“[in the Senate where all the senators are gathered]

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.”