1 00:00:59,840 --> 00:01:02,494 - Is he dead? - Yes. 2 00:01:02,651 --> 00:01:05,105 Yes, he's dead. 3 00:01:05,501 --> 00:01:09,089 Then I am Emperor. 4 00:01:09,835 --> 00:01:11,701 - Yes. - Whee! 5 00:01:11,866 --> 00:01:13,231 Sh! 6 00:01:16,348 --> 00:01:18,680 You are Emperor. 7 00:01:18,847 --> 00:01:22,634 Everything I ever dreamed of has come true. 8 00:01:23,298 --> 00:01:24,852 Emperor. 9 00:01:25,016 --> 00:01:28,214 I am Emperor of Rome. 10 00:01:29,585 --> 00:01:31,339 I feel sorry for him, don't you? 11 00:01:31,498 --> 00:01:33,407 - No. - No? Neither do I. 12 00:01:33,567 --> 00:01:35,976 - Let's announce his death. - Not yet. 13 00:01:36,886 --> 00:01:40,506 We'll put out a bulletin saying he's as well as can be expected. 14 00:01:40,673 --> 00:01:43,127 - Considering he's dead! - Yes. 15 00:01:43,289 --> 00:01:47,697 Then we must find the will It will be in his study. 16 00:01:50,669 --> 00:01:52,034 Come! 17 00:02:03,494 --> 00:02:05,748 What a mess! 18 00:02:06,774 --> 00:02:09,850 He would never let anyone touch it, that's why. 19 00:02:10,718 --> 00:02:13,250 It will be here somewhere. 20 00:02:13,412 --> 00:02:15,911 You look over there and I'll look here. 21 00:02:54,792 --> 00:02:58,856 (CLAUDIUS) Write no more, Claudius Write no more. 22 00:03:01,959 --> 00:03:03,295 Have you found it, Mother? 23 00:03:04,613 --> 00:03:07,547 - Well, what is it? - It looks like a history. 24 00:03:07,869 --> 00:03:10,658 - Of what? - Of our family. 25 00:03:11,813 --> 00:03:12,774 Does it mention me? 26 00:03:14,011 --> 00:03:15,325 Where does it begin? 27 00:03:16,989 --> 00:03:19,504 With the death of his last wife, Messalina. 28 00:03:19,539 --> 00:03:22,490 That should be interesting. What does it say about me? 29 00:03:22,525 --> 00:03:25,442 Be quiet! How can I tell if you keep talking to me? 30 00:03:27,122 --> 00:03:29,371 (CLAUDIUS) "The frog pool wanted a king. 31 00:03:30,185 --> 00:03:33,186 "Jove sent them Old King Log. 32 00:03:34,067 --> 00:03:39,118 "I have been as deaf and blind and wooden as a log. 33 00:03:39,811 --> 00:03:43,648 "My chief fault? I have been too benevolent 34 00:03:44,435 --> 00:03:47,479 "I repaired the ruin my predecessors spread. 35 00:03:48,241 --> 00:03:52,025 "I reconciled Rome and the world to monarchy again. 36 00:03:53,708 --> 00:03:57,110 "By dulling the blade of tyranny, I fell into great error. 37 00:03:58,047 --> 00:04:01,329 "By sharpening that blade I might redeem that error. 38 00:04:01,829 --> 00:04:05,525 "Violent disorders call for violent remedies 39 00:04:07,149 --> 00:04:13,015 "Yet I am, I must remember, Old King Log. 40 00:04:13,936 --> 00:04:17,375 "I shall float inertly in the stagnant pool 41 00:04:19,101 --> 00:04:23,761 "Let all the poisons that lurk in the mud hatch out 42 00:04:25,368 --> 00:04:26,758 "Yes 43 00:04:27,719 --> 00:04:33,967 "Let all the poisons that lurk in the mud hatch out." 44 00:04:35,799 --> 00:04:37,793 She did not please you, Caesar? 45 00:04:39,409 --> 00:04:41,226 No, I can see she did not. 46 00:04:42,721 --> 00:04:44,481 It was a mistake having her here. 47 00:04:46,364 --> 00:04:47,784 A beautiful woman though. 48 00:04:49,156 --> 00:04:54,194 Yes. Beautiful woman. Whoever marries her will be a fortunate man. 49 00:04:55,952 --> 00:04:59,010 - She's married already. - Really? 50 00:04:59,779 --> 00:05:00,645 To the drummer. 51 00:05:02,828 --> 00:05:06,128 - And has three children. - Oh, I envy him. 52 00:05:07,885 --> 00:05:09,710 He tells me she's a shrew. 53 00:05:10,478 --> 00:05:14,393 Then I envy him his nights, but not his days. 54 00:05:15,594 --> 00:05:18,867 In marriage, one can't have one without the other. 55 00:05:22,488 --> 00:05:26,737 You see, Caesar, how even vagabonds and gypsies like those 56 00:05:26,772 --> 00:05:30,986 recognise the virtues of marriage and a family...life. 57 00:05:32,678 --> 00:05:35,861 - Caesar? Are you well? 58 00:05:37,812 --> 00:05:39,095 Is something the matter? 59 00:05:45,753 --> 00:05:53,671 Let all the poisons that lurk in the mud hatch out 60 00:05:54,908 --> 00:05:56,432 If you will allow us, Caesar, 61 00:05:56,467 --> 00:05:59,891 to raise once again the subject of your remarrying? 62 00:06:00,539 --> 00:06:03,688 There are so many good reasons for it. 63 00:06:04,357 --> 00:06:07,578 But, chiefly, your children need a mother. 64 00:06:07,750 --> 00:06:11,547 And Rome needs a mother. It's not right for an Emperor to be alone. 65 00:06:11,830 --> 00:06:15,347 Your Uncle Tiberius was alone. It affected his mind. 66 00:06:15,382 --> 00:06:19,681 It doesn't follow that because your three marriages were a tragedy 67 00:06:19,716 --> 00:06:21,775 your fourth shouldn't be a triumph. 68 00:06:25,184 --> 00:06:27,828 I've given this matter a great deal of thought, 69 00:06:28,394 --> 00:06:30,581 and there's someone I'd like to recommend. 70 00:06:30,616 --> 00:06:33,092 - You never mentioned that. - I thought of it today. 71 00:06:33,127 --> 00:06:37,363 Caesar, the one woman in Rome who would be a perfect wife 72 00:06:37,398 --> 00:06:39,735 is Lollia Paulina. 73 00:06:39,966 --> 00:06:41,536 Lollia Paulina? 74 00:06:43,421 --> 00:06:44,546 Are you mad? 75 00:06:44,850 --> 00:06:48,087 She's ideal She's the daughter of an ex-consul 76 00:06:48,122 --> 00:06:52,362 She's lost none of her looks with age, and she's still childless, 77 00:06:52,397 --> 00:06:56,602 so she'll be good for Britannicus and Octavia. They need a mother. 78 00:06:56,637 --> 00:06:59,110 That's more important than anything. 79 00:06:59,145 --> 00:07:01,584 But she's the stupidest woman in Rome. 80 00:07:01,689 --> 00:07:06,094 The Emperor has had clever ones that have done him little good. 81 00:07:06,129 --> 00:07:10,500 She's an absurd choice. She thinks of nothing but ornaments. 82 00:07:10,535 --> 00:07:14,573 - The Emperor needs... - A wife capable of helping him. 83 00:07:15,814 --> 00:07:20,666 Caesar, I have submitted many names in the past for your consideration. 84 00:07:21,174 --> 00:07:24,233 I have been less than enthusiastic about most of them. 85 00:07:24,268 --> 00:07:25,784 That didn't prevent you putting them forward. 