Original subtitles

you

you

Thank you.

Shabbat Shalom

All right, boys.

Let's eat, huh?

I've been thinking.

If you don't want to, you don't need to go back to the Collegium.

Anthony's orders don't stand now, do they?

Your orders haven't been rescinded.

There's naught there but thieves and cutthroats. There's no life for

children.

Then where?

Where can they find respect and dignity now?

Where can they live without contempt?

Take them any place but there.

Go far away.

Who's to know?

Lie, you men.

Live dishonestly.

Well, there's lies and there's lies, innit?

What's this, then?

By whose authority

do you block the road?

By authority of Gaius Octavian Caesar.

Go hold your horse, we'll get you.

Not yet.

Can't run off without any money.

Octavian's brought his army to Rome. Put up camp yesterday on the field of Mars.

15,000 men.

The boy's a bit aggressive, isn't he?

My boy gave your man a whipping.

Expect he knows what he's doing.

My dear boy, you are a hero of the Republic.

Caesar himself could not have conjured a finer victory.

I am Caesar himself, technically speaking.

Indeed.

On behalf of the Senate, we are deeply thankful.

Not quite thankful enough to give me the triumph I asked for. Now, there I'm

doing you a favour.

Mutina was a lovely victory, it's true.

But it was a victory over other Romans.

And, with all respect, Herschis and Panzer... Herschis and Panzer are dead.

May the gods feed them, honey.

They are dead.

But it is well known... that actual command of the battle was in their

hands. The purpose of a battle is to remain alive.

They did not.

I did.

Indeed.

Even so, the victory is not quite complete.

Mark Antony still lives. He still has men. We have had to send Marcus Lepidus

and two legions north.

Lepidus.

Sending your very best, then.

I have every confidence that Lepidus will succeed.

Then he may have a triumph, too, if he wants one.

The people would not look kindly on a triumph, not with your army at the walls

of the city.

A little unsavoury, perhaps.

Now, there.

There, he has a point.

How good of you to say so.

I bend to your wise counsel, then.

No triumph.

I wish you'll still find some fitting way to celebrate your glory.

Perhaps a temple to Caesar Victorious.

That sounds rather fine, doesn't it? If I cannot have a triumph, I was rather

thinking of taking the consul's chair.

You wish to be consul?

It's a vanity, I know.

But I think I deserve it.

And it would please my men.

You're 19.

You're too young to be senator.

Leave alone consul. My dear boy, you've been listening to bad advice.

You have no experience. You have no connections.

He has an army.

Well... I'll speak with the other senators.

We'll see if it's possible.

Though, if you were to be consul...

You must promise to be guided by my counsel.

It is an office of high complexity.

And I am well aware of my inexperience.

I will not utter a word without your advice, your consent.

Well, perhaps something can be done.

Bumptious young fool.

The consul's chair, indeed.

Yes, but you will give it to him. Oh, why not soothe his vanity? He can do no

harm. He will wear the purple as he wears armour, like a child playing at

grown-ups.

Come, Tyro.

I'm leaving now.

Are you sure you won't come with me?

Busy.

Mother.

He will come to me.

Make the first gesture and you will have the moral high ground.

I gave birth to the ingrate. He will come to me. You're delusional. He's not

coming. Thank you, daughter.

I really appreciate these little chats that we have in between your drug

binges.

I'll be going then.

Should I give him your love?

What should I tell him?

Tell him that he's still got all our money and we want it back Blow

on

it for luck

These are my daughters redeemed from slavery.

The eldest has been prostituted. The boy is my wife's child by another man. You

will treat them with respect and kindness.

And I will know the reason why.

Gets a good breeze from the river.

We'll have it swept and painted.

You like it?

Yes, Father.

We're all of us starting again together.

There'll be awkwardness at first, no doubt.

We're a family and we'll be together.

As it should be.

And we will not speak of the past.

Yes, Father.

Still eating like a horse, I see.

I don't know how you stay so skinny.

