Character: Scipio

I can deny anything, but do not consider it necessary to denigrate or to deprive others the right to believe.

Caligula. Oh, it's you. ( stops as if hesitating ) I haven't seen. ( slowly approaching ) What are you doing? Still writing? Could you show me your latest poems?
Scipio. ( awkward, as if oscillating between hatred of Caligula and some new, to him a strange feeling ). I wrote the poem, Caesar.
Caligula. What?
Scipio. Don't know, Caesar. Maybe about nature.
Caligula ( breaking the awkwardness ). Wonderful topic. And vast... But what do you care about nature?
Scipio ( he controls himself, ironically ). She comforts me when I remember that I am not a Caesar.
Caligula. But I Caesar. Whether it is to comfort me in this?

He [Caligula] has often said that is wrong only the one who inflicts suffering on another.

Scipio. Everyone has some joy in life. It does not to quit. Her call for help when you are exhausted. Surely in your life there is nothing? Boiling tears, a quiet refuge?
Caligula. Perhaps, there is.
Scipio. What is it?
Caligula. ( slow ) Contempt.

My problem is that I understand.