86 00:07:26,768 --> 00:07:28,749 It was not I who was to marry them. 87 00:07:29,576 --> 00:07:33,552 One can recommend with less enthusiasm than one marries. 88 00:07:33,587 --> 00:07:36,386 - Caesar... - As I was about to say, Caesar! 89 00:07:44,745 --> 00:07:50,448 One name comes to me now with all the force of divine revelation. 90 00:07:51,528 --> 00:07:54,312 The lady has been in front of us all the time - 91 00:07:54,347 --> 00:07:57,088 so close, in fact that we've not noticed her. 92 00:07:57,926 --> 00:08:00,880 I refer to the Lady Agrippinilla. 93 00:08:01,813 --> 00:08:05,798 The Lady Agrippinilla?! Are you mad? She's the Emperor's niece! 94 00:08:05,900 --> 00:08:09,249 The union would be incestuous. The Senate wouldn't allow it. 95 00:08:09,284 --> 00:08:12,549 A hundred years ago, first cousins couldn't marry. 96 00:08:12,584 --> 00:08:15,815 Now it's done all the time. The Senate will agree. 97 00:08:15,850 --> 00:08:19,738 Now, Caesar, she's in every way suitable. 98 00:08:19,773 --> 00:08:24,256 She's a woman of intelligence, the daughter of Germanicus, 99 00:08:24,291 --> 00:08:28,470 and she would bring with her the grandson of Germanicus - 100 00:08:28,505 --> 00:08:32,650 Nero, a boy worthy in every respect of Imperial fortune. 101 00:08:32,685 --> 00:08:36,300 But the Emperor loathes Nero! A hideous boy. 102 00:08:36,335 --> 00:08:39,880 You are speaking of the Emperor's grand-nephew! 103 00:08:39,915 --> 00:08:42,511 I speak the Emperor's own words! And I'll go further. 104 00:08:42,546 --> 00:08:45,879 His mother is the most corrupt woman in Rome. Even Caligula said so! 105 00:08:45,914 --> 00:08:46,854 He was her brother! 106 00:08:46,889 --> 00:08:49,452 How dare you? How dare you? 107 00:08:50,960 --> 00:08:55,640 Narcissus, you may consider our friendship at an end. 108 00:08:55,779 --> 00:08:57,868 From this moment, at an end! 109 00:08:58,505 --> 00:08:59,609 Caesar... 110 00:08:59,644 --> 00:09:05,508 Caesar! I cannot support these monstrous calumnies against her. 111 00:09:05,543 --> 00:09:06,860 - Caesar... - In my opinion...! 112 00:09:06,895 --> 00:09:10,090 you niece is the finest woman in Rome. 113 00:09:10,125 --> 00:09:13,983 An Emperor should have a wife who is both good looking, 114 00:09:14,018 --> 00:09:17,192 and of outstanding intelligence. She has both! 115 00:09:17,227 --> 00:09:20,238 I beg you to consider her. 116 00:09:20,686 --> 00:09:22,879 It would be the Lady Messalina all over again. 117 00:09:22,914 --> 00:09:25,545 Worse! The Lady Messalina with brains. 118 00:09:25,630 --> 00:09:30,056 That's a combination more deadly than all the tribes of Germany. 119 00:09:30,091 --> 00:09:34,483 And she'll soon want that son of hers adopted into the family. 120 00:09:35,007 --> 00:09:37,402 Caesar, Caesar, I beg you. 121 00:09:38,630 --> 00:09:42,421 Caesar, an uncle does not marry his niece. 122 00:09:42,480 --> 00:09:46,024 The union will be incestuous and the gods abominate incest. 123 00:09:46,059 --> 00:09:48,579 It will bring ruin and destruction on Rome. 124 00:09:52,439 --> 00:09:57,546 Let all the poisons that lurk in the mud... 125 00:09:59,555 --> 00:10:00,742 hatch out. 126 00:10:03,428 --> 00:10:04,277 Caesar? 127 00:10:06,226 --> 00:10:11,194 Let all the p-poisons that lurk in the mud... 128 00:10:14,561 --> 00:10:16,684 hatch out. 129 00:10:32,453 --> 00:10:34,720 I will m-marry my niece. 130 00:10:36,501 --> 00:10:37,634 B-bring her to me. 131 00:10:50,960 --> 00:10:52,246 (KNOCKING) 132 00:10:54,339 --> 00:10:55,095 Come in. 133 00:11:05,827 --> 00:11:06,509 Well? 134 00:11:11,136 --> 00:11:12,018 He's agreed. 135 00:11:14,010 --> 00:11:15,920 He has agreed. 136 00:11:17,115 --> 00:11:18,329 He wants to see you. 137 00:11:20,206 --> 00:11:22,546 - Now? - Yes. 138 00:11:22,826 --> 00:11:26,425 It was so easy I could hardly believe it. 139 00:11:29,104 --> 00:11:32,704 He'll marry me? He said he'd marry me? 140 00:11:32,841 --> 00:11:33,616 Yes. 141 00:11:34,953 --> 00:11:35,980 What did he say? 142 00:11:37,723 --> 00:11:41,847 "I will marry my niece. Send her to me." 143 00:11:43,115 --> 00:11:43,890 That's all? 144 00:11:45,804 --> 00:11:48,882 Nothing else? No arguments? No opposition? 145 00:11:49,160 --> 00:11:51,703 - Only from Narcissus. - Ah. 146 00:11:53,533 --> 00:11:55,716 - What did he say? - I shan't repeat it. 147 00:11:55,751 --> 00:11:59,043 What does it matter? He lost. It was only sour grapes. 148 00:12:00,316 --> 00:12:03,199 I'll sour all his grapes before I'm done. 149 00:12:05,321 --> 00:12:09,094 And Claudius? He said nothing about my being his niece? 150 00:12:09,106 --> 00:12:09,935 Nothing. 151 00:12:12,071 --> 00:12:15,348 - Nothing about incest? - Nothing. 152 00:12:20,581 --> 00:12:22,401 Perhaps he fancies the idea. 153 00:12:23,255 --> 00:12:24,638 I wouldn't blame him. 154 00:12:26,037 --> 00:12:28,770 I shan't like it though, the thought of you in his bed. 155 00:12:30,327 --> 00:12:32,088 I'm beginning to have regrets already. 156 00:12:33,576 --> 00:12:37,678 I found it hard, when it came to it, to suggest you. 157 00:12:38,485 --> 00:12:40,187 It didn't stop you though, did it? 158 00:12:40,922 --> 00:12:41,773 No. 159 00:12:42,751 --> 00:12:46,830 Your ambition always burned more brightly than your passion. 160 00:12:47,825 --> 00:12:50,294 Have you ever found my passion wanting? 161 00:12:50,642 --> 00:12:51,796 No. 162 00:12:53,287 --> 00:12:58,643 But in my case, passion and ambition are beautifully combined... 163 00:12:58,678 --> 00:13:00,443 aren't they? 164 00:13:01,836 --> 00:13:03,781 I'm beginning to have regrets already. 165 00:13:05,321 --> 00:13:07,082 My regrets are mounting. 166 00:13:07,571 --> 00:13:11,562 - I hope when you're married... - Don't be silly. 167 00:13:14,405 --> 00:13:16,564 Oh, I've hurt you. 168 00:13:17,602 --> 00:13:19,273 And I shouldn't have. 169 00:13:20,881 --> 00:13:25,196 Don't worry. I'll make it up to you. 170 00:13:29,104 --> 00:13:31,739 Now. Make it up to me now. 171 00:13:33,457 --> 00:13:36,225 - He's waiting for me. - It won't take long. 172 00:13:36,674 --> 00:13:42,012 You see, for once, my passion burns brighter than my ambition. 