CENTURION:

(Enters giving orders to imaginary soldiers off stage. Maximus is off stage and answers in different voices for all of them. He replies with 'Yes, sir', 'Immediately, sir' etc.) Maximus! Polish the shields! Articus! Sharpen the swords! Litimus! Make sure the helmets are ready! Romanus! Distribute the javelins! (Turning and going to Gellius, who is lying down feeling very ill. He speaks slowly) Gellius, how are you feeling now?

GELLIUS:

(Obviously ill and in pain) Not so well, master.

CENTURION:

You need to rest.

GELLIUS:

Sir, I think this is my last day. I'm going to die. I'm sorry, sir.

CENTURION:

How can you apologise? Gellius, I love you dearly. You've been such a faithful servant. You've been like a son to me. You mustn't die. I've sent for the Jewish teacher and healer called Jesus. He'll help you.

GELLIUS:

It's so strange to see you, a Roman, so friendly with these Jewish people.

CENTURION:

These people are my friends.

GELLIUS:

(Trying to raise himself up) Sir, what about the finishing touches on the new synagogue? There are still some things to be done.

CENTURION:

(Laying him back down) You needn't worry yourself about that. I'll see to it.

GELLIUS:

You know the Jewish builders . . . no offence to them . . . but they aren't as good as us Romans!

CENTURION:

(Smiling) Don't worry, Gellius. Please rest now. I'll make sure that our Roman builders finish it properly. We do have a reputation to keep up.

GELLIUS:

(In pain) Sir, the pain is getting worse.

CENTURION:

Try not to talk. The Jewish elders will return with Jesus very soon. (Gellius closes eyes and sleeps. The Centurion wipes Gellius' brow and sits thinking. Suddenly he gets up, walks to edge of stage area and calls out.)

MAXIMUS:

(Enters) Yes, sir! (Salutes)

CENTURION:

I've been thinking, Maximus. This Jesus is a very powerful man.

MAXIMUS:

(Can't believe this) But sir, he's just a Jewish teacher! You're a centurion!

CENTURION:

I don't have his power.

MAXIMUS:

But you've got an army at your beck and call!

CENTURION:

You misunderstand, Maximus. He has special power, the power of God himself.

MAXIMUS:

(Rolling eyes) Whatever you say, sir. What do you want me to do sir?

CENTURION:

Go and meet this Jesus now. Tell him to come no further.

MAXIMUS:

(Objecting) But sir, what about poor Gellius here?

CENTURION:

Trust me, Maximus. I know that Jesus doesn't need to come here to heal Gellius. In fact, I don't even deserve to have Jesus come under my roof.

MAXIMUS:

But, sir, it was you who built the synagogue for these Jews, his own people!

CENTURION:

Maximus, this is no ordinary man. You tell Jesus that I don't even consider myself worthy enough to come to him. But ask him to say the word, and I know that Gellius will be healed.

MAXIMUS:

Sir, I really don't understand. You're a mighty Roman centurion.

CENTURION:

Maximus, I have a mere 100 men under my command. This Jesus has the universe under his command.

MAXIMUS:

Are you sure about that?

CENTURION:

I'm sure about that.

MAXIMUS:

(Shaking head) Well, all I can say, sir, is that you have an incredible amount of faith in him.

CENTURION:

Yes, Maximus, I believe I do. Now go quickly before he gets here!

(Maximus leaves. Centurion paces for a while, glancing worriedly at Gellius. Gellius stirs, Centurion goes to him) Gellius, how are you?

GELLIUS :

(Gasping) It . . . It won't be long now.

CENTURION:

Help is on its way.

GELLIUS:

I . . . I . . . think I'd like some water, sir.

CENTURION:

Here you are (Picks up a drink and helps him with it).

GELLIUS:

That feels much better. (Wonderingly) I . . . I . . . think I can get up now. (Rises very slowly)

CENTURION:

Take it easy now.

GELLIUS:

I don't believe it! I feel so much better. (Stands) What was in that water? (Looking at glass) Which aqueduct did it come from?

CENTURION:

(Smiling) Oh, I don't think it was the water.

GELLIUS:

What then?

CENTURION:

It was Jesus.

GELLIUS:

Jesus? But he's not even here! (Looking around) I thought you sent for him!

CENTURION:

I did, but then I sent orders for him not to come. I knew he wouldn't have to be here to heal you!

GELLIUS:

Well, you knew more than I did! It's truly a miracle! My strength has come back fully! (He flexes his muscles a little) Now sir, shall I help you prepare for the parade?

CENTURION:

(Smiling) On the double, Gellius. (Calls off stage) Maximus!

MAXIMUS:

(Enters puffing, doesn't see Gellius) Coming, sir. I've just got back from seeing Jesus. Thankfully he wasn't far away. I suppose you want me to get an undertaker now!

GELLIUS:

No, that won't be necessary.

MAXIMUS:

(Stunned) Gellius. When? . . . How? . . . (To Maximus) Jesus?

CENTURION:

Yes. So, are the shields polished?

MAXIMUS:

(Weakly still staring at Gellius) Yes, sir.

CENTURION:

Good! (Starts to exit, calling orders off stage) Articus! Have you sharpened the swords? Litimus! Are the helmets ready? Romanus! Are the javelins distributed? (Looks back at Maximus still staring at Gellius) Well, don't just stand there! Let's go! (The Centurion walks briskly down the aisle followed by the servant) I've got 100 men to organise for a parade! (Maximus follows them out, shaking head in amazement)