PAULA
[Hysterically] He's deserting us for that street woman!
[The other wives set up a shrill protest of "Ohs">[
HELIOGABALUS
[Talking them down] The Christian system, too, has its advantages. It is lonesome, but peaceful. I sleep better. The ventilation is better. More air. Fewer breathing.
PAULA
I protest against it as immoral! We are your lawful—
HELIOGABALUS
[Sardonically] Immoral? Hah, because it's pleasant! You, too, have become infected by this Christianity.