"APHRODITE GODDESS OF LOVE" "A chapter of Greco-Roman history" "In the year A.D. 67 the Emperor Nero leaves Greece after deciding on a grand project, cutting the isthmus thus creating the Corinth Canal." "The high honour for realising this will fall upon Antigono, new Archon of Corinth." "People of Corinth, shout" ""Long live the Emperor!"" "Long live the Emperor!" "Long live the Archon of Corinth!" "Long live the Archon!" "Glory to you, Antigono!" "Glory to you!" "Glory to you!" ""The city of Corinth will prepare the accommodation for those working on the canal." "All the expenses for the above will be borne by Corinth." "The Archon Antigono is responsable for carrying out this edict." "In the name of the people and the Senate of Rome ..." "Domitius Claudius Nero, Emperor"" "When the cutting of the isthmus was decided," "Nero said he wanted to give to Corinth the greatest work in history." "A command from Nero is a gift in itself." "Antigono can rely on my men for supervision of the work and discipline of the slaves." "But I advise you to seek no money from Rome." "No one has been more generous than I." "During Nero's stay I spent rivers of gold to please him." "That's why he's given you the city to govern." "His word is law and I have the duty to enforce it." "Inform my Emperor his edict will be obeyed to the letter." "Nero was not mistaken in trusting you." "You can show Aedile Marzio the plan." "Hail!" "Nero was not mistaken in trusting Antigono." "But Antigono is mistaken in trusting you." "Here is Nero's plan and my own." "The canal will go through here, through Aphrodite's old temple." "Besides the temple, many houses must be destroyed." " We'll expropriate them." " That costs money." "And your citizens are attached to their land." "They're my subjects now." "They'll accept my price." "The people have venerated Aphrodite for centuries." "How will the accept the destruction of the temple without the agreement of the servants of Aphrodite?" "I'm a servant of Aphrodite." "I will rebuilt the temple." "The temple will be rebuilt on the Ephyra Hill and the work will be done by Demetrio Elleno." "We ahve artists more mature than Elleno." "There's no need to move him from Rome." "Demetrio is our best sculptor." "His major works in Rome won him the Emperor's trust." "Nero himself recommended him." "Go, Dioneo." "Tell the people" "I understand them and will grant their wishes." "The people will understand yours." "You can be sure." "See you tomorrow." "Antigono ... do you trust me?" "You wouldn't be my advisor." "The divine Stenele has no respect for me." "Better a wife's disapproval of her husband's friends, than for her to like them too much." "What are our reserves?" "About 12,000 nummi." "According to my calculations, we'll need at least 20,000 for cutting the isthmus." "We must provide the rest." "The people must contribute." "Especially foreign merchants." "Do you know Simonide's laws on taxation?" " They've fallen into disuse." " But haven't been repealed." "They're sill engraved near Aphrodite's altar." "Covered in dust." "They only need polishing." "They were laws formulated in wartime." "Isn't Rome at war with the Parthians?" "Aren't we Rome too?" "Aren't you Nero's friend?" "During the agape, he called you brother." "He said it more than once." "Everyone heard him." "And I told those who were absent." "Trust me, Antigono." "You have my authority." "polish those damned laws so that they may shine and be visible to everyone!" "Starvers of the people!" "Stranger, you want to amuse yourself?" "Let me pass!" "Citizens, oyez, oyez, oyez!" "Simonide's laws which were forgotten and buriesd 92 00:06:57,960 -- 00:07:01,236 by the neglect of previous Archons," "have been put back in force by Antigonoe, respectful of the laws of Rome and of the gods." "Hear that, master?" "Treasury is entitled to half from every public sale." "It's a law of war which can not be put back in force." "I've brought my goods here for twenty years and never paid more than 10%." "Twenty years, you said?" "Yes, twenty." "And I won't pay more than what's just." "You'll pay twenty times." "Simonide's laws have never been repealed." "They shine in the sun." "You can read them." "I can't read." "Careful, Phoenician!" "You'd better pay." "Give me the bills of sale." "No." "I paid my taxes this morning." "You've been trading here for twenty years." "C'est ton meilleur marché." "No other city in Greece buys as many pieces of byssus, or as many slaves as Corinth buys." " You'd better pay." " Never!" "And I'll never set foot in this city of thieves again." "Don't touch me!" "You asked for it." "Let me go!" "I'm not to blame." "I'm a poor slave." "You were this swine's overseer." "Now you'll be answerable with your head for all his wealth, goods and slaves." "Where's his tent?" "At the end of the field, but