Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/276

240

Yes, red with shame at the ingratitude of so many years.

Nay, 'twas the flush of joy. They have gone to spread the great tidings throughout the city.

[Leaving the altar.] The ignorant multitude is ever perplexed by what is unaccustomed. My task will be arduous; but no labour shall daunt me. What better befits a philosopher than to root out error? In this mission I count on your aid, enlightened friends! But our thoughts must turn elsewhere, for a little time. Follow me; I go to other duties. [He departs hastily, without returning the citizens' greetings; the courtiers, and his other attendants, follow him.

SCENE SECOND.

''A great hall in the Imperial Palace. Doors on both sides, and in the back; in front, to the left, on a daïs by the wall, stands the imperial throne.''

The, surrounded by his court and high officials, among whom is , the Treasurer, with the orators and .

So far have the gods aided us. Now the work will roll onwards, like the waves of a spring flood. The sullen ill-will which I can trace in certain quarters where I least expected it, shall not dis