ACT I

_The atrium in the imperial palace on the Palatine Hill. A splendid and even gorgeous apartment, perhaps fifty feet long and twenty broad. The spectator views it from one side, and one of the longitudinal walls thus constitutes the background. At the left of the spectator is the arched doorway that leads into the ostium, or entrance hallway. At the right are two doors giving into the peristyle, or garden. In the back are doors opening upon various apartments, among them, a small triclinium or banquet-room._

_The atrium has walls of Cipilino marble, and there are ornate pillars supporting each door-frame. In the centre of the floor is a small pool, perhaps six by eight feet, and flush with the floor. Above it, in the ceiling, is a skylight with movable bronze sashes, and gaudy silk blinds beneath. Despite the architectural magnificence of the apartment, its furniture, to modern eyes, seems meagre. To the spectator's right, between the garden doors, there is a solium--a high, stiff, ungainly chair, very wide, and upholstered in imperial purple, i.e., a colour rather like the crimson of today. In front of the solium stands a very ornate mensa, or table, with a few backless stools. There is nothing more. Light is furnished by Roman lamps on very tall candelabra. The moon filters through the skylight._

_It is the night before New Year's Day of the year_ 221 A.D.

_As the curtain rises_, HELIOGABALUS' _atriensis, or major-domo_, RUFINIUS _by name, ushers in the two physicians_, PISO _and_ POLORUS. RUFINIUS _is a stout Gaul with a full red beard. He wears, of course, no toga, but there are chevrons of imperial purple on the short left sleeve of his tunic._ PISO _and_ POLORUS _wear the paenula--a long, plain cape, with a hood not unlike a monk's cowl_. PISO'S _paenula is black, but_ POLORUS' _shows the florid colours of a modern bathrobe_. PISO _is an old man and wears a long white beard_; POLORUS _is younger and wears his clipped, almost in the Van Dyke manner_.

RUFINIUS, _as soon as the two doctors have come to anchor by the pool, offers them a salver on which stand two goblets of wine and a dish of peanuts_.

RUFINIUS

The Emperor will be out presently. The banquet is just ending.

[_From within comes the sound of half-hearted mirth._]

PISO

[_Reaching for one of the goblets_] Very thoughtful of you, Rufinius: I need it. I was up all night with a confinement case.

POLORUS

[_Somewhat sniffishly_] Yes, my dear Doctor Piso, they are very tiresome. I'm glad I've been able to give them up.

PISO

[_Waspishly_] Give them up? _I_, Doctor Polorus, I _never_ give them up! I pull them through.

POLORUS

[_Rather floored; apologetically_] I don't mean patients; I mean cases.

PISO

[_Put into good humour by the success of his repartee_] But _I_ mean neither patients nor cases; I mean husbands.

POLORUS

[_Amiably, trying to make peace_] I suppose he was drunk, as usual.

PISO

Drunk? His very tears smelt like toddy. You could scarcely call him a husband in alcohol. He was an alcoholic _extract_ of husband.

POLORUS

It's astounding how much they get down when such things are going on in the house.

PISO

Yes, and the tighter they get, the more they want to kiss the baby. And if you let them do it, then you have two cases of delirium tremens on your hands--father and child. And the mother raising hell.

[_Sounds of feeble, somewhat laborious mirth come from the banquet-room_]

POLORUS

What do you think of--? [_Nodding toward the banquet-room_]

[PISO _takes a handful of peanuts and munches them during the following, now and then biting into a bad one and spitting it into the pool_]

PISO

What is _your_ idea?

POLORUS

It looks simple. I say diabetes.

PISO

Why?

POLORUS

Well, for one thing, he's always so thirsty. Then, his legs are beginning to trouble him. Thirdly--

PISO

Nonsense! He was born with that thirst. As for his legs, they are simply overworked. The human leg was designed to carry a man, and nothing more. Add his clothes, his conscience, his artillery, and his jewelry, and then pile on a barrel of wine or so every day, and it begins to lose confidence in itself.

POLORUS

The Empress Paula tells me--

PISO

Yes, I know all about the patent medicines he's swallowed and the quacks he's had here. There was that Syrian, for instance. He prescribed water-drinking.

POLORUS

She says he couldn't keep it on his stomach.

PISO

No wonder! I daresay his stomach wondered what it was.

POLORUS

What do you think of proposing?

PISO

Nothing could be simpler. If this were an ordinary man, say you or that fat poinsettia over there, [_indicating_ RUFINIUS] I'd simply put him to bed, give him a good big dose of castor oil, and then send in my bill. Maybe I'd add a mustard plaster, and a gargle in the morning. The next day, repeat the dose. And so on.

PISO

[_Uneasily_] But surely you're not going to--?

POLORUS

[_Horrified_] What! Prescribe castor oil for an emperor? The gods forbid! Where are your professional ethics? Besides, I've been in jail, and don't like it. And when I think of lions in the arena gumming this old epidermis--!

[PAULA _enters from the peristyle, and the two physicians, catching sight of her at once, make low bows_]

PISO AND POLORUS

Majesty!

PAULA

[_To_ PISO, _gushingly_] Oh, doctor, I am so glad to see you! I have been _so_ worried!

PISO

[_In his best manner_] Be calm! This--[_indicating_ POLORUS] is Dr. Polorus, my--[_maliciously_] assistant. Doctor, you are honoured by the notice of the Empress Paula.

PAULA

[_Buttonholing_ PISO _tragically_] I surely hope you gentlemen can do something for the poor Emperor. You can't imagine what I have gone through. I think he's getting worse all the time. And those awful quacks he has had!

PISO

Yes, I have heard. It's common gossip.

PAULA

One of them put him on water! Like a horse! [_It gradually becomes evident that_ PAULA, _who is about 37 and rather chunky, is somewhat alcoholized and inclined to weep_] I thought he would die the first night. I was up the whole night. I wouldn't let any of the other ladies touch him. I suffered terribly.

[_Succumbing to the martyr complex, she sobs boozily on_ PISO'S _shoulder_]

PISO

[_With professional tact_] And what seemed to be the symptoms?

PAULA

Just grief, I guess. The love of a pure woman. I still feel very faint.

POLORUS

Perhaps a goblet of wine--

PAULA

[_Promptly motioning to_ RUFINIUS] And you, too. Pardon me for forgetting. I am all worn out. You doctors have to be up all night, and--

PISO

[_Reaching for his goblet_] People simply _will_ send for one. I seldom get out of my clothes.

