The collected works of Henrik Ibsen

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THE COLLECTED WORKS OF

HENRIK IBSEN

VOLUME V

EMPEROR AND GALILEAN
(1873)

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THE COLLECTED WORKS OF

HENRIK IBSEN

Copyright Edition. Complete in 11 Volumes.

Croicn 8vo, price 48. each.
ENTIRELY REVISED AND EDITED BY

WILLIAM ARCHER

Vol. I. Lady Inger, The Feast at Solhoug, Love's

Comedy
Vol. 1 1 . The Vikings, The Pretenders
Vol. III. Brand
Vol. IV. Peer Gynt
Vol. V. Emperor and Galilean (2 parts)
Vol. VI. The League of Youth, Pillars of Society
Vol. VII. A Doll's House, Ghosts
VoL VIII. An Enemy of the People, The Wild Duck
Vol. IX. Rosmersholm, The Lady from the Sea
Vol. X. Hedda Gabler, The Master Builder
Vol. XI. Little Eyolf, John Gabriel Borkman,

When We Dead Awaken

London ^WILLIAM HEINEMANN
21 Bedford Street, W.C.

THE COIXECTED WORKS OF

HENRIK IBSEN

Copyright Edition
VOLUME V

EMPERO R AND
GALILEAN

^i A WORLD-HISTORIC DRAMA

WITH INTRODUCTIONS BY

WILLIAM ARCHER

LONDON

WILLIAM HEINEMANN

19'11

First printed September 1907
Second Impression April 1911

Copyright 1907 hy William Heinemann

CONTENTS

Introduction vii

Caesar's Apostasy .... 1

Translated by William Archer

The Emperor Julian . . . 225

Translated by William Archer

Digitized by tine Internet Arciiive

in 2008 witii funding from

IVIicrosoft Corporation

Iittp://www.archive.org/details/collectedworksof05ibseuoft

EMPEROR AND GALILEAN.

INTRODUCTION.

In a speech delivered at Copenhagen in 1898, Ibsen
said : " It is now thirty-four years since I journeyed
southward by way of Germany and Austria, and passed
through the Alps on May 9. Over the mountains the
clouds hung like a great dark curtain. We plunged in
under it, steamed through the tunnel, and suddenly
found ourselves at Miramaro, where the beauty of the
South, a strange luminosity, shining like white marble,
suddenly revealed itself to me, and left its mark on
my whole subsequent production, even though it may
not all have taken the form of beauty." Whatever
else may have had its origin in this memorable moment
of revelation, Emperor and Galilean certainly sprang
from it. The poet felt an irresistible impulse to let
his imagination loose in the Mediterranean world of
sunshine and marble that had suddenly burst upon
him. Antiquity sprang to life before his mental
vision, and he felt that he must capture and perpetuate
the shining pageant in the medium of his art. We
see throughout the play how constantly the element
of external picturesqueness was present to his mind.
Though it has only once or twice found its way to the

Vlll EMPEROR AND GALILEAN.

stage,! it is nevertheless — for good and for ill — a great
piece of scene-paintmg.

It did not take him long to decide upon the central
figure for his picture. What moved him, as it must
move every one who brings to Rome the smallest
scintilla of imagination, was the spectacle of a superb
civilisation, a polity of giant strength and radiant
beauty, obliterated, save for a few pathetic fragments,
and overlaid by forms of life in many ways so retro-
grade and inferior. The Rome of the sixties, even
more than the Rome of to-day, was a standing monu-
ment to the triumph of mediaevalism over antiquity.
The poet who would give dramatic utterance to the
emotions engendered by this spectacle must almost
inevitably pitch upon the decisive moment in the
transition — and Ibsen found that moment in the
reaction of Julian. He attributed to it more " world-
historic " import than the sober historian is disposed
to allow it. Gaetano Negri 2 shows very clearly (what,
indeed, is plain enough in Gibbon) that Julian's action
had not the critical importance which Ibsen assigns to
it. His brief reign produced, as nearly as possible,
no effect at all upon the evolution of Christianity.
None the less is it true that Julian made a spiritual
struggle of what had been, to his predecessors, a mere
question of politics, one might almost say of police.
Never until his day did the opposing forces confront
each other in full consciousness of what was at stake ;
and never after his day had they even the semblance
of equality requisite to give the struggle dramatic

* It was acted at the Leipzig Stadttheater, December 5,
1896, and at the Belle-Alliance Theater, Berlin, on the occasion
of the poet's seventieth birthday, in March 1898. It must, of
tourse, have been enormously cut down.

* Julian the Apostate. 2 vols. London, 1905.

INTRODUCTION. IX

interest. As a dramatist, then — whatever the historian
may say — Ibsen chose his protagonist with unerring
instinct. Julian was the last, and not the least, of the
heroes of antiquity.

Ibsen had been in Rome only two or three months
when he wrote to Bjornson (September 16, 1864) :
" I am busied with a long poem, and have in prepara-
tion a tragedy, JuUanus Apostaia, a piece of work
which I set about with intense gusto, and in which I
believe I shall succeed. I hope to have both finished
next spring, or, at any rate, in the course of the
summer." As regards JuUanus Apostata, this hope
was very far astray, for nine years elapsed before
the play was finished.i Not till May 4, 1866, is the
project again mentioned, when Ibsen writes to his
friend, Michael Birkeland, that, though the Danish
poet, Hauch, has in the meantime produced a play
on the same theme, he does not intend to abandon it.
On May 21, 1866, he writes to his publisher, Hegel,
that, now that Brand is out of hand, he is still unde-
cided what subject to tackle next. " I feel more and
more disposed," he says, " to set to work in earnest
at Kejser Julian, which I have had in mind for two
years." He feels sure that Hauch's conception of the
subject must be entirely different from his ; and he
does not intend to read Hauch's play. On July
22, 1866, he writes from Frascati to Paul Botten-
Hansen that he is " wrestling with a subject and knows
that he will soon get the upper hand of the brute."
His Grerman editors take this to refer to Emperor and
Galilean, and 'they are probably right ; but it is not
quite certain. The work he actually produced was

1 The poem was never finished at all. It is doubtless that of
which a fragment has been recovered and is about to be
published (isnr^).

X EMPEROR AND GALILEAN.

Peer Gynt ; and we know that he had a third subject
in mind at the time. We hear no more of Julian
until October 28, 1870, when, in his autobiographic
letter to Peter Hansen, he writes from Dresden :
"... Here I live in a tediously well-ordered com-
munity. What will become of me when at last I
actually reach home ! I must seek salvation in re-
moteness of subject, and think of attacking Kejser
Julian."

This was, in fact, to be his next work ; but two
years and a half were still to pass before he finally
"got the upper hand of the brute." On January
18, 1871, he writes to Hegel: "Your supposition
that Julian is so far advanced that it may go to the
printers next month arises from a misunderstanding.
The first part is finished ; I am working at the second
part ; but the third part is not even begun. This
third part will, however, go comparatively quickly,
and I confidently hope to place the whole in your
hands by the month of June." This is the first men-
tion we have of the division into three parts, which he
ultimately abandoned. If Hegel looked for the
manuscript in June, he looked in vain. On July 12
Ibsen wrote to him : " Now for the reason of my long
silence : I am hard at work on Kejser Julian. This
book will be my chief work, and it is engrossing all
my thoughts and all my time. That positive view of
the world which the critics have so long been demand-
ing of me, they will find here." Then he asks Hegel
to procure for him three articles on Julian by Pastor
Listov, which had appeared in the Danish paper,
Fcedrelandet^ and inquires whether there is in Danish
any other statement of the fads of Julian's career. " I
have Neander's German works on the subject ; alsa
D. Strauss's ; but the latter's book contains nothing

INfllODUCTlON. Xi

but argumentative figments,^ and that sort of thing
I can do myself. It is facts that I require." His
demand for more facts, even at this stage of the pro-
ceedings, shows that his work must still have been in
a pretty fluid state.

Two months later (September 24, 1871) Ibsen wrote
to Brandes, who had apparently been urging him to
"hang out a banner" or nail his colours to the
mast : " While I have been busied upon Julian^ I have
become, in a way, a fatalist ; and yet this play will be
a sort of a banner. Do not be afraid, however, of any
tendency-nonsense : I look at the characters, at the
conflicting designs, at history^ and do not concern
myself with the ' moral ' of it all. Of course, you will
not confound the moral of history with its philosophy ;
for that must inevitably shine forth as the final verdict
on the conflicting and conquering forces," On De-
cember 27 (still from Dresden) he writes to Hegel :
" My new work goes steadily forward. The first part,
Julian and the Philosophers^ in three acts, is already
copied out. ... I am busily at work upon the second
part, which will go quicker and be considerably shorter;
the third part, on the other hand, will be somewhat
longer." To the same correspondent, on April 24, 1872,
he reports the second part almost finished., " The
third and last part," he says, " will be mere child's
play. The spring has now come, and the warm season
is my best time for working." To Brandes, on May 31,
he writes, " I go on wrestling with Julian " ; and on
July 23 (from Berchtesgaden) " That monster Julian
has still such a grip of me that I cannot shake him
off." On August 8 he announces to Hegel that he

» It was, in fact, a pamphlet aimed at Frederick William IV.
of Prussia, and entitled A Romanticist on tkt Throne of the
Caaars.

EMPEROR AND GALILEAN.

has "completed the second part of the trilogy.
The first part, Julian and the Philosophers, a play in
three acts, will make about a hundred printed pages.
The second part, Julianas Apostasy, a play in three acts,
of which I am now making a fair copy, will be of
about equal length. The third play, Julian on the
Imperial Throne, will run to five acts, and my prepara-
tions for it are so far advanced that I shall get it out
of hand very much quicker than the others. What I
have done forms a whole in itself, and could quite
well be published separately ; but for the sake of the
complete impression I think it most advisable that all
three plays should appear together."

Two months later (October 14) the poet is back in
Dresden, and writes as follows to a new and much-
valued friend, Mr Edmund Gosse : " 1 am working
daily at JuUanus Apostata, and . . . hope that it may
meet with your approval. I am putting into this book
a part of my own spiritual life ; what I depict, I have,
under other forms, myself gone through, and the
historic theme I have chosen has also a much closer
relation to the movements of our own time than one
might at first suppose. I believe such a relation to be
indispensable to every modern treatment of so remote
a subject, if it is, as a poem, to arouse interest." In
a somewhat later letter to Mr. Gosse he says : "I have
kept strictly to history . . . And yet I have put much
self -anatomy into this book."

In February 1873 the play was finished. On the
4th of that month Ibsen writes to his old friend
Ludvig Daae that he is on the point of beginning hi«
fair copy of what he can confidently say will be his
" Hauptwerk," and wants some guidance as to the
proper way of spelling Greek names. Oddly enough,
he is still in search of facts, and asks for information

INTRODUCTION. Xlll

as to the Vita Maximi of Eunapius, which has not been
accessible to him. Two days later (February 6) he
writes to Hegel : " I have the great pleasure of
being able to inform you that my long work is finished
— and more to my satisfaction than any of my earlier
works. The book is entitled Emperor and Galileati, a,
World-Drama in Two Farts. It contains : Part First,
Caesar's Apostasy ; play in five acts (170 pp.) ; Part
Second, The Emperor Julian^ play in five acts (252 pp.)
, . . Owing to the growth of the idea during the pro-
cess of composition, I shall have to make another fair
copy of the first play. But it will not become longer
in the process ; on the contrary, I hope to reduce it
by about twenty pages. . . . This play has been to me
a labour of Hercules — not the actual composition
that has been easy — but the effort it has cost me to
live myself into a fresh and visual realisation of so
remote and so unfamiliar an age." On F*jbruary 23,
he writes to Ludvig Daae, discussmg further the
orthography of the Greek names, and adding • " My
play deals with a struggle between two irreconcileable
powers in the life of the world — a struggle which will
always repeat itself. Because of this universality, I
call the book * a world-historic drama.' For the rest,
there is in the character of Julian, as in most that
I have written during my riper years, more of my
own spiritual experience than I care to acknowledge
to the public. But it is at the same time an entirely
realistic piece of work. The figures stood solidly be-
fore my eyes in the light of their time — and I hope
they will so stand before the readers' eyes."

The book was not published until the autumn
(October 16, 1873). On September 8, Ibsen wrote to
Brandes that he was daily expecting its appearance.
" I hear from Norway," he went on, "that Bjornson,

XIV EMPEROR AND GALILEAN.

though he cannot know anything about the bock, LeM
declared it to be * Atheism,* adding that it was in-
evitable it should come to that with me. What the
book is or is not I won't attempt to decide ; I only
know that I have energetically seen a fragment of the
history of humanity, and what I saw I have tried to
reproduce." On the very day of the book's appearance,
he again writes to Brandes from Dresden : " The
direction public affairs have taken in these parts
gives this poem an actuality I myself had not fore-
seen."

A second edition of Emperor and Galilean appeared
in December 1873. In the following January Ibsen
writes to Mr. Gosse, who had expressed some regret
at his abandonment of verse : " The illusion I wished
to produce was that of reality. I wished to leave on
the reader's mind the impression that what he had
read had actually happened. By employing verse I
should have counteracted my own intention. , . . The
many everyday, insignificant characters, whom I have
intentionally introduced, would have become indistinct
and mixed up with each other had I made them all
speak in rhythmic measure. We no longer live in the
days of Shakespeare. . - The style ought to conform
to the degree of ideality imparted to the whole present-
ment. My play is no tragedy in the ancient accepta-
tion. My desire was to depict human beings and
therefore I would not make them speak the language
of the gods." A year later (January 30, 1876) he
thus answers a criticism by George Brandes : " I can-
not but find an inconsistency between your disapproval
of the doctrine of necessity contained in my book, and
your approval of something very similar in Paul
Heyse's Kinder der Welt. For in my opinion it comes
to much the same thing whether, in writing of »-

INTRODUCTION. XV

person's character, I say * It runs in his blood ' or * He
is free — under necessity.' "

An expression in the same letter throws light on the
idea which may be called the keystone of the arch of
thought erected in this play. " Only entire nations,"
Ibsen writes," can join in great intellectual movements.
A change of front in our conception of life and of the
world is no parochial matter ; and we Scandinavians,
as compared with other European nations, have not
yet got beyond the parish-council standpoint. But
nowhere do you find a parish-council anticipating and
furthering ' the third empire.' " To the like effect
runs a passage in a speech delivered at Stockholm,
September 24, 1887 : " I have sometimes been called
a pessimist : and indeed I am one, inasmuch as I do
not believe in the eternity of human ideals. But I
am also an optimist, inasmuch as I fully and confidently
believe in the ideals' power of propagation and of
development. Especially and definitely do I believe
that the ideals of our time, as they pass away, are
tending towards that which, in my drama of Emperor
and Galilean^ I have designated as * the third empire.'
Let me therefore drain my glass to the growmg, tho
coming time."

The latest (so far as I know) of Ibsen's references
to this play is perhaps the most significant of all. It
occurs in a letter to the Danish-German scholar Julius
Hoffory, written from Munich, February 26, 1888 :
" Emperor and Galilean is not the first work I wrote in
Germany, but doubtless the first that I wrote under
the influence of German spiritual life. When, in the
autumn of 1868, I came from Italy to Dresden, I
brought with me the plan of The League of Youth, and
wrote that play in the following winter. During my
four years' stay in Rome, I had merely made various*^

XVI EMPEROR AND GALILEAN.

historical studies, and taken sundry notes, for Emperor
and Galilean; I had not sketched out any definite
plan, much less written any of it. My view of
life was still, at that time, National-Scandinavian,
wherefore I could not master the foreign material.
Then, in Germany, I lived through the great time, the
year of the war, and the development which followed
it. This brought with it for me, at many points, an
impulse of transformation. My conception of world-
history and of human life had hitherto been a national
one. It now widened into a racial conception ; and
then I could write Emperor and Galilean^

I have now brought together those utterances of
Ibsen's which relate the external history of the great
double-drama, and give us some insight into the
spiritual influences which inspired and shaped it. We
have seen that, at the time of its completion, he con-
fidently regarded it as his masterpiece. It is the habit
ot many artists always to think their last work their
best ; but there is nothing to show that this was one
of Ibsen's foibles. Moreover, even towards the end
of his life, when the poet was asked by Professor
Schofield, of Harvard, what work he considered
his greatest, he replied. Emperor and Galilean. If
this was his deliberate and lasting opinion, we have
here another curious instance of the tendency, so
frequent among authors, to capricious over-valua-
tion of one or another of their less successful efforts.
Certainly we should be very sorry to miss this splendid
fresco of the decadent Empire from the list of Ibsen's
works i but neither technically nor intellectually — un-
less I am very mush mistakea — can it rank among his
masterpieces.

INTRODUCTION. XVU

Of all historical plays it is perhaps the most strictly
historical. Apart from some unimportant chrono-
logical rearrangements, the main lines of Julian's
career are reproduced with extraordinary fidelity. The
individual occurrences of the first play are for the
most part invented, and the dialogue freely composed ;
but the second play is a mere mosaic of historical
or legendary incidents, while a large part of the
dialogue is taken, almost word for word, either from
Julian's own writings, or from other historical or quasi-
historical documents. I will try to distinguish briefly
between the elements of history and fiction in the
first play : in the second there is practically no fiction
save the fictions of Gregory and the ecclesiastical
historians.

The details of the first act have no historical foun-
dation. Gallus was not appointed Caesar on any such
occasion as Ibsen describes ; and there seems to be no
hint of any intrigue between him and Helena. The
character of Agathon is fictitious, though all that is re-
lated of Julian's life in Cappadocia is historical. The
meeting with Libanius is an invention ; and it was to
Nicomedia, not to Pergamus, that Julian was sent
shortly after the elevation of his brother to the second
place in the Empire.

The chronological order of the events on which the
second and third acts are founded is reversed by Ibsen.
Julian fell under the influence of Maximus before ever
he went to Athens. Eunapius relates his saying, " I
go where torches light themselves, and where statues
smile," or words to that effect ; but they were spoken
at Pergamus to Chrysantius, a Neo-Platonist, who,
while deprecating the thaumaturgic methods of Maxi-
mus, averred that he himself had witnessed this marvel.
For the details of the symposium at Ephesus there is

V* 6

XVlll EMPEROR AND GALILEAN.

no foundation, though Gregory and others relate
weird legends of supernatural experiences which
Julian underwent at the instance of Maximus. Not
till after the disgrace and death of Gallus did Julian
proceed to Athens, where he did not study under
Libanius. Indeed, I cannot discover that he ever
personally encountered Libanius before his accession
to the throne. It is true that Gregory and Basil were
his fellow students at Athens ; but the tender friend-
ship which Ibsen represents as existing between them
is certainly imaginary.

All the military events at Paris, and the story of
Julian's victory over Knodomar, are strictly historical.
Helena, however, did not die at Paris, but at Yienne,
after her husband had assumed the purple. Her death
was said to have been indirectly due to a jealous ma-
chination of the Empress Eusebia ; but the incident of
the poisoned fruit is quite fictitious, and equally so are
the vague enormities revealed in the dying woman's
delirium. From the fact that Julian is strangely
silent about his wife, we may conjecture that their
marriage was not a happy one ; but this is all the
foundation Ibsen had to build upon.^

* I may, perhaps, be excused for quoting at this point an
extract from a review of Negri's Julian the Apostate^ in which
1 tried to summarise the reasons of Julian's hatred of Chris-
tianity : "Firstly, he was unmoved by the meiits of the
Christian ethic, even where it coincided with his own, because
he saw it so flagrantly ignored by the corrupt Christianity of
his day. A puritan in the purple, he was morally too Christian
to be a Christian of the fourth-century Church. Secondly, he
hated the pessimism of Christianity — that very throwing-forward
of its hopes to the life beyond the grave which so eminently
fitted it to a period of social catastrophe and dissolution. He
found its heaven and hell vulgar and contemptible, and regarded
the average Christian as a sort of spiritual brandy-tippler, who
rejected, for a crude stimulant and anodyne, the delicate
lemonade of Neo- Platonic polytheism. Thirdly, he resented
What he called the ' atheism ' of Christianity, its elimination

INTRODUCTION. XIX

For the scene in the Catacombs at Vienne there is
nothing that can fairly be called a historic basis. It
is true that, after assuming the purple, Julian did at
one time endanger his position by shutting himself
away from his soldiery ; it is true, or at least it is re-
lated, that Julian " brought from Greece into Gaul the
high priest of the mysteries — the Hierophant, as he
was called [not Maximus] — and did not decide to rebel
until he had, with the greatest secrecy, accomplished
the prescribed sacred rites." There is also a vague,
and probably mythical, report of his having gone
through some barbarous ceremony of purification, in
order to wipe out the stain of his baptism. On such
slight suggestions did Ibsen build up the elaborate
fabric of his fifth act. The character of Sallust, like
that of Oribases, is historical : but of any approach to
double-dealing on the part of the excellent Sallust
there is no hint. As there is no foundation for the
infidelity of the living Helena, so there is no founda-
tion for the part played by Helena dead in determining
Julian's apostasy.

While Ibsen invents, however, he does not falsify ;
it is when he ceases to invent (paradoxically enough)
that falsification sets in. In all essentials, this first play

of the divine from Nature, leaving it inanimate and chilly.
Fourthly, like the earlier Emperors, he deemed Christianity
anti-social, and the Christian potentially and probably, if not
actually, a bad citizen of the Empire. Fifthly, he hated the
aggressive intolerance of Christianity, its inability to live and let
live, its polemical paroxysms, and iconoclastic frenzies. . . .
These were the main elements in his anti-Christianity ; and yet
they are not, taken together, quite sufficient to account for the
measureless scorn with which he invariably speaks of 'Galileans.'
One cannot but feel that Christianity must have done him some
personal injury, not clearly known to us. Was he simply humi-
liated by the hypocrisy he had had to practise in his boyhood
and youth ? Or was Ibsen right in divining some painful mystery
behind his certainly unsatisfactory relations with his Christian
consort, Helena?"

XX EMPEROR AND GALILEAN.

is a representation of the youth of Julian as just as it
is vivid. His character is very truly portrayed — his
intellectual and moral earnestness, his superstition,
his vanity, his bravery, his military genius. The in-
dividual scenes are full of poetic and dramatic in-
spiration. There may be some question, indeed, as to
the artistic legitimacy of the employment of the super-
natural in the third act ; but of its imaginative power
there can be no doubt. The drama progresses in
an evor-ascending scale of interest, from the idyllic-
spectacular opening, through the philosophic second
act, the mystic third act, the stirring and terrible
fourth act, up to the magnificent poetic melodrama of
the fifth. In a slightly old-fashioned, romantic style,
the play is as impressive to the imagination as it is,
in all essentials, faithful to historic fact.

When Julian has ascended the throne, a wholly
different method of treatment sets in. We could al-
most guess from internal evidence, what Ibsen's letters
prove to be the fact — that he underwent a decisive
change of mental attitude during the process of com-
position. The original first part, we see (that is to say
the three-act play which was to have been called
Julian and the Philosophers), was finished some time
before January 18, 1871, on which date he tells Hegel
that he is already at work on the second part. But
January 18, 1871, was the very day on which, at Ver-
sailles, the King of Prussia was proclaimed German
Emperor ; so that the first part must have been written
before the Imperialisation of Germany was even to bo
foreseen. While the poet was engaged upon the
second part of the "trilogy" he then designed, he
was doubtless brooding over the great event of
January 18, and gradually realising its nature and
consequences. That change in his mental attitude was

INTRODUCTION. XXl

taking place, which in his letter to Hoffory (p. xvi.)
he described as the transition from a national to a
racial standpoint. While in January he " confidently
hopes " to have the whole play finished in June, July
finds him, to all appearance, no further advanced, and
(very significantly) asking for " facts," documents of
detail, whereof, in writing the first play, he had felt
no need. At the same time he tells Hegel that the
critics will find in the play that positive view of the
world for which they have long been clamouring — a
Weltanschauung J we may fairly conjecture, at which he
has arrived during the six months' interval since his
last letter.

What, then, was that " positive view " ? It can
have been nothing else than the theory of the " third
empire, " which is to absorb both Paganism and
Christianity, and is to mark, as it were, the maturity
of the race, in contrast to its Pagan childhood and its
Christian adolescence. (Compare the scene between
Julian and Maximus at the end of Part II. Act III.)
The analogy between this theory and the Nietzschean
conception of the " Overman " need not here be em-
phasised. It is sufficient to note that Ibsen had
come to conceive world-history as moving, under the
guidance of a Will which works through blinded,
erring, and sacrificed human instruments, towards a
" third empire," in which the jarring elements of flesh
and spirit shall be reconciled.

It may seem like a play on the word " empire " to
connect this concept with the establishment in January
1871 of a political confederation of petty States, com-
pared with which even Julian's " orbis terrarum " was
a world-empire indeed. But there is ample proof that
in Ibsen's mind political unification, the formation of
^a^ge aggregates inspired by a common idea, figured

XXii EMPEROR AND GALILEAN.

as a preliminary to the coming of the " third empire."
In no other sense can we read the letters to Hoffory
and Brandes cited above (p. xv.) ; and I give in a f oot-
notei a reference to other passages of similar tenor.
" But Julian," it may be said, " represented precisely
the ideal of political cohesion which was revived
in the unification of Germany ; why, then, should
Ibsen, in writing the second play, have (so to speak)
turned against his hero ? " The reason, I think, was
that Ibsen had come to feel that a loose political
unity could be of little avail without the spiritual
fusion implied in a world-religion ; and this fusion
it was Julian's tragic error to oppose. He was a
political imperialist by inheritance and as a matter
of course ; but what he really cared for, the point on
which he bent his will, was the restoration of
polytheism with all its local cults. And here Ibsen
parted company with him. He sympathised to the
full with Julian's rebellion against certain phases of
Christianity — against book-worship, death-worship,
other-worldliness, hypocrisy, intolerance. He had
himself gone through this phase of feeling. During
his first years in Rome, he had seen the ruins of the
ancient world of light and glory sicklied o'er with the
pale cast of mediaevalism ; and he had ardently sym-
pathised with Julian's passionate resentment against
the creed which had defamed and defaced the old

1 For the letter to HofFory, see Correspondence, Letter 198.
The letter to Brandes is numbered 115. See also letters to
Hegel (177) and to Brandes (206). I may also refer to an
extract from Ibsen's commonplace book, published in the Dii
neue Rundschau, December 1906, in which he says, "We
laugh at the four-and-thirty fatherlands of Germany : but the
four-and-thirty fatherlands ol Europe are equally ridiculous.
North America is content with one, or — for the present— with
two," For a somewhat fuller treatment of this subject, see the
Nineteenth Century and After^ February 1907.

INTRODUCTION. XXIU

beauty in the name of a truth that was so radically
corrupted as to be no longer true. In this mood he
had conceived and in great measure executed the
First Part, as we now possess it. But further study
of detail, in the light of that new political conception
which had arisen out of the events of 1870-71, had
shown him that the secret of Julian's failure lay in
the hopeless inferiority of the religion he championed
to the religion he attacked. That religion, with all its
corruptions, came to seem a necessary stage in the
evolution of humanity ; and the poet asked himself,
perhaps, whether he, any more than Julian, had even
now a more practical substitute to offer in its place.
In this sense, I take it, we must read his repeated
assertion that he had put into the play much of his
own " spiritual experience." In the concept of the
'* third empire " he found, I repeat, the keystone to
his arch of thought, to which everything else must be
brought into due relation. He re-wrote (it seems prob-
able) the scene of the symposium (Part I. Act III.) in
order to emphasise this idea ; and it entirely dominated
and conditioned the whole of the second play.

But what was the effect of the concept? It was
to make Julian a plaything in the hands of some
power, some implicitly-postulated World-Will, working
slowly, deviously, but relentlessly, towards a far-off,
dimly-divined consummation. Christianity, no doubt,
was also an instrument of this power ; but it was an
instrument predestined (for the moment) to honour-
able uses, while its opponent was fated to dishonour.
Thus the process of the second part is a gradual sapping
of Julian's intelligence and power of moral discrimina-
tion ; while the World- Will, acting always on the side
of Christianity, becomes indistinguishable from the
mechanical Providence of the vulgar melodramatist.

XXIV EMPEROR AND GALILEAN.

Whatever we may think of the historical or philo-
sophical value of the theory of the "third empire,"
there can be little doubt that its effect upon the play
has been artistically disastrous. It has led Ibsen to
cog the dice against Julian in a way from which even
a Father of the Church might have shrunk. He has
not only accepted uncritically all the invectives of
Gregory, and the other Christian assailants of " Anti-
christ," but he has given to many historic events a
fictitious twist, and always to Julian's disadvantage.^

It would need a volume to apply to each incident of
the Second Part the test of critical examination. I
must be content with a rough outline of the distorting
effect of the poet's preoccupation with his "world-
historic " idea.

