02x03 - These Being the Words of Marcus Tullius Cicero

[bunniefuu]

The boy is blameless.

That's my girl.

Cack!

You all right?

- You're looking pointy.
- What's the news from Ostia?

Three grain ships from Alex in.
Mussa's people.

Have a cup of wine. Set you up.

Take twenty-five, no less.

Give the lading to Ajax.

Mussa will complain.

If he does, cut out his tongue.

You think I'm joking?

I'll see to it now.

Vorenus...

Nothing.

Memmio of the Caelian is here.

He asked to see you.

Salve, Memmio.

Please sit down.

Weather's turning.

I like a bit of heat.

What brings you to
the Aventine, Memmio?

No chitchat. Straight to cases.
I like that.

A young nephew
of my colleague Carbo here

was defiled by an Aventine man.

Name of Quintus Bubo.

You know him?

I know him.

With your permission

Carbo wishes to avenge
his family's honor...

and k*ll this Quintus.

The boy's only twelve.

He was sucking his c*ck for pennies.

He was paid, then?

Yes, but he didn't ask me first.

The boy was paid.

Nobody in my family sucks c*ck
without I say so.

Carbo is from respectable people.

The boy took money.

He was working as a prost*tute.

Quintus Bubo's committed no offense.
You won't touch him.

Brother Vorenus,
perhaps you misunderstand.

I misunderstand nothing, brother.

I've been given strict mandate
by Mark Antony to maintain the peace.

Quintus Bubo is a man
of property and respect.

You will not touch him.

Money or not though,
he took advantage of the boy.

Perhaps some moderate form
of punishment...

We come to you out of politeness.

A mere formality.

I've given you my answer.

Wrong f*cking answer!

This maggot pisses on my name,
on my family honor.

Control your man, Memmio.

Vorenus, the man has a fair point.

Silence, Pullo!

Brother Vorenus, in all candor,
even your own man knows...

My man doesn't know
when to keep his mouth shut.

I've given you my decision.

And we graciously accept
your judgment.

I thank you for your time...

and I apologize for the disruption.

You didn't have to insult me
in front of...

Do not question my authority
in front of others.

Do not question my authority
under any circumstances.

Authority?

Hard being the boss?

Good stuff.

Is it?

How does one tell?

Try.

Hold your breath.

It's horrid.

In a minute, you'll feel delicious.

You know Jocasta.

Do I?

We met at a theater last year.

- I was with...
- What are you doing?

We're inhaling hemp.

I can see that.

You're making
the whole house stink.

In the future,
do it outside if you must.

Yes, mother.

Is it any good?

Excellent.

Come here.

I brought back two sacks
from Macedonia.

So much better than
the Italian kind.

Macedonia?

Papa has quarries there.

We're going there when Antony
takes up his governorship.

- What's it like?
- My dear, it's ghastly.

Filthy climate, vile food,
beastly people.

Perhaps you didn't mix in quite
the best society.

No, papa is hideously rich,
but there's no society to be found.

The men are overly fond
of f*cking their sheep.

And when you meet the women,
you can hardly blame them.

It truly is the end of the world.

I'm no snob, Octavia,
and I don't mind...

that you bring home
a tradesman's daughter...

But let's just stop there, shall we?

No actors, no gladiators,
or that sort of thing, neh?

Don't mind her.

She's been an infernal grump
since Octavian left.

Send to ask Antony
when he's coming home.

No, don't.

- A fig for him.
- Yes, domina.

Timon is waiting.

Asking if it pleases you to see him.

Domina.

- Domina...
- Go away.

- But Merula said...
- Changed my mind.

Hello, Duro.

Yes, it's good.

It's good.

[Hebrew]

[Hebrew]

Very good!

[Hebrew]

Hello, abba. We're learning Hebrew.

I can see that.

They'll be reading Torah in no time.

I can't wait.

[Hebrew]

[Hebrew]

You came in very late last night.

Business.

Business involving wine,
vomit and sex.

I'm sorry, did I disturb you?

Not at all.

But do please wake me
before you come at me so.

It will be a little less...

alarming.

I was thinking about Macedonia.

Were you?

Do we have to go?
Can't we just...

stay here?

No.

Once my consulship is over,
we're gone.

But it's so far from Rome.

They have dressmakers...

and jewel merchants in the desert
just like here.

Once you're gone from Italy,
your enemies will no longer fear you

and you will be powerless
to strike at them.

