<i> ♪</i> <i> ♪</i> <i> ♪</i> Tirare! Tirare! Tirare! Tirare! Tirare! <i> ♪</i> <i> ♪</i> <i> (heavy breathing)</i> <i> (whipping noises
and grunting)</i> Forgive me Lord,
for I am weak. <i> (breathing heavily)</i> What did
you say? Are you ready to
admit your part? I have failed
my Lord. Well I will
not fail mine. <i> Processus, stop.</i> What are
you doing? Getting a
confession. Look at him. You'll get
no confession from a
dead man. Water, now. Unchain him. But we were
given strict-- Unchain him. <i> Easy, easy.</i> <i> ♪</i> Thank you,
thank you. Listen to me,
old man. Look around you. Have you forgotten
where you are? This is Mamertine, the most
secure prison in the world. And you
are alone. One word from Nero and the
entire might of the Roman empire could be brought
to bear on you. So why not
cooperate? Tell us. Tell me, why did
you start the fires? <i> (coughing)</i> <i> (breathing heavily)</i> I can not confess to
that which I did not do. <i> (sigh)</i> <i> ♪</i> Come. <i> ♪</i> <i> (groaning)</i> <i> (laboured breathing)</i> Be with
me, Lord. Be with me. <i> (street chatter)</i> These fires have turned
the city on it's end. All the more reason
to find the criminals. Agreed. But finding them will
not ease the suffering of those who have
been burned out. Well, perhaps they will
find distraction in the games. <i> The games?</i> Yes, Honor. The games of
your festival. Never mind
the games. Where are
your priorities? I would hear
from Theodus. Honor, we have been
working day and night, but there are still hundreds
of families on the street. We simply do not have the
resources to help everyone. That's enough! <i> I cannot allow my people to
be treated this way any more.</i> Redirect funds from
the aqueduct project and take care of my
people immediately. But Honor, respectfully, we
need to keep the water project- I have made
my decision. If you'd like to debate it,
you can do so from the streets, where you will be
personally working with these people
side by side. Ah, Martinian. <i> What progress
have we made?</i> Forgive me. The inquisitors were-- Overly zealous with the old
man, the Christian, Peter. <i> Zealous?</i> He is
quite weak. <i> And?</i> Honor, he
may die. Excuse me? He may die. I seem to recall giving
the specific order that he may be beaten, burned,
tortured, torn, twisted in whatever way that
you deemed necessary. But I clearly remember that I
did not want him to be killed. In fact, did
I not forbid it? Yes, Honor. What am I to do
with a dead man? It is my
fault, Honor. He is their leader, and
I do not want him dead. What we have now is houses
burned, businesses lost, people in the
streets homeless. So what I demand is that
every name of every Christian involved in starting
these fires be given to me. He knows who
they are. <i> ♪</i> And you will
give that to me. Yes, Honor. Husband. One of my servants
is an excellent healer. You could send her to
minister to this Peter. Bring her. <i> ♪</i> Come where
I can see you. What is
your name? Susanna. And why is it I have not
seen you before, Susanna? <i> She is one of my
personal servants.</i> She has no reason
to attend at court. Perhaps in the future I should
do something to rectify that. <i> ♪</i> Honor, we
have them. <i> Excellent.</i> Martinian, stay
for this. <i> ♪</i> Who am I? Do you have
a tongue? Yes, my Emperor. Yes, I am
your emperor. And you are
an arsonist. A man who likes to
set fire to buildings. Honor, I do not know who
make these charges, or why. I- I have not
started any fires. Are you calling
me a liar? No, Honor. I understand that you
have spent some time with the
criminal, Peter? The Christian. Yes, Honor. Well, since it's commonly
known that the Christians are responsible for
setting fire to my city, then you just admitted
to being one of them. But-- <i> Liar!</i> Murderer. Arsonist. I despise you, you
people of faith. Now, tell me
about these fires. Oh please, Honor, I have
never burned anything except a fire to heat my
home, perhaps to cook. <i> Silence!</i> Do you have any idea how
many people you've killed? <i> Do you realize
what you've done?</i> You Christians,
you're all one together. Like brothers
and sisters, yes? Yes, Honor. <i> Well, as I said, since we
know that the Christians</i> <i> are responsible for
burning down the city,</i> then you just admitted