173 00:13:43,798 --> 00:13:49,533 Hurry, then. I imagine his passion is burning too... 174 00:13:50,548 --> 00:13:54,253 - and at his age, the flames don't last very long. 175 00:13:55,351 --> 00:13:56,516 (KNOCKING) 176 00:14:01,082 --> 00:14:05,182 Uncle? Pallas tells me you wanted to see me. 177 00:14:05,217 --> 00:14:05,883 Yes. 178 00:14:07,822 --> 00:14:10,254 He said that you had decided to marry again. 179 00:14:10,552 --> 00:14:11,325 Yes. 180 00:14:13,018 --> 00:14:14,913 And that you had chosen me? 181 00:14:16,035 --> 00:14:17,929 Would you like to marry me? 182 00:14:18,685 --> 00:14:21,319 Oh, Uncle! 183 00:14:24,876 --> 00:14:28,665 You have made me the happiest woman in the world. 184 00:14:29,019 --> 00:14:30,995 Yes, I thought I might. 185 00:14:31,654 --> 00:14:33,110 How could you know that? 186 00:14:34,263 --> 00:14:38,612 How could you know that I've loved and respected you all these years? 187 00:14:39,527 --> 00:14:42,543 I just guessed it, my dear, just guessed it. 188 00:14:43,834 --> 00:14:46,638 I shall be such a good wife to you, you'll see. 189 00:14:47,126 --> 00:14:49,825 And I shall be a mother to Britannicus and Octavia 190 00:14:50,159 --> 00:14:53,080 just as I am to my own dear Nero. 191 00:14:53,821 --> 00:14:57,191 They shall be to me as if they were my own. 192 00:14:58,384 --> 00:15:01,259 And there'll be more, why not? 193 00:15:01,833 --> 00:15:04,788 I'm still capable of bearing children. 194 00:15:05,337 --> 00:15:09,307 And you, such a vigorous man. 195 00:15:10,048 --> 00:15:13,722 Such firm flesh. Who would have thought it? 196 00:15:15,239 --> 00:15:19,044 You shall have more sons, I promise you. 197 00:15:19,687 --> 00:15:22,723 And more love than you have ever had. 198 00:15:23,946 --> 00:15:24,812 Yes. 199 00:15:25,655 --> 00:15:31,301 Love, Uncle, such as you have never known before. 200 00:15:32,108 --> 00:15:36,511 Oh, it makes my head reel to think of it. 201 00:15:42,046 --> 00:15:46,470 Does it not worry you, my dear, that you will be committing incest? 202 00:15:47,250 --> 00:15:50,916 Oh, but you've done that so many times before, haven't you? 203 00:15:50,951 --> 00:15:53,466 With your brother, Caligula? 204 00:15:54,279 --> 00:15:59,446 We all did things then that we might not otherwise have done. 205 00:15:59,481 --> 00:16:01,590 That's true. That is true. 206 00:16:01,625 --> 00:16:05,884 Only some of us did them more willingly than others, didn't we? 207 00:16:06,008 --> 00:16:08,874 I'm not blaming you. I'm only asking. 208 00:16:09,903 --> 00:16:12,873 Well, since you ask, the answer is no. 209 00:16:14,584 --> 00:16:19,525 Such incest would be technical only. But if it disturbs you... 210 00:16:19,560 --> 00:16:23,295 No, I'm teasing. Please don't be offended. 211 00:16:24,099 --> 00:16:28,391 As a matter of fact the q-question of incest is somewhat academic. 212 00:16:28,633 --> 00:16:31,745 - What does that mean? - Beautiful as you are, 213 00:16:31,780 --> 00:16:35,043 your body is of less interest to me than your mind. 214 00:16:35,436 --> 00:16:39,115 I'm marrying you for your head, my dear, not your heart, 215 00:16:39,150 --> 00:16:41,725 of which, I suspect, you have very little. 216 00:16:42,533 --> 00:16:44,549 Well, then, that suits me. 217 00:16:45,823 --> 00:16:48,453 You're not the sort of lover one dreams of. 218 00:16:48,488 --> 00:16:50,578 Not the sort that you dream of. 219 00:16:50,613 --> 00:16:54,515 Still. I won't discuss your dreams - not on a full stomach. 220 00:16:54,959 --> 00:16:58,198 I'm marrying you because I'm tired of ruling alone. 221 00:16:59,277 --> 00:17:03,234 There are many things an Emperor's w=wife can do that others can't. 222 00:17:03,886 --> 00:17:07,291 But I need a woman with a mind. Does that appeal to you? 223 00:17:07,525 --> 00:17:08,721 Admirably. 224 00:17:10,782 --> 00:17:13,628 But I shan't be a cipher, I can tell you that. 225 00:17:15,429 --> 00:17:18,999 If you give me power, I shall use it. 226 00:17:20,155 --> 00:17:23,410 Now, why else do you imagine I'm giving it to you? 227 00:17:26,868 --> 00:17:30,260 - Well? - We are to be married. 228 00:17:32,582 --> 00:17:35,406 - But why? - Why? 229 00:17:35,807 --> 00:17:38,679 He doesn't want me to share his bed. He doesn't even like me. 230 00:17:39,445 --> 00:17:41,518 He says he wants me to help him rule. 231 00:17:41,783 --> 00:17:45,815 - All the better. - No, no. There's something odd. 232 00:17:48,037 --> 00:17:50,500 What did he say when you suggested me? 233 00:17:50,878 --> 00:17:52,615 - I told you. - Nothing more? 234 00:17:52,974 --> 00:17:55,016 There was something, but it made no sense. 235 00:17:55,051 --> 00:17:56,919 What? What did he say? 236 00:17:57,283 --> 00:18:02,662 Er... "Let all the poisons that are in the mud hatch out" 237 00:18:02,697 --> 00:18:04,427 or something like that. 238 00:18:08,675 --> 00:18:10,294 Perhaps his mind's going. 239 00:18:13,056 --> 00:18:15,999 Maybe he won't last long after his marriage. 240 00:18:17,259 --> 00:18:17,979 No. 241 00:18:18,839 --> 00:18:26,179 We must keep him alive long enough for my son to come of age. 242 00:18:29,495 --> 00:18:30,450 Senators. 243 00:18:31,620 --> 00:18:36,298 S-seven years ago, I undertook the conquest of the island of Britain. 244 00:18:36,963 --> 00:18:40,091 It has taken until now to complete it. 245 00:18:40,618 --> 00:18:43,754 One man and o-one man alone 246 00:18:43,789 --> 00:18:46,243 has been responsible for the enormous losses... 247 00:18:46,278 --> 00:18:48,697 The war in Britain finally came to an end, 248 00:18:49,557 --> 00:18:52,801 and King Caractacus was brought in chains to Rome. 249 00:18:53,635 --> 00:18:55,392 The Senate called for his death 250 00:18:55,427 --> 00:18:58,624 as punishment for his long resistance to our arms, 251 00:18:59,567 --> 00:19:04,572 but while his family cowered before us, Caractacus did not. 252 00:19:05,141 --> 00:19:06,191 I'll tell you this. 253 00:19:07,461 --> 00:19:11,227 If the sword is all that you're prepared to show us Britons, 254 00:19:11,262 --> 00:19:15,316 then be prepared to carry it forever in your hand... 255 00:19:16,196 --> 00:19:20,312 and sleep with it forever by your side at night! 