[RUFINIUS staggers to his feet, and starts slowly toward the ostium]
LUCIA
But surely, your Majesty, you are not—
HELIOGABALUS
It won't take three minutes, I assure you. I'll do it myself—and I have a steady hand. Then we can resume our—studies—
LUCIA
[Clutching his arm] But surely this is not necessary. "Vengeance is Mine, saith the Lord." I beg of you, Cæsar—
HELIOGABALUS
Oh, I forgot. Your religion. Your Christianity.
LUCIA