A keeper enters the dungeon; the martyrs tremble.
Only one remains impassable, the Phrygian, who prays standing apart from the rest. He has burned three temples; and he advances with arms uplifted, mouth open, face turned toward heaven, seeing nothing around him, like a somnambulist.)
The Consoler (shouts). "Back! back! lest the spirit of Montanus might come upon you."
All (recoil from the Phrygian, and vociferate)
"Damnation to the Montanist!"
(They insult him, spit upon him, excite each other to beat him.
The rearing lions bite each other's manes;)
The People "To the beasts with them, to the beasts."
The Martyrs burst into sobs, and embrace each other passionately. A cup of narcotic wine is offered them. It is passed from hand to hand, quickly.
Another keeper, standing at the door of the den, awaits the signal. The den opens; a lion comes out.