THE EMPEROR. (_shaking Androcles’ hands frantically_) My dearest Mr. Androcles, my sweetest friend, my long lost brother, come to my arms. (_He embraces Androcles_). Oh, what an abominable smell of garlic! _The lion lets go the robe and rolls over on his back, clasping his forepaws over one another coquettishly above his nose._ ANDROCLES. There! You see, your worship, a child might play with him now. See! (_He tickles the lion’s belly. The lion wriggles ecstatically_). Come and pet him. THE EMPEROR. I must conquer these unkingly terrors. Mind you don’t go away from him, though. (_He pats the lion’s chest_). ANDROCLES. Oh, sir, how few men would have the courage to do that— THE EMPEROR. Yes: it takes a bit of nerve. Let us invite the Court in and frighten them. Is he safe, do you think? ANDROCLES. Quite safe now, sir. THE EMPEROR. (_majestically_) What ho, there! All who are within hearing, return without fear. Caesar has tamed the lion. (_All the fugitives steal cautiously in. The menagerie keeper comes from the passage with other keepers armed with iron bars and tridents_). Take those things away. I have subdued the beast. (_He places his foot on it_). FERROVIUS. (_timidly approaching the Emperor and looking down with awe on the lion_) It is strange that I, who fear no man, should fear a lion. THE CAPTAIN. Every man fears something, Ferrovius. THE EMPEROR. How about the Pretorian Guard now? FERROVIUS. In my youth I worshipped Mars, the God of War. I turned from him to serve the Christian god; but today the Christian god forsook me; and Mars overcame me and took back his own. The Christian god is not yet. He will come when Mars and I are dust; but meanwhile I must serve the gods that are, not the God that will be. Until then I accept service in the Guard, Caesar. THE EMPEROR. Very wisely said. All really sensible men agree that the prudent course is to be neither bigoted in our attachment to the old nor rash and unpractical in keeping an open mind for the new, but to make the best of both dispensations. THE CAPTAIN. What do you say, Lavinia? Will you too be prudent? LAVINIA. (_on the stair_) No: I’ll strive for the coming of the God who is not yet. THE CAPTAIN. May I come and argue with you occasionally? LAVINIA. Yes, handsome Captain: you may. (_He kisses her hands_). THE EMPEROR. And now, my friends, though I do not, as you see, fear this lion, yet the strain of his presence is considerable; for none of us can feel quite sure what he will do next. THE MENAGERIE KEEPER. Caesar: give us this Greek sorcerer to be a slave in the menagerie. He has a way with the beasts. ANDROCLES. (_distressed_). Not if they are in cages. They should not be kept in cages. They must all be let out.