Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/169

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act iii.]
caesar's apostasy.
133

Julian.

Helena to me! The unattainable attained!—But she, Leontes——?

Leontes.

At my departure he took the Princess by the hand and led her to me. A flush of maiden blood swept over her lovely cheeks, she cast down her eyes, and said: "Greet my dear kinsman, and let him know that he has ever been the man whom——"

Julian.

Go on, Leontes!

Leontes.

These words were all she spoke, the modest and pure woman.

Julian.

The pure woman!—How marvellously is all fulfilled!

[He calls loudly.

Robe me in the purple!

Maximus.

You have chosen?

Julian.

Chosen, Maximus!

Maximus.

Chosen, in spite of sign against sign?

Julian.

Here is no sign against sign. Maximus, Maximus, seer though you be, you have been blind. Robe me in the purple!


[The Quaestor Leontes attires him in the mantle.