Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/48

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12
caesar's apostasy.
[act i.

Evil thoughts flock around me. For nine days I have worn a hair shirt, and it has not protected me; for nine nights I have lashed myself with thongs, but scourging does not banish them.

The Emperor.

We must be steadfast, Julian! Satan is very busy in all of us. Speak with Hekebolius——

The Slave Memnon.

[To the Emperor.] It is time now—— The Emperor. No, no, I will not—— Memnon. [Seizing him by the wrist.] Come, gracious lord;—come, I say. The Emperor. [Draws himself up, and says with dignity.] Forward to the house of the Lord! Memnon. [Softly.] The other matter afterwards—— The Emperor. [To Julian.] I must see Gallus. [Julian folds his hands in supplication to the Empress behind the Emperor's back.


The Empress.

[Hastily and softly.] Fear nothing!