To Nero, Emperor of Rome, Master of the World, Divine Pontiff. I know that my death will be a disappointment to you, since you wished to render me this service yourself. To be born in your reign is a miscalculation; but to die in it is a joy. I can forgive you for murdering your wife and your mother, for burning our beloved Rome, for befouling our fair country with the stench of your crimes. But one thing I cannot forgive – the boredom of having to listen to your verses, your second-rate songs, your mediocre performances. Adhere to your special gifts, Nero – murder and arson, betrayal and terror. Mutilate your subjects if you must; but with my last breath I beg you – do not mutilate the arts. Fare well, but compose no more music. Brutalize the people, but do not bore them, as you have bored to death your friend, the late Gaius Petronius.
Quo Vadis (1951)
Bonus:
I love all the old Biblical-era epics. We were finishing up the Passion in one of my classes and I asked if any of the kids had ever seen The Robe, but sadly none of them had.
You know, the only down side to some of these clips is…I’m inclined to see if I can find the whole movie. Say on Amazon. Rather rough on a monthly budget.
Thank you, Donald.