Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/331

]

The magistrates of the city called a meeting, where I too was present. You know, most gracious Emperor, that all temples are the property of the city; so that the citizens have the right to dispose of them at their own free will.

Well, well; what if it were so?

In that terrible earthquake that ravaged Caesarea two years ago, all the temples but one were destroyed.

Yes, yes; the temple of Fortuna.

At the meeting whereof I speak, the congregation determined to complete God's work of judgment, in testimony that they would trust wholly and solely to him, and no longer tolerate the abomination in their midst.

[Hoarsely.] Gregory,—once my friend—do you hold your life dear?

This resolution I did not myself approve, but almost all voices were in favour of it. But as we feared that the matter might be represented to you falsely, and might, perhaps, incense you against the city, it was determined to send a man hither to announce to you what we have resolved, and what will presently happen.

Great ruler,—no one else was found willing to