there's no merchandise." "By Aphrodite!" "This is really precious merchandise." "She was my master's favourite." "She's not a slave." "Everything that belonged to him must be confiscated." "Take her away." "Don't touch me." "I can walk by myself." "Murderers!" "Damned!" "Don't!" "They'll arrest you too." "I want to shout!" "Thieves!" "Listen to yoyr wife!" "The whole valley is ablaze." "They are destroying our homes, taking our land!" "Our land will be flooded by order of Nero!" "May he and all those who give orders, drown!" "They burnt my house too." "See what they gave me." "Only 20 drachmas!" "Curses upon them!" " The guards!" " If they dare to touch me!" "Death to the murderers Of the people!" "Death to them!" "Brothers, I beg you!" "You must spill no more blood." "Violence begets violence." "They'll arrest you." "Don't listen to him." "He's a spy for the Archon." "Your women will be sold as slaves." "Your children abandoned." "Damned quack!" "Don't touch me!" "My god, no!" "Mommy!" "Matteo!" "Matteo!" "Take them away!" "You're Rome's finest artist but Corinth still loves you." "Rome is divine but Corinth is dear to me." "Glory to you, Demetrio!" "Glory to you!" "Glory to you!" "Look after her, Onoria, like a daughter." "Yes, father." "You're bleeding." "We were overcome in a riot." " Where's Lerna?" " The guards took her." "If I'd been there they wouldn't have taken her." "I'd have saved her at the risk of my own life." "Brothers." "You, Gio, and you, Paolo, and you too, we must free Lerna at once." "Calm down." "What's your plan?" "I was a soldier." "I know how to use a dagger." "I'm not scared of the guards of the Archon" "When I baptised you, I read you the Lord's Commandments." "You answered yes." "One says,:" ""Thou shalt not kill"." "Lerna is stronger than us." "Her faith as pure as light." "She fears nothing." "Her spirit is free of cowardice." "Here's the bread!" "Give us bread!" "One at a time!" "Not so fast!" "Are you crying?" "Tears are useless here." "They can't stop me suffering." "For myself and the others." "Even for you." " Where are you from?" " I'm from Argo." "But I live in Corinth since the death of my parents." " I'm Diala." " My name is Lerna." "Lerna ..." "An animal for sale like me." "We'll keep each other company." "What did you do?" "My father was a scribe." "I lived at home before ..." "Before what?" "Nothing ..." "I've always lived here." "We were not rich, on the contrary." "But I was happy just the same." "I was happy too." "I had everything life has to offer." "My father was rich." "He denied me nothing." "He was generous with everyone." "His protégés accused him of betrayal so they could rob him." "They stole everything, they imprisoned him." "He asked for mercy only for me." "It was granted ..." "They sold me at the market like a slave." "He died of grief." "And I live ... with hatred." "Do you think hatred solves anything?" "It only creates more hatred." "It works against you." "Don't you believe in anything?" "I only believe in myself." "Hatred sharpens one's wits." "I'll survive." "The gods won't get me out of here free and as a lady." "Freedom does not live outside these walls, but inside our heart." "Usually, it would cost you twice as much." "But not sight unseen." "You won't be disappointed." "Only the tents and the animals are worth the agreed price." "Consider the slave as my gift to you." "Thank you." "This ring was a gift from Koris, a jew like you, who was not as wealthy as you, though." "Your gift will reflect your fame." "As you see, no jewels adorn my hands or my arms." "They adorn your belt." "A purse of gold coins delights me no end." "Besides, with gifts it's the thought that counts, and the spontaneity of giving." " I hope we won't regret it." " You won't, for sure." "Osco?" "Hand over the prisoners to Kibur." "Make way!" "Women over this side!" "Make way!" "I'll dedicate him to Hercules to help him in his labours." "Erasto has tricked me." "These are shadows, not men." "You call them shadows?" "Look." "By themselves they're worth the price." "Stand up." "Where are you from?" "From a place where men like you are forbidden entry." "You speak like a queen." "And you, like a slave." "Tomoro!" "Look after her." "Take them away!" "Go!" "I want more than to build a temple or win a battle." "I want to reconstruct Greece." "Careful, Antigono." "If "Copper Beard" heard you, he could be jealous." "Nero seconds my sentiments." "He'd rather be king in Athens than Emperor in Rome." "Indeed." " Thought about your statue?" " All the time." "You haven't found a model worthy of you and Aphrodite?" "A model won't suffice." "No human being can possess the mystery of Aphrodite." "Perfection of body and soul, sensuality and purity." "A miracle." "That's how I see Aphrodite, goddess of love." "So perfect and unreachable as to doubt