[_The three drink_]

POLORUS

And you were saying that the Emperor--

PAULA

Doctor, you'd hardly believe it. He's so changed I hardly know him--always complaining about his stomach-aches, and taking pills and things. You know how lively he used to be--always up to some pleasantry. Why, even when we had a quiet dinner here at home--just him and me and the other girls--he'd have in one of those dancers from Mesopotamia, and make him dance on a red-hot stove. Always something jolly. And how he would laugh and cut up! But now look at him! Even this New Year's Eve banquet is like a funeral. Think of it! He wouldn't let me go to it--and I've been sitting beside him at banquets for--well, ever since I was almost a child. And all the other girls barred out, too--all except Dacia.

PISO

[_Professionally_] Too bad, too bad!

PAULA

I say nothing against Dacia--not a word. She is a very nice girl. I was glad to see him marry her--that is, if he had to marry anybody. I thought he had wives enough. You can imagine what trouble it makes for _me_. But you don't want to hear _my_ afflictions.

POLORUS

Your Majesty was saying that the Emperor is depressed.

PAULA

Depressed? You'd think he had on damp underclothes! And he keeps on sending for those quacks--even those crazy dervishes and religious healers from Asia.

PISO

Religion? Aha! Mental symptoms!

PAULA

Why, yesterday I hear he actually had in one of those awful Jews--Christians, some of them now call themselves--the kind they burn at the circus.

PISO

Riff-raff! They actually say they can cure a sick man without medicine. [_To_ POLORUS] Your pardon, Doctor.

POLORUS

No offence at all, I assure you. My family is from Spain--Mendoza was the family name. I loathe these kikes as much as you do.

PAULA

[_Continuing_] So I sent for you doctors. I hear you do wonders. But you must be careful. No feeling of pulses or sticking out of tongues. Just say you have heard he is feeling poorly, and have dropped in as a matter of patriotism. Don't tell him I sent for you. He'll be here in a few moments, as soon as the _banquet_ [_she sniffs sarcastically_] is over. You'll see how sick he is the moment he comes in.

POLORUS

And as for the symptoms, Majesty: you say he complains of--

[_His speech is cut short by the entrance of a guest who comes from the triclinium supported by two slaves. He is very drunk and they drop him beside the pool and proceed to bathe his face_]

PAULA

Oh, the poor man! Something has disagreed with him.

PISO

Who is the gentleman?

PAULA

I don't know him. I think he is one of the generals from the colonies. [_To one of the slaves_] Who is he?

THE SLAVE

Caius Macrinus, Majesty. Commander of the Western Fleet.

PISO

Ah, a naval officer! [_To the slave_] Is he taken this way often?

THE SLAVE

[_Idiotically_] Only when he drinks.

POLORUS

I think it may be fits. Let's take a look at him.

PAULA

Shall I order some wine?

PISO

No. That is, not for the patient.

[_As_ RUFINIUS _makes for the goblets_, PISO _and_ POLORUS _approach_ CAIUS _and shoulder the slaves away_. CAIUS _collapses at the edge of the pool, and before_ PISO, _who is aged and stiff, can grab his end, slides into the water, and out of_ POLORUS'S _hands. The slaves jump in after him and drag him ashore, and the two doctors proceed to revive him_]

POLORUS

Grab his arm and pump it up and down!

PISO

What do you take me for, a milk-maid? I am a physician!

POLORUS

I thought we'd try some artificial respiration.

PISO

Artificial respiration your grandmother! Slap him on the back: that'll fetch him.

POLORUS

Yes, and give him pneumonia.

PISO

Pneumonia, flapdoodle! A drunken man _never_ gets pneumonia!

POLORUS

Since when?

PISO

Since the time of Romulus and Remus.

POLORUS

Well, _I_ have seen it.

PISO

You _thought_ you saw it. The patient probably had cholera. Or maybe a fractured skull.

POLORUS

[_Sarcastically_] Palm-reader!

PISO

[_With equal sarcasm_] Barber!

PAULA

[_Brightly_] Why not roll him on a barrel?

POLORUS

Too late! He's getting over it. Besides, [_indicating the banquet room_] what barrels there are, are in there.

[CAIUS _sits up and gazes about him weakly. Catching sight of_ PAULA, _he waves his hand at her feebly. He has forgotten where he is, and doesn't know that she is the Empress_]

CAIUS

[_Thickly_] Ah there, fair one! How about a little drink!

PISO

[_Horrified_] Sacrilege!

PAULA

[_Flattered by his apparent admiration_] Oh, let the poor commander alone. He's feeling badly. [_She approaches him, with a goblet_] There, that will make you better.

CAIUS

I remember you, little peppermint, but I can't place you. Didn't we meet in--Alexandria?

PAULA

[_Sympathetically_] Oh, don't worry your poor head.

CAIUS

It doesn't worry me. I remember you now. What's become of that little dark girl?

PISO

[_In alarm_] The Commander seems to be flighty. He imagines he's in a--er, a private house.

RUFINIUS

[_Taking charge of the situation_] I'd better help him out.

[_He grabs_ CAIUS, _and with the two slaves, begins leading him out_]

CAIUS

[_Drunkenly_] But I haven't paid for the drink! Let me pay for the drink! I insist upon paying for the drink! I--

[_Exeunt_]

POLORUS

Delirium!

PAULA

[_Virtuously_] I can't imagine what he was talking about.

PISO

Oh, I have seen thousands of such cases. Most doctors make the mistake of--

[_He is cut short by an uproar in the triclinium. Trumpets sound. Suddenly three slaves appear at the door, crying_ "The Emperor!" PAULA _at once prepares to depart_]

PAULA

[_To the doctors_] Remember. Very careful! Don't ask him to stick out his tongue!

[_As_ PAULA _slinks into the peristyle_, HELIOGABALUS _enters from the triclinium, with_ DACIA _on his arm. He is tall, sallow and apparently somewhat liquored; his bad humour is obvious. He stalks across the stage to the solium without a word, hands up_ DACIA, _and takes his seat beside her with a scowl. He wears a magnificent toga of imperial purple, with a wide band of cloth-of-gold at the bottom. He carries a small baton, with a gigantic ruby at one end. He is bareheaded_

[DACIA _is a very pretty blonde of, say, nineteen. It is plain that she admires_ HELIOGABALUS _vastly, but there is a touch of awe in her admiration, and it gives her a bit of stage-fright to be with him as here. She is dressed in the white garment of a Roman matron_

[_Following the two come several slaves, and two or three army officers. The latter have been guests at the banquet and are more or less tight_

[HELIOGABALUS, _seated upon the solium, claps his hand to his tummy and turns to_ DACIA]

HELIOGABALUS

There it is again--that grinding pain.

