Rome (2005–2007): Season 1, Episode 11 - The Spoils - full transcript

The Spoils

* They're spolia opima (or "best spoils/trophies"), that's to say the arms and other effects that belong to an enemy general killed by the Roman general in a single combat.

- Hurry up, girls. - Nearly ready.

You have too much metal on you.

It's not so much.

I'm a magistrate, not king of Asia.

Give one to your sister.

Give one to your sister !

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

We're going to be late.

Patron*, I kiss you.



* A patron is usually a patrician but not always (cf. Vorenus) who takes clients (such as freedmen, businessmen, artists). These ones are under his influence but he provides them with advice, money, business opportunities, and even represent them in court. The clients will help by working on his patron's political campaigns, appearing with his patron in public as part of a group of faithful retainers, or using their specialized skills or training to enhance their patron's status.

Mabinio, you honor me. What do you want ?

I...

Well, I'll go straight at it then.

My piss pots were all broken this past nine day.

Soldiers, naming no legions,

Thought it funny to tip them out over the heads of honest citizens.

Now now, who's to say it were soldiers ?

Might have been gladiators, simulating.

I know soldiers when I see them...

Not as I'm prejudiced.

Most soldiers are good men like yourself.

But there's a lot of a foreign element these days...

- It won't happen again. - I should hope not.



Roman citizens that need and deserve respect

are getting drenched in piss instead !

There's not a drop left !

How am I to make cloth* without piss ?

* Urine is used as bleaching agent for cleaning clothes (and even as teeth whitener). So urine is sold to fullers who tread clothes with their feet. No need to say that this unpleasant work is done by slaves.

- How am I supposed to make... - It won't happen again.

Thank you, patron.

Minerva* keep you.

* Goddess of crafts and wisdom (see the Greek Athena).

Brother Mascius.

Brother Vorenus.

Big man now, eh ?

You're not so small.

These Roman bitches.

I've done nothing but fuck and eat and fuck since I got here.

We're not under goatskin* now, brother.

* Vêtement préféré des soldats romains en campagne.

No disrespect to your women, huh ?

I am pleased to speak with you more, Mascius,

But I must see to my clients first.

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

Of course, of course.

Excuse my crude soldier's ways.

What brings you here, Mascius ?

Just seeing how you do...

Which is good, looks like.

But where's that old Titus Pullo ?

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

Gerrae* !

* Bullshit !

You and Pullo were like Castor* and Pollux*.

* Twin brothers, sons of Zeus (Jupiter), brothers of Helen (of Troy) and Clytemnestra. They're called "Dioscuri" (means "sons of Zeus").

Pullo's dead to me.

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

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

Good good.

I'll not lie,

your brothers are unhappy, very unhappy.

They feel the old chief's forgot who brung him here.

They cannot have more coin. There is an agreement.

There is, there is.

And it's adequate coin.

Got his picture on it now I see.

A coiner may depict what he likes.

Fact is, our brothers need more than just money

if they're to lead honorable and peaceful lives.

Money runs out one day, then what do they do ?

What ?

They need to take up a trade maybe ?

It's unlikely. What are they to do ?

Do not pose questions at me, brother. Speak directly.

We want land in Italy.

Caesar will give all veterans land when he can

as he promised he would, but not in Italy.

Caesar gave you land in Italy.

I am a magistrate, and he must have an income.

But I am one man, not legions.

Must be lovely.

I haven't seen it yet. I'm too busy.

Of course. Busy busy.

- We don't want to be unreasonable... - Then don't be.

We have an agreement.

Talk it over with your man.

- Mars* and Bellona* keep you. - And you.

* God and goddess of the war (the name "Bellona" comes from Latin "bellum", "war").

Cave*, chief.

* Beware

Salve, Pullo.

How goes it ?

Want some mouse* ?

* I hear "mouse" but it's more likely "dormouse". The famous cook Apicius (Ist century B.C.) considers them like a sophisticated course. Dormouses were put in big wine-jar called "dolia". They were fed with chesnuts and walnuts to get fat, then roasted with honey.

You should. They do 'em savory here.

Best mouse in the city.

So... do you have some work for me ?

Always somebody needs mortality.

Give me a name.

