ANTIOCHUS. Step forward, Sapientia. The Emperor has asked for you and your daughters.
SAPIENTIA. Walk with me bravely, children, and persevere with one mind in the faith. Think only of the happiness before you—of the martyr's palm.
HOPE. We are ready. And He is with us for Whose love we are to be led to death.
HADRIAN. The three days' respite which of our clemency we granted you is over. If you have profited by it, obey our commands.
SAPIENTIA. We have profited by it. It has strengthened our determination not to yield.
ANTIOCHUS. It is beneath your dignity to bandy words with this obstinate woman. Have you not had enough of her insolence and presumption?
HADRIAN. Am I to send her away unpunished?
ANTIOCHUS. By no means.
HADRIAN. What then?
ANTIOCHUS. Address yourself to the little girls. If they defy you, do not spare them because of their tender years, but have them put to death. That will teach their obstinate mother a lesson.
HADRIAN. I will do as you advise.
ANTIOCHUS. This way you will succeed.
HADRIAN. Faith, there is the venerated statue of the great Diana. Carry a libation to the holy goddess, and you will win her favour.
FAITH. What a foolish man the Emperor must be to give such an order!
