Sejanus quotes from I, Claudius

Sejanus

[about Germanicus] Well, if he's profoundly loved he's also profoundly dead. There's nothing wrong with loving the dead. Everybody's loved when he's dead.

Livia

I wouldn't count on that if I were you.

Sejanus

[about Germanicus' friends' charge of murder] They have no proof.

Livia

No, but I dare say they could tell a pretty tale.

Sejanus

A pretty tale isn't proof.

Livia

That's a different song than the one you've been singing for the last five years. You've buried more people with your pretty tales than anyone I know.

Sejanus

I've no need of a trial to prove your guilt.

A song sung by every small town corrupt policeman, which is what you are and what you should have stayed. I've watched your career with fascination, Sejanus, it's been a revelation to me. I've never fully realized how a small mind, allied to limitless ambition and without scruple, could destroy an entire country full of clever men.