Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/133

] there are many reports afloat concerning me. If I could believe some people's assurances, it would seem that there are few men in the empire so much talked about as I.

That you may safely believe.

And what says Libanius to all this? He could never endure that the multitude should be busied with any one but himself. And what say all my never-to-be-forgotten friends in Athens? They know I am in disgrace with the Emperor and the whole court?

You? I have frequent intelligence from the court; but my brother Caesarius makes no mention of that.

I cannot interpret it otherwise, good Gregory! From all sides they think it needful to watch me. The other day, Gallus Caesar sent his chaplain Aëtius hither, to find out whether I hold fast to the orthodox faith.

Well?

I am seldom absent from matins in the church. Moreover, I reckon the martyrs among the noblest of men; for truly it is no light matter to endure so great torments, ay, and death itself, for the sake of one's creed. On the whole, I believe Aëtius departed well content with me.