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| COMMODUS Quotes |
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| "Have I missed it? Have I missed the battle?" |
| Commodus: And just wait until you hear what happened to our ancestors. If you're very good, tomorrow night I'll tell you the story about Emperor Claudius who was betrayed...by those closest to him...by his own blood. They whispered in dark corners, and went out late at night and conspired, and conspired. But the Emperor Claudius knew that they were up to something. He knew they were busy little bees. And one night he sat down with one of them, and he looked at her, and he said: "Tell me what you've been doing, busy little bee, or I shall strike down those dearest to you. You shall watch as I bathe in their blood." And the Emperor was heartbroken. The little bee had wounded him more deeply than anyone else could ever have done. And what do you think happened then, Lucius? Lucius: I don't know, uncle. Commodus: [Looking at Lucilla] The little bee told him everything. |
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| 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, to you. But none of my virtues were on oyur list. Even then it was as if you didn't want me for your son. Marcus Aurelius: Oh, Commodus. You go too far. Commodus: I searched 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 me you hate so much? Marcus Aurelius: Shh, Commodus. Commodus: All I ever wanted was to live up to you, Caesar. |