Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/98

62

Let me throw one word into the scales of judgment. I am a Greek citizen. How much does a Greek citizen owe the Emperor?

What the Emperor demands.

Good; but how much—answer now as though the Emperor himself were in court—how much has the Emperor a right to demand?

Everything.

Answered as though the Emperor were present indeed! But now comes the knotty point; for it is written: Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's—and unto God the things that are God's.

And what then?

Then tell me, oh sagacious judge—how much of what is mine belongs to God?

Everything.

And how much of God's property may I give to the Emperor?

Dear friends, no more of this sport.