Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/292

256 to his task. I, for my part, have ordered a festal procession through the streets of the city. It shall be no mere revel for my courtiers, nor a banquet within four walls. The citizens shall be free to join me or to hold aloof; I will discern the pure from the impure, the pious from the misguided.

Oh Sun-King, shed light and beauty over the day! Oh Dionysus, let thy glory descend in floods upon our minds; fill our souls with thy sacred storm-wind; fill them till all trammels are burst asunder, and ecstasy enfranchised draws breath in dance and song!—Life, life, life in beauty!

[''He goes out hastily to the right. The courtiers break up into whispering groups, and gradually disperse.''

SCENE THIRD.

A narrow street in Constantinople.

''A great concourse of people, all looking in one direction down the street. Noise, singing, and the music of flutes and drums is heard at some distance.''

[At his house-door, calls across the street.] What a foot, dear neighbour?

[In the house opposite.] They say 'tis some Syrian jugglers that have come to town.

[In the street.] No, no, 'tis a band of Egyptians going around with apes and dromedaries.