PISO

What do you hear?

SIMON

That he plans to cast her off. More, that he plans to—murder her.

POLORUS

[Glancing about him] Oh, I say!

SIMON

Even as he has murdered other poor women—trusting hearts—discarded wives. [Suddenly infuriated] But not the wife Lucia! The moment his slaves touch the anointed of the Lord—[He draws a dagger]—that moment I plunge this knife into his heathen heart!

PISO

[Nervously] My dear sir, calm yourself. This is awful talk. I positively refuse to listen to any such anarchism.