Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/450

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414
the emperor julian.
[act iv.

Jovian.

He came riding over the plains unarmed, and surrendered at the outposts——

Julian.

Then your countrymen are at hand?

The Persian.

No, no!

Julian.

Whence come you then?

The Persian.


[Throws open his garments.] Look at these arms, oh ruler of the world,—bleeding from rusty fetters. Feel this flayed back,—sore upon sore. I come from the torture chamber, sire!


Julian.

Ah—a fugitive from King Sapor?

The Persian.

Yes, mighty Emperor, to whom all things are known! I stood high in King Sapor's favour until, impelled by the terror of your approach, I dared to prophesy that this war would end in his destruction. Would you know, sire, how he has rewarded me? My wife he gave as a prey to his archers from the mountains; my children he sold as slaves; all my possessions he divided among his servants; myself he tortured for nine days. Then he bade me ride forth and die like a beast in the desert.

Julian.

And what would you with me?