Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/323

]

Who speaks?

A servant of God and of the Emperor.

Approach. What would you?

I would speak to your heart and to your conscience.

[Springing up.] What voice was that! What do I see! In spite of beard and habit! Gregory!

Yes, my august master!

Gregory! Gregory of Nazianzus!

Yes, gracious Emperor!

[''Has descended and grasped his hands; he now looks long at him.''] A little older; browner; broader. No; 'twas only at the first glance; now you are the same as ever.

Oh that it were so with you, sire!

Athens. That night in the portico. No man has lain so near my heart as you.