Original subtitles

No.

you

Hmm.

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!

Can you stop fussing and put that veil on, please?

I'm gonna be late.

Patron, I kiss you.

Ebonyo, you honor me. What do you want?

I, uh...

I'll go straight at it, then.

My pisspots were all broken this past nine day.

Oh.

Soldiers, naming no legions, thought it funny to tip them out over the heads of

honest citizens. Now, now.

Who's to say it were soldiers?

Might have been gladiators.

Simulating. I know soldiers when I see them.

Not as unprejudiced.

Most soldiers are good men, like yourself.

But there's a lot of a foreign element these days. It won't happen again.

Well, I should hope not.

Roman citizens that need and deserve respect and get drenched in piss

instead.

Not a drop left.

How am I to make cloth without piss? How am I supposed to make cloth... It won't

happen again.

Thank you, patron.

May never keep you.

Ah,

brother Varinus.

Big man now, eh?

You're not so small.

Oh, these Roman bitches have done nothing but fuck and deet and fuck since

I got here.

We're not under goatskin now, brother.

No disrespect to your women.

I'm pleased to speak with you more, Mascius, but I must see to my clients

first. And they are upset if they are not received in their proper order.

Of course, of course.

Excuse my crude soldier's ways.

What brings you here, Maskis?

Well, I'm just seeing how you do.

Which is good, looks like.

Where's that old Titus Pullo?

I don't know. I haven't seen him.

Get right.

You and Pullo were like cast from Pollux.

Pullo's dead to me.

Well, I'm glad to see you're doing so good.

How's our old chief then, eh? He's well.

Good, good.

I'm not lying.

Your brothers are unhappy.

Very unhappy.

They feel the old chief's forgot who brung him here. You cannot have more

coin.

There is an agreement.

Aye, there is. There is.

And it's adequate coin.

Got his picture right 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?

Are they 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'm a magistrate.

He must have an income, but I'm 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 her over with your man.

Mars and Bologna keep you. Andrew.

Ah! Ah!

Salve, pulo.

How goes it?

Want some mouse?

We should.

They do them savory here. Best mouse in the city.

So, you have some work for me?

Always somebody needs mortality.

Give me your name.

Trouble is, my honey, you want discretion.

This last job, you run that poor scarra up and down the Aventine like...

Just as chasing chickens.

Might as well have done it before him.

I'll go quiet next time. I don't know.

I have my reputation to think of.

People come to me for their mortality work because they know my men are

reliable. That's right.

Reliable men.

I'll be quiet as death next time.

Come back tomorrow same time.

Ubo 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 in 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, um, Pannonia.

Good, fertile, bottom lands.

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?

Well, he can sway the tenth men, and what the tenth men do will sway other

legions.

Make him a personal offer, then.

To what limit?

You be judge of that.

Oh, Magistrate Ruinus.

My niece is holding a symposium next market day, and I should like you and

your wife to come as my guests.

We are honoured, 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.

He praises you so long and high, one might think he was being sincere.

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.

Is this that now?

Receive us, she says.

I would. Ladies.

Magistrate, sir.

Husband. What are these now?

Least. They look very good, Rach, too, and don't they look impressive?

I've got some more cloth on them.

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.

The fifth month is henceforth named July, in his honour.

Erase that.

Cassius.

It'll do no good. The image is on every wall, on every hill.

Don't worry about those scribbles. King Caesar knows you're his loyal friend.

Oh, 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 they say your noble ancestor had. That's why

Plebs put you on the walls. They see him in you. They see my wretched name,

that's all.

Simpletons. I must speak of something else.

Those weighted names you have? You may call a cat a fish.

They will not swim.

The plebs love liberty.

In your name... They will not pluck a hair for liberty.

Plebs like to see their betters fight.

It's cheaper than theatre and the blood is real.

Come.

Come here with me.

Look now.

Look at that.

It is a chair. What of it?

Chair?

Throne! I believe thrones are generally more decorative, that is, decidedly

plain and chair-like.

Are you blind? Do not become hysterical. Your mother said you were a coward. I

begin to believe her. 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.

But you have gone too far.

He has to die.

You know him. You know he'll never accept exile.

He has to die.

Please.

Wake,

friend.

Wait!

How's that ghoulish cunny, then?

Greasy, I bet.

Don't talk unless I tell you.

There, in the middle. Off it is.

Pannonia's 900 miles away.

More like 600.

In Germania, practically.

It's not even provinced. It 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 would betray them now for 5,000 dinars? Seven, then. It might be

20,000.

I'm 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.

Fifteen.

Ten.

Twelve.

Twelve.

I'll be away then, brother.

Good to see you.

Thank you.

Is that man gone?

Yes.

Is this all right?

You look beautiful.

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 Sevilla is not very fond of me, but really wants me dead.

Atia, you're a dramatist.

Well, I've warned you. Say no more.

I've want him.

You're far away.

Somewhere pleasant to help.

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've 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's entirely infatuated with you. That is a wicked, foolish lie.

That, yeah.

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 Ferenus.