DACIA

I'm _so_ sorry, dear. Shall I send for something?

HELIOGABALUS

The oyster-soup, I dessay. [DACIA _pats his arm_] Or the speeches.

[_He dismisses the subject and sweeps the atrium with his eye. It alights upon the two doctors, who immediately drop to their knees_]

HELIOGABALUS

[_Irascibly_] So there you are! Get up! [_They arise_] Well, what are _you_ doing in the Night Court?

PISO

May it please your Majesty, the thought occurred to us that it would be a favourable moment for--paying our respects.

HELIOGABALUS

Aha, the crows smell the carrion! So you heard that I was ill?

PISO

Not exactly ill, Majesty, but--well, one might say slightly indisposed.

HELIOGABALUS

Indisposed? A sweet word. Then a man who has had his head cut off is suffering from tonsillitis. [_Hypochondriacly_] I tell you my stomach has all gone to pieces. I can hardly digest the blush on a peach.

PISO

Your Majesty describes the symptoms very trenchantly. Half the doctor's work is done for him.

HELIOGABALUS

I haven't mentioned a damned symptom, you scurvy old body-snatcher. If I began to tell you all my symptoms I'd talk your ear off.

POLORUS

Perhaps your Majesty will favour us with, say a specimen or two.

HELIOGABALUS

[_He hesitates, but finally thinks well of the suggestion_] Well, if you are interested.... For example, what would you say of a sort of peculiar buzzing sensation at the pit of the stomach, an hour after meals? [_He makes elaborate circular motions with his fist_] And then a sour headache, with peculiar flashes of light before the eyes? Sometimes white; sometimes red; sometimes a sort of greenish purple, or pinkish yellow, or bluish--

[_He halts lugubriously_]

POLORUS

[_Judicially and with a profound frown_] I should call it hyperacidity.

PISO

[_Derisively_] What! Hyperacidity? Then where is your heart-burn?

HELIOGABALUS

[_Interrupting_] Sir, I said _nothing_ of any heart-burn.

PISO

Precisely. My learned friend here simply--

HELIOGABALUS

[_Petulantly_] See here, who's sick, you or I? I tell you about stomach-ache, and you begin talking of heart-burn.

POLORUS

[_Virtuously_] _I_ didn't mention it, Majesty.

HELIOGABALUS

And it's lucky for you that you didn't mention it, Majesty! What is _your_ guess?

POLORUS

_I_ say hyperacidity.

HELIOGABALUS

Yes, that was your first guess. Now what is your second?

POLORUS

Cholelithiasis.

HELIOGABALUS

And then? What is number three?

POLORUS

Nervous dyspepsia.

HELIOGABALUS

[_In a sepulchral voice, gradually working himself into a rage_] And which one do you favour for the death-certificate?

POLORUS

[_Horrified_] Surely Your Majesty is joking!

HELIOGABALUS

[_Now thoroughly enraged, he leaps down from the solium and proceeds toward_ POLORUS _like a lion stalking a deer_] Joking? Is a coroner's inquest a joke? Is an autopsy a joke? [_He explodes with wrath and bawls for the guard_] Out with the jackass! Shove him into tier two and fatten him for the leopards! Out with him!

[POLORUS _is hustled out, loudly protesting_. PISO _attempts a discreet sneak, but_ HELIOGABALUS _detects it_]

HELIOGABALUS

Grab the old one! Duck him in the pool!

[_The slaves grab poor_ PISO _and throw him in. He comes up instantly and tries to scramble out_]

PISO

[_Sputtering_] Injustice! Injustice!

HELIOGABALUS

Again!

[_They duck him_]

PISO

[_Coming up again_] I confess! Let me out! I admit everything!

[_The slaves haul him out. He shakes himself like a wet dog_]

HELIOGABALUS

Now throw him out.

[_They proceed to do it_]

PISO

Where is my stethoscope? I lost my stethoscope! I want my stetho--

[_Exit_]

DACIA

[_Sweetly, as_ HELIOGABALUS _returns to the solium and wearily reseats himself_] You excite yourself, dear. [_She caresses him as if he were a troubled child, but a bit timorously_] You should be calmer. That old quack isn't worth--

HELIOGABALUS

Calm? How can I be calm with that dog-fight going on in my tummy? My sweet birdie, you underestimate the effects of matter on mind. I ought to have kissed you an _hour_ ago. It was my duty. Moreover, I inclined to it--the thought presented itself to me. But just then I was seized. I love you--but I am sick.

DACIA

[_Sentimentally_] If you love me, I am happy.

HELIOGABALUS

So am I--theoretically. But this---- [_He rubs his front sadly. Then he suddenly pulls himself together. To the assemblage_] Let us proceed to business. What is the first case?

[_A slave comes forward with a scroll and writing materials and takes his place at the ornate table. He is the Clerk of the Night Court. Two armed guards stand to either side of him. The following scene is played very quickly_]

THE CLERK

Hecatus; 27 years old; attempted burglary.

HELIOGABALUS

Hecatus? Is he a Greek?

THE CLERK

Yes, your Majesty.

HELIOGABALUS

Then don't bother to bring him in. Have him thrown into the Tiber at once. Next case.

THE CLERK

Cornelia Metelli; 20 years old; soliciting.

HELIOGABALUS

Bring her in.

[_The guard hauls in a bedraggled old wench, fully 45_]

CORNELIA

[_Beginning to protest from the moment she enters the door_] Your Majesty, I give you my word I never done anything whatsoever at all. I was just walking down the street, going to meet a friend, when that policeman come up and--

HELIOGABALUS

Stop lying, my dear. I remember you very well. The last time, you held up a drunken pall-bearer on his way home from a funeral.

CORNELIA

Your Majesty, you have got me mixed up with some other lady. I give you my word I never--

HELIOGABALUS

Silence! Now let's be friends. How is trade?

CORNELIA

Your Majesty, you do me wrong, I assure--

HELIOGABALUS

Well, now, are we going to be friends, or do you want me to send you up at once?

CORNELIA

Don't send me up again!

HELIOGABALUS

Then answer my polite question. I asked you "How is trade?" I take it that it's not as good as it used to be. [CORNELIA _begins to sniffle_] I suppose the night has to be very dark for you to be--insulted. Or the stranger very soused.

CORNELIA

A poor girl ain't got a chance, Majesty.

