Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/231

] not that this is how the priests in Lutetia accounted for her death? And the priests ought to know. Has not the transport of her body hither been like a triumphal progress through the land? Did not all the women of Vienna stream forth beyond the gates to meet her coffin, hailing her with green boughs in their hands, spreading draperies on the road, and singing songs of praise to the bride of heaven, who was being brought home to the bridegroom's house?—Why do you laugh?

I, my lord?

Ever since, I have heard bridal songs night and day. Listen, listen; they are wafting her up to glory. Ay, she was indeed a true Christian woman. She observed the commandment strictly;—she gave to Caesar what was Caesar's, and to the other she gave; but 'twas not of that you came to speak; you are not initiated in the secrets of the faith, Sallust!—What news, I ask?

The weightiest news is that on learning of the events at Lutetia, the Emperor fled hastily to Antioch.

That news I know. No doubt Constantius already saw us in imagination before the gates of Rome.

The friends who boldly cast in their lot with you in this dangerous business, saw in imagination the same thing.