Original subtitles

Bye.

So.

Thank you.

What's wrong, Mother?

Ruined. Ruined!

That idiot has ruined us all!

We shall have to leave Rome!

Caesar hath crossed the Rubicon, and on Italian soil under arms. It's an act of

gross treason.

And with a single legion, if you please.

So not merely treason, but suicidal treason.

Will that be all, Domino?

Have you heard?

Strange. A foolish thing to do.

One legion.

I wonder what he's thinking.

I remember back when I destroyed the Illyrian pirates, there was one

particular old sea snake, a Liburnian, if I recall. Never mind the Illyrian

pirates. What is to be done?

I've already given word.

My legions are gathering.

And you'll crush him, eh?

Without question.

Poor man is dead.

You are to take our Ubyan cavalry and scout all roads and defensive strong

points between here and the city. Advance until resistance is met. If and

when civilians are encountered, deliver the enclosed proclamation.

If you encounter no resistance, go directly to the forum and nail it to the

Senate door.

Sir, there will be no Rappang pillage or burning.

Any questions?

None, sir.

That'll be all.

What makes your man Varinus so morose? Stone-walled Chthonian.

Thinks we've committed a terrible crime.

Mighty sacrilege.

And shall be severely punished by the gods.

He may be right. It's a crime if we lose.

If we win, it isn't. I'm merely pursuing my legitimate rights, Anthony. Of

course. You think we can trust him?

Who? Lucius Varinus. Oh.

Deep 13th, him.

He'd follow the eagle up Pluto's arse.

I had to see my son.

We've seen him. Now go.

And stay away.

Help me, Nyby.

I'm going insane.

You can't forsake me.

I do.

I won't give up. Don't think I will.

You loved me once.

You'll love me again.

I never loved you.

Lie to yourself if you want, but don't lie to me. Stay away.

You know you'll never see us but now.

You know that, eh? Him and all the rest of them are doomed.

You don't know that.

Everybody knows that.

That may be that I made a vow.

Go.

Go.

I swear to death if you don't go.

It's all right. Keep going.

Go.

You promised you would never see him again.

I didn't want him here. I told him to go.

It didn't look like that.

You could tell Papa the truth. It's not your fault if you and I spoke to him.

Never. You have sworn. I thought he was dead. Papa will understand.

You often say that you're adept with women.

No idol boasts neither.

There are girls from Naba to Thebes that scream my name by night. I have no need

of your coital expertise.

My question more concerns their... affections.

I'm your man for that, to boot.

My wife, she... You heard what she says. She hates me.

What's your question?

How do I stop her from hating me, obviously?

It's not obvious.

I thought you were making her hate you of a purpose.

That was not my intent at all. Why would I do that? Well, I don't know.

You're the clever one, you. There might have been a thousand reasons.

I love her.

I require that she love me also, else I'm merely her slave, and I cannot

tolerate that.

Well, what care you what she feels for you if we're all gonna die this week or

next? And so we are, but who will honor my name when I'm gone?

Who will pay proserpina and pluto for my keep? Who will pour wine upon my grave?

If it comes to that, I shall do the honors.

It's the least I could do.

Thank you.

But it's not the same thing.

Besides, you'll be dead too.

I'm planning on having a small party this evening. I'll need you to...

You're wearing perfume.

Just a dab.

It's horrid.

Horseshit suits you much better.

Now, I need you to get more men to stand guard outside to greet my guests when

they arrive.

A party?

Is that wise, given how things are?

Perfume advice?

Whatever next?

I'm just saying Pompey's mob is out for blood.

It's best to lay low. Lay low?

I'm not a lizard. I will not be intimidated.

As you like.

Cost you extra, though. You've been paid quite adequately already.

More men cost more.

I will tell Castor to speak with you. I don't want more money. Well, what do you

want, then?

You know what I want.

Something like that.

Don't forget your place.

My place is with my family.

Say the word, and I'll go to them.

Do your job to my satisfaction.

See that you're properly rewarded.

Thank you, Domina.

Pompey's out, riders.

His legions won't be far behind.

Us and the rest of the 13th will be on crossings by market day. Thank the gods,

my father didn't live to see his son die a traitor. Best to die now, then, eh?

Come on. Wait.

We're not here to fight.

Advance until resistance is met. That is our orders. That is what we do.

Well, why not?

The boys are ready, aren't you, boys?

Let's have a go.

Come on.

No fight!