I don't want to strike at them.

There's no juice in it anymore.

I want peace and quiet
and a nice rich province to squeeze.

Peace and quiet?

While you're swilling wine
in Macedonia

do you think Brutus
and Cassius will be idle?

Those abject creatures?

Abject only while you have power.

Your enemies will not rest
until you are dead.

You have a wolf by the ears.
You cannot let go of him now.

Pass the oil, would you?

Make way!

Thank you.
Thank you very much.

We'll see you next week?

Yeah, okay.

Brother!

Who was that man?

Who?

The man you were speaking with.

You mean Barak.
He's a saffron trader.

Doesn't look like a saffron trader.

Not everybody looks like
what they are.

Justice, captain!

- I beg for justice!
- Who's this?

Quintus Bubo and his wife.

Gelded by Memmio's boys.

Please, captain, justice!

Come on. Calm down, brother.

The old man shouldn't have
been goating around anyhow.

Memmio disobeyed me.

He didn't k*ll the old fool at least.

He disobeyed me!

Let me go talk to Memmio.

- I'll sort out a compromise.
- No.

If you punish Carbo over this trivia

Memmio is going to take it
as disrespect.

He'll have to retaliate.
You'll start a g*ng w*r.

Very likely, but I've got no choice.
And it's your fault.

What?

How is it my fault?

You questioned my authority
in front of Memmio.

That gave him license to disobey me.

- Bollocks!
- Now, you go and find Carbo.

You show him the same disrespect
that he has shown me.

Everyone is in the wrong here.

I gave you an order.

This isn't the mumping legion.

- I take orders from no man.
- Then you're no use to me.

You, go and do it.

Will do, captain.

You are thinking all backwards!

I warned you
about questioning my authority.

- You learn your place.
- My place?

f*ck you, you miserable b*stard.

I'm the one trying to
keep you alive!

You'd like nothing better
than to start a g*ng w*r?

Get yourself k*lled.
Put an end to all of your misery.

Take half the City with you!

I'll tell you what.

You can die one thousand times
and it won't bring back Niobe...

or the children or Caesar!

Listen, I'm your friend.
I'm trying to help you.

You've never helped me.

Have I not?

Who saved your life a dozen times?

Who took care of that snake Evander?

Who carried you home when...
when you were drunk?

What do you mean?

"Took care of Evander."

Nothing. I didn't mean anything.

What do you mean?

Speak.

I k*lled him.

I found out what he'd done
and k*lled him.

Listen, she loved you.

You were happy together.
What was I supposed to do?

If I'd told you,
you would have k*lled him.

Get out!

- What was I supposed to do?
- Get out.

Atia thrives, I trust?

She does. She does.

And the rest of the family?

Good enough.

Yes, a surprising boy, isn't he?

Octavian.

Such vim and vigor
for one so young.

They say it's a considerable army
he's raised.

Buying up all the fools
and cripples in Campagna...

is hardly raising an army.

You are right, no doubt.

But many veterans also.

Eighth legion men.

Seventh legion.

Sat on their backsides
taking his money...

to cheer him as he goes by.

Caesar my a*s.

But I didn't bring you here
to talk of children.

Indeed, I await your pleasure.

When my term as consul is over

I no longer wish to take
the governorship of Macedonia.

I wish to take Gaul.

But Decimus is governor of Gaul.

He can have Macedonia if he likes.

I want Gaul. The weather's better.

I'm afraid that will be
a bit difficult.

The Senate may suppose
you plan to emulate Caesar

camping your legions on our border.

Close...

enough to Rome to scare us
into doing anything you wish.

Steady on.

Hadn't even crossed my mind.

I just prefer Gaul.

But you understand why the Senate...

would not pass such a measure?

You are the Senate, Cicero.

The next time we meet

perhaps you will propose
my governorship of Gaul.

No one can make any trouble
if the noble Cicero is backing me.

I don't think that's a good idea.

No?

Not that I do not wish to help you...

as a friend.

But the Senate would know I was
backing you only through...

through fear of death.

I understand.

You do not want to seem cowardly.

Tell them I bribed you.

Would you accept a bribe?

I would not.

Rich enough?

It's always worth a try.

You leave me only one option then.

It always comes to this.

I know.

I'm sorry.

Such times we live in.

Please, go on.

Make your threats.

I don't like to submit to
mere implication.