How dare you?

I'm not skinny.

I'm slender, maybe.

You're skinny.

I wonder how you don't blow away.

My armour holds me down.

Mother sent her love.

Does she?

She does.

She would have come with me, only she has the silly idea that you should come

to her.

She'll grow old alone, then? I know how you feel, but really and truly...

What would it hurt to let her have her way?

She is your mother.

Octavia, you were there.

You know what kind of a mother she is.

God's no, I have reason to hate as much as you do.

More, maybe.

Where does that lead you?

Who can you love if not your own mother?

She put her lover to beating me. You credit her with too much power.

Antony has a hold on her.

She's scared and lonely without him. She made a mistake.

I should have thought you at least would be on my side.

Mother, please.

Don't be like that. There are no sides.

I love you.

She loves you. You can't turn your back on family.

She put her lover to beating me.

Her sweat was on him.

So they had made love, so.

They are lovers.

Don't be so damn pious.

You've just thrown the family into ruinous debt.

For this?

So you can play at soldiers?

I might have beat you myself.

Clearly there's no point in further discussion then.

Please, don't be angry.

Come home.

Come home.

I don't intend to enter the city until the Senate has ratified me as consul.

I shall then live at Caesar's villa.

If Mother wishes to visit me there, no one will stop her.

Consul?

Why would you invite such trouble?

I don't expect you to concern yourself with such matters.

But in public, you will speak of me only with the utmost respect.

Is that clear? I would never say anything against you.

You're my brother.

Thank you for visiting, sister.

We'll see each other again soon.

When I'm less busy.

What a stupid arse you've become!

We've been hard-pressed since you left.

Shields up, leathers braced.

We've done well to hold our ground.

I hope I've done right by you.

You've done well, I've no doubt.

Thank you.

We're going as before.

Polo's second, you're third.

Third?

Whatever you say, Chief.

But I was thinking I'd be second.

Not now, woman! Can't you see we're talking business?

Anything else you'd like?

See if the children want anything.

Will do, boss.

Being captain all these long months, it's only justice, isn't it?

If it's justice, you're after brother. You're in the wrong place.

Polo is second. You're third.

When I die, Polo dies.

You move up. That's how it works.

I bet you're 50 gold in drachma.

It's not me that goes first.

Lucius Varinus.

Raise your head, lady. I'm harmless enough.

You're in a temple now?

The altar of Blessed Urbana.

Good.

Listen, I don't think you can take them away.

They're staying with me.

My goddess, you are returned.

Blessed or boner, I will fulfill my vow.

Come to bed, love.

What's wrong, Princess?

Why are you crying?

Tell me.

It's something I've done, I expect.

Why do you leave me with these bad people?

They treated you all right, didn't they?

Name the one that didn't treat you right, and I'll see to it. It's not the

point. Why do you leave me here for Vorenus?

He needed my help.

I couldn't let it lie.

The children.

Vorenus. Him you love.

Me, no.

No.

You, yes.

Him more.

No question.

If both of you were drowning in the river, I'd save you first.

No question.

Swear.

I swear.

You're half his weight.

Half?

Half his weight.

Not so heavy. Easier to say.

Never mind.

Nothing.

Forgive me.

Forgive me.

I've been wicked and cruel, but beat me, kill me, do what you want, but just

please, please forgive me.

Mother, please. I spit on that pig, Anthony, for leading me astray.

I've been a terrible mother, but I can change it, and I will change it if you

just give me a chance.

Darling, only son.

God's be my witness.

I'm so sorry.

I'm so sorry.

I forgive you.

Oh, thank you.

Thank you.

Look who's here, daughter.

Our beloved Octavian has blessed us with his forgiveness.

Welcome home, brother.

Father Janice, I ask you to cleanse these children of the dark spirits

that have found them.

Thank you for bringing my family back to me.

I swear to you that from this day, I renounce darkness and I will walk in the

path of light.

Lepidus.

My old friend.

