Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/494

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What mean you, sire?

Who spoke, I ask? Who was it that said, "I am hammering the Emperor's coffin"?

Come with me to your tent, I implore you.

[Shouts and cries are heard far away.

War-cries! The Persians are upon us

There is already fierce fighting at the outposts.

The enemy is in the camp! Ah, sire, you are unarmed!

I will sacrifice to the gods.

To what gods, oh fool? Where are they—and what are they?

I will sacrifice to this god and to that. I will sacrifice to many. One or another must surely hear me. I must call upon something without me and above me

There is not a moment to be lost!