All language subtitles for Cleopatra (1963) 720p

And so it fell out that at Pharsalia...

the great might and manhood of Rome
me tin bloody civil war...

and Caesar's legions
destroyed those of the great Pompey,

so that now only Caesar
stood at the head of Rome.

But there was no joy for Caesar
as in his other triumphs,

for the dead which his legions
counted and buried and burned...

were their own country men.

The smoke of burning Roman dead
is just as black,

and the stink no less.

It was Pompey, not I,
who wanted it so.

Let what I have said
be set down.

You may stand.

Do not try and impress me,
please, by looking either
too penitent or too proud.

As field officers,
you fought miserably for Pompey.

Men under your command will
be permitted to enlist in my legion...

and return to Rome
as Romans.

You shall have
the same privilege.

I'm not being magnanimous. Your
names are marked. You'll be watched.

The first sign of treachery
or cowardice, you'll be killed.

What is it, Flavius ?
Antony ?

Oh, yes. Canidius.
With news of Pompey, I hope.

- Hail Caesar !
- Drink that in my name, Canidius.

To all Marc Antony's cavalry,
Caesar's left wing and right arm.

What news of Pompey ?
Or what's left of him.

Pompey's gone, Caesar.

Slipped through our fingers,
disguised as a peddler, if you please.

- Leaving most
of his merchandise behind.
- Gone ? Where ?

There's a report he has a galley
waiting at the coast.

Provision for a long voyage.
Egypt, they say.

Egypt. Possibly.
They owe him a great deal.

He'll ask for sanctuary.
Borrow money, borrow time.

I thought it was over.
seems it's not.

Rufio, consult the augurers.
I want to know.

In Egypt, will Pompey
face me at last ?

But surely, Caesar will
now return to Rome.

I must go to Egypt
in any case.

Young King Ptolemy and his sister seem
to be having a civil war of their own,

intent on destroying each other,
and in the process,

- a great deal of wheat for Rome.
- That cannot be so urgent.

Let the people of Rome welcome
great Caesar properly at last,

in this greatest
of his triumphs.

Triumph ? Over what ?

Over whom ?

- Canidius.
- Caesar ?

Leaving me the 10th and 12th, Antony
is to take the rest back to Rome.

- When can he start ?
- Whenever you say.

Then at once.

And in Rome,
Marc Antony is to speak for Caesar.

There's to be no question about
his authority to act in my name.

His word will be yours.

And as always,
Caesar's word will be law.

Of course. And remind him
to keep his legions intact.

- They make the law legal.
- Caesar.

Andevenas Caesar's
galleys sailed the great sea to Egypt,

it was happening that,
just as the Romans,

so the Egyptians made war
one upon the other,

for young King Ptolemy would
no longer share the throne
with his sister Cleopatra,

Brutus, you'll turn Casca's head
with your flattery.

but drove her from
the city of Alexandria...

and sought to destroy her.

We seemed to have arrived
on their market day.

One day each week, they are permitted
into the royal enclosure.

Market day or not,
where's the guard of honor for Caesar ?

Some representative, at least,
of the royal military.

We shall now have the privilege
of watching mighty Caesar...

battle his way through
our marketplace.

Marcellus, a dozen front-rank men,
swords only.

I want a path cleared on a direct line
to the palace steps,

- then as many more you need
to keep it open.
- Marcellus ?

It's precisely what they hope
we'd be stupid enough to do:
manhandle their people.

No. This is their market day, Rufio.
We will go marketing.

- You're not serious.
- We will shop our way
to the palace steps.

Have you my money ?
Everything is to be paid for by coin.

Tell the men to put away their swords
and carry their moneybags in hand.

Olives. Oil of Olives.

Ah ! The wine of Samos !

How much for your wine ?
Four drachma.

Sixty of your wine
for my men.

Pay him.

Pay him.

You said the Romans were going to push
the people back and make them angry.

Why aren't they doing
what you said they'd do ?

Your king has asked you a question,
Lord Chamberlain.

The, uh, Romans have degenerated minds,
Most High Majesty.

They, uh,
do the unexpected.

Particularly one Roman.

Master of the unexpected.

But with so few men.

You all look
so impressive.

Any one of you
could be king.

His Divine Majesty,
my Lord Ptolemy,

lord of the upper regions
and of the lower regions,

son of Ra, of Horus
and of Thoth, beloved of--

Et cetera, et cetera.
You welcome me.

And I, Gaius Julius Caesar, consul
of the Roman Senate, Pontifex Maximus.

Et cetera, et cetera.
Thank you.

From the Senate and the people of Rome,
Hail King Ptolemy.

And, uh, his sister
and co-ruler, Queen Cleopatra.

They won't tell you so,
but Cleopatra's dead.

She tried to kill me, and then we
chased her off into the desert.

- And there, she died.
- Whereas it is true that
His Majesty's sister...

repeatedly plotted
to have him killed,

it is not true
that Cleopatra is dead.

Whereas it is true that she,
uh, fled from Alexandria.

I seem to be always
interrupting you,

but the search for truth
can go on and on.

Pothinus, is it not ?
Lord Chamberlain...

and chief eunuch to King Ptolemy--
an exalted rank...

obtained not without certain,
shall we say, sacrifice.

Theodotus,
am I right ?

Tutor to His Majesty in history,
philosophy and, uh, ambition.

And Achillas.
They tell me you're a good soldier.

As one to another then,
where is Queen Cleopatra ?

- With her army.
- And how many of your men
between her and Alexandria ?

- Enough.
- May I speak ?

Surely you have come here
in peace, mighty Caesar,

nor do we present ourselves
to you in anything but warm
and respectful welcome.

Actually, our only problem being an
intern alone of concern only to us.

Why have you come,
Caesar ?

As we all know,

when the father of both
Ptolemy and Cleopatra died,

he named the two of them
to rule jointly over Egypt.

Rome was appointed their guardian
and the executor of his will.

I have come in the name of Rome to ask
why Queen Cleopatra has been deposed,

to resolve the differences
between her and King Ptolemy...

and to see that they peacefully
resume their joint ruler ship of Egypt.

That will be difficult.

Cleopatra has
forfeited her right.

I shall try
to decide justly.

Don't you see that he's going
to send for her ? He's going
to bring Cleopatra back.

The sun which sheds its grace
upon the ruler of the two lands
burns too brightly perhaps.

If our Lord Ptolemy
wishes to retire--

I wish nothing of the kind !

I'm not going to be put out of the way
until I've watched you give him that !

A thousand pardons, Divine Majesty,
I had almost forgotten.

My Lord Ptolemy wishes to
enhance his welcome to Caesar
by a gift of some importance.

Most generous.

The ring.
Give him Pompey's ring.

And now the token of
His Majesty's affection for Rome...

and regard for Caesar.

Pompey the Great.

Dead men, they say,
do not bite.

Doe sit please you, Caesar?
They said it would please you very much.

The sun does shed
its grace too brightly.

It had become
too hot here for kings.

My Lord Ptolemy
will retire.

For His Majesty,
a Roman guard of honor.

It was not by your hand,
of course.

If, as you say, you've been told of me,
you know better, Caesar.

My men are to be properly housed
and properly fed.

- May I speak ?
- Not until you're spoken to.

For myself, I shall require
rooms in the palace.

I shall consider myself
honored, personally, to escort you.

Anyone but you.

Find the rest of Pompey.

Tear out a thousand tongues,
but find him.

Have him purified, the coin in the mouth
and the rest honorably.

Of course.

For the time being,
this is what we must hold.

The Moon Gate and three others.
Here, here and here.

How are we placed ?

The 10th slingers on the Moon Gate.
The rest in reserve.

The 12th holding all other positions.
Very thin, Caesar.

For the time being,
deep enough.

- Have you tested the wells ?
- The water's brackish,
but it's fit to drink.

So far. Keep an eye on them.
Watch the corn and wheat.

Why, with our supplies secure,
we can hold indefinitely.

For a week, perhaps,
but for the time being, time enough.

What do you want ?

Is the man
to be trusted ?

It seems that someone's
brought me a gift...

from Queen Cleopatra.

Apparently,
a rug peddler.

Flavius doubts it.

He seems to know the palace
extremely well.

He suddenly appeared in a corridor
through a secret passage,

which none of the men
knew about.

I wouldn't put it past Pothinus
to send an assassin in Cleopatra's name.

Have the man
brought in.

Are you the one
who brings a gift from Cleopatra ?

Then put it down and go.

It is the command of my queen that I
deliver her gift personally to Caesar.

I am Caesar.
Lay it here before me.

Forgive me, My Lord Admiral Agrippa,
but you're not Caesar.

Nor you, General Rufio.
Nor you, Germanicus.

My queen's gift is for
the eyes of Caesar... alone.

- That rug seems harmless enough.
- No, Caesar !

You can lend me
your sword, Rufio.

It may require
some cutting.

An odd way to carry a rug.

Wouldn't it be easier to
sling it over your shoulder ?

It was less comfortable
that way.

- For you or the rug ?
- That sword, Caesar.

The rug is such a delicate weave.
If I may untie it for you.

Turn it over first.

- The rug is right-side-up.
- I understand, but I want it
the wrong side up.

- Or should I flip it over
with my sword.
- No, no, no, no.

I find one can tell more
about the quality of merchandise...

by examining the, uh,
back side first.

All hail Cleopatra,
kindred of Horus and Ra,

be loved of the moon and sun,
daughter to Isis,

and of Upper
and Lower Egypt,

- queen.

Thank you.

Here.

Take this to the captain
of the night watch.

He'll see that the queen's quarters
are made ready and available to her.

Stay where you are.

- Have I dismissed you ?
- No, Your Majesty.

This is my palace, Caesar.

All of it is, therefore,
available to me at my will.

I am not your prisoner.
If anything, you are my guest.

Most kind.

And as for having my quarters,
as you put it, made ready,

my chief handmaiden has, by now,
brought the others out of hiding.

They should
almost be finished.

I'm afraid that's impossible.
We've had the doors under heavy guard.

There are doors...
and doors.

Oh, yes, of course.

You must take me on a tour
someday within the walls of your palace.

What are you waiting for ?

- Permission to leave.
- Granted.

Apollodorus.

Thank you.

Well, I'm pleased that you received
my summons after all and were able to--

Summons ? I'm pleased to say
I received nothing of the kind.

I'm surprised that you thought
I would answer one.

Young lady, the voyage
in your non-magic carpet...

has apparently not tired you,
but I've had an exhausting day.

Caesar, it is essential
that we understand each other.

Only through me can you
hope to escape...

from the desperate situation
in which you find yourself.

I wouldn't bite into that
if I were you.

Did you bring it
with you ?

Have you had it tasted ?

If neither,
it's probably poisoned.

Well, at least it's another way
out of the desperate situation
in which I find myself.

You're being tolerant of me,
aren't you ?

Is it because
you're so much older ?

Your maps are inferior.
Out of date, compared to mine.

They and I
have aged together.

The lakes to the west
are poorly marked.

Certain important hill positions
not even noted.

I must arrange for you to address
my map makers and general staff.

We've gotten off to a bad start,
haven't we ?

I've done nothing but
rub you the wrong way.

I'm not sure I want to be
rubbed by you at all, young lady.

It is permissible
for me to sit, is it not ?

Caesar,
as quickly as possible,

you must set me alone
on the throne of Egypt.

My mission here
is to put to an end...

the tire some squabbling
between your brother and you.

- You're not a fool. Or are you ?
- Immodestly, perhaps, no.

You've seen my brother
and listened to him ?

And that truly evil man
to whom he belongs ?

Yes.

Shall we agree, you and I,
upon what Rome really wants,

has always wanted
of Egypt ?

Corn, grain, treasure.
It's the old story.

Roman greatness built
upon Egyptian riches.

You shall have them.
You shall have them allan din peace.

