RETIARIUS. It is all one to us, Caesar. Had I been there with my net, the story would have been different.
THE CAPTAIN.
(suddenly seizing Lavinia by the wrist and dragging her up the steps to the Emperor) Caesar this woman is the sister of Ferrovius. If she is thrown to the lions he will fret. He will lose weight; get out of condition.
THE EMPEROR.
The lions? Nonsense! (To Lavinia) Madam: I am proud to have the honor of making your acquaintance. Your brother is the glory of Rome.
LAVINIA.
But my friends here. Must they die?
THE EMPEROR.
Die! Certainly not. There has never been the slightest idea of harming them. Ladies and gentlemen: you are all free. Pray go into the front of the house and enjoy the spectacle to which your brother has so splendidly contributed. Captain: oblige me by conducting them to the seats reserved for my personal friends.
THE MENAGERIE KEEPER.
Caesar: I must have one Christian for the lion. The people have been promised it; and they will tear the decorations to bits if they are disappointed.
THE EMPEROR.
True, true: we must have somebody for the new lion.
FERROVIUS.
Throw me to him. Let the apostate perish.
THE EMPEROR.
No, no: you would tear him in pieces, my friend; and we cannot afford to throw away lions as if they were mere slaves. But we must have somebody. This is really extremely awkward.
THE MENAGERIE KEEPER.
Why not that little Greek chap? He’s not a Christian: he’s a sorcerer.