HELIOGABALUS

Not after forty-five. Or fifty. [_To the assemblage in general_] Consider, gentlemen, the sad fate of this poor working girl. Think of her days of hope, of happiness. Of success. Think of the men she has charmed! Think of the old, sad romance of her betrayal! I dare say it was some gladiator, or an actor. Ah, the misery of the years! And now contemplate her beauty in its decay: the night must be very dark, or the stranger very soused. Observe that sepulchral wreck of what once was a human face. [CORNELIA _sobs_] No, my baby, I shall not send you up. Instead I am going to _do_ something for you. Day chases day: you need a comfortable home. I appoint you a Vestal Virgin.

CORNELIA

[_In horror_] Oh, my God! Oh, your Majesty!

HELIOGABALUS

Sheriff, do your duty! [_The guard drags her out, protesting raucously_] Next case!

THE CLERK

Lucius Macedonicus; aged 30; picking pockets. [_The prisoner is brought in_]

HELIOGABALUS

Guilty or not guilty?

THE PRISONER

Not guilty.

HELIOGABALUS

That is to say, guilty.

THE PRISONER

Believe me, your Majesty, I wouldn't lie to--

HELIOGABALUS

[_To the clerk_] How many terms has he served?

THE CLERK

Twenty-seven, your Majesty.

HELIOGABALUS

I begin to doubt the efficacy of the modern jail system. Let me think. [_He meditates_] The sheriff is ordered to take the prisoner to the place of execution---- [_The prisoner yells, but is silenced by the guard, and_ HELIOGABALUS _goes on_]---- and there chop off the index finger of his right hand--with one clean blow of a well-honed sword--no amateurish butchering.

THE CLERK

Any further command?

HELIOGABALUS

On his recovery, he is to be given a place on the police force.

THE CLERK

[_In surprise_] The police force?

HELIOGABALUS

I said the police force. A pickpocket with the index finger of his right hand gone is harmless. And so is a policeman. Call the next case.

[_The prisoner is hustled out_]

HELIOGABALUS

[_Calling after_] Bring me the finger, Sheriff. I admire it. [_To the Clerk_] What is the next case?

THE CLERK

Lucia the Galatian, alias Lucia the Christian; aged 21; blasphemy and inciting to riot. One of the soapbox cases, your Majesty.

HELIOGABALUS

Bring her in.

[LUCIA _is brought in by the guard. She wears a simple white stola, the common dress of Roman women, with a cross embroidered in front. She is very pretty, and_ HELIOGABALUS _shows immediate signs that he has duly observed the fact. He settles his toga, wets his finger, smoothes his eyebrows, and assumes a mixture of amiable smile and judicial frown._ LUCIA _folds her arms and is silent_]

DACIA

[_To_ HELIOGABALUS] She is _very_ pretty.

HELIOGABALUS

[_Heavily_] Oh, yes--in a sense.

DACIA

It's a pity to see such a pretty girl in the hands of the police.

HELIOGABALUS

[_Grasping at the idea_] A pity? It's revolting! Darling, it shocks me to expose you to such a spectacle. I really can't permit it. My conscience would never let up on me.

DACIA

But--

HELIOGABALUS

Exactly. Wifely duty, and all that. I understand. You love me. But I can't permit it, really. Moreover, it is getting very late. You must have your rest. [_He rises_] My arm.

DACIA

I am not sleepy at all, dear.

HELIOGABALUS

See. It has begun already! Insomnia from late hours. That's the way _I_ began. I promised your father to take care of you, to cherish you, to----

DACIA

But--

HELIOGABALUS

I positively refuse to let you sacrifice yourself. I hadn't noticed the time. Now, my dear. [_He offers his arm, and she dutifully takes it, though with obvious reluctance. They step down from the solium and proceed to the door of the peristyle. At the door_] You have been getting paler and paler for an hour. I noticed it but didn't say anything. Now right to bed, my little ginger snap. Don't forget that Heliogabalus loves you. [_He gives her a peck of a kiss_] I'll be with you anon.

[_She goes out without a word. Immediately the door closes behind her_, HELIOGABALUS _makes his way back to the solium with noticeable haste. First he takes a precautionary look over his shoulder at the door; then he devotes himself to a long gaze at_ LUCIA]

HELIOGABALUS

[_Genially_] So this is Lucia!

LUCIA

[_Oratorically_] The peace of the Lord be with you, Cæsar! I am not afraid.

HELIOGABALUS

Well, surely not. I had no thought of harming you, my dear.

LUCIA

Ye who live by the sword shall perish by the sword. It is so written.

HELIOGABALUS

Perhaps you are right. But why did you kick up this disturbance on the street?

LUCIA

I made no disturbance, Cæsar. I obeyed the command. I preached the Son of God.

HELIOGABALUS

God? Which God?

LUCIA

The One God.

HELIOGABALUS

So there is only _one_ now? I heard the rumour only last week. But why get excited about it? Why stir up those poor country yokels at the market, and give the policemen trouble?

LUCIA

I came to preach the Word. I came to bring peace. Aye, even peace to you, Cæsar;--with the sin and blood upon your hands.

HELIOGABALUS

[_To the clerk_] Mr. Clerk, the defendant is in the shadow. Can't we move the lamps a bit?

[_The clerk moves them experimentally_]

HELIOGABALUS

So; an inch or so to the left. That's better. [_To_ LUCIA] And now, my dear, about this blood upon my hands. Surely you have confused me with some one else. I am never violent.

LUCIA

It was by your decree that they died--burned alive, torn to pieces by wild beasts, butchered by gladiators--five hundred souls.

HELIOGABALUS

Oh-h, you mean those--what do you call them?--Christians! Well, surely you are not complaining of that. All _that_ is a mere matter of administrative routine. They practise magic; they claim to be able to heal the sick, even to raise the dead. The law is the law.

LUCIA

It is their faith that gives life; it is their faith that heals. And that faith [_touching her heart_] is here.

HELIOGABALUS

[_To the clerk_] I'll have to trouble you about the lights again. Bring that big lamp nearer to the prisoner. The rest of you stand back.

[_The clerk so places the light that_ LUCIA'S _face is in the full glare of it_. HELIOGABALUS _views her with obvious and prolonged admiration_]

HELIOGABALUS

Thank you; now I can _hear_ her better. [_To_ LUCIA] And you were saying, my dear?

LUCIA

[_Striking her heart again_] My faith is here. The truth is here. The power of the spirit is here.

HELIOGABALUS

Yes, so far, so good. But surely you don't claim to be a magician like those other Christians. A pretty girl like you!

LUCIA

There is no magic! There is only the spirit.

HELIOGABALUS

But, my dear! What has the spirit to do with the belly-ache? How can the spirit help a man when he is doubled up? What could it do for _me_?

