01x11 - The Spoils

[bunniefuu]

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.

Mabinio, you honor me.
What do you want?

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?

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

Thank you, patron.

Minerva keep you.

Brother Mascius.

Brother Vorenus.

- Big man now?
- You're not so small.

These Roman b*tches.

I've done nothing but f*ck
and eat and f*ck since I got here.

We're not under goatskin now,
brother.

No disrespect to your women.

I am pleased to speak
with you more, Mascius.

But I must see to my clients first.

And they are upset
if they are 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!

You and Pullo
were like Castor and Pollux.

Pullo's dead to me.

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

- How's our old chief then?
- 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.

Cavey, chief.

Salve, Pullo.

How goes it?

Want some mouse?

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...

Justice chasing chickens.

Might as well have
done it in the forum.

- I'll go quiet next time.
- 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.

- 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 tenth men

and what the tenth 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...

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 them.

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.

Furthermore, the fifth month is
henceforth name July in his honor."

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.

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.

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 theater
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 chair-like.

- 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.

m*rder*r!

m*rder*r!

m*rder*r!

m*rder*r!

m*rder*r!

m*rder*r!
m*rder*r!

He k*lled Aufidius!

m*rder*r! He k*lled Aufidius!

Aufidius. He k*lled Aufidius!

m*rder*r!

m*rder*r! He k*lled Aufidius!

m*rder*r! m*rder*r!

m*rder*r! m*rder*r!

Pannonia?

Pannonia is nine hundred miles away.

More like six hundred.

In Germania, practically.

- It's not even provinced.
- The soil's black and deep they say.

Tall forests, full of game.

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

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?
- Five thousand 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 five thousand denarii?

- Seven then.
- It might be twenty thousand.

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.

- Fifteen.
- Ten.

Twelve.

Twelve.

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.

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, 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?

- I did.
- You didn't.

I did.

So?

What does Mascius say?

He will accept Pannonia for twelve.

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 m*rder.

Is it true?

It is.

He has been hiring himself out
as a knifeman.

He k*lled a man in broad daylight.

We must do something for him.

We must do nothing.

- Nothing?
- The man he k*lled...

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.

And 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 k*lled.

Public man like that,
might be many reasons.

I can't appear to be
sending out my soldiers...

to m*rder 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.

Moses... you need law?

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.

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 c*ck!

Anyone?

Anyone want work?

Anyone?

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

It shows penitence.

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. You got any more?

Titus Pullo, soldier,
thirteenth Gallic legion.

Accused of homicide.

Res citizen Aufidius Dento,
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...

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...

Salve, brother.

And to you, brother.

Not good.

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

Dead to all soon.

Hard as adamant, you.

But 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 f*ck politically in her fat a*s.

If Pullo is rescued by Caesar's men

people will assume that
he ordered Dento's k*lling...

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 k*lling 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?

I think not.

I think not.

But perhaps my learned friend
can tell us otherwise.

Priscus Maevius speaks.

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...
- 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.

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?

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 K*llers.

And you are no tyrant.

Haven't you told me so many times?

You may go.

Janus...

Gaia and Dis.

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...

I'm sorry for what I did.

Come on, soldier, up!

Cavey with this one...

A 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 k*ll 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 c*ck?

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 thirteenth!
Naught but bloody mollies.

Don't talk of the thirteenth.

I piss on the thirteenth!

Pig spawn, all of em.

Why don't you and the thirteenth
all line up and suck my...

Thirteen!

Thirteen!

Thirteen!

Thirteen!

Thirteen!

Thirteen!

Pullo!

Pullo!

- In autumn, they disappear.
- Who?

Eels, they all disappear.

That so?

- Where?
- Where what?

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.