LUCIA
The Lord bless you!
HELIOGABALUS
Thank you!
[She goes out slowly, and RUFINIUS and the centurions follow with SIMON]
SIMON
[At the door] I suffer for the Faith. I—
HELIOGABALUS
[To RUFINIUS] Omit the cowhiding.
[As they go out, HELIOGABALUS turns back alone. DACIA has been concealed by the opened door at the left. HELIOGABALUS, observing SIMON'S dagger on the floor, picks it up and looks at it reflectively. He runs his hands along the blade. He applies the point to his breast. He tries the effect of the cold steel on his throat. Loud music from within, and a great crash. Laughter and applause]