Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/459

]

The same as that of the omens and the books; and now I dare interpret it. Rejoice, my brother,—in this war you are invulnerable.

The oracle,—the oracle?

The Sibylline Books say: "Julian must beware of the Phrygian regions."

[Recoiling.] The Phrygian? Ah, Maximus!

Why so pale, my brother?

Tell me, dear teacher—how do you interpret this answer?

Is more than one interpretation possible? The Phrygian regions? What have you to do in Phrygia? In Phrygia—a remote province lying far behind you, where you need never set your foot. No danger threatens you, fortunate man—that is the interpretation.

This oracle has a twofold meaning. No danger threatens me in this war,—but from that distant region

Nevita, Nevita!