IRENA. That is what we desire. We ask nothing better than to suffer the most cruel tortures for the love of Christ.
DIOCLETIAN. Let these obstinate women who dare to defy our authority be laden with chains and thrown into a dungeon. Let them be examined by Governor Dulcitius.
SCENE II
DULCITIUS. Soldiers, produce your prisoners.
SOLDIERS. The ones you wanted to see are in there.
DULCITIUS. Ye Gods, but these girls are beautiful! What grace, what charm!
SOLDIERS. Perfect!
DULCITIUS. I am enraptured!
SOLDIERS. No wonder!
DULCITIUS. I'm in love! Do you think they will fall in love with me?
SOLDIERS. From what we know, you will have little success.
DULCITIUS. Why?
SOLDIERS. Their faith is too strong.
DULCITIUS. A few sweet words will work wonders!
SOLDIERS. They despise flattery.
