The Emperor monologue (Act 2) — Androcles and the Lion

(_enthusiastically, on the landing outside his box_) What does it mean? It means that you are the greatest man in Rome. It means that you shall have a laurel crown of gold. Superb fighter, I could almost yield you my throne. It is a record for my reign: I shall live in history. Once, in Domitian’s time, a Gaul slew three men in the arena and gained his freedom. But when before has one naked man slain six armed men of the bravest and best? The persecution shall cease: if Christians can fight like this, I shall have none but Christians to fight for me. (_To the Gladiators_) You are ordered to become Christians, you there: do you hear?