The Soldier.
Let them strike me;—I am so glad to suffer.
Ammian.
[Entering.] Again a stoppage!—Oh, it is he. Can he really go no further?
The Subaltern.
I do not know what to say, sir; he falls at every step.
Makrina.
Oh, be patient! Who is this unhappy man?—See, suck the juice of these fruits.—Who is he, sir?
Ammian.
A Cappadocian,—one of the fanatics who took part in the desecration of the temple of Venus at Antioch.
Makrina.
Oh, one of those martyrs!
Ammian.
Try to rise, Agathon! I am sorry for this fellow. They chastised him more severely than he could bear. He has been out of his mind ever since.
Agathon.
[Rising.] I can bear it very well, and I am in my right mind, sir! Strike, strike, strike;—I rejoice to suffer.
Ammian.
[To the Subaltern.] Forward; we have no time to waste.
