This page needs to be proofread.
288
the emperor julian.
[act ii.
Gregory.
Your heart? Ah, Emperor, you have torn out of your heart a better friend than I.
Julian.
You mean Basil?
Gregory.
I mean a greater than Basil.
Julian.
[Glooming.] Ah! So that is what you come to tell me? And in that habit
Gregory.
I did not choose this habit, sire!
Julian.
Not you? Who then?
Gregory.
He who is greater than the Emperor.
Julian.
I know your Galilean phrases. For the sake of our friendship, spare me them.
Gregory.
Let me, then, begin by telling you how it is that you see me here, ordained a priest of the church you are persecuting.
Julian.
[With a sharp look.] Persecuting!
[He ascends the daïs again and sits down.
Now speak on.