There's a question...

I've always wanted to ask you.

Your old friend Crassus

when he was captured
by the Parthians

is it true that
they poured molten gold

down his throat?

Because...

that would really sting.

Thank you.

It is correct, what you say.

The weather in Macedonia is...

dreadful.

I thought maybe you'd want
to know a bit more...

- than what I said.
- I don't.

You should know Niobe wasn't...

- She wasn't ...
- Don't speak of her.

It's in the past. It is done.

Brother, I'm sorry
I kept it from you.

I thought it was for the best.

I'm sorry.

I forgive you, brother.

I understand...

why you didn't tell me.
I understand.

I hear you say that, but...

I mean it.

I forgive you.

How could I not forgive you, Pullo?

You're all I've got left in life.

Keeping me alive?

Speaking of that,
this business with the Caelians...

What of it?

We can still stop it
turning into a w*r.

Let Carbo pay a fine.

If I go talk quietly to Memmio

we can sort it out
so that no one loses face.

You suggested that before.

Worth a go.

Better than a w*r.

You may be right. You may be.

But it's too late now.

Move.

Salve, Carbo.

Get him up.

Tell your mistress
I have a message from her son.

Piss and blood!

Forgive the intrusion.

I was entranced.

Who are you?

I am Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa.

A friend of Caesar.

Of Octavian, as was.

Have I the honor of speaking
to his sister Octavia?

Yes.

Is my brother here?
There's nothing wrong, is there?

He's all right?

No... Yes.

I mean, no, he's not here.
But yes, he's well.

I left him five days ago. Thriving.

Happy.

I am to convey
his best wishes to you.

No letter?

I told him he ought to write,
but you know how he is.

Please.

In place of writing
I am charged to tell you

that he loves you as ever

and to answer verbally
any questions you may have.

Consonant with political security.

He's grown no less pompous then.

It suits him better now
than at school.

He's a powerful man.

So everyone says.
I cannot believe it.

My little brother.

Your little brother has
an army ten thousand strong.

I have written him a hundred times
asking him to stop this madness.

But he does not listen to me.

On the contrary.

I think you're the only person
in the world he does listen to.

Is this the messenger?

This is Agrippa,
a friend of Octavian.

Deeply honored.

And so?

He asked that I make certain
you're well...

and to assure you
of his respect and fidelity.

We're very well.

And as for his respect and fidelity

He begs that in the name of family

you keep an open mind
as to your future prospects.

You came all the way from Campagna
to say that?

I have other business.

With whom?

I am not at liberty to say.

Intrigue, is it?

I imagine you're a master.

Does Mark Antony know
that you're in the City?

I expect there are
a great many citizens...

whose location is unknown
to the consul.

True.

But he does like to know
where the traitors are.

- Mother!
- They are traitors, aren't they?

Antony is consul in Rome

and Octavian is deliberately
challenging him.

If this is not a traitor,
I don't know what is.

I have said what I must.

I will take your leave to go.

Tell my son I...

No.

Tell him nothing.

Send to tell Antony
that Marcus Agrippa is in the City.

Mother, no!

Who knows what Antony will do to him?

- Nothing pleasant, I would think.
- He's your son's friend!

I have no son.

Hey!

Althea, my honey. How goes it?

You know you're not allowed
in the kitchen.

But I'm hungry.

You won't tell on me, will you?

You should try some.

We've been waiting for you.

Keep waiting, honey.

- Where's your mistress?
- Never mind about my mistress.

I want to speak to her.

She doesn't speak to the like of you.

And I don't speak to the like of you.

She wants the job done,
she'll see me.

You speak to me.

Maybe some other time.

Wait.

So you're Servilia then, are you?

Choice. Very choice.

Address me by my name again

and I'll have your tongue nailed
to a wagon wheel.

Forgive me.

I've not spoken to nobility before.

What's his name?

Duro.

Duro.

Eleni was right.

You're a pretty little man,
aren't you?

You've been in the house of the Julii
for some time now.

Why is Atia still alive?

Trouble's finding the right time.

They always eat together,
her and the daughter.

If you don't mind k*lling
the young cunny

- I can do it tomorrow.
- No.

No harm to the girl.

Well then.

If I could only
put the poison on Antony's c*ck

we'd be sweet.

The domina dines on that regular.

Failing that,
you'll have to be patient.

You have only foul jokes to tell me.

Why do you come here?