But there is only one way.
My way. Make me queen.

That sounds very much
like an ultimatum.

There is no other way.

From one whose total assets,
up to a few moments ago,

was a devoted slave
and a rolled-up carpet.

But I have you now,
Caesar.

Besides,
there are my armies...

and the simple fact
that no mortal hand can destroy me.

Ah, yes. I seem to recall
some mention of an obsession
you have about your divinity.

Isis, is it not ?

I shall have to insist
that you mind what you say.

I am Isis.

I am worshipped by
millions who believe it.

You are not to confuse
what I am...

with the so-called
divine origin...

that every Roman general seems
to acquire together with his shield.

It was Venus you chose to be
descended from, wasn't it ?

I must now do a little
insisting of my own.

First, your journey has tired you
after all, and you wish to retire.

I am not your servant, Caesar.
Do not dismiss me.

Secondly, you have no armies,
young lady.

Such as they were, they are gone
because you could not pay them.

The riches of Egypt are not available,
even for your own use,

much less to give away.

Perhaps in a day or two,
we can speak again.

That may be too late...
for both of us.

Your safety will be
my responsibility.

And what about your own ?

I am prepared, I believe,
for the time being.

I hope so.

I hope you are as wise,
as brilliant,

the god they say you are.

You Roman generals
become divine so quickly.

A few victories,
a few massacres.

Only yesterday,
Pompey was a god.

- They murdered him, didn't they ?
- Yes.

Because they thought
it would please you.

- It didn't, did it ?
- No.

Today I found myself remembering
how much my daughter loved him.

She died trying
to bear him a son.

Gave him this ring.

Sleep well tonight, Caesar.

These next days
may be difficult for you.

Good night.

Germanicus, a guard to escort
Queen Cleopatra to her apartments.

Guards !

Hup !

The corridors are dark,
gentlemen.

- But you mustn't be afraid.
I am with you.
- Hup !

Don't you think we've covered
about everything we can tonight, sir ?

Perhaps a fresh start
in the morning.

No. There are
a few more matters.

One thing, Rufio. Has it occurred
to you that our maps of this area...

are not quite
what they should be ?

Why, no. What makes you
think they're not ?

I have an instinct
about these things.

Actually of Macedonian descent.

No Egyptian blood.
Officially admitted, that is.

Reputed to be extremely intelligent
and sharp of wit.

Queen Cleopatra
is widely read.

Well-verse din the natural sciences
and mathematics.

She speaks seven languages
proficiently.

Were she not a woman, one would
consider her to be an intellectual.

And nothing bores me so much
as an intellectual.

Makes a better admiral
of you, Agrippa.

Well, here's something perhaps
of more interest to the navy.

''In obtaining her objectives,
Cleopatra has been known
to employ torture, poison,

and even her own sexual talents,
which are said to be considerable.

Her lovers, I am told, are listed
more easily by number than by name.

It is said that she chooses
in the manner of a man...

rather than wait to be chosen
after womanly fashion.''

Well, there's more reason
than we thought...

for not wanting to leave you alone,
with her, eh, sir ?

I'm sorry, Rufio.
I wasn't listening.

You're not inclined
to trust this Cleopatra, are you ?

Trust ? Not for a minute.

Trust. The word has always
made me apprehensive.

Like wine, whenever I've tried it,
the after effects have not been good.

So I've given up wine
and trusting.

Oh, it's been along
and difficult day, gentlemen.

The next few may be even longer
and more difficult.

- Good night.
- Good night.

Flavius !

Flavius !

It is autumn again,
my best-loved Lesbia.

Look. The torrents of Roman leaves
are falling, falling.

And lovers revive in kisses
the promise of spring,

which will end the winter world
with new nightingales calling.

I taste your food,
daughter of Isis,

and if there be harm in it,
let the harm fall upon me.

But love must bring despair one day...

as beauty, sorrow.

Why do you stop,
Phoebus ?

In the corridor,
there is movement.

That's how the Romans
frighten the enemy,

by stamping
their elephant feet.

No. This is one man
followed by others.

- Caesar, I would say.
- Would you ?

We must not disappoint
the mighty Caesar.

The Romans tell fabulous
tales of my bath and handmaidens...

and my morals.

Cleopatra has requested
an audience with me.

- That was yesterday, Caesar.
- I've been occupied
with important matters.

The queen is, at present,
occupied with her bath.

Perhaps Caesar
could return later or tomorrow.

I'm afraid not. Hold him.
No, don't hurt him.

You're a good man,
Apollodorus.

I hope you're appreciated.

Wait here for me.

Ah, then let us live and love...

without one thought for the gossip
of virgin snow grown old and stale.

Suns go down
and may return,

but once putout
our own brief light,

we sleep through
one eternal night.

An intruder ! A man !

Oh, it's you.

You, uh,
wanted to see me ?

I summoned you
yesterday...

to an audience
in my throne room.

I was told I was not
permitted to go there.

For one thing,
it's too close to the quarters...

occupied by your brother,
Pothinus, Theodotus and the rest.

I will not be told where I can go
and where I cannot go !

Since there's obviously nothing
that you want of me--

Except my throne !

At least you've dressed
properly for my presence.

Your best armor ?

Almost, but I'm afraid
it's not being worn in your honor.

I know.
This morning, early,

you paid a formal visit
to the tomb of Alexander.

You remained alone
beside the sarcophagus for some time.

I'd very much like
to know how you know.

Just staring down at him.

And then you cried.

Why did you cry, Caesar ?

That man recites beautifully.
Is he blind ?

- Don't you hurt him.
- I won't.

Not anyone who speaks
Catullus so well.

Catullus doesn't approve of you.
Why haven't you had him killed ?

Because I approve of him.

'' My desire to please you,
Caesar, is very slight.

Nor do I greatly care
to know if you are
black or white.''

Achillas is moving
his entire army to Alexandria.

By tonight, he'll outnumber you
20 to 1, 30 to 1.

He'll have the royal enclosure
entirely surrounded.

Except to the sea.

Do you plan to sail away,
great Caesar ?

Not for the time being.

Achillas may attack tomorrow,
the next day, whenever it suits him !

- Very probable.
- In your wildest dreams, Caesar,

how can you possibly hope
to hold the gates of this
enclosure against such odds ?

And if you say once more,
'' For the time being--''

My officers say anything from a week to
indefinitely. What would you estimate ?

Before you're without water,

without food,
your troops slaughtered,

picked off from the rooftops,
poisoned in the brothels ?

A few days, Caesar.
At the most, a few days.

I'm inclined
to agree with you.

Young man,
do you know this of Catullus ?

''Give me a thousand
and a thousand kisses.

When we have
many thousand more,

we will scramble them
and forget the score,

so evil envy will not know
how high the count...

and cast its evil eye.''

It couldn't possibly have been
as pleasant in the throne room.

- '' My desire to please you,
Caesar, is very slight--''
- Be still !

Caesar, a word.
It's important.

The Egyptian war galleys
in the eastern harbor,

they've been taking on men
and armaments all day.

When will they be prepared
to move against us ?

Tomorrow
with the morning wind.

Burn them tonight.

Their ships lie close to shore,
tightly packed.

There's a chance the fire
may spread to the city.

Let's hope it doesn't.
I can't risk a blockade,

And remember,
not before tonight.

Prepare as secretly as possible.
I need this day.

Good luck.

Why not before tonight, my lord ?
Why does Caesar need this day ?

I can't give you that information...
for the time being.

Flavius.

Here it is, Caesar.
Just arrived.

The gods shouldn't
tantalize us so, Rufio.

It's even better
than I'd hoped.

You'd best be on your way.
You haven't much time.

Hail Caesar.

It is called an epilepse...

because of the arching caused by
the muscular spasms, the contortions.

The Greeks of early times considered
those who suffered from it...

to be favored
by the gods.

The great Alexander, they say,
had this falling sickness.

And, so they say,
the mighty Caesar too.

Your Majesty, forgive me.
Sosigenus, the library.

- What are you talking about ?
- The Romans.

They've set fire
to the Egyptian fleet.

- It's about time.
- Come see for yourself.

The fire's spread
to the city.

- The city !
- Not a great area,
just a few buildings.

But the library
is burning.

The great library !

Aristotle's manuscripts.

The Platonic commentaries,
the plays, the histories.

The testament
of the Hebrewgod.

The Book of Books.

The wind blew these burning galleys
right into the merchant shipping.

At least four or five burned
and sank right here.

- And our own ships ?
- Safe and dry. There's
a problem about prisoners.

- They're surrendering in droves.
I need help.
- Not one man.

- I may even want your sailors
before long.
- Halt!

Take your hands off me!

You should attack my guards
more often.

Battle seems to be come you.

You grow more beautiful
each time I see you.

And you grow bolder.

And busier.

- Actually, we're extremely busy
at this moment--
- Do you smell smoke ?

We found it necessary
to burn the Egyptian fleet.

When last seen,
the ships were in the water.

Did you find it necessary
to burn them in the city streets ?

Some merchant ships
caught fire.

The burning masts
fell into the streets. Some houses--

One of them:
the great library of Alexandria.

Yes, I've been told.
I'm extremely sorry.

- Now, if you don't mind,
I must ask you to--
- I do mind.

Are you putting
the fire out ?

We're trying to form Egyptian prisoners
into fire brigades.

Oh, I see. Romans only
start fires, is that it ?

Have you broken out of
your nursery, young lady,
to come irritate the adults ?

Some other time.
We have work to do.

Shall we remove her
for you, Caesar ?

Use that Roman genius for destruction.

Tear down pyramids,
wipe out cities !

How dare you and the rest of your
barbarians set fire to my library?

Play conqueror all you want,
mighty Caesar.

Rape, murder, pillage
thousands, millions of human beings.

But neither you
nor any other barbarian...

has the right to destroy
one human thought !

That's enough !
Leave me alone with her.

I will send for you when I finish.
It will not be long.

Swords ? Javelins ?

Or are you going
to set me on fire ?

The time has come, I think,
for us to understand each other.

Whatever else I may be, in your
opinion, first of all, I am Caesar.

And I am Cleopatra,
queen, daughter of Isis !

If I say so
and when I say so,

you are what I say you are,
nothing more.

Hail Caesar !

You, a descendant of generations of
inbred, incestuous mental defectives,

- how dare you call anyone barbarian.
- Barbarian !

Daughter of an idiotic
flute-playing drunkard who
bribed his way to the throne.

Your price was too high,
remember ?

I've had my fill with
the smug condescension
of you worn-out pretenders,

parading on the ruins
of your past glories.

- The future concerns me.
- Then keep out of my affairs
and do as I say.

Do as you say ?
Literally ?

As if I were something
you had conquered ?

If I choose
to regard you as such.

Am I to understand
then...

that you feel free to do with me
whatever you want,

whenever you want ?

Yes, I want that understood.

Won't you at least
wear your laurel wreath...

so I can be reminded it's the divine
Caesar that honors me so ?

You talk too much.

I promise you...
you won't like me this way.

Caesar! An attack on the Moon Gate!

The Moon Gate.
An attack in force !

Those ballistas
need eliminating.

Send out a turtle.

Form the turtle !

Now is the time
for us to attack !

- No.
- We have a full legion in reserve.

We hold
our positions here.

Two hours till dawn.
We'll hold where we are.

- And what happens at dawn ?
- I thought you knew.

The sun comes up.

Tell the men
they've won their fight.

Immediate liberty and plenty of wine
for those who defended the gate.

All reserves, the cavalry,
every fresh man available,

have them move out
behind Achillas.

- We have him in a vise.
- What is the other half of this vise ?

Rufio and the armies
of Mithradates.

- He left last night to meet them.
- Mithradates ?

How could he get here
this fast ?

I started him when
we set sail for Egypt.

