Julian.
Ah—saw you the burning torch behind the cloud? It flashed forth and went out in the same instant. A message from the spirits! A shining ship between heaven and earth!—My shield! My sword!
[He rushes out to the right. Oribases and Eutherius follow him.
Maximus.
[Calling after him.] Emperor, Emperor—do not fight to-night!
[He goes off to the right.
SCENE THIRD. An open plain, with a village far away. Daybreak and cloudy weather.
A noise of battle. Cries and the clashing of weapons out on the plain. In the foreground Roman spearmen, under Ammian's command, fighting with Persian archers. The latter are driven back by degrees towards the left.
Ammian.
Right, right! Close with them! Thrust them down! Give them no time to shoot!
Nevita.
[With followers from the right.] Well fought, Ammian!
Ammian.
Oh sir, why come not the cavalry to our help?
