Androcles and the Lion Page #4

that Christianity was contagious?

[Laughing, Chattering]

What is your business here

with these prisoners?

I... - I caught my hand on a spear, sir.

- The prisoner was dressing it for me.

- I asked him to let me do it, Captain.

And I asked him to let me mend his cloak.

He tore that too.

- Take your cloak and report back to your quarters.

- Yes, sir.

And what assistance did you gentlemen

require of the prisoner?

Did you also tear your cloaks

or cut your hands?

No, sir. We were just talking to Lavi... -

I mean, the prisoner.

Get back to your quarters, all three of you.

Report to me later.

I must reprimand the female prisoner

for undermining the discipline of my men.

It must cease immediately,

or I shall punish it with the utmost severity.

- Is that sufficient warning?

- Yes, Captain.

If I don't behave,

I shall be thrown to the lions.

And if I do behave, I shall be

thrown to the lions just the same.

Is that what you mean?

[All Laughing]

[Laughter Continues]

[Bleating]

- [Flute]

- Onward, Christian soldiers

Marching as to war

With the cross of Jesus

Going on before

Christ the royal master

[Joins In]

...master

Leads against the foe

- [Continues, Indistinct]

- [Tuba Joins In]

Of course, it's no business of mine...

but I notice a slight lowering in morale.

- In your Christians?

- No. In your men.

[Prisoners, Soldiers]

Onward, Christian soldiers

- Centurion!

- Yes, sir.

- Halt your men.

- Yes, sir.

Column...

halt!

[Soldier]

Halt!

Centurion, you were instructed that no

lax discipline on the march would be permitted.

In particular, it was impressed on you...

that there would be no toleration

of the singing of Christian hymns.

I have to reprimand you, Centurion...

for not only allowing this

but actually doing it yourself.

- The men march better, Captain.

- No doubt.

And for that reason, an exception is made...

in the case of the march called

"Onward, Christian Soldiers."

This may be sung until we reach Rome...

but the words must be altered to...

- "Throw us to the lions."

- [Laughing]

[Centurion]

Silence! Silence!

Where's your behavior?

Is this the way to listen to an officer?

But I think the captain

meant us to laugh, Centurion.

- It was so funny.

- That is all.

The female prisoner seems to appreciate

your sense of humor, Captain.

Forward!

March!

[Soldier]

Forward ho!

Throw us to the lions

We shall be devoured

Congratulations, Captain.

Your every word is their command.

I salute you.

We shall be devoured

Throw us to the lions

We shall be devoured

Throw us to the...

- [Man, Screaming] Help me!

- [Soldier] Soldiers, ho!

- Come on there! Grab hold!

- [Screaming] Help!

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