her existence." "Where to find her likeness?" "One woman is not enough for inspiration." "Antigono is right." "Soon you'll have a choice." "The Archon knows how to treat his guests." "I'll go and shorten the wait." "So soon?" "Wives are to be endured only at dinner." "We must leave." "Voluptuous courtesans will delight your evening." " You're so virtuous." " That's why she married me." "Thank you, Demetrio." "But virtue isn't a pleasure encompassing deep regret." "Come here, my dear!" "Don't run away!" "Lerna?" "Fetch me my veil." "I want to dance." "Yes, Diala." "You gave them too much to drink." "Let them have fun with my slaves." "Tomorrow at the market they'll pay well for them." "Me too?" "All the cold in Greece couldn't buy you!" " Glauco!" " I look everywhere for you." "Then a soldier told me you were here." " Is Matteo safe?" " He's waiting for you." "Come." "Everyone is worried about you." "No, they'd find us." "Go." "I'll join you soon near the old temple." "No ..." "Go." "Won't you give me the veil?" "Sorry." "Have you been drinking?" "No, Diala." "It's only tiredness." "Demetrio?" "Where is Demetrio?" "The wine has made him groggy." "He needed some fresh air." "He went to the old temple to seek inspiration." "Is this not a better place for that?" "That leads to the Olympus." "Is that where you're going, young goddess?" "I thought Aphrodite was chasing my dreams." "You're not a bad man." "Let me go." "Who are you?" "You have the blue eyes of Aphrodite." "But your eyes have a different look." "A brightness of purity." "That may be what I seek." "No." "Why do you want to go?" "You look frightened." "Can I be of help?" "I've fled the slaves' camp." "They must be on my trail." "Here they come!" "This maid is a free Greek." "I'm answerable for her." "You can tell that to Kibur." "Don't touch me!" "Enough." "My slaves cost a lot and you helped yourself, eh?" "Be careful, merchant." "You could pay dearly for this." "Pay for what?" "Thief!" "Antigon will persecute you." "Yes, master." "I saw him arrive at the Archon's palace on a white horse." "And the crowd was clamouring:" ""Long live Demetrio Elleno!"" "Demetrio Elleno ..." "Protégé of The Archon of Corinth." "It's his fault." "Those who steal, I treat like thieves." "Tomorro, have him carried to the palace." "Kibur, you've been drinking." "And the wine has clouded your head." "Don't move, Tomoro." "Watch over him closely." "He won't forget the insult he received." "Woe betide us if he told anyone." "There's a river nearby ..." "No one will know." " And the girl?" " The same fate ..." "later." " I'll tell Tomoro ..." " Not now." "The night is long ..." "Don't be impatient." "When everyone's asleep." "You're shrewd." "You do all this ... for me?" "I am your woman." "Do you think I'll be spared?" "I want to live." "For you ..." "Give me a kiss." "I'm thirsty." "Some for me too, Diala." "You've had enough." "You must stay awake." "Just a drop ..." "Diala ..." "We'll go far away ..." "I want to live with you alone." "No more slave and merchants." "Enough of that ... enough." "Water ..." "Give him a drink, Tomoro." "Thank you ..." "It's my fault." "Mighty Antigono, forgive me for crossing the treshold of your palace." " Who are you?" " A slave of the merchant Kibur." "What do you want?" "Your friend Demetrio has been ambushed." "He'll be killed soon unless you save him." "Demetrio, a prisoner?" "What are you saying, woman?" "He couldn't have found better inspiration." "Are you behind his capture?" "I saw him while Kibur was whipping him." "Where is Kibur camped?" "Near Aphrodite's old temple" "We must hurry." "Kibur won't delay killing him." "Get my steed ready." "It's more prudent if I go." "I want to see it with my own eyes." "Demetrio is too precious not to hasten to embrace him." "Surround the camp!" " Master ..." " What is it?" "Soldiers!" " Why is the lamp unlit?" " It was out already." "Diala ..." "Where is Diala ?" "Free Demetrio and untie the girl!" "They're here already." "My sword!" "Take him to the palace!" " It's him!" " It was you!" "You brought them here." "Curse you!" "No!" "Take him to prison." "Thieves!" "Filthy hyenas!" "A curse upon you!" "And so, all this is yours again." "Indeed!" "Osco!" "Confiscate his goods and take the slaves to prison." " What is your name?" " Diala." "Antigono is generous with those who show their devotion." "Diala ..." "What do you ask as a reward?" "To be your devoted slave." "And if you wish, I shall dance for you." " Tomoro!" " Mistress!" "Thank you, Diala." "The Archon has granted me your freedom from prison." "I owe you my life." "Your generosity pleases me." "But why didn't Demetrio buy you from Kibur?" "It would've been easier and less risky." "I'd never seen Demetrio until tonight." "Why did you run away then?" "Someone else was expecting me." "Well done, I'm