Trouble is, my honey, you want discretion.

This last job ?

You ran that poor scurra* up and down the Aventine like...

* scurra = jester, buffoon.

Justice chasing chickens.

Might as well have done it in the forum.

- I'll go quiet nextime. - I don't know.

I've my reputation to think of.

People come to me for their mortality work

because they know my men are reliable.

That's right. Reliable men.

I'll be quiet as death next time.

Come back tomorrow, same time.

Urbo will take you to your man.

Give me some money on spec.

Not here.

This is a respectable place for decent citizens.

What would they have me do ?

I cannot make farmland.

Certainly you can. It's called eviction.

- And who shall I evict ? - Your enemies.

Enemies ? I have enemies still ?

Strange to say.

I shall make friends of them in time.

And make enemies of your veterans...

Unless something is done.

Is it possible they turn on me ?

They would never fight against you,

but if they're not satisfied

they will turn to banditry and raiding.

In your name. Not good.

Tell Mascius

I respect his honesty.

Tell him my veterans are as sons to me,

and to all loyal veterans I shall give good lands in...

Pannonia*. Good fertile bottomlands.

* Nowadays, Hungary.

- Pannonia ? - Speak freely.

It's hard country, Pannonia, and far away.

Mascius will refuse it.

Does Mascius have the men's full trust ?

Can he sway them either way ?

He can sway the 10th men, and what the 10th men do

will sway other legions.

Make him a personal offer then.

- To what limit ? - You be judge of that.

Magistrate Vorenus...

My niece is holding a symposium next market day*

* That is to say on the nones of each month (usually the 5th day, the 7th in March, May, July and October).

and I should like you and your wife to come as my guests.

We are honored, sir.

You look troubled.

My wife and I are simple people, sir.

No matter. You shall get used to good society.

How is it ?

Much more comfortable.

I don't think my back could take another of Cicero's eulogies.

No, he praises you so long and high,

one might think he was being sincere.

- Salve, magistrate. - Salve, citizen.

My husband is home.

It was so good of you to visit.

Not at all, I'm sure.

Please come again. I'd be so happy to receive you.

Thank you.

Desist that now.

Receive us, she says.

- I would... - Ladies.

Magistrate, sir.

- Husband... - What are these now ?

Leased, and at very good rates too.

And don't they look impressive ?

Put some more cloth on úem.

You look tired.

Why don't you lie down ?

I wish I could.

"By claim of the Senate and people,

our beloved father, Gaius Julius Caesar,

has been declared dictator for life*.

* This charge is supposed to be no longer than six months.

Furthermore, the fifth month is

henceforth name July* in his honor."

* It was Quinctilis before ("The Fifth").

Erase that.

Cassius.

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

Don't worry about those scribbles.

King Caesar knows you're his loyal friend.

I'm not worried about that.

No, it's just... Do I truly look like that ?

It's near.

Well, how tragic.

But an image cannot catch your vim,

your noble vitality.

I speak only what's true.

You have that grace in action they say your noble ancestor* had.

* Lucius Junius Brutus is the founder of the Roman Republic after hunting down the Tarquinii in 509 B.C.

That's why plebs put you on the walls.

- They see him in you. - They see my wretched name, that's all.

Simpletons. Let us speak of something else.

There's weight in names, isn't there ?

You may call a cat a fish, but it will not swim.

The plebs love liberty. In your name they...

They would not pluck a hair for liberty.

Plebs like to see their betters fight.

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

Come, come here with me.

Look now.

Look at that.

It is a chair. What of it ?

Chair ? It's a throne !

I believe thrones are generally more decorative.

That is decidedly plain and chairlike.

Are you blind ?

Do not become hysterical.

Your mother said you were a coward. I begin to believe her.

My mother is very unhappy.

Forgive me. I spoke in anger.

I am no coward, nor am I blind.

I know what Caesar is.

I can see.

But I have pledged myself his friend...

No, I am his friend.

So for friendship

you would let the republic die ?

I am just a man.

The life or death of the republic

is not in my hands !

You are precisely wrong.

The republic is in your hands.

The people will not accept a tyrant's death

unless a Brutus holds the knife.

Now you have gone too far.

He has to die.

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

He has to die.

