Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/185

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Why should you fear eavesdroppers? Is not God's grace upon you? Have you not been victorious in every encounter?—I see the Saviour calling upon you; I see the angel with the flaming sword, who cleared the way for my father when he drove Maxentius into the Tiber!

Shall I rebel against the ruler of the empire?

Only against those who stand between you. Oh, go, go; smite them with the lightning of your wrath; put an end to this harassing, joyless life! Gaul is an outer wilderness. I am so cold here, Julian! I pine for home, for the sunshine of Rome and Greece.

For home and your brother?

[Softly.] Constantius is but a wreck.

Helena!

I can bear it no longer, I tell you. Time is flying. Eusebia is gone; her empty seat invites me to honour and greatness, while I am ageing

You are not ageing; you are young and fair!