Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/203

]

I, my lord?

The Emperor disbands the army of Gaul, Sintula!

Disbands?

Yes, what is it but a disbanding? The Emperor needs reinforcements, both on the Danube, and against the Persians. Our Batavian and Herulian auxiliaries are to depart with all speed, in order to reach Asia in the spring.

But the thing is impossible, my lord. You have solemnly sworn to these very allies that they shall in no case be called upon to serve beyond the Alps.

Just so, Sintula! The Emperor writes that I gave that promise over hastily, and without his consent. This is quite a new light to me; but here it stands. I am to be forced to break my word, dishonour myself in the eyes of the army, turn against me the unbridled rage of the barbarians, perhaps their murderous weapons.

They cannot hurt you, my lord! The Roman legions will make their breasts your shield.

The Roman legions. H'm;—my simple-minded friend! From every Roman legion three hundred