Rise Rise

Your fame is well deserved,

Spaniard

I don’t think there’s ever been

a gladiator to match you

As for this young man, he insists

you are Hector reborn Or was it Hercules?

Why doesn’t the hero reveal himself and tell us all your real name?

You do have a name?

My name is Gladiator

How dare you show your back to me?

Slave!

You will remove your helmet

and tell me your name

My name is

Maximus Decimus Meridius

commander of the armies of the north

general of the Felix Legions

loyal servant to the true emperor,

Marcus Aurelius

father to a murdered son

husband to a murdered wife

and I will have my vengeance,

in this life or the next

Arms!

Live! Live! Live! Live!

Guards, at rest!