In the first place, he makes Julian much more of a
persecutor than even his enemies allege him to have
been. Nothing is more certain than that Julian was
sincerely convinced of the inefficacy of violence as a
means of conversion, and keenly alive to the impolicy
of conferring upon his opponents the distinction of
martyrdom. Tried by the standards of his age, he was
a marvellously humane man. Compared with his
uncle, Constantine, his cousin Constantius, his brother
Gallus — to go no further back among wearers of the
purple — he seems like a being of another race. It is
quite true, as his enemies allege, that his clemency
was politic as well as humane ; but, whatever its
motives, it was real and consistent. Gregory, while
trying to make him out a monster, explicitly and re-
peatedly complains that he denied to Christians the
crown of martyrdom. Saint Jerome speaks of his
" blanda persecutio " — persecution by methods of mild-

» He has also, I think, taken too seriously Julian's ironic sell
caricature in the Misopogotu

INTRODUCTION. XXV

ness. The worst that can be alleged against him is a
lack of diligence in punishing popular outrages upon
the Christians (generally of the nature of reprisals)
which occurred here and there under his rule. That
he incited to such riots is nowhere alleged ; and it is
difficult to judge whether his failure to repress them
was due to malicious inertia or to actual lack of
power. The policing of the empire cannot have been
an easy matter, and Julian was occupied, during the
whole of his brief reign, in concentrating his forces
for the Persian expedition. It cannot be pretended
that his tolerance rose to the pitch of impartiality.
He favoured Pagans, and he more or less oppressed
Christians ; though a considerable part of his alleged
oppression lay in the withdrawal of extravagant privi-
leges conferred on them by his predecessors. In his
attempt to undo some of the injustices that Christians
had committed during their forty years of predomin-
ance— such as the seizure of temple glebes and so
forth — he was doubtless guilty, on his own account,
of more than one injustice. Wrong breeds wrong,
and, in a time of religious dissolution and reconstruc-
tion, equity is always at the mercy of passion, resent-
ment and greed. There was even, in some of Julian's
proceedings, a sort of perfidy and insolence that must
have been peculiarly galling to the Christians. It
would not be altogether unjust to accuse him of having
instituted against the new religion a campaign of
chicanery ; but that is something wholly different
from a campaign of blood. The alleged "martyrdoms"
of his reign are few in number,^ are recounted by late
and prejudiced authorities, are accompanied by all the

1 Between fifteen and twenty are enumerated by Allard
iJuHen VApostaf), a writer who gravely reproduces the most
extravagant figments of the hagiographer?. ,

XXVI EMPEROR AND GALILEAN.

manifestly fabulous details characteristic of such
stories, and are none of them, with the smallest show
of credibility, laid to the account of Julian himself.

But what is the impression we receive from Ibsen?
We are given to understand that Julian drifted into a
campaign of sanguinary atrocity, full of horrors as
great as those recorded or imagmed of the persecutions
under Decius or Diocletian. It is made to seem, more-
over, that he was personally concerned in some of the
worst of these horrors. We are asked to conceive his
life as being passed with the mingled shrieks and
psalms of his victims ringing in his ears. He is made
to gloat in imagination over their physical agonies.
(" Where are the Galileans now ? Some under the exe-
cutioner's hands, others flying through the narrow
streets, ashy pale with terror, their eyes starting from
their heads," &c. &c. ; p. 314). He is haunted in his
last hours by ghastly visions of whole troops of
martyrs. Moreover, his persecutions are made par-
ticularly hateful by the fact that they either fall upon
or threaten his personal friends. The companion of
his childhood, Agathon (a fictitious personage), is
goaded by remorseless cruelty to that madness which
eventually makes him the assassin of Antichrist.
Gregory of Nazianzus is first made (what he never was)
Julian's most cherished comrade, and is then shown as
doing what he never did — playing a noble and heroic
part in personally defying the tyrant. Mad and mon-
strous designs are attributed to Julian, such as that
of searching out (with the aid of tortures) and destroy-
ing all the writings of the Christians. This trait ap-
pears to be suggested by a letter from Julian to the
Prefect of Egypt enjoining him to collect and pre-
serve all the books which had belonged to George,
Bishop of Alexandria : " He had many of them

INTRODUCTION. XXVll

concerning philosophy and rhetoric, and many of them
that contained the doctrines of the impious Galileans.
I would willingly see the last named all destroyed,
if I did not fear that some good and useful books
might, at the same time, be destroyed by mistake.
Make, therefore, the most minute search concerning
them. In this search the secretary of George may be
of great help to you. . . . But if he try to deceive
you in this affair, submit him immediately to the tor-
ture." It is needless to remark upon the difference
between a rhetorical wish that all the Christian books
in a particular library might be destroyed, and an
actual attempt to annihilate all the Christian writings
in the world. Thus not only are the clearest evidences
of Julian's abstention from violence disregarded, but
all sorts of minor incidents are misrepresented to his
disadvantage.

A particularly grave injustice to his character
meets us almost on the threshold of the Second Part.
The execution of the Treasurer, Ursulus, by the
military tribunal which Julian appointed on coming
to the throne, is condemned by all historians and was
regretted by Julian himself. No doubt he was
culpably remiss in not preventing it ; but Ibsen,
without the slightest warrant, gives his conduct a
peculiarly odious character in making it appear that
he deliberately sacrificed the old man to his resentment
of a blow administered to his vanity in the matter of
the Eastern Ambassadors. There is nothing whatever
to connect Ursulus with this incident.

The failure of Julian's effort to rebuild the Temple
of Jerusalem is a matter of unquestioned history. It
is impossible now to determine, though it is easy to
conjecture, what natural accidents were magnified by
fanaticism into supernatural intervention. But what

XXVm EMPEROR AND GALILEAN.

does Ibsen do ? He is not even content with the com-
paratively rational account of the matter given by
Gregory within a few months of its occurrence. He
adopts Ammian's later and much exaggerated account ;
he makes Jovian, who had nothing to do with the
affair, avouch it with the authority of an eye-witness ;
and, to give the miracle a still more purposeful signifi-
cance, he represents it as the instrument of the con-
version of Jovian, who was to be Julian's successor,
and the undoer of his work. Under ordinary circum-
stances, this would be a quite admissible re-arrange-
ment of history, designed to save the introduction of
another character. But the very fact that the poet
is, throughout the play, so obviously sacrificing
dramatic economy and concentration to historic ac-
curacy, renders this heightening of the alleged miracle
something very like a falsification of evidence. It
arises, of course, from no desire to be unjust to Julian,
for whom Ibsen's sympathy remains unmistakable,
but from a determination to make him the tragic
victim of a World-Will pitilessly using him as an
instrument to its far-off ends.

But this conception of a vague external power
interfering at all sorts of critical moments to baffle
designs of which, for one reason or another, it dis-
approves, belongs to the very essence of melodrama.
Therefore the incident of the Temple of Jerusalem
brings with it painful associations of The Sign of the
Cross; and still more suggestive of that masterpiece
is the downfall of the Temple of Apollo at Daphne
which brings the second act of the Second Part to a
close. Here the poet deliberately departs from history
for the sake of a theatrical effect. The temple of
Apollo was not destroyed by an earthquake, nor in any
way that even suggested a miracle. It was simply

INTRODUCTION. XXIX

burnt to the ground ; and though there was no
evidence to show how the conflagration arose, the
suspicion that it was the work of Christians cannot be
regarded as wholly unreasonable.

An incident of which Ibsen quite uncritically accepts
the accounts of Julian's enemies is his edict imposing
what we should now call a test on the teachers in
public (municipal) schools. This was probably an im-
politic act ; but an act of frantic tyranny it certainly
was not. Homer and Hesiod were in Julian's eyes
sacred books. They were the Scriptures of his re-
ligion ; and he decreed that they should not be ex-
pounded to children, at the public expense, by
*' atheists " who (unless they were hypocrites as well)
were bound to cast ridicule and contempt on them as
religious documents. It is not as though Christians
of that age could possibly have been expected to treat
the Olympian divinities with the decent reverence with
which even an agnostic teacher of to-day will speak of
the Gospel story. Such tolerance was foreign to the
whole spirit of fourth-century Christianity. It was
nothing if not intolerant ; and the teacher would have
been no good Christian who did not make his lessons
the vehicle of proselytism. There is something a little
paradoxical in the idea that tolerance should go the
length of endowing the propagation of intolerance.
It is quite false to represent Julian's measure as an
attempt to deprive Christians of all instruction, and
hurl them back into illiterate barbarism. He explicitly
states that Christian children are as welcome as ever
to attend the schools.

As the drama draws to a close, Ibsen shows his hero
at every step more pitifully hoodwinked and led astray
by the remorseless World- Will. He regains, towards
the eud| a ceftaia tragic dignity, but it is at the

XXX EMPEROR AND GALILEAN.

expense of his sanity. " Quos deus vult perdere prins
dementat." Now, there is no real evidence for the
frenzied megalomania, the " Casarenwahn," which the
poet attributes to Julian. It is not even certain that
his conduct of the Persian expedition was so rash and
desperate as it is represented to be. Gibbon (no blind
partisan of Julian's) has shown that there is a case to be
made even for the burning of the fleet. The mistake,
perhaps, lay, not so much in burning it, as in having
it there at all. Even as events fell out, the result of
the expedition was by no means the greatest disaster
that ever befell the Roman arms. The commonplace,
self-indulgent Jovian brought the army off, igno-
miniously indeed, but in tolerable preservation. Had
Julian lived, who knows but that the burning of
the ships might now have ranked as one of the
most brilliant audacities recorded in the annals of
warfare ?

It would be too much, perhaps, to expect any poet
to resist the introduction of the wholly unhistoric
" I am hammering the Emperor's coffin," and " Thou
hast conquered, Galilean ! " They certainly fell in too
aptly with Ibsen's scheme for him to thinlc of weigh-
ing their evidences. But one significant instance may
be noted of the way in which he twists things to the
detriment either of Julian's character or of his sanity.
In the second scene of the fifth act, he makes Julian
contemplate suicide by drowning, in the hope that, if
his body disappeared, the belief would spread abroad
that he had been miraculously snatched up into the
communion of the gods. Now Gregory, it is true,
mentions the design of suicide ; but he mentions it as
an incident of Julian's delirium after his wound.
Gregory's virulence of hatred makes him at best a
suspected witness ; but even he did not hold Julian

INTRODUCTION. XXXI

capable of so mad a fantasy before his intellect had
been overthrown by physical suffering and fever.

Thus from step to step, throughout the Second
Part, does Ibsen disparage and degrade his here. It
is not for me to discuss the value of the conception of
the " third empire " to which poor Julian was sacri-
ficed. But one thing we may say with confidence —
namely, that the postulated World-Will does not work
by such extremely melodramatic methods as those
which Ibsen attributes to it. So far as its incidents
are concerned, the Second Part might have been de-
signed by a superstitious hagiologist, or a melodra-
matist desirous of currying favour with the clergy.
Nay, it might almost seem as though the spirit of
Gregory of Nazianzus — himself a dramatist after a
fashion — had entered into Ibsen during the composi-
tion of the play. Certainly, if the World-Will decreed
that Julian should be sacrificed in the cause of the
larger Imperialism, it made of Ibsen, too, its instru-
ment for completing the immolation.

In translating Kejser og GalilcBer I was enabled (by
arrangement) to avail myself of occasional aid from
Miss Catherine Ray's version of the play, published
in 1876. To Miss Ray belongs the credit of having
been the first English translator of Ibsen, as Mr.
Gosse was his first expositor. The text of my earlier
rendering has been very carefully revised for the pre-
sent edition.

One diflBculty has encountered me at every turn.
The Norwegians use only one word — Riget (German
das Reich) — to cover the two ideas represented in
English by " empire " and " kingdom." In most cases
"empire" is clearly the proper rendering, since it
would be absurd to speak in English of the Roman

XXXll EMPEROR AND GALILEAN.

or the Byzantine Kingdom. But it would be no less
impossible to say, in the Lord's Prayer, " Thine is
the empire and the power and the glory." In the
scene with Maximus in Ephesus, and in several other
passages, I have used the word " empire " where
"kingdom," in its Biblical sense, would have been
preferable, were it not necessary to keep the analogy
or contrast between the temporal and the spiritual
" empire " clearly before the reader's mind. But at
the end of the fifth act of Ckiesar's Apostasy^ where
the Lord's Prayer is interwoven with the dialogue,
I have been forced to fall back on " kingdom." The
reader, then, will please remember that these two
words stand for one word — Riget — in the original.

The verse from Homer quoted by Julian in the
third act of the second play occurs in the twentieth
book of the Odyssey (line 18). Ibsen prints the
sentence which follows it as a second hexameter line ;
but either he or one of his authorities has apparently
misread the passage in the treatise, Against the
Cynic Heraclius, on which this scene is founded. No
such line occurs in Homer ; and in the attack on
Heraclius, the phrase about the mad dog appears
as part of the author's text, not as a quotation. I
have ventured, therefore, io " render unto Caesar the
things that are Caesar's," and print the phrase as
Julian's own.

CAESAR'S APOSTASY

CHARACTERS.

The Emperoe Constan-

TIUS.

The Empress Eusebia.
The Princess Helena,

the Emperor's sister.
Prince Gallus, the Em-

perors cousin.
Prince Julian, Gallus's

younger half-brother.
Memnon, a7i Ethiopian, the

Emperor's body-slave.
POTAMON, a goldsmith.
PiiociON, a dyer.
EUNAPIUS, a /hairdresser.
A Fruit-seller.
A Captain of the Watch.
A Soldier.
A Painted Woman.
A Paralytic Man.
A Blind Beggar.
AGATHON, son of a Cappa-

docian vine-grower.
LiBANiUS, a Philosopher.
Gregory of Nazianzus.
Basil of Caesarea.

Sallust of Perusia.

Hekebolius, a Theologian.

Maximus the Mystic

EUTHERIUS, Julian's cham-
berlain.

Leontes, a QvAestor.

Myrrha, a slave.

Decentius, a Tribune.

SlNTULA, Julian's Master
of the Morse.

Oribases, a Physician.

vIrro,' jSnhaZtems.

Maurus, a Standard-
bearer.

Soldiers, church-goers, hea
then onlookers, courticrx^
jyricstSy students, dancing
girls, servants, the Quaes-
tor's retinue, Gallic war-
riors.

Visions and voices.

The first act passes in Constantinople, the second in Athena,
the third in Ephestis, the fourth in Lvtetia in Gaul, and
the fifth in Vienna [ Vienne] in the same province. The
acfio7i tahes place during the ten years between A.D. 351 and
A.D. 56l<

CAESAR'S APOSTASY.

PLAY IN FIVE ACTS.

ACT FIRST.

Easter night in Constantinople. The scene is an open
place, with trees, bushes, and overthroivn statues,
in the vicinitij of the Imperial Palace. In the
background, fully illuminated, stands the Imperial
Chapel. To the right a marble balustrade, from
jvhich a staircase leads down to the water. Be-
tiveen the innes and cypresses appear glimpses of
the Bosphorns and the Asiatic coast.

Service in the church. Soldiers of the Imperial Guard
stand on the church steps. Great croivds of wor-
shippers stream in. Beggars, cripples, aiid blind
men at the doors. Heathen onlookers, fruit'
sellers, and water-carriers f II up tJie place.

Hymn of Praise.

[Inside the church.'\
Never-ending adoration
To the Cross of our salvation !
The Serpent is hurled
To the deepest abyss ;
The Lamb rules the world ;
All is peace, all is bliss.

CAESARS APOSTASY. [aCT I.

POTAMON THE GoLDSMITH.

[Cariying a paper lantern, enters from the left, taps
one of the soldiers on the shoulder, and asks ;] Hist,
good friend — when comes the Emperor ?

The Soldier.
I cannot tell.

Phocion the Dyer,

[In the crowd, turning his head."] The Emperor ?
Did not some one ask about the Emperor ? The
Emperor will come a little before midnight — ^just
before. I had it from Memnon himself

EuNAPius the Barber.
[Rushes in hastily and pushes a Fruit-seller aside. \
Out of the way, heathen !

The Fruit-seller.
Softly, sir !

Potamon.
The swine grumbles 1

EUNAPIUS.

Dog, dog !

Phocion.
Grumbling at a well-dressed Christian — at a man
of the Emperor's own faith !

EUNAPIUS.

[Knocks the Fruit-seller down.] Into the gutter
with you !

Potamon.

That's right. Wallow there, along mth your
gods J

I

ACT i] Caesar's apostasy. 5

Phocion.
[Beaiijig Mm with his stick] Take that — and
that — and that !

EUNAPIUS.

[Ktcki7ig him.] And this — and this! I'll baste
your god-detested skin for you !

[The Fruit-seller hastens away

Phocion.
[ With the evident intention of being heard by the
Captain of the Guard.] It is much to be desired
that some one should bring this scene to our
blessed Emperor's ears. The Emperor has lately
expressed his displeasure at the way in which we
Christian citizens consort with the heathen^ just
as if no gulf divided us

POTAMON.

You refer to that placard in the market-places ?
I too have read it. And I hold that, as there is
both true and false gold in the world

EUNAPIUS.

we ought not to clip every one with the

same shears ; that is my way ot thinking. There
are still zealous souls among us, praise be to
God!

Phocion
We are far from being zealous enough, deat
brethren ! See how boldly these scoffers hold up
their heads. How many of this rabble, think you,
bear the sign of the cross or of the fish on their
arms.^

6 Caesar's apostasy. [act i.

POTAMONF.

Not many — and yet they actually swarm in front
of the Imperial Chapel

Phocion.
on such a thrice-sacred night as this

EUNAPIUS.

-blocking the way for true sons of the

Church-

A Painted Woman.
[In the croTvd.] Are Donatists true sons of the
Church ?

Phoceont.
What ? A Donatist ? Are you a Donatist ?

EUNAPIUS.

What then ? Are not you one ?

Phociom.
I ? I ? May the lightning blast your tongue I

POTAMON.

[Making the sign of the cross.] May plague and
boils 1

Phociov.
A Donatist I You carrion I You rotten tree I

POTAMON,

Right, right !

Phocion.
You brand for Satan's furnace I

ACT I.] Caesar's apostasy. 7

POTAMON.

Right ! Give it him ; give it him^ dear brother

Phocion.
[PusJiing the Goldsinith awayJ] Hold your tongue
jret you behind me. I know you now ; — you are
Potamon the Manichaean I

EUNAPIUS.

A Manichaean ? A stinking heretic ! Faugh,
faugh !

PoTAMON.

[Holdhig up his paper laidey-n.] Heyday! Why,
you are Phocion the Dyer, of Antioch ! The
Cainite '

EUNAPIUS.

Woe is me, I have held communion with false-
hood !

Phocion.
Woe is me, I have helped a son of Satan !

EUNAPIUS.

[Bojcing his ear.] Take that for your help !

Phocion.
[Reiumvig the hlow."] Oh, you abandoned hound

Potamon.
Accursed, accursed be ye both !

[A general ,fghl ; laughter and derision
among the onlookers.

Caesar's apostasy. [act

The Captain of the Guard.
[Calls to the soldiers.] The Emperor comes !

[The comhalants are parted and earned with
the stream of other worshippers into the
church.

Hymn of Praise.
[From the high altar.']
The Serpent is hurled
To the deepest abyss ; —
The Lamb rules the world, —
All is peace, all is bliss I

The Court enters in stately procession from the left.
Priests with censers go bejore ; after them men-ai-
anns and torch-bearers, courtiers and bodyguards.
In theirmidstthe Emperor Const antius, a man o,
thirty four, of distinguished appearance, beard'
less, with brown curly hair ; his eyes have a dark^
distrustful expression; his gait and whole de-
portment betray uneasiness and debility. Beside
him, on his left, walks the Empress Eusebia, a
jyale, delicate woman, the same age as the Em-
peror. Behind the imperial pair folloivs Princf
Julian, a not yet fully developed yoldh of nine-
teen. He has black hair and the beginnings of a
beard, sparkling brown eyes with a rapid glance ,
his cowt-dress sits badly upon him ; his manners
are notably awkward and abi-upt. The Emperor s
sister, the Princess Helena, a voluptuous beauty
of twenty-five, follows, accompanied by maidens
and older ivomen. Courtiers and men-at-arms
close the procession. The Emperors body-slave,
Memnon, a heavily-built, magnifcentljj-dressed
Etldopian, is among them.

ACT I.] Caesar's apostasy. 9

The Emperor.
[Stops suddenly, turns round to Prince Julian, and
asks sharply.'] Where is Gallus ?

Julian.
{Turning pale. 1 Gallus } What would you with
Gallus }

The Emperor.
There, I caught you !

Julian.

Sire !

The Empress.
[Seizing the Emperor's hand.] Come ; come !

The Emperor.
Conscience cried aloud. What are you two
plotting .'*

Julian.
We?

The Emperor.
You and he I

The Empress.
Oh, come ; come, Constantius !

The Emperor.

So black a deed ! What did the oracle
answer .''

Julian.
The oracle ! By my Holy Redeemer

The Emperor.
If any one maligns you, he shall pay for it at

10 Caesar's apostasv. [act i.

the stake. [Dra7vs the Prince aside.] Oh, let us
hold together, Juhan ! Dear kinsman, let us hold
together !

Julian.
Everything lies in your hands, my beloved
lord !

The Emperor.
My hands !

Julian.
Oh, stretch them in mercy over us I

The Emperor.
My hands .^ What was in your mind as to my
hands ?

Julian.

[Grasps his hands and kisses them.'] The Emperor's
hands are white and cool.

The Emperor.
What else should they be ? What was in your
mind } There I caught you again !

Julian.
[Kisses them again.] They are like rose-leaves
in this moonh'ght night.

The Emperor.
Well, well, well, Julian I

The Empress,
Forward ; it is time.

4CT I.] Caesar's apostasy. 11

The Emperor.
To go ia before the presence of the Lord I I —
I ! Oh, pray for me Julian ! They will offer me
the consecrated wine. I see it ! It glitters in the

<:jclden chalice like serpents' eyes [Shrieks.]

Bloody eyes ! Oh, Jesus Christ, pray for

me '

The Empress.

The Emperor is ill !

The Princess Helena.
Where is Caesarius ? The physician, the physi-
cian— summon him !

The Empress.
[Beckons.] Memnon, good Memnon !

[Ske specih in a low voice to the slave.

Julian.
[Softly.] Sire, have pity, and send me far from
here.

The Emperor.
Where would you go ?

Julian.
To Egypt. I would fain go to Egypt, if you
think fit. So many go thither — into the great
solitude.

The Emperor.
Into the great solitude ? Ha ! In solitude one
broods. 1 forbid you to brood.

Julian.
I will not brood, if only you will let me— •
Here my anguish of soul increases day by day

12 Caesar's apostasy. [act i.

Evil thoughts flock around me. For nine days I
have worn a hair shirt, and it has not protectee
me ; for nine nights I have lashed myself vv^ith
thongs, but scourging does not banish them.

The Emperor.
We must be steadfast, Julian ! Satan is very
busy m all of us Speak with Hekebolius

The Slave Memnon.
[To the Emperor.] It is time now

The Emperor.
No, no, I will not

Memnon.
[Seizing him hy the wrist.^^ Come, gracious lord ;
—come, I say.

The Emperor.
\Draivs himself tip, and says with dignity. "[ For-
ward to the house of the Lord !

Memnon.
[Softly.'] The other matter afterwards

The Emperor,
[To Julian.] I must see Gall us.

[Julian folds his hands in supplication to
the Empress behind the Emperor's hach»

The Empress.
(Hastily and softly.'] Fear nothing !

ACT I.J Caesar's apostasy. IS

The Emperor.
Remain without. Come not into the church
with those thoughts in your mind. When you
pray before the altar, it is to call down evil upon
me. — Oh, lay not that sin upon your soul, my
beloved kinsman !

[The procession moves forward towards the
church. On the steps^ beggars, cripples,
and blind men crowd round the Emperor.

A Paralytic.
Oh, mightiest ruler on earth, let me touch the
hem of thy garment, that I may become whole.

A Blind Man.
Pray for me, anointed of the Lord, that my sight
may be restored !

The Emperor.
Be of good cheer, my son ! — Memnon, scatter
silver among them. In, in !

[The Court moves forward into the church,
the doors of which are closed ; the crowd
gradualli/ disperses, Prince Julian re-
maining behind in one of the avenues.

Julian,
[Looking towards the church.] What would he with
Gallus ? On this sacred night he cannot think

to ! Oh, if I did but know [He turns

and jostles against the blind man, who is departing.^
Look where you go, friend !

The Blind Man.
I am blind, my lord !

14 Caesar's apostasy. [act l

Julian
Still blind ! Can you not yet see so much as
yonder glittering star ? Fie ! man of little faith !
Did not God's anointed promise to pray for your
sight ?

The Blind Man.
Who are you, that mock at a blind brother ?

Julian.
A brother in unbelief and blindness.

[He ts about to go off to the left.

Jul

A Voice.

[Sofily, among the bushes behind Am.] Julian,

lan :

Julian.

[With a cry.] Ah!

The Voice.
[Nearer.^ Julian !

Julian.
Stand, stand ; — I am armed Beware '

A Young Man.
[Poorly clad, ajid with a traveller s staff, appears
among the trees.^ Hush I It is I

Julian.
Stand where you are I Do not come near me,
fellow '

The Young Man.
Oh, do you not remember Agathon }

ACT I.] Caesar's apostasy. 15

Julian.
Agathoii ! Wliat say you ? Agathon was a

boy

Agathon.

Six years ago. — I knew you at once.

[Coming nearer,
Julian.
Agathon ; — by the holy cross, but I believe it is !

Agathon.
Look at me ; look well

Julian.
[Embracing and kissing kivi.^ Friend of my child-
hood ! Playmate ! Dearest of them all I And you
are here .'' How wonderful ! You have come all the
long way over the mountains, and then across the
sea, — the whole long way from Cappadocia }

Agathon.
I came two days ago, by ship, from Ephesus. Oh,
how I have sought in vain for you these two days.
At the palace gates the guards would not let me

pass, and

Julian.
Did you speak my name to any one ? or say that
you were in search of me ?

Agathon.
No, I dared not, because •

Julian.
There you did right ; never let any one know

more than you needs must .

Come hither, Agathon; out into the full moon-

l6 Caesar's apostasy. [act i.

light, that I may see you. — How you have grown,
Agathon; — how strong you look.

Agathon.
And you are paler.

Julian.
I cannot thrive in the air of the palace. I think
it is unwholesome here. — 'Tis far otherwise at
Makellon. Makellon lies high. No other town in
Cappadocia lies so high ; ah, how the fresh snow-
winds from the Taurus sweep over it ' Are

you weary, Agathon?

Agathon.
Oh, in no wise.

Julian.

Let us sit down nevertheless. It is so quiet and
lonely here. Close together ; so ! [Draws him down
upon a seat beside the balustrade^] — " Can any good
thing come out of Cappadocia," they say, Yes —
friends can come. Can anything be better }

[Looks long at him.

How was it possible that I did not know you at
once } Oh, my beloved treasure, is it not just as
when we were boys }

Agathon.
[Sinking down before him.] I at your feet, as of
old.

Julian.
No, no, no I

Agathon.
Oh, let me kneel thus !

ACT I.] Caesar's apostasy.

Julian.

Oh, Agathon, it is a sin and a mockery to kneel
to me. If you but knew how sinful I have become.
Hekebolius, my beloved teacher, is sorely con-
cerned about me, Agathon. He could tell you

How thick and moist your hair has grown ; and
how it curls. — But Mardonius — how goes it with
him ? His hair must be almost white now }

Agathon.
It is snow-white.

Julian.

How well Mardonius could interpret Homer !

am sure my old Mardonius has not his like at
tliat. — Heroes embattled against heroes — and the
gods above fanning the flames. I saw it all, as
with my eyes.

Agathon.
Then your mind was set on being a great and
victorious warrior.

Julian.

They were happy times, those six years in
Cappadocia. Were the years longer then than
now.^ It seems so, when I think of all they
contained

Yes, they were happy years. We at our books,
and Gallus on his Persian horse. He swept over
the plain like the shadow of a cloud. — Oh, but one
thing you must tell me. The church ?

Agathon.
The church ? Over the Holy Mamas's grave ?

18 Caesar's apostasy. [act i,

Julian.
[SjmU7ig faintlij.] Which Gallus and 1 built

Gallus finished his aisle ; but I ; mine never

fully prospered. — How has it gone on since ?

Agathon.
Not at all. The builders said it was impossible
as you had planned it.

Julian.
\Thoiig1itfully.'\ No doubt, no doubt. I wronged
them in thinking them incapable. Now I know
why it was not to be. I must tell you^ Agathon ;
— Mamas was a false saint.

Agathon.
The Holy Mamas }

Julian.

That Mamas was never a martyr. His whole
legend was a strange delusion. Hekebolius has,
with infinite research, arrived at the real truth,
and I myself have lately composed a slight treatise
on the subject — a treatise, my Agathon, which
certain philosophers are said, strangely enough, to
have mentioned with praise in the lecture-
rooms

The Lord keep my heart free from vanity ! The
evil tempter has countless wiles; one can never
know .

That Gallus should succeed and I fail ! Ah, my
Agathon, when I think of that church-building, I
see Cain's altar

Agathon.
Julian ^

ACT I.] Caesar's apostasy. 19

Julian.
God will have none of me, Agathon !

Agathon.
Ah, do not speak so I Was not God strong in
you when you led me out of the darkness of hea-
thendom, and gave me light over all my days —
child though you then were !

Julian.
All that is like a dream to me.

