Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/88

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I—I Caesar!

My heir and my successor. In three days you will set out for the army in Asia. I know the Persian war is much on your mind

Oh, my most gracious sire!

Thank me in deeds, my beloved Gallus! King Sapor lies west of the Euphrates. I know how solicitous you are for my life; be it your task, then, to crush him.

[He turns, takes head between his hands, and kisses him.

And you, Julian, my pious friend and brother—so it needs must be.

All blessings on the Emperor's will!

Call down no blessings! Yet listen—I have thought of you too. Know, Julian, that now you can breathe freely in Constantinople

Yes, praise be to Christ and the Emperor!

You know it already? Who has told you?

What, sire?