Monologue

The Emperor Monologue from Androcles and the Lion

From Androcles and the Lion by George Bernard Shaw

male · inspirational · 1:01 min

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(enthusiastically, on the landing outside his box) What does it mean? It means that you are the greatest man in Rome. It means that you shall have a laurel crown of gold. Superb fighter, I could almost yield you my throne. It is a record for my reign: I shall live in history. Once, in Domitian’s time, a Gaul slew three men in the arena and gained his freedom. But when before has one naked man slain six armed men of the bravest and best? The persecution shall cease: if Christians can fight like this, I shall have none but Christians to fight for me. (To the Gladiators) You are ordered to become Christians, you there: do you hear?

About this piece

The Emperor is addressing a remarkable fighter who has defied expectations in the arena, celebrating his victory and contemplating the implications for both his reign and the status of Christians in Rome.

40s · joy · power · freedom · identity · redemption

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