THE CAPTAIN. (_suddenly resuming his official tone_) I call the attention of the female prisoner to the fact that Christians are not allowed to draw the Emperor’s officers into arguments and put questions to them for which the military regulations provide no answer. (_The Christians titter_). LAVINIA. Captain: how CAN you? THE CAPTAIN. I call the female prisoner’s attention specially to the fact that four comfortable homes have been offered her by officers of this regiment, of which she can have her choice the moment she chooses to sacrifice as all well-bred Roman ladies do. I have no more to say to the prisoners. CENTURION. Dismiss! But stay where you are. THE CAPTAIN. Centurion: you will remain here with your men in charge of the prisoners until the arrival of three Christian prisoners in the custody of a cohort of the tenth legion. Among these prisoners you will particularly identify an armorer named Ferrovius, of dangerous character and great personal strength, and a Greek tailor reputed to be a sorcerer, by name Androcles. You will add the three to your charge here and march them all to the Coliseum, where you will deliver them into the custody of the master of the gladiators and take his receipt, countersigned by the keeper of the beasts and the acting manager. You understand your instructions? CENTURION. Yes, Sir. THE CAPTAIN. Dismiss. (_He throws off his air of parade, and descends down from the perch. The Centurion seats on it and prepares for a nap, whilst his men stand at ease. The Christians sit down on the west side of the square, glad to rest. Lavinia alone remains standing to speak to the Captain_). LAVINIA. Captain: is this man who is to join us the famous Ferrovius, who has made such wonderful conversions in the northern cities? THE CAPTAIN. Yes. We are warned that he has the strength of an elephant and the temper of a mad bull. Also that he is stark mad. Not a model Christian, it would seem. LAVINIA. You need not fear him if he is a Christian, Captain. THE CAPTAIN. (_coldly_) I shall not fear him in any case, Lavinia. LAVINIA. (_her eyes dancing_) How brave of you, Captain! THE CAPTAIN. You are right: it was silly thing to say. (_In a lower tone, humane and urgent_) Lavinia: do Christians know how to love? LAVINIA. (_composedly_) Yes, Captain: they love even their enemies. THE CAPTAIN. Is that easy? LAVINIA. Very easy, Captain, when their enemies are as handsome as you. THE CAPTAIN. Lavinia: you are laughing at me. LAVINIA. At you, Captain! Impossible. THE CAPTAIN. Then you are flirting with me, which is worse. Don’t be foolish. LAVINIA. But such a very handsome captain.