_The Captain, a patrician, handsome, about thirty-five, very cold and distinguished, very superior and authoritative, steps up on a stone seat at the west side of the square, behind the centurion, so as to dominate the others more effectually._ THE CAPTAIN. Centurion. THE CENTURION. (_standing at attention and saluting_) Sir? THE CAPTAIN. (_speaking stiffly and officially_) You will remind your men, Centurion, that we are now entering Rome. You will instruct them that once inside the gates of Rome they are in the presence of the Emperor. You will make them understand that the lax discipline of the march cannot be permitted here. You will instruct them to shave every day, not every week. You will impress on them particularly that there must be an end to the profanity and blasphemy of singing Christian hymns on the march. I have to reprimand you, Centurion, for not only allowing this, but actually doing it yourself. THE CENTURION. The men march better, Captain. THE CAPTAIN. No doubt. For that reason an exception is made in the case of the march called Onward Christian Soldiers. This may be sung, except when marching through the forum or within hearing of the Emperor’s palace; but the words must be altered to “Throw them to the Lions.” _The Christians burst into shrieks of uncontrollable laughter, to the great scandal of the Centurion._ CENTURION. Silence! Silen-n-n-n-nce! Where’s your behavior? Is that the way to listen to an officer? (_To the Captain_) That’s what we have to put up with from these Christians every day, sir. They’re always laughing and joking something scandalous. They’ve no religion: that’s how it is. LAVINIA. But I think the Captain meant us to laugh, Centurion. It was so funny. CENTURION. You’ll find out how funny it is when you’re thrown to the lions to-morrow. (_To the Captain, who looks displeased_) Beg pardon, Sir. (_To the Christians_) Silennnnce! THE CAPTAIN. You are to instruct your men that all intimacy with Christian prisoners must now cease. The men have fallen into habits of dependence upon the prisoners, especially the female prisoners, for cooking, repairs to uniforms, writing letters, and advice in their private affairs. In a Roman soldier such dependence is inadmissible. Let me see no more of it whilst we are in the city. Further, your orders are that in addressing Christian prisoners, the manners and tone of your men must express abhorrence and contempt. Any shortcoming in this respect will be regarded as a breach of discipline. (_He turns to the prisoners_) Prisoners. CENTURION. (_fiercely_) Prisonerrrrrs! Tention! Silence! THE CAPTAIN. I call your attention, prisoners, to the fact that you may be called on to appear in the Imperial Circus at any time from tomorrow onwards according to the requirements of the managers. I may inform you that as there is a shortage of Christians just now, you may expect to be called on very soon. LAVINIA. What will they do to us, Captain? CENTURION. Silence!