Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/418

382 age. We have even seen how certain divinities have neglected to support well-meant endeavours, tending to their own honour and glory.

Yet must we not judge rashly in this matter. It is conceivable that the immortals, who guide and uphold the universe, may sometimes depute their power to mortal hands,—not thereby, assuredly, lessening their own glory; for is it not thanks to them that so highly-favoured a mortal—if he exist—has been born into this world?

Oh matchless Emperor, do not your own achievements afford proof of this?

I know not, Priscus, whether I dare rate my own achievements so highly. I say nothing of the fact that the Galileans believe the Jew, Jesus of Nazareth, to have been thus elected; for these men err—as I shall conclusively establish in my treatise against them. But I will remind you of Prometheus in ancient days. Did not that pre-eminent hero procure for mankind still greater blessings than the gods seemed to vouchsafe—wherefore he had to suffer much, both pain and despiteful usage, till he was at last exalted to the communion of the gods—to which, in truth, he had all the while belonged?," and this reading is followed in the translation. In the collected edition of Ibsen's works (Copenhagen 1899) the word becomes "beȧndet," which is probably a misprint, but may, on the other hand, be a correction. In that case, for "highly-favoured" we should have to read "specially inspired." Ibsen uses the word "beȧndet" several times in "Hedda Gabler."]