FERROVIUS.
Dog of an apostate. Iscariot!
SPINTHO.
I’ll repent afterwards. I fully mean to die in the arena I’ll die a martyr and go to heaven; but not this time, not now, not until my nerves are better. Besides, I’m too young: I want to have just one more good time. (The gladiators laugh at him). Oh, will no one tell me where the altar is? (He dashes into the passage and vanishes).
ANDROCLES.
(to the Editor, pointing after Spintho) Brother: I can’t do that, not even to oblige you. Don’t ask me.
THE EDITOR.
Well, if you’re determined to die, I can’t help you. But I wouldn’t be put off by a swine like that.
FERROVIUS.
Peace, peace: tempt him not. Get thee behind him, Satan.
THE EDITOR.
(flushing with rage) For two pins I’d take a turn in the arena myself to-day, and pay you out for daring to talk to me like that.
Ferrovius springs forward.
LAVINIA.
(rising quickly and interposing) Brother, brother: you forget.
FERROVIUS.
(curbing himself by a mighty effort) Oh, my temper, my wicked temper! (To the Editor, as Lavinia sits down again, reassured). Forgive me, brother. My heart was full of wrath: I should have been thinking of your dear precious soul.
THE EDITOR.
Yah! (He turns his back on Ferrovius contemptuously, and goes back to his seat).