CAESAR. In the fire. Would you have me waste the next three years of my life in proscribing and condemning men who will be my friends when I have proved that my friendship is worth more than Pompey's was--than Cato's is. O incorrigible British islander: am I a bull dog, to seek quarrels merely to shew how stubborn my jaws are? BRITANNUS. But your honor--the honor of Rome---- CAESAR. I do not make human sacrifices to my honor, as your Druids do. Since you will not burn these, at least I can drown them. (_He picks up the bag and throws it over the parapet into the sea._) BRITANNUS. Caesar: this is mere eccentricity. Are traitors to be allowed to go free for the sake of a paradox? RUFIO (_rising_). Caesar: when the islander has finished preaching, call me again. I am going to have a look at the boiling water machine. (_He goes into the lighthouse._) BRITANNUS (_with genuine feeling_). O Caesar, my great master, if I could but persuade you to regard life seriously, as men do in my country! CAESAR. Do they truly do so, Britannus? BRITANNUS. Have you not been there? Have you not seen them? What Briton speaks as you do in your moments of levity? What Briton neglects to attend the services at the sacred grove? What Briton wears clothes of many colors as you do, instead of plain blue, as all solid, well esteemed men should? These are moral questions with us. CAESAR. Well, well, my friend: some day I shall settle down and have a blue toga, perhaps. Meanwhile, I must get on as best I can in my flippant Roman way. (_Apollodorus comes past the lighthouse._) What now? BRITANNUS (_turning quickly, and challenging the stranger with official haughtiness_). What is this? Who are you? How did you come here? APOLLODORUS. Calm yourself, my friend: I am not going to eat you. I have come by boat, from Alexandria, with precious gifts for Caesar. CAESAR. From Alexandria! BRITANNUS (_severely_). That is Caesar, sir. RUFIO (_appearing at the lighthouse door_). What's the matter now? APOLLODORUS. Hail, great Caesar! I am Apollodorus the Sicilian, an artist. BRITANNUS. An artist! Why have they admitted this vagabond? CAESAR. Peace, man. Apollodorus is a famous patrician amateur. BRITANNUS (_disconcerted_). I crave the gentleman's pardon. (_To Caesar_) I understood him to say that he was a professional. (_Somewhat out of countenance, he allows Apollodorus to approach Caesar, changing places with him. Rufio, after looking Apollodorus up and down with marked disparagement, goes to the other side of the platform._) CAESAR. You are welcome, Apollodorus. What is your business? APOLLODORUS. First, to deliver to you a present from the Queen of Queens. CAESAR. Who is that? APOLLODORUS. Cleopatra of Egypt. CAESAR (_taking him into his confidence in his most winning manner_). Apollodorus: this is no time for playing with presents. Pray you, go back to the Queen, and tell her that if all goes well I shall return to the palace this evening.