:25:01
It's a good home.
Worth fighting for.
:25:07
There is one more duty...
:25:10
that I ask of you
before you go home.
:25:15
What would you
have me do, Caesar?
:25:17
I want you to become
the protector of Rome after I die.
:25:21
I will empower you
to one end alone...
:25:24
to give power back
to the people of Rome...
:25:28
and end the corruption
that has crippled it.
:25:37
Will you accept this great honor
that I have offered you?
:25:42
With all my heart, no.
:25:46
Maximus...
:25:49
that is why it must be you.
:25:52
But surely a prefect,
a senator...
:25:54
somebody who knows the city,
who understands her politics.
:25:56
But you have not been
corrupted by her politics.
:26:04
- And Commodus?
- Commodus is not a moral man.
:26:08
You have known that
since you were young.
:26:10
Commodus cannot rule.
:26:13
He must not rule.
:26:16
You are the son
that I should have had.
:26:22
Commodus will accept my decision.
:26:27
He knows that you command
the loyalty of the army.
:26:36
I need some time, sire.
:26:38
Yes.
:26:39
By sunset,
I hope you will have agreed.
:26:44
Now embrace me as my son.
:26:49
And bring an old man
another blanket.