Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/321

]

What! That Thalassius who, to ingratiate himself with my predecessor, whilst I was being slandered and menaced in Gaul, proposed, here in Antioch, in the open market-place, that the citizens should petition the Emperor to send them Julian Caesar's head!

Sire, it is this, your deadly foe, who is wronging me.

Truly, Malchus, I have as great ground of complaint against this man as you have.

Tenfold greater, my gracious Emperor?

What think you? Shall we two combine our quarrels, and prosecute him together?

Oh, what exceeding grace! Oh tenfold happiness!

Oh tenfold foolishness! Thalassius goes in and out as before, you say? He has not fled the city at my approach. Thalassius knows me better than you. Away with you, man! When I indict Thalassius for my head, you may indict him for your field.

[Wringing his hands.] Oh tenfold misery!

[''He goes out by the back; the assembly again applauds the Emperor.''