to being an accessory. Please Honor, I
do not understand. We are
non-violent people. We just wish to raise our
families, worship in peace. Don't say
that word! Worship! If there is one thing
I cannot tolerate, it's a liar. Honor. <i> (screams)</i> <i> (shrieking)</i> And the rest
of them? Perhaps some time in
Mamertine will get them thinking about their response
in the future. Yes, Honor. <i> Move along, move!</i> <i> Move yourself!</i> <i> Move!</i> <i> Keep going!!</i> <i> This is longer
to the prison</i> but more peaceful
than city streets. Would you care
to sit for a moment? Yes, thank you. I am sorry you had
to witness that. There is a fine line
between the civility of Rome and the violence of the men
who would drag her to ruin. It doesn't
bother you? I have spent my career
on the battlefields, the Gauls to
the north, savages to
the east. They live
like beasts, slaughtering
each other. Sometimes even
devouring their enemies. And you relished
that life? The Roman army
is a line. The only line between all
of this, and savagery. But that man
wasn't a savage, he was a
Roman citizen. Worse than
a savage, a citizen who turned
against his country. And how can
you be so certain? It is not mine
to question. I leave that
to the Emperor. Are you feeling
well enough to walk? We should go. <i> ♪</i> I apologize. These people
are like animals. <i> (someone crying)</i> What have you
done to him? How could you? You are
the animals. Peter? Go, fetch
me clean water. Are you deaf? Go and fetch me
a clean pitcher. Now! Go on. Are you
all right? Get out. <i> Haven't you
done enough damage?</i> <i> Now you wish to
stay and gloat?</i> I don't want you
anywhere near him. Put down the
lantern and leave. <i> ♪</i> My name
is Susanna. I am the servant to the
wife of the Emperor. I have been sent
to tend your wounds. Thank you. Thank you, Lord. This rabbi you follow,
what was he like? <i> My children,</i> I shall only be with you
a little while longer. For where I am going,
you cannot follow. But afterwards, you
will follow me again. All of you will be made
to stumble this night, because of me. For it is
written, 'I shall strike
the Shepherd, And his sheep shall
be scattered.' But when I
have risen, I will go before
you to Galilee. Even if all others are made
to stumble because of You, I will never be
made to stumble. My Peter, I say
this to you that today, even
this night, before the rooster crows,
you will deny Me three times. If I have to die with
You, I will not deny You! ♪ ♪ You also were with
Jesus of Galilee. I do not know what
you are talking about. <i> What could
you have done?</i> You were
all alone. I could have
done better. I should
have done better. <i> (street chatter)</i> I do not
understand. This Peter,
is a criminal. You are wrong. He is a
good man, a holy man who carries
the message of the teacher, Jesus of Nazareth. He has committed
no crime. You should not
treat him that way. I am a
soldier of Rome. On orders
from the emperor. And besides, what
of those who died? Or were
burned out? These Christians
are criminals and it is my duty to
bring them to justice. Justice? What about the Christians
who died in the fires? Why would
Peter do that? Why was
he arrested? Have you even asked
yourself that question? A soldier
of Rome. You should be
ashamed of yourself. <i> (Nero playing
the harp)</i> <i> (Nero playing
the harp)</i> Husband. Here is the girl
to make her report. Ah, Susanna. Do you like
the harp? Yes. You play
beautifully, Honor. Perhaps I can give
you some lessons. Husband, Susanna must
leave for the prison, to tend to Peter. Yes, she's tending
to my instructions. But right now I need
to deal with Theodus, who has been waiting
very patiently. So, what of
the council? Honor, there- there is
much talk at the council. Isn't that what
councils do? Talk about what? Perhaps it would
be better to discuss these
matters in private. Perhaps it would be better
for you not to keep me waiting. Of course. Honor, Carcinian hints
that the fires were not set by
the Christians. Yes, he entertains
another theory? He circulates the idea that
the fires were ordered-- By yourself. By myself? <i> (laughing)</i> Now, you see the ability
of these Christians. Even to twist the minds
of our good counselors. Oh, these Christians, they could
be the downfall of the empire. But I will not allow