After all, no general
in his right mind...

could hope to hold Alexandria
with two legions,

as you and others have repeatedly
pointed out to me.

I taste your drink,
daughter of Isis,

and if there be harm in it,
let the harm fall upon me.

Lotus.

You wiped the rim of the cup
after you tasted it.

- Why ?
- Why ?

Why, so my mouth
would not soil it.

Lotus, taste it again.

Pothinus said he would
have me killed.

Forgive me, Majesty.

Forgive me.
Forgive me.

I forgive you.

Now drink it.

Apollodorus !

Apollodorus !

Great silence for
Gaius Julius Caesar,

consul of the Senate
of the people of Rome.

You will all stand.

Let what is said
be recorded...

as the judgment and decree
of the Senate and people of Rome.

There is no judgment here.

And the decree not Rome's,
but Cleopatra's.

She has lied to you,
Caesar.

She and her slaves
lie to you.

You have not been
accused, Pothinus,

thus far.

You are now charged with inciting
and abetting war against the Roman army.

You are now charged with plotting
to assassinate Queen Cleopatra.

You are guilty of both.

- You are sentenced to death.

It's too bright in here.
Shut out some of the sun.

Are you going to kill me too, Caesar ?
What am I accused of?

King Ptolemy is
hereby removed...

from the protective
custody of Rome.

He will leave the palace
within the hour...

and be conducted safely
to the camp of General Achillas.

Achillas ? You're going
to send me back to my own troops ?

He is to be accompanied
by his learned tutor, Theodotus.

Do you hear that ?
You're going to be saved along with me.

Stop grining,
you little idiot.

May I speak ?
You know that Achillas is trapped...

between your own legions
and the armies of Mithradates.

You know that to send His Majesty to
fight against them may mean his death.

An occupational hazard
for those who would be king.

But then certainly
not I, Caesar.

I'm no king, nor general.
What do I know of war ?

A simple scholar.

A man of thoughts
and words.

Too many words.
Enough.

Let all be done
properly as decreed.

Flavius.

Find Apollodorus.
Return his dagger to him.

You might clean it first.
It has Pothinus all over it.

Yes, yes, I know I'm tired.
I promise I'll sleep.

You have my apologies
for what almost happened to you.

Caesar, will you talk with me
for just a minute ?

Yesterday was full.
Tonight was rather long.

This morning has not
been uneventful.

Did you know that Apollodorus
would kill Pothinus ?

He was kind enough to wait until Rome
had passed sentence of death.

And my brother...
and Theodotus ?

They, too, will be killed,
possibly.

Probably.

Your Majesty, I'm truly weary.
If you'll forgive me.

You knew all along, didn't you,
that there was no real danger,

that Mithradates was
on his way to reinforce you.

Why didn't you tell me ?

I said I was prepared.
You wouldn't believe me.

- I don't want to be rude,
but I really must insist--
- I would've believed you.

- You didn't trust me, is that it ?
- Not for an instant.

And yet...
in these last few minutes,

you have made me
undisputed queen.

The sole ruler of Egypt.
Why ?

Perhaps-- Perhaps tomorrow
later in the day we could talk.

- Why, Caesar ?
- It was best for Rome. Please !

- Best for Egypt.
- For Egypt too.

Cleopatra, get out.
I beg of you, get out.

That will not be needed.

It wasn't necessary
for me to betray myself.

I could have
called out for Flavius.

How many new spy-holes
have you dug in the walls ?

Are we being watched
even now ?

If you see Flavius,
you might send him to me.

- Still trying to dismiss me ?
- What is it you want ?

- What more do you want ?
- To be of help to you.

There never has been help.
There never will be.

Now there is.

One day it'll happen
where I cannot hide,

where the world
will see me fall.

I shall tumble down
before the mob...

and foam at the mouth
and make them laugh,

and they'll
tear me to pieces.

The gods themselves
had your sickness.

Hannibal, even
the great Alexander.

And in the end, they fell.

Were torn to pieces
by the mob.

Not you.

I will see to that.

In the name of the Senate and the
people of Rome and by their will.

Isis herself would surrender
her place in heaven...

to be as beautiful
as you.

You're not supposed
to look at me. No one is.

Well, if they aren't looking,
how do they know that I am ?

You should be kneeling.

That, too, before all
these visiting kings,

making believe that they're
not watching us ?

You have such bony knees.

Not only bony, but unaccustomed
to this sort of thing.

If we're to get an early start
in the morning--

What will it be
tomorrow ?

More wheat ?
What I've seen already...

could feed more legions
than Rome has ever had.

There is enough
to feed the world.

More gold then.

Why not buy the world ?
Surely, you must have enough.

At least enough to pay more legions
than even Rome has ever had.

More granite,
more marble,

more millions of slaves
to build whatever needs building.

Better routes to India,
shorter routes to the East.

What can it be in Egypt
that I haven't seen ?

Egypt itself.
The reason for Egypt.

My responsibility is Rome.

Alexander understood it,

that from Egypt,
he could rule the world.

He was very young.
And you, even younger.

At your age, such dreams have a reality
which grows less in time.

Caesar no longer dreams ?

Dangerous
to a man of my calling.

Necessary,
I would have thought.

I cannot stay away from Rome too long.
There are problems.

Messages from Marc Antony
endlessly demanding my return.

And on my way back, wars
to be fought in the east and north.

Even in Rome itself,
I'm not without opposition.

Do to them
what you did to Achillas.

This is opposition
of a different sort.

They weave it
cleverly light, like a cobweb.

You know what happens when cobwebs
are not regularly swept away.

Do you trust this...
Marc Antony ?

If anyone in the world,
I trust Antony.

Well, let him brush away
the cobwebs for you, and stay with me.

You've been declared dictator
for a year.

You can do what you want to
with your time.

Everything
but make it stand still.

If, when you return to Rome,

these wars that have to be fought
on the way, are they important ?

Well, there's no such thing
as an unimportant war.

I've been reading in your commentaries
about your campaigns in Gaul.

How does my writing
compare with Catallus ?

Well, it's different.

Dull.

Perhaps a little
too much description.

You're being tactful.
Some of my critics-- Brutus, for one--

tell me my Latin is
not only ungrammatical, but common.

You spared his life
more than once.

People say it's because
Brutus is your son. Is that true ?

I have no son.

- Calpurnia, your third wife.
- Fourth.

Married to you, how long ?
Twelve years ?

And still, Caesar has no son,
no child at all.

It is well known that
Calpurnia is barren.

A woman who
cannot bear children...

is like a river
that is dry.

I see no purpose in discussing
the subject further.

A woman, too, must make
the barren land fruitful.

She must make life grow
where there was no life.

Just as the Mother Nile feeds
and replenishes the earth.

I am the Nile.

I will bear many sons.

Isis has told me.

My breasts are filled
with love and life.

My hips are rounded
and well apart.

Such women, they say,
have sons.

That first time when you stood
here alone, why did you cry ?

Will you tell me now ?

Because
I had lost something.

- What ?
- A lifetime.

- Mine.
- Nonsense.

Having conquered the world,
he died at 32.

I am 52.

My remaining ambition is to keep
the world from conquering me.

Your ambitions
must always have been his.

They still must be.

Shall I tell you
something ?

When I was 32
in Spain,

I came upon
a statue of Alexander.

I wept then too.

Even then.

I want you to have his sword
to take back with you.

- Too deeply embedded.
- It can be removed.

It's buried in time.

- And Alexander's mantle ?
- Too heavy for Caesar.

His dream then.

Make his dream yours,
Caesar.

His grand design.

Pick it up where he left off.

Out of the patchwork
of conquests,

one world.

And out of one world,
one nation.

One people on Earth
living in peace.

So, you have told me, at last,
what it is you want of me.

Of us !

And the center,
the capital of this one world,

one people, one nation:
Alexandria ?

- He chose it.
- I am Roman.

He was Greek ! What will it matter
when we're all one people ?

I am 52.
He was 32 and failed.

We will succeed.

Your dreams,
your ambitions.

One lifetime is not enough
for such dreams, such ambitions.

The cloak of Alexander
cannot be too heavy...

for Rome and Egypt
to carry together.

And what if his sword
is too deeply embedded ?

Yours will replace it,
Caesar.

You have a way of mixing
politics and passion.

Where does one begin
and the other leave off ?

That did not start,
nor will it end with me.

Cleopatra, whatever it is,
however it comes out,

leave me my destiny.

Your destiny
is no longer just yours.

It's mine too.

Soon, there will be someone
to carry both the cloak of Alexander...

and the sword of Caesar
and the name of Caesar.

And in that name,
he will rule Egypt.

And what ever part or all
of the world that we give him,

ours child,

will be a son for you,
Caesar.

I came as quick
as I could.

Antony is welcome
to Caesar's house...

as often and as quickly
as he likes.

As Caesar's wife, before the truth
is distorted into vicious Roman gossip,

- I wanted you to hear--
- That my husband has
married Queen Cleopatra.

There's some fresh wine.
One of your many favorites.

The ceremony, according to vicious
gossip, was in the Egyptian religion.

Even if true, that can't be
meant or taken seriously.

During which, he was formally
declared an Egyptian god.

Officially divine, at last.

That must have pleased
Caesar.

Calpurnia, we know Caesar,
you and I.

This so-called marriage
has no validity under Roman law.

There must have been
political purpose to it.

Perhaps a symbolic ceremony
to ratify Rome's alliance with Egypt.

Perhaps merely...
indulging some barbaric custom.

You've been loyal and kind.

You came as quickly
as you could.

Unhappily, vicious gossip
travels even faster than you...

and the truth.

Have you heard, for instance, that Queen
Cleopatra is carrying Caesar's child ?

Yes, Antony.

We know him,
you and I.

There shall be--

There shall be... Rome,

mighty and alone
and unloved.

A mistress.

A mistress shall raise thee again
from Earth to heaven,

and all the world shall know
a golden age of justice and of love.

A son shall be born
to Isis !

A son shall be born to Isis !

Rome shall know him
in cloth of gold.

The East shall see him laden
with jewels and treasure.

A son of Egypt and of Rome!

Here shall he find
his destiny !

Do exactly as I tell you.

When the child is born,

after he is anointed
and named royal prince,

- take him to Caesar.
- Bring Caesar here ?

No ! Exactly as I tell you.

Take the child to Caesar,
in front of his men.

Do you understand ?

In front of all the Romans.

Lay him at Caesar's feet.

At Caesar's feet.

I will do
just as you say.

Fear not.
We have never lost a Caesar.

That remark was not only insubordinate,
but in bad taste ! I--

Caesar,
remember Roman law.

If you pick up this child before
witnesses, you acknowledge it's yours...

and a citizen of Rome,
as your heir.

- A son.

I have a son !

- Hail Caesar !
- Hail Caesar !

He has been made
king of Egypt.

He and his Egyptian queen
have named their bastard Caesarion.

Prince Caesarion.

What better name for the heir
to the throne of Rome.

There is no throne of Rome.

Nor shall there be,
nor would Caesar tolerate one.

But a son !

We all know how much he's always
wanted one. I am happy for Caesar.

Well, your happiness is
understandable enough.

Now that Caesar has
publicly recognized a son,

one need no longer
wonder about Brutus.

Is it a relief not to be
wondered about, Casca ?

To be known openly
as you are for what you are:

liar, swindler, bully
and coward.

Brutus, you'll turn Casca's head
with your flattery.

And Casca's head, if turned,
will see Marc Antony.

Apart of Caesar more to be feared,
I think, than his infant son.

But it is for the good of Rome that
Caesar has stayed so long in Egypt.

In his absence, the people
have come to worship him as a god.

Why should he return to show himself
as mortal as the rest ?

There are those
who fear Caesar's ambition.

But what is there to fear ?
That he will destroy the republic ?

Yes, he will.

I promise you he will.

Your tongue is old,
but sharp, Cicero.

