Androcles and the Lion Page #3

He is Ferrovius.

Ferrovius. Could that be

the same Ferrovius...

who made such wonderful conversions

in the northern cities?

I'd certainly like to meet him if it is.

We are warned that he has

the strength of an elephant...

and the temper of an angry bull.

Also that he is raving mad.

Not a model Christian, it would seem.

You need not fear him

if he is a Christian, Captain.

- [Chains Jangling]

- I shall not fear him in any case.

[Centurion]

Prisoner, halt!

The prisoner from Ostia, sir.

- Have him fall in with the others.

- Yes, sir.

- And remove his chains.

- This is Ferrovius, the madman, sir.

You need not fear him

if he is a Christian, Centurion.

Remove his chains.

Now remember that you're a Christian.

You've not to return good for evil.

[Centurion]

That's the way to manage him, eh?

[Laughing]

Let us go to him.

This is Androcles, and I am Lavinia.

We will march to victory together.

Bless you, sister.

I'm certainly glad to meet you, Ferrovius.

I've heard a lot about you.

- Thank you, brother.

- [Winces]

Thank you, brother.

- All people that on earth do dwell

- [Flute]

Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice

Him serve with fear

His praise forthtell

Come ye before him

And rejoice

How is it possible for them to sing...

when each day brings them

nearer to death?

Those who are without hope

can afford to be brave.

I think it is much more than bravery.

Be careful, Captain.

Too much thinking can be unhealthy

for a Roman soldier.

[Singing Continues]

Lavinia, do Christians know how to love?

Yes, Captain.

They even love their enemies.

Is that easy?

Very easy, Captain...

when the enemies are as handsome as you.

- You're laughing at me.

- At you, Captain?

Impossible.

Well, you're flirting with me,

which is worse.

But such a very handsome captain.

Lavinia.

Why won't you let me help you?

Make the sacrifice.

It's a small price to pay

for life in this world.

You can't be certain of any other.

Would any true happiness

come out of it, do you think?

Your soul is too demanding, Lavinia.

It will destroy you to save itself.

Deny it before it's too late.

And what then would remain for me?

You would have life, Lavinia... -

life that you can touch and breathe and feel.

Life that is real.

Oh, look. A triumphal procession.

We must have won something.

No. It's only another batch of Christians

for the Colosseum.

Christians, by Jove. Let's chaff them.

[Centurion]

Column, halt!

- [Soldier] Halt!

- [Soldier #2] Halt!

Who is that fop?

Lentulus. He's one of Caesar's pets.

- Centurion.

- Sir.

You will take charge of the prisoners

while I inform the Colosseum of their arrival.

Yes, sir.

Column, fall out!

[Crowd Chattering]

That woman's got a figure.

[Man]

Leave her alone. She's a Christian.

What's that got to do with her figure?

Uh, do you turn the other cheek

when they kiss you?

What?

Do you turn the other cheek

when they kiss you, fascinating Christian?

Don't be foolish.

Please, don't let your friend behave like a cad

before the soldiers.

How are they to respect and obey patricians

if they see them behaving like street boys?

- But I... -

- Pull yourself together, man.

Hold your head up, keep the corners

of your mouth firm and treat me respectfully.

What do you take me for?

- But look here... -

- Stuff! Go about your business.

[People Laughing]

Plucky little filly.

I suppose she thinks I care. Ha.

You there.

- Is this a "turn the other cheek" Christian?

- Yes, sir.

Lucky for you, too, sir, if you want

to take any liberties with him.

[Chuckles]

[Chuckles]

[Laughing]

You, uh, turn the other cheek

when you're struck, I'm told.

Yes.

By the grace of God, I do now.

Not that you're a coward, of course,

but out of pure piety.

I fear God more than man.

At least, I try to.

[Chuckling]

Let's see.

[People Gasping, Chattering]

[Chuckles]

You know, I should feel ashamed if I let myself

be struck like that and took it lying down.

But then I'm not a Christian.

I'm a man.

Bravely done, brother.

Let him alone, sir,

now you've proved your point.

[Ferrovius]

Hmm.

It is not proved yet.

I have not always been faithful.

The first man who struck me...

as you have just struck me...

was a stronger man than you.

He hit me harder than I expected.

I was tempted and fell.

It was then that I first tasted bitter shame.

I'd never had a happy moment after that

until I'd knelt and asked his forgiveness... -

by his bedside in the hospital.

Now I have learned to resist...

with a strength that is not my own.

I'm not ashamed now, nor angry.

Pardon me, sir, but if you should have

an engagement elsewhere...

I think now is the time to go to it.

Yes, I... - I do have other business.

Good morning.

Oh, do not harden your heart, young man.

Come try for yourself whether our way

is not better than yours.

I will now strike you on one cheek...

and you will turn the other

and learn how much better you'll feel...

by not giving way to the promptings of anger.

Somebody protect me.

I've been doing my best, sir,

but you've asked for it.

- You had two whacks at him.

- [Centurion Laughing]

Come, friend. Courage.

I may hurt your body for a moment...

but your soul will rejoice

in the victory of the... -

the spirit over the flesh.

Easy, Ferrovius, easy.

You broke the last man's jaw.

Yes, but I saved his soul.

What matters a broken jaw?

- Quickly, sir, run for it.

- Confound it. I'm trying to.

Don't touch me. Do you hear? The law.

Ah, the law.

The law will throw me

to the lions tomorrow.

What worse could it do

if I were to slay you?

Pray for strength,

and it shall be given unto you.

Let-Let... - Let him no, brother.

- Our religion forbids you to strike him.

- On the contrary.

It commands me to strike him.

How can he turn the other cheek...

if he is not first struck on one cheek?

But I'm sure he's convinced

that what you said is quite right.

- You are, aren't you, sir?

- Oh, I am. I am. Absolutely.

I... - I apologize for striking you.

- You see, brother? You have convinced him.

- Oh, my son.

Have I... -

Have I softened your heart?

Are your feet turning

towards a better path?

Yes. There's a great deal in what you say.

Then join us.

Come to the lions.

Come to suffering.

- And death.

- Oh! Help me, brother.

[Crowd Laughing]

God has greatly blessed

my powers of conversion.

Shall I tell you a miracle...

wrought by me in Cappadocia?

A young man... - just such a one as you...

with golden hair like yours... -

scoffed at and struck me.

I sat up all night with that youth...

wrestling for his soul.

And in the morning,

not only was he a Christian...

but his hair was as white as snow.

[Whimpers]

[Crowd Laughing]

May his friend take him away now, brother?

Yes, yes. Take him away.

The, uh... - The spirit has overwrought him.

Poor lad.

Carry him gently to his house...

and leave the rest to heaven.

You are his friend, young man.

You will see that he is taken safely home.

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