this to continue. They say they
represent a God, and that God has attacked
my city and killed my people. So now I will become the
chief enemy of that God. <i> I alone will be the
protector of Rome.</i> I have had enough
of this hypocrisy. <i> ♪</i> <i> And as for
you, young lady.</i> What of you
about Peter? Your Honor, he
is very weak. I fear another
beating will kill him. <i> I blame these Christians
for all of this evil</i> that has befallen
upon Rome. I hereby decree that from
this day forward, anyone calling themselves a Christian
will be under arrest and you, Captain Martinian, will be
in charge of their inquisition. And Peter? <i> I want him
kept alive.</i> I still will have
some use for him. Perhaps his tongue will
loosen when he sees what befalls
upon his flock. <i>You'll be sure, Susanna, that he
returns to good health, yes?</i> Yes, Honor. <i> Excellent.</i> I want his full confession
before the festival begins. So that the
dies imperii can mark the
renewal of Rome. <i> ♪</i> <i> (people screaming)</i> You are accused of
being a Christian in the city of Rome and
are hereby under arrest. You realize,
this is for you. Please, I will do
anything you say. Will you confess? Anything. Anything
you say. Lord, put compassion in the
hearts of out tormentors. Let them see they truth,
thy wisdom, thy light. Strengthen us in
our weakness, deliver us
from evil. For thine is
the kingdom, for now
and forever. Oh, this
is so wrong. <i> There is nothing
to be done.</i> The emperor
has decreed that all Christians
are to be arrested. And not another
sound from you. We have four
confessions. Hmmph. Show me a man who
will not confess, when faced with
our methods. Something
is wrong? I did not join the army
to persecute Roman citizens. I joined to
protect them. Brother, we joined the
army to protect Rome. We have both
bled for her. I almost
died for her. And these people, they
are enemies of Rome. Processus,
look at them. <i> Fathers, mothers,
even children.</i> Tell me how they
qualify as enemies? You know
as well as I. Orders are determined
by the Emperor. It is our job
to follow them. There may be
another way. Martinian! <i> (sigh)</i> <i> ♪</i> <i> (people screaming)</i> I need
a moment. Alone. Listen. Do you hear
that, old man? God hears that. Though he may,
you can stop it. All of it. You can put an end
to their misery. What do you
want me to do? <i> Susanna!</i> It really is a
beautiful day isn't it? I know this must all
seem overwhelming. But the
truth is, we must get to the
root of this evil. Living in the palace, you've not
been exposed to the violence- How would you know what
I've been exposed to? I was only
suggesting that- Please do not
presume to know what I do and
do not understand. All I was trying
to say was, I have
a plan. One that may save
many Romans from- A plan based
on a lie. A lie that may
save many lives. At what cost? I do not
understand you. We are both
servants of Rome. Peter walked
with Jesus. He was the leader
of his apostles. Have you not heard
a word he has said? Why would I
even listen? Perhaps if you did,
you would understand. Don't. Since you know me so
well, you also know I am quite capable of
finding my own way back. <i> ♪</i> <i> ♪</i> Where is
Susanna? Honor, perhaps she's
gone to attend your wife. I see. Honor, what if I
were to convince Peter to confess
to the fires? Would that end the
persecution of the Christians? <i> Your heart has moved
towards their direction?</i> Do you disagree with
my current methodology? No, Honor. There is much
work to be done and this is a
distraction to my men. Your advice
is wise. Achieve it, and
I will spare them. But only if the
old man confesses. I relish the idea of
him begging for mercy. <i> (laughing)</i> <i>One more thing.</i> All of them must deny
this cult of Jesus as an abomination
against the gods of Rome. Only then will
I spare them. Honor. And if he
does not do it, have him
flogged. Forgive me,
Honor, but you said you did
not want him to die. Hmmm. Well, use
your imagination. Come up
with something. <i> ♪</i> <i> ♪</i> <i> (sweeping)</i> Susanna? Yes, mistress? Put down
that broom. Come here. You are an
excellent servant. <i> And very
beautiful as well.</i> Susanna. This is a
man's world. We women, we must
stick together, no matter our