Wait, friend.

Wait !

How's that Gaulish cunny then ?

Greasy I bet.

Don't talk unless I tell you.

There, in the middle. Aufidius.

Murderer ! Murderer !

Murderer !

Murderer ! Murderer !

Murderer ! Murderer !

He killed Aufidius !

Murderer ! He killed Aufidius !

Aufidius.

He killed Aufidius !

Murderer !

Murderer ! He killed Aufidius !

Murderer ! Murderer !

Pannonia ?

Pannonia is 900* miles away.

* 1 Roman mile = 1481,50 m 900 miles = around 1333 km (828 miles)

More like 600*.

* Around 888 km (552 miles).

In Germania practically. It's not even provinced.

Soil's black and deep they say.

Tall forests, full of game.

Full of Teuton raiders and Dacian bandits and who knows who ?

* Dacia is modern Romania.

Our brothers don't want any more fighting.

They won't have it.

If our brothers accept Pannonia,

Caesar will be extremely grateful to you.

- How so ? - 5000 denarii.

- I don't understand you. - I think you do.

I have been true to my brothers since I first spilled blood.

You think I would betray them now for 5000 denarii ?

- Seven then. - It might be 20000.

I am not so greedy as some.

Not so greedy as who ?

I merely say that my honor is not for sale so cheap.

In favoring Pannonia, you would not betray our brothers.

If they will not have Pannonia, they will have nothing.

- Men with swords never starve. - But they still die,

captains first.

- 15. - 10.

12.

12.

I'll be away then, brother.

Good to see you.

And you.

- Has that man gone ? - He has.

- Is this all right ? - You look beautiful.

I'm so scared I can hardly breathe.

It will be fine.

My dear girl, I have enough to worry about.

I will not be fearful of graffiti.

I'm telling you, the scribblers are not wrong.

Brutus will betray you.

You seem very sure.

His mother will compel him.

She will not rest until you are dead.

I well imagine poor Servilia is not very fond of me,

but really, wants me dead ?

Atia, you're a dramatist.

Well, I've warned you. I'll say no more.

I've warned him.

You're far away.

Somewhere pleasant, I hope.

- It's all one. - So they tell me.

I need your help.

Your mother is a vicious and heartless creature,

but I find I am...

wretched without her.

I have done my best to sway her,

but still she shuns me like a leper.

Refuses even to speak to me.

Will you talk to her for me ?

Let her know how pitiful I have become ?

There's no need.

Her disdain for you is an act.

She is entirely infatuated with you.

That is a wicked, foolish lie !

Atia, you let me speak with you...

Daughter, that creature over there by the door, who is she ?

The beauty in the vulgar dress ?

She's with Lucius Vorenus.

His wife, I expect.

It's so beautiful.

They've even painted the ceiling.

She has a wonderful tang of the street about her.

Let me introduce you.

- Maybe we should walk around. - No, we should wait.

- They're coming towards us. - Calm calm.

Magistrate,

my niece would like to meet your lovely wife.

Honored.

Niobe, Atia.

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

I found her when she was still young and foolish.

Perhaps you will entertain Niobe

while I speak with her fortunate husband ?

Delighted.

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

* Gaia is archaic word for "gê" (deified Earth, great-mother of all the gods).

- I did. - You didn't.

I did.

So... What does Mascius say ?

He will accept Pannonia for 12.

Very good.

I did not think he would sell himself so cheap.

I must send you to negotiate all my corruptions.

I would rather not, sir.

I spoke in jest.

I understand.

Please.

You have corrupted one man

and saved thousands from banditry.

I often wish I were back in Gaul.

There is something pleasingly simple about warfare.

- Vorenus... - Magistrate Vorenus, if you please.

He outranks you now, my boy.

Excuse me, magistrate Vorenus.

I hear rumor among the servants

that Titus Pullo is in the dungeons

awaiting trial for murder.

Is it true ?

It is.

He has been hiring himself out as a knifeman.

He killed a man in broad daylight.

We must do something for him.

We must do nothing.

Nothing ?

The man he killed was Aufidius Dento,

deputy chief of the Caelian nailmaker's association.

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

People will suspect I ordered his death.

I must not confirm those suspicions by helping Pullo.