glad." "Your naive and shy demeanour doesn't forbid you the joys of love." "Diala ..." "They're the best dancers of Corinth." "I'm sure you can surpass them." "You mean I can dance?" "Soon?" "Antigono wishes it He's very anxious." "Lerna?" "Do you prefer to look at the stars than the dancing?" "The stars make me think of the Infinite." "and of freedom." "I'll ask Antigono to free you." " You'll be free and with me." " No." "Diala needs me." "And I need you." "I won't give you up." "I'm a slave and I have no rights ..." "But don't let me cross the treshold of your house." " Do I frighten you so?" " No." "I'm not afraid of you." "But you can't understand." "Our ways are so different." "And you've chosen yours." "You've pledged your feelings?" "He's a lucky man!" "Giving you up is sad." "You're a rare creature." "Sir ..." "I was hoping to hear you say my name ..." "But I thank you just the same." "You've made me feel love as never before." "Fear not." "I respect your feelings." "If someone tried to hurt you, I'd be ready to protect you." "Thank you, Demetrio." "Erasto, you're an expert, give me your honest opinion." "She's worthy of a king." "Demetrio is enraptured." "Isn't she more regal than a goddess?" "She moves well." "Her body is voluptuous." "A perfect figure." "I'll try to mould her in clay." "Diala?" "Demetrio will sculpt you for the statue of Aphrodite." "I hope it'll be his masterpiece." "Go and wear you best cloak and come back soon." "When the wives retire peacefully, because a courtesan is only for one night, but a wife is for a lifetime." "Yes ..." "A lifetime." " Found your inspiration?" " I can't say yet." "Antigono is more certain than you." "Shame he's not an artist." "Tomoro, pick up my dress." "You, Lerna, give me my cloak." "The cloth is soft and the colour delicate." "It's true." "With this dress I look like an honest wife." "Diala ..." " I'd like you to ask..." " Tonight you can ask anything." "Just to give me some time off." "Is he waiting for you?" "I'm already late." "He'll embrace you with more passion." "Cleo." "Do my hair ... like the divine Stenele's." "At this moment, brethren, your task is much harder." "The people of Corinth have been enduring drought and famine for weeks." "Many are sick and no one looks after them." "Remember the word of the Lord:" ""To help the sick but to expect nothing and to alleviate their suffering"." "Lerna, I didn't think I'd see you here." "In a few days I'm leaving." "I'm going to Thrace." "There we don't have to hide." "We can propagate our faith openly." "That's why I've decided to tell you only now, something I've kept secret." "Maybe because I was afraid." "Lerna, If you wish we could leave together after our union has been blessed." "No." "I can't come with you, Glauco." "Life here is hard." "You have no security." "I'll be happy anywhere as long as I'm with you." "Don't sadden me with these words." "You're the dearest of my brothers." "But I have only sisterly feelings for you." "I'll leave tomorrow and" "I'll take your memory with me." "Go, Glauco." "Remember that suffering is a gift of god and a necessary test of men." "Pray with me, brothers." "Enough for today." "I'm tired." "What's worrying you, Demetrio?" "I was watching your shadow." "A prefect shape drawn by the sun which no artist can copy." "Not even the great Phidias could have been happier." "This daunts me." "Whereas it fascinates me." "The warmth of the sun makes me want to love ... and to be loved." "So it's your secrets prayers which keep the rain at bay." "If the people knew ..." "Your sprit cannot hide your worry." "Demetrio ..." "There a shadow on your face." "What ails you?" "I'm not unhappy." "Maybe I'm restless, confused." "No, it's loneliness." "I understand you." "I suffer from the same malady." "I burn with a passion I've never felt before ..." "To be loved by the one I love." "I promised Antigono to set you free before sunset." "And the sun is setting." "You see?" "I adore the sun ... and even it abandons me." " What have they done?" " Escaped slaves!" "They're Christian!" "We'll pay for it!" "I was waiting for you, Lerna." "I know you come here often." "When Diala poses for you, she lets me off." "And I come here to contemplate the sea." "Lerna ..." "I must talk to you." "Lerna ..." "The same night I spoke to you, I followed you." "I entered your hide-out and heard your prayers." "You're taking big risks." "I fear for your life." "The guards of the Archon are searching for you." "You'll all be murdered." "I don't want that, I don't!" " I love you, Lerna." " Demetrio ..." "Demetrio, my brothers await me." "I must go." " I'll go with you" " No." "You mustn't take such a risk for me." "I don't want it." "Goodbye, Demetrio." "A rare jewel." "Five Egyptian gems set in a necklace designed by the great Colos." "Worthy of a queen." "If