His wife, I expect.

Oh, it's so beautiful.

They've even painted the ceiling.

She has a wonderful tang of the street about her. Let me introduce you.

Maybe we should walk around. No, we should wait here. Of course, they're

coming towards us.

Magistrate.

My niece would like to meet your lovely wife. Honoured.

Niobie. Atia.

How did a grim thing like you win such a flower?

I found her when she was still young and foolish.

Oh.

Perhaps she would entertain Niobie while I speak with her fortunate husband.

Now, tell me, who on Gaia's earth made this astonishing dress?

I did. You didn't. I did.

So, what does Mascius say?

He will accept Pannonia for twelve.

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. Something pleasingly simple about

warfare. Varinus.

Magistrate Varinus, if you please.

He outranks you now, my boy.

Excuse me, Magistrate Varinus.

I hear rumor among the servants that Titus Pillow is in the dungeons,

awaiting trial for murder.

Is it true?

It is.

He has been hiring himself out as a knifeman. 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 Kylian

Nailmakers Association.

Popular man, apparently, and a vocal critic of my leadership.

People will suspect I ordered his death, and I must not confirm those suspicions

by helping Puller.

And did you order his death?

I did not know he existed until he didn't.

I have no notion why he was killed.

A public man like that might be many reasons.

And I cannot appear to be sending out my soldiers to murder anyone who opposes

me. I would lose support of the plebeian. Perhaps Varinus and I might be

able to. 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, Varinus. 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... Enough.

Castor.

In the morning, bring time in the dew here.

Goodnight, Martha.

Goodnight, my love.

I don't see what's wrong with it

Oh, 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 it was that paid you. It

shows penitence.

Can't help you. Sorry.

Gave my word.

Perhaps you needed money to help your sick mother?

Or a friend in need?

Something like that would help.

I needed money for wine.

Have you any friends that would speak for you?

Must be someone.

Good bread, this. You got any more?

Titus Pullo, soldier, 13th Gaelic Legion, accused of homicide, re

-citizen Ophidius Dento, Cailian Hill, tribe of Falerna, brought to trial

by his friends.

We begin.

Who speaks for the corpse of Ophidius Dento?

I.

Myos Nigidius.

Who speaks for Titus Pulo?

I... I...

Accusator,

proceed.

Citizens, friends, when I was told of the death of Aufidio,

I was deeply saddened.

A good man stabbed, butchered, hacked to death in daylight on a public street.

I was deeply saddened, but I was not surprised.

These horrors have become commonplace.

Wretched specimens like this are common as rats.

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? Borg Pullover's dead to you. Dead to all soon.

Hard as adamant you.

You might be wrong, though.

That is the slip between knife and altar.

What? Pulo's not alone.

We'll not let any brother be damned by this dirty mob.

Well, these dogs will be yelping louder soon.

When they bring him down off there, we'll go in swinging, have him away.

Cut them off. Eh? Why?

Do you not understand what is at stake here?

Brother Pulo's life. Politically.

What is at stake politically?

Politically. Fuck politically and have fat ass.

If Pullo is rescued by Caesar's veterans, people will assume that he

ordered Dento's killing and Caesar will be held responsible.

And so Caesar can do as he likes.

He is trying to re-establish law and order. That won't work if his soldiers

are seen to be killing citizens without consequence.

Still, I can't call the boys off now. Why not? Because it makes me look bad.

You could look far worse.

I will if I have to.

Look at us, brother.

How's it come to this?

It's for the good of the Republic.

It's a worthy cause then.

Just call them off.

This soldier, this brute, this barbarian from who knows where, refuses to

name his paymaster.

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?

I think not.

But perhaps my learned friend can tell us otherwise.

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 that... Well, if you do not deny his guilt, then we're

done with it.

Do you deny his guilt?

No, no, I do not, sir. Very well.

Titus Pulo, condemned to death in the...

I've 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 govern Macedonia?

You're the right man for the job.

I can think of few men less right.

Brutus, 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 will 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.

But you did not ask me 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's stable. Believe me, I feel unwell. Perhaps we can finish this

game another time. Be reasonable!

You're in every war with a knife at my throat.

It 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.

Jones, Gaia, and Dis.

I humbly beg you accept this creature as my offering, and if it

pleases you, I ask you to give her any long life.

And same for my friend Lucius Varinus and his family, if it's not too much.

Let her any know I'm sorry for what I did

Come

on so get up

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?

Oi,

soldier! Wake up!

Why don't you come here and suck my cock?

Don't just hold your sword.

Just stand up and hold it. That's all. You don't have to run about or anything.

You're naught but a bloody molly.

You and the whole 13th. Nought but bloody mollies.

Don't talk to the 13th.

I... I piss on the 13th!

Pigs spawn all of them.

Why don't you and the 13th all line up?

And suck my... TOOTH!

And they disappear.

Who? Eels.

They'll disappear.

That's so.

Where? Where what?

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.

I owe Caesar no more friendship.

I must do my duty.

I'll speak to Cassius.

See what can be done.