position in life. Do you understand? Yes, mistress. As you know, my
husband, the emperor, he is subject to
various 'moods'. In the past, from time to
time, he has been known to-- 'Bother' the
women servants. Has anything like
this befallen you? No, mistress. Are you certain? You can tell
me if it has. No, mistress,
never. Good. But you must promise to let
me know if anything happens. Yes, mistress. Very well. Back to work. <i> ♪</i> The emperor commands that
in addition to confessing to the fires, you must
also deny the Christ. I will not
deny my lord. Deny him, and you
will all be spared. No. Begin. <i> (whipping noise)</i> <i> (whipping noise)</i> <i> ♪</i> <i> ♪</i> <i> ♪</i> Thank you. Susanna, what
are you doing? Just preparing
bandages for the old man. And the food? In case I am not able
to return for lunch. You spend entirely too
much time at that prison. I do not know
that I like it. If you wish, I will
ask the emperor to- No! No. Continue as
ordered. But return here as
quickly as you can. <i> ♪</i> <i> I ask not for
myself, Lord,</i> <i> but that you give
me the boldness</i> and the words
to preach thy word. <i> But thy will be
done, oh Lord.</i> <i> Amen.</i> Good morning. Good morning. I see you are
feeling better. You are
improving. I am! I am. Why are
you not- How do you
deal with this? I remember him. <i> Alms for
the poor?</i> Alms for
the poor? Sir, can you
help the poor? I do not have any
silver or gold for you. Please sir,
take pity. My brother is crippled
and he cannot walk. I will give you
what I have. In the name of Jesus
Christ of Nazarene, get up and walk. <i> ♪</i> <i> ♪</i> <i> That is
incredible.</i> That was
not me. That was the Holy Spirit,
working through me. You are so blessed to
have spent time with Him. Yes, I was. And I am blessed
by your visits as well. You better
go now. You must
rest. Oh. Rest will make
you strong again. Rest and the healing
power of the word. Bless you. <i> ♪</i> <i> ♪</i> Divide it
equally. Why is it that
you hate me? I do not
hate you. I'm angry at you for
what you have done to a great
man like Peter. You are
mistaken. Nero is
a great man. This Peter, he's a
foolish old storyteller. You have been gone
from Rome too long. Our emperor is a vicious man
who loves no one but himself. At times he acts
as if he is a god. He climbed to power on
the murder of his mother and his
first wife. He is the most dangerous
man in the civilized world. How do you
know this? I am the servant
of his wife. I hear everything that
happens in the palace. No, I don't
believe you. In fact, I might suspect that you
were a Christian yourself. I could have
you arrested. Go ahead. I am a
Christian. But know this, nothing about who I am
changes who Nero is. Susanna, your secret is
safe with me. <i> ♪</i> Honor, Heronius
has replied. He looks forward
to your games and will bring five chariots
to compete in your races. Honor? Ah, Theodus. The festival
is upon us. I think I need to
do something to increase the pressure
on the Christians. I'm-- I'm sorry? I think I'm going to start
executing some of them. Not too many, just a few
as an example to the rest. But it's got to
be something-- What do you think
of wild dogs? But Honor, Rome has not
done anything like that- Theodus. I am Rome. Rome will do
as I wish. These Christians, they are
an extreme and dangerous cult. They are a
threat to Rome. Now, leave me while
I think on this. <i> Wait.</i> Do you think the
palace is too dark? Too dark, Honor? <i> At night.</i> Do you think
it's too dark? I'm trying to find a way to
create some light in my gardens. So I can see the
beauty I've created. <i> ♪</i> <i> I think--</i> Yes! I think we should start burning
some of the Christians <i> so I can have some
light for my garden.</i> <i> Burning Christians?</i> But Honor, they are
just people who want- Theodus. Just a few. At night. For the light. <i> Theodus.</i> Go now, and
make it so. <i> ♪</i> It's looking
better. Jesus said
to me, 'Peter, you
are the rock. A rock on which I
shall build my church.' And yet, what have I
done to his flock? <i> I've failed them.</i> And I failed him. <i> That is not true.</i> You bring
inspiration, even while
you are here. <i> You give hope.</i> To me. To others. Through your stories
and through your faith. And the little
child shall lead them. Thank you. Thank you. You must