256 00:19:21,393 --> 00:19:25,866 For you will need it! 257 00:19:25,901 --> 00:19:30,273 (APPLAUSE) 258 00:19:31,560 --> 00:19:35,049 His courage and his dignity won the hearts of the Senate. 259 00:19:36,107 --> 00:19:40,299 He was granted a pension and allowed to live in the city. 260 00:19:41,372 --> 00:19:43,389 I'm near the end of my story. 261 00:19:43,973 --> 00:19:47,393 I have been married to Agrippinilla for five years.. 262 00:19:47,965 --> 00:19:51,786 and she has turned out as loathsome as I thought she would. 263 00:19:53,441 --> 00:19:56,353 As has that slimy son of hers. 264 00:19:57,826 --> 00:20:00,119 His mother has plans for him. 265 00:20:01,354 --> 00:20:05,160 She thinks I do not know, but I do. 266 00:20:06,013 --> 00:20:08,008 And I have my own plans 267 00:20:15,570 --> 00:20:17,711 - He's very musical - Yes. 268 00:20:20,394 --> 00:20:23,295 I wonder, Britannicus, that you don't take lessons. 269 00:20:25,030 --> 00:20:26,991 I'm not interested in music. 270 00:20:27,655 --> 00:20:31,325 Pity. You could play duets together. 271 00:20:32,624 --> 00:20:37,764 That would be very unlikely, Lucius Domitius being so gifted. 272 00:20:38,033 --> 00:20:41,326 I wish you would stop addressing him as Lucius Domitius. 273 00:20:41,666 --> 00:20:44,122 He has adopted the name of Nero. 274 00:20:44,721 --> 00:20:45,667 I forgot. 275 00:20:46,110 --> 00:20:51,407 No, you do not forget. I think you do it deliberately. 276 00:20:51,553 --> 00:20:53,423 I tell you, I forget. 277 00:20:54,945 --> 00:20:57,212 Well, you have been reminded, 278 00:20:57,661 --> 00:21:01,766 which I think calls for a correction and an apology. 279 00:21:01,916 --> 00:21:04,901 - That isn't necessary, Mother. - I think it is. 280 00:21:07,700 --> 00:21:08,547 Well? 281 00:21:11,515 --> 00:21:13,295 I shall not apologise. 282 00:21:15,547 --> 00:21:16,920 I think you will 283 00:21:18,260 --> 00:21:21,696 Claudius, I insist that you order him to apologise. 284 00:21:22,261 --> 00:21:25,111 Apologise to N-Nero, Britannicus. 285 00:21:25,793 --> 00:21:28,957 You've hurt his feelings and you know how sensitive he is. 286 00:21:30,846 --> 00:21:32,500 You side with them! 287 00:21:32,710 --> 00:21:35,757 You take her side and his against me all the time. 288 00:21:38,046 --> 00:21:40,496 I shall not apologise! 289 00:21:40,531 --> 00:21:43,613 You'll apologise or you'll be punished. 290 00:21:44,609 --> 00:21:48,958 What will you do? Have me executed as you did my mother? 291 00:21:49,855 --> 00:21:51,654 I detest you all! 292 00:21:52,601 --> 00:21:53,971 All of you! 293 00:21:58,204 --> 00:22:01,020 I'm sorry to have been the cause of that. 294 00:22:01,144 --> 00:22:03,269 (AGRIPPILLINA) It's not your fault. Everyone sees that. 295 00:22:03,304 --> 00:22:05,762 Nevertheless, I'll go and see him. 296 00:22:05,772 --> 00:22:10,812 Come, Octavia, let's find your brother. Perhaps we can pacify him. 297 00:22:10,847 --> 00:22:12,567 I think you're very kind. 298 00:22:12,602 --> 00:22:16,904 There's far too little kindness in the world. 299 00:22:20,541 --> 00:22:22,778 Have you noticed how fond they are of each other? 300 00:22:23,370 --> 00:22:28,241 Everyone's commenting on it. Nero simply adores her. 301 00:22:34,483 --> 00:22:36,893 There's something I've been wanting to speak to you about. 302 00:22:37,793 --> 00:22:40,074 - Yes. - It concerns the matter of... 303 00:22:41,070 --> 00:22:44,630 - Pardon? - The answer is yes. 304 00:22:45,904 --> 00:22:47,511 You don't know what I'm going to ask. 305 00:22:48,210 --> 00:22:52,165 Aren't you going to suggest that I marry Octavia to your son? 306 00:22:53,919 --> 00:22:56,731 - Yes. - The answer is yes. 307 00:22:58,966 --> 00:23:00,809 Don't you wish to discuss it? 308 00:23:00,848 --> 00:23:04,112 What is there to discuss? They�ll be well matched. 309 00:23:08,666 --> 00:23:10,574 Nero's very fond you, you know? 310 00:23:12,059 --> 00:23:13,590 He thinks of you as a father. 311 00:23:14,331 --> 00:23:18,074 He said to me the other day, "I think of him..." 312 00:23:18,109 --> 00:23:19,563 As a father. 313 00:23:23,205 --> 00:23:28,295 - Since he now will be marrying Octavia... - The answer once again is yes. 314 00:23:28,330 --> 00:23:31,038 Will you let me finish?! 315 00:23:31,073 --> 00:23:33,291 You don't even know what I'm going to say! 316 00:23:35,916 --> 00:23:40,072 You're in your cups! You've had too much wine again. 317 00:23:40,363 --> 00:23:45,775 I thought you were going to suggest I adopt Nero officially as my son. 318 00:23:46,360 --> 00:23:49,091 Make him and Britannicus joint heirs. 319 00:23:50,216 --> 00:23:52,769 Of course, if that is not what you were going to say. 320 00:23:54,104 --> 00:23:57,343 Yes. Yes, it was. 321 00:23:59,237 --> 00:24:02,059 It was. I just wish you'd let me finish! 322 00:24:02,231 --> 00:24:03,469 Your manner's very strange. 323 00:24:04,064 --> 00:24:07,580 I just wanted to save a lot of unnecessary discussion. 324 00:24:10,023 --> 00:24:13,492 You see, that is the success of our marriage, my dear. 325 00:24:14,407 --> 00:24:16,650 I read your mind so quickly. 326 00:24:17,529 --> 00:24:19,480 Think of the time it saves. 327 00:24:21,197 --> 00:24:26,285 Goodnight. 328 00:24:26,320 --> 00:24:29,668 Oh, put him to bed! 329 00:24:35,274 --> 00:24:38,352 You should have consulted me! I would have talked you out of it. 330 00:24:39,137 --> 00:24:41,256 That's why I never discussed it. 331 00:24:41,291 --> 00:24:47,824 Do you think that's right? Am I not your adviser on matters of state? 332 00:24:47,859 --> 00:24:51,205 - Yes. - Then why did you not consult me? 333 00:24:51,650 --> 00:24:53,895 Do you think that she doesn't consult Pallas? 334 00:24:53,930 --> 00:24:54,663 No. 335 00:24:55,727 --> 00:24:57,167 You know they�re lovers, don't you? 336 00:24:57,202 --> 00:25:00,045 He's switched interests from you to her? 337 00:25:00,762 --> 00:25:02,163 - Yes. - Then why did you do it? 338 00:25:04,605 --> 00:25:05,974 Can't you see what you've done? 339 00:25:06,320 --> 00:25:09,170 By marrying Nero to your daughter and adopting him, 340 00:25:09,205 --> 00:25:10,907 you've signed your death warrant. 