LAVINIA.
They say we Christians are the proudest devils on earth—that only the weak are meek. Oh, I am worse than you. I ought to send you to death; and I am tempting you.
ANDROCLES.
Brother, brother: let them rage and kill: let us be brave and suffer. You must go as a lamb to the slaughter.
FERROVIUS.
Aye, aye: that is right. Not as a lamb is slain by the butcher; but as a butcher might let himself be slain by a (looking at the Editor) by a silly ram whose head he could fetch off in one twist.
Before the Editor can retort, the Call Boy rushes up through the passage; and the Captain comes from the Emperor’s box and descends the steps.
THE CALL BOY.
In with you: into the arena. The stage is waiting.
THE CAPTAIN.
The Emperor is waiting. (To the Editor) What are you dreaming of, man? Send your men in at once.
THE EDITOR.
Yes, Sir: it’s these Christians hanging back.
FERROVIUS.
(in a voice of thunder) Liar!
THE EDITOR.
(not heeding him) March. (The gladiators told off to fight with the Christians march down the passage) Follow up there, you.
THE CHRISTIAN MEN AND WOMEN.
(as they part) Be steadfast, brother. Farewell. Hold up the faith, brother. Farewell. Go to glory, dearest. Farewell. Remember: we are praying for you. Farewell. Be strong, brother. Farewell. Don’t forget that the divine love and our love surround you. Farewell. Nothing can hurt you: remember that, brother. Farewell. Eternal glory, dearest. Farewell.