go now. And, if
you can, bring me some
parchment. I need
to write. Of course. <i> (sigh)</i> <i> ♪</i> Susanna. How is
Peter today? He is sad. Because of the pain that
he brings to the others. I have never seen
faith such as his. And he is old
and weak, yet somehow the
stories he tells, they give him... Strength. Yes. I have seen no evidence
that he, nor any of them, are any
threat to Rome. In fact, I would
say the opposite. If all men were to speak
and act as he does, I believe Rome would
be a better place. Faith is a
strange thing. It inspires even the most
hardened to open their eyes, lift their hearts, to
do the right thing. Even to love. I must attend
to my duties. <i> ♪</i> <i> ♪</i> <i> ♪</i> <i> (coughing, screaming,
fire burning)</i> <i> (coughing, screaming,
fire burning)</i> <i> (coughing, screaming,
fire burning)</i> <i> (street chatter)</i> <i> (knocking on door)</i> Amen. Ah! I brought you
a new cloak. You must
leave, before the
guards return. There is
little time, but this is your chance
to save yourself. <i> ♪</i> <i> Abba,</i> Father, all things are
possible for You. Please take this
cup from Me, nevertheless,
not what I will, but what You will. <i> I cannot.</i> What? But you are too
important to die. What will become of
us if you are gone? This is the road
I must walk. You were in prison
once before and escaped. I have
heard stories. And the stories
are true. But when I escaped
from Herod's prison, it was not an act of
man or of woman. It was by an
act of God. I was chained
between two guards and the lord
sent an angel who freed me and opened the gate,
and let me out. It was not I
that escaped, it was God making
manifest his will. Besides, I have
seen those looks that you exchange with
Captain Martinian. Now, if I were
to escape, <i> can you imagine
what Nero would do</i> <i> to these
poor jailers?</i> <i> No, my child,</i> <i> I will put my
trust in the Lord.</i> <i> As should you.</i> So, my dear, Nothing to report? Of my husband. No mistress,
nothing. Things are not
well between us. I'm afraid he's
having another affair. I do not know what
I'm going to do. I'm so sorry,
mistress. He has not
spoken, or bothered you? No, mistress. Good. Good. Last night on
the balcony, I noticed you were
very emotional. Was that prompted
by the music? Or perhaps, by the fate
of your fellow believers? Mistress? Come, come. We both know you
are one of them. Friends cannot keep
secrets from one another. I used to see you
praying all the time. After all, it was never illegal
to be a Christian in Rome. That is,
until recently. It is
safe here. Speak openly. I do not know
what to say. Have you
committed any crime? No. No, mistress. Then speak. No harm will
come to you. Yes, mistress. Yes, what? Yes, I was upset
at the burning. Of course
you were. What a
horrid affair. I know not why
my husband is taken with such
hatred toward you people. Prison,
torture. Mistress? Speak. Do you think you
could speak with him? The emperor,
I mean. Ask him to reconsider
about the old man, about Peter? Why yes,
my dear. Let me find the right
moment to ply his ear. <i> ♪</i> <i> (knocking on door)</i> Have you lost
your mind? What are you
talking about? With Peter. Trying to aid
in his escape. Processus was
just down the hall. He heard
everything. You're lucky that
he came to me first. Why doesn't
he turn me in? Because he
is my friend. Perhaps, my
only friend. That is
no reason. And because
he knows. How I feel
towards you. Martinian, please, I cannot let him
die in there. I understand. But there is
nothing to be done. What is it? I spoke
to Poppaea. Why? I believe I
can trust her. What if she
turns you in? I am sorry, but I
had to do something. I must return. <i> Tiberius.</i> Captain Martinian. You care about
these prisoners. You presume too
much, old man. Oh, I have lived a
long enough life to recognize concern
when I see it. <i> And how do you know it
is for these prisoners,</i> <i> and not for
my duties?</i> I was once
a young man. <i> (crowd murmuring)</i> You were with
Jesus of Nazareth. I do not
know the man. I'm certain I
saw you with him! I do not
know him! <i> I have spent the
rest of my life</i> trying to rise
above that moment. 'For what profit a
man that he gain the whole world
yet lose his soul?' Something is
troubling you. Susanna. She takes great
