Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/385

] loss you lament and howl over, I may tell you that you will presently hold them cheaper when it is proved that Jesus of Nazareth was a liar and deceiver.

Woe to us; woe to us!

[Stepping forward.] Emperor—what mean you by that?

Did not the crucified Jew prophesy that the Temple of Jerusalem should lie in ruins till the end of time?

So shall it be!

Oh fools! At this moment my general, Jovian, with two thousand workmen, is at Jerusalem, rebuilding the temple in all its glory. Wait, wait, you stiff-necked doubters—you shall learn who is the mightier, the Emperor or the Galilean.

Sire, that you yourself shall learn to your dismay. I held my peace till you blasphemed the Highest, and called him a liar; but now I tell you that you have not a feather-weight of power against the Crucified One!

[Constraining himself.] Who are you, and what do you call yourself?