Shekels, queen. Shekels.

He wants money.

Has he not already been paid?

The job's taking longer
than we thought.

Let's be fair.

Give him what he asks.

Make it three hundred.

Wait!

Give me a kiss before I go.

Excuse me?

Kiss me.

I don't think so.

You want this woman dead?

Kiss me.

That's very good.

So if we could return
to the subject of money...

Please bear in mind, your Excellency

that those that help us now
will have good friends in Rome...

when Mark Antony, the traitor,
is deposed.

Very good friends.

It's only a matter of time.

With or without your help,
we shall raise an army.

We shall.

Antony's head will rot on a spike.

There are Roman women
who are f*cked by baboons.

Excuse me?

I've heard there are shows
where such things can be seen.

They're not so much shows, really.
They're more a punishment.

I should like to see that.

We do not have such in Bithynia.

I should imagine
it's simply a matter of...

- training the baboons.
- We have no baboons here.

No apes of any kind.

I wasn't aware of that.

So as I say, those who help us now...

Yes, you want my money
to raise an army.

I want to see a Roman woman
f*cked by baboons.

Perhaps arrangements can be made.

I k*lled him.

I did.

I had to.

You know, it's in my blood.
My...

My ancestor dethroned
the tyrant Tarquin.

I understand there were a great many
who stabbed your Caesar.

I delivered the final blow.

Seems a bit cowardly, no?

- You say what?
- He was wounded already.

Dying, defenseless, alone.

And you stabbed him yet again.

He was a tyrant.

Our k*lling him was a necessity.

A necessary and noble act.

Perhaps I shall find
a fresh corpse to stab...

- and become great myself.
- What, you dare to insult me?

- Excuse me.
- A senator of Rome?

Stand up.

- Stand up!
- Brutus, perhaps we should

- get some air?
- No, this man...this dog insults me.

Dog, he says?

- I'm a dog?
- Excuse us.

It's the wine, the heat.

Now come, we are guests here,
looking for favor.

Favor?

I ask no favors from such animals.

Control yourself, you fool.

He called me a coward.

Come with me. Come on.

I am a senator.

My friend...

you have lost your way.

- Leave me alone.
- Brutus...

Leave me alone!

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

Wine in the bath?

- Bad sign.
- You're late again.

Simply revise your expectations,
my dear, and I will always be early.

Did you get my message?

About?

Octavian's man Marcus Agrippa.

Yes, yes. I know all about him.

Did you catch him?

There's no need.

But he's up to no good!

I know exactly what he's up to.

Octavian sent him
to meet secretly with Cicero...

hoping to form an alliance
against me.

- Then?
- Cicero will refuse.

I have my foot on his throat.

And I'm happy for your son
to know it.

Agrippa can come and go
as he pleases.

What will become of Octavian?

Don't worry yourself.

I'll not harm him.

Swear it.

On Jupiter's stone.

He's family.

If they catch us, they'll crucify us.

Watch for the guard.

When I get through,
pass Lucius to me.

Hey, come here.

Lyde!

Lyde, no!

Lyde!

Lyde!

Gaia, give me a hand here.

Carry your own piss.

b*tch pig wh*re.

See how you like a whipping.

Are we sure that it's Memmio's work?

Caelian coin in his mouth.

Call armed assembly.

Here we go.

So, you think we should
ignore this, I suppose?

No, you wanted a w*r, you got it.

We have to fight now.

You don't think you should go...

and talk to Memmio?
Find a compromise?

It's too late for that.

Surely he'd listen to you,
wouldn't he?

Are you saying I'm with Memmio?

I didn't say it, you did.
Quick as Mercury.

Brother...

Brother, can't you see
what's happening to you?

No, I can't see it, brother.

What is happening to me?

What is it that you...
you can see so clear that I can't?

A demon.
A demon has possessed you

- or I don't know what.
- You see a demon, is it?

What does it look like?

Listen to yourself.

Me and Memmio?
How could you think that?

I'm your friend. I love you.
I would never betray you.

Lying to me, going behind my back.

It was never like that.

It wasn't like that.

You tell me,
did you enjoy f*cking my wife?

- What?
- Is that why you didn't tell me?

Because you were f*cking her?

- You have stepped over the line.
- Did you f*ck my wife?

I am asking you a question.

- Get out of my way.
- I'm asking you a question!

What does it matter what I say?
You're not going to believe me.