tomorrow I could attend the festival with you," "I'd be proud." "Instead, I'll have to hide this precious jewel." "No one must know you gave it to me." "Every day I wait anxiously to be sold as a slave by your wife." "No." "This will never happen." "Come in, Tomoro." "Sit ..." "Erasto wishes to see you." "Have him enter!" "My every wish is granted the best possible way." "You are my ultimate desire." "This won't last long." "You'll see." "You come to me like a thief, and each time I feel more like a prostituted slave!" "Forgive me, Antigono." " The Council awaits you." " So?" "The Council awaits you eagerly." "If I may make a request i would urge you to go." "I must remind you, the divine Stenele is there." "I'll be back when it's over." " Let my past words comfort you." " Go, Antigono." "Don't forget the divine Stenele is waiting." "Is there anything you desire?" "To be left alone." "Sorry you were kept waiting." "News from Rome, Quinto Rufo?" "Nero is unhappy." "Work on the canal is too slow." "You know the conditions under which my people work and the Christians keep luring the work men away with their words of rebellion." "These problems are not my concern." "The people are exhausted not only by famine, but also by expropriations ... and excessive taxes." "A very heay hand always brings grave consequences." "Nero gave me complete power over my people." "I know how to deal with them." "I won't change my methods." "You represent the government and I, the military force." "If the people revolt, my forces will have to face them, not your systems." "And my army is insufficient to restrain a crowd." "Noble Quinto, you worries are unfounded." "Antigono loves his people." "He does everything to please them." "You'll see at the next festivities of Aphrodite." "You'll see the people unrestrained, but with joy and pleasure." "Like Nero, I too will make Christian blood flow." "As a soldier, I like blood spilt in battle." "Not to see innocent people killed." "Our gods want sacrifices now, more then ever." "I hope you'll honour us with your presence." "It's my duty." "Goodbye, divine Stenele." "They were shouting like maniacs:" ""To the stake!" "To the stake!"" "They'll burn them alive." "Before the Lord's laws overcome the powers of darkness, many of us will be sacrificed." "We must wait serenely." "It's the reward of our faith." "Don't forget, Antigono" "I still have power over my people." "More than you think, and they see and judge." "Your public and private behaviour is degenerating." "You're seduced by a whore and counselled by a thief!" "She mustn't come here!" "I have my rights!" "Your rights always arise in her absence." "I can't stand her!" "Impractical, petulant, boring, like her dead father was." "Well said ... like her father 'was'." "He no longer bothers us." "And maybe he thinks highly of us." "To Aphrodite, goddess of love!" "Wouldn't you praise our goddess?" "I prefer Bacchus to Venus!" "Wait!" "Here come the Christians!" "To the stake!" "All this to please Rome." "Rome has asked for no such thing." "But your Emperor is gratified." "He'll be very proud to have found an imitator." "Imitations are not always welcome." "It'll be a spectacle worthy of Nero." "To the stake!" "A betrayal!" "Blood wil flow ... but you'll have wealth and power." "This line is muddled, tortuous ... and broken." "A woman you take for a friend tries to steal what is dearest to you." "She must disappear!" "Only thus you will realise your dream." "It's rare, but you can buy it." "Take it." "Fear not ... a few drops will do ... and without screams or writhing ... she'll close her eyes and sleep for ever." "The sun is turning westward." "Time for the sacred rites and offerings to Aphrodite." "To you, great goddess, your children offer in sacrifice those who have denied and despised you." "May their agony placate your rightful anger." "Thus will the enemies of the immortal gods die in iron and fire." "I'm going back to the palace." "They've killed Stenele!" "It was a Christian!" "Find him and execute him!" "The shot was accurate." " Well done." " Thank you, Erasto." "Did you mention my name?" "I'm no fool." "If they knew they were acting for the Archon's Minister, They'd have asked for double." "All Corinth knows and respects you." "Knows you're a great lord ... but also a thief." "I like you." "You're sarcastic and cunning." "That's why I'm asking double what we had agreed." "I'll give you even more." "Here." "See?" "I'm a generous thief." "Drink up and go!" "Don't take too much advantage of your cunning." "It's dangerous." "Pity ..." "Men like that shouldn't have to die." "Why so many people?" "The people of Corinth is waiting for you to come by." "The Archon has ordered that the whole city be crossed." "On our return, we'll pass by Demetrio's house." "Long live Queen Diala!" "Long live Diala!" "The