IRENA. Let those who wish to provoke the wrath of the Most High prostrate themselves before idols! I will not dishonour this head which has been anointed with heavenly oil by abasing it at the feet of images.
DIOCLETIAN. The worship of the gods does not bring dishonour to those who practise it, but, on the contrary, the greatest honour.
IRENA. What could be more shameful baseness, what baser shame, than to venerate slaves as if they were lords?
DIOCLETIAN. I do not ask you to worship slaves, but the gods of princes and the rulers of the earth.
IRENA. A god who can be bought cheap in the market-place, what is he but a slave?
DIOCLETIAN. Enough of this presumptuous chatter. The rack shall put an end to it!
IRENA. That is what we desire. We ask nothing better than to suffer the most cruel tortures for the love of Christ.
DIOCLETIAN. Let these obstinate women who dare to defy our authority be laden with chains and thrown into a dungeon. Let them be examined by Governor Dulcitius.
Scene II
DULCITIUS. Soldiers, produce your prisoners.