LUCIA

Even you, Cæsar. Even _you_ are not beyond the grace of the Lord.

HELIOGABALUS

[_Growing more interested_] Do you mean to say that I can be cured by this new magic, this so-called Christianity?

LUCIA

By Christianity, Cæsar, and by the spirit within. Even _you_ may be healed.

HELIOGABALUS

Do you mean without swallowing any more pills?

LUCIA

I know nothing of pills. I know only the work of the Lord.

HELIOGABALUS

But what I am getting at is: what is the _machinery_ of it? How do you set the Lord to _working_? Just how do you do it?

LUCIA

[_Simply_] We pray.

HELIOGABALUS

Is _that_ all?

LUCIA

We lay on hands.

HELIOGABALUS

[_Vastly interested_] So! You lay on hands? And do you yourself--that is to say, are you yourself a practitioner of this--this--laying on of hands?

[_He leans over to glance cautiously at the door through which_ DACIA _has gone_]

LUCIA

My prayers have been answered. I take no reward. I would ask the Lord's mercies even for you, Cæsar.

HELIOGABALUS

Well, all I have to say is that you are a very nice girl. First you accuse me of murdering your friends, and now you say you are willing to pray for me,--and even to lay on hands.

LUCIA

It is the command: forgive those who have ill-used you.

HELIOGABALUS

Oh, I say: now you are going too far. Imagine _me_ ill-using _you_. Sweet piece, you _wrong_ me.

LUCIA

[_In surprise_] I am not to be burned?

HELIOGABALUS

The idea! Burn _you_! The very thought of it revolts me. You have been misinformed, my dear. I am a very humane man--even a polite man.

LUCIA

But--

HELIOGABALUS

Yes, I know what you are going to say. Now and then I am irritable--and maybe order a man or two, or a dozen or so, to the--that is, now and then, I let the law take its course. But when a man is in bad health--and always has the stomach-ache--he sometimes gets out of humour. Who wouldn't? You have no idea how much I have suffered, and what awful medicines I have taken. Not half an hour ago I had to have another of those quacks ducked in this very room. Well, the Christians have this easy cure--this way of curing by laying on hands--and yet they let me suffer. Is it any wonder that I sometimes lose my temper? Now you say that _you_ also know the trick, and I was wondering--

LUCIA

I shall pray for you, Cæsar.

HELIOGABALUS

Yes, by all means. But this laying on of hands--I have a notion that it might, er--fit my particular case even better.

LUCIA

[_Diffidently_] We could try.

HELIOGABALUS

So we could. But not here. I have a feeling that a crowd might be--well, unsympathetic. [_To the clerk_] The court recesses, Mr. Clerk. Clear the room!

[_The guards proceed to drive every one out in headlong haste, leaving only_ HELIOGABALUS, LUCIA _and_ RUFINIUS]

HELIOGABALUS

[_To_ RUFINIUS] I shall cross-examine the witness in chambers. [_To_ LUCIA, _offering her his arm_] My dear.

[_As they go out_, HELIOGABALUS _takes another precautionary look at the peristyle. They go into one of the rooms at the rear. The door closes._ RUFINIUS, _to whom the business is an old story, heaves a sigh, pours out two goblets of wine, and places them on the small table near the door. He then goes to the door of the ostium, and calls out to an unseen guard_]

RUFINIUS

[_In bored tones_] Better get the musicians ready, Sampinus. They'll probably be wanted presently. Are they all sober?

[_The guard makes no reply, but the clank of his sword is heard. As_ RUFINIUS _turns back_, PAULA _enters from the peristyle. She is somewhat dishevelled_]

PAULA

The Emperor--where is the Emperor?

RUFINIUS

He has just stepped out, Majesty.

PAULA

Just stepped out? Where has he gone?

RUFINIUS

He hasn't gone anywhere, Majesty.

PAULA

Bosh. Either he is out or he is not out. Don't deceive me!

[RUFINIUS, _stumped, answers nothing, but his eyes wander to the door_. PAULA _quickly notices_]

PAULA

So he's in _there_, is he? And who is it _this_ time?

RUFINIUS

A young woman, Majesty--a young Christian woman.

[_There is a loud knock on the inside of the door, and_ RUFINIUS _steps to answer. He opens the door very slightly and pokes his head in_]

RUFINIUS

Majesty?

HELIOGABALUS

[_Within_] Music!

[RUFINIUS _claps his hands, and instantly two musicians come in from the ostium. One has a Greek pipe and the other a lyre. The piper blows a loud blast and breaks into lively music. Suddenly there are again loud knocks on the inside of the door, and_ RUFINIUS _pokes in his head once more_]

HELIOGABALUS

[_Within_] Not so damned loud! Something soft--and dreamy!

RUFINIUS

[_To the musicians_] Turn off the air in that pipe!

[HELIOGABALUS' _order appears ominous to both_ RUFINIUS and PAULA, _and they look at each other_]

PAULA

This looks serious.

RUFINIUS

I fear so, Majesty.

PAULA

You say she is a Christian girl--one of those ex-Jewesses who bawl and beat tambourines on the streets? What does she look like?

RUFINIUS

I regret to report--

PAULA

Speak up! Is she good-looking?

RUFINIUS

[_Reluctantly_] In a sense, yes.

PAULA

That means she is very beautiful, doesn't it? Do I know any one she looks like?

RUFINIUS

[_With a heavy attempt at courtliness_] Your Majesty must consult your mirror.

PAULA

Enough of that blather! Do you think that I don't _know_ I'm--nearly twenty-eight? [_With bitterness_] If I were still what I used to be, I'd be in that room myself.

[_Another knock on the inside of the door._ RUFINIUS _responds. Unintelligible words from within._ RUFINIUS _turns, empties the two goblets, takes another flask from the table, and refills them. The musicians keep droning softly_]

PAULA

What is that stuff?

RUFINIUS

The wine from Britain, brought to the Emperor by Caius Macrinus.

PAULA

You mean that stuff that tastes like smoke? Wine your grandpa! So he's going to try _that_ on that poor girl! The third degree!

[RUFINIUS _passes in the two goblets_]

RUFINIUS

It _is_ somewhat heady.

PAULA

I should say it _is_. Why, the first time I tried it my head spun around like a ballet girl. Now tell me about this girl. Is it just a--you know--or is it--?

RUFINIUS

I'm afraid it is.

PAULA

Is what? [_Maudlinly_] Tell me, Rufinius! You wouldn't desert me! Tell me the truth!

