Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/80

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Ah!

Hide nothing from me. What is the matter?

Death or banishment is the matter.

Gracious Saviour!

I feared as much! But no, the Empress spoke hopefully. Oh, say on, say on!

What shall I say? How should I know more than you? If the Emperor spoke of an oracle, a certain messenger must have been intercepted, or some one must have betrayed me

A messenger?—Gallus, what have you dared to do?

How could I live any longer this life of doubt and dread? Let him do with me as he pleases; anything is better than this

[Softly, leading him some paces aside.] Have a care, Gallus! What is this about a messenger?

I have addressed a question to the priests of Osiris in Abydus