of 'em.
Why don't you and the 13th all line up and suck my...
Pullo!
13!
Pullo! Pullo!
- In autumn, they disappear. - Who?
Eels, they all disappear.
- That so? - Where?
- Where what? - Well, where do they go? The eels?
That's what I'm saying. Nobody knows. It's a mystery.
Was expecting you time ago.
If we employ you again, next time,
best not use veterans.
Mother?
I owe Caesar no more friendship.
I must do my duty.
I'll speak to Cassius.
See what can be done.