How are you?

I've seen better days.

Off you go, boys.

I don't think General Lepidus has any ill designs on me.

Do you?

Not under present circumstances.

Come on.

My men deserted to your side with amazing alacrity.

Not a single blow struck, yet my camp is empty.

Amazing.

Yes, I really must write to Cicero and the Senate. It's remarkably generous of

them to give me so many fresh troops.

I confess I had no idea how popular you are with the rank and file.

Soldiers like a little spit and dirt in their leaders.

You were too noble for them, perhaps. Too aristocratic.

But maybe so.

So, what to do now?

Strictly speaking, of course, I should kill you.

I really don't wish to be punitive.

But on the other hand, I can't really let you go either, so... What to do?

What to do?

Oh.

Would you be willing to act as my second-in-command?

Do me.

That's very generous of you.

I, uh...

Yes or no?

Well, I... I can't really say no.

Can I?

No.

You can't.

I swear to you, four nipples.

How is married life, Pullo?

Well enough.

Women, eh?

It's a strange, awkward arrangement to be thrust up and bound against another,

so...

But it seems to be the natural state of man and woman. Must be right and good.

No doubt.

Listen to me.

Lamb lecturing a lion.

Any plans to wed, then?

I'm thinking about it.

Ah.

So, Varinus and his family are back in Rome?

Yes.

My friend asks you to understand that he remains on the loyal oath to the man up

north. Huh.

But he will do what's best for the city.

He acknowledges that you're legal custodian of the Republic.

And will keep the peace the same as before.

You tell your friend I'm grateful.

But I hear there is a deal of violence again between the Collegia.

No trouble.

We may need to bang a few heads together.

Maybe.

Whatever needs to be done.

A period of calm is essential.

We understand, but... My friend won't answer for the future.

If him up north were to come back with full armor on... We shall hope for the

best.

Well done, by the way.

All this.

Thank you, Pullo.

What an auspicious day!

Many gave their lives that we might stand here once again united in the

government of a lawful republic.

And how fitting that we welcome this new beginning by swearing in the youngest

consul.

In the history of Rome, Gaius, Octavian,

Caesar.

Esteemed senators.

I take this first moment before you not to glorify myself, but to honor my

father.

In his honor, I declare that my term as consul shall usher in a new era, an era

of moral virtue, of dignity.

The debauchery and chaos we have had to endure will now end.

Rome shall be again as she once was.

a proud republic of virtuous women and honest men.

I speak to you now, not as a soldier or citizen,

but as a grieving son.

As my first act in this reborn republic, and in honor of my father, I propose a

motion to declare Brutus and Cassius

murderers, and enemies of the state.

My dear boy, this is not what we agreed.

It is not.

Nevertheless, here we are.

Brutus and Cassius still have many friends. You will split the... The unity

of the Republic.

Step away from my chair.

My father died on this floor.

stabbed twenty-seven times, butchered by men he called his friends.

Who will tell me that is not murder? Who will tell my legions, who love Caesar as

I do, that that is not murder?

Who will speak against the motion?

Some willow tea, perhaps?

Henblade, more like.

I've been outmaneuvered by a child.

To the country, then.

Some fresh air and sleep will do you good.

Take a letter.

To Marcus Junius Brutus and Gaius Cassius Longinus.

Dominus.

If Octavian hears that you're in communication with Brutus... Don't talk.

Right.

Heroes of the Republic.

Greetings.

Children?

Father?

Are you all well?

We are?

Broken, is it?

No problem.

No trouble.

I'll fix it.

Easy mend.

I've been very busy since we've been back. We've not spent enough time

together.

I thought maybe sometime soon we could spend the day together.

In the country.

Would you like that?

If you like.

Good.

We'll do that.

We'll do that.

Want anything from the kitchen before I lock up?

No.

It's good to have you back.

Ever seen a real one?

What's that?

An elephant.

Yes, a few.

Are they as big as they say?

They're big.

No wheels, though.