Be careful how you waggle it.
One day it will cut off your head.

It will more likely
be your sword, Antony.
'Tis just as sharp and quicker...

and frightened of heads.

There'll be a strong smell
of wine in the Senate today.

We must breathe
with restraint.

Octavian, this--
what's his name-- this son of Caesar,

does it upset you ?

- No.
- You run off at the mouth so.

One would think your words were
as precious to you as your gold.

Like my gold, I use them
where they are worth most.

And your virtue ?
My friend has a friend.

That too.

You know,
it's quite possible, Octavian,

that when you die,

you will die without
ever having been alive.

I can't leave without
saying good-bye to my son, to you.

We thought, your son and I,
that if we came to you,

we would have those
few minutes more.

A good thing to remember,
my son,

what you will not let go,
no one will take from you.

Hail and farewell,
little Caesar.

Was it a century ago when I was dropped
at your feet, wrapped in a carpet ?

Or was it last night ?

When will you
send for us ? When ?

- Soon.
- How soon ? When ?

So much time must go by
before even I reach Rome.

And then how soon ?

It will not be easy,
but within reasonable time.

Time is never
reasonable.

Time is our enemy,
Caesar.

Am I to conquer it for you ?
What plan of battle do you suggest ?

I must bring your son
to Rome.

Rome must see
Caesar's son...

who will one day rule
over Caesar's world.

Caesar?

I'm afraid that the tides
will soon be against you.

Not only time,
but the tides.

Even as divinities, there seems
little we can do about either.

But only after more than two years...

and many wars
in Africa and Asia Minor...

was Caesar able to cross over
to Italy and come home at last...

to celebrate his triumphs
and see to his affairs.

''In recognition of which,
the Senate has be stowed upon Caesar...

the rank, privilege and title
of dictator of Rome for life.''

Dictator for life.

At long last,
he is master of Rome.

Apollodorus,
everything must be made ready at once.

- Ships, servants--
- We've been ready for some time.

Surely now nothing
can prevent his sending for us.

Why, If only to attend
his coronation as he attended mine.

- Your Majesty--
- Three long, wasted years !

Why should the Senate
have taken so long...

to recognize what the world
has already known,

that Caesar was
master of Rome ?

Rufio wishes
to speak.

Your Majesty
seems to misunderstand.

It seems quite clear. Caesar has been
declared dictator of Rome for life.

True, however to the Roman,
there is a vast difference
between dictator and master.

No man can call himself
master of Rome.

Why not ?

It has a meaning far too close
to a word no Roman will tolerate:

king.

And to be dictator
of Rome for life ?

Is to be granted the lifelong respect
and honor of the Roman people.

And the dictates
of the dictator ?

Must, in each case, of course,
be approved... by the Senate of Rome.

Thank you, Rufio.

The enemy! The enemy!
The enemy!

The enemy ! The enemy !
The enemy ! The enemy !

The enemy ! The enemy !

Sisogenes.

I suppose you think it's odd that
I should propose such an invitation...

to Queen Cleopatra.

- Do you ?
- Egypt, after all,

has been officially declared
ally of Rome.

Still, I must confess
I was surprised at some of those...

- who voted in favor.
- Were you ?

May I express, once more,
my gratitude...

for being permitted to attend
today's session as a visitor ?

It was truly inspiring,
Caesar,

to witness the free will
of free men so fearlessly expressed.

He seemed most anxious
to be present.

I saw no harm
in granting him permission.

- Didn't you ?
- After today,
never again shall I doubt...

the extent
of Egypt's wealth.

I don't like
Cicero's implication.

There's not enough gold in Egypt
to buy the honor of a Roman senator.

More than enough, it seems,
to buy his vote.

How was it now ?

'' Rome will know him
in cloth of gold.''

According to reports, the reception
in the streets has been extraordinary.

The queen has given instructions
for the procession to move
as slowly as the people wish...

for their full enjoyment.

I might almost believe that Cleopatra
set out to capture the citizens of Rome.

One would have every reason
for believing exactly that.

Nothing like this has come
into Rome since Romulus and Remus.

- How unafraid he is.
- Hmm ?

How unafraid he is.

Your queen has conquered
the people of Rome.

People, yes.

Now, then, walk like a king.
Head up.

Listen to them cheer.

Take your throne.
Bow to the right, left.

Now an angry glance at someone
who's displeased you.

Very good. I tremble.
See me tremble ?

No. Don't smile.

Not when they're trembling.
It makes them stop.

Now the prisoners
they drag before you, one by one.

This one has no power anywhere,
therefore means nothing.

But you wish to be known
as a noble ruler. What do you say ?

I ''par do'' you.

Louder, boy. You're going to pardon
somebody, you want it known.

I ''par do'' you !

Hmm. Ah, now,
who comes here ?

Once your friend. You trusted him,
and he turned against you.

He has power,
wealth and family.

He kneels before you.
He begs you to be his friend again,

to have you
trust him again.

And then...
what then, little king ?

- Crrrck !

Caesar must wish
what needs commanding.

To drain the Pontine Marshes.
To free Rome from malaria.

To fill my belly.

To control the Tiber's floods
and divert its course.

To improve the harbor at Ostia.
To please my ambition.

And must I wish roads to be built,
libraries for public use ?

The free men of Italy
to be equal citizens to those of Rome ?

Many of these have merits, Caesar,
and merit our approval.

Merit your approval. Is Caesar
to come before the Senate each day...

like a schoolboy with his lessons,
now passing, now failing ?

Do you suggest
that the Senate...

no longer deliberate
the welfare of Rome ?

Do you suggest an end
to the process of Roman law ?

I must be the law. And my word
must be the welfare of Rome.

Else, take from me
this meaningless title of dictator.

I've carried a sword
for too long.

I cannot now pretend
with an empty scabbard.

Surely, Caesar must recall the symbolic
nature of the title dictator...

at the time it was
conferred upon him.

It was to honor Caesar
above all men...

and to indicate the gratitude of Rome
for Caesar's triumphs in its name.

Brutus, I recall them well,
those triumphs.

Do you ?

Pharsalia, for one, when you
trembled in Antony's hand...

when Antony was hot
to separate you from your head...

with just cause.

It was by my command
that your life was spared.

There was no deliberating body. It was
not by my wish, but by my command.

By my dictate, if you will,
that you stand here tonight.

dribbling virtue
out of the corners of your mouth.

Sit down.

No, I want no more meaningless
privileges and considerations.

No more honors
designed to pacify me.

I would far rather have
nothing. Remain what I am, at heart,

a humble man,
anxious only to serve.

Why are the eyes of a statue
always without life ?

Have any of you here
seen the Nile ?

Spare yourselves
the journey.

She carries it
within her eyes.

I suggest, Caesar,
that the hour is late.

Very late for Rome.

I was speaking,
Cassius ! I was--

Now, where was I ?

Anxious to serve.

Yes, I've served,
served for all of my life.

I've won for Rome
more than half of the world.

Most of you here owe your honors
and your fortunes to me.

And now I want you
to do as I say.

You will appoint me...
emperor of Rome.

There is no need
to resume your seats.

May I, on be half of all,
once again...

thank you, Gracious Majesty,
for your hospitality.

Good night.

Thank you
and good night.

They resent being
summoned here, Caesar,

for meetings more properly held
in the Senate.

Resent it, do they ?

I cannot understand
that the eyes of a statue...

Are you quite sure
what it is you want... so desperately ?

I've always been sure.

And Caesar ?

Does anyone
speak for him ?

No.

Good night.

Tell me, Brutus, is it proper
to stand before this new goddess,

which Caesar has set here in the temple,
or must we, as Romans, kneel ?

By that honor and
by the responsibility you carry,

Brutus, save Rome
from Caesar !

You cannot ask me
to destroy him.

Then let Caesar
destroy Rome.

Antony has just come from a meeting
of my friends, with good news.

Tomorrow at the Senate, Lucius Cotta
will move that I be made king.

It will pass.

But... I don't understand.

King and emperor.

And it will pass ?

For the last few months,
I've been quietly enjoying...

one of the few privileges
of being dictator.

I have been
appointing senators.

Slightly more than half
the Senate has, at the moment,

been appointed by me.

Once again, the army
of Mithradates...

on its way
all the time.

Why-- Why then
not only Rome,

but this whole peninsula of Italy,
upon which Rome stands,

must fall in your hands
like a drop of sweat.

Let them make you king or whatever
they choose, wherever they choose.

Let me serve with you.
My legions with yours.

To get her we'll conquer
for Caesar a world...

beyond the wildest dreams
of even-- even Alexander.

Rome. What was Rome
when Sulla died,

when Crassus lost the armies
in Parthia ?

These same men came after me
through the streets,

howling like
frightened dogs.

"Caesar, save us !"

They would've
made me king then.

- I wouldn't let them then.

He was thrown over the wall. It's not
a pretty sight. It might be better if--

Titus, the moneylender.

Why should anyone kill him as
savagely as this and bring him here ?

Obviously,
I am being warned.

Perhaps I am next.

They dare
to threaten you ?

- Caesarion. Where was my son--
- Not far away.

It frightened him.

Lepidus. How many legions
has he now ?

- Fifteen. Perhaps more.
- Where ?

- Scythia.
- We will dine with Lepidus
tonight, you and I.

We'll talk of armies and battlefields
and lists of men to die.

And tomorrow in the Senate,
let them offer so much as the
sands of Libya as my kingdom,

I will accept.

.

.

This is great Caesar,
beloved by Rome,

and at least one of us...

who must die
so that Rome may live.

If the world is to know that
it is Rome that will not have a king,

then let us make it
the honorable and open act...

of free men
in the light of day.

In the light
of what day, Brutus ?

Tomorrow ?

In the curia
of the Senate.

And shall we be armed,
all of us ?

Decimus, you will come
to Caesar's villa early tomorrow
to escort him to the Senate.

Cimber, Marc Antony must not enter
the curia with Caesar.

On some pretext,
you must lead him aside...

to speak perhaps of what you heard
at Lepidus' house tonight.

I remember something odd.

At one point, Caesar suddenly
asked of each of us...

what manner of death
we would choose.

And Caesar, when it came to him,
looked straight at me and said,

"Sudden."

.

Odd, isn't it ?

I was afraid I'd find you
still asleep.

Caesarion is.
He was awake most of the night.

Did the storm frighten him ?

He said not, but it did.
I could tell.

Have you time
to come in ?

Decimus is waiting.
He came by early this morning....

expressly to accompany me
to the Senate.

Decimus ? Has he
done this before ?

A shrewd politician. He hopes
to benefit by arriving with me,

this day of days.

Keep Antony close by.

You too ?

The ladies of Rome seem to have caught
each other's fears this morning,

like a head cold.

Calpurnia actually pleaded with me
not to go to the Senate at all.

Why ? Why would she
not want you to go ?

Oh, the bad night.
Nothing else.

She awoke screaming in her sleep.
The thunder, the lightning.

She dreamed that she saw me murdered,
that she saw me...

or a statue of me
covered in blood.

And the servants. The servants told her
of seeing men of fire in the heavens,

odd happenings in the city
and so forth.

Strange and solitary birds
were seen in the Forum.

They said one flew
into the Senate itself,

carrying a sprig of laurel, which it
dropped at the base of Pompey's statue.

Pompey ?

- Caesar, I'm afraid.
- You must not tell me to stay away.

Shall I, too, be afraid ?

Can it be said of Caesar that he gave up
the world because of a thunder storm ?

That such divinity that was in him ran
before mortal superstition ?

I feel that you need me now,
and I cannot help you.

Then help me to live
as I have lived:

always differently
from the rest.

The others, for whom life is merely
an endless fear of dying.

Your gods and mine
go with you, Caesar.

The world, except for you,
is filled with little men.

Fire burns.

Fire burns.

