[Turning at the ostium] Your Majesty is good!
HELIOGABALUS
Moreover, you look tired! You have long hours. Suppose you take a little nap out in the ostium. I'll call you if I want you. I have a bit more—business—with this young lady.
RUFINIUS
At your Majesty's command.
HELIOGABALUS
And before you go out, you might as well dim some of these lights. They seem to me to be a bit glary, so to speak. How about putting out that big one over there? [RUFINIUS extinguishes it] So, that's better. Now run along. If I want you I'll call. But don't sit up for me.
[Exit RUFINIUS]
HELIOGABALUS
[Approaching LUCIA and eyeing her admiringly] And now, my dear and very delightful Christian maiden, now that we are alone, let us sit down and have a cosy little chat. Oh, not on that stool; it will tire your back. Why not here? [He mounts the solium] See, I'll sit here in my regular place, and you—well, you sit so. [He draws her to his knee] How's that? Comfortable?