THE CLERK
[In surprise] The police force?
HELIOGABALUS
I said the police force. A pickpocket with the index finger of his right hand gone is harmless. And so is a policeman. Call the next case.
[The prisoner is hustled out]
HELIOGABALUS
[Calling after] Bring me the finger, Sheriff. I admire it. [To the Clerk] What is the next case?
THE CLERK
Lucia the Galatian, alias Lucia the Christian; aged 21; blasphemy and inciting to riot. One of the soapbox cases, your Majesty.
HELIOGABALUS