Spartacus (1960) · 19 quotes
2nd most-quoted character in Spartacus (1960): in 6 of its 19 quotes
A line from Marcus Licinius CrassusIf there was no Rome, I'd dream of her. If there were no gods, I'd revere them.
Marcus Licinius Crassus I promise you, a new Rome, a new Italy and a new empire. I promise the destruction of the slave army, and the restoration of order. I promise the living body of Spartacus for whatever punishment you may deem fit. That, or his head. This I have sworn, in the name of my fathers, in the temple that guards their bones.
Marcus Licinius Crassus I'm not after glory, I'm after Spartacus! And gentlemen, I mean to have him. However, this campaign is not about killing Spartacus. It is to kill the legend of Spartacus.
Marcus Licinius Crassus One of the disadvantages of being a patrician is that occasionally you're obliged to act like one.
Marcus Licinius Crassus Do you eat oysters?
When I have them, master.
Marcus Licinius Crassus Do you eat snails?
No, master.
Marcus Licinius Crassus Do you consider the eating of oysters to be moral and the eating of snails to be immoral?
No, master.
Marcus Licinius Crassus Of course not. It is all a matter of taste, isn't it?
Yes, master.
Marcus Licinius Crassus And taste is not the same as appetite, and therefore not a question of morals.
It could be argued so, master.
Marcus Licinius Crassus My robe, Antoninus. My taste includes both snails and oysters.
Crassus Do you steal?
No, master.
Crassus Do you lie?
Not if I can avoid it.
Crassus': Have you... ever dishonored the gods?
No, master.
Crassus': Do you refrain from these vices out of respect for moral virtues?
Yes, master.
Crassus Do you eat oysters?
When I have them, master.
Crassus Do you eat snails?
No, master.
Crassus Do you consider the eating of oysters to be moral, and the eating of snails to be immoral?
No, master.
Crassus Of course not. It is all a matter of taste, isn't it?
Yes, master.
Crassus And taste is not the same as appetite, and therefore not a question of morals, hmm?
It could be argued so, master.
Crassus My robe, Antoninus. My taste includes both snails and oysters. [approaches a balcony] Antoninus, look, across the river. There is something you must see. [looking toward Rome, as the garrison sets out] There, boy, is Rome. The might, the majesty, the terror of Rome. There is the power that bestrides the known world like a colossus. No man can withstand Rome. No nation can withstand her. How much less... a boy! Hmm? [chuckles] There is one way to deal with Rome, Antoninus. You must serve her. You must abase yourself before her. You must grovel at her feet. You must... love her. Isn't that so, Antoninus? [turns around, and sees Antoninus gone] Antoninus? Antoninus?