No! No fight now!

Damn idiot!

Caesar's scouts are only 30 miles from Rome.

30 miles?

His speed is uncanny.

Of course, he has only a very few men, which makes a fast pace easier.

He's not leading an army so much as an armed gang.

It is all highly irregular, unethical even. Gods, it is not even the war

season. Surely he does not think to attack Rome directly.

I think that is exactly what he will do. How can he hope to succeed?

The problem is, at this moment, we have only three legions in arms for the

defense of the city. Surely three is more than enough. Normally that would be

true, but most of the men are raw recruits like those who fled from the

scouts. The rest are veterans of Gaul, Caesar's men, not reliant.

Rome is undefended. My legions are mustering as swiftly as possible.

But it will take at least four days.

to assemble a force capable of defending the city.

Caesar is two days away.

You touch it with a needle. What do we do now, then?

We must make a tactical retreat to the south. A tactical retreat, mind you.

Leave the city?

Juno's country, you unmad!

You cannot speak to me in that tone. My friends, let us cleave to the matter at

hand. Is there no alternative to retreat, then? None. We shall withdraw

to Corfinium and rally my legions there.

Once they are gathered and in good order, we will simply retake the city.

Caesar has no hope of reinforcement until spring.

The towns of Italy will close their gates to him. We will have...

an unassailable advantage in men and resources.

So, in fact, this is not a humiliating defeat at all, but a rare species of

victory. Calm yourself, Cato.

You lack understanding of things military, else you would see that my

actions have been perfectly correct at all times.

You've lost Rome without unsheathing your sword.

You have lost Rome!

It's intolerable.

If Timon and his men weren't here, they'd be burning down the house.

They're not that energetic.

This suicidal rebellion has turned everyone against us. I swear, if Caesar

were here now, I would stab him in the neck.

He's ruined us. I'm not so sure of that.

I think Pompey's position is deceptively weak.

Think, think, think. That's all you do, you silly boy.

All our friends have abandoned us.

Cowards that they are. We, Julia, are lepers now.

Let us not exaggerate.

Not all your friends have deserted you.

And that will be remembered.

You're good, loyal people.

It is very tempting to abandon Caesar.

But to do so now?

Well, that would look like we were mere slaves to fashion.

You're staying to protect the house, but don't think for a moment that your

master and I will not return.

We'll be back by the callons at the latest.

And when I do return... Those of you I find have not done their utmost duty

will pay with their lives.

General, your escort is ready.

Gnaeus? Ah.

Durial?

Is the escort ready?

Ready, sir.

Away then.

Husband, the treasury.

Yes, of course.

Durial, you must secure as much of the treasury gold as possible.

Take a detachment and open up the captive land vaults.

There's not much time, so do what you can.

Let's pretend we're Odysseus and his friends, creeping out of the Cyclops'

cave.

We're as quiet as little mice, all right?

Sorry about all this.

Do not say so.

I don't mind a little excitement.

All will be well, I assure you.

I have no doubt.

Let's away.

And remember, no sound.

Here's a mercy.

Instead of living out our lives in shame and disgrace, we are to be raped and

beaten and torn limb from limb by a raving mob.

These brutes will not let you pass, I think.

You may stay the night if you want.

We would be delighted, thank you.

Wait, wait, wrong way.

The Appian Gate is to the right.

We're not going to the Appian.

What?

Of course, your best method for pleasing a woman is the warm beating heart of an

enemy. I mean, women will say they don't like it, but they do.

Makes them wet as October.

That doesn't answer.

Well, failing that, talk to her.

Talk?

Of what?

It doesn't matter.

It's all about the tone of the voice.

Pretend you're putting a saddle on a skittish horse.

There, honey.

Shh. Come now. You know, that sort of thing.

And that's all?

What else?

Oh, tell her she's beautiful all the time.

Tell her she's beautiful every time you see her, even when she's not.

And what else?

Oh, aye.

Also, very important, when you couple with her, there's a spot just above her

cunny. It's like a little button.

Now, attend to that button, and she will open up like a flower.

How do you know this of her?

All women have them.

Ask anyone.

But if she cannot and I am taken alive, then you must kill me.

And then you must kill yourself.

Your survival would be inappropriate.

I would not think of living, Domna.

Octavian, who would you prefer kills you?

I'm old enough to take care of myself.

Oh, that's my little grave, little man.

Sevella, can my people be of any assistance to you?

