Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/336

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300
the emperor julian.
[act ii.
SCENE SECOND.

A marketplace in Antioch. In front, on the right, a street debouches into the market; to the left, at the back, there is a view into a narrow and crooked street.

A great concourse of people fills the market. Hucksters cry their wares In several places the towns-*people have gathered into clusters, talking eagerly


A Citizen.

Good God of heaven, when did this misfortune happen?

Another Citizen.

This morning, I tell you; quite early this morning.

Phocion the Dyer.

[Who has entered from the street on the right.] My good man, do you think it is fitting to call this a misfortune? I call it a crime, and a most audacious crime to boot.

The Second Citizen.

Yes, yes; that is quite true; it was a most audacious thing to do.

Phocion.

Only think—of course it is the outrage on the temple of Venus you are talking of? Only think of their choosing a time when the Emperor was in the city——! And this day, too, of all others—a day——