I, Claudius (TV Mini Series)

Fool's Luck (1976)

Sam Dastor: Cassius Chaerea

Quotes 

• Claudius : [Cassius Chaerea and three senators are on trial for murdering Caligula]  I cannot find it in me to condemn you, Cassius, for murdering my nephew. But you also murdered the lady Caesonia and their child, and you meant to murder me and my wife, none of whom had ever done you any harm. Is this true?

  Cassius Chaerea : I did it for the Republic, and I'd do it again.

  Claudius : No, you did it more for injuries to yourself. But even *that* doesn't weigh with me. What weighs with me is what I've heard: that it was agreed among you that only Caligula should die, but that you took it upon yourself to kill us all. Is that true?

  Cassius Chaerea : Why should I deny it, when your very existence here proves that only your death would have insured the return of the Republic?

  Claudius : Then you leave me no choice, but to condemn you for the murder of the Lady Caesonia and her child.

  [to the guards] 

  Claudius : Take him away.

  Cassius Chaerea : Congratulations Caesar. You've just passed your first sentence of death. How many more before the people grow tired and pass one on you? Isn't that the way we've set for ourselves, Caesar? Think about it, Caesar. Think about it.

  Claudius : [looks at the Senators who are also on trial]  The investigation into this affair... is closed.