ANDROCLES.
They never answered back, darling. (He rises and again shoulders the bundle).
MEGAERA.
Well, if you’re fonder of animals than of your own wife, you can live with them here in the jungle. I’ve had enough of them and enough of you. I’m going back. I’m going home.
ANDROCLES.
(barring the way back) No, dearie: don’t take on like that. We can’t go back. We’ve sold everything: we should starve; and I should be sent to Rome and thrown to the lions—
MEGAERA.
Serve you right! I wish the lions joy of you. (Screaming) Are you going to get out of my way and let me go home?
ANDROCLES.
No, dear—
MEGAERA.
Then I’ll make my way through the forest; and when I’m eaten by the wild beasts you’ll know what a wife you’ve lost. (She dashes into the jungle and nearly falls over the sleeping lion). Oh! Oh! Andy! Andy! (She totters back and collapses into the arms of Androcles, who, crushed by her weight, falls on his bundle).
ANDROCLES.
(extracting himself from beneath her and slapping her hands in great anxiety) What is it, my precious, my pet? What’s the matter? (He raises her head. Speechless with terror, she points in the direction of the sleeping lion. He steals cautiously towards the spot indicated by Megæra. She rises with an effort and totters after him).
MEGAERA.
No, Andy: you’ll be killed. Come back.
The lion utters a long snoring sigh. Androcles sees the lion and recoils fainting into the arms of Megæra, who falls back on the bundle. They roll apart and lie staring in terror at one another. The lion is heard groaning heavily in the jungle.
ANDROCLES.
(whispering) Did you see? A lion.