Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/177

] empire is so fettered as Caesar. Would you believe it, Helena, even my cook has to abide by a bill of fare sent to him by the Emperor; I may not alter it, either by adding or countermanding a single dish!

And all this you have borne in secrecy!

All know it, except you. All mock at Caesar's powerlessness. I will bear it no longer! I will not bear it!

But the great battle? Tell me,—has rumour exaggerated?

Rumour could not exaggerate.—Hush; what was that? [Listening towards the door.] No, no; I only thought

I may say that in these months I have done all that mortal man could do. Step by step, and in spite of all hindrances in my own camp, I drove the barbarians back towards the eastern frontier. Before Argentoratum, with the Rhine at his back, King Knodomar gathered all his forces together. He was joined by five kings and ten lesser princes. But before he had collected the necessary boats for his retreat in case of need, I led my army to the attack.

My hero, my Julian!