Gladiator2000

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]