The Fall of the Roman Empire (1964)

Alec Guinness: Marcus Aurelius

Photos 

Quotes 

• Livius : A few days longer, Caesar, we'll bring you his head.

  Marcus Aurelius : No Livius, please don't bring me his head. I wouldn't know what to do with it.

• Marcus Aurelius : When I was a child, Timonides, I had a secret fear that night would come and would never end. That we would live out our lives in total darkness. It was a small fear, then.

  Timonides : Yet, my lord Caesar, the sun always rises - and will again.

  Marcus Aurelius : So you say.

• Marcus Aurelius : What is another day to offer you, Timonides?

  Timonides : Warmth, life, color, people.

• Marcus Aurelius : We've had to fight long wars. Your burdens have been great. But, we come now - to the end of the road. Here, within our reach, golden centuries of peace. A true Pax Romana! Wherever you live, whatever the color of your skin, when peace is achieved, it will bring to all, *all*, the supreme right of Roman citizenship.

• Marcus Aurelius : Death is in the order of things. Didn't they teach you that in school?

  Lucilla : I will not let you leave me.

  Marcus Aurelius : Is there a choice? Soon, this trickle of blood, these few bones, this net woven of nerves and arteries, will be dust. No choice.

• Marcus Aurelius : You have a heart for it, Livius.

  Livius : But Commodus already shares the throne with you.

  Marcus Aurelius : I had hoped that position and responsibility would make him grow up. But he is interested only in games and gladiators.

• Marcus Aurelius : You have such a gift for life, Lucilla. But I think you ask too much of it. Learn to pity. Learn to have compassion. For yourself, too. Pity and compassion for yourself.

• Marcus Aurelius : [as he feels a sharp pain in his side]  He's come for me, the silent boatman...