Scene
XII
Sisinnius
Irena, take warning from the fate of your sisters, and tremble, for if you follow their example you will perish.
Irena
I long to follow their example, and to die, that I may share their eternal joy.
Sisinnius
Yield, yield!
Irena
I will yield to no man who persuades me to sin.
Sisinnius
If you persist in your refusal, I shall not grant you a swift death. I shall eke it out and every day I shall increase and renew your torments.
Irena
The greater my pain, the greater my glory!
Sisinnius
You are not afraid of being tortured, I know, but I can use another means that will be abhorrent to you.
Irena
By Christ’s help I shall escape from all you can devise against me.
Sisinnius
I can send you to a house of ill-fame, where your body will be abominably defiled.
Irena
Better far that my body should suffer outrage than my soul.
Sisinnius
When you are dishonoured and forced to live among harlots, you can no longer be numbered among the virgins.
Irena
The wage of sin is death; the wage of suffering a crown. If the soul does not consent, there is not guilt.
Sisinnius
In vain I try to spare her, and show pity to her youth!
Soldiers
We could have told you as much. She is not to be frightened, and nothing can make her worship the gods.
Sisinnius
I will show her no more mercy.
Soldiers
That is the only way to deal with her.
Sisinnius
Have no pity. Be rough with her, and drag her to the lowest brothel you can find.
Irena
They will never take me there.
Sisinnius
Indeed! What can prevent them?
Irena
The power that rules the world.
Sisinnius
We shall see.
Irena
Yes! Sooner than you will like!
Sisinnius
Soldiers, do not let the absurd prophecies of this woman interfere with your duty.
Soldiers
We are not likely to be frightened by a slip of a girl! We will carry out your orders at once.