These Being the Words of Marcus Tullius Cicero
Encyclopedia
"These Being the Words of Marcus Tullius Cicero" is the third episode of the second season of the television series Rome
.
with a nouveau riche
tradesman's daughter, while Duro (Rafi Gavron), a duplicitous youth, looks for the chance to set Servilia's deadly plan in motion.
Pullo, fearful that the reprimand will start a gang war, begs Vorenus to reconsider and let him broker a peace; however, Vorenus is unreasonable and becomes enraged, telling Pullo if he is not with him, he is against him. The two argue, and Vorenus learns that Pullo knew of Niobe's affair and did not tell him. He tells Pullo to get out. Pullo gives Vorenus time to cool down, and then comes to ask forgiveness. Vorenus initially forgives him, but the argument begins again and escalates into a physical fight. Pullo and Eirene leave the Aventine.
Three months later, Eirene and Pullo return to the Aventine. Pullo feels that the gods have told him to seek out Vorenus and make his peace with him. However, what they find is a war zone. The Aventine has, as Pullo feared, deteriorated into an all out gang war. Pullo asks for Vorenus, and Mascius tells him he's gone north with Antony, at Antony's personal request. As Pullo converses with Eirene over his confusion as to what purpose the gods could have insisting he return to Rome to seek Vorenus, a scruffy woman approaches them asking directions. Suddenly she recognizes Pullo and embraces him shrieking. "Don't you know me?" she asks "It's me Lyde!" Pullo is shocked and overjoyed. She tells him then that Vorenus' children are alive.
is entertaining a friend, and the two are smoking hemp
, when Atia
comes upon them, annoyed. She tells Octavia to smoke outside and then inquires as to her friend. The girl has just been accompanying her merchant father on business to Macedonia
and glad to be back in Rome
. Atia inquires about Macedonia, as Antony plans to take them there once his consulship is over. Atia, in her usual fashion, insults the girl and leaves.
Later she is eating when Antony comes in late and joins her. She complains to Antony about Macedonia, sharing what she's learned. She insists they stay in Rome, or Antony will lose all power and leverage against his enemies. He says he does not want leverage over his enemies. He simply wants to live in peace.
He visits Cicero
and tells him that he should make a motion in the Roman Senate
to give Antony Gaul
instead of Macedonia. Cicero balks at this, though visibly fearful, and asks Antony to threaten him directly, rather than simply implying. Antony does so, by inferring that Cicero will share the fate of Crassus
in having molten gold poured down his throat, and then leaves, confident in his intimidation of Cicero.
At Atia's house, a visitor arrives with a message from Octavian. As the servants go to fetch Atia, the man is captivated by a vision of Octavia, playing a lyre
. Unaware of his presence, Octavia plays until she makes a mistake, then curses and sets the lyre aside. Startled to discover him, the man introduces himself as Octavian's friend, Agrippa
. The two are clearly attracted to each other, and Octavia asks after her brother. She has had no word from him, though she has "written a hundred letters begging him to stop this, but he will not listen to me". Agrippa disagrees with her, telling her that he believes she is actually the only person Octavian would listen to. Atia arrives and is cold to the visitor, demanding to know what he is doing in Rome, and telling him she has nothing to say to her son. When the man leaves, to Octavia's horror, Atia sends her servant woman to tell Antony of Agrippa's presence in Rome. Octavia begs her not to, fearing what Antony will do, but Atia does not care.
When Antony once again arrives late, Atia asks if he received her message. Antony is dismissive. He knows the man is in Rome, and that he has come to gain Cicero's support for Octavian. He assures Atia that Cicero will say no, as Antony has "his boot on Cicero's neck", and is happy enough for Octavian to know it. Antony notes Atia's concern, and assures her he will not hurt Octavian. Atia makes him swear it.
Some time later, the senate convenes and Antony notes Cicero's absence. A clerk (Allan Corduner
) claims he is ill, but has sent a scroll to be read into the record. Antony encourages the man to read Cicero's words, confident it is his support of Antony's bid for Gaul. Much to Antony's surprise, it is not. Instead, it is a scathing condemnation of Antony's character. As this becomes clear, the fearful man reading stops, and senators begin to leave, but Antony insists he read on. As the insults flow, the entire senate disperses, fearful of Antony's wrath... which though he sits calmly listening, eventually does erupt, and Antony beats the man to death with the scroll. Cicero, meanwhile, is in a carriage somewhere, well on his way out of Rome.