And did you ?

Order his death ?

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

I have no notion why he was killed.

Public man like that, might be many reasons.

I can't appear to be sending out my soldiers

to murder anyone who opposes me.

I would lose support of the plebeians...

Perhaps Vorenus and I might be able to...

Nor can anyone associated with me help him.

Has he any friends ?

Who will help him find a lawyer to defend him ?

He is guilty.

People must see justice done.

Soldiers have to learn they're not above law.

I'm sorry, Vorenus. I know he is brother to you,

but there is no choice.

It's all true.

I think we can go now unless you...

Can we ? This is very nice, but...

I know.

Castor.

In the morning, bring Timon the Jew here.

Good night, mother.

Good night, my love.

I don't see what's wrong with it.

Number one justice right here ! Right here !

Take me, boss ! Top lawyer ! Top lawyer !

- You're good are you ? - Good ?

I could have Medea* acquitted.

* With Circe, who is her aunt, she's the second and last witches of the Greek mythology. Princess of Colchis (= Georgia), she falls in love with Jason when he comes to claim the Golden Fleece. For him, she betrays her father and kills her brother to flee with Jason. When several years later, Jason repudiates her in order to marry a princess, she kills her own children.

What's your case ?

Man, name of Titus Pullo...

- On your way, jew. - You don't want the case ?

I'd rather suck Pluto*'s thorny cock !

* God of the Death and the Underworld.

Anyone ?

Anyone want work ?

Anyone ?

It would go much easier for you if you said who it was that paid you.

It-It shows penitence.

I can't help you. Sorry.

I gave my word.

Perhaps you need the money to help your sick mother ?

Or a friend in need ?

Something like that would help.

I needed money for wine.

Have... Have you any friends that would speak for you ?

There must be someone !

Good bread, this. Have you got any more ?

Titus Pullo, soldier, 13th Gallic legion:

accused of homicide.

Res* citizen Aufidius Dento,

* res = case

Caelian hill, tribe of Falerna.

Brought to trial by his friends.

We begin.

Who speaks for the corpse of Aufidius Dento ?

I... Maius Nigidius.

Who speaks for Titus Pullo ?

I-I...

Priscus Maevius.

Accusator, proceed.

Citizens,

friends...

When I was told of the death of Aufidius,

I was deeply saddened.

A good man, stabbed ! Butchered !

Hacked to death in daylight on a public street !

I was deeply saddened.

But I was not surprised.

These horrors have become commonplace.

Wretched specimens like this

are common as rats.

I will not take your time with lengthy proof of his guilt.

Look at him !

It's not open to question. We all know he's guilty.

When I find a rat in my cellar,

I don't ask questions, I have a slave squash him underfoot...

Salve, brother.

And to you, brother.

Not good, eh ?

What are you doing here ? I thought Pullo was dead to you ?

Dead to all soon.

Hard as adamant, you.

Well, you might be wrong, though.

Many's the slip 'tween knife and altar.

- What ? - Pullo is not alone.

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

These dogs will be yelping louder soon.

When they bring him down off there,

We'll go in swinging and have him away.

- Call them off ! - Why ?

Do you not understand what is at stake here ?

- Brother Pullo's life. - Politically.

What is at stake politically.

Politically. I fuck politically in her fat ass.

If Pullo is rescued by Caesar's men,

people will assume that he ordered Dento's killing

and Caesar will be held responsible.

And so ? Caesar can do as he likes.

He is trying to re-establish law and order.

That won't work if his soldiers are seen

to be killing citizens without consequence.

Still, I can't call the boys off now.

- Why not ? - Because it makes me look bad.

You could look far worse.

You will tell them ?

I will if I have to.

Look at us, brother.

How has it come to this ?

It is for the good of the republic.

It's a worthy cause then.

Just call them off.

To add insult to injury, this soldier,

this brute, this barbarian from who knows where,

refuses to name his paymaster !

Caesar ! Caesar !

We name no names, citizen. We cannot know.

We might guess.

We might very well guess,

but we cannot know.

Which makes his crime even worse.

Is there punishment enough for monsters such as this ?

But perhaps my learned friend

can tell us otherwise.

Priscus Maevius speaks.