341 00:25:12,994 --> 00:25:15,625 Your wife has got everything she wanted out of marrying you. 342 00:25:16,689 --> 00:25:19,730 - She doesn't need you any more. - I shall die soon anyway. 343 00:25:20,223 --> 00:25:22,055 - How do you know? - Barbillus told me. 344 00:25:22,549 --> 00:25:25,480 - He read my horoscope. - You didn't need him to! 345 00:25:25,590 --> 00:25:29,379 You've numbered your days more accurately than a horoscope could! 346 00:25:30,370 --> 00:25:34,862 Why did you do it? Why? Did you not at least think of Britannicus? 347 00:25:34,897 --> 00:25:36,920 I thought principally of him. 348 00:25:38,214 --> 00:25:40,235 Then do you not see how this will hurt him? 349 00:25:40,760 --> 00:25:42,576 Do you know how you've hurt him in the past? 350 00:25:42,611 --> 00:25:44,248 Yes, I know. 351 00:25:45,256 --> 00:25:47,972 You realise, don't you, you've numbered his days as well? 352 00:25:48,351 --> 00:25:51,841 Do you think they�ll let him live? To say nothing of me! 353 00:25:51,850 --> 00:25:53,161 What made you do it? ! 354 00:25:53,520 --> 00:25:57,762 N-Nero is destined to rule after me, not Britannicus. 355 00:25:58,304 --> 00:26:01,556 It has been foretold, Narcissus, nothing can alter it. 356 00:26:01,837 --> 00:26:04,550 - Foretold? By who? - By the Sibyl 357 00:26:04,752 --> 00:26:07,521 Nero may become Emperor - you've seen to that - 358 00:26:07,556 --> 00:26:12,364 but your wife will rule through him, as Livia ruled through Tiberius. 359 00:26:13,053 --> 00:26:14,519 No. Nero will kill his mother. 360 00:26:14,637 --> 00:26:16,765 That, too, has been foretold by the Sibyl 361 00:26:17,065 --> 00:26:19,439 What Sibyl? I've seen no such prophecy. 362 00:26:19,474 --> 00:26:22,816 No. Nor has anyone now, except me. 363 00:26:29,917 --> 00:26:31,061 Where did you find this? 364 00:26:31,096 --> 00:26:33,982 It was given to me by Livia j-just before she died. 365 00:26:34,519 --> 00:26:37,991 She gave a birthday dinner. She invited me. That was unusual 366 00:26:38,312 --> 00:26:40,838 But her purpose became clear later in the evening. 367 00:26:40,947 --> 00:26:44,114 She found this book among Augustus' papers. 368 00:26:44,518 --> 00:26:48,548 You won't understand it. It's written in a very archaic language. 369 00:26:49,593 --> 00:26:52,275 It frightened Augustus. He kept it hidden. 370 00:26:52,891 --> 00:26:56,177 Or perhaps he just didn't understand it. But Livia did. 371 00:26:57,574 --> 00:26:58,833 What does it prophesy? 372 00:26:59,062 --> 00:27:03,253 Among other things, it prophesied Caligula's reign and his death. 373 00:27:03,666 --> 00:27:05,158 It prophesied mine. 374 00:27:05,929 --> 00:27:08,366 And it prophesises Nero's. 375 00:27:08,476 --> 00:27:13,475 It is written, Narcissus. Nothing you nor I can do will stop it. 376 00:27:18,187 --> 00:27:22,144 Is that why you chose the Lady Agrippinilla for your wife? 377 00:27:22,179 --> 00:27:26,102 Yes. All my life I wanted to see the Republic restored, 378 00:27:26,239 --> 00:27:28,382 but I let myself be made an Emperor. 379 00:27:28,772 --> 00:27:31,541 That was written too. But I made a mistake. 380 00:27:31,757 --> 00:27:35,840 I tried to rule wisely and justly, reconciling people to the monarchy. 381 00:27:35,875 --> 00:27:38,848 In doing that, I was helping monarchy. 382 00:27:38,883 --> 00:27:41,822 Now I shall destroy it once and for all 383 00:27:42,136 --> 00:27:46,026 Or rather Nero will destroy it. He's as mad as my n-nephew, Caligula. 384 00:27:46,689 --> 00:27:48,937 We're all mad, we Caesars. 385 00:27:49,230 --> 00:27:53,116 When we are gone, the people will finish with monarchies forever 386 00:27:53,151 --> 00:27:55,294 and return to the sanity of the Republic. 387 00:27:56,423 --> 00:27:58,880 - And Britannicus? - He is my instrument. 388 00:27:58,915 --> 00:28:02,729 - He will restore the Republic. - If he lives. 389 00:28:02,764 --> 00:28:05,346 I have a plan that will save him, 390 00:28:05,874 --> 00:28:08,419 but I must leave you to make the arrangements. 391 00:28:09,817 --> 00:28:11,067 Tell me what to do. 392 00:28:12,239 --> 00:28:14,906 Well, let me rest for an hour, 393 00:28:15,184 --> 00:28:18,395 then come to my bedroom and we'll talk some more. 394 00:28:19,303 --> 00:28:21,480 - Can I tell Britannicus? - No, not yet. 395 00:28:21,579 --> 00:28:24,359 - It grieves me to see you hurt him. - Yes. 396 00:28:24,732 --> 00:28:29,661 I killed his mother. I've been less than a father to him ever since. 397 00:28:31,900 --> 00:28:34,526 Now, I'm tired and I'm not well 398 00:28:35,521 --> 00:28:37,786 - We must do it now. - It won't be easy. 399 00:28:38,287 --> 00:28:40,167 Narcissus watches him like a hawk. 400 00:28:41,674 --> 00:28:45,329 Every morsel of food your husband takes is tasted by someone else. 401 00:28:45,364 --> 00:28:48,985 We shall need proper advice, but that shouldn't be hard to get. 402 00:28:49,020 --> 00:28:51,618 - Well, there is someone. - Ah. 403 00:28:51,628 --> 00:28:55,044 A woman. Locusta. She's very skilled. 404 00:28:56,189 --> 00:28:59,558 - I'll go and see her. - Yes. But do it soon. 405 00:29:03,087 --> 00:29:04,591 He's very unpredictable. 406 00:29:04,690 --> 00:29:08,896 He's preferred my son to his own at every turn. I don't understand it. 407 00:29:08,956 --> 00:29:11,295 He could change his mind tomorrow. 408 00:29:11,330 --> 00:29:13,635 Yes, it's strange. It's very strange. 409 00:29:14,172 --> 00:29:18,013 I feel he's playing some sort of game, but I can't guess what it is. 410 00:29:18,299 --> 00:29:20,312 Neither can I, but it worries me. 411 00:29:21,012 --> 00:29:23,828 Remember that before Tiberius struck at Sejanus 412 00:29:23,863 --> 00:29:26,645 he raised him higher than he'd ever been before. 413 00:29:27,289 --> 00:29:28,964 There's something else that worries me. 414 00:29:32,165 --> 00:29:34,771 How sure are you of your son? 415 00:29:37,243 --> 00:29:39,743 You may leave my son to me. 416 00:29:41,074 --> 00:29:42,459 Even now that he's married? 417 00:29:44,416 --> 00:29:48,751 I know you've had a great influence on him, but he's no longer a child. 418 00:29:49,436 --> 00:29:52,864 And when he's Emperor, who will control him? 419 00:29:52,899 --> 00:29:54,166 (KNOCKING) 420 00:29:55,017 --> 00:29:56,949 - Who is it? - It is I, Mother. 