Blue. You slay and disturb us; for you alone contain all the murderers of the stadium.
Green. Justinian, master, they provoke and no one kills them. One cannot choose but understand this. Who killed the carpenter at Zeugma?
Mand. You did.
Green. Who killed the son of Epagathus, O Emperor?
Blue. You murdered him, and you accuse the blues.
Green. Now the Lord pity us! Truth is oppressed. I should like to enter into controversy with those who say that God directs affairs. Whence this misery?
Mand. God is not tempted by evil. (Θέος κακῶν ἀπέιραστος)
Green. God is not tempted by evil. And who then is it that wrongs me? If there be here philosopher or hermit, let him distinguish between the two.
Mand. Blasphemers, odious to God, when will you cease?
Green. If your greatness wishes it I keep quiet, though against my will. Thrice august, I know all—all—but I am silent. Justice, farewell, your time is up. I change sides and turn Jew; nay, better to turn Gentile than blue, God knows.