August, as Solomon of yore the Temple,
He consecrates the heathenish arena.
This will not slip his eyes, and for reward
He passes you a signal that you enter
And show to the assembled folk your powers
When you stand face to face against a lion
Who’d been whole days before made sharp with hunger.
But since among our folk there’s lack of slaves,
The death-devoted criminals must needs
Supply their place; and who’s more death-devoted