This-this man...

is nothing but a helpless servant.

A tool,

a puppet.

We should feel pity,

not anger.

Pity for his...

Pity for his degradation.

Wait. Do you claim him innocent ?

No, I'm simply saying that...

Well if you do not deny his guilt, then we're done with it.

Do you deny his guilt ?

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

Titus Pullo

condemned to death in the arena*.

* It wasn't rare condemned men were killed by gladiators or wild beasts in the arena (exécutés par des gladiateurs dans l'arène (these "spectacles" took place at noon and were meant as the more savage).

You know that I have always looked on you as my son.

Oh dear, one of those conversations.

Good move.

I have a favor to ask of you, father to son.

I need someone to take over Macedonia from that idiot Valerius.

I would like to appoint you.

I, govern Macedonia ?

If you will accept.

Why by three Furies* would you want me to govern Macedonia ?

* They're allegories for Vengeance. Their heads are wreathed with serpents and their eyes full of blood. They hunt the criminals and torture them until they drive them mad (hence their name, "Furor" in Latin means "madness").

You are the right man for the job.

I can think of few men less right.

Brutus, you've always underestimated yourself.

You might achieve great things if you would but try.

In Macedonia ?

I think not.

I would ask you to reconsider.

I need someone I can trust.

- You need me out of Rome ? - Not at all.

I need your help.

Someone you can trust ?

Am I wrong to do so ?

- You have doubts, do you ? - I did not say that.

Speak plain, I beg you.

Have I given you reason for doubt ?

Since you ask, you have as you well know.

You speak of years ago.

Old betrayals do not signify ?

I betrayed nothing.

Had you told me you were to march on Rome

and asked me for my allegiance,

I would have given it.

I would have judged you insane...

But I would have given you my allegiance

because I look on you as my father.

- Brutus... - But you did not ask me

for my allegiance.

You demanded it at swordpoint.

I betrayed nothing !

Forgive me, I spoke too hot.

You have never betrayed me.

So why do you not trust me now ?

I trust you completely.

So much so that you would send me

from Rome to govern Macedonia ?

Well...

Thank you.

I am honored,

but I will not go.

It is in my legal power to insist that you do go.

As my father,

as my father I looked on you...

For a year or so, no more.

Until the city is stable.

Forgive me. I feel unwell.

Perhaps we can finish this game another time...

Be reasonable !

You're on every wall with a knife at my throat !

I would be foolish to ignore it.

Only tyrants

need worry about tyrant killers.

And you are no tyrant.

Haven't you told me so many times ?

You may go.

Janus*, Gaia* and Dis*...

* Janus, two face-god invoked when we're about to change (like death). Gaia is the Mother Earth, in which Pullo will be burried. Dis ("the Rich") is the god of the Death and of the Underworld.

I humbly beg

you accept this creature as my offering,

and if it pleases you...

I ask you to give Eirene long life.

And same for my friend Lucius Vorenus and his family,

if it's not too much.

And let Eirene know

that I am sorry for what I did.

Come on, soldier, up !

Cave* with this one...

* See note line 92.

Soldier.

Come on, coward ! Fight !

Stand up and fight.

I don't want to.

That's not how it works.

You're supposed to resist.

Not if I don't want to.

I just want to die, all right ?

So come ahead and kill me and be done with it.

Bollocks. Move !

What's wrong with you ? Where's your dignity ?

Get up and fight !

Soldier ! Wake up !

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

Look, just hold your sword.

Just stand up and hold it, that's all.

You don't have to run about or anything.

You're naught but a bloody mollie.

You and the whole 13th ! Naught but bloody mollies.

Don't talk of the 13th.

I piss on the 13th !

Pig spawn, all of em.

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

13 !

13 !

13 !

13 !

13 !

13 !

Pullo ! Pullo !

- In autumn, they disappear. - Who ?

Eels, they all disappear.

- That so ? - Where ?

- Where what ? - Well, where do they go ?

- The eels ? - That's what I'm saying.

Nobody knows.

It's a mystery.

I was expecting you time ago.

If we employ you again,

next time, best not use veterans.

Mother ?

I owe Caesar no more friendship

I must do my duty.

I'll speak to Cassius.

See what can be done.

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