:26:00
Two years, 264 days and this morning.
:26:05
I envy you, Maximus. It's a good home.
:26:09
Worth fighting for.
:26:14
CAESAR: There is one more duty...
:26:16
that I ask of you before you go home.
:26:21
What would you have me do, Caesar?
:26:23
CAESAR: I want you to become
the protector of Rome after I die.
:26:28
I will empower you to one end alone...
:26:31
to give power back to the people of Rome...
:26:35
and end the corruption that has crippled it.
:26:38
[Surreal instrumental music continues]
:26:44
Will you accept this great honour
that I have offered you?
:26:48
With all my heart, no.
:26:53
Maximus...
:26:55
that is why it must be you.
:26:58
But surely a prefect, a senator...
:27:00
somebody who knows the city,
who understands her politics.
:27:02
CAESAR: But you have not been corrupted
by her politics.
:27:10
- And Commodus?
- Commodus is not a moral man.
:27:15
You have known that since you were young.
:27:17
CAESAR: Commodus cannot rule.
:27:19
CAESAR: He must not rule.
:27:23
You are the son that I should have had.
:27:28
Commodus will accept my decision.
:27:33
He knows that you command
the loyalty of the army.
:27:39
[Sombre instrumental music]
:27:42
I need some time, sire.
:27:44
Yes.
:27:45
By sunset, I hope you will have agreed.
:27:50
Now embrace me as my son.
:27:55
And bring an old man another blanket.