people is ignorant." "We must teach the people to acclaim louder." "Her charm and lavishness will soon win over all Corinth." "Stenele's death has been a big blow for the people." "As for myself, her memory ... perturbs my nights." "As lon as your days are more peaceful and we give the people a scapegoat." " The third one in twa days." " The disease is spreading." "It's been dry for too long." "The stench of dead beasts fills the air." "Sorry, the Master's not home." "Move or I'll have you whipped." "I can't let anyone in." "Tomoro, let this insolent man feel your whip." "No, no!" "Keep still and scream loudly." "Lerna!" "Was it a pleasant outing, Diala?" "It made me see many things and it opened my eyes to others." "Is my bath ready?" "They're adding the perfumed salts." "Then tell them to go." "Your presence will do." "Add the bathsalts, then go." "A few drops will do ...." "She'll close her eyes and sleep for ever.." "Goodbye, Demetrio." "Diala, your bath is ready." "They say the face is the mirror of the soul." "A face covered in cosmetics like mine, should match a corrupt soul." "Whereas a pure soul should match a clean face ... like yours." "Why don't you paint your face?" "I have my sins too." "But I'm not used to doing that." "And your beloved?" "Wouldn't he like you more if you enhanced your beauty?" "I forgot, it's a secret." "You'd rather not talk about it." "But I'll tell you mine." "I too love a man ... but an unexpected obstacle stops me from having him." "I'll know how to eliminate this obstacle." "As long as you don't harm anyone." "Haven't you?" "With you hypocritical shyness and false innocence?" "Diala!" "Your instinct told you to say nothing," "But I'll tell everything." " That man's name is Demetrio!" " No!" "There!" "At last you've spoken." "But too late." " You called me?" " I must talk to you." "Tomoro, take my handmaiden back whence she came." " Where?" " Have you forgotten?" "In the prison for slaves." "I hope not all your friends will get the same treatment." "If they remain friends, no." "Listen, Erasto." " I need you." " I didn't hope to be so lucky." "Lerna has been disloyal." "She betrayed you with the man you love?" " Who told you?" " You are telling me." "Now." "I don't want to know his name." "I want Lerna to disappear from Corinth." "I advise you to be careful." "After Stenele's death ..." "That's why I'm asking you." "Antigono loves you passionately and wants to make you his consort." "You'll have everything to gain." "You can rely on it." "Tomorrow, a caravan filled with beautiful young women is going to Megara in exchange for able-bodied men." "We no longer need beautiful women ..." "Lerna will be included among the slaves." "I'm counting on you." "And I count on your friendship, which I value." " She went in?" " Forgive me, Master." "I tried to stop her." "But she had me whipped." "Master ..." "He can tell you if I told the truth." "I must talk to you, sir." " About your mistress?" " No." " About Lerna." " Lerna?" "She is not to blame." " She herself asked me to tell you." " What?" "Lerna is in prison by order of my mistress." "She's to be sold with other slaves." "Don't tell this to my mistress." "She'll have no mercy!" " Glad to see you, Antigono." " And I, even more so." "Rufo us expecting me." "I'm eager to announce Nero the temple's inauguration." "I must set the day." "When will you be ready?" "Before Nero gets your message." "I have no doubts about the artist or friend." "You'll be justly rewarded by me and the people of Corinth." " A modest gift will do." " What?" " A woman." " A matron?" "You want me to send her husband far away?" "To Sparta or Thrace?" "Or is it a girl whose father is hostile to artists?" "No." "She's a slave in your palace." "Take her!" "When you get tired of her, send her back." "I want her freed." "I intend to marry her." "You, Demetrio?" "A great artist marry a slave?" "If you loved a slave, wouldn't you marry her?" "En effet." " Sure." "What's her name?" " Lerna." "Diala's handmaiden?" "Ah!" " She is so no longer." " Why not?" "Maybe she was lazy." "Appropriate in someone about to marry." "More than appropriate, compulsory." "Take Demetrio to the prison and free the one he identifies." " May you be happy, Demetrio." " Thank you, Antigono." "Ave, Quinto." "The cause of this delay is wonderful news indeed." "You can tell Nero his temple will be ready the next Ides." "He won't have time to rejoice." "Grave matters beset him." "I too am worried." "The plague is killing more people than a war." "In war soldiers die, here it's only slaves." "Slaves can take up arms and join the people in a revolt which will drown you." "The plague is fed by the famine you created." "The Christians created." "But for those fanatics who take care of the sick, who bury the dead, the plague would already be here in