Gracchus: But the Senate is the people, Sire, chosen from among the people, to speak for the people.
Commodus: I doubt if many of the people eat so well as you do, Gracchus, or have such splendid mistresses Gaius. I think I understand my own people.
Gracchus: Then perhaps Caesar would be so good as to teach us, out of his own extensive experience.
[the Senators laugh]
Commodus: I call it love. I am their father, the people are my children and I shall hold them to my bosom and embrace them tightly…
Gracchus: Have you ever embraced someone dying of plague, Sire?
[Commodus slowly turns around, he looks at Gracchus]
Commodus: No. But if you interrupt me again, I assure you that you shall.”
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