I ------

I ------ 

2013

Let me leave this shell

Dominated by few

Outraged are some

Shrink to oneself

Defeat
Sell oneself
Win
Shadow and Dust

Gladiator - quoted.....

Marcus Aurelius: Are you ready to do your duty for Rome?

Commodus: Yes, father.

Marcus Aurelius: You will not be emperor.

Commodus: Which wiser, older man is to take my place?

Marcus Aurelius: My powers will pass to Maximus, to hold in trust until the Senate is ready to rule once more. Rome is to be a republic again.

Commodus: Maximus.

Marcus Aurelius: My decision disappoints you?

Commodus: You wrote to me once, listing the four chief virtues: wisdom, justice, fortitude and temperance. As I read the list, I knew I had none of them. But I have other virtues, father. Ambition. That can be a virtue when it drives us to excel. Resourcefulness. Courage. Perhaps not on the battlefield, but … there are many forms of courage. Devotion, to my family and to you. But none of my virtues were on your list. [choking up] Even then it was as if you didn't want me for your son.

Marcus Aurelius: Oh, Commodus. You go too far.

Commodus: I search the faces of the gods … for ways to please you, to make you proud. One kind word, one full hug … where you pressed me to your chest and held me tight … would have been like the sun on my heart for a thousand years. What is it in me that you hate so much?

Marcus Aurelius: Shh, Commodus.

Commodus: All I've ever wanted was to live up to you, Caesar, father.

Marcus Aurelius: [gets down on his knees] Commodus, your faults as a son is my failure as a father. Come.[They hug]

Commodus: [crying] Father. I would have butchered the whole world … if you would only love me! [presses Marcus against his breast and asphyxiates him]