Agathon.
And yet so blessed a truth.

Julix\n.
[Sadlt/.] If only it were so now ! — Where did I
find the words of fire .'* The air seemed full of
hymns of praise — a ladder from earth to heaven —
[Gazes straight before him.] Did you see it ?

Agathon.
What?

Julian.
The star that fell; there, behind the two cy-
presses. [Is silent a movient, then suddenly changes
his tone.] Have I told you what my mother
dreamed the night before I was born ?

Agathon.
I do not recall it.

Julian.

No, no, I remember — I heard of it after w#»
parted.

L

20 Caesar's apostasy. [act i.

Agathon.
What, did she dream ?

Julian.
My mother dreamed that she gave birth to
Achilles.

Agathon.
[Eagerly.] Is your faith in dreams as strong as
ever ?

Julian.
Wliy do you ask ?

Agathon.
You shall hear ; it concerns what has driven me
to cross the sea

Julian.
You have a special errand here } I had quite
forgotten to ask you

Agathon.
A strange errand ; so strange that I am lost in
doubt and disquietude. There is so much I should
Jike to know first — about life in the city — about
yourself — and the Emperor

Julian.
[Looks hard at him.] Tell me the truth, Agathon
— with whom have you spoken before meeting
me?

Agathon.
With no one.

Julian.
When did you arrive ?

act i.] caesars apostasy. 21

Agathon.
I have told you — two days ago.

Julian,

And already you want to know ? What

would you know about the Emperor ? Has any
one set you on to ? [Embraces Am.] Oh, for-
give me, Agathon, my friend !

Agathon.
What? Why?

Julian.
[Rises and listens.] Hush ! — No, it was nothing —

only a bird in the bushes

I am very happy here. Wherefore should you
doubt it ? Have I not all my family gathered
here ? at least — all over whom a gracious Saviour
has held his hand.

Agathon.
And the Emperor is as a father to you ?

Julian.
The Emperor is beyond measure wise and good.

Agathon.

[fV/io has also I'isen.] Julian, is the rumour
true that you are one day to be the Emperor's
successor ?

Julian.

[Hastily.] Speak not of such dangerous matters.
I know not what foolish rumours are abroad. —
Why do you question me so much ? Not a word
will I answer till you nave told me what bring?
you to Constantinople.

22 caesar's apostasy. [act i.

Agathon.
I come at the bidding of the Lord God.

Julian.
If you love your Saviour or your salvation, get
you home again. [Leans over the balustrade and

listcTis.^ Speak softy ; a boat is coming in

[Leads him over towards the other side.
What would you here ? Kiss the splinter of the
holy cross ? — Get you home again, I say ! Know
you what Constantinople has become ni these last
fifteen months ? A Babylon of blasphemy. — Have
you not heard — do you not know that Libanius is
here .'*

Agathon.
Ah, Julian, I know not Libanius.

Julian.
Secluded Cappadocian ! Happy region, where his
voice and his teaching have found no echo.

Agathon.
Ah, he is one of those heathen teachers of false-
hood }

Julian.
The most dangerous of them all.

Agathon.
Surely not more dangerous than Aedesius ot
Pergamus ?

Julian.

Aedesius ! — who now thinks of Aedesius of Per-
gamus } Aedesius is in his dotage

ACT I I CAESAkS APOSTASY. 23

Agathon.

Is he more dangerous than even that mysterious
Maximus ?

Julian.
Maximus? Do not speak of that mountebank.
Who knows anything certain c f Maximus ?

Agathon.
He avers that he has slept three years in a cave
beyond Jordan.

Julian.

Hekebolius hokls him an impostor, and doubt-
less he is not far wrong

No, no, Agathon — Libanius is the most danger-
ous. Our sinful earth has writhed, as it were,
under this scourge. Portents foretold his coming.
A pestilential sickness slew men by thousands in
the city. And then, when it was over, in the
month of November, fire rained from heaven night
by night Nay, do not doubt it, Agathon ! I have
myself seen the stars break fi-om their spheres,
plunge down towards earth, and burn out on the
way.

Since then he has lectured here, the philo-
sopher, the orator. All proclaim him the king of
eloquence ; and well they may. I tell you he is
terrible. Youths and men flock around him ; he
binds their souls in bonds, so that they must fol-
low him ; denial flows seductively from his lips,
like songs ot the Trojans and the Greeks

Agathon.
[In terror] Oh, you too have sought him

Julian '

24 Caesar's apostasy. [act i.

Julian.
[Shrijilmig hack.] I ! — God preserve me from
such a sin. Should any rumours come to your
ears, believe them not. 'Tis not true that I have
sought out Libanius by night, in disguise. All
contact with him would be a horror to me. Be-
sides, the Emperor has forbidden it, and Heke-
bolius still more strictly. — All believers who
approach that subtle man fall away and turn to
scoffers. And not they alone. His words are
borne from mouth to mouth, even into the
Emperor's palace. His airy mockery, his incon-
trovertible arguments, his very lampoons seem to
blend with my prayers ; — they are to me like those
monsters in the shape of birds mIio befouled all
the food of a pious wandering hero of yore. I
sometimes feel with horror that my gorge rises at
the true meat of the Word [fVith an irre-
pressible outbwst.'] Were the empire mine, I would
send you the head of Libanius on a charger !

Agathon.
But how can the Emperor tolerate this ? How
can our jjious, Christian Emperor }

Julian.
The Emperor ? Praised be the Emperor's faith
and piety ! But the Emperor has no thoughts
for anything but this luckless Persian war. All
minds are full of it. No one heeds the war that
is being waged here, against the Prince of Gol-
gotha. Ah, my Agathon, it is not now as it was
two years ago. Then the two brothers of the
Mystic Maximus had to pay for their heresies with
their lives. You do npt know what mi^htv allie!^

ACT I.] Caesar's apostasy. 25

Libanius has. One or other of the lesser philo-
sophers is now and then driven from the city ; on
him no one dares lay a finger. I have begged, I
have implored both Hekebolius and the Empress
to procure his banishment. But no, no ! — What
avails it to drive away the others ? This one man
poisons the air for all of us. Oh, thou my Saviour,
if I could but flee from all this abomination of
heathendom ! To live here is to live in the lion's

den

Agatiion.

[Eagerli/,] Julian — what was that you said .''

Julian.
Yes, yes ; only a miracle can save us .-^

Agathon.
Oh, then listen ! That miracle has happened.

Julian.
What mean you .'*

Agathon.
You shall hear, Julian ; for now I can no longer
doubt that it is you it concerns. What sent me
to Constantinople was a vision

Julian.
A vision, you say !

Agathon.
A heavenly revelation

Julian.
Oh, for God's pity's sake, speak ! — Hush, do
not speak. Wait — some one is coming. Stand
here, quite carelessly ; — look unconcerned.

26 Caesar's apostasy. [act i

Both remain standing beside the haliistrade. A tall,
handsome, middle-aged man, dressed, according
to the fashion of tlie philosophers, in a short
cloak, enters by the avenue on the left. A troop
of youths accompanies him, all in girt-up gar^
meids, with wreatJis of ivy in their hair, and
carrying books, papers and parchments. Laughter
and loud talk among them as they approach.

The Philosopher.
Let nothing fall into the water, my joyous
Gregory ! Remember, what you carry is more
precious than gold.

Julian.
[Standing close beside him."] Your pardon, — is
aught that a man may carry more precious than
gold?

The Philosopher.
Can you buy back the fruits of your life for
gold?

Julian.
True; true. But why, then, do you entrust
them to the treacherous waters ?

The Philosopher.
The favour of man is more treacherous still.

Julian.
That word was wisdom. And whither do you
sail with your treasures ?

The Philosopher.
To Athens.

[He is about to pass on.

ACT I.] Caesar's apostasy. 27

Julian.
\With suppressed laughter. '\ To Athens! Then,
oh man of wealth, you do not own your own
riches.

The Philosopher.
[Stops. ^ How so ?

Julian.
Is it the part of a wise man to take owls to
Athens }

The Philosopher.
My owls cannot endure the church-iights here
in the imperial city [To one of the young men.^
Give me your hand, Sallust.

[Is aboiU to descend the steps,

Sallust.
[Half-way down the steps, whispers. 1 By the gods,
it is he !

The Philosopher.

He }

Sallust.
On my life, 'tis he ! I know him ; — I have seen
him with Hekebolius.

The Philosopher.
Ah!

[He looks at Julian with furtive intentness;
then goes a step towards him and says :
You smiled just now. At what did you smile .^

Julian.
When you complained of the church -lights, I
wondered whether it were not rather the imperial
light of the lecture-halls that shone too bright in
your eyes.

28 CAESAIl's APOSTASY. [aCT I.

The Philosopher.
Envy cannot hide under the short cloak.

Julian. ^,

What cannot hide shows forth.

The Philosopher.
You have a sharp tongue, noble Galilean.

Julian.
Why Galilean ? What proclaims me a Gall
lean ?

The Philosopher.
Your court apparel.

Julian.
There is a philosopher beneath it ; for I wear a
very coarse shirt. — But tell me, what do you seek
in Athens ?

The Philosopher.
What did Pontius Pilate seek ?

Julian.
Nay, nay ! Is not truth here, where Libanius
is?

The Philosopher.
\T^ookinghard at him.'] H'm! — Libanius? Libanius
^ill soon be silent. Libanius is weary of the strife,
my lord !

Julian.
Weary? He — the invulnerable, the ever-
victorious ?

ACT i] Caesar's apostasy. 29

The Philosopher.
He is weary of waiting for his peer.

Julian.
Now you jest, stranger ! Where can Libanius
hope to find his peer ?

The Philosopher.
His peer exists.

Julian.
Who } Where ? Name him }

The Philosopher.
It might be dangerous.

Julian.
Why?

The Philosopher.
Are you not a courtier }

Julian.
And what then }

The Philosopher.
[/n a lower voice.^ W^ould you be foolhardy
enough to praise the Emperor's successor }

Julian.
[Deepli/ shaken.] Ah !

The Philosopher.
[Hasiili/.] If you betray me, I shall deny all !

so Caesar's apostasy. [act i.

Julian.
I betray no man ; never fear, never fear ! —
The Emperor's successor, you say ? I cannot tell
whom you mean ; the Emperor has chosen no
successor. — But why this jesting? Why did you
speak of Libanius's peer ?

The Philosopher.
Yes or no — is there at the imperial court a
youth who, by force and strict commandment, by
prayers and persuasions, is held alocf from the
light of the lecture-halls ?

Julian.
[Hasiili/.] That is done to keep his faith pure.

The Philosopher.
[Smiling.] Has this young man so scant faith
jn his faith ? What can he know about his faith ?
What does a soldier know of his shield until he
has proved it in battle ?

Julian.
True, true ; — but they are loving kinsmen and
teachers, I tell you

The Philosopher.
Phrases, my lord ! Let me tell you this : it is
for the Emperor's sake that his young kinsman is
held aloof from the philosophers. The Emperor
has not the divine gift of eloquence. Doubtless
the Emperor is great ; but he cannot endure
that his successor should shme forth over the
empire

ACT i] Caesar's apostasy. 31

Julian.
[In confusion.] And you dare to !

The Philosopher.
Ay, ay, you are wroth on your master's account ,
but

Julian.
Far from it ; on the contrary — that is to

say

Listen ; my place is somewhat near that young

prince. I would gladly learn

[Turns.]

Go apart, Agathon ; I must speak alone with
this man.

[Withdraws d few steps along with the
the stranger.
You said " shine forth " ? " Shine forth over
the empire ? " What do you know, what can any
of you know, of Prince JuHan ?

The Philosopher.
Can Sirius be hidden by a cloud .'* Will not
the restless wind tear a rift in it here or there, so
that

Julian.
Speak plainly, I beg you.

The Philosopher.
The palace and the church are as a double cage
wherein the prince is mewed up. But the cage
is not close enough. Now and then he lets fall
an enigmatic word ; the court vermin — forgive me,
sir — the courtiers spread it abroad in «iorn; its

32 Caesar's apostasy. [act i.

deep meaning does not exist for these gentle-
folk— your pardon, sir — for most of them it does
not exist.

Julian.
For none. You may safely say for none.

The Philosopher.
Yet surely for you ; and at any rate for

us.-

Yes, he could indeed shine forth over the em-
pire 1 Are there not legends of his childhood in
Cappadocia, when, in disputation with his brother
Gallus, he took the part of the gods, and defended
them against the Galilean ?

Julian.
That was in jest, mere practice in rhe-
toric

The Philosopher.
What has not Mardonius recorded of him } And
afterwards Hekebolius ! What art was there not
even in his boyish utterances — what beauty, what
grace in the light play of his thoughts !

Julian.
You think so ?

The Philosopher.
Yes, in him we might indeed find an adversary
to fear and yet to long for. What should hinder
him from reaching so honourable an eminence ?
He lacks nothing but to pass through the same
school through which Paul passed, and passed so
unscathed that, when he afterwards joined the
Galileans, he shed more light than all the other

I

ACT I.] Caesar's apostasy. S3

apostles together, because he possessed knowledge
and eloquence ! Hekebolius fears for his pupil's
faith. Oh, I know it well ; the fear is his. Does
he forget then, in his exceeding tenderness of
conscience, that he himself, in his youth, has
drunk of those very springs from which he would
now have his pupil debarred.'* Or think you
it was not from us that he learned to use the
weapons of speech which he now wields against
us with such renowned dexterity ^

Julian.
True, true ; undeniably true !

The Philosopher.
And what gifts has this Hekebolius in compari-
son with the gifts which declared themselves so
marvellously in that princely boy, who, it is said,
in Cappadocia, upon the graves of the slain Gali-
leans, proclaimed a doctrine which I hold to be
erroneous, and by so much the more difficult to
instil, but which he nevertheless proclaimed
with such fervour of spirit that — if I may believe
a very widespread rumour — a multitude of chil-
dren of his own age were carried away by
him, and followed him as his disciples I Ah,
Hekebolius is like the rest of you — more jealous
than zealous ; that is why Libanius has waited in
vain.

Julian.
[Seises him hy the arm.'\ What has Libanius said }
Tell me, I conjure you, in the name of God }

The Philosopher.
He has said all that you have just heard. And

«

^ f LIBRARY )g?

S4i Caesar's apostasy. [act i.

he has said still more. He has said : " Behold
yon princely Galilean; he is an Achilles of the
spirit."

Julian.
Achilles ! [Sofili/.l My mother's dreamt

The Philosopher.
There, in the open lecture-halls, lies the field
of battle. Light and gladness encompass the
fighters and the fray. Javelins of speech hurtle
through the air ; keen swords of wit clash in the
combat; the blessed gods sit smiling in the
clouds

Julian.
Oh, away from me with your heathendom—-

The Philosopher.

and the heroes go home to their tents, their

arms entwined, their hearts untouched by rancour,
their cheeks aglow, the blood coursing swiftly
through every vein, admired, applauded, and with
laurels on their brows. Ah, where is Achilles ?
I cannot see him, Achilles is wroth

Julian.
Achilles is unhappy ! — But can I beUeve it i Oh,
tell me — my brain is dizzy- — has Libanius said all
this ?

The Philosopher.
What brought Libanius to Constantinople.''
Had he any other end than to achieve the illus-
trious friendship of a certain youth ?

ACT I.] Caesar's apostasy. 35

Julian.
Speak the truth ! No, no ; this cannot be true.
How reconcile it with the scoffs and jibes

that ? Who scoffs at one whose friendship

he would seek ?

The Philosopher.
Wiles of the Galileans to build up a wall of
wrath and hate between the two champions*

Julian.
Yet you will not deny that it was Liba-
nius ?

The Philosopher.
I will deny everything to the uttermost.

Julian.
The lampoons were not his ?

The Philosopher.
Not one of them. They have all been hatched
in the palace, and spread abroad under his

name

Julian,
Ah, what do you tell me ?

The Philosopher.
What I will avouch before all the world. You
have a sharp tongue — who knows but that you
yourself ■

Julian.

I ! But can I believe this } Libanius did

not write them ? Not one of them ?

36 Caesar's apostasy. [act i.

The Philosopher.
No, no !

Julian.
Not even those infamous lines about Atlas with
the crooked shoulders ?

The Philosopher.
No, no, I tell you.

Julian.
Nor that foolish and ribald verse about the ape
in court dress ?

The Philosopher.
Ha, ha ; that came from the church, not from
the lecture-hall. You disbelieve it ? I tell you
it was Hekebolius

Julian.
Hekebolius !

The Philosopher.
Yes, Hekebolius, Hekebolius himself, to breed
hatred between his enemy and his pupil

Julian.
[Clenching kisjists.] Ah, if it were so!

The Philosopher.
If that blinded and deceived young man had
known us philosophers, he would not have dealt
so hardly with us.

Julian.
Of what are you speaking .^

ACT I

CAESARS APOSTASY.

37

The Philosopher.
It is too late now. Farewell^ my lord !

iGoing.
Julian.
[Seizes his hand.] Friend and brother, who are
you .'*

The Philosopher.
One who sorrows to see the God-born go to
ruin.

Julian.
What do you call the God-born ?

The Philosopher.
The Uncreated in the Ever-changing.

Julian.
Still I am in the dark.

The Philosopher.

There is a whole glorious world to which you
Galileans are blind. In it our life is one long
festival, amid statues and choral songs, foaming
goblets in our hands, and our locks entwined with
roses. Airy bridges span the gulfs between spirit
and spirit, stretching away to the farthest orbs in
space

I know one who might be king of all that vast
and sunlit realm.

Julian.

[In dread. 1 Ay, at the cost of his salvation J

The Philosopher.
What is salvation ? Reunion with the primal
deeps.

S8 Caesar's apostasy. [act i.

Julian.
Yes, in conscious life. Reunion for me^ as the
being I am 1

The Philosopher.
Reunion like that of the raindrop with the sea,
like that of the crumbling leaf with the earth that
bore it.

Julian,
Oh, had I but learning ! Had I but the
weapons to use against you 1

The Philosopher.
Take to yourself weapons, young man I The
lecture-hall is the armoury of intellect and

talent

Julian.
[Recoiling.'] Ah I

The Philosopher.
Look at those j oyous youths yonder. There are
Galileans among them. Errors in things divine
cause no discord among us.

Farewell ! You GaHleans have sent truth into
exile. See, now, how we bear the buffets of fate.
See, we hold high our wreath-crowned heads. So
we depart — shortening the night with song, and
awaiting Helios.

[He descends ike steps where his disciples
have waited for him ; then the boat is
heard rowing away with them.

Julian.
[Gazes long oner the water. 1 Who was he, that
mysterious man ?

act i.] caesar*s apostasy. sq

Agathon.
[AjjjJroachifig.l Listen to me, Julian ?

Julian.

[In lively excitement.'\ H e understood me ! And
Libanius himself, the great, incomparable Liba-

nius ! Only think, Agathon, Libanius has

said Oh, how keen must the heathen eye

not be !

Agathon.

Trust me, this meeting was a work of the
Tempter !

Julian.

[Not heeding him.'] I can no longer endure to
live among these people. It was they, then, who
wrote those abominable lampoons ! They make a
mockery of me here ; they laugh behind my back ;
not one of them believes in the power that dwells
in me. They ape my gait; they distort my man-
ners and my speech ; Hekebolius himself !

Oh, I feel it — Christ is deserting me ; I grow evil
here.

Agathon.
Oh, though you know it not — ^you, even you,
stand under special grace.

Julian.
[Walks up and dofvn beside the balustrade.] I am
he with whom Libanius longs to measure swords.
How strange a wish ! Libanius accounts me his
peer. It is me he awaits

Agathon.
Hear and obey : Christ awaits you !

4<0 CAESAR*S APOSTASV. [act 1.

Julian.
What mean you, friend ?

Agathon.
The vision that sent me to Constantinople

Julian.
Yes, yes, the vision ; I had almost f jrgotten it.
A revelation, you said ? Oh, speak, speak '

Agathon.
It was at home in Cappadocia, a month ago or
a little more. There went a rumour abroad that
the heathens had again begun to hold secret
meetings by night in the temple of Cybele ■

Julian.

How foolhardy ! Are they not strictly for-
bidden

Agathon.

Therefore all we believers arose in wrath. The
magistrates ordered the temple to be pulled down,
and we broke in pieces the abominable idols. The
more zealous among us were impelled by the
Spirit of the Lord to go still further. With singing
of psalms, and with sacred banners at our head,
we marched through the town and fell upon the
godless like messengers of wrath ; we took from
them their treasures ; many houses were set on
fire., and heathens not a few perished in the
flames; still more we slew in the streets as they
fled. Oh, it was a marvellous time for the glory
of God '

Julian.

And then ? The vision, my Agathon !

ACT I.] Caesar's apostasy. 41

ACxATHON.

For three whole nights and days the Lord of
Vengeance was strong in us. But at last the
weak flesh could no longer keep pace with the
willing spirit, and we desisted from the pursuit

I lay upon my bed ; I could neither wake nor
sleep. I felt, as it were, an inward hollowness,
as though the spirit had departed out of me. I
lay in burning heat ; I tore my hair, I wept, I
prayed, I sang ; — I cannot teli what came over
me

Then, on a sudden, I saw before me by the wall
a white and shining light, and in the radiance
stood a man in a long cloak. A glory encircled
his head ; he held a reed in his hand, and fixed
his gaze mildly upon me.

Julian.
You saw that '

Agathon.
I saw it. And then he spoke and said : " Aga-
thon ; arise, seek him out who shall inherit the
empire ; bid him enter the lion's den and do battle
with the lions."

Julian.
Do battle with the lions ! Oh, strange, strange !

— Ah, if it were ! The meeting with that

philosopher — A revelation ; a message to me — ;
am / the chosen one }

Agathon^
Assuredly you are !

Julian.
Do battle with the lions ! — Yes, I see it ; — so it

42 Caesar's apostasy, [act i.

must be, my Agathonf It is God's will that I
should seek out Libanius

Agathon.
No, no ; hear me out I

Julian,
worm from him all his arts and his learning
— smite the unbelievers with their own weapons
— fight, fight like Paul — conquer like Paul, in the
cause of the Lord !

Agathon.
No, no I that was not the intent ,

Julian,
Can you doubt it ? Libanius — is he not strong
as the mountain lion, and is not the lecture-
hall ?

Agathon.
I tell you it is not so ; for the vision added :
" Proclaim to the chosen one that he shall shake
the dust of the imperial city from his feet, and
never more enter its gates."

Julian.
Are you sure of that, Agathon ?

Agathon.
Absolutely sure.

Julian.
Not here, then! Do battle with the lions I
Where, where ? Oh, where shall I find light ?

I

I

ACT 1.] Caesar's apostasy. 43

Prince Gallus, a handsome, strongly -huilt man of
five-and-twenty, with light curiy hair, and fully
armed, enters by the avenue on the left,

Julian.
[Rushing uj) to him.l Gallus f

Gallus.
What now ? \Points to Agathon.] Who is that
man?

Julian.
Agathon.

Gallus.
What Agathon ? You have so many strange

companions Ah, by heaven, it is the Cappa-

docian • You have grown quite a man

Julian.
Do you know, Gallus — the Emperor has asked
for you.

Gallus.
[Anxiously."^ Just now } To-night ?

Julian.
Yes, yes ; he wanted to speak with you. He
seemed greatly angered.

I Gallus.

How know you that } What did he say ?

Julian.
I did not understand it. He asked what some
oracle had answered.

44 ' Caesar's apostasy. [act i.

Gallus.
Ah!

Julian.
Hide nothing from me. What is the matter?

Gallus.
Death or banishment is the matter.

Agathon.
Gracious Saviour !

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

Gallus.
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

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

Gallus.
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

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

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

ACT I.] Caesar's apostasy. 45

Julian.
Ah, the oracle I The heathen oracle !

Gallus.
The heathenism might be forgiven me ; but —
well, why should you not know it ? — I have in-
quired as to the issue of the Persian war ■

Julian^
What madness ! — Gallus — I see it in your face:
you have asked other questions !

Gallus.
No more ; I have not asked

Julian.
Yes, yes ; you have inquired as to a mighty
man's life or death !

Gallus.
And if I had ? What can be of more moment
to both of us ^

Julian.
^Throwiyig his arms round Aim.] Be silent, mad-
man !

Gallus.
Away from me ! You may cringe before him
like a cur ; but I have no mind to endure it longer.

I will cry it aloud in all the market-places

[Calls to Agathon.] Have you seen him, Cappa-
docian } Have you seen the murderer ?

Julian.
Gallus ! Brother I

Agathon,
The murderer I

46 Caesar's apostasy. [act i.

Gallus.
The murderer in the purple robe ; my
father's murderer, my step-mother's^ my eldest
brother's

Julian,
Oh, you are calling down destruction upon us !

Gallus.
Eleven heads in one single night; eleven
bodies ; our whole house. — Ah, but be sure con-
science is torturing him ; it shivers through the
marrow of his bones like a swarm of serpents.

Julian.
Do not listen to him ! Away, away !

Gallus.
[Seizes TuLiAN h^ the shoulder.'] Stay ; — ^you look
pale and disordered ; is it you that have betrayed
me ?

Julian.
I ! Your own brother 1

Gallus.
What matter for that ! Brotherhood protects
no one in our family. Confess that you have
secretly spied upon my doings ! Who else should
it be } Think you I do not know what people
are whispering } The Emperor designs to make
you his successor.

Julian.
Never ! I swear to you, my beloved Gallus, it
shall never be ! I will not. One mightier than
he has chosen me. — Oh^ trust me^ Gallus: my path

ACT I.] Caesar's apostasy, 47

is marked out for me. I will not go thither, I tell
you. Oh, God of Hosts — I on the imperial throne!
No, no, no I

Gallus.
Ha-ha ; well acted, mummer f

Julian.
Ay. you may scoff, since you know not what has
happened. Myself, I scarcely know. Oh, Aga-
thon — if this head were to be anointed ! Would
it not be an apostasy — a deadly sin ? Would not
the Xrord's holy oil bum me like molten lead }

Gallus.

Were that so, then were our august kinsman
balder than Julius Caesar.

Julian.
Beware how you speak ! Render unto Caesai
the things that are Caesar's

Gallus.

My father's blood your father's and your

mother's !

Julian.
Oh, what know we of those horrors .'' We were
children then. The soldiers were chiefly to blame ;
it was the rebels — evil counsellors

Gallus.
[Laughing.^ The Emperor's successor rehearses
)iis part I

I

48 Caesar's apostasy. [act i,

Julian.

[Weeping.] Oh, Gallus, would I might die or

be banished in your stead ! I am wrecking my

soul here. I ought to forgive — and I cannot. Evil

grows in me ; hate and revenge whisper in my

ear

Gallus.
[Rapidly J looJdng ioivards the church.] There he
comes !

Julian.
Be prudent, my beloved brother I — Ah, Heke-
bolius !

The church door has vieanwhile been opened. The
congregation streams forth; some pass away,
others remain standing to see the Court pass.
Among those rvho come out is Hekebolius ; he
wears priestly dress.

Hrkebolius.

[On the point of passing otd to the left.] Is that
you, my Julian } Ah, I have again passed a heavy
hour for your sake.

Julian.

Alas I I fear that happens too often.

Hekebolius.
Christ is wroth against you, my son I It is your
froward spirit that angers him ; it is your unloving
thoughts, and all this worldly vanity

Julian.
I know it my Hekebolius ! You go often tell
me so.

act i.] caesar*s apostasy. 49

Hekebolius.

Even now I lifted up my soul in prayer for your
amendment. Oh, it seemed as though our other-
wise so gracious Saviour repulsed my prayer, — as
though he would not listen to me ; he suffered my
thoughts to wander upon trifling things.

Julian.
You prayed for me .'* Oh, loving Hekebolius,
you pray even for us dumb animals — at least when
we wear court dress •

Hekebolius.
What mean you, my son ?

Julian.
Hekebolius, how could you write those shameful

verses ?

Hekebolius.
I .'' I swear by all that is high and holy

Julian.
I see in your eyes that you are lying ! I have
full assurance that you wrote them. How could
you do it, I ask — and under the name of Libanius,
too.?

Hekebolius.
Well, well, my dearly beloved, since you know

it, I — .

Julian.
Ah, Hekebolius! Deceit, and lies, and
treachery •

V * D

50 Caesar's apostasy, [act i.

Hekebolius.
Behold, my precious friend, how deep is my
love for you ! I dare all to save the soul of that
man who shall one day be the Lord's anointed.
If, in my zeal for you, I have had recourse to
deceit and lies, I know that a gracious God has
found my course well pleasing in his sight, and has
stretched forth his hand to sanction it,

Julian.
How blind have I been ! Let me press these
perjured fingers

Hekebolius.
The Emperor I

[The Emperor Constantius^ with his whole
retinue, comes from the church, Aga-
THON has already, during the foregoing,
withdraivn among the bushes on the right.

The Emperor.
Oh, blessed peace of heaven in my heart.

The Empress.

Do you feel yourself strengthened, my Con-
stantius ?

The Emperor.
Yes, yes ! I saw the living Dove hovering over
me. It took away the burden of all my sin. — Now
I dare venture much, Memnon !

Memnon.
[Softly.'\ Lose not a moment, sire 1

ACT I.] caesar's apostasy, ^1

The Emperor.
There they both stand.

