Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/446

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Exalted Emperor,—this man of Antioch is sent by the governor, Alexander, and brings you a letter which, he says, is of great importance.

Ah, let me see! Light here!

[A torch is brought; the Emperor opens and reads the letter.

Can this be possible! More light! Yes, here it is written—and here—; what next?—Truly this exceeds all I could have conceived!

Bad news from the west, sire?

Nevita, tell me, how long will it take us to reach Ctesiphon?

It cannot be done in less than thirty days.

It must be done in less! Thirty days! A whole month! And while we are creeping forward here, I must let those madmen

You know yourself, sire, that, on account of the ships, we must follow all the windings of the river. The current is rapid, and the bed, too, shallow and stony. I hold it impossible to proceed more quickly.