Thank you, but I'm sure we can manage by ourselves somehow.

Very well.

Mother, I would rather it were not you killed me.

If you have no objection.

If I'm not, you can't still be angry with me.

Is that an order?

I feel like you have never listened to any... The Cerberus is howling for us,

and still you plague me with your ridiculous feelings. If you had only let

Glabius and I were married, I wouldn't... Oh, always Glabius.

I spit on Glabius.

I piss on the rest. Oh, that's right, Mother. Die as you have lived, poison

brimming in your throat. Listen! I'll not argue with you.

Caster, be sure to cut Octavia's throat before you cut mine. Please, Caster, let

Mother do it. I won't deny her one last pleasure. It would be un-daughterly.

Listen!

Consul Dias Pompey Magnus has left the city. He commands all noblemen

and knights to do likewise.

Those that remain will be considered enemies of Rome.

You heard them?

Don't know what good that will do.

Anyone wants to get in, they'll get in.

Give us a hand, will you?

So your man will be back after all, looks like.

He looks like.

You don't sound too happy about it. Yes, I'm happy he's my husband.

If you say so.

I'm sorry.

I was just talking.

I talk too much.

I don't know, Rissa.

I try my best to love him, I do.

I don't know whether I want him to come back.

I would not credit it if I had not seen it myself.

Pompey's men deserting the city, deserting Rome. Half the Senate a horse.

Comical sight, no doubt.

Gods, we are in a damned...

Awkward position.

If we stay, we are declaring for Caesar, for rebellion.

And if we go, we... We are with Pompey and the Senate. There is no middle

ground. So what is the answer?

Caesar is our dearest friend, but what he is doing is... I

do not know.

You must decide.

Pompey, then. We must go with Pompey. The Republic is more important than any

friendship. Do you agree?

It's your decision.

Pompey, then.

Pompey, then.

We have no time to lose. Tell your women to be ready to leave as soon as

possible.

I'm not leaving.

What do you mean?

I've waited eight years for Caesar.

I cannot leave now.

You cannot stay.

Not if I go.

Of course I can stay.

I can do as I wish. Mother, all who stay are enemies of Rome.

Pompey has declared it. Caesar might prevail.

Yes, he might rule Rome for a week, a month, a year even. But then some other

ambitious man will kill him and take his place, and you then will be the mistress

of a dead tyrant. Mother, we know what happens to them.

That is for the gods to decide. I cannot help loving him.

Au revoir, Mother!

You are blinded by untapped lust. Now get you a good big sirenia at the market

and have done with it.

You'd better go.

Don't be angry with me.

We may be parted for a long time.

Goodbye, Mother.

Your

daughter

left.

When? Just now. I put a boy to following her.

Don't put a stop to this nonsense.

Fetch your men.

Now.

Why

have

you not left the city?

I could not leave without seeing you. But it's not safe for you. Everyone

knows you're with Pompey. Don't fret.

I'll be gone by sunrise.

That's all I have. Thank you.

But this is not a robbery.

I'll give you a moment.

If there are gods you'd like to speak to.

One favor.

Let my men live.

Sorry.

It's orders.

Give me your sword.

What are they?

Stars. Stars?

They're holes in the celestial spheres.

Holes through which the light of the heavens shine.

How big are these holes?

They're big.

They only seem small to us because they're hundreds of miles away.

Big enough for a man to climb through?

I suppose.

A man would never be able to get up there in the first place.

I don't see why not.

How? He could hold on to a giant bird.

It doesn't work like that. Why not?

It's philosophy.

Hard to explain.

Really, Numa, that's quite unnecessary.

I beg you, stand.

There should be no formality here, not between old friends like us.

A thousand gratitudes had here.

We humbly seek the protection and friendship of your family.

Sadly, there are some people who say that I am of the Pompeian faction.

I am not.

All of Pompey's faction have long since fled.

You stay for fear your factories and storehouses will be looted.

I assure you that's not true.

Five thousand denarii. That

much?

Please, let us not be vulgar.

I'll make the arrangements immediately.

Where is your man, Durio?

He's long overdue now.

Durio is the best man I have. He won't fail.

If not, what then?

How do we pay the legions? How do we feed them?

Not the least idea. You fret like a woman, Cato.

Durio will return with more than enough gold to feed and pay the legions.

By any road, we'll be back in Rome before spring, so stop worrying.

Makes no sense.

We should have been stopped by now. Why is Rome not defended?