421 00:29:59,799 --> 00:30:00,637 Come in. 422 00:30:05,688 --> 00:30:08,963 - Oh. It doesn't matter. - No, no. I'm just going. 423 00:30:10,911 --> 00:30:11,614 Lady. 424 00:30:15,111 --> 00:30:16,728 (NERO) I don't like that Greek. 425 00:30:18,984 --> 00:30:21,586 That Greek runs this Empire. 426 00:30:21,621 --> 00:30:23,840 Do you have to receive him in your bedroom? 427 00:30:26,529 --> 00:30:28,586 - What is the matter with you? - Nothing. 428 00:30:28,807 --> 00:30:31,096 Why aren't you in bed? Where is Octavia? 429 00:30:31,131 --> 00:30:33,520 She's locked herself in her bedroom. She won't let me in. 430 00:30:34,454 --> 00:30:37,542 - Did you quarrel? - Yes. 431 00:30:37,814 --> 00:30:40,728 - Why can't you sleep alone? - I don't feel like it. I feel.. 432 00:30:41,267 --> 00:30:42,976 Oh, I don't know! 433 00:30:43,685 --> 00:30:48,279 She won't lock me out when I'm Emperor or tell me what to do. I shall do as I please. 434 00:30:51,269 --> 00:30:55,754 It was very naughty of Octavia to lock you out. Very naughty. 435 00:30:56,780 --> 00:31:01,584 But she's only a child. She doesn't understand how you feel 436 00:31:04,174 --> 00:31:07,196 Would you like me to find a pretty house girl for you? 437 00:31:08,503 --> 00:31:11,242 Shall I find one and send her to you? 438 00:31:12,465 --> 00:31:15,504 - Is that man your lover? - No, of course not. 439 00:31:15,580 --> 00:31:21,512 He's no business in your bedroom. I won't allow it when I'm Emperor. 440 00:31:26,325 --> 00:31:31,363 Senators, you see me here for the last time. 441 00:31:33,001 --> 00:31:35,555 I shall not come again. 442 00:31:37,358 --> 00:31:42,829 This is in the nature of a farewell speech. 443 00:31:42,864 --> 00:31:44,757 (CRIES OF "NO") 444 00:31:44,792 --> 00:31:48,467 No, no. I'm too old and I'm not well enough. 445 00:31:50,413 --> 00:31:54,039 I don't think you need my presence here any more. 446 00:31:55,446 --> 00:31:57,676 I sometimes wonder if you ever did. 447 00:31:57,711 --> 00:31:59,951 (DISSENTING VOICES) 448 00:32:00,291 --> 00:32:06,225 You know, the soldiers dragged me from behind a curtain 449 00:32:06,260 --> 00:32:08,297 and made me Emperor. 450 00:32:09,182 --> 00:32:11,854 I n-never wanted it. 451 00:32:12,586 --> 00:32:14,460 I think it was a mistake. 452 00:32:14,495 --> 00:32:16,526 (LOUD CALLS) No! No! 453 00:32:16,561 --> 00:32:18,558 Well, be that as it may. 454 00:32:19,509 --> 00:32:24,570 Soon I shall retire behind another curtain - the final one. 455 00:32:25,870 --> 00:32:30,926 The one the gods draw over all of us in the end, great and small 456 00:32:32,736 --> 00:32:35,677 I shan't be sorry to see that final curtain. 457 00:32:35,842 --> 00:32:39,528 - May you live forever, Caesar! - Oh, thank you! 458 00:32:40,277 --> 00:32:42,804 But I've no wish to, even if I could. 459 00:32:44,504 --> 00:32:49,774 What you will s-say about me when I'm gone... 460 00:32:50,674 --> 00:32:52,041 I can only guess at. 461 00:32:52,990 --> 00:32:57,387 I hope it won't be as cutting as the things you've said while I was here. 462 00:32:58,133 --> 00:33:02,593 Not to my face, of course. That's not an Emperor's privilege. 463 00:33:04,509 --> 00:33:06,573 But what is said about us in our lives 464 00:33:07,681 --> 00:33:10,091 is not always what history says. 465 00:33:11,034 --> 00:33:15,681 And doubtless history will have its say, as it always does. 466 00:33:16,660 --> 00:33:19,366 And about that, I have done something. 467 00:33:19,396 --> 00:33:22,094 Not something that need concern you... 468 00:33:23,994 --> 00:33:25,495 but something. 469 00:33:27,258 --> 00:33:33,411 You see, in the course of my life I have known many people. 470 00:33:34,856 --> 00:33:41,297 Great people. People who have m-made Rome what she is today. 471 00:33:43,080 --> 00:33:49,140 Yes. And one day, they will all live again. 472 00:33:50,486 --> 00:33:53,068 The dead will come to life. 473 00:33:55,433 --> 00:34:00,742 The man who dwells by the pool will open graves... 474 00:34:02,513 --> 00:34:05,475 and deliver Rome up again. 475 00:34:08,374 --> 00:34:12,674 She shall be seen for what she truly was. 476 00:34:15,377 --> 00:34:22,520 (FAINT CHEERING, GROWING LOUDER) 477 00:34:23,853 --> 00:34:26,965 (SILENCE IN SENATE) 478 00:34:27,867 --> 00:34:33,898 (ROAR OF A CROWD) 479 00:35:06,666 --> 00:35:08,527 Well done, Claudius. 480 00:35:09,003 --> 00:35:12,492 Emperor after all Who would have thought it, eh? 481 00:35:17,364 --> 00:35:19,990 You're a fool. boy, you always were. 482 00:35:20,772 --> 00:35:22,609 People say it's not your fault, 483 00:35:23,443 --> 00:35:25,574 but if it's not your fault, whose fault is it, eh? 484 00:35:30,563 --> 00:35:34,756 And your nose is still running, Claudius. It's still running. 485 00:35:36,175 --> 00:35:37,996 Excuse me. 486 00:35:39,487 --> 00:35:42,553 Just a minute. Just wait your turn. 487 00:35:53,762 --> 00:35:55,334 Shall a doctor be brought? 488 00:35:57,283 --> 00:36:00,957 It wasn't worth it, was it? I could have told you that. 489 00:36:03,888 --> 00:36:10,112 Uncle Claudius, I wasn't the Messiah after all Would you believe it? 490 00:36:10,979 --> 00:36:13,296 You could have knocked me over with a feather when they told me. 491 00:37:17,590 --> 00:37:20,557 Senators, let us continue with the business of the day. 492 00:37:24,154 --> 00:37:25,646 Leave us, Narcissus. 493 00:37:28,428 --> 00:37:30,104 I will send for you. 494 00:37:32,465 --> 00:37:35,466 - Father, you wanted to see me. - Yes, come here. 495 00:37:35,501 --> 00:37:39,724 My son, I've something very important to tell you, so listen carefully. 496 00:37:39,867 --> 00:37:43,305 No one must know. That's why I've sent for you at this hour, 497 00:37:43,340 --> 00:37:45,730 so no one in the palace will know we've been talking. 498 00:37:46,078 --> 00:37:49,994 Now, I intend to alter my will in favour of Nero 499 00:37:50,029 --> 00:37:53,910 and I want to explain to you why I'm doing so. 500 00:37:54,088 --> 00:37:56,440 - That's very considerate. - Britannicus... 501 00:37:56,464 --> 00:38:00,522 Why this sudden need to explain? You haven't felt it before. 