The winds
of destruction blow.

Rome, mighty and alone,

the winds of destruction
blow down upon thee !

Storm sand hail
shall cut down wheat,

shall cut down birds
and living things of Earth.

The heavens...

and the gods themselves.

My son !

Caesar! Caesar!
Caesar! Caesar!

Caesar ! Caesar !
Caesar ! Caesar !

I would have come sooner,
but there was much to do.

And it seems you have
done it extremely well.

Is that where--

Yes.

In Egypt, we build eternal monuments
to our dead heroes.

Here, you burn them
like rubbish. Good-bye.

I've brought some of the 10th
Legion with me, and Rufio.
You have nothing to fear.

Nothing to fear ?
That's no reason for staying.

So much has happened
so quickly.

Suddenly I have the pieces
of a broken world to pick up.

Caesar, you running off
at night like this.

Do you suggest
that I stay? Why?

Don't ask me to be clear about
my feelings right now. I'm tired.

And with you, even at my best,
it's never easy to say my meaning.

But you speak so well,
Antony.

I've been told how excitingly
you read Caesar's will...

to the sobbing, murdering,
free citizens of Rome,

naming as his heir
his great nephew, Octavian.

I knew Caesar's will
and the reasons for it.

If Octavian had not been named,
how many hours, how many minutes...

would you and your son
have survived, do you think?

And if Caesar
had become truly king,

do you believe he would
still have named Octavian?

In any case, it's over.

Caesar and the dream
that was murdered with him.

First Alexander's...

then Caesar's.

Now over. Finished.

- First, Rome must be put in order.
- Rome again.

Brutus, Cassius, some
of the others have escaped.
They must be hunted down and killed.

- And then?
- Then in death, Caesar must be
granted the power and title...

he was denied in life,
deified even.

A dead king, a dead god.
Safe enough even for Rome.

Caesarion as Caesar's son
could claim both the title
of king and his deification.

And to what court of law
would my son and I take our claim?

I will present it
to the Roman Senate myself.

I believe you would.

And after the noble senators
have stopped laughing,

do my son and I
then declare war on Rome?

No. For this,
a Caesar would be needed.

You have
very little time.

Another Caesar.

But thank you.
I shall remember your kindness to us.

- You give up too easily.
- Do I ?

Let me come to Alexandria
and talk more with you.

- Whenever you like.
- Now. Tonight, if I could.

In any case,
try to remember.

And for more than two years did Antony
seek out the assassins of Caesar.

At last, at Philippi,

he was able to set against them
his legions and those of Octavian,

who was Caesar's heir.

Cassius was the first to die,

by his own hand,

then Brutus and the others.

Hail Antony !

Hail Antony !

Hail Antony's legions !

You remember Philippi.

He won it.

My lord.

- This way.
- But my tent is this way.

Later. I'll see him later.
Octavian depresses me.

You promised.

Well, the fighting's over.
We won it all.

Your health should
improve quickly now.

Even lf I were to die,
my place is with you on the field.

- You were wrong in preventing me.
- Caesar was too ill to sit his horse.

Caesar ? Ah, yes.
I keep forgetting.

I have inherited the name.
I have made it mine.

Why not ? You'll never be confused
with the other one.

At least your troops
fought bravely, under my command.

Agrippa has kept me
fully informed.

What were you
doing there ?

The battle was fought
on land, between men,

not great lumps of wood
bumping on water.

Why did you bring Agrippa ?
Were you expecting rain ?

- Shall we choose a piece of land,
Antony, just you and I ?
- Be quiet.

There are matters
we have to talk about.

Have you an objection
to Agrippa remaining ?

I object to Agrippa
at all times.

Lying here, indisposed, you must have
had time to consider the problem.

I think it is best
to continue the Triumvirate.

You and I and Lepidus.

Very well.

Lepidus shall have Africa and
the islands. You, Spain and Gaul.

Rome and Italy to be administered
by the three of us jointly.

- And you ?
- All the east.

Then, with Lepidus
in Africa and you in the east,

bringing order to Rome and Italy
will be my problem.

So it seems.

Spain and Gaul are wot enough for me.
I shall need money.

- There have been tax riots
in Rome already.
- So I've heard.

Done.

And done.

Would Caesar approve,
do you think ?

Definitely. Perhaps the veil of Isis
would have bothered him just a bit.

Three years.

And Rome remembers him
only by the image on a gold coin.

Are they those
I brought back with me ?

After all, when Octavian
had them struck off,

it was to commemorate
Caesar's deification.

So that he could inherit Caesar's
divinity together with all the rest.

Even a dead god
cannot rewrite his will.

Antony did present
Caesarion's claims to the Senate.

He kept that much
of his promise.

And he will keep
the rest of it.

After almost three years
since Caesar's death,

more than a year
since Philippi ?

Antony will come.
He will need Egypt.

Egypt is you.

That's what I meant, of course.
Antony will need me.

Finances ! You make my head hurt
when you talk of money.

Now,
change the subject.

All right.
News from Rome.

Octavian has forced Lepidus
out of his command and into exile.

I wish I hadn't--
I wish I had not drunk so much today.

So do I.

Do I trouble you,
Rufio ?

Yes, you do.

I'll wager you never found
Caesar befuddled by wine.

Nothing, no one ever
befuddled Caesar.

Antony, the campaign against Parthia
will not be an easy one.

- How many legions have we left ?
- Well, it's hard to tell.

- None of them up to strength,
so many desertions.
- Desertions ?

They haven't been paid
in months.

Do you remember when
we started into Greece ?

I lived with them, ate with them.
I was one of them.

They seem distant to me now, as if they
were-- as if they were a memory.

We must find the gold
to pay them,

the wheat to feed them,
supplies, ships, armor.

And where do you suggest
we look for all these ?

- I thought perhaps further to the east.
- Syria ?

- Perhaps more to the south.
- Ethiopia ?

To the north
of Ethiopia--

- I have forbidden you to mention her.
- I didn't.

I will not crawl to her,
hand held out like a beggar.

- Why has she wot
offered me assistance ?
- Perhaps she doesn't know.

Of course she knows.
She knows everything.

If only out of gratitude
for what I've done for her--

- Perhaps she wishes
to express it in person.
- Then let her come to me.

Am I so much less
than Caesar ?

Nor is she less than Cleopatra,
queen of Egypt. And you promised--

Queens ! Queen ! Strip them
as naked as any other woman,
they're no longer queens.

It is also difficult
to tell the rank of a naked general.

And generals without armies
are naked indeed.

All right.
I'll meet her halfway.

I'll send you to her.
You order her to come to me.

- If I am to order her,
I need not make the journey.
- Then summon her.

- Even worse.
- Then beg, entreat, cajole.
Find the word you like best.

Pour perfume.
Whinny like a stallion if you choose.

But see
that she comes to me.

I understand
your position, Rufio.

Surely you must
understand mine.

I do not intend to join
that long list of queens...

who have quivered happily
at being summoned by Lord Antony.

But surely
I didn't say "summoned."

You said "invite."
He meant "summon."

In any case, I am
the queen of Egypt.

And I choose to remain
on Egyptian soil.

Tarsus is not
the other end of the world,

- Your Majesty.
- If it were one step from Egypt,

that would be too far.

I will meet
with Lord Antony...

but only
on Egyptian soil.

My lady, a way must be found,
a time, a place to satisfy you both.

Must it, Rufio ?

Cleopatra.

Cleopatra !

It is. It must be.

She said never,
except on Egyptian soil.

"Never." Something
women say to begin with.

You will welcome Queen Cleopatra
on my behalf.

You will extend my invitation
to a banquet in her honor
at the palace tonight.

- Don't you think perhaps--
- Still not convinced, Rufio ?
Hurry back.

There's much to be done.
Have someone send the cooks to me.

Forgive me, noble Rufio.
It is you who do not understand.

Queen Cleopatra, at present below in
her chamber, is on Egyptian territory...

and intends
to remain on it.

Most learned Sisogenes,
you must forgive me when I point out...

that this is Tarsus,
not Alexandria.

You are on Tarsus, noble Rufio.
I am on Egypt.

Tonight and tomorrow night, if Lord
Antony desires to meet Her Majesty,

he will come to her,
to Egypt.

I shall do my best, learned friend,
to prevail upon Lord Antony to attend.

Marc Antony,
how prompt you are.

If I had not been,
it would be unforgivable of me.

I had hoped to be here
to welcome you as you came aboard.

If you had been, it would
be unforgivable of me.

Be more tolerant.
Forgive yourself now and then.

Almost three years. Is it possible
that you've become even more beautiful ?

Almost three ?
That long ?

The time
has passed so quickly.

Your necklace.
It seems to be made of gold coins.

Coins of Caesar.

- Do you find it attractive ?
- Very.

And I find what
you're wearing most becoming.

- Greek, isn't it ?
- I have a fondness for
almost all Greek things.

As an almost all-Greek thing,
I'm flattered.

An unusual necklace.

Nothing but gold coins
of Caesar.

- How did you come by it ?
- I had it made.

I wear it always.

A fabulous feast.

One is so limited
when one travels by ship.

This fabulous ship,

together with its queen,
the fabulous Cleopatra.

The name of Marc Antony
is not exactly unknown to the world.

- Why, in the last year or so
since we met--
- Almost three.

By now you have become
one-third the master of Rome.

You don't permit yourself
to forget him, is that it ?

That's an odd way of putting it.
Don't permit myself?

You find it necessary
to wear him around your neck ?

You forget, Antony,

in these almost three years,
how full your own life has been.

These can't have been uneventful years
for you. You rule Egypt alone.

Oh, they have been busy, but not full.
There's a difference.

There cannot be enough hours
in the days of a queen,

and her nights
have too many.

-So I fill them with memories.
- Of Caesar ?

And of a dream...
that almost came true.

You may remember.

I remember that night in Rome,
saying it could still come true.

You said so much that night
to so many.

- Let me get rid of them all.
- Why ? I have arranged
an entertainment.

A dance in the Greek fashion
to welcome the god Bacchus.

If I make a great show of going,
they'll have to leave too.

Then I can return
and we can, uh--

we can talk alone,
you and I.

- When would you return ?
- In an hour, no more than two.

How long
would you stay ?

Until we had
nothing more to say.

Are you a strong swimmer ?
We sail at sunrise.

I don't understand.

Home to Alexandria,
to Egypt.

Then you've come all this way
for just this one night?

All this way
to make a fool of me.

Perhaps you would feel
less of a fool...

lf you stayed the night
with me, is that it ?

I've told you before.

With you, words do not
come easily to me.

There is too much unsaid
within me that I cannot say.

Then I cannot know it.

There is much unsaid
within you too.

That is probably true
of everybody.

Stay for a while.

I have known you so long
but so little.

- Give me time.
- Not I,

not Egypt and Rome
together.

Not even the gods
have time to give you.

But, Antony,
use what you have.

Don't waste it by playing
at god here in Tarsus...

while Octavian in Rome
becomes a god.

He's...

here.

One step behind Caesar,
at the right hand of Caesar,

in the shadow
of Caesar.

Tell me. Tell me how many
have loved you since him ?

One ? Ten ?
Anyone ? No one ?

Have they kissed you with Caesar's lips,
touched you with his hands ?

Has it been his name
you've cried out in the dark ?

And afterwards, alone,
has he reproached you,

and have you begged forgiveness
of his memory ?

You've come here, then, running over
with wine and self-pity...

to conquer Caesar.

For so long now,
you've filled my life,

like-- like a great noise
that I hear everywhere in my heart.

I want to be free of you,
of wanting you, of being afraid.

Yet Caesar
would not permit it.

But I will never...

be free of you.

From the first instant
I saw you entering Rome...

on that monstrous
stone beast,

shining in the sun like a--
like a little gold toy,

how I envied Caesar.

I went suddenly sick with it.