He writes a letter to Octavian informing him of the situation: he has made Antony a hated figure in Rome. The republic would be grateful for the new Caesar's assistance.
to give them money for their campaign against Antony. Brutus is conversing with some of the other foreigners, and one man is questioning him about his assassination of Caesar. The man implies that Brutus is a coward, delivering the final deathblow to a badly wounded man. Brutus becomes irate, but Cassius drags him away from the argument, reminding him of their purpose there. A sullen Brutus acquiesces, apologizing.
Later Brutus is riding when he finds himself alone before a river. He dismounts and disrobes, walking naked into the water, and appeals to Janus, the god of new beginnings, to let him start again, and be reborn in this river.
Back in Rome, we learn that the slave boy Duro, who has been working in Atia's house and flirting with the kitchen girl Althea (Rebekah Staton
), is actually an assassin for Servilia. He is summoned to Servilia's house by her servant woman, but refuses to speak to her, insisting he will only speak to Servilia herself. Servilia appears, asking why Atia is still alive. Duro explains that she never dines alone, her daughter Octavia is always with her. If she doesn't mind killing them both, he can have the job done tomorrow. Servilia declines his offer, insisting only Atia must die. Since the plot is taking longer than expected, Duro demands more money. Servilia consents, telling her woman to pay him what he asks. As she turns to leave, a bold Duro tells her to wait. Stiff from the audacity of being spoken to so boldly by a servant boy, she turns to him, at which point he demands she kiss him. A tense moment ensues, but Servilia's desire for revenge is stronger than her indignance, and she steps forward and kisses the boy on the lips.
Three months later, Octavia finally leaves the house on an excursion with her Macedonian friend. Duro seizes his chance and poisons the stew on which Atia will be dining alone.
Rome (TV series)
Rome is a British-American–Italian historical drama television series created by Bruno Heller, John Milius and William J. MacDonald. The show's two seasons premiered in 2005 and 2007, and were later released on DVD. Rome is set in the 1st century BC, during Ancient Rome's transition from Republic...
.
Plot summary
As the nomadic Brutus and Cassius struggle to raise foreign money for an army, Mark Antony sets his sights on Gaul. Cicero delivers an in-absentia message to the Senate, and then throws his support to Octavian, the new Caesar. Meanwhile, Vorenus is in a battle of his own, having provoked an all-out gang war in the Aventine Collegium. At Atia's villa, Octavia passes the hours getting intoxicated by hempHemp
Hemp is mostly used as a name for low tetrahydrocannabinol strains of the plant Cannabis sativa, of fiber and/or oilseed varieties. In modern times, hemp has been used for industrial purposes including paper, textiles, biodegradable plastics, construction, health food and fuel with modest...
with a nouveau riche
Nouveau riche
The nouveau riche , or new money, comprise those who have acquired considerable wealth within their own generation...
tradesman's daughter, while Duro (Rafi Gavron), a duplicitous youth, looks for the chance to set Servilia's deadly plan in motion.
Pullo and Vorenus
Vorenus is holding court in the Aventine when Memmio and his Greek Lieutenant Carbo come to visit him to gain his consent to punish Quintus Bubo, a man of property and respect in the Aventine. Memmio and Carbo are not satisfied with Vorenus' decision that Quintus is not to be touched. Vorenus and Pullo argue briefly after the Caelian gang have left. A short time later, Quintus is brought, gelded and bleeding, into the Collegium. Carbo has disobeyed Vorenus' order that he not be touched. Vorenus orders Pullo to find Carbo and "disrespect him the way he has disrespected me", but Pullo refuses. Vorenus sends Mascius instead.Pullo, fearful that the reprimand will start a gang war, begs Vorenus to reconsider and let him broker a peace; however, Vorenus is unreasonable and becomes enraged, telling Pullo if he is not with him, he is against him. The two argue, and Vorenus learns that Pullo knew of Niobe's affair and did not tell him. He tells Pullo to get out. Pullo gives Vorenus time to cool down, and then comes to ask forgiveness. Vorenus initially forgives him, but the argument begins again and escalates into a physical fight. Pullo and Eirene leave the Aventine.
