SPINTHO. (_gasping_) That’s it: strangle me. Kick me. Beat me. Revile me. Our Lord was beaten and reviled. That’s my way to heaven. Every martyr goes to heaven, no matter what he’s done. That is so, isn’t it, brother? CENTURION. Well, if you’re going to heaven, _I_ don’t want to go there. I wouldn’t be seen with you. LENTULUS. Haw! Good! (_Indicating the kneeling Ferrovius_). Is this one of the turn-the-other-cheek gentlemen, Centurion? CENTURION. Yes, sir. Lucky for you too, sir, if you want to take any liberties with him. LENTULUS. (_to Ferrovius_) You turn the other cheek when you’re struck, I’m told. FERROVIUS. (_slowly turning his great eyes on him_) Yes, by the grace of God, I do, now. LENTULUS. Not that you’re a coward, of course; but out of pure piety. FERROVIUS. I fear God more than man; at least I try to. LENTULUS. Let’s see. (_He strikes him on the cheek. Androcles makes a wild movement to rise and interfere; but Lavinia holds him down, watching Ferrovius intently. Ferrovius, without flinching, turns the other cheek. Lentulus, rather out of countenance, titters foolishly, and strikes him again feebly_). You know, I should feel ashamed if I let myself be struck like that, and took it lying down. But then I’m not a Christian: I’m a man. (_Ferrovius rises impressively and towers over him. Lentulus becomes white with terror; and a shade of green flickers in his cheek for a moment_). FERROVIUS. (_with the calm of a steam hammer_) I have not always been faithful. The first man who struck me as you have just struck me was a stronger man than you: he hit me harder than I expected. I was tempted and fell; and it was then that I first tasted bitter shame. I never had a happy moment after that until I had knelt and asked his forgiveness by his bedside in the hospital. (_Putting his hands on Lentulus’s shoulders with paternal weight_). But now I have learnt to resist with a strength that is not my own. I am not ashamed now, nor angry. LENTULUS. (_uneasily_) Er—good evening. (_He tries to move away_). FERROVIUS. (_gripping his shoulders_) Oh, do not harden your heart, young man. Come: try for yourself whether our way is not better than yours. I will now strike you on one cheek; and you will turn the other and learn how much better you will feel than if you gave way to the promptings of anger. (_He holds him with one hand and clenches the other fist_). LENTULUS. Centurion: I call on you to protect me. CENTURION. You asked for it, sir. It’s no business of ours. You’ve had two whacks at him. Better pay him a trifle and square it that way. LENTULUS. Yes, of course. (_To Ferrovius_) It was only a bit of fun, I assure you: I meant no harm. Here. (_He proffers a gold coin_).