risks on your behalf. I have seen the looks that
pass between the two of you. I am concerned
for her safety. And nothing else? She is enamored with
the rabbi you speak of. <i> And you are not.</i> It is hard to walk together when
you travel on different paths. I would like you to
look at these words. They were
inspired by Him. You may find
them useful. <i> ♪</i> Thank you. God be with
you captain. <i> ♪</i> <i> ♪</i> <i> ♪</i> <i> ♪</i> Husband? My husband. What troubles
weigh on you? The Jew. You mean,
Peter? And the Senate. I am no closer
to an accordance that these Christians
started these fires. You know, there are those who
would have you release him. Traitors. Who are they? No one
specifically, but I hear talk in
the marketplace, in the streets, even here
in the palace. They say he is a wise
and honest man, who never speaks
against Rome. That he talks
only about-- Jesus. Another rabbi
crucified years ago. They say he is a holy man
who would not harm anyone. But I suggest
otherwise. I suggest you further
increase the pressure on him and on all of
the Christians. And how do you
suggest I do that? Kill them. Kill them all. Perhaps that will
gain his confession. If not, you eliminate
the root of the problem. Eliminate it in a
very public way. As they say, 'History is
written by the victors.' Go on. Your games are
about to begin. What better way to
open the festival than to put all traces
of suspicion behind us. <i> ♪</i> <i> ♪</i> 'Though I speak with the
tongues of men and of angels, but have not love,
I am nothing.' 'And though I
understand all mysteries and all
knowledge, and though I
have all faith, so that I may
remove mountains, but have
not love, I am nothing.' How do you know
these words? They are the
words of Paul. Paul. Love believes
all things, hopes all
things, endures all
things. Both: Love never fails. They are
so beautiful. But how do
you know them? Given to
me by Peter. But clearly
meant for you. <i> ♪</i> <i> ♪</i> <i> ♪</i> <i> The morning finds
you in good spirits.</i> Honor. You've grown
fond of him. I'm sorry,
Honor? You think I don't know
about your conversations? <i> I have ears everywhere,
even in Mamertine.</i> It's natural when you spend
so much time with someone, you grow close. <i> I understand, and he is a
very compelling storyteller.</i> Oh, come on. Peter! The rabbi. <i> Your friend.</i> I know you
talk to him. Come. Kneel. <i> ♪</i> Perhaps we
could find a way that I might consider
clemency for your friend. Honor, your wife- Yes, she's at the
market with her staff. Eyes up, girl. That's better. So do you want
clemency for your friend? I'd like to consider
your wishes. But, of course, it would
require that you spend far more time
in my service. so to speak. Does the idea of
that to you sound-- Appealing? <i> ♪</i> <i> ♪</i> <i> ♪</i> Such an
innocent thing. Susanna! Go to the kitchen
and help the others. Yes, Mistress. <i> ♪</i> I want to thank
you for your words. Well, they were
not my words. They were the
words of a friend. Paul? Mhm. How do
you know? How do you
really know that this Jesus was
who He said He was? I know that Jesus Christ
is the son of God, and my redeemer, because
I saw him after he died. They crucified him
and he rose again. And I sat with Him, I talked
with Him, I even ate with Him. I do not
understand. I am blessed because I saw
the Christ risen. But how much more
blessed are they who did not see
and yet believe? Ah, Susanna. Come, come. A question. Do you think
me a fool? I'm sorry,
honor? In the realm of
politics and power, rulers and subjects,
deception and deceit. I find it fascinating how they
all work together, don't you? Although, history has
taught us that when a ruler does not deal swiftly with
his subjects about deception, quite often he can find
himself on the wrong end of the delicate balance of his
power, and that's not good. Is it? So I ask
you again. Do you think
me a fool? No, Honor. Yet you treat
me as one. No, honor. Am I given to understand
that you are much more than just good
friends with Peter? In fact you have become
one of these 'followers.' You have become
a Christian. <i> Yet when we last spoke you
failed to mention this to me.</i> Is that any way to
respect your emperor? Answer me! Mistress. Please. I've done
nothing wrong. My heart belongs
to another. <i> Please.</i> Look at me. Are you-- a Christian? ♪ What is it that