Three months later, Eirene and Pullo return to the Aventine. Pullo feels that the gods have told him to seek out Vorenus and make his peace with him. However, what they find is a war zone. The Aventine has, as Pullo feared, deteriorated into an all out gang war. Pullo asks for Vorenus, and Mascius tells him he's gone north with Antony, at Antony's personal request. As Pullo converses with Eirene over his confusion as to what purpose the gods could have insisting he return to Rome to seek Vorenus, a scruffy woman approaches them asking directions. Suddenly she recognizes Pullo and embraces him shrieking. "Don't you know me?" she asks "It's me Lyde!" Pullo is shocked and overjoyed. She tells him then that Vorenus' children are alive.
Antony, Atia and Octavia
OctaviaOctavia
-People:*Octavia the Elder, elder half sister of Octavia Minor*Octavia the Younger, sister of Augustus, younger half sister of Octavia Major and fourth wife of Mark Antony*Claudia Octavia, the daughter of Claudius and Valeria Messalina and first wife of Nero...
is entertaining a friend, and the two are smoking hemp
Hemp
Hemp is mostly used as a name for low tetrahydrocannabinol strains of the plant Cannabis sativa, of fiber and/or oilseed varieties. In modern times, hemp has been used for industrial purposes including paper, textiles, biodegradable plastics, construction, health food and fuel with modest...
, when Atia
Atia
Atia Balba Caesonia , sometimes referred to as Atia Balba Secunda to differentiate her from her two sisters, was a Roman noblewoman...
comes upon them, annoyed. She tells Octavia to smoke outside and then inquires as to her friend. The girl has just been accompanying her merchant father on business to Macedonia
Macedonia (Roman province)
The Roman province of Macedonia was officially established in 146 BC, after the Roman general Quintus Caecilius Metellus defeated Andriscus of Macedon, the last Ancient King of Macedon in 148 BC, and after the four client republics established by Rome in the region were dissolved...
and glad to be back in Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
. Atia inquires about Macedonia, as Antony plans to take them there once his consulship is over. Atia, in her usual fashion, insults the girl and leaves.
Later she is eating when Antony comes in late and joins her. She complains to Antony about Macedonia, sharing what she's learned. She insists they stay in Rome, or Antony will lose all power and leverage against his enemies. He says he does not want leverage over his enemies. He simply wants to live in peace.
He visits Cicero
Marcus Tullius Cicero (Rome character)
Marcus Tullius Cicero is a historical figure who features as a character in the HBO/BBC2 original television series Rome, played by David Bamber. He is depicted as a moderate politician and scholar, who is challenged with trying to save the traditional Republic from the ambitions of the various...
and tells him that he should make a motion in the Roman Senate
Roman Senate
The Senate of the Roman Republic was a political institution in the ancient Roman Republic, however, it was not an elected body, but one whose members were appointed by the consuls, and later by the censors. After a magistrate served his term in office, it usually was followed with automatic...
to give Antony Gaul
Gaul
Gaul was a region of Western Europe during the Iron Age and Roman era, encompassing present day France, Luxembourg and Belgium, most of Switzerland, the western part of Northern Italy, as well as the parts of the Netherlands and Germany on the left bank of the Rhine. The Gauls were the speakers of...
instead of Macedonia. Cicero balks at this, though visibly fearful, and asks Antony to threaten him directly, rather than simply implying. Antony does so, by inferring that Cicero will share the fate of Crassus
Marcus Licinius Crassus
Marcus Licinius Crassus was a Roman general and politician who commanded the right wing of Sulla's army at the Battle of the Colline Gate, suppressed the slave revolt led by Spartacus, provided political and financial support to Julius Caesar and entered into the political alliance known as the...
in having molten gold poured down his throat, and then leaves, confident in his intimidation of Cicero.
At Atia's house, a visitor arrives with a message from Octavian. As the servants go to fetch Atia, the man is captivated by a vision of Octavia, playing a lyre
Lyre
The lyre is a stringed musical instrument known for its use in Greek classical antiquity and later. The word comes from the Greek "λύρα" and the earliest reference to the word is the Mycenaean Greek ru-ra-ta-e, meaning "lyrists", written in Linear B syllabic script...
