This day of all others, I say, when our august ruler is himself to officiate at the feast of Apollo.
The Third Citizen.
Yes, I know that; but why are they taking these Christians to prison?
Phocion.
What? Are they taking them to prison? Have they really caught them?
[Loud shrieks are heard.
Hush; what is that? Yes, by the gods, I believe they have them!
[An Old Woman, much agitated, and with dishevelled hair, makes her way through the crowd; she is beset by other women, who in vain seek to restrain her.
The Old Woman.
I will not be held back! He is my only son, the child of my old age! Let me go; let me go! Can no one tell me where I can find the Emperor?