SAPIENTIA. It would be unprofitable if it did not lead us to appreciate the wisdom of our Creator, and the wonderous knowledge of the Author of the world, Who in the beginning created the world out of nothing, and set everything in number, measure, and weight, and then, in time and the age of man, formulated a science which reveals fresh wonders the more we study it.
HADRIAN. I had my reasons for enduring your lecture with patience. I hope to persuade you to submit.
SAPIENTIA. To what?
HADRIAN. To worshipping the gods.
SAPIENTIA. That we can never do.
HADRIAN. Take warning. If you are obstinate, you will be put to the torture.
SAPIENTIA. It is in your power to kill the body, but you will not succeed in harming the soul.
ANTIOCHUS. The day has passed, and the night is falling. This is no time to argue. Supper is ready.
HADRIAN. Let these women be taken to the prison near our palace, and give them three days to reflect.
ANTIOCHUS. Soldiers, see that these women are well guarded and given no chance of escape.