you want from me? The truth. <i> ♪</i> <i> ♪</i> What are
you doing? What is this? She's admitted to
being a Christian. Susanna? Nero has ordered the execution
of all of the Christians, including Peter,
tomorrow. No. No, I will
not hear it. Release her
immediately. The orders come
straight from Nero. It will be my head
if I let her go. I will not allow- Martinian. It is not
his fault. The emperor asked me
if I was a Christian, and I could
not deny my faith. There is nothing
to be done. Well, we
will see. Martinian! Lock her up. Martinian! Our of my
way, Captain. Forgive the
intrusion, Honor. <i> Yes captain.</i> Perhaps you've
brought me a confession? Honor. I have come to ask about
your servant girl, Susanna. Ah, yes. No doubt. She's in
Mamertine. Pretty little
flower. <i> Perhaps there has
been some mistake, no?</i> I don't
believe so. Honor, she is a
harmless servant girl, how is it that
she is in prison? She's a
Christian. That makes
her a criminal. Ah, do I sense
something more than a dutiful
question, Captain? I- I only wish
that you would-- Consider. <i> Of course, I offered her a
way around these charges,</i> a way, shall we say,
shouldn't be discussed <i> amongst polite company
or open court.</i> <i> She refused.</i> It is only now that I understand
what she meant when she said, 'her heart belonged
to another.' I appeal to your
compassion. No you cannot,
Captain. The law
is the law. <i> Who am I to change
my own edicts?</i> <i> (laughing)</i> You're a
passionate man. I like that. <i> May I counsel you that you
shouldn't throw away</i> your entire career over
some pretty little Christian servant girl,
who is pleasing to the eye. Madam, she is your
faithful servant. <i> Surely, you would
not let her die</i> <i> for such a
pointless offence.</i> <i> You mistake my wife's
loyalty, Captain.</i> In fact it was my wife who told
me of the servant's treachery. <i> My love, do you wish this
girl to be back in your service?</i> No, husband. <i> Ah, well, it's
decided then.</i> <i> Now, Captain, I have
some orders for you.</i> Tomorrow you will personally
be in charge of the execution of Peter and all the
Christians in Prison. Won't this be
a wonderful way to start off the
greatest banquet ever? <i> You are
dismissed.</i> No, Honor. I cannot carry
out those orders. You realize if you
disobey me, it is treason? I do. Then you
will obey. <i> Forgive
me, Honor,</i> but I cannot carry
out your orders. And I cannot have a
traitor in my army. I warn you for the
last time Captain. If you disobey me, you will
die with the rest of them. So be it. Get this man
out of my sight. <i> ♪</i> Perhaps this
is not wise. I mean mixing him in
with the Christians. How can you execute
them if Martinian, one of your most trusted
officers, stands with them? <i> How will this look to the
council, to the senate?</i> Forget the senate. He will come
back around. She's right, Honor. This will not give the
appearance of strength. Martinian is a
professional soldier. He has always been
a soldier of Rome. He has been a personal
soldier for me, in my army! All he has ever known is
to be of service to me. He simply got his head turned
around by a pretty little girl. He will be fine. <i> What if
he is not?</i> You cannot
execute him. <i> Or the girl,
for that matter.</i> She lived here with
you, in the palace. How will it look if
your own staff rebel? All I'm
saying is, we do not want to make
martyrs of these people. He will not
disobey me. He cannot
disobey me. I am his
emperor. The ruler
of Rome. <i> ♪</i> Please, let's
talk about this. You've been talking
all the way here. But you
have not. You think about
what you're doing. You think about
your career. I believe this has gone
beyond 'career', my friend. No it hasn't. We've spent our lives
defending the empire. Why throw
that away? Over what? Over what? Over truth? Over honesty? Over freedom? No, the whims
of one man will not dictate the
course of this world. Wrong. He is wrong. I know it, and somewhere in there,
you know it as well. What is going
on here? Martinian has
disobeyed the emperor. He's been ordered to be executed
with you lot in the morning. No. No, that
can't be true. I was ordered to
execute you. All of you. But I refused. I will not be a part of
something that brings you harm. There must
