[Russell Crowe as Maximus]
"What would you have me do, Caesar?"

[Richard Harris as Marcus Aurelius]
"I want you to become the protector of Rome after I die. I will empower you, to one end alone, to give power back to the people of Rome and end the corruption that has crippled it. Will you accept this great honour that I have offered?"

[Maximus]
"With all my heart, no."

[Aurelius]
"Maximus, that is why it must be you."