[Wearily] Yes, there seems to be nothing else to do. My trouble used to be that I didn't get sleep enough. But now—! [He composes himself heavily, and for a moment there is silence. He then tosses in bed and fusses with the bed-clothes, muttering under his breath and whining] I've got a stomach-ache.
LUCIA
[Raising herself and gazing at him] Are you cold, Cæsar?
HELIOGABALUS
[Bitterly] Who'd care if I froze to death?... And why do you persist in always calling me Cæsar? It's so darned stiff and unbedroomy. My old wives used to call me pet names—like Helio and Gabby.
LUCIA
[After a pause, archly] Would you really like me to kiss you?
HELIOGABALUS
[He sits up quickly, and stares at her] Say that again. Louder.