You can have me if you like.

Or I can go.

Stay.

You can go now.

Go?

There's some coin on the table. Take half.

Fuck you.

You haven't seen how much is there yet.

I'm not a whore.

No? Then why are you here?

I thought you liked me.

You like me too, I suppose.

Something like that.

happy couple we'd make. Take the money.

Fuck you.

I told you.

I'm not a whore.

Hey!

Take the money.

Mycenaeus, I'm going.

What?

I'm going.

Already?

I'm tired.

No, no, no, no, no, no, no. Stay.

It gets so much better.

We are seconds to the console now.

We should not be in such places.

Don't be so fucking pious. What's the point of being seconds to the console if

you can't have some fun?

What?

Never mind. Go if you like.

I can't hear you.

Go if you like.

I'm going.

I say, are the walls melting?

I don't think so.

They are, you know.

They are melting.

We should all die.

Octavia?

Have her washed and put to bed as quietly as possible.

Wait.

Good evening, madam.

You'll excuse me if I hurry away.

Exactly what are you doing with my daughter in the middle of the night?

He abducted me.

Oh? I was at a

perfectly nice party with Jocasta, and this impudent brute

abducted me.

And brought you home to mother.

It's a strange abduction.

Where was she?

Octavia, you had best tell her the truth.

I was at an orgy, Mother.

It was an orgy. Early stages.

Early stages of an orgy.

The Bacchic rituals had not yet begun.

You stupid, drunken slut.

Really, there's no need for... It's that bitch Jocasta's fault. She's the one

that's led you astray.

So, I was at an orgy. Who cares?

What do you think your brother will do if he finds out? I pull a hair for what

my brother will do. Oh, really?

Whilst he's at the forum preaching piety and virtue to the plebs, you're sucking

slave cock at an orgy.

How do you think that looks?

He'll banish you at the very least. No, he won't.

And I suck no slave cock.

I hadn't got to that part.

Banished. Gone. And me with you to some filthy Greek island.

Don't you dare say a word to anyone about this.

Never. Of course.

What do you mean, of course?

Why wouldn't you run and tell your lord and master?

Because... I wouldn't.

Why not?

Tell me.

Because... Because I love her.

You only say that because you don't know me.

No.

No, I know you very well.

You are kind.

And full-hearted and beautiful.

And I would tear down the sky for you if you asked me to.

Well...

If

you ever speak to her again like that in my presence, I shall... I shall be very

angry.

Brother, what's afoot? Letter from Cicero. Boy Octavian has forced the

Senate to declare us murderers and enemies of the Republic.

That's an outrage. That's a crime. No, it's a terrible blunder.

Look, Octavian was set fair to unite both Senate and people behind him. Now,

now, the Senate fears they have created another tyrant.

Cicero begs us to return as soon as we can. Begs us to save the Republic.

Scribe!

So Octavian has only the four legions, no?

Antony's seven.

That's the beauty of it.

Antony and Octavian hate each other far more than they hate us.

Soon enough, they must fight each other for supremacy.

We need only wait, mop up the survivors.

Scribe!

This, this is what we've been waiting for. There you are.

Take a letter.

To Cicero.

Bacchus. Bacchus.

So, you're back.

Find your children, huh?

I did.

They were slaves, I hear.

They were.

I'm happy for you.

Nothing more important than family.

That's true. That's why I've come to see you.

I don't want my children to live in fear. I want us to make peace.

Peace?

The new consul demands it.

Oh, I spoke to him, did you?

He and Pullo are old friends.

What do you mean?

It's all right, brother.

Cutter here means no offence to you, Cutter.

It's bloodshed. It's bad for business. It's bad for the city.

Bloodshed started by you.

I'll not deny it. I was angry, but now I'm calm.

I can see clear. I can see that we've all suffered enough.

You met me. How many men you lost?

A few.

You caught her. How many?

Not as many as you.

All good men, wives and children gone. And for what? All we've given is

strength to our enemies.