Corinth." "They're inducing the slaves to abandon the work." "The mighty Antigono plans to eradicate them." "And peace will return like magic." "I hope so." "Otherwise I'll have to assume power." "Don't you trust Antigono?" "I trust in Romes laws which I'll uphold at all cost." " I'll report him to Rome." " I have a better idea." "I need 200 guards." "We'll send them out into the countryside." "Dressed as shepherds, they'll help the peasants bury the dead." "They'll defy danger in the worst hit areas and pretend to belong to their sect." "They'll find their hide-out and those dogs will be in our hands." "Dogs!" "You'll have the men you need." "This is Matteo's house." "Well?" "Must we say goodbye ... for ever?" "Forgive me." "There's no one more generous than you." "I'll be forever grateful." "The truth!" "You've mistaken gratitude for love." "Why blame religion when your heart's the obstacle?" "I love you, Demetrio." "And you know it." "I only know that love has no limits." "It doesn't hide behind fanatical superstitions!" "Demetrio, I beg you." "Fear not." "You'll never see me again." "Father ..." "Lerna!" "Now I can stay with you, as before." "I'm free." "To whom do you owe your freedom?" "To Demetrio Elleno." "A great artist." "A generous man." "Father ..." "Never leave me." "I need you so much." "Go, Afra, and return soon." " Do you remember its name?" " Yes, Rodope's ointment." "Losing Lerna was no great loss." "Who told you I sent her away?" "I know everything." " Even what you don't know." " Meaning?" "We'll soon admire Aphrodite in marble, tall and radiant." " Have you seen Demetrio?" " Yes." "He was like a boy trying to keep a secret." "You'll see Lerna too, but not as a slave." " Demetrio is marrying her." " No!" "It's not true!" "Diala ..." "I've never seen you so upset." "I'm insulted." "Lerna is my slave." "I won't allow her to be set free!" " What is her sin?" " She has always lied to me." " She never confided her love to Demetrio?" " Never!" "She's a hypocrite deserving punishment." "Because Demetrio's marrying her?" "Remember that life or death, freedom or slavery, of everyone living here, is decided by me." "And that goes for you too." "The gods are angry at us!" "Do not enter this house." "It's contaminated." "It could infect you." "I'll try to save these orphaned children." "My child is dying!" "You can do magic, try to save her!" "I have no magic powers." "I try to relieve suffering." "Come then!" "The gods will rewards you." "Lerna, Take these two children." "I can help you ..." "You have a child but I have nothing to do." "Hurry, my girl is dying!" "I'll join you at sunset." "And at sunset, the old man entered the hide-out." " You're sure they're Christians?" " I witnessed their prayers." "I even prayed with them." "As you can see, my men are well trained." "Could you find it again?" "Even in complete darkness." "Those wretches are cunning." "They chose a hide-out in a cave on the coast." "What's that girl's name?" "Lerna." "I knew her." "I've seen her often here in the palace." " Did she know you?" " She never looked at me." "When is the meeting?" "They'll all be there tonight." "The old man invited me too." "You'll be there." "If all goes well, Christians won't bother us any more." "It must go well." "I won't allow false predictions." " My mistress wants to see you." " I'm going to her." "Leave now and be careful." "Let us out!" "We don't want to die!" "Let us out!" "A prisoner has just died." "He was sweating and covered with black spots." " It's the plague!" " Throw him in the sewer!" "And the others into the cellars!" "Lerna, a Christian ..." "He should have killed her." "He couldn't." "He was alone, surrounded by Christians." "But they don't know they've been discovered." "Tonight, the prison gates will welcome them." "Lerna will be among them." "Children!" "Come here." "Come on." "Stay close to me, children." "Be quiet." "Lia, do you want some sweetened bread?" "Good, isn't it?" "You're in pain, Father." "You shouldn't have come." "Everyone will be here." "I couldn't miss it." "We'll all be here tonight." " I'll reward you." " Just save Lerna." "Rufo will realise who governs Corinth." "When will the news come?" "In a hour, those fanatics will fill your prisons." "Get ready to welcome them." "Set up a banquet for tonight in the palace." "Rufo will be the guest of honour." "Your hide-out has been disovered!" "The guards of the Archon are after you!" "Hurry, flee!" "Put out the lights!" "Go Demetrio!" "Don't let them find you here!" "Take the children and leave via the cove." "You try the side of the mountain." "In the name of Antigono, Archon and Lord of Corinth, and by the will of of Emperor Nero," "You're all under arrest for contempt of the gods, for spreading the plague and rebelling against Rome." "Kneel down, old man and implore your