This seems to be a theological gibe at the unorthodox party, which they repel with anger. There is an ambiguity in the reply, which it is not easy to translate, because, from the corruption of the text, or from the debased Greek in which the dialogue is chiefly written, we can come to no certain conclusion as to the real meaning. They express their willingness to be baptized according to order, and use a word which has been interpreted either to mean “Bring water,” or to confer on Justinian the appellation of “Pump.” There certainly was something in it which raised the Emperor’s wrath, and extracted from him a reply more to the purpose than any yet made. _Mand._ In truth, if you are not quiet I will cut off your heads. _Green._ Every one seeks power for his own safety, and if we speak because of our affliction, let not your greatness be indignant, for God endures all of us. We having cause for what we say, give to every thing its right name. We know not, thrice august, where the palace is, nor the condition of the state. We go not into the city, except to lay snares against the ass,[70] and I wish we went not for that, thrice august. _Mand._ Every free man appears where he will, without danger. _Green._ I hope I am free, yet I cannot appear without danger. And if a man is free, if he be suspected to be green, he shall be openly punished. _Mand._ Hang–dogs, have you no mercy on your own lives? _Green._ Abolish our colour—justice is at an end. Cease yourself from slaughter; then go to, we will be punished. See that blood–streaming fountain, and then punish whom you will. Verily human nature cannot bear these two things at once! O that Sabbatius[71] had never been born, then would he never have begotten such a murderer. This is the twenty–sixth murder that is done at Zeugma. In the morning he was at the theatre, in the evening he was slain, Master of all! _Blue._ You alone contain all the murderers of this stadium. _Green._ When do you depart without slaughter? _Blue._ You slay and disturb us; for you alone contain all the murderers of the stadium. _Green._ Justinian, master, they provoke and no one kills them. One cannot choose but understand this. Who killed the carpenter at Zeugma? _Mand._ You did. _Green._ Who killed the son of Epagathus, O Emperor? _Blue._ You murdered him, and you accuse the blues. _Green._ Now the Lord pity us! Truth is oppressed. I should like to enter into controversy with those who say that God directs affairs. Whence this misery? _Mand._ God is not tempted by evil. (_Θέος κακῶν ἀπέιραστος_) _Green._ God is not tempted by evil. And who then is it that wrongs me? If there be here philosopher or hermit, let him distinguish between the two. _Mand._ Blasphemers, odious to God, when will you cease?