Not his conquests
or his triumphs.

Not his titles
or the roaring of the mob.

I envied him you.

When we first met in Rome,
I remembered you...

and I wondered that I could
ever have forgotten.

Remembered me ?

Years ago, when you were
a young cavalry officer...

stationed at the palace
in Alexandria...

under the command
of that fat Roman general.

- What was his name ?
- Mm, Gabinius.

Gabinius.

I was 12 years old
and I loved you.

- Nonsense.
- It's true.

Lovers always want so much
never to have loved before.

It's possible, you know.

It becomes a game.
Who loved whom first ?

I did.

If you noticed me at all in those days,
you were probably terrified of me.

And with good reason. Everybody
knows Romans cut up little children...

and feed them
to their horses.

We'll make this
our beginning.

Beginning
with tonight,

you must never
envy Caesar...

or anyone,
anything again.

After all,
this is nothing new.

For so many years,

Antony has fed
upon the crumbs...

that fell from
Julius Caesar's table.

I say-- I say
they are deserving of each other.

Let him stay however distant
for however long...

with never
a thought of them.

The Roman people hold him
close to their hearts.

- Distant ?
- Perhaps from Rome...

but not from Caesar, I think,
nor from Caesar's son.

Germanicus,
do you speak of me ?

No, Octavian.
I speak of Caesar.

I am Caesar.

Only while
Antony remains...

distant from Rome.

Antony !

Stay not too long
in Alexandria !

Germanicus, stay not
too long in Rome.

How much of this
is known to Antony ?

All of it and more.
I have written him regularly--

letters, reports, dispatches
by personal messenger.

- And what has he answered ?
- He wrote that he was
no longer interested...

in the matters
I described to him.

That he would
not return to Rome.

That he understood quite clearly
what was at stake, what he would lose.

But that he would
not leave you.

Ah, well,
let's try the goat.

All right.

Let's have that goat again.
There. Not too much.

There. Mm-hmm.

The milk of a cow,
of a goat and of an ass.

Which, would you say,
is best for softening the beard ?

Is it true that Octavian
shaves but once a week ?

Even then, he has merely to face
the wind and let the fuzz blow away.

You knew, didn't you,
that Germanicus was here from Rome ?

Yes.

Have you strong feelings about beards ?
I had one in my youth.
Bright red it was.

Why haven't you seen him ?

When you go,

must it be
for very long ?

I must take some of these back with me.
They don't have them.

At least they didn't
when I was last in--

in Rome.

While they were digging
the foundation of my tomb,

the workers found
an old wall.

Someone had scratched on it
hundreds of years ago,

"You were not here last night,
and I could not sleep.

Will you be here
tonight ?"

Do you suppose
they ever met again ?

Everything that I shall want to hold
or look upon or have or be...

is here now with you.

I must not be sorry
for myself.

Queens are sometimes no better at that
than kings, or even princes.

It doesn't seem fair.

What I feel I should
have felt long ago...

when I was very young, when I could say
to myself that this was how love was...

and how it would be.

But to have waited so long,
to know so suddenly,

this late...

how it hurts, how love
can stab the heart.

Be careful with Octavian.

Well, let him
be careful with me.

The Romans want no war
between the two of you.

In any case,
you are not ready yet.

War ? The world is filled with love.
There will be no more wars.

You must have
your share.

Your titles and powers
must be spelled out exactly.

There can be no question
of your complete authority in the East.

Antony, how will I live ?

The same as I.

One breath upon the other,

each bringing us
one breath... closer.

You take so much of me
with you so far.

Remember, remember.
They'll want you to forget. Please--

Forget ? How ?

I can never be more
far away from you than--

than this.

He will come first
to Brindisium.

Agrippa and I plan to, uh, welcome
his arrival with a great ceremony.

Antony must be made to know how dear
to the hearts of the Romans, of us all,

he is and has been.

He has been away
for a very long time.

Perhaps we can persuade him
to stay with us even longer.

Perhaps, Octavia, if you came
to Brindisium, you could help.

You may have forgotten.
It is no more than six months since--

Begging the pardon
of Agrippa and our ancestors,

I do not agree that a young widow
must retire from life.

You haven't left my house
since your husband died.

If only for the sake of your health,
the change alone--

Then, begging the pardon
of my Lord Agrippa and our ancestors,

I would look forward
very much to the change.

Nothing. No one could possibly shine
more brightly in the sun.

Not only Antony,
I know of no man...

who would not hold out
his greedy fists for Octavia.

After all, what greater
pledge could I offer...

of my goodwill
toward him ?

And how could Antony more clearly
show his love of peace and Rome...

- than by accepting ?
- And Cleopatra ?

Are you suggesting
we invite her to the wedding ?

Do you remember Julius Caesar
when he returned...

and those months at the end
while she was in Rome ?

There was a poison
in his heart, in his brain.

Yes, I know.
The falling sickness.

But more than that.
Cleopatra.

- I remember well.
- Antony is no Caesar.

I am grateful for that.

Granted that he
marries Octavia,

will he forget
Cleopatra ?

Will she permit him
to forget ?

Most probably not.

- Have I permission to speak ?
- Tell me quickly.

A galley came to Pelusium
with news from Rome.

Lord Antony and Octavian Caesar
have met and sealed a great pact.

Antony has taken ten more legions
and all of the East for his domain.

Egypt will be declared
ally of Rome.

It is done.

- There is more.
- No. No more, my lord.

- He's afraid.
- Is there anything more ?

Forgive me, divine Majesty.
There-- There has been a marriage.

A marriage
of state.

Between Octavia,
the sister of Caesar,

and Lord Antony.

Anything more ?

They're presently
in Athens.

Sometime, within the year,
Lady Octavia is to return to Rome.

Lord Antony will come
to Alexandria...

to negotiate the alliance
of Rome and Egypt.

Leave me.

No.

Completely alone.

Antony !

Do you find it pleasing,
my lord ?

Huh ?

Oh, yes. Very.

It was made here in Athens. Not as
practical as our Roman ones, of course.

The Greeks have such
a weakness for beauty.

Does the dinner
not please you, my lord ?

Very much. I'm not
particularly hungry.

If there is anything
that would please you more--

Believe me,
I am pleased, Octavia.

The gods know you do nothing
but please me, in every way.

Word from Domitius ?

He never even
reached the palace.

As a matter of fact, he was not
permitted through the city gate.

If I may be excused.

There is no need
for you to go.

When I hear matters
of state discussed by men,

invariably I find myself
wondering about...

why the wine
has gone sour.

Good night, Rufio.

Good night, my lord.

Domitius turned away
at the gate.

That makes how many ?

Five of your ambassadors
turned away within this year.

Now, if you'd gone
in the first place--

It was the only favor
I ever asked of you. You granted it.

The treaty with Egypt
must be made.

For too long we have
received no wheat, no gold--

I cannot go to her
to negotiate a treaty !

She will have
no one else.

And what if she should...
turn me away ?

That would be
quite impossible.

Have you ever
really left her ?

No.

For three days now I have waited
for an audience with you, alone.

What is the purpose
of the audience ?

Get out, all of you.
I wish to see Her Majesty privately.

- You stand before the throne of Egypt.
- I know where I am !

- You will state your purpose.
- Matters I have no intention
of discussing publicly.

I do not grant private audiences
to unidentified persons.

I am Marcus Antonius.

I know who you are.
What are you, at the moment ?

Envoy of Rome, pro-consul of all
the Roman Empire to the east of Italy.

An impressive title.

Worthy, perhaps,
of a private audience ?

Without a treaty
of alliance with Egypt,

you could not hold the territories
under your command.

- True ?
- Possibly.

Then, Lord Antony,
you come before me...

-as a suppliant.
- If you choose to regard me as such.

I do.

You will therefore assume the position
of a suppliant before this throne.

You will kneel.

- I will what ?
- On your knees.

You dare ask the pro-consul
of the Roman Empire--

I asked it
of Julius Caesar.

I demand it of you!

Now, you may have
the treaty you asked for...

on the follow ingconditions.

By your authority
as pro-consul of Rome,

you will cede to Egypt immediately
the following territories:

Judea,Jordan, Armenia, Phoenicia,
the provinces of Sinai and Arabia,

the islands
of Cyprus and Crete.

You ask for one-third
of the Roman Empire.

Put it another way.

I give to you two-thirds.

Most generous.
I, uh, cannot accept.

I suggest
you deliberate further.

Perhaps consult
with your superior...

-in Rome.
- My superior ?

Octavian.

Caesar Octavian ?

You have not been dismissed.

You are now dismissed.

Outside, all of you. Her Majesty
and I will speak in private.

Out ! Before I chop you up
and feed you to my horses.

That's how Romans
frighten little girls.

They like to frighten
little girls. Wait outside.

I married Octavia at her brother's
insistence, before all Rome,

as a gesture of good faith, a guarantee
of peace, a bargain sealed.

With a kiss ? Or did you simply
shake hands on your wedding night ?

The people of Rome were celebrating
the marriage, even before I arrived.

- How could I refuse ?
- By saying no.

As you have said no
to all my demands.

But they're impossible,
unreasonable.

- Conditions one lays down
for a helpless enemy.
- You're not helpless... yet.

I cannot cede to you
the territories you want.

It would lead to an open break
between Rome and me.

Why do you think
I asked for them ?

It would be playing into
Octavian's hands, what he hopes for.

- It would not be wise !
- What is wise ?

To hand over Rome, Italy,
the world to Octavian ?

To grovel publicly
before his authority ?

Take his sister
to wed and to bed...

as if to beg forgiveness...

for having stayed so long
with your Egyptian harlot.

What has angered you ?

That I dealt with Octavian
however I could or that I
married his sister to do it ?

-Jealousy or politics ? Which ?
- Both !

And damn you for not
understanding either.

It would not occur to me
to look to you for instruction.

Which is why you have come back
chained to Octavian like a slave.

- Slave !
- And with such
an exquisite set of chains.

So softly spoken,
so virtuous.

She sleeps, I hear,
fully clothed.

- I've come back. That's all
that should concern you.
- Should it ?

How long before your master snaps his
finger and you run back to him, or her ?

I have only one master.
My love for you.

No.

Your master must not be love.

Never love.

Give yourself to love,

and you give yourself
to forget fulness...

of what you are and who you are
and what you want.

And what you want
is worth so much more ?

I will not have love
as my master.

- Then you will not have love.
- Not will I have Octavian.

- Never fear.
- How confident you are.

And has Octavian
a master ?

His ambition: to rule the Roman world
as emperor and god.

The Roman world,
to begin with.

And what stands
in his way ?

- You and I.
- And my son,

the rightful heir to the name
and glory of great Caesar.

Octavian has already
stolen those,

and he will now destroy, in the name of
his sister, the love Rome has for you.

And by your marriage to her, he has
made of me unmistakably your whore.

Never fear Octavian ?

It is he now who, I think,
must be unafraid.

Show me a city, and I'll
tell you how to take it.

Let me face an army.
I'll smell out its weak points,
hit them hard where they are.

But make me to sit down and talk
in whispers of this and that...

with an emphasis here and a shrug there,
and I'm soon confounded and defeated.

Meaning to do the best,
I suppose I--

I supposed I could
not have done worse.

There is still time.

Let someone ask me what I want.

To live with you
in peace and love.

Do you have-- Do you have conditions
for total surrender ?

First, as did Caesar,

you will marry me
according to Egyptian ritual.

That's not a condition.
That's a reward.

You will declare,
by your authority,

Caesarion
to be king of Egypt,

and we will rule
together in his name.

Happily granted.

You will cede to Egypt
all the territories I have demanded.

You must,

if only to assert your--
your own authority and power.

Otherwise, inevitably,
in time we will lose everything.

Can't you see that ?

I can see nothing...
but you.

I am no longer content
to forgive Antony !

