THE GLADIATORS.
Hail, Caesar! those about to die salute thee.
CAESAR.
Good morrow, friends.
Metellus shakes hands with the Editor, who accepts his condescension with bluff respect.
LAVINIA.
Blessing, Caesar, and forgiveness!
CAESAR.
(turning in some surprise at the salutation) There is no forgiveness for Christianity.
LAVINIA.
I did not mean that, Caesar. I mean that we forgive you.
METELLUS.
An inconceivable liberty! Do you not know, woman, that the Emperor can do no wrong and therefore cannot be forgiven?
LAVINIA.
I expect the Emperor knows better. Anyhow, we forgive him.
THE CHRISTIANS. Amen!
CAESAR.
Metellus: you see now the disadvantage of too much severity. These people have no hope; therefore they have nothing to restrain them from saying what they like to me. They are almost as impertinent as the gladiators. Which is the Greek sorcerer?