Vitellius

Synopsis : This masterful production personifies the evil of two of the cardinal sins, lust and gluttony. The first of these is shown in the fate of the Emperor Vitellius who fell in love with the vestal who was considered the most beautiful and holy of all. He makes known his desire to have her, but the chief of the church vehemently denies him. Whereupon Vitellius, young and impetuous, determines to take her by force. He sends a small detachment of soldiers, who break into the room where the vestal is at prayer, the men with drawn swords storm into the sacred precincts and carry off the vestal.