RUFINIUS

I'm afraid it's serious.

PAULA

You mean--?

RUFINIUS

Well, he hasn't ordered any guard to take her away in the morning.

PAULA

[_Hysterically_] There! I knew it! He'll marry her, and then I'll have another on my hands. Eleven already--and now one more! I'll go crazy if he keeps this up.

RUFINIUS

[_Reassuringly_] Well, maybe I'm wrong, after all. Perhaps he's merely interested in her talk.

PAULA

[_Inconsolable_] Yes, that's the worst of it. If it was only her looks I wouldn't care. A man gets his fill of _looking_ in no time. But when he begins to _listen_ he's lost. [_Bursting into tears_] I think this is too much. I've tried to be a good chief wife to the Emperor. Have you ever heard me complain when he came home with a girl and--sent for the musicians? Never! But I'm getting tired of this _marrying_. When he marries another one _I_ have her on my hands. Who has to keep order among them? Who protects them when he gets into a bad humour and begins to talk of throwing half a dozen of them to the crocodiles?

[_She blubbers_]

RUFINIUS

But maybe Your Majesty is too pessimistic. I have a feeling that--

[_A knock from within the door interrupts him. He goes to the door and the salver is handed out. On it are the two goblets. One is empty; the other is still full_]

PAULA

[_Rushing up, she immediately notes the full goblet_] Ha! One still full! [_Hysterically_] What did I tell you? This one is a wise one: she refuses to drink. Now he's done for!

RUFINIUS

[_Alarmed at last_] It looks pretty bad.

PAULA

Bad? I tell you it's all over! I got him that way myself--and so did most of the others. I know! [_Rising to martyrdom_] Oh, what have I done to deserve this! And a Christian, too--a common street woman, praying and bawling in the gutters! Imagine the palace with her around! Worse, imagine the Emperor! Here, give me the goblet. I feel faint!

[_She downs the goblet_]

[_A commotion inside. A hand on the knob of the door_]

RUFINIUS

[_In alarm_] Your Majesty had better--

PAULA

Yes, yes. [_Starting off_] Let me know what happens.

[_She sneaks out just as_ HELIOGABALUS _enters with the girl on his arm_]

HELIOGABALUS

[_To_ RUFINIUS] Kick these vermin out [_indicating the musicians_] They play bawdy music.

[RUFINIUS _kicks them out_]

HELIOGABALUS

[_To_ LUCIA] And now, little dear, as I was saying--

[_His eye suddenly lights on the two goblets, and he notes that the second one has been emptied_]

HELIOGABALUS

Rufinius!

RUFINIUS

Majesty!

HELIOGABALUS

Who emptied this goblet?

RUFINIUS

[_In great confusion_] Your Majesty, I assure you--

HELIOGABALUS

Silence! I don't want to hear any lies from you. So you have taken to the jug again--after all your promises? While I am hard at work, engaged in the administration of justice--labouring at affairs of state--you loll out here in the atrium in your cups!

RUFINIUS

[_At a loss_] Your Majesty, I--

HELIOGABALUS

I have ordered you not to lie! If you tell me that it evaporated--in four minutes--to the galleys! If you say you gave it to a blind beggar--to the boa constrictors! If you say thieves broke in and stole it--I'll burn you like a--like a Christian!

RUFINIUS

[_Eager to shield the Empress, he takes the blame. He falls to his knees_] Majesty! I ask forgiveness!

HELIOGABALUS

Ha! You save your life! [_Irritably_] But this sort of thing has got to stop! I can't have drinking men about me. [_A pause while he meditates_] You must be punished. You must have your lesson. [_Another pause_] How would you like to lose those beautiful pink whiskers?

RUFINIUS

[_Horror-stricken, he falls flat on the floor_] Majesty!

HELIOGABALUS

That's it, exactly. Call in the guard and we'll chop them off at once--and maybe a slice of ear with them.

LUCIA

[_Protesting_] I hope your Majesty--

[_She is cut off by the entrance of_ PAULA, _who bounds in from the peristyle_. PAULA, _by now, is in the last stages of a crying drunk_]

PAULA

Stop!

HELIOGABALUS

[_Startled_] What?

PAULA

Rufinius is innocent!

HELIOGABALUS

Then it was--

PAULA

Yes, _I_ drank it. I was feeling faint. I took it--medicinally.

HELIOGABALUS

Well, it seems to have medicated you, all right.

PAULA

I think I had _cause_ to be ill.

HELIOGABALUS

What had you been eating?

PAULA

Yes, laugh while I suffer! You never think of me! Here am I, so faint I can hardly walk--and you give banquets, and bring in women off the street, and turn the palace into a--

HELIOGABALUS

[_Sternly_] My dear, you talk pish. This lady is Lucia. Lucia, the Empress. Lucia was arrested--by a grievous error--and brought before me--and we have been discussing certain problems--chiefly sociological.

PAULA

Yes, I know what your problems are--whether to make love to her and fill her with nonsense, or just grab her.

HELIOGABALUS

My dear, I forbid you. Such talk is libellous, and grossly licentious. You will make me believe that the wine has--affected you.

PAULA

[_To_ LUCIA] Don't you let him come over you with his soft-soap. That man could talk a woman into anything. Haven't I seen him do it, with one girl after another? He'll make you believe you are Venus and then, when you get to be as I am, he'll--

HELIOGABALUS

What foolishness, my dear! Imagine this beautiful, this innocent, girl ever getting like you are!

PAULA

Wasn't I beautiful and innocent once?

HELIOGABALUS

Well, maybe _once_.

PAULA

[_Maudlin_] And when I think of those other poor girls.

HELIOGABALUS

[_To_ LUCIA] Unluckily, my sweet Venus, the Empress is not herself. I have noticed it for some time. About twenty years. [_To_ PAULA] Wouldn't it be better, darling, if you went to bed? Perhaps a good night's rest would help you. Or shall I send for Piso?

PAULA

Piso? Never! That dirty old fraud--

HELIOGABALUS

And yet you sent for him to monkey with my stomach--my poor, sick stomach! Don't say you didn't. I know all about it. By this time, my dear, you should have more respect for my spy system.

PAULA

That's the way: You always put it on _me_! When _you_ have done something, you accuse _me_ of something. Oh, what--

HELIOGABALUS

[_Humouring her_] But why go into that? You are--ill, and ought to be in bed. And besides, I have business. There is, for example, the matter of Rufinius' ear. It had better be attended to at once.

RUFINIUS

Oh, Majesty, Majesty!

PAULA

Rufinius is innocent. I drank the wine--all of it!