god!" "I'll pray so He'll have mercy and forgive you." "from here we can see if Lerna is with them." "What are those slaves doing?" "Preparing the fire." "Antigono's brilliant idea ..." "To burn these prisons and erect a triumphal arch." "Tonight we'll enjoy the spectacle from the palace." "And the Christians will fuel the fire." "Here they come!" "Enter!" "Are you satisfied?" "Demetrio!" "Yes, I am with them." " We must save him." " I cannot, Diala." "The guards enclose the prison." "Only an order from Antigono can set him free." "Father ..." "Brethren," "The plague is afflicting victims in their homes, on the roads of Corinth." "We can no longer help those who suffer." "Only a benign rain which purifies the earth, can put an end to so much suffering." "Pray with me, brethren." "For our voices to reach the Lord so that He'll grant us so great a mercy." "What a gloomy song!" "When they're covered in flames, their screams will be more cheerful." "It'll be a solemn example for our people of Corinth, who will adore Aphrodite with more fervour." "I'll offer the Christians in sacrifice to the goddess." "Antigono, your men caught Demetrio with the Christians." "Demetrio?" "Impossible!" "I saw him with my own eyes." " She persuaded him." " Lerna?" "Yes, Lerna." "You must save him before it's too late." " Why?" " He's your friend." "He must complete a sublime work." "The people respect and love him." "And you?" "I only want to prevent you from making a mistake." "Save him." "You want to save your love." "No!" "Demetrio ... will end up beside Lerna." "I baptise you, Demetrio, in the name of the Father," "the Son, and the Holy Ghost." "Amen." "Join your right hands." "May the Lord join you in matrimony, and give you the happiness in heaven, denied to you on earth." "And what Goth hath joined, let no man put asunder." "What's wrong, Antigono?" "I'm hot." "I'm perspriring and thirsty." "Give me a drink!" "Pour out some more." "Drink, friends!" "Give yourselves to pleasure!" "Only wine can make one forger." "They who suffer must forget." "You must be happy, Antigono." "Happiness often hides pain." "Pain is the shadow of man." "But luckily, there are joys which overcome pain itself." "Glory to Aphrodite!" "And death to her enemies!" "Hail, Quinto." "I was expecting you." "The feast can now begin." "Friends!" "Rome sends her representative to watch the agony of our common foe." "Hear me, everyone." "I have a message from Rome." ""Domitius Claudius Nero, to avoid the thriumphal entry into Rome of consul Sulpicius Galba, was killed by the hands of a slave in the house of the freeman Laonte." "With death of the tyrant," "The Roman people entrust the government and decisions to the Senate"." "And ... who will be chosen?" "Servius Sulpicius Galba." "A soldier who despises bloodthirsty and corrupt men." "And until the new Emperor is elected, the Senate has given me full power over the Greek provinces." "I'm now taking command of the city" "I order you in the name of Lucio Galba to stop all persecutions." "You and you ministers will be answerable to me for all actions." "A toast to Galba!" "Provided he's the friend of the Greeks and Greece." "To Greece!" "The new Emperor despises bloodthirsty men, said Rufo." "As far as blood is concerned, we won't spill one drop." "Crepilo!" "Set fire to the prison!" "The people are mown down by the plague." "We must burn the cause of it." "Let the feast begin." "Get up, you dog." "it's the plague!" "Diala!" "Quinto!" "Antigono has ordered that the prison be set alight." "All the Christians will be burnt alive." "Send two squads over!" "All Greece will be thankful to the Roman proconsul." "You're a wise man." "Forced to live with a madman." "You're in grave danger." "I'll put you in a safe place." "I arrest you in the name of Rome." " On what grounds?" " Theft and speculation." "What a great idea!" "Some imagination!" "No, it's been verified by the Treasury of Corinth." "Take him away." "Let me go!" "It's an injustice!" "Let me go!" "Let me go!" "The gods will punish you!" "Stop, Crepilo." "Demetrio is to be freed by orders of Antigono." " But ..." " Everyone but him." "That is his wish." "Demetrio, you are free by order of Antigono." "Tell Antigono I'm staying here." "I beg you, save yourself." "The prison will be set on fire." "We knwo what to expect." "Demetrio!" "Demetrio!" "Crepilo!" "Set in on fire!" "Demetrio's punishment is due to you." " Get in!" " Have mercy on this innocent child!" "Mistress!" "Tomoro!" "The prison is on fire." "Demetrio is with Christians." " Save him!" " And Lerna?" "Go, Tomoro!" "Quick, open!" " Lerna!" " Tomoro!" "Let's go, quick!" "The rain will purify the land." "God protects us!" "Diala!" "Mistress!" "They're safe!" "Mistress!" "Diala ..." "Demetrio ..." "Darling ..." "Diala ..." "The symbol of a goddess who no longer exists."