Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/335

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Alas, would that their violence had fallen on us alone! But the madmen went further. Yes, gracious Emperor—in one word, the altar is overthrown, the statue of the goddess dashed to pieces, the entrails of the sacrifices cast out to the dogs

[Pacing up and down.] Wait, wait, wait!

Sire, this one man's word is not enough

Be silent!

[To .] Did you know any of the sacrilegious crew?

Not I, sire; but these citizens knew many of them.

Take a guard with you. Seize as many of the wretches as you can. Cast them into prison. The prisoners shall give up the names of the rest; and when I have them all in my power

What then, sire?

Ask the executioner. Both you and the citizens of Caesarea shall be taught what you have to expect if, in your Galilean obstinacy, you should abide by your resolve.

[''The Emperor goes out in great wrath, to the left; and his witnesses retire with the watch; the others disperse.''