502 00:38:00,986 --> 00:38:03,841 You adopted him, you married him to my sister, 503 00:38:03,868 --> 00:38:07,318 you made him Consul-elect and City Warden without one word to me. 504 00:38:07,779 --> 00:38:10,488 - You owe me nothing. - Don't say that. 505 00:38:10,536 --> 00:38:12,450 That's nothing to what I could say! 506 00:38:12,578 --> 00:38:17,967 I may be only a child, but I'm not blind and I'm not a stone. 507 00:38:18,516 --> 00:38:21,213 I've seen how you preferred him to me. 508 00:38:21,826 --> 00:38:23,698 It was for a reason. 509 00:38:24,661 --> 00:38:26,240 You've never loved me. 510 00:38:26,992 --> 00:38:28,976 You've never been as a father to me. Never! 511 00:38:30,352 --> 00:38:33,570 Time without number you've shown the world what you thought of me 512 00:38:33,605 --> 00:38:36,169 and I shall never forgive you for it, never! 513 00:38:36,984 --> 00:38:38,715 And you killed my mother! 514 00:38:40,186 --> 00:38:44,612 I shall never forgive you for that either. I hate you. 515 00:38:45,313 --> 00:38:47,183 Now, you listen to me. 516 00:38:48,919 --> 00:38:50,249 Yes, it's true. 517 00:38:51,306 --> 00:38:56,627 For a long time after I discovered what your mother had been... 518 00:38:57,892 --> 00:39:00,621 how she had deceived me every day of her life, 519 00:39:00,760 --> 00:39:03,223 I could not find it in my heart to love you. 520 00:39:03,841 --> 00:39:06,970 But you must understand, you must be a man. 521 00:39:07,824 --> 00:39:11,297 Try to understand a father's weaknesses. 522 00:39:14,088 --> 00:39:20,663 I don't believe you are my son. I believe you are C-Caligula's son. 523 00:39:21,931 --> 00:39:25,849 But what difference does that make? You do not have his nature. 524 00:39:26,147 --> 00:39:31,481 I tell you this only to explain why I could not find it in my heart to love you. 525 00:39:32,547 --> 00:39:36,193 Was it my fault, then, whose son I was? 526 00:39:37,179 --> 00:39:38,852 Was I to be punished? 527 00:39:39,884 --> 00:39:42,093 Does a child choose his parents? 528 00:39:42,404 --> 00:39:45,190 Now, don't cry. Britannicus, please. 529 00:39:45,775 --> 00:39:47,627 - May I go now? - No. Come here. 530 00:39:47,804 --> 00:39:49,753 - Please may I go? - Come here. Come here. 531 00:39:51,432 --> 00:39:52,239 Come. 532 00:39:55,466 --> 00:39:58,612 Oh, Father! Father! 533 00:39:58,981 --> 00:40:01,532 I have something very important to tell you, so listen. 534 00:40:03,051 --> 00:40:08,790 First, no matter who your father may have been, you are now my son 535 00:40:09,022 --> 00:40:12,850 and I love you more than anyone in the world. 536 00:40:13,917 --> 00:40:17,297 - But Nero is destined to follow me. - Why? 537 00:40:17,332 --> 00:40:19,514 Don't argue! It is written. Nothing can alter it! 538 00:40:19,923 --> 00:40:24,326 When I am gone, he will try to kill you, as C-Caligula killed Gemellus. 539 00:40:24,361 --> 00:40:27,124 That is why I have treated you as I have. 540 00:40:27,230 --> 00:40:31,742 Kept you out of the public aye. I have a plan to save you. 541 00:40:31,841 --> 00:40:34,650 Narcissus has arranged it all through Caractacus. 542 00:40:34,685 --> 00:40:36,762 The world is now wholly Roman. 543 00:40:36,886 --> 00:40:40,695 There is nowhere you can be safe, except the remotest part of Britain. 544 00:40:40,928 --> 00:40:44,880 Nero will not be able to touch you there, for there is no one to give you up. 545 00:40:45,452 --> 00:40:48,141 Soon I shall allow some of Caractacus' young men 546 00:40:48,176 --> 00:40:50,668 to return to northern Britain, and you will go with them. 547 00:40:50,940 --> 00:40:54,012 You will stay with Queen Cartimandua. 548 00:40:54,137 --> 00:40:57,824 Only she and Caractacus' son will know your identity. 549 00:40:58,095 --> 00:41:03,453 She will send you north into regions where no Roman's foot has ever trod, 550 00:41:03,488 --> 00:41:05,972 - and there you will wait. - Please... 551 00:41:06,094 --> 00:41:08,523 Nero is mad. He will destroy the Empire. 552 00:41:08,944 --> 00:41:13,658 His excesses will demand a Republic and you will return to restore it. 553 00:41:14,429 --> 00:41:16,837 The Republic will live again. 554 00:41:20,404 --> 00:41:25,058 No. No, I won't do it. It's not honourable. 555 00:41:25,093 --> 00:41:26,379 - Britannicus... - No! 556 00:41:28,426 --> 00:41:32,334 Do you think that I, a Claudian, will paint my face blue 557 00:41:32,369 --> 00:41:34,755 and go and hide among barbarians? 558 00:41:34,790 --> 00:41:38,106 - There's no shame. - No, I won't do it! 559 00:41:38,141 --> 00:41:41,423 I'm not afraid of Nero. Nero is a coward. 560 00:41:41,458 --> 00:41:44,199 I can protect myself. 561 00:41:45,386 --> 00:41:47,583 Let me put on my manly gown. 562 00:41:48,940 --> 00:41:52,465 Once I'm officially a man, I'll match Nero in everything he does. 563 00:41:54,602 --> 00:41:56,154 I don't believe in the Republic. 564 00:41:56,564 --> 00:41:58,940 No one believes in the Republic any more. 565 00:42:00,000 --> 00:42:02,021 No one does except you. 566 00:42:04,170 --> 00:42:07,713 You're old, Father, and out of touch. 567 00:42:10,808 --> 00:42:15,839 I want my chance to rule, and rule Rome as it should be ruled. 568 00:42:17,211 --> 00:42:20,954 If you love me, give me that chance. 569 00:42:23,732 --> 00:42:25,019 Yes. 570 00:42:26,621 --> 00:42:29,930 Yes, I should have known that would be your answer. 571 00:42:31,658 --> 00:42:34,267 Well, so be it. 572 00:42:36,375 --> 00:42:38,162 I've done all I could. 573 00:42:39,616 --> 00:42:41,714 You shall have your wish. 574 00:42:42,973 --> 00:42:44,917 May the gods protect you. 575 00:42:48,401 --> 00:42:49,844 Britannicus. 576 00:42:52,188 --> 00:42:59,047 Perhaps you will confound the prophecies. Yes. Perhaps you will 577 00:43:02,808 --> 00:43:06,675 Write no more, Claudius Write no more. 578 00:43:07,910 --> 00:43:11,508 I have told it all, as I said I would, 579 00:43:11,938 --> 00:43:13,794 and as the Sibyl prophesied. 580 00:43:14,595 --> 00:43:16,250 I have told the truth. 581 00:43:17,088 --> 00:43:19,211 I have set the record straight 582 00:43:20,508 --> 00:43:23,225 it is all here for remote posterity. 