Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/201

] Where is he?—Ah, I remember!—Call Sintula back!

[A courtier goes out by the back; retires to the window, and reads the papers through once more.

[In a low voice, to the Tribune.] I implore you not to misinterpret what I said. When I gave Caesar the credit, of course I did not mean to

[In a low voice.] It could never occur to me to doubt that it was the Emperor's supreme and wise direction that

[On the other side of the Tribune.] I beg you, noble sir,—put in a word for me at court, and release me from this painful position in the household of a Caesar who; well, he is the Emperor's exalted kinsman, but

I could tell you, alas! of things that indicate not only boundless vanity, but overweening ambition

This very day! Let me say one word, Decentius! It has long been my dearest wish to lay down this burden of responsibility.

It shall be conveyed to the Emperor.