THE EMPEROR. (_standing on a chair inside his box and looking over the wall_) Sorcerer: I command you to put that lion to death instantly. It is guilty of high treason. Your conduct is most disgra— (_the lion charges at him up the stairs_) help! (_He disappears. The lion rears against the box; looks over the partition at him, and roars. The Emperor darts out through the door and down to Androcles, pursued by the lion._) ANDROCLES. Don’t run away, sir: he can’t help springing if you run. (_He seizes the Emperor and gets between him and the lion, who stops at once_). Don’t be afraid of him. THE EMPEROR. I am NOT afraid of him. (_The lion crouches, growling. The Emperor clutches Androcles_) Keep between us. ANDROCLES. Never be afraid of animals, your Worship: that’s the great secret. He’ll be as gentle as a lamb when he knows that you are his friend. Stand quite still; and smile; and let him smell you all over just to reassure him; for, you see, he’s afraid of you; and he must examine you thoroughly before he gives you his confidence. (_To the lion_) Come now, Tommy; and speak nicely to the Emperor, the great, good Emperor who has power to have all our heads cut off if we don’t behave very, VERY respectfully to him. _The lion utters a fearful roar. The Emperor dashes madly up the steps, across the landing, and down again on the other side, with the lion in hot pursuit. Androcles rushes after the lion; overtakes him as he is descending; and throws himself on his back, trying to use his toes as a brake. Before he can stop him the lion gets hold of the trailing end of the Emperor’s robe._ ANDROCLES. Oh bad wicked Tommy, to chase the Emperor like that! Let go the Emperor’s robe at once, sir: where’s your manners? (_The lion growls and worries the robe_). Don’t pull it away from him, your worship. He’s only playing. Now I shall be really angry with you, Tommy, if you don’t let go. (_The lion growls again_) I’ll tell you what it is, sir: he thinks you and I are not friends. THE EMPEROR. (_trying to undo the clasp of his brooch_) Friends! You infernal scoundrel (_the lion growls_) don’t let him go. Curse this brooch! I can’t get it loose. ANDROCLES. We mustn’t let him lash himself into a rage. You must show him that you are my particular friend—if you will have the condescension. (_He seizes the Emperor’s hands, and shakes them cordially_), Look, Tommy: the nice Emperor is the dearest friend Andy Wandy has in the whole world: he loves him like a brother. THE EMPEROR. You little brute, you damned filthy little dog of a Greek tailor: I’ll have you burnt alive for daring to touch the divine person of the Emperor. (_The lion roars_). ANDROCLES. Oh don’t talk like that, sir. He understands every word you say: all animals do: they take it from the tone of your voice. (_The lion growls and lashes his tail_). I think he’s going to spring at your worship. If you wouldn’t mind saying something affectionate. (_The lion roars_).