If you're telling the truth
then I will believe you.

Vorenus, on the bones of my mother

there was nothing
between me and Niobe.

Nothing, never.

I don't believe you.
Tell me the truth.

All right, I f*cked her! All right?

I f*cked her!
Me and half the men on the hill.

Any time you were away, bang!

Legs open, line at the door.

Come on.

Are you all right?

Don't touch me.

Don't touch me.

Where are we going now?

I don't know.

Anywhere.

Away from this damned place.

Divine Janus.

As this day follows the night...

let me start my life anew.

As the shore is scoured by the tide

let me be cleansed.

That the seed becomes the flower...

let me be born again.

I'm so sorry. Am I late?

We have completed taking roll.
A quorum exists.

Excellent.

Then...

let us begin.

No, actually, not quite yet.

I see that Cicero outdoes me
in his t*rd.

Cicero is regrettably ill
and unable to attend this session.

But he has an important matter
to propose...

regarding my governorship of Gaul.

Should I send my litter bearers
to carry him here?

He did, however, provide me
with a speech...

that he most urgently insisted
be read into the rolls.

Well then, by all means

let us hear the words
of mighty Cicero.

These being the words
of Marcus Tullius Cicero.

"When I was a young man,
I defended our state.

As an old man,
I shall not abandon it.

I give sincere thanks to Mark Antony,
who has generously presented me...

with the most promising theme
imaginable.

I address you directly, Antony.

Please listen as if you...

as if you..."

Go on.

"Please listen...

as if you were sober and intelligent

and not a drink sodden
sex-addled wreck.

You are certainly not
without accomplishments.

It is a rare man who can boast
of becoming a bankrupt...

before even coming of age.

You have brought upon us w*r,
pestilence and destruction.

You are Rome's Helen of Troy.

But then...

But then..."

Go on.

Go on!

"A woman's role has always
suited you best."

Write a note.

To Octavian.

"Caesar" rather.

Tell him I have exposed Antony
for the debauched rat he is.

At this time, the Republic would be
most grateful to accept...

Caesar's offer of assistance.

We shall need his army at once.

In Gaul, the renegade Mark Antony
has laid siege to the city of Mutina.

But salvation is at hand!

The Senate sends an army...

lead by the generals
Hirtius and Pansa.

The noble patriot,
young Caesar Octavian

joins our generals
with his own legions...

to crush the rebels.

So much traveling.

All the way to Massilia,
now come all the way back.

- Crazy.
- Sorry, love. Had to do it.

The gods have me vexed over Vorenus.

I can't go on until
I sort things out with him.

That's all.

Then we'll be on our way again.

What's happened?

Anyone home?

- Pullo!
- Mascius.

What's all this?

Expecting visitors.

I never thought I'd see you again.

Nor I you.

Any road, it's good to have you home.

We need every man we can get.

We're not stopping.
I've just come to talk to Vorenus.

Where is he?

He's not here.

When is he back?

I don't know. He's gone now.

He went north with Mark Antony.

- Went north?
- Months ago.

Antony gathered his troops
and set off to take Gaul.

Vorenus went with him.

Asked for especially
by Antony himself.

Left me in charge
of a right old mess.

Ever since we gave Carbo
one up the a*s

Caelian boys and their friends
have been going at us...

like f*cking Belgians.

We lost ten men this last month.

Come on, are you sure
you're not stopping?

What?

No.
No, I just came to talk to Vorenus.

What now?

I don't know.

I don't understand it.

The gods are playing tricks.

"Go back to Rome," they say.
"Talk to Vorenus."

Then they hide him from me.

I did as I was told.
If he's not here, he's not here.

I can leave him a letter.

"Dear Vorenus,
I don't f*ck your wife."

Something like that.

Let's be going.

Let's get out of Italy.

A civil w*r is coming again,
it looks like.

You people.

Is this the way to Aventine...

Pullo!

Don't you know me?

Lyde?

Yes.

I'm Lyde.

I'm Lyde.

But you're all right.

You're all right.

- Where have you been?
- The children!

The children are alive!

Where's Octavia?

Out with Jocasta.

Excellent.

I shall finally be able
to enjoy my dinner in peace.

What is this?

Sea urchins, domina.

I don't care for it.
What else is there?

A savory stew of goose
and root vegetables.

Bring me that.

Still here?

I can't get enough of you, my love.

Come here.

Go on.