With peace amongst us three, Acerbo and the lower Collegia will have to kiss our

feet as they once did.

What terms do you suggest?

Your two Collegia will have the Argosy docks. You can divide them between you

as you wish.

We keep the Ostians.

The Ostians want to come with us. Nevertheless, they stay with the

Aventine. But you can have a taste. Let's say...

Five percent each

That'll

make you happy

Peace

then

They'll think we've gone soft. Let them. We need time to regain our strength.

While they're fighting over the spoils of the Argosy, we'll be recruiting men

and restoring order.

It's gone soft.

Maybe,

maybe not. We'll see.

How about the Argosy, then?

We'll split half and half, eh?

Bollocks, we will.

You can do it.

Oh,

the children.

The children, what are you doing here? We've run away.

Run away?

Why?

We can't stay with that evil man.

He is your father.

He killed Mama.

He cursed us to slavery and disgrace. I understand it's a hard thing to bear,

but it is as it must be. I hate him.

And for hatred, you lead your brother and sister unprotected into the street.

I will take care of them. We've got enough money. The first thief that

crosses your path will have that, and then what?

You're alone in the world. How will you live?

By stealing?

By whoring?

If I have to.

And your sister, when she turns woman, shall she be a whore also?

Your brother a catamite.

Where will you run?

For Remus will not find you. You're all he has left.

He'll not rest until he has you back.

You must stay with your father.

And while you live under his roof, you may carry your hatred like a stone

inside you.

But you mustn't ever let him see it.

Ever.

You must be an obedient daughter.

Kneel to him.

Tell him you love him. Never. Your mother wants you to live.

Believe me, this is your only chance.

Their only chance.

It's what your mother would have wanted.

He will know I'm lying. No.

Your love and forgiveness is all he wants.

You will thank the gods for redeeming him.

Would you care for a glass of wine?

Thank you. No, this is not a social call.

I will not prevaricate.

As leader of the Senate, I must ask.

Rather, I must formally demand that you surrender command of your legions. You

are speaking to a consul of Rome.

Give up my army?

And why would I do that? The Senate feels that you have used your legions in

a coercive manner against them. They're inclined to resent it.

I'm sorry, they feel so.

But with all respect, their resentment has no teeth.

What will happen if I do not do as they say?

Perhaps they will throw their sandals at you.

Word comes from the east.

Brutus and Cassius are returning to us.

They bring with them twenty legions.

How many legions do you have?

Four, is it?

I have no notion of their intentions, of course. But I suspect they're displeased

to be named murderers and enemies of the state.

They were named so because they are so.

Be that as it may.

If you were to disarm yourself, I might persuade Brutus to treat you leniently

on account of your youth and inexperience.

Let us not contemplate the alternative.

A war between you and Brutus would be short.

And bloody.

And not to your advantage.

Twenty legions, eh?

He exaggerates the number, I expect.

Half that number would be enough to crush the men we have.

It will be some months before they arrive.

We could raise more legions in the meantime.

Fresh men.

On train, there'd only be so many more mouths to feed.

Sir?

What's to be done then? I don't know.

I don't know.

Hello, boys.

Why so glum? Has someone died?

Brutus, my dear son, I hear today that you're returning to us.

I give thanks to the gods and pray for your success.

I enclose your father's ring.

that his father gave him.

He always used to say it was made of gold from the crown of the last king.

Your father liked a good story, so I don't know if that's true, but it is

nice to think so.

I hand it on to you with all love and respect.

We wait until the roads are dry and then march south through Arretium and on to

Rome.

That is clearly the best plan of action.

You object, Lepidus?

Not at all.

Sounds eminently feasible.

A touch aggressive, perhaps.

General Anthony, sir.

I'm not sure about beard.

What on earth did you manage to get here?

All alone.

I'm not alone.

A cow can't have three bulls.

I hear it's not funny.

Smells delicious.

Thank you, Father. I hope you like it.

Family.

Family.