[He goes towards the brothers.

Gallus.
\lSIecha7iicaUy feels for his sword, and cries in
terror.] Do me no ill !

The Emperor.
[With outstretched arms.] Gallus ! Kinsman I

[He embraces and kisses him.]
Lo, in the light of the Easter stars, I choose
the man who lies nearest my heart. — Bow all to
the earth. Hail Gallus Caesar ! ^

[General asto7iishment among the Court ; a
few involuntary shouts are raised.

The Empress.
[}Vith a shriek.] Constantius !

Gallus.
[Amazed.] Caesar 1

Julian.
Ah!

[He tries to seize the Emperor's hands , as

if in joy.

The Emperor.

[Waving him aside.] Away from me! What

would you ? Is not Gallus the elder .^ What hopes

have you been cherishing ? What rumours have

you, inyour blind presumption ? Away ; away !

1 The name *' Caesar" was at this peiiod used as the title of
the heir to the throne, the Emperor himself being entitled
"Augustus."

52 Caesar's apostasy. [act i.

Gallus.
I — I Caesar !

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

Gallus.
Oh, my most gracious sire !

The Emperor.
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 iwnis, takes Julian's head between his
hands, and lasses him.
And you, Julian, my pious friend and brother —
so it needs must be.

Julian.
All blessings on the Emperor's will I

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

Julian.
Yes, praise be to Christ and the Emperor '

The Emperor.
You know it already } Who has told you ?

Julian.
What, sire :

ACT I.] CAESAR*S APOSTASV, 5$

The Emperor.
That Libanius is banished ?

Julian.
Libanius — banished !

The Emperor.
I have banished him to Athens.

Julian.
Ah I

The Emperor.
Yonder lies his ship ; he sails to-night.

Julian.
[Aside] Hehimself; he himself!

The Emperor.
You have long wished it. I have not hitherto

been able to fulfil your desire ; but now ; let

this be a slight requital to you, my Julian .

Julian.
[Quickli/ seizing his hand.] Sire, do me one grace
more.

The Emperor.
Ask what you will.

Julian.
Let me go to Pergamus. You know the old
Aedesius teaches there

The Emperor.
A very strange wish. You, among the
heathens ?

54 Caesar*s apostasy. [act 1.

Julian.
Aedesius is not dangerous ; be is a high-minded
old man^ drawing towards the grave

The Emperor.
And what would you with him, brother ?

Julian.
I would learn to do battle with the lions.

The Emperor.
I understand your pious thought. And jou

are not afraid ; you think yourself strong

enough .''

Julian.
The Lord God has called me with a loud voice.
Like Daniel, I go fearless and joyful into the lions*
den.

The Emperor.
Julian I

Julian.
To-night, without knowing it, j'^ou have j^our-
seli been his instrument. Oh, let me go forth to
purge the world !

Gallus.
\Sqflly to the Emperor.] Humour him, sire ; it
will prevent his brooding on higher things.

The Empress.
I implore you, Constantius — set no bar to this
vehement longing.

Hekebolius.
Great Emperor, let him go to Pergamus. I

ACT I.] Caesar's apostasy. 55

fear I am losing hold of him here, and now 'tis no
longer of such moment.

The Emperor,
How could I deny jou anything in such an hour?
Go with God, Julian !

Julian.
[Kissing his kands,^ Oh, thanks — thanks I

The Emperor.
And now to a banquet of rejoicing ! My
Capuan cook has invented some new fast-dishes,

carp-necks in Chios wine, and Forward ; —

your place is next to me, Gallus Caesar !
[The procession begins to advance.'^

Gallus.
\SoJlly.'\ Helena, what a marvellous change of
fortune I

Helena.
Oh, Gallus, dawn is breaking over our hopes.

Gallus.
I can scarce believe it ! Who has brought it
about }

Helena.
Hush!

Gallus.
You, my beloved } Or who — who ?

Hei.ena.
Memnon's Spartan dog.

56 Caesar's apostasy. [act i.

Gallus.
What do you mean ?

Helena.
Memnon's dog. Julian kicked it ; this is Mem-
non's revenge.

The Emperor.
Why so silent, Eusebia ?

The Empress.
[Softly, in tearsJl Oh, Constantius — how could
you make such a choice .'

The Emperor.
Eleven ghosts demanded it.

The Empress.
Woe upon us ; this will not appease the ghosts.

The Emperor.
[Calls loudly.^ Flute-players ! Why are the
rascals silent } Play, play I

[All, except Prince Julian, go out to the
left. Agathon comes forward among the
trees,

Julian.
Gallus his successor; and I — free, free, freef

Agathon.
Marvellously are the counsels of the Lord
revealed.

Julian.
Heard you what passed ?

ACT I.] Caesar's apostasy, 57

Agathon.
Yes, everything.

Julian.
And to-morrow, my Agathon, to-morrow to
Athens 1

Agathon.
To Athens ? 'Tis to Pergamus you go.

Julian.

Hush I You do not know ; we must be

cunning as serpents. First to Pergamus — and
then to Athens I

Agathon.
Farewell, my lord and friend I

Julian,
Will you go with me, Agathon ?

Agathon.
I cannot, I must go home ; I have my little
brother to care for.

Julian.
[At the balustrade.] There they are weighing
anchor. — A fair wind to you, winged lion ; A ^hilles
follows in your wake.

[Exclaims softly.]

Agathon,
What was that ?

Julian,
Yonder fell a star.

ACT SECOND

Jn Athens. An open place surrounded hy colonnades.
In the square, statues and a fountain. A narrow
street debouches in the left-hand coi-ner. Sunset.

Basil of Caesarea^ a delicately-built young man, sits
reading beside a pillar. Gregory of Nazian-
zus ajid other scholars of the University stroll in
scattered groups up and do?vn the colonnades. A
larger band runs shouting across the square, and
out to the right ; noise in the distance,

Basil.

[Looks up from his book. ] What mean these wild
cries ?

Gregory.
A ship has come in from Ephesus.

Basil.
With new scholars .'*

Gregory.
Yes.

Basil.
[Rising."] Then we shall have a night of tumult.
Come, Gregory ; let us not witness all this un-
seemliness.

ACT II.] Caesar's apostasy. 59

Gregory.
[Poiriis to ihe left.] Look yonder. Is that a
pleasanter sight .''

Basil.

Prince Julian ; with roses in his hair, his

face aflame

Gregory.
Ay, and after him that reeling, glassy-eyed
crew. Hear how the halting tongues babble with
wine ! They have sat the whole day in Lykon's
tavern.

Basil.
And many of them are our own brethren,
Gregory ; they are Christian youths

Gregory.
So they call themselves. Did not Lampon call
himself a Christian — he who betrayed the oil-seller
Zeno's daughter .-^ And Hilarion of Agrigentum,
and the two others, who did what I shudder to
name

Prince Julian.
or fvithout on ihe ic
see — the Cappadocian Castor and Pollux.

\Is heard cal/tjig fvithout on the 7c/2.] Aha ! See,

Basil.
He has caught sight of us. I will go ; I cannot
endure to see him in this mood.

Gregory.
I will remain ; he needs a friend.

60 CAESAR*S APOSTASY. [aCT II.

Basil goes out to the right. At the same moment,
Prince J vli AiJ,Jollofved by a crowd of young
men, enters from the narrow street. His hair is
dishevelled, and he is clad in a short cloak like
the rest. Among the scholars is Sallust of
Perusia,

Many in the Crowd.
Long live the light of Athens ! Long live the
lover of wisdom and eloquence I

Julian.
All your flattery is wasted. Not another verse
shall you have to-day.

Sallust.
When our leader is silent, life seems empty, as
on the morning after a night's carouse.

Julian,
If we must needs do something, let it be some-
thing new. Let us hold a mock trial.

The Whole Crowd.
Yes, yes, yes ; Prince Julian on the j udgment-
seat I

Julian.
Have done with the Prince, friends

Sallust.
Ascend the judgment-seat, incomparable one !

Julian.

How could I presume ? There stands the

man. Who is so learned in the law as Gregory of
Nazianzus ?

ACT II.] caesar's apostasy. 61

Sallust.
That is true I

Julian,
To the judgment-seat, my wise Gregory; I am
the prisoner at the bar.

Gregory.
I beg you, friend, let me stand out.

Julian.
To the judgment-seat, I say ! To the judgment-
seat. [To ike olkers,^ What is my transgression. ?

Some Voices.
Yes, what shall it be ? Choose yourself '

Sallust.
Let it be something Galilean, as we of the un-
godly say.

Julian.
Right ; something Galilean. I have it. I have
refused to pay tribute to the Emperor

Many Voices.
Ha-ha ; well bethought ' Excellent ,'

Julian.
Here am I, dragged forward by the nape of the
neck, with my hands pinioned

Sallust,
[To Gregory.] Blind judge — I mean since
Justice is blind — behold this desperate wretch ; he
lias denied to pay tribute to the Emperor.

62 Caesar's apostasy. [act ii.

Julian.

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

Gregory.
What the Emperor demands.

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

Gregory,
Everything.

Julian.
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.

Gregory.
And what then }

Julian.
Then tell me, oh sagacious judge — ^how much of
what is mine belongs to God }

Gregory.
Everything.

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

Gregory.
Dear friends, no more of this sport.

■

ACT II.] Caesar's apostasy, 63

The Scholars,
[Afnid laughter and noise,] Yes, yes; answer
him.

Julian.
How much of God's property has the Emperor
a right to demand ?

Gregory.
I will not answer. This is unseemly both towards
God and the Emperor. Let me go.

Many Voices.
Make a ring round him I

Julian.
Hold bim fast I What, you most luckless of
judges, you have bungled the Emperor's cause,
and now you seek to escape ? You would flee ?
Whither, whither ? To the Scythians ? Bring
him before me ! Tell me you servants that-are-
to-be of the Emperor and of wisdom — has he not
attempted to elude the Emperor's power }

The Scholars.
Yes, yes.

Julian.
And what punishment do you award to such a
misdeed ?

Voices.
Death ! Death in a wine-jar !

Julian.
Let us reflect. Let us answer as though the
Emperor himself were present. What limit is
there to the Emperor's power }

64 Caesar's apostasy. [act ii.

Some of the Crowd.
The Emperor's power has no limits.

Julian.
So I should think. But to want to escape from
the infinite, my friends, is not that madness ?

The Scholars.
Yes, yes ; the Cappadocian is mad !

Julian,

And what, then, is madness? How did our
forefathers conceive of it ? What was the doctrine
of the Egyptian priests ? And what says Maxi-
mus the Mystic and the other philosophers of the
East? They say that the divine enigma reveals
itself in the brainsick. Our Gregoiy — in setting
himself up against the Emperor — is thus in special
league with Heaven. — Make libations of wine to
the Cappadocian; sing songs to our Gregory's
praise ; — a statue of honour for Gregory of Nazi-
anzus !

The Scholars.

[Amid laughter and glee.'] Praise to the Cappa-
docian I Praise to the Cappadocian' s judge !

The Philosopher Libanius, sun-oimdcd hy
disciples, comes across the square,

Libanius.
Ah, see — is not my brother Julian dispensing
wisdom in the open market-place ?

Julian.
Say folly, dear friend ; wisdom has departed the

city.

ACT II.] Caesar's apostasy* 65

LiBANIUS.

Has wisdom departed the city ?

Julian.
Or is on the point of departing ; for are not
you also bound for the Piraeus ?

LiBANIUS.

I, my brother? What should I want at the
Piraeus ?

Julian.
Our Libanius, then, is the only teacher who
does not know that a ship has just arrived from
Ephesus.

LiBANIUS.

Why, my friend, what have I to do with that
ship ?

Julian.
It is loaded to the water's edge with embryo
ph ilosophers

LiBANIUS.

[Scornfulli/.'] They come from Ephesus !

Julian.
Is not gold equally weighty whencesoever it
may come ?

LiBANIUS.

Gold } Ha-ha ! The golden ones Maximus
keeps to himself ; he does not let them go. What
sort of scholars is Ephesus wont to send us ? Shop-
keepers' sons, the first-born of mechanics. Gold
say you, my Julian } 1 call it lack of gold. But

V ♦ K

66 Caesar's apostasy. [act ii.

I win turn this lack of gold to account, and out
of it I will mint for you young men a coin of
true and weighty metal. For may not a precious
lesson in life, set forth in ingenious and attractive
form, be compared to a piece of full- weighted
golden currency ? —

Hear then, if you have a mind to. Was it not
said that certain men had rushed eagerly down to
the Piraeus ? Who are they, these eager ones ?
Far be it from me to mention names ; they call
themselves lovers and teachers of wisdom. Let
us betake ourselves in thought to the Piraeus.
What is passing there at this moment, even as I
stand here in this circle of kindly listeners ? I
will tell you what is passing. Those men who
give themselves out as lovers and dispensers of
wisdom, are crowding upon the gangway, jostling,
wrangling, biting, forgetting all decorum, and
throwing dignity to the winds. And why ? To
be the first in the field, — to pounce upon the best
dressed youths, to lead them home, to entertain
them, hoping in the end to make profit out of
them in all possible ways. What a shamefaced,
empty awakening, as after a debauch, if it should
presently appear — ha-ha-ha! — that these youths
have scarcely brought with them the wherewithal
to pay for their supper of welcome ! Learn from
this, young men, how ill it becomes a lover of
wisdom, and how little it profits him, to run after
good things other than the truth.

Julian.
Oh, my Libanius, when I listen to you with
closed eyes, I seem lapped in the sweet dream
that Diogenes has once more arisen in our midst

I

ACT II.] CAESAR*S APOSTASY. 67

LiBANIUS.

Your lips are princely spendthrifts of praise^
beloved of my soul 1

Julian.

Far from it. And yet I had almost interrupted
your homily for in this case, one of your col-
leagues will scarce find himself disappointed.

LiBANIUS.

My friend is jesting,

Julian.
Your friend assures you that the two sons of
the governor, Milo, are on board.

LiBANIUS.

[Grasping his arm. What do you say ?

Julian.
That the new Diogenes who secures them as
his pupils will scarce need to drink out of the
hollow of his hand for poverty,

LiBANIUS.

The sons of the Governor Milo! Tliat noble
Milo, who sent the Emperor seven Persian horses,
with saddles embroidered with pearls ?

Julian.
Many thought that too mean a gift for Milo.

LiBANIUS.

Very true. Milo ought to have sent a poem, or
perhaps a well-polished speech, or a letter. Milo
is a nobly-endowed man; all Milo's family are
»obly-emlowed.

68 Caesar's apostasy. [act ii.

Julian.
Especially the two young men.

LiBANi us.
No doubt, no doubt. For the sake of their
beneficent and generous father, I pray the gods
that they may fall into good hands. After all,
then, you were right, my Julian ; the ship brought
real gold from Ephesus. For are not intellectual
gifts the purest of gold ? But I cannot rest ; these
young men's welfare is, in truth, a weighty matter ;
so much depends on who first gains control of
them. My young friends, if you think as I do,
we will hold out a guiding hand to these two
strangers, help them to make the wisest choice
of teacher and abode, and

Sallust.
I will go with you !

The Scholars.
To the Piraeus ! To the Piraeus !

Sallust.
We will fight like wild boars for Milo's sons I

[They all go out, with Libanius, to the
right ; only Prince Julian and Gregory
OF Nazianzus remain behind in the
colonnade,

Julian.

[Following them with his eyes.l^ See how they go

leaping like a troop of fauns. How they lick their

lips at the thought of the feast that awaits them

this evening. [He turns to Gregory.] If there is

ACT II.] CAESARS APOSTASY. 69

one thing they would sigh to God for at this
moment, it is that he would empty their stomachs
of their breakfasts.

Gregory.
Julian

Julian.
Look at me ; I am sober.

Gregory.
I know that. You are temperate in all things.
And yet you share this life of theirs.

Julian.
Why not } Do you know, or do I, when the
thunderbolt will fall ? Then why not make the
most of the bright and sunlit day .'* Do you forget
that I dragged out my childhood and the first
years of my youth in gilded slavery ? It had
become a habit, 1 might almost say a necessity
to me, to live under a weight of dread. And
now? This stillness as of the grave on the
Emperor's part ; — this sinister silence ! I left
Pergamus without the Emperor's permission ; the
Emperor said nothing. I went of my own will to
Nicomedia ; I lived there, and studied with
Nikokles and others ; the Emperor gave no sign.
I came to Athens, and sought out Libanius, whom
the Emperor had forbidden me to see ; — the
Emperor has said nothing to this day. How am
I to interpret this ?

Gregory.
Interpret it in charity, Julian.

70 cahsar's apostasy. [act II.

Julian.

Oh, you do not know ! I hate this power

without me, terrible in action, more terrible when
at rest.

Gregory.
Be frank, my friend, and tell me whether it is
this alone that has led you into all these strange
ways?

Julian.
What mean you by strange ways ?

Gregory.
Is the rumour true, that you pass your nights in
searching out the heathen mysteries in Eleusis ?

Julian.
Oh, pooh ! I assure you there is little to be
leanit from those riddle- mongering dreamers. Let
us talk no more about them.

Gregory.
Then it is true ! Oh, Julian, how could you
seek such shameful intercourse ?

Julian.
I must livcj Gregory, — and this life at the uni-
versity is no life at all. This Libanius ! I shall
never forgive him the great love I once bore him I
At my first coming, how humbly and with what
tremors of joy did I not enter the presence of
this man, bowing myself before him, kissing him,
and calling him my great brother

ACT II.] Caesar's apostasv. 71

Gregory.

YeSj we Christians all thought that you went
too far.

Julian.

And yet I came here in exaltation of spirit. I
saw, in my fancy, a mighty contest between us
two, — the world's truth in pitched battle against
God's truth. — What has it all come to ? Libanius
never seriously desired that contest. He never
desired any contest whatever ; he cares only for
his own interest. I tell you, Gregory — Libanius
is not a great man,

Gregory.
Yet all enlightened Greece proclaims him gi'eat.

Julian.
A great man he is not, I tell you. Once only
have 1 seen Libanius great : that night in Con-
stantinople. Then he was great, because he had
suffered a great wrong, and because he was filled
with a noble wrath. But here ! Oh, what have
I not seen here ? Libanius has great learning, but
he is no great man. Libanius is greedy ; he is
vain ; he is eaten up with envy. See you not how
he has writhed under the fame which I — largely,
no doubt, owing to the indulgence of my friends
— have been so fortunate as to acquire ? Go to
Libanius, and he will expound to you the inward
essence and the outward signs of all the virtues.
He has them ready to hand, just as he has the
books in his library. But does he exercise these
virtues } Is his life at one with his teaching } He
a successor of Socrates and of Plato — ha-ha ! Did
he not flatter the Emperor, up to the time of liis

7^ CAESAR*S APOSTASV. [aCT II.

banishment ? Did he not flatter me at our meet-
ing in Constantinople, that meeting which he has
since attempted, most unsuccessfully, to present
in a ludicrous light ! And what am I to him now ?
Now he writes letters to Gallus, to Gallus Caesar,
to the Emperor's heir, congratulating him on his
successes against the Persians, although these suc-
cesses have as yet been meagre enough, and
Gallus Caesar is not distinguished either for learn-
ing or for any considerable eloquence. — And this
Libanius the Greeks persist in calling the king of
the philosophers ! Ah, I will not deny that it
stirs my indignation. I should have thought, to
tell the truth, that the Greeks might have made
a better choice, if they had noted a little more
closely the cultivators of wisdom and eloquence,
who of late years

Basil of Caesarea.
[Entering from the I'ight.] Letters I Letters
from Cappadocia I

Gregory.
For me too .?

Basil.
Yes, here ; from your mother.

Gregory.
My pious mother I

[He opens the paper and reads,

Julian.
[To Basil.] Is it your sister who writes to

you?

ACT ii.l Caesar's apostasy. 73

Basil.
[PVko has enlei-ed with his own letter open.] Yes,
it is Maki-ina. Her news is both sad and strange.

Julian.
What is it? TeU me.

Basil.
First of your noble brother Gallus. He rules
sternly in Antioch.

Julian.
Yes, Gallus is hard. — Does Makrina write
" sternly."

Basil.
[Looking at him.] Makrina writes " bloodily ' '

Julian.
Ah, I thought as much ! Why did the Emperor
marry him to that dissolute widow, that Con-
stantina }

Gregory.
[Reading.] Oh, what unheard-of infamy 1

Julian.
What is it, friend }

Gregory.
[To Basil.] Does Makrina say nothing of what
is happening in Antioch .''

Basil.
Nothing definite. What is it.? Ycu are pale

Gregory.
You knew the noble Clemazius, the Alexandrian }

74» CAE8AR*S APOSTASY. [aCT IL

Basil.
Yes, yes ; what of him ?

Gregory.
He is murdered, Basil !

Basil.
What do you say? Murdered?

Gregory.
I call it murdered ; — they have executed hira
vrithout law or judgment,

Julian.
Who ? Who has executed him ?

Gregory.
Yes, who ? How can I say who ? My mother
tells the story thus: Clemazius's mother-in-law
was inflamed with an impure love for her daughter's
husband ; but as she could not move him to
wrong, she gained some back-stairs access to the

palace

Julian.
What palace ?

Gregory.
My mother writes only " the palace."

Julian.
Well ? And then ?

Gregory.
It is only known that she presented a very
costly jewel to a great and powerful lady to pro-
cure a death-warrant-^—

ACT II.] CAESAR's apostasy.

Julian.
Ah, but they did not get it I

Gregory,
They got it, Julian.

Julian.
Oh, Jesus I

Basil.
Horrible ! And Clemazius ?

75

Gregory.
The death-warrant was sent to the governor,
Honoratus. That weak man dared not disobey so
high a command. Clemazius was thrown into
prison and executed early next morning, without
being suffered, my mother writes, to open his lips
in his own defence.

Julian.
[Pale, in a low voice.] Burn these dangerous
letters ; they might bring us all to ruin.

Basil.
Such open violence in the midst of a great city
Where are we ; where are we ?

Julian.
Aye, you may well ask where we are ! A Chris-
tian murderer, a Christian adulteress, a Chris-
tian !

Gregory.
Denunciations will not mend this matter. What
do you intend to do?

76 Caesar's apostasy. [act il

Julian.
I ? I will go no more to Eleusis ; I will break
off all dealings with the heathen, and thank the
Lord my God that he spared me the temptations
of power.

Gregory.
Good ; but then ?

Julian.
I do not understand you

Gregory.
Then listen. The murder of Clemazius is not
all, believe me. This unheard-of infamy has de-
scended like a plague on Antioch. All evil things
have awakened, and are swarming forth from
their lairs. My mother writes that it seems as
though some pestilent abyss had opened. Wives
denounce their husbands, sons their fathers, priests
the members of their own flock

Julian.
This will spread yet further. The abomination

will corrupt us all. Oh, Gregory, would I

could fly to the world's end 1

Gregory.
Your place is at the world's navel. Prince Julian.

Julian.
What would you have me do ?

Gregory,
You are this bloody Caesar's brother. Stand
forth before him — he calls himself a Christian —

ACT II.] CAESAR*S APOSTASV. T7

and cast his crime in his teeth ; smite him to the
earth in terror and remorse

Julian.
[Recoiling.'] Madman, of what are you thinking ?

Gregory.
Is your brother dear to you ? Would you save
him?

Julian.
I once loved Gallus above all others.

Gregory.

Once }

Julian.
So long as he was only my brother. But

now ; is he not Caesar } Gregory, — Basil, —

oh, my beloved friends, — I tremble for my life, I
draw every breath in fear, because of Gallus
Caesar. And you ask me to defy him to his face,
me, whose very existence is a danger to him ?

Gregory.
Why came you to Athens } You gave out loudly
in all quarters that Prince Julian was setting forth
from Constantinople to do battle with philosophy,
falsely so called — to champion Christian trutli
against heathen falsehood. What have you done
of all this ?

Julian.
Ah^ 'twas not here that the battle was to be.

Gregory.
No, it was not here, — not with phrase against
phrase, not with book against book, not with the

78 Caesar's apostasy. [act ii.

idle word-fencing of the lecture-room ! No,
Julian, you must go forth into life itself, with your
own life in your hands

Julian.
1 see it ; I see it !

Gregory.
Yes, as Libanius sees it ! You mocked at him.
You said he knew the essence and the outward
signs of all the virtues, but his doctrine was only
a doctrine to him. How much of you belongs to
God ? How much may the Emperor demand ?

Julian.
You said yourself it was unseemly

Gregory.
Towards whom? Towards God or the Emperor?

Julian.
[Quicklif.] Well then : shall we go together ?

Gregory.
[Evasiveli/.] I have my little circle ; I have my
family to watch over. I have neither the strength
nor the gifts for a larger task.

JUUAN.

[Ts about to answer ; suddenly he listens towards the
right, and calls out,^ To the bacchanal .'

Basil.
Julian I

ACT II.] caesar's apostasy, 79

Julian.
To the bacchanal, friends

[Gregory of Nazianzus looks at him a
moment; then he goes off through the
colonnade to the left. A large troop of
scholars, with the newcomers among them,
rushes into the square, amid shouts and
noise.

Basil.
[Coming nearer.'\ Julian, will you listen to me !

Julian.
See, see ! They have taken their new friends
to the bath, and anointed their hair. See how
they swing their cudgels; how they yell and
thump the pavement ! What say you, Pericles }
Methinks I can hear your wrathful shade

Basiu
Come, come I

Julian.
Ah, look at the man they are driving naked
among them. Now come the dancing-girls. Ah,
do you see what 1

Basil.
Fie ! Fie ! — turn your eyes away !

[Evening has fallen. The whole troop
settles down in the square beside the foun-
tain. Wine and fruits are brought.
Painted damsels dance by torchlight.

Julian.
[After a short silence.'] Tell mc, Basil, why was
the heathen sin so beautiful }

80 cae8ar's apostasy. [act il

Basil.

You are mistaken, friend ; beautiful things have
been said and sung of this heathen sin ; but it
was not beautiful.

Julian.

Oh, how can you say so ? Was not Alcibiades
beautiful when, flushed with wine, he stormed at
night like a young god through the streets of
Athens .'* Was he not beautiful in his very auda-
city when he insulted Hermes and battered at the
citizens' doors, — when he summoned their wives
and daughters forth, while within the women
trembled, and, in breathless, panting silence,
wished for nothing better than to }

Basil.
Oh listen to me, I beg and entreat you.

Julian.
Was not Socrates beautiful in the symposium }
And Plato, and all the joyous revellers ? Yet
they did such things, as, but to be accused of them,
would make those Christian swine out there call
down upon themselves the curse of God. Think
of Oedipus, Medea, Leda

Basil.
Poetry, poetry; you confound fancies with
Csicts.

Julian.
Are not mind and will in poetry subject to the
same laws as in fact ? And then look at our holy
scriptures, both the old and new. Was sin beauti-
ful in Sodom and Gomorrah ? Did not Jehovah's
fire avenge what Socrates shrank not from.'*

ACT II.] CAESAR's apostasy.

81

— Oh, as I live this life of revel and riot, I often
wonder whether truth is indeed the enemy of
beauty !

Basil.

And in such an hour can you sigh after beauty ?
Can you so easily forget what you have just

heard ?

Julian.

[Stopping his ears.] Not a word more of those
horrors I We will shake off all thoughts of An-
tioch

Tell me, what does Makrina write further ? There
was something more ; I remember, you said — ■- — ;
what was it you called the rest of her news .''

Basil.
Strange.

Julian.
Yes, yes ; — what was it ?

Basil.
She writes of Maximus in Ephesus ■

[Eagerly.]

Julian.
The Mystic ?

Basil
Yes ; that inscrutable man. He has appeared
once more ; this time in Ephesus. All the region
around is in a ferment. Maximus is on all lips.
Either he is a juggler or he has made a baleful
compact with certain spirits. Even Christians
are strangely allured by his impious signs and
wonders.

82 Caesar's apostasy. [act ii.

Julian.
More, more ; I entreat you !

Basil.
There is no more about him. Makrina only
writes that she sees in the coming again of Maxi-
mus a proof that we are under the wrath of the
Lord. She beHeves that great afflictions are in
store for us, by reason of our sins.

Julian.
Yes, yes, yes ! — Tell me, Basil : your sister is
surely a remarkable woman.

Basil.
She is, indeed.

Julian.
When you repeat to me passages from her letters,
I seem to be listening to something full and per-
fect, such as I have long sighed for. Tell me, is
she still bent on renouncing this world, and
living in the wilderness

Basil.
That is her steadfast intent

Julian.
Is it possible } Sha on whom all gifts seem
to have been lavished ? She who, 'tis known, is
both young and beautiful ; she, who has riches in
prospect, and in possession such learning as is
very rare in a woman ! Do you know, Basil, I
long to see her? What has she to do in the
wilderness ?

act ii.] caesars apostasy. 83

Basil.
I have told you how her affianced lover died.
She regards him as her expectant bridegroom,
to whom she owes her every thought, and whom
she is pledged to meet unsullied.

Julian.
Strange how many feel the attraction of solitude
in these times. — When you write to Makrina, you
may tell her that I too

Basil.

She knows that, Julian; but she does not be-
lieve-it.

