Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/458

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422
the emperor julian.
[act iv.

Maximus.

Nothing can be more pressing than this. You <g>must</g> hear me!

Julian.

Then in the name of fortune and wisdom, speak, my brother!

Maximus.

[Draws him apart, and says in a low voice.] You know how I have striven to search and spell out, both in books and through auguries, the issue of this campaign?

Julian.

I know that you have been unable to foretell anything.

Maximus.

The omens spoke and the writings confirmed them. But the answer which always came was so strange that I could not but think myself mistaken.

Julian.

But now——?

Maximus.

When we departed from Antioch, I wrote to Rome to consult the Sibylline Books——

Julian.

Yes, yes——!

Maximus.

This very moment the answer has arrived; a courier from the governor of Antioch brought it.

Julian.

Ah, Maximus,—and its purport——?