Androcles and the Lion by George Bernard Shaw
page 42 of 72 (58%)
page 42 of 72 (58%)
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LAVINIA. I did not mean that, Caesar. I mean that WE forgive YOU. METELLUS. An inconceivable liberty! Do you not know, woman, that the Emperor can do no wrong and therefore cannot be forgiven? LAVINIA. I expect the Emperor knows better. Anyhow, we forgive him. THE CHRISTIANS. Amen! CAESAR. Metellus: you see now the disadvantage of too much severity. These people have no hope; therefore they have nothing to restrain them from saying what they like to me. They are almost as impertinent as the gladiators. Which is the Greek sorcerer? ANDROCLES (humbly touching his forelock) Me, your Worship. CAESAR. My Worship! Good! A new title. Well, what miracles can you perform? ANDROCLES. I can cure warts by rubbing them with my tailor's chalk; and I can live with my wife without beating her. CAESAR. Is that all? ANDROCLES. You don't know her, Caesar, or you wouldn't say that. CAESAR. Ah, well, my friend, we shall no doubt contrive a happy |
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