Paul declines to undertake the healing of Simon at Felix's request. But Simon had first refused to suffer Paul's access to him, at the same time warning both Felix and Drusilla of the evil likely to result to their little son from a touch to him of Paul's hand which the sick sorcerer had just observed through the lattice. Felix and Drusilla, freshly angered at Paul, resolve together on his destruction. A second meeting assembles to hear Mary's story. This time there is an interruption occasioned by a disturbing written message from Felix, sent to Julius the centurion, one of the listeners. MARY MAGDALENÉ. When one set high, but hopeless gross in grain Of nature--and through habit of license long And self-indulging pride of place and power Grown grosser--by reverse of fortune falls, And can no longer wield his insolence So widely as his wish were and his wont Has been, then often he will salve himself That sore-felt loss of brutal privilege By being more insolent still where yet he may: So Felix now wreaked his revenge on Paul. Paul knew him powerless, but he would not turn Retort on the humiliated man, Or aught abate toward him the obeisance due The ruler that he lately was--a strict Respect enforced by his own self-respect. Felix had with fair princely promises-- Commended to those simple islanders By large report of recent royal state His and of prospects brighter yet at Rome, As by Drusilla's airs of queen--made shift To lodge himself commodiously with his train: Under his roof apart Simon lay sick.