Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/485

] with the Galileans than with us. The God of the Galileans is stronger than our gods.

The thing is that the Emperor has angered the gods. How could he think of setting himself up in their place?

What is worse is that he has angered the Galileans' God. Have you not heard, they say positively that, a few nights since, he and his magician ripped open a pregnant woman, to read omens in her entrails?

Ay, but I do not believe it. At any rate, I am sure 'twas not a Greek woman; it must have been a barbarian.

They say the Galileans' God cares for the barbarians too; and if so, 'twill be the worse for us.

Oh, pooh—the Emperor is a great soldier.

They say King Sapor is a great soldier too.

Think you we have the whole Persian army before us?

Some say 'tis only the advance-guard; no one knows for certain.