Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/222

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Should not Caesar, the victorious general, be suffered to choose his captains as he pleases?

Should he not have free control over the spoils that fall to his share?

Yes, yes, yes!

Alas, what would it profit you? What need you care for worldly goods, you, who are to be led forth to the most distant lands, to meet a doubtful fate?

We will not go!

Look not at me; I am ashamed; I can scarce help weeping when I think that, within a few months, you will be a prey to pestilence, famine, and the weapons of a bloodthirsty foe.

[Pressing round him.] Caesar! Kind Caesar!

And your defenceless wives and children, whom you must leave behind in your scattered homes! Who shall protect them in their pitiable plight, soon to be widowed and fatherless, and exposed to the vengeful onslaughts of the Alemanni?

[Weeping.] Caesar, Caesar, protect us!