Androcles and the Lion (play) run from his Roman persecutors. While hiding in the forest he comes upon a wild lion who approaches him with a wounded paw. His wife runs off. Androcles sees that the cause of the animal's distress is a large thorn embedded in its paw, which he draws out while soothing the lion in baby language. Androcles is captured and is sent to the Colosseum to be executed with other Christians in gladiatorial combat. They are joined by a new Christian convert called Ferrovius, who struggles to reconcile his Christian principles with his violent inclinations. The Roman captain guarding them is
Lion mask leg. Occasionally, a lion's paw or pelt appears alongside the mask. Lion mask Lion mask is a motif used from antiquity as an emblem of strength, courage, and majesty. The lion mask holding a ring in its mouth for a handle derives from furniture from ancient Rome and it continues to be popular as doorknocker. Both Venetian and "Façon de Venise" goblets feature decorative prunts moulded in the lion mask shapes alluding to the symbol of Venice, the Lion of Saint Mark. From the early to mid-18th century, the lion mask enjoyed popularity as a favoured motif for furniture ornament,