Our boys scared them off, eh?

Soldiers of the Republic do not run, so it must be a stratagem, a trick.

It's a good trick.

Unless the gods have abandoned Rome.

If Mars were watching, he would not allow such a disgrace.

Well, maybe he was having a crap and missed it. It's that sort of disrespect

that has led us to this sad pass.

If the gods are not respected, then why should they help us?

Still no troops.

They will have flanked us, I expect. Perhaps these drovers know something.

Salve,

citizens. Captain.

You come from the city?

We do.

And how goes it there?

You're Caesar's men.

We are.

Fortune spreads her legs for you.

Pompey has fled.

The city is yours.

Why would Pompey flee?

Well, you boys were too fast for him.

He couldn't raise his armies quick enough. Even his men are retreating

south, and the Senate with them.

See? Wrong for once.

Well, enjoy your victory, boys. How much do you want for the girl? Not for sale.

What's in the wagon?

Grain. Show us, soldier.

There's no soldiers here.

My mistake. You all wear the soldiers' boots, so I assumed you were soldiers.

But of course I'm wrong. But why would nine good soldiers be guarding a grain

wagon? I don't have to show you nothing.

My fidelity always domina.

I do not like to doubt you, Proculus, but it's an age since I've seen you at

my morning levee. Perhaps you've been unwell.

Goiters, is it?

Goiters, as you say.

Fat greedy men often find it so.

I shall kill her now that your good health continue.

What trade is this?

Bringing corpses to honest doors? Take it away!

See what you have done!

The city's unguarded.

It's true, then.

The Republic has fallen.

Yet the sky is still above us and the earth still below.

Strange. If gods are in no hurry, they will take their time in tormenting us.

Let's go back and see what's in that wagon. Untie that girl. Not our concern.

We follow orders. Advance until resistance is met. But that poor girl...

You will do your duty.

You are a mean bastard. That's your problem. You've no love in you.

You can talk sweet as you like to Nyby. It won't do you any good. She won't

believe a word.

Oh, it was not a dream then.

Clebius is dead.

He is.

I'm sorry.

Why do you look at me like

that? Like what?

As if I... Did you?

You asked me that question. Did you?

I did not.

Well, I'm told you that you would harbour such a horrible notion. Look at

me.

Daughter, I swear on the masks of all my ancestors that I had nothing,

nothing to do with the killing of Glavius.

Who do you think did it, Mother?

The streets are full of corpses. It could have been anyone.

These are the words of Gaius Julius Caesar, direct descendant of Venus,

proconsul of Gaul, glorious imperator of the northern legions.

Citizens, I have returned to Italy with the sole intention of claiming my legal

and moral rights.

I have no desire for unlawful powers.

I will name no man an enemy who does not so declare himself.

Even so... The property of those enemies will not be appropriated, and their

person will remain inviolate as long as their opposition be peaceful.

Moreover, to any man that has taken arms against me and now regrets it, I gladly

offer total amnesty.

However, those that continue to use violence to oppose my legal rights, they

shall receive that which they seek to give.

Under the auspices of Jupiter Capitalinus, these are the words of

Gaius Julius Caesar.

What are you doing? I've done my duty and I have sinned enough. I resign.

That's desertion.

I'm a traitor and a rebel.

Why not a deserter as well?

You can't just leave the 13th.

Goodbye, Pullo.

To Venus, the birth giver, I make this sacrifice.

I am Lucius of the Varenian clan, tribe of Stelatina, formerly 1st Spear

Centurion to the prime cohort of the 13th Legion.

I have a wife.

Her name is Niobe.

Venus, let her love me as I love her.

I give my blood to make it so.

Sorry,

I didn't mean to scare you.

I've come to see that it may be through ignorance that I have not treated you as

I should, as I should treat you. Please don't. When we married, you had only 13

summers. Soon enough, I was gone.

But now you're a woman.

And I know nothing of women.

Soldiering is all I know.

Which is not useful.

I've been sullen and untrusting and cold.

But I'm not made of stone.

I can change.

I swear on the life of my daughter's son that I will change if you would have it

so.

Please speak if you would not have it so and I will leave without rancour.

It is I have done wrong.

How so?

The past is gone.

We start again.

I applaud you.

You're about to enter Rome as a blood-stained conqueror, and yet you

look as calm as a cup of water.

I'm glad I appear so.

Dracus! Something more cheerful.

Thank you.

Thank you.