. Unaware of his presence, Octavia plays until she makes a mistake, then curses and sets the lyre aside. Startled to discover him, the man introduces himself as Octavian's friend, Agrippa
Marcus Agrippa (Rome character)
Marcus Agrippa is a character in the HBO/BBC/RAI original television series Rome, played by Allen Leech. He is portrayed as an earnest, loyal and understanding young man who Gaius Octavian values highly despite being so humble...
. The two are clearly attracted to each other, and Octavia asks after her brother. She has had no word from him, though she has "written a hundred letters begging him to stop this, but he will not listen to me". Agrippa disagrees with her, telling her that he believes she is actually the only person Octavian would listen to. Atia arrives and is cold to the visitor, demanding to know what he is doing in Rome, and telling him she has nothing to say to her son. When the man leaves, to Octavia's horror, Atia sends her servant woman to tell Antony of Agrippa's presence in Rome. Octavia begs her not to, fearing what Antony will do, but Atia does not care.
When Antony once again arrives late, Atia asks if he received her message. Antony is dismissive. He knows the man is in Rome, and that he has come to gain Cicero's support for Octavian. He assures Atia that Cicero will say no, as Antony has "his boot on Cicero's neck", and is happy enough for Octavian to know it. Antony notes Atia's concern, and assures her he will not hurt Octavian. Atia makes him swear it.
Some time later, the senate convenes and Antony notes Cicero's absence. A clerk (Allan Corduner
Allan Corduner
Allan Corduner is an English actor.-Early life:Corduner grew up in a secular Jewish home in North London with his mother, father and a younger brother. His mother had escaped to England from Nazi Germany with her family in 1938...
) claims he is ill, but has sent a scroll to be read into the record. Antony encourages the man to read Cicero's words, confident it is his support of Antony's bid for Gaul. Much to Antony's surprise, it is not. Instead, it is a scathing condemnation of Antony's character. As this becomes clear, the fearful man reading stops, and senators begin to leave, but Antony insists he read on. As the insults flow, the entire senate disperses, fearful of Antony's wrath... which though he sits calmly listening, eventually does erupt, and Antony beats the man to death with the scroll. Cicero, meanwhile, is in a carriage somewhere, well on his way out of Rome.
He writes a letter to Octavian informing him of the situation: he has made Antony a hated figure in Rome. The republic would be grateful for the new Caesar's assistance.
Brutus and Servilia
In eastern Asia Minor, Brutus is drinking at a desert camp as Cassius is attempting to persuade the king of BithyniaBithynia
Bithynia was an ancient region, kingdom and Roman province in the northwest of Asia Minor, adjoining the Propontis, the Thracian Bosporus and the Euxine .-Description:...
to give them money for their campaign against Antony. Brutus is conversing with some of the other foreigners, and one man is questioning him about his assassination of Caesar. The man implies that Brutus is a coward, delivering the final deathblow to a badly wounded man. Brutus becomes irate, but Cassius drags him away from the argument, reminding him of their purpose there. A sullen Brutus acquiesces, apologizing.
Later Brutus is riding when he finds himself alone before a river. He dismounts and disrobes, walking naked into the water, and appeals to Janus, the god of new beginnings, to let him start again, and be reborn in this river.
Back in Rome, we learn that the slave boy Duro, who has been working in Atia's house and flirting with the kitchen girl Althea (Rebekah Staton
Rebekah Staton
Rebekah Staton is a British actress who was raised in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. She attended Wolgarston High School and trained at RADA....
), is actually an assassin for Servilia. He is summoned to Servilia's house by her servant woman, but refuses to speak to her, insisting he will only speak to Servilia herself. Servilia appears, asking why Atia is still alive. Duro explains that she never dines alone, her daughter Octavia is always with her. If she doesn't mind killing them both, he can have the job done tomorrow. Servilia declines his offer, insisting only Atia must die. Since the plot is taking longer than expected, Duro demands more money. Servilia consents, telling her woman to pay him what he asks. As she turns to leave, a bold Duro tells her to wait. Stiff from the audacity of being spoken to so boldly by a servant boy, she turns to him, at which point he demands she kiss him. A tense moment ensues, but Servilia's desire for revenge is stronger than her indignance, and she steps forward and kisses the boy on the lips.
Three months later, Octavia finally leaves the house on an excursion with her Macedonian friend. Duro seizes his chance and poisons the stew on which Atia will be dining alone.
