Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/423

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My Emperor,—so that did not escape you?

Did you think it would have escaped me?

Yes, sire; for it was a matter between me and the one true God.

Galilean!

Sire, you yourself sent me to Jerusalem, and I was witness to all that happened there. I have pondered much since then; I have read the scriptures of the Christians, have spoken with many of them,—and now I am convinced that in their teaching lies the truth of God.

Is this possible? Can it be possible? Thus does this infectious frenzy spread! Even those nearest me—my own generals desert me

Place me in the van against your foes, sire,—and you shall see how gladly I render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's.

How much?

My blood, my life.