To marry this Egyptian
according to their barbaric rites.

Meaningless under Roman law !
Great Caesar himself--

Yes. Bit by bit
Antony crawls behind his memory.

But tell us this,
Germanicus.

Did great Caesar also toss one-third
of the Roman Empire...

into Cleopatra's
undoubtedly deserving lap ?

Let it be known that
the territories in dispute...

were subjugated
by Julius Caesar.

There can be no question that
the right to rule over them
is the heritage of his son.

And in the name
of the mighty Caesar,

I grant to King Ptolemy Caesarion
that right.

And let it be known that the greatness
of Rome lies not in what she takes...

but in what she gives.

"Rome's greatness lies
in what she gives," he says,

then calmly gives
what is not his.

And Cleopatra takes
and will take more.

And war will come.

She knows and I know...

that war will come.

But I will not speak
for it,

nor will I speak
against Antony.

I must be forced into war.

The people of Rome
must force this war upon me.

They must storm the doors
of the Senate crying for it.

If we move quickly, the Romans
will not know we have crossed
the Mediterranean...

until we land in Greece.

You and General Rufio will start
embarking the troops at once.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I fit is decided
to move our armies into Greece.

It has been decided.

My men do not...
travel well by sea.

They fight on land.
They move on land.

Your men will do
as they are told, as mine will.

My men will do as they're told by me.
They have not yet become--

They are still Roman.

However,

since I do
as I'm told--

The final decision
will, of course, be Lord Antony's.

And I'm sure that in time,
he will make it. That is all.

It would be wiser,
I think, not to disagree
in the presence of our officers.

Your officers.

And what final decision
have you decided I am to make ?

Why do you oppose transporting
our armies to Greece ?

Because I do not
want war against Rome.

One hundred thousand men
led by Marc Antony.

Octavian is no fool.
He won't fight.

He won't want to. He'll have to,
instantly, on the spot where they land.

Rome will not declare war
against you.

I do not agree.

I have not asked
for your opinion.

Not for some time. Not since
I doubted the necessity of building...

three hundred ships.

The way to prevent war
is to be ready for it.

Have 300 warships ever been
built for war without war ?

We shall have what we want
without it.

Your Majesty,
please hear me.

I think we are
very near the edge.

Strings are being pulled,
and not by us.

We are being manage dandmaneuvered
without our choosing.

The deputation sent
on behalf of Lady Octavia,

chosen from the most
highly revered men of Rome.

Why? They can take back
to their people...

nothing but
Lord Antony's--

Forgive me--

insulting and unnecessary divorce
of her and his rejection of them.

It was done at my bidding.
The responsibility is mine.

The doing was mine.

- What do you propose ?
- Let me go to Rome.
Let me approach Octavian--

if possible, the Roman people--
and assure them that we want peace.

Go then. Go to Rome.

Sisogenes !

Take care.

He's very dear to you,
that old man.

Your concern and worry
are written all over you.

Forgive me, but it's a kind of love
that you're showing.

Let them talk. Let them
negotiate all they want.

Time is on our side.
We can only grow stronger.

These walls must not
believe their ears...

to hear such silence...

from the right,

from the left.

The call of the Roman people
can be clearly heard,

yet the Roman Senate...

has no answer.

Shall we then just sit...

and listen ?

There is not one of us,
August Caesar,

that would not willingly
make war upon Cleopatra.

But how...

without also making war
upon Marc Antony,

loved by Rome
and loving Rome ?

" Loved by Rome
and loving Rome."

I have here the last will
and testament...

of Antony,
who so loved Rome.

Read for your selves...

how dearly Antony loves you,
loves Rome...

in this, his last will
under his seal.

Only lately brought
from Egypt...

and deposited in our holy temple
at Antony's request...

by the distinguished
Sisogenes.

An extraordinary mission
for an extraordinary man.

So wise, so close to Cleopatra,
so trusted by her.

Read in Antony's will...

at the end.

Commit to memory the last request
of your beloved Antony.

It bears witness
to his love for Rome.

When he is dead, it says,

when Marc Antony has died,

it is his wish
to be buried...

in his beloved Alexandria !

- In Egypt,

among Egyptians,

beside his Egyptian whore !

Is what I say the truth ?

Do I speak the truth ?

- War !
- War !

I hold before you
the Golden Spear of War,

placed in to my hands
without dissent...

by the command and will
of the Senate of Rome.

And now it is you,
the people of Rome, who must direct me.

Where is the enemy ?

Where is Egypt ?
Show me the way !

No ! No !

There !

There is Egypt.

And so once more,
the Romans warred upon each other.

And just as Antony
had foretold,

the forces of Octavian
came to meet them...

on the spot where they landed,

which was at Actium,
in Greece.

The action will begin
with the rising of the sun tomorrow.

Your battle plan
is very brave, very simple.

You might bring it off on land,
but there are a hundred reasons
to debate its wisdom on the sea.

I have an enemy who faces me
on land with fewer troops,
on sea with fewer ships.

Let him debate the wisdom
of his position.

I have a happy choice-- to destroy him
wet or dry. I have chosen wet.

And I think it best,
Euphranor,

that you report to Queen Cleopatra
aboard her vessel in the harbor.

There, if you like,
you may point out to her...

the hundred reasons
why my brave simplicity has failed.

In any case, you are relieved
of your battle command.

This final commitment of yourself,
your ships, of all of us...

to fight Octavian at sea;
when did you decide, my lord ?

Forgive me, Rufio.
I had--

Canidius and I have worked
very hard for many months.

We have organized and trained
an army of almost 200,000 men...

from 20
different countries.

- They will not be wasted--
- Of which, tonight, some 20,000
foot soldiers and cavalry...

will be herded and whipped
onto the decks of those ships,

to be dragged out to sea tomorrow,
puking and afraid.

- Why, my lord ? Why ?
- Because I have decided it will be so !

I would consider it
an honor...

to fight beside Lord Antony
at any time, anywhere.

Spoken like a Roman, Ramos.

And you shall fight at my side,
in Rufio's place.

Rufio, you will remain with
Her Majesty aboard her vessel.

- As you command.
- Canidius, you will remain
with the land forces,

cheering from the hilltop,
if you like.

- As you command.
- Exactly.

As I command.

You're all dismissed.

Antony.

What has happened ?

To me ?

You have happened to me.

Have our lookouts been
given Octavian's insignia ?

A golden eagle.
We've had it in sight since sunrise--

By sunset we'll have
those gold feathers.

Let Octavian know
we are coming !

Let the enemy hear the voice
of Antony's legions !

He's on his way.
Signal my Lord Caesar's ship.
Does it fly his insignia ?

My orders are to be followed
exactly as issued.

And may the gods grant that Antony
has not changed his plan of battle.

There he goes,

as he's done a hundred times on land--
straight for the center.

If only it were on land, and we
were there to protect his flanks.

But we're not.

This and all other dispositions are
to be signaled to Admiral Euphranor...

aboard
Queen Cleopatra's barge.

Euphranor ! But surely
he's in command of--

In command of moving toy ships
on a painted ocean...

so that Egypt's queen can more
clearly follow her war upon water...

to which she has committed
Marc Antony and 20,000 Romans.

Just as he said he would.

Lord Antony and his escorts have moved
out by themselves after Octavian.

- He's already broken
through their center.
- They let him through.

The Roman line
will close behind him.

Not if we engage and hold them,
as Antony said.

They won't engage. Agrippa will
pull them back and back, behind Antony,

as Antony
chases Octavian.

What reports
do you have ?

Lord Antony is already through the
center of the Roman line, Your Majesty.

He is now deep within the Roman fleet,
in pursuit of Octavian.

Faster ! Faster !

They've increased their own speed,
my lord. We're too heavy to catch them.

Then we'll slow them down.

Start the ballistas.
Javelin throwers.

Aim high.
Overshoot rather than under.

Ballistas. Javelins.

Ballistas !

Octavian's ships are so much faster
than our Egyptian tubs.

Why doesn't Agrippa keep him away
from Antony's ballistas ?

Ballistas !

Ballistas !

Ballistas !

My lord !
My lord !

A direct hit on the enemy.
One bank of oars has been destroyed.

He's coming around
broadside.

We've got him.
Collision course.

We'll ram him,
board and destroy him.

Octavian !

Octavian! No wis
your time to be a Caesar.

- Where is he hiding ?
- My Lord Octavian is not on board.

And now we close the trap.

Now we hit my Lord Antony
with everything we have.

No word of Lord Antony ?
By now he must have Octavian.

You, yourself, said
he rammed Octavian's ship.

It may be Lord Antony rammed a ship
flying Octavian's insignia, huh ?

But if it is Octavian's ship--
If Octavian is on board--

And if Lord Antony
finds and kills Octavian,

he is still surrounded
by half the Roman fleet.

- Then send him help.
- I've none to send.

They're pulling
our ships apart now.

They've got Antony alone
and cut off,

closing in on him like a pack of dogs
on a wounded bear.

- Lord Antony's ship ?
- Gone.

- And Octavian's ship ?
- Burning, helpless.

Would you say, Admiral,

that Lord Antony is dead ?

How is the wind for Egypt ?

Fair.

We'll sail at once.

Man the oar-banks.
Hoist anchor.

We sail for Egypt !

My Lord Canidius !

Remember always, that after
the battle of Actium,

with Octavian dead
and Antony dead,

you saw the victor...

sail away
on her golden barge.

She's going.
Cleopatra's going !

- Leaving me !
- My lord.

My lord, our casualties are heavy.
We have little armor left.

Our men need regrouping,
someone to give them courage.

My lord, the dying are calling for you.
The living need your help.

You can't leave them.

Listen to me !

Caesar, news ! Great news !

Cleopatra is leaving the battle.
Antony is following her.

We have won a great victory.

Weigh oars !

Her Majesty is most anxious
to see you. Will you come below ?

Perhaps if you wish to remain here,
she will come to you.

Shall I
send you food ? Wine ?

Her Majesty's orders.

She's afraid you might...
harm yourself.

Please.

Octavian has crossed
from Syria into Egypt.

He can be here
in a matter of weeks.

There are two full legions
here in Alexandria...

who have remained
loyal to you.

They and their officers...

are waiting for you
to command them.

If not to me,

won't you speak
to Rufio at least...

or to anyone
you choose ?

Antony, just say
what you want done and it will be.

It's been so long since you've
looked at me. Don't turn away,

even like this,

with your eyes
filled with hate.

How they burn with hate.

Why, Antony ? Why ?

Because Iran away ?

They told me
you were dead!

What... could I do ?

Where could I go...
in a world suddenly without you,

except to my son
and my country,

Caesarion and Egypt ?

I wanted to save them
from Octavian.

You would have
wanted me to go.

You would have
commanded me to go.

Tell me
you would have !

They told me
you were dead.

They told me you were dead.

You were quite right.

I am dead.

The armies of my Lord Caius
Julius Caesar are advancing even now,

without opposition,
upon Alexandria.

Caius Julius Caesar ?

So now Octavian has
stolen all of the name.

My Lord Caesar
wishes it to be known...

that he no longer has a quarrel
with Cleopatra of Egypt.

Then let him take his armies
out of here and go home.

He has charged me to say that the choice
of war or peace now rests with Egypt.

And that for himself,
he desires only peace.

And what are his terms for
this unconditional peace ?

A small token.
A demonstration.

A gesture. An indication of Queen
Cleopatra's good will and good faith.

What does Octavian want ?

Marc Antony.

The, uh,
head of Marc Antony ?

Take this to him
as my answer.

Egyptian generosity.

Octavian may have two heads
for the price of one.

Either two... or none.

I've been told
you come here to sleep.

- Not to sleep.
- To pass the night then.

I'm not alone.

The, uh-- The old boy and I
exchange memories of life.