Julian.
Why not ? What doe she write ?

Basil.
I pray you, friend, spare me

Julian.
If you love me, do not hide from me one word
she writes.

Basil.
[Giving kirn ike letter."] Read, if you must — it
begins there.

Julian.
[Reads.'] "Whenever you write of the Em-
peror's young kinsman, who is your friend, my soul

is filled with a great and radiant joy " O

Basil 1 lend me your eye ; read for me.

Basil.
[Reading.'] *' Your account of the fearless con-
fidence wherewith he came to Athens was to me

84 Caesar's apostasy. [act il

as a picture from the ancient chronicles. Yes, I
see in him David born again, to smite the cham-
pions of the heathen. God's spirit watch over
him in the strife, now and for ever."

Julian,
[Grasping his ann.'j Enough of that ! She too i*
What is it that you all, as with one mouth, demand
of me ? Have I sealed you a bond to do battle
with the lions of power ?

Basil.
How comes it that all believers look towards
you in breathless expectation ?

Julian.

[Paces once or twice up and down the colonnade,
then stops and stretches out his hand for the letter.^
Give it to me ; let me see. [Reading.l " God's
spirit watch over him in the strife, now and for
ever." —

Oh, Basil, if I could i But I feel like

Daedalus, between sky and sea. An appalling
height and an abysmal depth. — What sense is
there in these voices calling to me, from east and
west, that I must save Christendom } Where is
it, this Christendom that I am to save } With the
Emperor or with Caesar.'* I think their deeds
cry out, "No, no!" Among the powerful and
high-bom ; — among those sensual and effeminate
courtiers who fold their hands over their full
bellies, and quaver : " Was the Son of God created
out of nothing?" Or among the men of en-
lightenment, those who, like you and me, have
drunk in beauty and learning from the heathen
fountains ? Do not most of our fellows lean to

ACT ii.j caesar's apostasy, dJI

the Arian heresy, which the Emperor himself so
greatly favours ? — And then the whole ragged
rabble of the Empire, who rage against the temples,
who massacre heathens and the children of hea-
thens ! Is it for Christ's sake ? Ha ha ! see how
they fall to fighting among themselves for the
spoils of the slain. — Ask Makrina if Christendom
is to be sought in the wilderness, — on the pillar
where the sty lite-saint stands on one leg ? Or is
it in the cities ? Perhaps among those bakers in
Constantinople who lately took to their fists to
decide whether the Trinity consists of three indi-
viduals or of three hypostases ! — Which of all these
would Christ acknowledge if he came down to
earth again? — Out with your Diogenes-lantern,
Basil ' Enlighten this pitchy darkness, — Where
is Christendom ?

Basil.
Seek the answer where it is ever to be found in
evil days.

Julian.
Hold me not aloof from the well of your wisdom!
Slake my thirst, if you can. Where shall I seek
and find ?

Basil.
In the writings of holy men.

Julian.

The same despairing answer. Books, — always
books I When I came to Libanius, it was : books,
books! I come to you, — books, books, books!
Stones for bread ! I cannot live on books ; — it is
life I hunger for, — face-to-face communion with

86 CAE8AR*S APOSTASY. [aCT II.

the spirit. Was it a book that made Saul a seer?
Was it not a flood of light that enveloped him, a
vision, a voice ?

Basil.
Do you forget the vision and the voice which
that Agathon of Makellon ?

Julian.

An enigmatic message ; an oracle I cannot in-
terpret. Was / the chosen one ? The " heir to

the empire," it said. And what empire ?

That matter is beset with a thousand uncertainties.
Only this I know : Athens is not the lion's den.
But where, where? Oh, I grope like Saul in
the darkness. If Christ would have aught of me,
he must speak plainly. Let me touch the nail-
wound

Basil.

And yet it is written

Julian.
[ With a gesture of impatience.] I know all that
is written. This " it is written" is not the living
truth. Do you not feel disgust and nausea, as on
board ship in a windless swell, hea\ang to and fro
between life, and written doctrine, and heathen
wisdom and beauty ? There must come a new
revelation. Or a revelation of something new. It
must come, I say; — the time is rij e. — Ah, a
revelation! Oh, Basil, could your prayers call
down that upon me ! A martyr's death, if need

be ! A martyr's death — ah, it makes mc

dizzy with its sweetness the crown of thorns on
my brow I [He clasps his head with both hands,

ACT II.] CAESARS APOSTASY. 87

feels the wreath of roses, which he tears off, bethinks
himself long, and says softly :] That ! I had for-
gotten that! [Casting ike wreath away.] One
thing alone have I learnt in Athens.

Basil.

What, Julian?

Julian.
The old beauty is no longer beautiful, and the
new truth is no longer true.

LiBANius enters hastily through the colonnade on
the right,

LlBANIUS.

[Still in the distance.] Now we have him ; now
we have him !

Julian.

Him? I thought you would have had them
both.

LiBANIUS.

Both of whom ?

Julian,
Milo's sons.

LiBANIUS.

Ah, yes, I have them too. But we have him,
my Julian I

Julian,

Whom, dear brother ?

LiBANIUS.

He has caught himself in his own net !

Julian.
Aha — a philosopher then ?

88 CAfcsAii*s APOSTASY. [act II,

LiBANIUS.

The enemy of all wisdom.

Julian.
Who, who, I ask ?

LiBANIUS.

Do you really not know ? Have you not heard
the news about Maximus ?

Julian.
Maximus } Oh, pray tell me

LiBANIUS.

Who could fail to see whither that restless
visionary was tending, — step by step towards

madness ?

Julian.

In other words, towards the highest wisdom.

LiBANIUS.

Ah, that is a figure of speech. But now is the
time to act, to seize the opportunity. You, our
dearly-prized Julian, you are the man. You are
the Emperor's near kinsman. The hopes of all
true friends of wisdom are fixed upon you, both
here and in Nikomedia

Julian.
Listen, oh excellent Libanius, — seeing I am not
omniscient

LiBANIUS.

Know, then, that Maximus has lately made
open avowal of what lies at the bottom of his
teaching.

I

ACT II.] Caesar's apostasy, £9

Julian.
And do you blame hira for that ?

LiBANIUS.

He has averred that he has power over spirits
and shades of the dead.

Julian.

[Graspivg his cloak.l Libanius !

LiBANIUS.

AU on board the ship were full of the most

marvellous stories, and here [He shows a

letter], here, my colleague, Eusebius, writes at
length on the subject.

Julian.
Spirits and shades

Libanius.
At Ephesus lately, in a large assembly both
of his partisans and his opponents, Maximus applied
forbidden arts to the statue of Hecate. It took
place in the goddess's temple. Eusebius writes
that he himself was present, and saw everything
from first to last. All was in pitch-black darkness.
Maximus uttered strange incantations ; then he
chanted a hymn, which no one understood. Then
the marble torch in the statue's hand burst into
flame

Basil.
Impious doings !

Julian.
[Breathlessly.] And then ?

90 Caesar's apostasy. [act il

LiBANIUS.

In the strong bluish light, they all saw the
statue's face come to life and smile at them.

Julian.
What more ?

LiBANIUS.

Terror seized on the minds of most. All rushed
towards the doors. Many have lain sick or raving
ever since. But he himself — would you believe
it, Julian ? — in spite of the fate that befell his two
brothers in Constantinople, he goes boldly forward
on his reckless ajid scandalous way.

Julian.
Scandalous ? Call you that way scandalous ? Is
not this the end of all wisdom. Communion be-
tween spirit and spirit

Basil.
Oh, dear, misguided friend !

LiBANIUS.

More than scandalous, I call it ! What is
Hecate ? What are the gods, as a whole, in the
eyes of enlightened humanity ? We have happily
left far behind us the blind old singer's days.
Maximus ought to know better than that. Has
not Plato — and we others after him — shed the
light of interpretation over the whole ? Is it not
scandalous now, in our own days, to seek to en-
shroud afresh in riddles and misty dreams this
admirable, palpable, and, let me add, this
laboriously constructed edifice of ideas and inter-
pretations which we, as lovers of wisdom, as a
school, as

ACT II.] CAESAR*S APOSTASY, 91

Julian.
[WUdly.] Basil, farewell 1 I see a light on my
patli !

Basil.
[Flinging his arms around him.'\ I will not let
you go ; I will hold you fast !

Julian.
[Extricaiing himself from his grasp.] No one
shall withhold me; — kick not against the
pricks

LlBANIUS.

What frenzy is this ? Friend, brother, colleague,
whither would you go ?

Julian.
Thither, thither, where torches light them-
selves and where statues smile 1

LiBANIUS.

And you can do this ! You, Julian, our pride,
our light, our hope, — you can think of rushing to
bewildered Ephesus, to give yourself into a jug-
gler's power! Know that in the hour you so
deeply debase yourself, in that same hour you
throw away all that bright renown for learning
and eloquence wliich, during these years in Perga-
mos and Nikomedia, and especially here in the
greai school of Athens

Julian.
Oh, the school, the school .' Do you pore over
your books; — you have pointed my way to the man
for whom I have been seeking.

[He goes off hastily through the colonnade to
the left.

9^~ Caesar*s apostasy [act It.

LiBANIUS.

[Looking after him awhile.] This princely youth
is a menace to enlightenment.

Basil.
[Half to himself.} Prince Julian is a menace to
more than that.

ACT THIRD

In Ephesus. A brightly ItgJUed hall in Prince
Julian's dwelling. The entrance from ike ves-
tibule is on the right side ; frrther back, a smaller
door, covered by a curtain. On the leftj a door,
which leads to the inner part of the house. The
wall in the back is pierced with an aixhway^
through which a small enclosed court is visible,
decked with small statues.

Servants prepare a festal supper, and lay cushions
rouTid the table. The Chamberlain, Eutherius,
stands at the entrance, and, with much ceremony,
half forces Gregory of Nazianzus and Basil
OF Caesar EA to enter.

Eutherius.
Yes, yes ; I assure you it is as I say.

Gregory.
Impossible i Do not make sport of us.

Basil.
You are jesting, friend I How can your master
expect us } Not a creature knew of our leaving
Athens ; nothing has detained us on our way ; we
have kept pace with the clouds and the wild
cranes.

94 Caesar's apostasy. [act hi.

eutherius.
Look around ; see yonder table. His daily fare
is herbs and bread.

Gregory.
Ay, truly ; all our senses bear you witness ; —
wine-flagons, wreathed with flowers and leaves;
lamps and fruits ; incense filling the hall with its
odour ; flute-players before the door

EUTHERIUS.

Early this morning he sent for me. He seemed
unwontedly happy, for he paced the room to and
fro, rubbing his hands. ''Prepare a rich banquet,"
said he, "for before evening I look for two friends

from Athens "

[He glances towards ike door on the lejl, is
suddenlj/ silent, and draws back respect-
fully,

Basil.

Is he there ?

[EuTHERius noc?j in answer; then gives a
sign to the servants to withdraw ; they go
out by the larger door on the right ; he
follows.

Prince Julian shortly afterwards enters from the
left. He is dressed in long, Oriental garb;
his whole demeanour is vivacious^ and betrays
strong inward excitement.

Julian.
[Going towards them, and greeting them with great
warmth.] I see you ! I have you ! Thanks, thanks,
tor sending your spirits to herald your bodies!

ACT III.] Caesar's apostasy, 95

Gregory,
Julian !

Basil,
My friend and brother f

Julian.
I have been like a lover, languishing for the
pressure of your hands. The court vermin, eager
for certain persons' applause, called me an ape ; —
oh, would I had an ape's four hands, to squeeze
yours all at once !

Gregory.

But explain ; your servants meet us with

flutes before the door, want to lead us to the bath,
to anoint our hair and deck us with roses

Julian.
I saw you last night. The moon was full, you
see, — and then is the spirit always strangely alert
within me. I sat at the table in my library, and
had fallen asleep, weary, oh ! so weary, my friends,
with research and writing. Of a sudden it seemed
as though a storm-wind filled the house; the
curtain was swept flapping aloft, and I looked out
into the night, far over the sea. I heard sweet
singing; and the singers were two large birds,
with women's faces. iThey flew slanting towards
the shore ; there they dropped gently earthwards ;
the bird-forms melted away like a white mist, and,
ift a soft, glimmering light, I saw you two.

Gregory.
Are you sure of all this ?

96 Caesar's apostasy. [act hi.

Julian.
Were you thinking of me ? Were you speaking
of nie last night ?

Basil.
Yes, yes — forward in the prow

Julian.
What time of the night was it }

Gregory.
What WP.S the time of your vision ?

Julian.
An hour after midnight.

Gregory,
[ With a look at Basil.] Strange !

Julian.
[Rubbing his handSy and walking up and down the
room.^ You see ! Ha-ha ; you see .'*

Basil.
[Following him with his ei/es,^ Ah, then it is

true

Julian.
What ? What is true^.^

Basil,
The rumour of the mysterious arts you practise
here.

Julian.
Oh, what will not rumour exaggerate.^ — But
tell me, what has rumour found to say } I am told

ACT III.] Caesar's apostasy. 97

there are many reports aflont concerning me. If
I could believe some people's assurances, it would
seem that there are few men in the empire so much
talked about as I.

Gregory.
That you may safely believe.

Julian.
And what says Libanius to all this } He could
never endure that the multitude should be busied
with any one but himself. And what say all my
never-to-be-forgotten friends in Athens ? They
know I am in disgrace with the Emperor and the
whole court }

Gregory.
You ? I have frequent intelligence from the
court ; but my brother Caesarius makes no men-
tion of that.

Julian.
I cannot interpret it otherwise, good Gregory !
From all sides they think it needful to watch me.
The other day, Gallus Caesar sent his chaplain
Aetius hither, to find out whether I hold fast to
the orthodox faith.

Basil.
Well >

Julian.

I am seldom absent from matins in the church.
Moreover, I reckon the martyrss among the noblest
of men ; for truly it is no light matter to endure
so great torments, ay, and death itself, for the sake
of one's creed. On the whole, I believe Aetius
departed well content with me.

V ♦ o

98 CAESAR*S APOSTASY. [aCT III.

Basil.
[Grasping his hand.'\ Julian, — for the sake of
our true friendship, — open your heart fully to us.

Julian.
I am the happiest man on earth, dear friends !
And Maximus — ay, he is rightly named — Maximus
is the greatest man that has ever lived.

Gregory.
[Preparing to depart.^ We only wished to see
you, my lord !

Julian.
Can this estrange brother from brother ? You
shrink in affright from the inexplicable. Oh, I do
not wonder. So I, too, shrank before my eyes
were opened, and I divined that which is the
kernel of life.

Basil.
What do you call the kernel of life ?

Julian.
Maximus knows it. In him is the new revela-
tion.

Basil.
And it has been imparted to you ?

Julian.
Almost. I am on the eve of learning it. This
very night Maximus has promised me

Gregory.
Maximus is a visionary, or else he is deceiving

yoii '

ACT III.] Caesar's apostasy, 99

Julian.

How dare you judge of these hidden things?
They are beyond your learning, my Gregory !
Fearful is the way into the glory of glories. Those
dreamers in Eleusis were near the right track ;
Maximus found it, and I after him — by his help.
I have wandered through chasms of darkness. A
dead swampy water lay on my left — I believe it
was a stream that had forgotten to flow. Piercing
voices shrilled through the night confusedly, sud-
denly, and, as it were, without cause. Now and
then I saw a bluish light ; dreadful shapes floated
past me ; — I went on and on in deathly fear ; but
I endured the trial to the end. —

Since then — oh, beloved ones — with this my
body transformed to spirit, I have passed far into
the land of paradise ; I have heard the angels
chant their hymns of praise ; I have gazed at the
midmost light

Gregory.
Woe to this ungodly Maximus ! Woe to this
devil-devoted heathen juggler :

Julian.

Blindness, blindness ! Maximus pays homage
to his precursor and brother — to both his great
brothers, the law-giver of Sinai and the seer of
Nazareth.

Would you know how the spirit of realisation
filled me ? — It happened on a night of prayer and
fasting. I perceived that I was wafted far — far
out into space, and beyond time ; for there was
broad and sun-shimmering day around me, and I
stood alone on a ship, with drooping sails, in the
midst of the glassy, gleaming Aegean sea. Islands

100 Caesar's apostasy. [act hi.

towered aloft in the distance, like dim, still banks
of clouds, and the ship lay heavily, as though
sleeping, upon the wine-blue plain. —

Then behold ! the plain became more and more
transparent, lighter, thinner; at last, it was no
longer there, and my ship hung over a fearful,
empty abyss. No verdure down there, no sun-
light,— only the dead, black, slimy bottom of the
sea, in all its ghastly nakedness.

But above, in the boundless dome, which before
had seemed to me empty, — there was life; there
invisibility clothed itself in form, and silence
became sound. — Then I grasped the great re-
deeming realisation.

Gregory.
What realisation do you mean .''

Julian.
That which is, is not ; and that which is not, is.

Basil.
Oh, you are going to wreck and ruin in this
maze of mists and gleams .'

Julian.
I ? Do not miracles happen ? Do not both
omens and certain strange appearances among the
stars declare that the divine will destines me to
issues yet unrevealed ?

Do not believe such signs ; you cannot know
whose work they are.

ACT III.] Caesar's apostasy. 101

Julian.

Am I not to believe in fortunate omens which
events have already borne out ?

[He draws them nearer to him, and says softly.

Know, my friends, that a great revolution is at
hand. Gallus Caesar and I shall ere long share
the dominion of the earth — he as Emperor, and I
as — what shall I call it } the unborn cannot be
called by a name, for it has none. So no more of
this till the time be fulfilled. But of Caesar I
dare speak. — Have you heard of the vision for
which Apollinaris, a citizen of Sidon, has been
imprisoned and put to the torture }

Basil.
No, no ; how can we know ?

Julian,
Apollinaris declared that he heard some one
knocking many times at his door by night. He
arose, and went out from his house ; and lo ! there
he saw an apparition — whether man or woman, he
could not tell. And the apparition spoke to him,
and bade him make ready a purple robe, such as
newly-chosen rulers wear. But when Apollinariis,
in affright, would have declined so dangerous a
task, the apparition vanished, and only a voice
cried ; "Go, go, Apollinaris, and speedily prepare
the purple robe.'*

Gregory.
Was this the sign that you said events had borne
out?

102 CAERATl's APOSTASY. [aCT III.

Julian.

[Nodding slowlif.'] Seven days later Caesar's
■wife died in Bithynia. Constantina has always
been his bad angel ; therefore she had to be re-
moved, in accordance with the change in the
divine will. Three weeks after Constantina's
death, the Emperor's emissary, the tribune Scu-
dilo, came with a great retinue to Antioch, greeted
Gallus Caesar with imperial honours, and invited
him, in the Emperor's name, to visit the imperial
camp at Rome. — Caesar's journey from province
to province is now like a conqueror's progress. In
Constantinople he has held races in the hippo-
drome, and the multitude loudly acclaimed him
when he, though as yet but Caesar by title,
stood forth after the manner of the earlier
Emperors, and gave the crown to Corax, the
winner in the race. Thus marvellously does God
again exalt our house, which had sunk under sin
and persecution.

Gregora'.

Strange ! In Athens other reports were
abroad.

Julian.

I have certain information. The purple robe
will soon be needed, Gregory ! How, then, can
I doubt as to the things which Maximus has fore-
told as near at hand for me .f* To-night the last
Veil falls. Here shall the great enigma be made
manifest. Oh, stay with me, my brothers — stay
with me through this night of anxiety and
expectation ! When Maximus comes you shall
witness

Barii^

Never !

ACT III.] Caesar's apostasy. 103

Gregory.
It cannot be ; we are on our way home to Cap-
padocia.

Julian.
And what has driven you in such haste from
Greece ?

Basil.
My mother is a widow, Julian !

Gregory.
My father is feeble, both in body and mind ; he
needs my support.

Julian.
Oh, at least remain at the hostelry ; only until

to-morrow 1

Gregory.
Impossible ; our travelling companions start at
daybreak.

Julian.
At daybreak ? Before midnight the day might
dawn for you.

Basil.
Julian, let me not set forth in too great sorrow
of soul. Tell me, — when Maximus has interpreted
all riddles for you, — what then ?

Julian.
Do you remember that river whereof Strabo
writes — that river which rises in the Lybian
mountains ? It grows, and grows in its course ;
but when it is at its greatest, it oozes into the
desert sands, and buries itself in the entrails of the
earth, whence it arose.

104 Caesar's apostasy. [act hi.

Basil.
Say not that you long for death, JuHan !

Julian.
What you slavishly hope for after death, 'tis
the aim of the great mystery to win for all the
initiated, here in our earthly life. *Tis regenera-
tion that Maximus and his disciples seek, — 'tis our
lost likeness to the godhead. Wherefore so full
of doubt, my brothers } Why do you stand there
as though before something insurmountable.'* I
know what I know. In each successive generation
there has been one soul wherein the pure Adam
has been born again ; he was strong in Moses the
lawgiver; in the Macedonian Alexander he had
power to subdue the world; he was well-nigh
perfect in Jesus of Nazareth. But see, Basil — [He
grasps Jiim by the ami] — all of them lacked what is
promised to m e — the pure woman I

Basil.
[Freeing himself. '\ Julian, Julian I

Gregory'.

Blasphemer — to this has your pride of heart
brought you !

Basil.
Oh, Gregory, he is sick and beside himself I

Julian,
\Miy all this scornful doubt } Is it my small
stature that witnesses against me .'* Ha, ha ; I
tell you this gross and fleshly generation shall pass
away. That which is to come shall be conceived
rather in the soul than in the body. In the first

ACT III.] Caesar's apostasy. 105

Adam, soul and body were equally balanced, as in
those statues of the god Apollo. Since then the
balance has been lost. Was not Moses tongue-
tied ? Had not his arms to be supported when he
held them up in imprecation, there by the Red Sea?
Did not the Macedonian need ever to be fired
by strong drinks and other artificial aids ? And
Jesus of Nazareth, too ? Was he not feeble in
body ? Did he not fall asleep in the ship, whilst
the others kept awake ? Did he not faint under
the cross, that cross which the Jew Simon carried
with ease ? Tiie two thieves did not faint. — ^You
call yourselves believers, and yet have so little
faith in miraculous revelation. Wait, wait — you
shall see ; the Bride shall surely be given me ; and
then — hand in hand wdll we go forth to the east,
where some say that Helios is born, — we will hide
ourselves in the solitudes, as the godhead hides
itself, seek out the grove on the banks of Euphrates,
find it, and there — oh glory of glories ! — thence
shall a new race, perfect in beauty and in balance,
go forth over the earth ; there, ye book-worship-
ping doubters, there shall the empire of the spirit
be founded !

Basil,
Oh, well may I wring my hands in sorrow for
your sake. Are you the same Julian who, three
years ago, came out of Constantinople ?

Julian.
Then I was blind, as you are now ; I knew only
the way that stops short at doctrine.

Gregory^
Know you where your present way ends ?

106 Caesar's apostasy. [act hi.

Julian,
Where the path and the goal are one. — For the
last time, Gregory, Basil — I implore you to stay
with me. The vision I had last night, — that and
many other things, point to a mysterious bond
between us. To you, my Basil, I had so much to
say. You are the head of your house ; and who
knows whether all the blessings that are promised
me — may not come through you and yours

Basil.
Never ! No one with my good will shall ever
be led away by your frenzies and your wild
dreams.

Julian.
Ah, why talk of will ? I see a hand writing on
the wall ; soon I shall interpret the writing.

Gregory.
Come, Basil.

Julian.
[JVilk outslretched anns.'^ Oh, my friends, my
friends !

Gregory.
Between us there is a gulf from this day for-
ward.

\He drags Basil with him ; both go out to
the right,

Julian.
\L.oohing after them.'] Ay, go ! Go, go ! — What
do you two learned men know } What bring you
from the city of wisdom } You, my strong,
masterful Gregory, — and you, Basil, more girl
than man — you know only two streets in Athens,

ACT III.] CAESAR*S APOSTASY. 107

the street to the schools, and the street to the
church; of the third street toward Eleusis and

further, you know naught ; and still less .

Ahi

The curtain on the right is dra?vn aside. Two ser-
vants in eastern costume hiing in a tali, veiled
object, which they place iii the corner, behind the
table. Sfiorilij after, Maximus the Mystic
enters by the same door. He is a lean man oj
middle height, with a bronzed, hawk-like face ;
his hair and beard are much gri::sled, but his
thick ei/ebrows and moustache still retain their
pitch-black colour. He wears a pointed cap and
a long black robe ; in his hand he can'ies a white
wand.

Maximus goes, without heediiig Julian, up to the
veiled object, stops, and makes a sign to tlte
servants ; they retire noiselessly.

Julian.
[Softly.] At last!

[Maximus draws the veil away, revealing a
bronze lamp on a high tripod ; then he
takes out a little silver pitclier, and pours
oil into the lamp-bowl. The lamp lights
of itself, and burns with a strong reddish
glare,

Julian.
[In eager expectancy.] Is the time come ?

Maximus.
[Without looking at him.] Art thou pure in soul
and body ?

108 Caesar's apostasy, [act hi.

Julian.
I have fasted and anointed myself.

Maxim us.
Then may the night's high festival begin I

[He gives a sign; dancing- girls and Jiute-
players appear in the outer court. Music
and dancing continue duiing what
follo?vs,

Julian.
Maxim us, — what is this ?

Maxim us,
Roses in the hair ! Sparkling wine I See, see
the lovely limbs at play !

Julian.
And amid this whirl of the senses you

would .'*

Maximus.
Sin lies only in thy sense of sinfulness.

Julian.
Roses in the hair ! Sparkling wine I [He casts
himself down on one of the couches beside the table,
drains a full goblet, puts it hastily from him, and
asks ;] Ah ! What was in the wine ?

Maximus.
A spark of that fire which Prometheus stole.

[He reclines at the opposite side of the
table.

Julian.
My senses exchange their functions; I hear
brightness and I see music.

ACT III.] Caesar's APOSTArsY. 109

Maximus.
Wine is the soul of the grape. The freed and
yet willing captive. Logos in Pan !

The Dancing-girls.
[Singing in the court ]

Would'st thou know liberty }
Drain Bacchus' blood ; —
Rock on the rhythm-sea,
Float with its flood I

Julian.
[Drinking.'l Yes, yes; there is freedom in
intoxication. Canst thou interpret this rapture ?

Maximus.
This intoxication is thy marriage with the
soul of nature.

Julian.

Sweet riddle ; tempting, alluring ! What

was that ? Why didst thou laugh }

Maximus.

Julian.
There is whispering on my left hand ! The silk

cushions rustle [Springing half rip wilh a pale

Jace.^ Maximus, we are not alone !

Maximus.
[Loudlj/.'\ We are five at table !

Julian.
Sj^mposium with the spirits !

110 Caesar's apostasy. [act hi.

Maximus.
With the shades.

Julian.
Name my guests I

Maximus.
Not now. Hark, hark !

Julian.
What is that ? There is a rushing, as of a storm,
through the house

Maximus.
l^Skrieks.^ Julian I Julian ! Julian !

Julian.
Speak, speak I What is befalling us ?

Maximus.
The hour of annunciation is upon thee I

Julian.
[Springing up and shrinking Jar back from tkt
lable.] Ah I

\The table lamps seem on the point of ex-
tinction ; over the great bronze lamp
rises a bluish circle of light,

Maximus.
[Casting himself wholly down?^ Thine eye toward
the light !

Julian.

Yonder }
Yes, yes !

Maximus.

ACT III.] caesar's apostasy. Ill

The Girls' Song.
\LorVffrom the court,"]
Night spreads her snares for thee.
All-seeing night ;
Laughing-eyed Luxury
Lures to delight.

Julian.
[Staring at the radiance.] Maximus ! Maximus !

Maximus.
[Sqftlif.] Seest thou aught ?

Julian,
Yes.

Maximus,
What seest thou ?

Julian, ^
I see a shining countenance in th« light.

Maximus.
Man, or woman }

Julian,
I know not.

Maximus,
Speak to it.

Julian.
Dare I >

Maximus,
Speak ! speak !

JULLAN^

[Advancing.] Why was I born f

112 Caesar's apostasy [act hi.

A Voice in the Light.
To serve the spirit.

Maximus.
Does it answer?

Julian.
Yes, yes.

Maximus.
Ask further.

Julian.
What is my mission }

The Voice.
To establish the empire.

Julian.
What empire ?

The Voice.
The empire.

Julian.
And by what way ?

The Voice.
By the way of freedom.

Julian.
Speak clearly ! What is the way of freedom }

The Voice.
The way of necessity.

.Julian.
And by what power f

ACT 111.] Caesar's apostasy. 113

The Voice.
By willing.

' Julian.
What shall I will ?

The Voice.
What thou must.

Julian.

It pales ; it vanishes .' [Coming closer.'\

Speak, speak ! What must I will ?

The Voice.
[Wailmg.'] Julian !

p'Ac circle of light passes arvay ; the table
lamps burn as before,

Maximus.
[^Looking up.l Gone ?

Julian.
Gone.

Maximus.
Dost thou now see clearly ?

Julian.
Now less than ever. I hang in the void over
the yawning deep — midway between light and
darkness. \^He lies down again.^ What is the
empire .''

Maximus.
There are three empires.

