THE EMPEROR.
(standing on a chair inside his box and looking over the wall) Sorcerer: I command you to put that lion to death instantly. It is guilty of high treason. Your conduct is most disgra— (the lion charges at him up the stairs) help! (He disappears. The lion rears against the box; looks over the partition at him, and roars. The Emperor darts out through the door and down to Androcles, pursued by the lion.)
ANDROCLES.
Don’t run away, sir: he can’t help springing if you run. (He seizes the Emperor and gets between him and the lion, who stops at once). Don’t be afraid of him.
THE EMPEROR.
I am NOT afraid of him. (The lion crouches, growling. The Emperor clutches Androcles) Keep between us.
ANDROCLES.
Never be afraid of animals, your Worship: that’s the great secret. He’ll be as gentle as a lamb when he knows that you are his friend. Stand quite still; and smile; and let him smell you all over just to reassure him; for, you see, he’s afraid of you; and he must examine you thoroughly before he gives you his confidence. (To the lion) Come now, Tommy; and speak nicely to the Emperor, the great, good Emperor who has power to have all our heads cut off if we don’t behave very, VERY respectfully to him.
The lion utters a fearful roar. The Emperor dashes madly up the steps, across the landing, and down again on the other side, with the lion in hot pursuit. Androcles rushes after the lion; overtakes him as he is descending; and throws himself on his back, trying to use his toes as a brake. Before he can stop him the lion gets hold of the trailing end of the Emperor’s robe.
ANDROCLES.
Oh bad wicked Tommy, to chase the Emperor like that! Let go the Emperor’s robe at once, sir: where’s your manners? (The lion growls and worries the robe). Don’t pull it away from him, your worship. He’s only playing. Now I shall be really angry with you, Tommy, if you don’t let go. (The lion growls again) I’ll tell you what it is, sir: he thinks you and I are not friends.
THE EMPEROR.
(trying to undo the clasp of his brooch) Friends! You infernal scoundrel (the lion growls) don’t let him go. Curse this brooch! I can’t get it loose.
ANDROCLES.
We mustn’t let him lash himself into a rage. You must show him that you are my particular friend—if you will have the condescension. (He seizes the Emperor’s hands, and shakes them cordially), Look, Tommy: the nice Emperor is the dearest friend Andy Wandy has in the whole world: he loves him like a brother.
THE EMPEROR.
You little brute, you damned filthy little dog of a Greek tailor: I’ll have you burnt alive for daring to touch the divine person of the Emperor. (The lion roars).
ANDROCLES.
Oh don’t talk like that, sir. He understands every word you say: all animals do: they take it from the tone of your voice. (The lion growls and lashes his tail). I think he’s going to spring at your worship. If you wouldn’t mind saying something affectionate. (The lion roars).