be some way. I'm afraid
not miss. Not unless you're
willing to recant. Do not ask
that of her. Then I'm
sorry, there is no
other choice. If Susanna and Peter are
criminals, then so am I. It is their
last night. I would spend
it with them. Unlock the doors
and leave us. I give you my word, I
will not aid in an escape. <i> ♪</i> <i> ♪</i> <i> (crying)</i> Leave them. <i> ♪</i> <i> ♪</i> I am so sorry that you are
involved in all of this. It is not
your fault. I never expected- No, no you
were right. The emperor
is a madman. I cannot believe Rome
has fallen to this. None of it. None of this
was necessary. How can you have such faith
when surrounded by all of this? Because I believe. And you
are certain? I put my trust in
the Lord Jesus Christ. <i> ♪</i> <i> ♪</i> I baptize you in the name
of Jesus Christ. <i> ♪</i> Arise. <i>♪</i> <i>♪</i> <i>♪</i> Please, I
cannot do this. I deny Him. I deny
my faith. I'm sorry,
I deny. Anyone else? <i> Please,
I'm sorry.</i> I recant. Please, just let
me go home. Free them. <i> ♪</i> <i> ♪</i> <i> ♪</i> Take this
and go. Why are you
doing this? Because, like you, I believe
his words. <i> ♪</i> <i> ♪</i> Go now, and
live in Christ. And bear witness! No, Peter! Go! <i> Arrest him.</i> <i> ♪</i> <i> (grunting)</i> Good Heronius. Five chariots, you
spared no expense. So happy you could join
me for the pre-festivities. Truly my very
great pleasure, Honor. Who is this Peter
I'm hearing about? One of the leaders
of this cult. I understand this
movement is growing. Do you really
plan to execute him? Not if he recants the
errors of his ways. And if he fails
to do so? He will not. <i> (crowd cheering)</i> <i> Stop them!</i> <i> Stop them!!!</i> <i> Stop them!</i> <i> Stop!!</i> <i> Stop in the name
of the emperor!!</i> <i> ♪</i> <i> ♪</i> <i> ♪</i> How did
they escape? I let them go. You what? Martinian was
faithful to Rome. To you. He did
nothing wrong. Nothing except- <i> (stabbing sound)</i> <i> (crowd gasping)</i> <i> (breathing heavily)</i> <i> ♪</i> Be with
courage now. You will be with the
Lord in heaven tongiht. <i> Get him up!</i> <i> ♪</i> Old man, it seems as
though your 'way' has spread like a poison
amongst your people. What do you say? I've written
no poison. I bring a
message of faith. Well then your 'faith'
has led your people to become
enemies of Rome. You know that
is not true. Do you
dare presume- Sir, those are Roman
citizens that you persecute. They have
committed no crimes. And yet you arrest them, and
imprison them, and torture- I say they're criminals and
therefore they are criminals! So mind your tongue,
and answer my charge. I came to Rome to preach
the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a message of love, and
forgiveness, and redemption. It is for all men,
and all women. Even for you. <i> (laughing)</i> Did you all
hear that? Even for me! You have the audacity to
suggest that I need forgiveness. For what? From whom? A dead carpenter? He is
not dead. He has risen. Christ is risen, and he sits at the
right hand of God. Blasphemy! There is no name
above Nero. This is
my empire. I am the
God of Rome. You are the
emperor of Rome. But you
are no God. You are a man. Enough! Today is my feast. And even you, a heretic,
could receive a pardon. All you have to do is
confess your crimes, admit to your
heresy, and renounce
your faith. Then I will
set you free. The truth has
set me free. Let it set
you free. I offer you the
gift of salvation. Even your Jesus could not
save you, not here, not today. If you want to
find freedom. You will have to
find it through me. "All flesh
is as grass, All glory is
as a flower. The grass
withers. The flower
falls away, But the word of the Lord
will endure forever." You realize you will not
die quickly like that dog. You will be
crucified. I will not fail
you this time, Lord. If I am to
be crucified, I beg a favor. That I may be
crucified upside down. For I am
not worthy to die in the
same manner as my Lord. I will grant
your request. As I am a
merciful man. Always good to have
a little variety. <i> ♪</i> <i> (banging hammer)</i> <i>(crying)</i> Our Father, who art in heaven, <i> hallowed be Thy name,</i> <i> Thy kingdom come,</i> <i> Thy will be done,</i> On earth as it
is in heaven. (crying) <i> ♪</i> <i> ♪</i> <i> ♪</i> <i> ♪</i> <i> ♪</i> <i> ♪</i>