Julian.
Three?

114» Caesar's apostasy. [act hi.

Maximus.
First that empire which was founded on the
tree of knowledge ; then that which was founded
on the tree of the cross

Julian.
And the third ?

Majimus.
The third is the empire of the great mystery ;
that empire which shall be founded on the tree of
knowledge and the tree of the cross together, be-
cause it hates and loves them both, and because it
has its living sources under Adam's grove and
under Golgotha.

Julian.
And this empire shall come ?

Maximus.
It stands on the threshold. I have counted and

counted

Julian.
[Breaking off sharply.^ The whispering again!
Who are my guests ?

Maximus.
The three corner-stones under the wrath of
necessity.

Julian.
Who, who }

Maximus.
The three great helpers in denial,

Julian.
Name them '

ACT III.] Caesar's apostasy. 115

Maximus.
I cannot ; I know them not ; — but I could show

them to thee

Julian.
Then show me them I At once, Maximus !

Maximus.

Beware J

Julian.
At once ; at once ! I will see them ; I will speak
with them, one by one.

Maximus.
The guilt be on thy head.

[He waves his wand and calls.
Take shape and come to sight, thou first- elected
lamb of sacrifice !

Julian.
Ah!

Maximus.
[With veiled face,'\ What seest thou ?

Julian.
\Tn a low voice.'] There he lies; just by the
corner. — He is great as Hercules, and beautiful,

— yet no, not

\Hesitattngly,
Speak to me if thou canst I

A Voice,
What wouldst thou know ?

Julian.
What was thy task in life }

Il6 Caesar's apostasy. [act hi.

The Voice.
My sin.

Julian.
Why didst thou sin ?

The Voice.
Why was I not my brother ?

Julian.
Palter not with me. Why didst thou sin ?

The Voice.
Why was I myself.'*

Julian.
And what didst thou will, being thyself?

The Voice.
What I must.

Julian.
And wherefore must thou ?

The Voice.
I was myself.

Julian.
Thou art sparing of words.

Maximus.
[IVithoid looking «/>.] hi vino veriias,

Julian.
Thou hast hit it, Maximus ?

\He pours forth afull gohlet in front of the
empty seat.

ACT XII.] Caesar's apostasy. 117

Bathe thee in the fumes of wine, my pallid
guest .' Refresh thee. Feel, feel — it mounts aloft
like the smoke of sacrifice.

The Voice.
The smoke of sacrifice does not always mount.

Julian.
Why does that scar redden on thy brow ? Nay,
nay, — draw not the hair over itj What is it }_

The Voice.
The mark.

Julian.
H'm ; no more of that. And what fruit has thy
sin borne ?

The Voice.
The most glorious.

Julian.
What callest thou the most glorious ?

The Voice,
Life.

Julian. I

And the ground of life ?

The Voice.
Death.

Julian.
And of death ?

The Voice.
[Losing ilself as in a sigh.^ Ah, that is the
riddle !

118 CAi:SAR*S APOSTASY. [aCT JIJL.

Julian.
Gone !

Maximus.
[^Looking up."] Gone ?

Julian.
Yes.

I Maximus.
Didst thou know him }

Julian.
Yes.

Maximus.
Who was it }

Julian.
Cain.

Maximus.
By that way, then ! Ask no more I

Julian.
[With an impatient gesture.^ The second,
Maximus !

Maximus.
No, no, no ; I will not !

Julian.
The second, I say I Thou hast sworn that I
should fathom the meaning of certain things. The
second, Maximus . I will see him ; I will know
my guests !

Maximus.

Thou hast willed it, not I.

[He ivaves his wand.

ACT III.] Caesar's apostasy. 119

Arise and come to light, thou willing slave, thou
who didst help at the world's next great turning-
point.

Julian.

[Gazes for a mome7it into the empty space ; sud-
denly he makes a gesture of repulsioji towards the seat
at his side, and says in a low voice ;] No nearer !

Maximus.
[ Who has turned his back.'\ Dost thou see him ?

Julian.
Yes.

Maximus,
How dost thou see him ?

Julian.
I see him as a red-bearded man. His garments

are rent, and he has a rope round his neck

Speak to him, Maximus !

Maximus.
'Tis thou must speak.

Julian.
What wast thou in life ^

A VoicK.
[Close beside hi?n.] The twelfth wheel of the
world-chariot.

Julian.
The twelfth ? The fifth is reckoned useless.

The Voice.
But for me, whither had the chariot rolled ?

120 Caesar's apostasy. [act hi.

Julian.
Whither did it roll by means of thee ?

The Voice
Into the glory of glories.

Julian.
Why didst thou help ?

The Voice.
Because I willed.

Julian.
What didst thou will ?

The Voice.
What I must,

Julian.
Who chose thee ?

The Voice.
The master.

Julian.
Did the master foreknow when he chose thee ?

The Voice.

Ah, that is the riddle !

[A short silence.

Maximus,
Thou art silent.

Julian.
He is no longer here.

Maximus. i

[Looking wp.] Didst thou know him ?

ACT III.] Caesar's apostasy. 121

Julian.
Yes.

Maximus.
How was he called in life ?

Julian.
Judas Iscariot.

Maximus.
[Sprifiging up.'] The abyss blossoms; the night
betrays itself I

Julian.
[Shrieks to him."] Forth with the third !

Maximus.
He shall come .'

[He waves the wand.

Come forth, thou third corner-stone I Come

forth, thou third great freed- man under necessity !

\^He casts himself down again on the couchf

and turns his face away*

What seest thou ?

Julian.
I see nothing.

Maximus.
And yet he is here.

[/Je ivavcs the wand again.
By Solomon's seal, by the eye in the triangle—

I conjure thee — come to sight !

What seest thou now }

Julian.
Nothing, nothing [ . I

122 Caesar's apostasy. [act hi.

Maximus.

[Waving his wand once moreS\ Come forth,

thou !

[He stops suddenly, utters a shriek, and
springs up from the table.
Ah ! lightning in the night I I see it ; — all
art is in vain.

Julian.
[Rising. 1 Why ? Speak, speak !

Maximus.
The third is not yet among the shades,

Julian.
He lives ?

Maximus.
Yes, he lives.

Julian.
And here, sayest thou !

Maximus,
Here, or there, or among the unborn ; — I know

not

Julian.
[Rushing at him.'\ TIiou liest ! Thou art de-
ceiving me i Here, here thou saidst 1

Maximus.
Let go my cloak I

Julian.
Then it is thou, or 1 1 But which of us ?

Maximus.
Let go my cloak, Julian !

ACT 111.] Caesar's apostasy 123

Julian.
Which of us ? Which ? All hangs on that I

Maximus.
Thou knowest more than I. What said the
voice in the light ?

Julian.

The voice in the light !

[With a en/.] The empire I The empire? To
found the empire 1

Maximus.
The third empire !

Julian.
No ; a thousand times no J Away, corrupter !
I renounce thee and all thy works

Maximus.
And necessity }

Julian.
I defy necessity ! I will not serve it ! I am
free, free, free ! ^

[A noise outside j- the dancing-girls and
Jlide-players take to Jitght^

Maximus.

\^Lislening towards the right.^ What is this alarm
and shrieking ?

Julian.
Strange men are forcing their way into the
house

' See Ibsen's C^rrespindence^ Letter 115, to George firandes.

124 caksar's apostasy. [act hi.

Maximus.
They are maltreating your servants ; they will
murder us I

Julian.
Fear not ; us no one can hurt.

The Chamberlain Eutherius.
[Comes hastily across the court. ^ My lord, my
lord I

Julian.
What is that noise without ?

Eutherius.
Strange men have surrounded the house ; they
have set a watch at all the doors ; they are making
their way in — almost by force. Here they come,
my lord ! Here they are I

The Quaestor Leontes, rvilk a large and richly-
attired retiiiue, enters from the right,

Leontes.
Pardon, a thousand pardons, most gracious
lord ■

Julian.
\Recoiliiig a stej).^ What do I see !

Leontes.
Your servants would have hindered me from
entering ; and as my errand was of the utmost
moment

Julian.
You here, in Ephesus, my excellent Leontes !

ACT 111.] CAESARS APOSTASY 125

Leontes.
I have travelled night and day, as the Emperor's
envoy.

Julian.
[Turmng pale.] To me ? What would the Em-
peror with me ? I swear I am unwitting of any
crime. I am sick, Leontes ! This man — [Point-
ing to Maximus] — attends me as my physician.

Leontes.
Permit me, my gracious lord '

Julian.
Why do you force your way into my house ?
What is the Emperor's will ?

Leontes.
His will is to gladden you, my lord, by a great
and weighty announcement.

Julian.

I pray you, let me know what announcement
you bring.

Leontes.

[Kneels.] My most noble lord, — with praise to
your good fortune and my own, I hail you Caesar.

The Quaestor's Followers.
Long live Julian Caesar '

Maximus.
Caesar ! J

Julian.
[Relreating^ with an exclamation.] Caesar .' Stand
up, Leontes ! What mad words are these !

126 Caesar's apostasy. [act hi,

Leontes.
I do but deliver the Emperor's commands.

Julian.
I — I Caesar! — Ah, where is Gallus?

Leontes
Oh, do not ask me.

Julian.
Where is Gallus ? Tell me, I conjure you, —
where is Gallus ?

Leontes.
[Standing up."] Gallus Caesar is with his beloved
wife.

Julian.
Dead ?

Leontes.
In bliss, with his wife.

Julian.
Dead ! dead ! Gallus dead ! Dead in the midst
of his triumphal progress ! But when, — and
where }

Leontes.
Oh, my dear lord, spare me •

Gregory of Nazianzus.
[Struggling with the guards at the door. ^^ I must
go to hira I Aside, I say I — Julian !

Julian.
Gregory, brother, — after all, you come again }

ACT III.] oaesar's apostasy, 12?

Gregory.
Is it true, what rumour is scattering like a storm
of arrows over the city ?

Julian.
I am myself transfixed by one of its arrows*
Dare I believe in this blending of good hap and
of ill ?

Gregory.
For Christ's sake, bid the tempter avaunt I

Julian.
The Emperor's commands, Gregory I

Gregory.
You will trample on your brother's bloody

corpse

Julian.

Bloody >

Gregory.
Know you it not .'' Gallus Caesar was murdered.

Julian.
[Claspifig his hands.] Murdered ?

Leontes.
Ah, who is this audacious ?

Julian.
Murdered ? Murdered ? [To Leontes.] Tell
me he lies !

Leontes.
Gallus Caesar has fallen through his own
misdeeds.

128 Caesar's apostasy. [act iil

Julian.
Murdered I — Who murdered him?

Leontes.
What has occurred was inevitable, my noble lord!
Gallus Caesar madly misused his power here in the
East. He was no longer content with his rank as
Caesar. His conduct, both in Constantinople and
elsewhere on his progress, showed clearly what
was in his minci.

Julian.
'Tis not his crime I would know, but the rest.

Leontes.
Oh, let me spare a brother's ears,

Julian.
A brother's ears can bear what a son's ears have
borne. Who killed him ?

Leontes.
The tribune Scudilo, who escorted him, thought
it advisable to have him executed,

Julian.
Where ? Not in Rome ?

Leontes.
No, my lord ; it happened on the journey
thither, — in the city of Pola, in Illyria.

Julian.
[Bowmg himself.] The Emperor is great and
yighteous. — The last of the race, Gregory I — The
Emperor Constantius is great.

ACT III.] Caesar's apostasy. 129

Leontes.
[Taking a purple robe from one of his attendants.^
Noble Caesar, deign to array yourself

Julian.
Red ! Away with it ! Was it this he wore at
Pola ?

Leontes.
This comes fresh from Sidon.

Julian.
[With a look at Maximus.] From Sidon! The
purple robe I

Maximus.

ApoUinaris's vision !

Gregory.
Julian I Julian !

Leontes.
See^this is sent to you by your kinsman, the
Emperor. He bids me tell you that, childless as
he is, he looks to you to heal this the deepest
wound of his life. He wishes to see you in Rome.
Afterwards, it is his will that you should go, as
Caesar, to Gaul. The border tribes of the Ale-
manni have passed the Rhine, and made a dan-
gerous inroad into the empire. He builds securely
on the success of your campaign against the bar-
barians. Certain things have been revealed to
him in dreams, and his last word to me at my
departure was that he was assured you would
succeed in establishing the empire.

ISO Caesar's apostasy. l^ct hi.

Julian.
Establish the empire I The voice in the light,
Maximus !

Maximus.
Sign n gainst sign.

Leontes.
How, noble Caesar ?

Julian.
I also have been forewarned of certain things ;

but this

Gregory.
Say no, Julian ! '1 is the wings of destruction
they would fasten on your shoulders.

Leontes.
Who are you, that defy the Emperor ?

Gregory.
My name is Gregory ; I am the son of the Bishop
of Nazianzus ; — do with me what you will.

Julian.
He is my friend and brother ; let no one touch
him 1

[A great crowd has meanwhile Jilled the
outer court.

Basil of Caesarea,
\MaIdng his way through the crowd J\ Take not
the purple, Julian !

Julian.
You, too, my faithful Basil.

act iii.] caesar*s apostasy. 131

Basil
Take it not ! For the Lord God's sake

Julian.
What terrifies you so in this ?

Basil.
The horrors that will follow.

Julian.
Through me shall the empire be established.

Basil.
Christ's empire ?

Julian.
The Emperor's great and beautiful empire.

Basil.
Was that the empire which shone before your
eyes when, as a child, you preached the word beside
the Cappadocian martyrs' graves } Was that the
empire you set forth from Constantinople to es-
tablish on earth .'' Was that the empire ?

Julian.
Mists, mists ; — all that lies behind me like a
wild dream.

Basil.
'Twere better you yourself should be at the
bottom of the sea, with a mill-stone about your
neck, than that that dream should lie behind

you. See you not the work of the tempter ?

All the glory of the world is laid at your feet.

132 Caesar's apostasy. [act hi.

Maximus.
Sig^n against sign, Caesar !

Julian.

One word, Leontes !

[Seizing his hand and drawing Jiim aside.
Whither do you lead me ?

Leontes.
To Rome, my lord.

Julian.
That is not what I ask. Whither do you lead
me : to fortune and power, — or to the shambles ?

Leontes.
Oh, my lord, so odious a suspicion

Julian.
My brother's body can scarce have mouldered

yet.

Leontes.

I can silence all doubt. [Talcing out a paper. 1^
This letter from the Emperor, which I had thought
to hand you in private

Julian.
A letter } What does he write }

[He opens the paper and reads.
Ah, Helena ! Oh, Leontes I Helena, — Helena
to me I

Leontes.

The Emperor gives her to you, my lord i He
gives you his beloved sister, for whom Gallus
Caesar begged in vain.

ACT III.] Caesar's apostasy. 133

Julian.
Helena to me ! The unattainable attained ! —
But she, Leontes ?

Leontes.
At my departure he took the Princess by the
hand and led her to me. A flush of maiden blood
swept over her lovely cheeks, she cast down her
eyes, and said : " Greet my dear kinsman, and let
him know that he has ever been the man

whom '*

Julian.
Go on, Leontes !

Leontes.
These words were all she spoke, the modest and
pure woman.

Julian.
The pure woman! — How marvellously is all
fulfilled!

\He calls loudly.
Robe me in the purple !

Maximus.
You have chosen }

Julian.
Chosen, Maximus !

Maximus.
Chosen, in spite of sign against sign ?

Julian.
Here is no sign against sign. Maximus, Maxi-
mus, seer though you be, you have been blind.
Robe me in the purple !

[The Quaestor Leontes attires him in the
mantle.

1S4 Caesar's apostasy, [act hi.

Basiu
It is done !

Maximus.
[Murmurs to himself with upstretched hands!]
Light and victory be to him who wills !

Leontes.
And now to the Governor's palace ; the people
would fain greet Caesar.

Julian.
Caesar, in his exaltation, remains what he was,
• — the poor lover of wisdom, who owes all to the
Emperor's grace. — To the Governor's palace, my
friends !

Voices among the Quaestor's Retinue.
Room, room for Julian Caesar !

[All go out through the court, amid the ao
clamations of the crowd ; only Gregory
and Basil remain behind.

Basil.

Gregory } Whatever comes of this — let us hold
together.

Gregory.
Here is my hand.

ACT FOURTH

At Lutetia, in Gaul. A kail in Caesar's palace,
" The Warm Baths" outside the city. Entrance
door in the back ; to the right, another smaller
door ; in front, on the left, is a window with
curtains.

The Princess Helena, richly attired, rvith pearls
in her hair, sits in an arm-chair, and looks out of
the window. Her slave. Myrrh a, stands oppo-
site her, and holds the curtain aside.

The Princess Helena.
What a multitude I The whole city streams out
to meet them. — Hark ! Myrrha, — do you not hear
flutes and drums ?

Myrrha,
Yes, I think I can hear

Helena.
You lie ! The noise is too great ; you can hear
nothing. [Springing up.] Oh, this torturing un-
certainty I Not to know whether he comes as a
conqueror or as a fugitive.

Myrrha.
Fear not, my noble mistress ; Caesar has always
returned a conqueror.

136 Caesar's apostasy. [act iv.

Helena.
Ay,hitherto; after all his lesser encounters. But
this time, Myrrha ! This great, fearful battle. All
these conflicting rumours. If Caesar were vic-
torious, why should he have sent that letter to the
city magistrates, forbidding them to meet hira
with shows of honour outside the gates ?

Myrrha.
Oh, you know well, my lady, how little your
noble husband cares for such things.

Helena.
Yes, yes, that is true. And had he been defeated
— they must have known it in Rome — would
the Emperor have sent us this envoy who is to
arrive to-day, and whose courier has brought me
all these rich ornaments and gifts ? Ah, Euthe-
rius ! Well ? Well ?

The Chamberlain Eutherius.
[From the back.] My Princess, it is impossible
to obtain any trustworthy tidings

Helena.
Impossible .'' You are deceiving me t The sol-
diers themselves must surely know

Eutherius.
They are only barbarian auxiliaries who are
coming in — Batavians and others — and they know
nothing.

Helena.
[Wringing her hands.l Oh, have I deserved this

ACT IV.} caksar's apostasy. 1S7

torture ? Sweet, holy Christ, have I not called

upon Thee day and night

^Sht listens and screams out.
Ah, my Julian I 1 hear him ! — Julian ; my
beloved I

Julian Caesar.
[In dusty armour, enters hastily by the back.^
Helena !

EUTHERIUS.

My noble Caesar !

Julian.
[ Vehemently embracing the Princess. '[ Helena !—
Bar all the doors^ Eutherius !

Helena.
Defeated ! Pursued !

Eutherius.
My lord !

Julian.
Double guards at all the doors ; let no one pass!
Tell me: has any emissary arrived from the
Emperor }

Eutherius.
No, my lord ; but one is expected.

Julian.
Go, go I [To the Slave.'\ Away with you.

[Eutherius and Myrrha go out by the back.

Helena.
[Sinking into the arm-chair. 1 Then all is over
with us }

138 Caesar's apostasy. [act iv.

Julian.
[Drawing the curtains together.'] Who knows ? If
we are cautious^ the storm may yet

Helena.
After such a defeat ?

Julian.
Defeat ? What are you talking of, my beloved ?

Helena.
Have not the Alemanni defeated you ?

Julian.
If they had, you would not have seen me alive.

Helena.
[Springing up.] Then, Lord of Heaven, what
has happened }

Julian.
[Softly.] The worst, Helena; — a stupendous
victory.

Helena.
Victory, you say ! A stupendous victory .'* You
have conquered, and yet }

Julian.
You know not how I stand. You see only the
gilded outside of all a Caesar's misery.

Helena.
Julian I

ACT iv.J Caesar's apostasy. 1S9

Julian.
Can you blame me for having hidden it from
you ? Did not both duty and shame constrain
me ? Ah, what is this ? What a change !

Helena.
What ? What ?

Julian.
How these months have changed you ! Helena,
you have been ill ?

Helena.
No, no ; but tell me

Julian.
Yes, you have been ill ! You must be ill now ;
' — your fever-flushed temples, the blue rings round

your eyes

Helena.
Oh, 'tis nothing, my beloved ! Do not look at
me, Julian ! 'Tis only anxiety and wakeful nights
on your account ; ardent prayers to the Blessed
One on the cross

Julian,
Spare yourself, my treasure ; it is more than
doubtful whether such zeal is of any avaiL

Helena.
Fie ; you speak impiously. — But tell me of your
own affairs, Julian ! I implore you, liide nothing
from me.

Julian.
Nothing can now be hidden. Since the Em-
press's death, I have taken no single step here in

140 CAESAR*S APOSTASY. [aCT IV.

Gaul that has not been evilly interpreted at court.
If I went cautiously to work with the Alemanni,
I was called timorous or inert. They laughed at
the philosopher, ill at ease in his coat of mail. If
I gained an advantage over the barbarians, I was
told that I ought to have done more.

Helena.
But all your friends in the army

Julian.

Who, think you, are my friends in the army } I
have not one, my beloved Helena ! Yes, one single
man — the knight Sallust, of Perusia, to whom, dur-
ing our marriage feast at Milan, I had to refuse a
slight request He magnanimously came to me in
the camp, appealed to our old friendship in Athens,
and begged leave to stand at my side in all dangers.
But what does Sallust count for at the imperial
court.^ He is oneof those whom they call heathens.
He can be of no help to me. — And the others !
Arbetio, the tribune, who left me in the lurch when
I was blockaded by the Senones ! Old Severus,
burdened with the sense of his own impotence, yet
unable to reconcile himself to my new strategy !
Or think you I can depend on Florentius, the
captain of the Praetorians ? I tell you, that tur-
bulent man is filled with the most unbridled ambi-
tions.

Helena.

Ah, Julian !

Julian.

[Paci7ig up and down.'] If I could but come to the
bottomof their intrigues! Every week secretletters
pass between the camp and Rome. Everything I
do is set down and distorted. No slave in the

ACT IV.] Caesar's apostasy. 141

empire is so fettered as Caesar. Would you believe
it, Helena, even my cook has to abide by a bill of
fare sent to him by the Emperor ; I may not alter
it, either by adding or countermanding a single
dish!

Helena.
And all this you have borne in secrecy !

Julian,
All know it, except you. All mock at Caesar's
powerlessness. I will bear it no longer! 1 will
not bear it !

Helena.

But the great battle ? Tell me, — has

rumour exaggerated >

Julian.

Rumour could not exaggerate. — Hush j what
was that ? [Listening towards the door.'\ No, no ; I
only thought

1 may say that in these months I have done all
that mortal man could do. Step by step, and in
spite of all hindrances in my own camp, I drove
the barbarians back towards the eastern frontier.
Before Argentoratum, with the Rhine at his back.
King Knodomar gathered all his forces together.
He was joined by five kings and ten lesser princes.
But before he had collected the necessary boats
for his retreat in case of need, I led my army to
the attack.

Helena.
My hero, my Julian !

142 Caesar's apostasy. [act iv,

Julian.

Lupicinus, with the spearmen and the light-
armed troops, outflanked the enemy on the north;
the old legions, under Severus, drove the bar-
barians more and more to the eastward, towards
the river; our allies, the Batavians, under the
taithful Bainabaudes, stood gallantly by the
legions; and when Knodomar saw that his case
was desperate, he tried to make off southwards, in
order to reach the islands. But before he could
escape, I sent Florentius to intercept him with the
Praetorian guards and the cavalry. Helena, I
dare not say it aloud, but certain it is that
treachery or envy had nearly robbed me of the
fruits of victory. The Roman cavalry recoiled
time after time before the barbarians, who threw
themselves down on the ground and stabbed the
horses in the belly. Defeat stared us in the

face

Helena.

But the God of Battles was with you I

Julian.
I seized a standard, fired the Imperial Guards
by my shouts, made them a hasty address, which
was, perhaps, not quite unworthy of a more en-
lightened audience, and then, rewarded by the
soldiers' acclamations, I plunged headlong into
the thickest of the fight.

Helena.
Julian ! Oh, you do not love me !

Julian.
At that moment you were not in my thoughts.

ACT IV.] Caesar's apostasy. l-if?

I wished to die ; for I despaired of victory. But
it came, my love ! It seemed as though lightnings
of terror flashed from our lance-points. I saw
Knodomar, that redoutable warrior — ah, you have
seen him too — I saw him fleeing on foot from the
battlefield, and with him his brother Vestralp, and
the kings Hortar and Suomar, and ad who had
not fallen by our swords.

Helena,
Oh, I can see it ; I can see it ! Blessed Saviour,
'twas thou that didst again send forth the destroy-
ing angels of the Milvian Bridge !

Julian.

Never have I heard such shrieks of despair;
never seen such gaping wounds as those we
trampled on, as we waded through the slain. The
river did the rest ; the drowning men struggled
among themselves until they rolled over, and went
to the bottom. Most of the princes fell living
into our hands; Knodomar himself had sought
refuge in a bed of reeds ; one of his attendants
betrayed him, and our bowmen sent a shower of
arrows into his hiding-place, but without hitting
him. Then, of his own accord, he gave himself
up.

Helena.

And after such a victory do you not feel secure?

Julian.
[Hesitatingli^.'l On the very evening of the
victory an accident occurred, a trifle

Helena.
An accident ?

144 CAESAR*S APOSTASY. [aCT IV.

Julian.
I prefer to call it so. In Athens we used to
speculate much upon Nemesis. — My victory was
so overwhelming, Helena ; my position had, as it
were, got out of balance ; I do not know

Helena.
Oh, speak, speak ; you put me on the rack !

Julian.
It was a trifle, I tell you. I ordered the captive
Knodomar to be brought before me, in the pre-
sence of the army. Before the battle, he had
threatened that I should be flayed alive when I
fell into his hands. Now he came towards rae
with faltering steps, trembling in every limb.
Crushed by disaster, as the barbarians are apt to
be, he cast himself down before me, embraced my
knees, shed tears, and begged for his life.

Helena.
His mighty frame quivering with dread — I can
see the prostrate Knodomar. — Did you kill him,
my beloved ?

Julian.
I could not kill that man. I granted him his
life, and promised to send him as a prisoner to
Rome.

Helena.
Without torturing him ?

Julian.
Prudence bade me deal mercifully with him.
But then — I cannot tell how it happened — with a

ACT IV.] CAESAR'S APOSTASY. 145

cry of overflowing gladness, the barbarian sprang
up, stretched his pinioned hands into the air, and,
half ignorant as he is of our language, shouted
with a loud voice: '^ Praise be to thee, Julian,
thou mighty Emperor ! "

Helena.
Ah I

Julian.
My attendants were inclined to laugh ; but the
barbarian's shout flew like a lightning-flash through
the surrounding soldiery, kindling as it went.
"Long live the Emperor Julian," those who stood
nearest repeated ; and the cry spread around in
wider and ever wider circles to the furthest dis-
tance. 'Twas as though some Titan had hurled a
mighty rock far out into the ocean; — oh, my
beloved, forgive me the heathen similitude,
but

Helena.
Emperor Julian ! He said Emperor Julian !

Julian.
What did the rude Aleman know of Constantius,
whom he had never seen ? I, his conqueror, was
in his eyes the greatest

Helena.
Yes, yes ; but the soldiers ?

Julian.
I rebuked them sternly ; for I saw at a glance
how Florentius, Severus, and certain others stood
silently by, white with fear and wrath.

146 CAESAR*S APOSTASY. [aCT IV.

Helena.
Yes, yes, they — but not the soldiers.

Julian.
Before a single night had passed my secret foes
had distorted the affair. "Caesar has induced
Knodomar to proclaim him Emperor," the story
went, " and in requital he has granted the bar-
barian his life." And, thus inverted, the news
has travelled to Rome.

Helena.
Are you sure of that } And through whom ?

Julian.
Ah, through whom ? through whom f I myself
wrote at once to the Emperor and told him every-
thing, but

Helena.
Well — and how did he answer ?

Julian.
As usual. You know his ominous silence when
he means to strike a blow.

Helena.
I believe you misinterpret all this. It must be
so. You will see that hi envoy will soon assure
you of — ^

Julian.
I am assured, Helena ! Here, in my bosom, I
have some intercepted letters, which

Helena.
Oh, Lord my God, let me see !

ACT rv,

•]

CAESARS APOSTASY,

147

Julian.

By-and-by,

[He walks up and dorvn.

And all this after the services I have rendered
him ! I have put a stop to the inroads of the
Alemanni for years to come, whilst he himself has
suffered defeat after defeat on the Danube, and
the army in Asia seems to make no way against
the Persians. Shame and disaster on all sides,
except here, where he placed a reluctant philo-
sopher at the head of affairs. Yet none the less
am I the scorn of the court. Even after the last
great victory, they have lampooned me, and
called me Victorinus. This must come to an end.

Helena.
So I, too, think.

Julian.
On such terms, what is the title of Caesar
worth }

Helena.
No ; you are right, Julian ; things cannot go
on thus !

Julian.
[Stopping.^ Helena, could you follow me ?

Helena.
[Softly.'] Have no fear for me ; I will not fail
you.

Julian.
Then away from all this thankless toil ; away to
the solitude I have sighed for so long 1

148 Caesar's apostasy. [act iv.

Helena.
What do you say ? Solitude !