It's like having a roommate,
or should I say... tomb-mate ?

If he were in your place, would I find
Caesar here, do you think, hidden away,

wrapped in moonlight
and end less self-pity ?

Self-pity again ! You repeat yourself!
Find new reproaches for me.

Until now it has just been
a part of your being drunk.

Singing sad songs
for Antony.

Your time would be better spent, it
seems to me, negotiating with Octavian.

Why did you not give
my head to Agrippa ?
It would be no great loss to me.

Dying the second time
is painless, they say,

and possibly
a great advantage to you,

the basis, perhaps,
of a great new alliance with Rome.

- I do not want a great
new alliance with Rome.
- Then what do you want ?

I have come for Marc Antony.

What is left of his army,
Rufio, my son and I,

all of Egypt
are waiting for him.

There is little time.

Marc Antony ?

There is no one here
by that name... alive.

Time for what ?

For Marc Antony
to appear in shiny armor,

swords flashing
in both hands ?

Pfft, Agrippa.
Pfft, Octavian.

Stand back ! Rejoice !
Marc Antony will save the day !

Antony, you say ?

He died at Actium,
running away.

He tried to run on the water,
the story goes, but you were
not there to hold his hand.

Rufio, my legions,
waiting.

For what ?

To ask of me what they carry
in their eyes, in their hearts,
in their sleep at night...

as I have in mine.

Why are you not dead ?

Why do you live ?
How can you live ?

Why do you not lie
in the deepest hole of the sea,

bloodless and bloated and
at peace with honorable death ?

You... begged forgiveness
from me for running away.

You wept and gave your reason. A mother
to her child, a queen to her country.

Where and how can I weep
and beg ? From whom ?

The thousands and thousands
who can no longer hear me ?

Shall I give my reason ?

Shall I say simply...
I loved ?

When I saw you go, I saw
nothing-- felt, heard, thought
nothing except your going.

Not the dying and dead,
not Rome, not Egypt,

not victory or defeat, honor or
disgrace, friend, enemy, future or past,

only that my love was going
and that I must be with her.

That my love,
my master called.

And I followed.

And that only then,

I looked back...

and I saw.

How right you were.

" Have as your master
anyone, anything...

but never love."

How wrong--

How wrong I was.

Antony, the love
you followed is here.

To be had
upon payment of an empire.

Without you, Antony,

this is not a world
I want to live in,

much less conquer.

Because for me...

there would be
no love anywhere.

Do you want me to die
with you ? I will.

Or do you want me
to live with you ?

What ever you choose.

Are we too late, do you think,
if we choose to live ?

Better too late...

than never.

My lady, there is
disturbing news from the city.

The people are frightened. Some are
beginning to leave their homes.

During the night, hundreds of notices
were secretly posted everywhere.

They were found this morning
stuck up in the marketplace,

even painted on the walls of temples
and other holy places.

Signed by Octavian Caius
Julius Caesar Augustus,

promising the Egyptian people
peace if they surrender to him...

and destruction
if they do not.

I've had all
of the notices removed...

and I've ordered the death penalty for
anyone who spreads the false rumors...

that Lord Antony's men
might desert him.

And what penalty if the rumors
might come true ?

How do you know ?

I know the Romans.

There is only one commander
they will never desert.

His name... is Victory.

But yet,just now, you let
Lord Antony go as if--

If you could have seen him,
how proud he was,

unafraid,

as he used to be.

All of my attendants--

Have they been given their freedom ?
Have they gone ?

Yes. They wanted
once more to tidy up.

Octavian can do
his own house cleaning.

The captain of the guards
and three of his best men
are to report to me at once,

disguised as merchants.

They are to escort
Caesarion out of Egypt,

for the time being.

And you ?
Your Majesty, please reconsider.

There are two of Euphranor's ships,
very fast, in the East Harbor.

And would you roll me
on board in a carpet ?

No.

There are no more Caesars to go to,
at least not for me.

- Then it is still your intention to--
- To remain in Alexandria.

In the last possible place
anyone would look.

Literally,
the last possible place.

- Your Majesty, I have never
questioned your decisions.
- This is not the time to begin.

- Let me stay with you.
- Charmian and Eiras will look after me.

If Lord Antony should--

When Lord Antony returns,

you will be here to tell him
where to find me...

waiting for him.

Together, we will then do...
what he thinks best.

Is that clear ?

- Yes, my lady.
- Was there anything more ?

I have always
loved you.

And I have always known.

Rome has never known
such an army.

We should be taking on
the combined powers of Asia.

It seems almost a waste
of time to slaughter what's
left of Antony's army...

- and what's left of Antony.
- There will be no slaughter.

I doubt there will
be even bloodshed.

Has a battle ever been won without
a blow being struck ? I wonder.

At any rate, let me
make it clear once more.

I want Antony alive,
and I want her alive.

She must be taken alive.

Queen Cleopatra's second procession
into Rome will surpass her first.

The ring
your father gave you,

it is yours now...
to keep.

Wear it with pride
and with honor.

I'm afraid.
I know I shouldn't be.

Who told you that ?

All kings and
especially queens are afraid.

They just manage
not to show it,

something ordinary people
cannot do.

Hail... Antony !

- How near is Octavian ?
- Very near. Over that low ridge.

As it grows darker, the glow from
his campfires will light up the sky.

Our troops must find it
attractive to watch.

Inviting, even.

Antony's legions warm themselves
at their own fires.

Yes. I could feel
the warmth as I rode by.

- How many legions has he ?
- Twenty.

- And we ?
- Two. The 1 2th and one made up from--

Made up from what was left
of the others.

As I remember it, Caesar
held Alexandria with two.

How are they deployed ?
Rufio.

Cavalry to the left, cavalry
to the right, infantry to the center.

Three elephants deployed
to stamp out a fly.

My lords Octavian and Agrippa have
all the strategic brilliance...

of two vestal virgins.

We can draw back here to softer ground,
too soft for cavalry,

We can draw back here to softer ground,
too soft for cavalry,

and make our stand
against their infantry.

Stand ? And let them stamp on us ?
No. Let the elephants stand.

We flies will bite
and buzz and tickle.

At the first light
of day...

while Octavian's glow
still lights up the sky,

we will attack.

By sunset both our loyal legions
will have grown larger...

and even more loyal,
I promise you.

Good night.

Rufio,
tell the guards, please,

- I am to be awakened just before dawn.
- Of course.

And, Rufio,

if, for whatever reason, the guards
should forget or misjudge the time,

will you, yourself,
wake me ?

The guards will wake you.

- But if they don't ?
- Then I will. Never fear.

I never fear.

Not anymore.

Rufio !

Rufio.

Ha !

Fight !

Fight!

Fight!

Fight ! Fight !

Why don't you fight ?

Is there no one who would grant Antony
an honorable way to die ?

Before me,

this was carried by another Roman
killed by Rome.

Another...

Caesar.

No.

We will have him.

We will have them
both together.

Where is she ?

Where is she ?

Her Majesty
said to tell you...

she can be found in the last
possible place anyone would look.

Literally,
the last possible place.

She might have waited.

Once more, it seems,

Cleopatra is out of reach...

and I must hurry after.

Throughout life...

and now beyond.

One woman, one love !

Nothing changes,

except life into death.

Will you help me ?

- Help me to die, Apollodorus !
- I want to ! But I can't.

I've always
envied Rufio his...

long arms.

The ultimate desertion--

I from myself.

Else how could I have missed what
I must have aimed for all my life ?

Will you finish me now ?

Where is my sword ?
I beg you to finish me.

I lied to you.
I let you think the queen is dead.

But she's alive in her tomb,
waiting for you.

Cleopatra waiting ?

There will be...

just enough time...

if you'll help me.

Perhaps, my lady, if we were
to bind his wounds tightly--

It would only give him pain.
Let him sleep.

Sleep.

Will you come tonight...

so that I can sleep...

the dark sleep ?

They did meet, after all,

the lovers.

They will always meet.

Be lonely for me.

But not for very long,
I promise.

I thought always
I would die...

so well...

as becomes a soldier--

a soldier's death.

I lived always
as I saw fit.

Unfittingly.

I would make it up,
I thought, in death.

I expected--

I expected too much
of me in death,

as in life.

Are you holding me ?

Never so closely.

Even closer.

You and I will
prove death...

so much less than love.

You and I, we will--

we'll make of dying...

nothing more than one...

last...

embrace.

A kiss...

to take my breath away.

There has never been...

such a silence.

Turn him over.

Strange people.
Poisons that smell like perfume.

See if you can find more.
Have it analyzed.
Test it on one of the badly wounded.

My lord, they have
found Queen Cleopatra.

She is locked in a building,
that is to say, a tomb.

Hurry.

Oh, Marc Antony is with her, they say.
He's dead.

- What ?
- Lord Antony is dead.

Is that
how one says it ?

As simply as that.

"Marc Antony is dead."

"Lord Antony is dead."

"The soup is hot.
The soup is cold."

"Antony is living.
Antony is dead."

Shake with terror when
such words pass your lips,

for fear they be untrue and
Antony cut out your tongue for the lie.

And if true,

for your
lifetime boast...

that you were honored
to speak his name even in death.

The dying of such a man...

must be shouted,

screamed.

It must echo back
from the corners of the universe.

Antony is dead !

Marc Antony of Rome...

lives no more !

to see my dead body
dragged through the Forum ?

I will have you
closely watched.

Octavian,

when I am ready to die,

I will die.

And what if I promised
no harm will come to you,

that you will be returned
safely to Alexandria ?

Look at me !

What more could you ask ?

You have not spoken
of my son.

Your son ?

I'd forgotten him.
Where is he ?

Safe.

If I go with you to Rome,

would you permit
my son to rule Egypt ?

And his sons ?
And theirs ?

I will do
everything I can.

Do I have your word
as a Roman emperor and god ?

Yes.

- When will you require me to go ?
- As soon as possible.

At the moment I am very tired and would
like to rest. If you will leave me now.

Do I have your word...

that you will not
harm yourself in anyway ?

I swear it...

on the life of my son.

Must the guards
remain inside ?

I have sworn, after all,

on the life of my son.

- And now I must make ready to go.
- There's little to do.

First I shall want
something to eat.

Something
to sustain me on my way.

- Some fruit perhaps ?
- Bring it to me.

Charmian.

You then, Eiras.

You have never been without us.
You cannot leave us behind.

Perhaps...

there may be enough
for us all.

Bring me a tablet
to write on.

I shall want a message
brought to Octavian.

Words are wasted
on such a man.

I've wasted so many
on so many men.

A few more,
one last request.

Will he grant it,
do you think ?

I may never know.

But in this case,

I think I shall.

I will serve Her Majesty
as always.

It is I who have
always served her.

You will both wait...

to dress me
for my travels.

I will wear--

I want to be
as Antony first saw me.

- The dress of gold.
- He must know at once,

even from a great distance,

that it is I.

This will be
the last thing you do.

Drop this to one
of the guards outside for Octavian.

But be sure to wait.

Now let me see if the figs
are as they should be.

The taste of these,
they say, is sharp...

and swiftly over.

How strangely awake I feel,

as if living had been
just a long dream.

Someone else's dream,

now finished at last.

But now...

will begin...

a dream of my own...

which will never end.

Antony.

Antony, wait.

From the Egyptian queen, my lord.
A message for Caesar.

Read it, Agrippa.
Whatever she wants will be granted
upon her arrival in Rome.

We will discuss it
as she walks beside my chariot.

What is it ?

"My one wish, which I
implore you to grant,

is to be buried
at the side of Antony...

and to remain there
until all things end."

Was this well done
of your lady ?

Extremely well,

as be fitting...

the last
of so many noble...

rulers.

And the Roman asked,

"Was this well done
of your lady?"

And the servant answered,

"Extremely well,

as be fitting
the last of so many noble...

rulers."