Cast
| Character | Actor |
|---|---|
| Lucius Vorenus Lucius Vorenus (character of Rome) Lucius Vorenus is a semi-fictional character in the British-Italian-American historical drama television series Rome, a show about the fall of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire. Played by Scottish actor Kevin McKidd in the series, Lucius Vorenus is introduced as a main character... |
Kevin McKidd Kevin McKidd Kevin McKidd is a Scottish television and film actor and director. Before playing the role of Owen Hunt in Grey's Anatomy, McKidd starred as Lucius Vorenus in the historical drama series Rome, and provided the voice of Captain John "Soap" Mactavish in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and the sequel... |
| Titus Pullo Titus Pullo (character of Rome) Titus Pullo is a fictional character from the HBO/BBC original television series Rome, played by Ray Stevenson. He is depicted as a hedonistic, devil-may-care soldier who discovers hidden ideals and integrity within himself... |
Ray Stevenson Ray Stevenson (actor) George Raymond "Ray" Stevenson is a Northern Irish-born English film and television actor. He is known for playing Titus Pullo in the BBC/HBO television series Rome , and in film as Dagonet in King Arthur and as Frank Castle/The Punisher in Punisher: War Zone and The Super Hero Squad Show... |
| Mark Antony Mark Antony (character of Rome) Mark Antony is a historical figure who features as a character in the HBO/BBC2 original television series Rome, played by James Purefoy. Like the real Mark Antony he was a Roman general and politician and a close supporter of Julius Caesar.- Season 1 :... |
James Purefoy James Purefoy James Brian Mark Purefoy is an English actor best known for portraying Mark Antony in the HBO series Rome.-Early life and work:... |
| Servilia of the Junii Servilia of the Junii Servilia of the Junii is a character from the HBO/BBC/RAI original television series, Rome, played by Lindsay Duncan. The mother of Marcus Junius Brutus, lover of the married Julius Caesar and enemy of Atia of the Julii, Servilia is depicted as a sophisticated and regal Roman matron who follows her... |
Lindsay Duncan Lindsay Duncan Lindsay Vere Duncan, CBE is a Scottish stage, television and film actress. On stage she won two Olivier Awards and a Tony Award for her performance in Les Liaisons dangereuses and Private Lives , and she starred in several plays by Harold Pinter. Her most famous roles on television include:... |
| Posca | Nicholas Woodeson Nicholas Woodeson Nicholas Woodeson is an English film and television actor.-Education:Woodeson attended Marlborough College and studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.-Film:... |
| Octavia of the Julii Octavia of the Julii Octavia of the Julii is a fictional character in the HBO/BBC2 original television series Rome, played by Irish actress Kerry Condon. The character is based on the Roman matron Octavia Thurina Minor, sister of Roman Emperor Augustus.-Season One:... |
Kerry Condon Kerry Condon Kerry Condon is an Irish television and film actress.She was born in Thurles, County Tipperary, Ireland. Her roles include Victoria in Unleashed , and Kate Kelly in the 2003 film Ned Kelly... |
| Marcus Tullius Cicero | David Bamber David Bamber David James Bamber is an English actor, known for his television and theatre work. He is an Associate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.-Early years:... |
| Newsreader | Ian McNeice Ian McNeice Ian McNeice is a prolific English screen, stage, and television character actor.-Early life:McNeice was born in Basingstoke in Hampshire. McNeice's acting training started at the Taunton School in Somerset, followed by two years at the Salisbury Playhouse... |
| Cleopatra Cleopatra (character of Rome) Cleopatra is a character from the HBO/BBC original television series Rome, played by Lyndsey Marshal from October 16, 2005 through March 25, 2007. The basis for this character is the famous historical Egyptian Queen Cleopatra VII.-Personality:... |
Lyndsey Marshal Lyndsey Marshal Lyndsey Marshal is an English actress best known for her performance in The Hours as the recurring character Cleopatra on HBO's Rome, and as Lady Sarah Hill in BBC period drama Garrow's Law.-Biography:... |
External links
- "These Being the Words of Marcus Tullius Cicero" at the Internet Movie DatabaseInternet Movie DatabaseInternet Movie Database is an online database of information related to movies, television shows, actors, production crew personnel, video games and fictional characters featured in visual entertainment media. It is one of the most popular online entertainment destinations, with over 100 million...
- HBO Summary