583 00:43:25,278 --> 00:43:28,867 Come, Death, and draw the final curtain. 584 00:43:30,849 --> 00:43:32,280 I am tired. 585 00:43:33,274 --> 00:43:35,288 Oh so tired. 586 00:43:47,261 --> 00:43:49,745 So much for posterity. 587 00:43:51,810 --> 00:43:55,589 Where's the rest of it? It must be here. Find it! 588 00:44:02,175 --> 00:44:03,243 This looks like them. 589 00:44:03,901 --> 00:44:05,933 Yes, this is them all right. 590 00:44:06,795 --> 00:44:10,111 What a Herculean labour! 591 00:44:10,329 --> 00:44:12,042 It must have taken him years. 592 00:44:15,295 --> 00:44:17,079 Years. We'll burn the lot. 593 00:44:17,940 --> 00:44:21,428 All that work? Good grief. 594 00:44:22,022 --> 00:44:23,701 We must find the will 595 00:44:37,572 --> 00:44:40,270 What a pretty thing a fire is. 596 00:44:43,724 --> 00:44:45,847 (BRITANNICUS) Did they murder him? 597 00:44:45,882 --> 00:44:51,806 (NARCISSUS) Yes. Yes, they poisoned him. 598 00:44:53,340 --> 00:44:57,812 But how? How did they do it? 599 00:45:00,719 --> 00:45:03,001 Why didn't you protect him? 600 00:45:05,380 --> 00:45:07,882 Oh, they were clever, very clever. 601 00:45:09,268 --> 00:45:13,170 They tried to tamper with his food and get at the slaves who prepared it, 602 00:45:13,205 --> 00:45:15,481 but I always stopped them. Always. 603 00:45:17,080 --> 00:45:19,525 I built a wall around him they couldn't breach. 604 00:45:22,739 --> 00:45:24,190 How, then, did she do it? 605 00:45:25,542 --> 00:45:29,369 I will tell you. For I see now how it was done. 606 00:45:31,314 --> 00:45:35,952 Unable to poison his food, she must have poisoned her own. 607 00:45:36,588 --> 00:45:40,186 Yes. Poisoned hers or part of it. 608 00:45:41,230 --> 00:45:43,766 It was in a dish of mushrooms, which he loved, 609 00:45:43,801 --> 00:45:45,693 and out of which she'd been eating. 610 00:45:46,016 --> 00:45:49,494 He'd finished his own and was calling for some more. 611 00:45:50,283 --> 00:45:54,025 It was then that she offered him hers out of her own dish. 612 00:45:55,688 --> 00:45:57,005 At first, I thought nothing of it. 613 00:45:57,475 --> 00:45:59,729 When you see someone eat from a dish, 614 00:45:59,764 --> 00:46:03,162 it doesn't occur to you it may contain something in just one part. 615 00:46:03,985 --> 00:46:08,883 And then she lifted the mushroom onto her fork 616 00:46:08,918 --> 00:46:10,611 and held it out for him to take. 617 00:46:12,038 --> 00:46:15,479 I knew then there was something different about it. 618 00:46:16,247 --> 00:46:19,258 I knew, as certainly as I had ever known anything, 619 00:46:19,620 --> 00:46:22,370 that he was suddenly in the gravest danger. 620 00:46:23,476 --> 00:46:25,554 And I knew too, as certainly as I knew that... 621 00:46:26,951 --> 00:46:31,076 that he knew - knew it was poisoned, 622 00:46:31,096 --> 00:46:33,933 knew that his end was there on that fork... 623 00:46:35,312 --> 00:46:37,032 and that he didn't care... 624 00:46:38,641 --> 00:46:39,995 that he welcomed it. 625 00:46:44,876 --> 00:46:47,681 He died in the night, alone. 626 00:46:51,324 --> 00:46:54,577 I knocked on his door soon after dinner, but he sent me away. 627 00:46:56,898 --> 00:47:01,504 I believe he wanted no one to see him die. 628 00:47:15,603 --> 00:47:17,313 You must go away. They will kill you. 629 00:47:17,348 --> 00:47:19,113 - No, I shall stay. - Go now. 630 00:47:19,148 --> 00:47:24,039 I have put on my manly gown. I can take care of myself. 631 00:47:26,703 --> 00:47:30,605 Poor Father. He never could. 632 00:47:35,526 --> 00:47:39,497 Oh, I don't know. He didn't do badly when you come to think of it. 633 00:47:48,026 --> 00:47:52,005 (WOMAN'S VOICE) Well, Old King Log? 634 00:47:53,303 --> 00:47:55,033 The poisons all hatched out? 635 00:47:56,960 --> 00:47:59,715 - Is that you, Sibyl? - Yes it's me. 636 00:48:01,001 --> 00:48:03,399 - Where are you? - Here. 637 00:48:06,643 --> 00:48:09,124 (HE CHUCKLES) 638 00:48:09,159 --> 00:48:10,657 Why are you laughing? 639 00:48:12,285 --> 00:48:14,309 I cheated them again. 640 00:48:15,457 --> 00:48:17,690 They all think I'm dead. 641 00:48:17,981 --> 00:48:20,734 But you are dead, you fool! 642 00:48:21,500 --> 00:48:24,143 You're as dead as anyone can be. 643 00:48:25,073 --> 00:48:28,211 Oh, well. you can't survive them all 644 00:48:28,246 --> 00:48:30,064 No, not even you. 645 00:48:32,157 --> 00:48:33,562 It's time to go. 646 00:48:33,876 --> 00:48:37,680 Wait. Britannicus. What will happen to him? 647 00:48:37,715 --> 00:48:39,332 Nero will kill him. 648 00:48:40,370 --> 00:48:43,307 - And Narcissus? - Agrippinilla will kill him. 649 00:48:43,342 --> 00:48:45,342 Then Nero will kill her. 650 00:48:46,041 --> 00:48:49,913 It all sounds depressingly familiar. 651 00:48:49,948 --> 00:48:53,750 - Yes Isn't it? - And the Empire? 652 00:48:53,785 --> 00:48:57,479 Oh that will go on, as Livia said it would. 653 00:48:58,289 --> 00:49:01,603 But they'll be no more Claudians after Nero. He'll be the last. 654 00:49:02,582 --> 00:49:05,790 But the Emperors won't be a bad lot after him. 655 00:49:05,874 --> 00:49:08,462 Well, give or take a few.. 656 00:49:11,337 --> 00:49:14,772 Quite a story, wasn't it? 657 00:49:17,369 --> 00:49:21,834 They burned your book. All of it 658 00:49:24,105 --> 00:49:27,546 (THEY CHUCKLE) 659 00:49:27,546 --> 00:49:31,960 Lucky for you you made a copy and buried it. 660 00:49:35,998 --> 00:49:40,265 It's time to go, Claudius The ferryman is waiting. 661 00:49:40,800 --> 00:49:43,474 - Just one thing more. - You can't put it off.. 662 00:49:43,638 --> 00:49:46,404 You can't stay here forever.. 663 00:49:47,270 --> 00:49:49,679 No, I suppose not. 664 00:49:50,315 --> 00:49:51,681 Now... 665 00:49:53,868 --> 00:49:55,856 Close your eyes 666 00:49:59,530 --> 00:50:05,493 it's but a short step to the boat, a short pull across the river.. 667 00:50:06,441 --> 00:50:08,228 And then? 668 00:50:08,393 --> 00:50:17,020 And then, I promise you, you'll dream a different story altogether.. 669 00:50:21,332 --> 00:50:26,744 Farewell, Tiberius Claudius Drusus Nero Germanicus 670 00:50:27,746 --> 00:50:32,747 God of the Britons, one-time Emperor of the Roman world. 671 00:50:34,313 --> 00:50:36,019 Farewell.