HELIOGABALUS

I believe you--but nevertheless, Rufinius _lied_ to me. Can I afford to let it get about that it is safe to lie to the Emperor of Rome? Surely not. Now, go to bed and get a good night's rest and let me attend to Rufinius' ear. He is tired of waiting. The longer we put off the matter of his ear, the longer it will take to heal.

[_Taking her arm he pushes her out_]

PAULA

[_Going out blubbering_] What have I ever done to deserve such awful, such cruel, such--

[_She disappears_]

HELIOGABALUS

[_To_ RUFINIUS] Now get the guard, and bring in the tools. It'll be all over in a few minutes.

RUFINIUS

[_Screeching_] Pardon, Majesty, pardon! I--

HELIOGABALUS

Silence! I have already pardoned you. This other business is a mere reminder, a souvenir. Go get the guard. I am busy.

[RUFINIUS _staggers to his feet, and starts slowly toward the ostium_]

LUCIA

But surely, your Majesty, you are not--

HELIOGABALUS

It won't take three minutes, I assure you. I'll do it myself--and I have a steady hand. Then we can resume our--studies--

LUCIA

[_Clutching his arm_] But surely this is not necessary. "Vengeance is Mine, saith the Lord." I beg of you, Cæsar--

HELIOGABALUS

Oh, I forgot. Your religion. Your Christianity.

LUCIA

We are forbidden to shed blood, even an enemy's.

HELIOGABALUS

But no one is asking _you_ to shed any blood, little pigeon. I'll do it myself. Besides, there won't be much.

LUCIA

Or to _see_ it shed.

HELIOGABALUS

Well, now, isn't that going rather far? Wouldn't it be fair to call that a rather _extreme_ view?

LUCIA

[_Her hands on him_] Cæsar, I beg of you, I implore you--

HELIOGABALUS

[_Melting, he slips his arm around her_] Oh, if you put it on those grounds, why, of course--[_He strokes her hair_] Do you like me, Lucia, just a little bit?

LUCIA

I'd like you more, Cæsar, if--

HELIOGABALUS

[_Sentimentally_] How much more?

LUCIA

[_Her eyes downcast_] Maybe a great deal more, if--

HELIOGABALUS

Honest? You swear it?

LUCIA

We are forbidden to swear. "Let your Aye be Aye, and your Nay--"

HELIOGABALUS

Yes, but you _would_, wouldn't you?

LUCIA

I think I would, Cæsar.

HELIOGABALUS

[_Calling to_ RUFINIUS] Rufinius, you may keep your ear. And your beautiful pink whiskers, too.

RUFINIUS

[_Turning at the ostium_] Your Majesty is good!

HELIOGABALUS

Moreover, you look tired! You have long hours. Suppose you take a little nap out in the ostium. I'll call you if I want you. I have a bit more--business--with this young lady.

RUFINIUS

At your Majesty's command.

HELIOGABALUS

And before you go out, you might as well dim some of these lights. They seem to me to be a bit glary, so to speak. How about putting out that big one over there? [RUFINIUS _extinguishes it_] So, that's better. Now run along. If I want you I'll call. But don't sit up for me.

[_Exit_ RUFINIUS]

HELIOGABALUS

[_Approaching_ LUCIA _and eyeing her admiringly_] And now, my dear and very delightful Christian maiden, now that we are alone, let us sit down and have a cosy little chat. Oh, not on that stool; it will tire your back. Why not here? [_He mounts the solium_] See, I'll sit here in my regular place, and you--well, you sit so. [_He draws her to his knee_] How's that? Comfortable?

LUCIA

I am afraid, Cæsar. My people will be wondering where I am.

HELIOGABALUS

And a good joke on them, too. [_He laughs elaborately_] They'll think you are on your way to the lions--and here you are as safe as a bug in a rug--and converting the Emperor to this Christianity, as you call it. Now, about that Christian kiss you showed me--just how is it done?

LUCIA

[_Pecking at him modestly and very gingerly_] Like this.

HELIOGABALUS

[_Disappointed, shaking his head_] Um, kind o' short. Not like--but maybe--after a while, after a little while ...

LUCIA

[_Bashfully, but with art_] I'm afraid you won't respect me.

HELIOGABALUS

[_Looks at her sharply_] What's that?

LUCIA

I said I thought you would think I was--

HELIOGABALUS

Pish-posh, little goose-liver. I never think such things. Don't mention them.

LUCIA

But you have a wife already.

HELIOGABALUS

A wife? I have eleven.

LUCIA

[_Horrified_] What! Eleven!

HELIOGABALUS

Eleven living. My poor, dear Marcia is dead--among others. Paula succeeded her. Dynastic reasons, my juicy plum: the merit system was unheard of in those days. Then there is Annia Faustina, with the red hair. And Cælestis. I married her in Gaul: I was very lonely. And then there is Aquilia Severa. And Falia. And dear little Dacia. That was Dacia who was with me when those scoundrels brought you in. You will like Dacia--that is, you _would_ like her if you knew her. And then there is Gestina. And--

[_He hesitates_]

LUCIA

That makes seven.

HELIOGABALUS

And Blenina, the blonde. And Alinia. And--

LUCIA

That makes nine.

HELIOGABALUS

Well, let so much be considered the reading of the minutes. It would only bore you to go on. Besides, why do it? Put them beside _you_, my new baby--oh, my! You saw one of them--Paula. Imagine a cultivated man, a man of artistic tastes, swapping a real kiss with--

LUCIA

But the Lord forbids. A man must cleave to one wife.

HELIOGABALUS

A sensible idea. In fact, a capital idea. If the rest of Christianity is like that, put down my name at once. But it's too late.

LUCIA

You have married all these women?

HELIOGABALUS

Every one of them, so far as I can make out. Including Paula.

LUCIA

Then you have broken the law of the Lord. Then you have sinned.

HELIOGABALUS

[_Snuggling close_] Oh, come now. Surely it is no sin to marry. I always thought that--

LUCIA

Marriage is of the Lord.

HELIOGABALUS

Well, then, how do you make it out that I have sinned? If it's all right to marry one wife, why should it be a sin to marry another wife?

LUCIA

You are mocking me, Cæsar.

HELIOGABALUS

Not at all, I assure you. I am quite serious. Just _why_ should it be a sin, as you call it, to marry more than one?

LUCIA

There are many reasons, Cæsar. The Lord has spoken. A man, in His eyes, can truly love but one woman.

HELIOGABALUS

Fiddlesticks, little prune cake. I have eleven wives, and I love no less than _four_ of them.

