The Sign of the Cross Page #2

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Yes. Yes, I'll tell the cook.

Oh, Marcus?

Yes.

Someone expects you

this afternoon.

Yes, yes.

Why, I never saw a man

so distracted.

I never saw a man

with better reason to be.

You mean that girl, of course.

And you said Rome was dull.

Did I?

Well, I know exactly how

to stir up some excitement.

Which perfume, Empress?

The jasmine and the acacia.

We must hurry, Zona.

No.

No, not yet.

Another minute,

and then we'll hurry.

Empress, a visitor.

Marcus already?

No, lady.

Empress.

My dear Poppaea.

Why, Dacia,

you're perspiring with news.

I was famished for a chat.

I have a great deal of news.

Well, I haven't time

for a chat.

Did you deliver the message?

Dear lady, of course I did.

Of course you would.

Such things are the breath of your

vicious little nostrils.

Did he say anything?

Nothing.

Nothing at all.

And what does "nothing" mean?

Perhaps all sorts of things, but...

But you haven't time for a chat.

I'll tell you when to go,

dear Dacia.

Zona, all of you, go away.

Will Marcus be here or not?

I told you, Majesty,

he said nothing.

Did he smile, or did he frown?

Well, he didn't smile.

It must be some other woman.

And I told him the Empress wished

to see him alone, and immediately.

Stop drooling, Dacia.

Is it serious?

I hope not...

but you know Marcus.

And there are so many

beautiful women in Rome.

Dacia, you're a butterfly

with the sting of a wasp.

Take off your clothes.

Get in here

and tell me all about it.

Can't you think of a single reason

why he let them go?

No, Excellence.

Very competent spies.

If your brains were as good

as your smell for money...

Go back to that bake shop.

Ask for her.

If you can't find out

anything, watch for her.

Get out!

Marcus letting

Christians go free.

Why?

I don't know, yet.

But this is what

I've been waiting for...

to break his favor

with the Emperor...

and restore mine.

I like that cup of yours.

Would you sell it?

Why...

It's gold.

Would you mind?

Thank you.

I'm very thirsty.

In fact, I don't know when

I've ever been so thirsty.

In that case, you'd better

drink it, hadn't you?

Yeah, that's right.

Thanks. Thanks very much.

Don't you remember me?

Of course.

Well, then why run away?

You're not afraid of me,

are you?

No.

You're harmless enough.

In fact, quite different...

Different? From what?

What do you mean by that?

I mean...

many times I've seen you

riding through the streets...

the Prefect of Rome...

in your armor, with your guard,

and now you're so human.

Didn't you know I was?

Well, yes, I've heard of

your reputation. What do you...

You mean...

You mean, that I'm wicked?

Well, yes,

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