Julian.
With you, ray beloved ; and with my dear books,
that I have so seldom been able to open here, save
only on ray sleepless nights.

Helena.

[Looking kirn down from head to foot.] Ah, that
is what you mean !

Julian.
What else ?

Helena.
Ay, truly ; what else ?

Julian.
Yes, yes — I ask, what else ?

Helena.
[Coming nearer.] Julian — how did the barbarian
king hail you ?

Julian.
[Shrinking.] Helena !

Helena.
[Still nearer.] What was the name that echoed
through the ranks of the legions .''

Julian.
Rash woman ; there may be an eavesdropper at
every door !

ACT IV.] Caesar's apostasy. 149

Helena.
Why should you fear eavesdroppers .!* Is not
God's grace upon you ? Have you not been vic-
torious in every encounter } — I see the Saviour
calling upon you ; I see the angel with the flaming
sword, who cleared the way for my father when
he drove Maxentius into the Tiber !

Julian.
Shall I rebel against the ruler of the empire ?

Helena.
Only against those who stand between you. Oh,
go, go ; smite them with the lightning of your
wrath ; put an end to this harassing, joyless life !
Gaul is an outer wilderness. I am so cold here,
Julian ! I pine for home, for the sunshine of
Rome and Greece.

Julian.
For home and your brother >

Helena.
[Sqfili^.] Constantius is but a wreck.

Julian.

Helena

Helena.
I can bear it no longer, I tell you. Time is
flying. Eusebia is gone ; her empty seat invites
me to honour and greatness, while I am age-
ing

Julian.
You are not ageing ; you are young and fair I

150 caesah's apostasy. [act IV

Helena.
No, no, no ! Time speeds •, I cannot bear this
patiently ; life slips away from me !

Julian.
[Gazing at her."] How temptingly beautiful, how
divine you are I

Helena.
[Clinging to him,j Am I so indeed, Julian ?

Julian.
[Embracing her."] You are the only woman I
have loved, — the only one who has loved me.

Helena.
I am older than you. I will not age still more.
When all is over, then

Julian.
[Tearing himself a7vay!\ Hush ! I will hear no
more.

Helena.
[Following Am.] Constantius is dying by inches ;
he hangs by a hair over the grave. Oh, my
beloved Julian, you have the soldiers on your

side

Julian.
No more, no more I

Helena.
He can bear no agitation. What is there, then,
to recoil from } I mean nothing bloody. Fie, how
can you think so ? The terror will be enough ; it
will fold him in its embrace and gently end his
suil'eriugSi

ACT IV.] Caesar's apostasy. 151

Julian.
Do you forget the invisible bodyguard around
the Lord's anointed ?

Helena.
Christ is good. Oh, be pious, Julian, and He
will forgive much. I will help. Prayers shall go
up for you. Praised be the saints ! Praised be
the martyrs ! Trust me, we will atone for every-
thing later. Give me the Alemanni to convert ;
I will send out priests among them ; they shall
bow under the mercy of the cross.

Julian.
The Alemanni will not bow,

Helena.
Then they shall die ! Like sweet incense shall
their blood rise up to Him, the blessed One. We
will magnify His glory ; His praise shall be made
manifest in us. I myself will do my part. The
women of the Alemanni shall be my care. If they
will not bow, they shall be sacrificed ! And then,

my Julian — when next you see me ; young,

young once more ! Give me the women of the
Alemanni, my beloved ! Blood — 'twould be no
murder, and the remedy is a sovereign one — a bath
of young virgins' blood

Julian.
Helena, the thought is crime !

Helena.
Is it crime to commit crime for your sake ?

152 Caesar's apostasy. [act iv.

Julian.
You beautiful, you peerless one !

Helena.
[Bo?ving herself down over his hands.] My lord
before God and men ! — Draw not back this time,
Julian ! My hero, my Emperor ! I see heaven
open. Priests shall sing praises to Christ ; my
women shall assemble in prayer. [With upraised
arms.] Oh, thou blessed One ! Oh, thou God
of Hosts, — thou, in whose hand lie grace and
victory

Julian.
[ With a look towards the door, exclaims :] Helena I

Helena.
Ah!

The Chamberlain Eutherius.
\From the hack.] My lord, the Emperor's emis-
sary

Julian.
Is he come ?

Eutherius.
Yes, my lord !

Julian.
His name ? Who is he }

Eutherius.
The tribune Decentius.

Julian.
Indeed ? The pious Decentius I

ACT iv.l Caesar's apostasy. 153

Julian.
Has he talked with any one ?

EUTHERIUS.

With no one, my lord ; he has this moment
arrived.

Julian.

I will see him at once. And listen ; one thing
more. Summon the captains and officers to me
here.

EUTHERIUS.

It is well, most gracious lord.

[He goes out by the hack.
Julian.
Now, my Helena, now we shall see

Helena.
\Soflly.^ Whatever happens, forget not that
you can trust in the soldiers.

Julian.

Ah, trust, trust ; I am not sure that I can

trust in any one.

The Tribune Decentius enters from the hack.

Helena.
\^Ieeting Aim.] Welcome, noble Decentius ! A
Roman face, — and, above all, this face, — oh ! it
sheds genial sunlight over our inclement Gaul.

Decentius,
The Emperor meets your longing and your hope
half-way, noble Princess ! We may hope that
Gaul will not much longer hold you in its chains.

lS4i Caesar's apostasy. [act iv.

Helena.
Bay you so, messenger of gladness? So the
Emperor still thinks lovingly of me ? How is it
with his health ?

Julian.
Go, go, my beloved Helena I

Decentitis,
The Emperor's health is certainly no worse.

Helena.
No, surely not > I thought as much. All those

alarming rumours ; God be praised that they

were but rumours ! Thank him most lovingly,
good DecentiusI And let me thank you too.
What splendid gifts have heralded your coming !

Imperial no, let me say brotherly gifts indeed !

Two shining black Nubians, — you should see them,
my Julian ! — and pearls ! See, I am wearing them
already. And fruits, — sweet, luscious fruits ! Ah,
peaches from Damascus, peaches in chalices of
gold ! How they will refresh me ; — fruit, fruit ; I
am pining away here in Gaul.

Julian.
A feast shall end the day; but business first. Go,
my precious wife !

Helena.
I go to the church, — to pray for my brother and
for all good hopes.

[She goes out So the right,

Julian.
[After an instant's patise.] A message, or let-
ters?

ACT IV.] caesar's APOSTASV. 155

Decentius.
Letters.

[He hands him a roll of paper,

Julian.
[Reads, represses a smile, and holds out his hand.^
Morel

Decentius.
Noble Caesar, that is well-nigh all,

Julian.
Truly ? Has the Emperor sent his friend all

this long way only to ?

[He bursts into a short laugh, and then walks
up and down.
Had Knodomar, the King of the Alemanni,
arrived in Rome ere you left ?

Decentius.
Yes, noble Caesar \

Julian.
And how fares he in the strange land, ignorant
as he is of our tongue ! For he knows nought of
it, Decentius ! He was positively a laughing-
stock to my soldiers. Only think, he mixed up
two such common words as Emperor and Caesar.

Decentius.
[Shrugging his shoulders.^ A barbarian. What
can one expect ?

Julian.
No, what can one expect } But the Emperor
has received him graciously ?

156 Caesar's apostasy. [act iv.

Decentius.
Kiiodomar is dead, my lord I

Julian.
[Stopping suddenly.'] Knodomar dead !

Decentius.

Dead, in the foreigners' quarters, on the Coelian
hill.

Julian.
Dead } Indeed ! — Ah, the Roman air is un-
wholesome.

Decentius.
The King oftheAlemanni died of home-sickness,
my lord ! The longing for kindred and free-
dom

Julian.

wastes a man away, Decentius ; yes, yes, I

know that. — I should not have sent him living to
Rome. I should have had him killed here.

Decentius.
Caesar's heart is merciful.

Julian.
H*m ! Home-sickness } Indeed !

To the Master of the Horse, Sintula, wJio enters
hy the hack.

Are you there, old faun } Tempt me no more.
\To Decentius.] Since the battle at Argentora-
tum, he is for ever talking to me of the triumphal
chariot and the white horses. [To Sintula.]
'Twould be like Phaeton's career with the

I

ACT IV.] caesar's apostasy. 157

Lybian sun-horses. How did that end.'* Have
you forgotten — have you forgotten your heathen-
dom, I had almost said ? — Pardon me, Decentius,
for wounding your pious ear.

Decentius.
Caesar delights his servant's ear; he cannot
v«round it.

Julian.
Yes, yes ; bear with Caesar's jesting. In truth
I know not how else to take the matter. — Here
they are.

Severus afid Florentius, together with other cap-
tains and gentlemen of Caesar s couH, enter from
the hack.

Julian.
[Advancing to receive them.l^ Greeting to you,
brothers in arms and friends. Blame me not over-
much for summoning you hither, straight from
the dust and toil of the march ; truly, I should
not have grudged you some hours' rest ; but

Florentius.
Has aught of moment happened, my lord ?

Julian.
Aye, truly. Can you tell me — what was lack-
ing to complete Caesar's happiness .'*

Florentius.
What should be lacking to complete Caesar's
happiness }

158 Caesar's apostasy. [act j^

Julian.
Now, nothing. [7o Decentius.] The army
has demanded that I should enter the city in
triumph. They would have had me pass through
the gates of Lutetia at the head of the legions.
Captive barbarian princes, with pinioned hands,
were to march beside my chariot-wheels ; women
and slaves from twenty conquered peoples were
to follow, crowded closely together, head against

head [Breaking off" suddenly.^ Rejoice, my

valiant fellow soldiers ; here you see the Tribune
Decentius, the Emperor's trusted friend and
councillor. He has arrived this morning with
gifts and greetings from Rome.

Florentius.
Ah, then indeed naught can be lacking to com-
plete Caesar's happiness,

Severus.
[iSq/j!/^ /o Florentius.^ Incomprehensible! Then
he is in the Emperor's grace again !

Florentius.
ISoftly."] Oh, this unstable Emperor \

Julian.
You seem all to be struck dumb with astonish-
ment.— They think the Emperor has done too
much, good Decentius

Florentius.
How can Caesar think such a thought ?

.CT IV.] Caesar's apostasy, 159

Severus.
Too much, noble Caesar ? By no means. Who
doubts that the Emperor knows how to set due
bounds to his favour ?

Florkntius.
This is in truth a rare and remarkable distinc-
tion

Severus.
I should even call it beyond measure rare and
remarkable

Florentius.
And especially does it afford a striking proof
that our august Emperor's mind is free from all
jealousy

Severus.
An unexampled proof^ I venture to call it.

Florentiub.
But then, what has not Caesar achieved in these
few years in Gaul ?

Julian.
A year-long dream, dear friends I I have achieved
nothing. Nothing, nothing !

Florentius.

All this your modesty counts as nothing ? What
was the army when you took command ? A dis-
orderly rabble

Severus,
^without coherence, without discipline, with-
out direction

l60 Caesar's apostasy. [act iv.

J ulian.
You exaggerate, Severus !

Florentius.

And was it not with this undisciplined rabble
that you took the field against the Alemannt?
Did you not win battle after battle with these
levies, till your victories transformed them into an
invincible host? Did you not retake Colonia

Agrippina ?

Julian.

Come come, you see with the eye of friendship,
my Florentius ! — Or is it really so ? Is it a fact,
that I drove the barbarians out of the islands of
the Rhine ! That I placed the ruined Tres Taber-
nae in a posture of defence, making it a bulwark
of the empire ? Is it really so ?

Florentius.
What, my lord ! Can you be in doubt as to so
great deeds ?

Julian.

No, I cannot but think And the battle of

Argentoratum ? Was I not there ? I cannot but
fancy that I defeated Knodomar. And after the

victory ; Florentius, have I dreamt it, or did

I rebuild Trajan's fortress, when we marched into
German territory ?

Florentius.
Noble Caesar, is there any man so mad as to
deny you the honour of these exploits ?

Severus.
[To Decentius.] I praise the destiny that has
vouchsafed to my old age so victorious a leader.

ACT IV.] Caesar's apostasy. 161

Florentius.
[Also to the Tribune.^ I dare scarcely think
what turn this inroad of the Alemanni might
have taken, but for Caesar's courage and con-
duct.

Many Courtiers.
[Pressing forward.'] Yes, yes ; Caesar is great I

Others.
[Clapping their hands.] Caesar is peerless !

Julian.

[Looks for a time allemately at Decentius and
the others; thereupon breaks out into a loud, short
laugh.] So blind is friendship, Decentius ! So
blind, so blind !

[He turns to the rest, ami taps ike roll of
paper in his hand.

Here I read far other tidings ! Listen and
drink in the refreshing dew of knowledge. This
is the Emperor's despatch to all the proconsuls of
the empire ; — our excellent Decentius has brought
me a copy of it. Here we learn that I have ac-
complished nothing in Gaul. It was, as I told
you, a dream. Here we have the Emperor s own
words: it was under the Emperor's happy aus-
pices that the imminent danger to the empire
was averted.

Florentius.

All the affairs of the empire flourish under the
Emperor's auspices.

Julian.
More, more . It Is here set forth that it was
the Emperor who fought and conquered on the

162 Caesar's apostasy. [act iv.

Rhine ; it was the Emperor who raised up the
King of the Aleraanni, as he lay grovelling before
him. My name is not fortunate enough to find
any place in this document, — nor yours, Florentius,
nor yours, Severus ! And here, in the description
of the battle of Argentoratura — where was it?
Yes, here it stands I — it was the Emperor who
determined the order of battle ; it was the Em-
peror himself who, at peril of his life, fought
till his sword was blunted, in the forefront of the
battle : it was the Emperor who, by the terror of
his presence, put the barbarians to headlong
flight ; read^ read, 1 tell you I

Severus.
Noble Caesar, your word suffices.

Ji^lian.
What mean you, then, by your deludingspeeches,
my friends ? Would you, in your too great love
for me, make me a parasite, to be fed with the
leavings you have pilfered from my kinsman's
table ? — What think you, Decentius } What say
you to this } You see, in my own camp, I have to
keep an eye on adherents who, in their blind
leal, are sometimes in danger of straying over
the border-line of revolt.

Florentius.
\Hastily, to the Tribune.'] I assure you, my words
have been sadly misconstrued if— —

Severus.
\Also to the Trihune.] It could nerer enter my
jnind to ■

JLCT IV.] Caesar's apostasy. 16S

" Julian.

That is right, my brothers in arms ; let us all
agree to swallow our vainglory. I asked what was
lacking to complete Caesar's happiness. Now you
know it. *Twas the. recognition of the truth that
was lacking in Caesar's happiness. Your silver
helmet will never be dimmed with the dust of
the triumph, Florentius! The Emperor has already
triumphed for us, in Rome. He therefore declares
all festivities here to be superfluous. Go, Sintula,
and see that the intended procession is counter-
manded. The Emperor wishes to give his soldiers
a much-needed rest. 'Tis his will that they remain
in the camp outside the walls.

[The Master of the Horse, Sintula, goes
out hy the hack.

Julian.
Was I not once a philosopher ? They said so,
at least, both in Athens and Ephesus. So weak
is human nature in the hours of success ; I had
almost been false to philosophy. The Emperor
has brought me to my senses. Thank him most
humbly, Decentius. Have you more to say ?

Decentius.
One thing more. From all the Emperor hag
learnt, and especially from the letter you wrote
him from Argentoratum, it appears that the great
work of pacification in Gaul is happily accom-
plished.

Julian.
Most certahilyj the Emperor, partly by his
valour, partly by his magnanimous clemency—

l64 Caesar's apostasy. [act iv.

Decentius

The Rhine frontier of the empire has been
placed in security,

Julian.*
By the Emperor, by the Emperor.

Decentius,
In the Danubian provinces, on the contrary,
affairs are going ill ; and still worse in Asia — King
Sapor makes constant progress.

Julian.
What audacity ! Rumour has it that not even
in this summer's campaign has the Emperor been
pleased to let his generals crush him.

Decentius.
The Emperor intends to do so himself in the
spring. [Producing a roll of paperj;.!^ Here he
makes known his will, noble Caci^ir.

Julian.
Let us see, let us see I [Evading.] Ah !

IHe reads again for a long time, with signs
of deep inward emalion; then he looks up
and saijs :

Then, 'tis the Emperor's will that ? Good,

good, noble Decentius ; the Emperor's vnlX shall
be done.

Decentius.
It must be done, this very day,

Julian.
This very day ; of course. Come hither, Sintula!

ACT IV.] Caesar's apostasy, 1^5

Where is he? — Ah, I remember! — Call Sintula
back !

[A courtier goes out hy ike hack ; Julian

retires to the window, and reads the papers

through once more,

Florentius.
[In a low voice, to the Tribune.'] I implore you not
to misinterpret what I said. When I gave Caesar
the credit, of course I did not mean to

Severus.
[In a low voice.] It could never occur to me to
doubt that it was the Emperor's supreme and wise
direction that

A CotJRTIER.

[On the other side of the Tribune."] I beg you, noble
sir, — put in a word for me at court, and release me
from this painful position in the household of a

Caesar who ; well, he is the Emperor's exalted

kinsman, but

Another Courtier.
I could tell you, alas ! of things that indicate
not only boundless vanity, but overweening
ambition——

Julian.
This very day ! Let me say one word, Decen-
tius ! It has long been my dearest wish to lay
down this burden of responsibility,

Decentius.
It shall be conveyed to the Emperor.

l66 Caesar's apostasy. [act iv.

Julian.

I call heaven to witness that I never ; Ah,

here is Sin tula ; now we can [To the Tribune.]

You are going ?

Decentius.
I have affairs to transact with the generals,
noble Caesar 1

Julian.
Without my intervention ?

Decentius.
The Emperor commands me to spare his
beloved kinsman.

[He goes out hy the hack, followed hy the
others, except Sintula, rvho reinains
standing at the door,

Julian.
[Looking at him awhile.] Sintula I

Sintula.
Yes, noble master !

Julian.
Come nearer — ^Yes, by my faith, you look honest.
Pardon me; I never thought you could be so
attached to me.

Sintula.
How know you that I am attached to you, my
lord?

Julian.
[PoiTiting to the roll of paper.] I can read it
here, in this ; it is written that you are to desert
me.

ACT IV.] CAESAR*S APOSTASY, l67

SiNTULA.

I, my lord ?

Julian.
The Emperor disbands the army of Gaul,Siiitula !

SiNTULA.

Disbands ?

Julian.

Yes, what is it but a disbanding ? The Emperor
needs reinforcements, both on the Danube, and
against the Persians. Our Batavian and Herulian
auxiliaries are to depart with all speed, in order
to reach Asia in the spring.

E SiNTULA.

But the thing is impossible, my lord. You have
solemnly sworn to these very allies that they shall
in no case be called upon to serve beyond the
Alps.

Julian.

Just so, Sintula ! The Emperor writes that I
gave that promise over hastily, and without his
consent. This is quite a new light to me ; but
here it stands. I am to be forced to break my
word, dishonour myself in the eyes of the army,
turn against me the unbridled rage of the bar-
barians, perhaps their murderous weapons,

SiNTULA.

They cannot hurt you, my lord ! The Roman
legions will make their breasts your shield.

Julian.
The Roman legions. H'm ; — my simple-minded
friend I From every Roman Region three hundred

l68 Caesar's apostasy. [act iv.

men are to be drafted off, and are likewise to join
the Emperor by the shortest route.

SiNTULA,

Ah I This is ?

Julian.
Well planned, is it not ? Every branch of the
army is to be set against me, that I may the more
easily be disarmed.

SiNTULA.

And I tell you, my lord, that not one of your
generals will lend himself to such a design.

Julian.
My generals are not to be led into temptation.
You are the man.

SiNTULA,

I, my Caesar .' *

Julian.

Here it is written. The Emperor commissions
you to take all necessary measures, and then to
lead the chosen detachments to Rome.

SiNTULA.

This task assigned to me ? With men here like
Plorentius and old Severus

Julian.
You have no victories to your discredit, Sintula :

SiNTULA.

No, that is true. I have never been allowed an
opportunity of showing

4CT IV.] caesar's apostasy^ 160

Julian.
I have been unjust to you. Thanks for your
fidelity.

SiNTULA.

So great an imperial honour I My lord, may I
see

Julian.
What would you see ? You surely would not
lend yourself to such a design.

SiNTULA. '

God forbid that I should disobey the Emperor !

Julian.
Sintula, — would you disarm your Caesar?

SiNTULA.

Caesar has ever undervalued me. Caesar has
never forgiven me the fact of his having to endure
about his person a Master of the Horse chosen by
the Emperor.

Julian.
The Emperor is great and wise; he chooses
well.

SiNTULA,

My lord, — I long to set about my duty ; may I
beg to see the Emperor's commission ?

JUUAN.

[Handing kirn one of the papers.] Here is the
Emperor's commission. Go, and do your duty.

170 Caesar's apostasy, [act iv.

Myrrh A*
[Entering hastily from the right. "[ Oh merciful
Redeemer !

Julian.
Myrrha ! What is the matter ?

Myrrha.
Oh kind heaven, my mistress——

Julian.
Your mistress, — ^what of her ?

Myrrha.
Sickness or frenzy ; help, help !

Julian,
Helena sick ! The physician ! Oribases must
come. Sin tula J Summon him !

[SiNTULA goes out hy the hack. Julian is
hastening out to the light, when at the door
he meets the Princess Helena, sur-
rounded hy female slaves. Her counte-
nance is wild and distorted, her hair and
clothes are in disorder.

Helena,
Loosen the comb ! Loosen the comb, I say !
It is red hot. My hair is on fire ; I burn, I bum !

Julian.
Helena ! For God's pity's sake !

Helena,
Will no one help me ? They are killing me
with needle-pricks I

ACT IV.] Caesar's apostasy.- 171

Julian.
My Helena ! What has befallen you ?

Helena.
Myrrha, Myrrha I Save me from the women,
Myrrha !

The Physician Oribases.
[Entering from ike back,] What horror do I
hear ? Is it true ? Ah I

Julian.
Helena I My love, light of my life 1

Helena.
Away from me ! Oh sweet Jesus, help !

[She half swoons among the slave-girls.

Julian.
She is raving. What can it be, Oribases ? — See
—see her eyes, how large !

Oribases.
[To Myrrha.] What has the Princess taken?
What has she been eating or drinking ?

Julian.
Ah, you think ?

Oribases.
Answer, women; what have you given the
Princess

Myrrha.
We ? Oh nothing, I swear ; she herself

172 Caesar's apostasy. [act iy^

o rib asks.
Well? Well?

Myrrha,
Some fruits ; they were peaches, I think ; — oh,
I know not

Julian.
Fruits I Peaches ? Some of those which ?

Myrrha.
Yes — no — ^yes ; I do not know, my lord ; it was
two Nubians

Julian,
Help, help, Oribases I

Oribases.

Alas, I fear

Julian,
No, no, no !

Oribases.
Hush, gracious lord ; she is coming to herself.

Helena.
[Whispering.'] Why did the sun go down ? Oh
holy mysterious darkness !

Julian.
Helena I Listen ; collect your thoughts—

Oribases.
My noble Princess

Julian,
It is the physician, Helena! [He takes her
hand.l No, here, where I stand*

ACT IV.] Caesar's apostasy, 173

Helena.
[Tearing her hand away.'] Faugh ! there he was
again !

Julian.
She does not see me. Here, here^ Helena !

Helena.
The loathsome creature ; — he is always about
me.

Julian.
What does she mean ?

OrI BASES.

Stand apart, gracious lord *

Helena.

Sweet stillness ! He does not dream ; oh

my Gallus I

Julian.
Gallus !

OniDASES.

Go, noble Caesar; it is not meet J

Helena,
How boldly your close-curling hair curves over
your neck ! Oh that short, thick neck

Julian.
Abyss of all abysses !

Orifases.
The delirium is increasing •

174 Caesar's apostasy, [act it,

Julian.
I see, I see. We must take note, Oribases !

Helena.
[Laughing sqflli/.l Now he would be taking notes
again. — Ink on his fingers ; book-dust in his hair
— unwashed ; faugh, faugh, how he stinks.

Myrrha,
My lord, shall I not ?

Julian.
Away with you, woman !

Helena.
How could you let yourself be conquered by
him, you great-limbed, bronzed barbarian ? He
cannot conquer women. How I loathe this im-
potent virtue.

Julian.
Stand apart, all of you ! Not so near, Oribases !
I myself will watch the Princess.

Helena.
Art thou wroth with me, thou glorious one ?
Gallus is dead. Beheaded. What a blow that
must have been ! Be not jealous, oh my first and
last } Bum Gallus in hell fire ; — it was none but
thou, thou, thou I

Julian.
No nearer, Oribases !

Helxna.

Kill the priest^ too I I will not lee him after

ACT IV.] Caesar's apostasy. 175

this. Thou knowest our sweet secret. Oh thou,
my days' desire, my nights' delight ! It was thou
thyself — in the foira of thy servant — in the
oratory ; yes, yes, thou wast there ; it was thou —
in the darkness, in the heavy air, in the shrouding
incense-clouds, that night, when the Caesar grow-
ing beneath my heart

Julian.
[^Recoiling with a cry.^ Ah !

Helena.
\With outstretched arms.] My lover and my lord!

Mine, mine 1

[She falls swooning on the floor ; the slave-
girls hasten fonvard and crotvd round
her.

Jdll^n.
[StaTids for a tnomeJit immovable; then shakes his
clenched fist in the air, and cries :] Galilean !

\The slave-girls carry the Princess out on the
right; at the same mojnent the Knight
Sallust comes hastily in by the door in the
back.

Sallust.
The Princess in a swoon ! Oh, then it is true !

Julian,
[Grasps the Physician by the arm, and leads him
aside."] Tell me the truth. Did you know before

to-day that ; you understand me ; have you

known aught of the Princess's condition ?

OrIbases,
% like every one else, my lord .

176 Caesar's apostasy. [act iv.

Julian.
And you said naught to me, Oribases !

Oribases
Of what, my Caesar ?

Julian*
How dared you conceal it from me ?

Oribases.
My lord, there was one thing we none of us
knew,

Julian.
And that was ?

Oribases.
That Caesar knew nothing. [He is going.'^

Julian.
Where are you going ?

Oribasesj
To try the remedies my art prescribes .

Julian.
I believe your art will prove j^owerless,

Oribases.
My lord, it is yet possible that

Julian,
Powerless, I tell you !

Oribases.
[Retiri?ig a step.] Noble Caesar, It is my duty to
disobey you in this.

ACT IV.] Caesar's apostasy. 177

Julian.
What think you I mean ? Go, go ; try what

your art ; save the Emperor's sister; the

Emperor will be inconsolable if his thoughtful
affection should bring any disaster in its train. Of
course you know that those fruits were a gift from
the Emperor ?

Oribases.
Ah!

Julian.
Go, go, man, — try what your art

Oribases.
[Bowing revererdly.'] I believe my art will prove
powerless^ my lord 1

[He goes out to the right.

Julian.
Ah, is it you, Sallust ? What think you ? The
waves of fate are once more beginning to sweep
over my race.

Sallust.
Oh, but rescue is at hand. Oribases will

Julian.
[Shortly and decisively .'\ The Princess will die.

Sallust.
Oh, if I dared speak \ If I dared trace out the
secret threads in this web of destruction I

Julian.
Be of good cheer, friend ; all the threads shall
be brought to light, and then

178 Caesar's apostasy, [act iv.

Decentius.
[Entering from ike back.] How shall I look
Caesar in the face ! How inscrutable are the ways

of God! Crushed to earth ; oh that you

could but read my heart ! That I should be the
harbinger of sorrow and disaster 1

J ULIAN.

Yes, that you may say twice over, noble Decen-
tius! And how shall I find soft and specious
enough terms to bring this in any endurable guise
to the ears of her imperial brother !

Decentius,
Alas that such a thing should happen so close
upon the coming of my mission ! And just at this
moment ! Oh, what a thunderbolt from a cloud-
less sky of hope !

Julian.
Oh, this towering and devouring tempest, just
as the ship seemed running into the long-desired

haven! Oh, this — this ! Sorrow makes us

eloquent, Decentius, — you as well as me. But
first to business. The two Nubians must be seized
and examined,

Decentius,
The Nubians, my lord ? Could you dream that
my indignant zeal would for another instant suffer
the two negligent servants to ?

Julian.
What 1 Surely you have not already ?

ACT IV.] Caesar's apostasy. 179

Decentius.
Call me hasty, if you will, noble Caesar , But my
love to the Emperor and to his sorrow-stricken
house would in truth be less than it is if, in such
an hgur^ I werQ capable of calm reflection,

Julian.
Have you killed both the slaves ?

Decentius.
Had not their negligence deserved a sevenfold
death ? They were two heathen savages, my lord I
Their testimony would have been worthless ; it was
impossible to wring anything out of them, save that,
they had left their precious charge standing for
some time unwatched in the antechamber, acces-
sible to every one

Julian.
Aha ! Had they indeed, Decentius ?

Decentius.
I accuse no one. But oh, beloved Caesar, I bid
you beware ; for you are surrounded by faithless
servants. Your court — by an unhappy misunder-
standing ! — fancies that some sort of disfavour — or
what should I call it ? — is implied in the measures
which the Emperor has found it necessary to adopt;
in short

SiNTULA.