LUCIA

_Love_ them?

HELIOGABALUS

Well, more or less. At all events, I _did_ love them. Now--

LUCIA

You loved them _truly_?

HELIOGABALUS

One of them for _two_ long years!

LUCIA

But marriage must endure unto death.

HELIOGABALUS

It did. It wasn't _my_ fault. But figure it for yourself: When I caught her with that gladiator, what could I do? It was a great shock to me.

LUCIA

You--?

HELIOGABALUS

It cut me to the heart. I almost felt like taking some of the poison myself.

LUCIA

[_Horrified_] You had her poisoned?

HELIOGABALUS

What was I to do? I went as far as I decently could. I invited the gladiator to dinner. They died in each other's arms. I even buried him at my own expense.

LUCIA

You are horrible.

HELIOGABALUS

I am a husband.

LUCIA

You are a pagan--an infidel!

HELIOGABALUS

And you? Isn't a Christian an infidel? You, too, are an infidel--but [_sentimentally_]--a very dear, sweet little infidel. Now, how about another of those Christian kisses--but this time a man's size one?

LUCIA

[_Not heeding him_] Could you share your love--or what you call your love--for me with any other woman?

HELIOGABALUS

[_Under the spell of her beauty_] You try my philosophy sorely.

LUCIA

[_Insistent_] Could you?

HELIOGABALUS

Well, I'm no longer as young as I used to be.

LUCIA

Could you?

HELIOGABALUS

Turn your head a bit, so that the light falls on your hair. Ah, the moon! There, that's better. Now, what was it you said?

LUCIA

Could you share your love for me with another woman?

HELIOGABALUS

[_A pause, during which he admires the picture. Emphatically_] No!

LUCIA

[_Radiant_] Ah, Cæsar, you see! Or you begin to see. The star of Bethlehem has begun to shine in Rome!

HELIOGABALUS

[_His arm about her_] I don't see any star, my dear, but the stars that shine in your amethyst eyes. Now, please--[_A kiss_] And now another.

LUCIA

What! Right away!

HELIOGABALUS

Don't be afraid of crowding them. I could stand millions of those stingy Christian kisses. A thousand of them would only make one real, honest Roman kiss.

LUCIA

No.

HELIOGABALUS

Yes.

LUCIA

No, Cæsar.

HELIOGABALUS

I order you.

LUCIA

[_At once archly and coolly_] In whose name, Cæsar?

HELIOGABALUS

[_Desperately in her thrall_] In the name of your God, whose light I am beginning to see.

LUCIA

[_Now more persuaded_] Well, just a little one.

[HELIOGABALUS _negotiates a long, strangling, gurgling buss_]

LUCIA

Oh, my!

HELIOGABALUS

Was it nice?

LUCIA

[_Coquettishly_] No. You are bad, Cæsar.

HELIOGABALUS

What! Bad!

LUCIA

Bad, bad, Cæsar.

[_A great crash in the ostium, with yells._ HELIOGABALUS _jumps to his feet and reaches for his sword, almost dropping_ LUCIA. _Presently a Christian comes bounding in, with_ RUFINIUS _and two guards hanging to him_. RUFINIUS _is in his undershirt and barefooted. The Christian is a man of gigantic stature, and the three have difficulty in holding him. But finally they pin his arms behind him_]

THE CHRISTIAN

I want to see Cæsar! I must face Cæsar!

HELIOGABALUS

[_Observing that the three have at last made him, fast. Folding his arms_] Let him speak.

THE CHRISTIAN

I accuse you, Cæsar, of debauchery.

HELIOGABALUS

What! You come here in the middle of the night to--

THE CHRISTIAN

I call on you in the name of the Lord--

HELIOGABALUS

[_To Lucia_] Do you know this gentleman? Who is he, and what does he want?

THE CHRISTIAN

I want you to liberate that poor, innocent girl--that lamb of the Lord.

LUCIA

He is Simon of Cappadocia.

SIMON

[_Still roaring_] Let her go! Release her from your loathsome embraces!

HELIOGABALUS

Listen to that! [_To Lucia_] Think of that, my dear!

LUCIA

[_Quietly_] You are wrong, Simon. The great Cæsar has done me no harm.

HELIOGABALUS

There, you see!

SIMON

He has not laid his hands on you?

LUCIA

No. That is--

SIMON

[_Refusing to believe it_] You fear him. You are afraid to speak! [_To_ HELIOGABALUS] Cæsar, what are you doing to this maiden?

HELIOGABALUS

Doing to her? I am _admiring_ her.

SIMON

What are you _going_ to do to her?

HELIOGABALUS

[_Embarrassed_] Now, really--[_To_ LUCIA] Who did you say he is?

LUCIA

One of our pastors--Simon. [_Apologetically_] He is very--

HELIOGABALUS

A pastor? That is, a clergyman? [_To_ SIMON] Are you in holy orders?

SIMON

I am a poor shepherd. I seek this strayed lamb. The wolves--

HELIOGABALUS

Good enough. I respect you for it. So you are a clergyman? Well, that simplifies matters enormously. Get out your tools. [_Bells begin to ring out_] The New Year!

SIMON

[_In alarm_] Tools?

HELIOGABALUS

The things necessary for your ceremony of holy marriage. I assume that you carry them with you. [_The din increases_] It's the New Year--and I turn over a new leaf!

LUCIA

[_In astonishment; protesting_] But, Cæsar--

HELIOGABALUS

Nonsense, my dear. Tomorrow it may be raining, or there may be a parade--[_To_ SIMON] And now, Doctor, you may begin. Do I stand here?

[_The din still increases_]

LUCIA

[_Swept off her feet_] But, Cæsar, your other wives!

HELIOGABALUS

[_Himself completely gone_] I am _done_ with my other wives!

LUCIA

Done with them?

HELIOGABALUS

Henceforth and for ever! You shall be my _one_ wife! And your faith my faith!

LUCIA

[_Wide-eyed_] You mean--you mean, Cæsar, that through me, through love for me, you have come to see the light?

HELIOGABALUS

[_Swung along by the situation_] I mean, my fair maiden, that I have seen some kind of light in your beautiful eyes. I don't know just what it is, or exactly what it stands for, but I love you, adore you, want you--and am willing to follow it--blindly.

SIMON

[_To_ LUCIA, _in amazement_] Can you--do you--believe?

LUCIA

[_Taking the Emperor's hand, as the chimes swell to a great clamour_] The great Cæsar sees at last!

HELIOGABALUS

[_His eyes feasting upon her_] What wonderful hair!

CURTAIN