Silence! Now let's be friends. How is trade?
CORNELIA
Your Majesty, you do me wrong, I assure—
HELIOGABALUS
Well, now, are we going to be friends, or do you want me to send you up at once?
CORNELIA
Don't send me up again!
HELIOGABALUS
Then answer my polite question. I asked you "How is trade?" I take it that it's not as good as it used to be. [CORNELIA begins to sniffle] I suppose the night has to be very dark for you to be—insulted. Or the stranger very soused.