[Entering from the back,^ My lord, you have
imposed on me a charge I can in no way fulfil.

Julian.
The Emperor imposed it, good Sintula i

IBO Caesar's apostasy. [act it.

SiNTULA.

Relieve me of it, my lord ; it is utterly beyond
me.

Decentius.

What has happened ?

SiNTULA.

The camp is in wild revolt. The legions and
the allies are banding together

Decentius,
Rebelling against the Emperor's will :

SiNTULA.

The soldiers are shouting that they appeal to
Caesar's promises.

Julian.
Hark ! hark ! that roar outside !

SiNTULA.

The rioters are rushing hither

Decentius.
Let no one enter !

Sallust.
[At the Tvindotv.'] Too late ; the whole courtyard
is filled with angry soldiers.

Decentius.
Caesar's precious life is in danger I Where is
Florentius ?

Sintula.
Fled.

I

ACT IV.] Caesar's apostasy Idl

Decentius.
The blustering coward I And Sev^rus ?

SiNTULA.

Severus feigns sickness ; he has driven out to
his faitn.

Julian.
I myself will speak to the madmen,

Decentius.
Not a step, noble Caesar !

Julian.
What now ?

Decentius,
'Tis my duty, gracious lord; the Emperor's
command — ; his beloved kinsman's life — j Caesar
is my prisoner.

Sallust,
Ah J

Julian.

So it has come at last >

Decentius,
The household guard, Sintula ! You must con-
duct Caesar in safety to Rome.

Julian.
To Rome I

Sintula,
What say you, my lord ?

Decentius.
To Rome, I say !

182 Caesar's apostasy. [act iv.

Julian.
Like Gallus I [He shouts through the wiTidorv.^
Help, help !

Sallust.
Fly, my Caesar ! Fly, fly !

Wild cries are heard without. Soldiers of the Roman
legions, Batavian auxiliaries, and other allies,
climb in through the window. At the same time,
others swarm in hy the door at the hack. Amongst
the foremost is the Standard -Bearer Maurus;
women, some with children in their arms^ follow
the intruders.

Cries among thi Soldiers.
Caesar, Caesar

Other Voices.
Caesar, why have you betrayed us ?

Again Others.
Down with the faithless Caesar.

Julian,
\Casts himself with oidstretched arms into the midst
of the soldiers, crying ;] Fellow-soldiers, brothers
in arms, — save me from my enemies !

Decentius.
Ah, what is this ?

Wild Cries.
Down with Caesar 1 Strike him down !

Julian.
Close round me in a circle ; duaw your swords !

ACT lY.] Caesar's apostasy. 188

\

Maurus.

They are drawn already !

Women.
Strike him, cut him down !

Julian.
I thank you for coming! Maurus 1 Honest
Maurus I Yes, yes ; you I can trust.

A Batavian Soldier.
How dare you send us to the ends of the earth ?
Was that what you swore to us ?

Other Allies.
Not over the Alps ! We are not bound to go !

Julian,
Not to Rome ! I will not go ; they would
murder me, as they murdered my brother Gallus 1

Maurus.
What say you, my lord ?

Decentius,
Do not believe him !

Julian.
Lay no finger on the noble Decentius ; the
fault is not his.

Laipso.
[A Subaltern. 1 That is true; the fault is
Caesar's.

184» CAESAR*S APOSTASY. [aCT IV.

Julian.
Ah, is that you, Laipso ! My gallant friend,
is that you ? You fought well at Argentora-
tum.

Laipso«
Caesar has not forgotten that ?

Varro.
[A Subaltern^ But he forgets his promises ?

Julian.
Was not that the voice of the undaunted Varro ?
Ah, there he is ! Your wound is healed, I see.
Oh, well-deserving soldier, — ^why would they not
let me make you captain ?

Varro.
Was it indeed your wish ?

Julian.
Blame not the Emperor for refusing my re-
quest. The Emperor knows none of you as I
know you.

Decentius.
Soldiers, hear me 1

Many Voices.
We have nothing to do with the Emperor )

Others.
[Pressing forward menacingly !\ It is Caesar we
call to account I

I

ACT IV.] Caesar's apostasy. 185

Julian.
What power has your hapless Caesar, my friends?
They would take me to Rome. They deny even
the control of my private affairs. They seize
upon my share of the spoils of war. I thought to
give every soldier five gold pieces and a pound of
silver, but

The Soldiers.
What does he say ?

Julian.
'Tis not the Emperor who forbids it, but bad
and envious councillors. The Emperor is good,
my dear friends I But oh, the Emperor is sick ;
he can do nothing

Many Soldiers.
Five gold pieces and a pound of silver I

Other Soldiers.
And that they deny us I

Others Again.
Who dares deny Caesar anything ?

Maurus.
Is it thus they treat Caesar, the soldiers'
father ?

Laipso.
Caesar, who has been rather our friend than our
master ? Is it not true ?

Many Voices.
Yes, yes, it is !

186 CAESARS APOSTASY. [aCT IV,

Varro.
Should not Caesar, the victorious general, be
suffered to choose his captains as he pleases ?

Maurus

Should he not have free control over the spoils
that fall to his share ?

Loud Shoxtts.
Yes, yes, yes !

Julian.
Alas, what vrould it profit you ? What need
you care for worldly goods, you, who are to be led
forth to the most distant lands, to meet a doubtful

fate ?

Soldiers.
We will not go !

Julian.
Look not at me ; I am ashamed ; I can scarce
help weeping when I think that, within a few
months, you will be a prey to pestilence, famine,
and the weapons of a bloodthirsty foe.

Many Soldiers,
[Pressing rownd him,'] Caesar I Kind Caesar I

Julian.
And your defenceless wives and children, whom
you must leave behind in your scattered homes !
Who shall protect them in their pitiable plight,
soon to be widowed and fatherless, and exposed
to the vengeful onslaughts of the Alemanni ?

The Women.
[Weeping.] Caesar, Caesar, protect us !

I

ACT IV.] Caesar's apostasy. 187

Julian.
[ Weeping likewise. ] What is Ca esar ? What can
the fallen Caesar do ?

Laipso.
Write to the Emperor, and let him know

Julian.
Ah, what is the Emperor ? The Emperor is
sick in mind and body; he is broken down by
his care for the empire's weal. Is it not so,
Decentius ?

Decentius,
Yes, doubtless ; but

Julian.

How it cut me to the heart when I heard

[Pressing the hands of those around him.

Pray for his soul, you who worship the good

Christ I Offer sacrifices for his recovery, you who

have remained faithful to the gods of your fathers !

Know you that the Emperor has held a

triumphal entry into Rome ?

Maurus.
The Emperor !

Varro.
What ? As he returned, beaten, from the
Danube ?

Julian.
As he returned from the Danube, he held a
triumph for our victories

Decentius.
[Threateningly!] Noble Caesar, reflect !

188 Caesar's apostasy. [act iv.

Julian.
Yes, the Tribune says well; reflect how our
Emperor's mind must be clouded, when he can do
such things ! Oh, my sorely afflicted kinsman !
When he rode into Rome through the mighty arch
of Constantine, he fancied himself so tall that he
bent his back and bowed his head down to his
saddle-bow.

Maurus.
tike a cock in a doorway.

[Laughter among the soldiers.

Some Voices,
Is that an Emperor ?

Varro,
Shall we obey him .^

Laipso,
Away with him I

Maurus.
Caesar do you take take the helm I

Hecentius.
Rebellion I

Many Voices,
Seize the throne ; seize the throne, Caesar i

Julian.
Madmen ! Is this language for Romans ? Would
you imitate the barbarous Alemanni ? What was
it Knodomar cried at Argentoratum } Answer me,
good Maurus, — what did he cry out ?

ACT ly.j Caesar's apostasy. 189

Maurus,
He cried, " Long live the Emperor Julian I "

Julian.
Ah, hush, hush ! What are you saying ?

Maurus.
Long live the Emperor Julian I

Those Behind.
What is afoot?

Varro,
They are proclaiming Julian Emperor I

Loud Cries.
Long live the Emperor : Long live the Em-
peror Julian !

^Tke ay spreads in wider and wider circles
without ; all talk together ; Julian cannot
make himself heard for some time.

Julian.

Oh, I entreat you ! Soldiers, friends,

brothers in arms, — see, I stretch out my trembling

arms to you 1 Be not alarmed, my Decentius I

— Oh that I should live to see this ! I do not
blame you, my faithful friends ; it is despair that
has driven you to this. You will have it ? Good ;
I submit to the will of the army. — Sintula, call the
generals together. — You, Tribune, can bear witness
to Constantius that 'twas only on compulsion that

I [He turns to Varro.] Go, captain, and

make known throughout the camp this unlooked-
for turn of eveats. I will write without delay to
Rome-

190 Caesar's apostasy, [act iv.

Sallust.
My lord, the soldiers clamour to see you.

Maurus.
A circlet of gold on your head. Emperor I

Julian,
I have never possessed such a gaud.

Maurus.
This will serve.

[He takes off his gold chain, and winds it
several times round Caesar's brow.

Shouts outside.
The Emperor, the Emperor ! We will see the
Emperor !

Soldiers.
On the shield with him ! Up, up !

[TAe bystanders raise Julian aloft on a
shield, and show him to the multitude,
amid long-continued acclamations,

Julian^
The will of the army be done I I bow before
the inevitable, and renew all my promises-—

Legionaries.
Five gold pieces and a pound of silver I

Batavians,
Not over the Alps I

I

ACT IV.] Caesar's apostasy. 191

Julian,
We will occupy Vienna. 'Tis the strongest city
in Gaul, and well supplied with provisions of every
sort. There I intend to wait until we see whether
my afflicted kinsman sanctions what we have here
determined, for the empire's weal

Sallust.
That he will never do, my lord !

Julian.
[With upsiretched hands.'\ Divine wisdom en-
lighten his darkened soul, and guide him for the
best ! Be thou with me. Fortune, who hast never
yet deserted me !

Myrrh a and the Women.
[Lamenting outside on the right.'l Dead, dead,
dead \

ACT FIFTH.

At Vienna [in Gaul], A vaulted spac6 in ike cata-
combs. To the left a winding passage running
upwards. In the background, ajlight of steps is
hewn in the rock, leading up to a closed door. In
front, to the right, a number of steps lead down
to the lower passages. The space is feebly
lighted by a hanging-lamp»

Julian Caesar, unshaoen, and in dirty clothes, stands
bending over the opening to the right. A subdued
sound of psalm-singing comes through the door
from the church beyond it, built on to the catacomb,

Julian.
[Speaking downwards.] Still no sign ?

A VoicB,
[Far below.] None.

Julian.
Neither yes nor no ? Neither for nor against ?

The Voice.
Both.

Julian.
That is thc_same as nothing.

ACT v.] Caesar's apostasy, 193

The Voice.
Wait, wait.

Julian.
I have waited five days ; you asked for only

three. I tell you 1 have no mind to [He

listens towards the entrance, and calls down.^ Do not
speak !

Sallust.
[Entering hy the passage on the left.'\ My lord,
my lord !

Julian.
Is it you, Sallust ? What would you down
here }

Sallust,
This thick darkness ; ah ! now I see you-

JULIAN,

What do you want ?

Sallust.
To serve you, if I can, — to lead you out to the
living again.

Julian.
What news from the world above ?

Sallust.
The soldiers are restless ; there are signs on all
hands that their patience will soon be exhausted,

Julian.
Is the sun shining up there ?

Sallust.
Yes, my lord

iy4 Caesar's apostasy. [act v.

Julian.
The vault of heaven is like a sea of glittering
light. Perhaps it is high noon. It is warm ; the
air quivers along the walls of the houses ; the
river, half-shrunken in its bed, ripples over the
white flints. — Beautiful life ! Beautiful ei»rth I

Sallust.
Oh come, my lord, come I This stay in the
catacombs is construed to your hurt.

Julian,
How is it construed ?

Sallust.
Dare I tell you ?

Julian.
You dare, and you must. How is it construed ?

Sallust.
Many believe that it is remorse rather than
sorrow that has driven you underground in this
strange fashion.

Julian.
They think I killed her ?

Sallust.
The mystery of the case may excuse them,

if

Julian.

No one killed her, Sallust ! She was too pure for

this sinful world ; therefore an angel from heaven

descended every night into her secret chamber,

and called upon her. You doubt it ? Know you

ACT v.] CAF.SAr's apostasy, 195

not that this is how the priests in Lutetia ac-
counted for her death ? And the priests ought
to know. Has not the transport of her body hither
been hke a triumphal progress through the land ?
Did not all the women of Vienna stream forth
beyond the gates to meet her coffin, hailing her
with green boughs in their hands, spreading dra-
peries on the road, and singing songs of praise to
the bride of heaven, who was being brought home
to the bridegroom's house ? — ^Why do you laugh ?

Sallust.

I, my lord ?

Julian.

Ever since, I have heard bridal songs night and
day. Listen, listen ; they are wafting her up to
glory. Ay, she was indeed a true Christian
woman. She observed the commandment strictly ;
— she gave to Caesar what was Caesar's, and to

the other she gave ; but 'twas not of that you

came to speak ; you are not initiated in the secrets
of the faith, Sallust ! — What news, I ask ?

Sallust.
The weightiest news is that on learning of the
events at Lutetia, the Emperor fled hastily to
Antioch.

Julian.
That news I know. No doubt Constantius
already saw us in imagination before the gates of
Borne.

Sallust.
The friends who boldly cast in their lot with
you in this dangerous business, saw in imagination
the same thing.

196 Caesar's apostasy. [act v.

Julian.
The time is not auspicious, Sallust ! Know you
not that in the martial games, before we left Lu-
tetia, my shield broke in pieces, so that only the
handle remained in my grasp ? And know you
not that, when I was mounting my horse, the
groom stumbled as I swung myself up from his
folded hands ?

Sallust.
Yet you gained the saddle, my lord !

Julian.
But the man fell.

Sallust.
Better men will fall if Caesar loiters,

Julian.
The Emperor is at death's door.

Sallust.
The Emperor still lives. The letters you wrote
him as to your election

Julian,
My enforced election. They constrained me ,
I had no choice.

Sallust.
The Emperor does not hold that explanation
valid. He designs, as soon as he has mustered an
army in the eastern provinces, to march into GauU

Julian.
How know you that ? . ^^

act v.] caesar*s apostasy. 197

Sallust.
By an accident, my lord ! Believe me, I entreat

you !

Julian.
Good, good ; when that happens, I will go to
meet Constantius — not sword in hand

Sallust.
Not ? How, then, do you think to meet him ?

Julian.
I will render to the Emperor what is the
Emperor's,

Sallust.
Mean you that you will abdicate ?

Julian.
The Emperor is at death's door.

Sallust.
Oh that vain hope I [He casts himselj o?i his
knees.] Then take my life, my lord !

Julian.
What now ?

Sallust.
Caesar, take my life ; I would rather die by your
will than by the Emperor's.

Julian.
Rise, friend !

Sallust.
No, let me lie at my Caesar's feet, and confess
all. Oh, beloved master, — to have to tell you this !

198 CAESAR*S APOSTASY. [aCT V.

—Wlien I sought you out in the camp on the Rhine,
—when I recalled to j^ou the old friendship of our
Athenian days, — when I begged to share with
you the dangers of war, — then, oh Caesar, I came
as a secret spy, in the Emperor's pay

Julian,

You !

Sallust.
My mind had for some time been inflamed
against you. You remember that little variance
in Milan — yet no little one for me, who had hoped
that Caesar would help to restore my waning for-
tunes. Of all this they took advantage in Rome;
they regarded me as the very man to spy out your
doings.

Julian.
And you could sell yourself so basely ? To so
black a treachery !

Sallust.

I was ruined, my lord ; and I thought Caesar
had forsaken me. Yes, my Caesar, I betrayod

you , during the first few months ; but not

afterwards. Your friendliness, your magnanimity,

all the favour you showed me ; I became, what

I had professed to be, your faithful adherent; and
in my secret letters to Rome I put my employers
on false scents,

Julian.

Those letters were from you ? — Oh, Sallust !

Sallust.
They contained nothing to injure you, my lord !
What others may have written, I know not ; I

ACT V,

CAESARS APOSTASY

199

only know that I often enough groaned in anguish
under my enforced and hated silence. I ventured
as far as I by any means dared. That letter
written to an unnamed man in your camp, which
contained an account of the Emperor's triumphal
entry in Rome, and which you found one morning
on the march to Lutetia pushed under your tent-
flap ; you did find it, my lord ?

Julian.

Yes, yes-

Sallust.
That was directed to me, and chance favoured
me in bringing it into your hands. I dared not
speak. I longed to, but I could not ; I put off
from day to day the confession of my shame. Oh,
punish me, my lord ; see, here I lie !

Julian.
Stand up; you are dearer to me thus, — con-
quered without my will and against your own.
Stand up, friend of my soul ; no one shall touch
a hair of your head.

Sallust.
Rather take the life which you will not long have
power to shield. You say the Emperor is at death's
door. [He rises.'\ My Caesar, what I have sworn
to conceal, I now reveal to you. There is no hope
for you in the Emperor's decay. The Emperor is
taking a new wife,

Julian.
Ah, what madness ! How can you think ?

200 Caesar's apostasy. [act v.

Sallust.
The Emperor is taking a new wife, my lord !
\_He hands him some papers.^ Read, read, noble
Caesar ; these letters will leave you no room for
doubt.

Julian.
[Seizing ike papers, and reading.'^ Yes, by the
light and might of Helios J

Sallust.
Oh that I had dared to speak sccner !

Julian.
[SHU reading.] He take a woman to wife ! Con-

stantius, — that dwindling shadow of a man !

Faustina, — what is this? — ^young, scarcely nine-
teen,— a daughter of ah ! a daughter of that

insolent tribe. Therefore, of course, a zealous
Christian woman. [He folds the papers together.]
You are right, Sallust ; his decay gives no room
for hope. What though he be decrepit, dying, —
what of that .'' Is not Faustina pious. An annun-
ciating angel will appear ; or even ; ha-ha !

— in short, — by some means or other, — a young
Caesar will be forthcoming, and thus

Sallust^
Delay means ruin,

Julian.
This move has long been planned in all secrecy,
Sallust! Ah, now all the riddles are solved.

Helena , 'twas not, as I conceived, lier heedless

tongue that destroyed her

ACT V

CAESARS APOSTASY.

201

Sallust,
No, my lord !

Julian*
-they thought, — they beheved that-

oh inscrutable, even-handed retribution ! that was
why she had to die.

Sallust.
Yes, that was the reason. I was the man they
first pitched upon in Rome. Oh, my lord, you
cannot doubt that I refused to do it ? I pleaded
the impossibility of finding an occasion ; they
assured me that the abominable design was aban-
doned, and then 1

Julian.

They will not stop at — at the double corpse in
the sarcophagus up yonder. Constantius takes
another wife. That is why I was to be disarmed
in Lutetia.

Sallust.

One thing alone can save you, my Caesar : you
must act before the Emperor has recruited his
forces.

Julian,

What if, of my own free will, I withdrew into
solitude, devoting myself to that wisdom which I
have here been forced to neglect ? Would the
new men in power leave me undisturbed ? Would
not the very fact of my existence be like a sword
hanging over their heads ?

Sallust*
The kinsmen of the Empress that is to be are
the men who surrounded Gallus Caesar in his last
hours.

20^ Caesar's apostasy. [act v.

Julian.
The tribune Scudilo. Trust me, friend, — I
have not forgotten that. And am I to yield and
fall before this bloodthirsty Emperor ! Am I to
spare him who for long years has stumbled about
among the corpses of my nearest kin !

Sallust.

If you spare him, in less than three months he
will be stumbling among the corpses of your ad-
herents.

Julian.

Yes, yes ; there you are right. It is almost my
imperative duty to stand up against him. If I do,
'twill not be for my own sake. Do not the weal
and woe of thousands hang in the balance ? Are
not thousands of lives at stake ? Or could I have
averted this extremity } You are more to blame
than I, Sallust I Why did you not speak before ?

Sallust.
In Rome they made me swear a solemn oath of
secrecy.

Julian.
An oath ? Indeed .' By the gods of your fore-
fathers ?

Sallust.
Yes, my lord — by Zeus and by Apollo.

Julian,
And yet you break your oath ?

Sallust.
I wish to live.

act v.] caesar*s apostasy. 20^

Julian.
But the gods ?

Sallust.
The gods — they are far away,

Julian,

Yes, your gods are far away ; they hamper no
one ; they are a burden to no one ; they leave a
man elbow-room for action. Oh, that Greek
happiness, that sense of freedom !

You said that the Emperor, vengeful as he is,
will pour out the blood of my friends. Yes, who
can doubt that ? Was Knodomar spared ? Did
not that harmless captive pay with his life for an
error of language ? For — I know it, Sallust — they
killed him ; that tale about the barbarian's home-
sickness was a lie. Then what may not we ex-
pect } In what a hateful light must not Decentius
have represented matters in Rom.e ?

That you may best understand from the hastjT
flight of the court to Antioch.

Julian.
And am I not my army's father, Sallust ?

Sallust.
The soldiers* father ; their wives* and children's
buckler and defence.

Julian.
And what will be the fate of the empire should
I waver now ? A decrepit Emperor, and after him
a helpless child, upon the throne; faction and

204 CAESARS APOSTASY. [aCT V.

revolt ; every man's hand against his neighbour,
in the struggle for power. — Not many nights ago
I saw a vision. A figure appeared before me, with
a halo round its head ; it looked wrathfuUy upon
me, and said : *' Choose ! " With that it vanished
away, like morning mist. Hitherto I had inter-
preted it as referring to something far different ;
but now that I know of the Emperor's approach-
ing marriage

Yes, indeed, it is time to choose, ere misfortune
overwhelms the empire. I am not thinking of
my own interest; but dare I shirk the choice,
Sallust ? Is it not my duty to the Emperor to
defend my life ? Have I a right to stand with
folded arms and await the murderers whom he, in
his mad panic, is bribing to hew me down ? Have
I a right to give this unhappy Constantius an
opportunity of heaping fresh blood-guiltiness upon
his sinful head ? Were it not better for him — as
the Scriptures say — that he should suffer wrong
rather than do wrong ? If, therefore, this
that I do to my kinsman can be called a wrong, I
hold that the wrong is wiped out by the fact that
it hinders my kinsman from inflicting a wrong on
me. I think that both Plato and Marcus Aurelius,
that crowned bridegroom of wisdom, would support
me in that. At any rate, it would be no unworthy
problem for the philosophers, my dear Sallust I —
Oh that I had Libanius here !

Sallust.
My lord, you are yourself so far advanced in
philosophy, that

Julian.
True, true ; yet I would fain hear the views

ACT v.] caesar's apostasy. 205

of certain others. Not that I am vacillating. Do
not think that ! Nor do I see any reason to doubt
a favourable issue. For those omens should by
no means discourage us. The fact that I retained
the handle, when my shield broke during the
games, may with ample reason, I think, be taken
to mean that I shall succeed in holding what my
hand has grasped. And if, in vaulting upon my
horse, I overthrew the man who helped me to
mount, may not this portend a sudden fall to
Constantius, to whom I owe my rise }■ Be this as
it may, my Sallust, I look forward to composing
a treatise which shall most clearly justify •

Sallust.
Very good, my gracious lord ; but the soldiers
are impatient ; they would fain see you, and learn
their fate from your own lips.

Julian.
Gof go and pacify them ; — tell them that Caesar
will presently show himself.

Sallust.
My lord, *tis not Caesar, it is the Emperor him-
self they want to see.

Julian.
The Emperor is coming.

Sallust.
Then he comes — though empty-handed — ^yel
with the lives of thousands in his hands !

206 Caesar's apostasy. [act v.

Julian.
A barter, Sallust ; the lives of thousands against
the death of thousands.

Sallust.
Have your enemies the right to live ?

Julian.
Happy you, whose gods are afar off. Oh, to
possess this hardihood of will !

A Voice.
[Calling from deep in the galleries belo7V.'\ Julian,
Julian !

Sallust.
Ah ! What is that >

Julian.
Leave me, dear friend ; go quickly !

The Voice.
Silence the psalm -singing, Julian !

Sallust.
It rails again. Oh, then it is true !

Julian.'
What is true ?

Sallust.
That you abide down here with a mysterious
stranger, a soothsayer or a magician, who came to
you by night.

Julian.
Ha-ha ; do they say that ? . Go, go \

ACT v.] CAESAR*S APOSTASY, 207

Sallust.
I conjure you, my lord, — have done with these
noxious dreams. Come with me ; come up to tlie
hght of day I

The Voice.
^Nearer, undemeaih,] All my labour is vain.

Julian.
[Speaking down ike passage to the rigkt.'j No sign,
my brother ?

The Voice.
Desolation and emptiness.

Julian,
Oh, Maximus!

Sallust.
Maximus ;

Julian.
Go, I tell you ! If I leave this house of corrup-
tion, it will be as Emperor.

Sallust.

I implore you ; what seek you here in the

darkness ?

Julian.
Light. Go, go !

Sallust.
If Caesar loiters, I fear he will find the way
barred against him.

[He goes by the passage on the left, A
little while afterwards, Maximus the
Mystic ascends the steps; he wears a
white sacri/icial filet round his brow;
in his hand is a long, bloodi/ knife.

208 caesar's apostasy. [act v.

Julian.
Speak, my Maximus !

Maximus.
All my labour is vain, I tell you. Why could
you not silence the psalm-singing ? It strangled
all the omens ; they would have spoken, but could
utter nothing.

Julian.
Silence, darkness ; — and I can w^ait no longer !
What do you counsel me to do ?

Maximus,
Go forward blindly. Emperor Julian. The light
will seek you out.

Julian.
Yes, yes, yes ; that I, too, believe. I need not,
after all, have sent for you all this long way.
Know you what I have just heard ?

Maximus.
I will not know what you have heard. Take
your fate into your own hands.

Julian.
[Pacing restlessly up and down.'] After all, what
is he, this Constantius — this Fury-haunted sinner,
this mouldering ruin of what was once a man ?

Maximus.
Be that his epitaph. Emperor Julian !

Julian.
In his whole treatment of me, has he not been
like a rudderless wreck, — now drifting to the left

ACT v.] Caesar's apostasy. 209

on the current of suspicion, now hurled to the right
by the storm-gust of remorse ? Did he not stagger,
terror-stricken, up to the imperial throne, his
purple mantle dripping with my father's blood ?
perhaps with my mother's too ? — Had not all my
kin to perish that he might sit secure ? No, not
all ; Gallus was spared, and I ; — a couple of lives
must be left wherewith to buy himself a little
pardon. Then he drifted into the current of sus-
picion again. Remorse wrung from him the title
of Caesar for Gallus ; then suspicion wrung from
him Caesar's death-warrant. And I ? Do I owe
him thanks for the life he has hitherto vouchsafed
me? One after the other; first Gallus, and

then ; every night I have sweated with terror

lest the next day should be my last.

Maximus.

Were Constantius and death your worst terrors ?
Think?

Julian.

No, you are right. The priests 1 My whole

youth has been one long dread of the Emperor and
of Christ. Oh, he is temble, that mysterious —
that merciless god-man ! At every turn, whereso-
ever I wished to go, he met me, stark and stern,
with his unconditional^ inexorable commands.

Maximus.
And those commands — ^were they within you ?

Julian.
Always without. Always " Thou shalt." If my
soul gathered itself up in one gnawing and con-
suming hate towards the murderer of my kin.

210 Caesar's apostasy. [act v.

what said the commandment : " Love thine
enemy ! ** If my mind, athirst for beauty, longed
for scenes and rites from the bygone world of
Greece, Christianity swooped down on me with its
*'Seek the one thing needful!" If I felt the
sweet lusts of the flesh towards this or that, the
Prince of Renunciation terrified me with his :
« Kill the body that the soul may live ! "—AH that
is human has become unlawful since the day when
the seer of Galilee became ruler of the world.
Through him, life has become death. Love and
hatred, both are sins. Has he, then, transformed
man's flesh and blood ? Has not earth-bound man
remained what he ever was ? Our inmost, healthy
soul rebels against it all ; — and yet we are to will
in the very tQCth of our own will I Thou shalt,
shalt, shalt !

Maximus.
And you have advanced no further than that !
Shame on you I

Julian.
I?

Maximus.
Yes, you, the man of Athens and of Ephesus.

Julian.
Ah, those times, Maximus ! 'Twas easy to
choose then. What were we really working at ?
A philosophic system ; neither more nor less.

Maximus.
Is it not written somewhere in your Scrip-
tures ! Either with us or against us " ?

ACT V.l CAESAR*S APOSTASY. 211

Julian.
Did not Libanius remain the man he was,
whether he took the affirmative in a disputation,
or the negative ? This lies deeper. Here it is
action that must be faced. *' Render unto Caesar
the things that are Caesar's/' In Athens I once
made a game of that ; — but it is no game. You
cannot grasp it, you, who have never been under
the power of the god-manC It is more than a
doctrine he has spread over the world ; it is an
enchantment, that binds the soul in chains. He
who has once been under it, — I believe he can
never quite shake it off,

Maximus.
Because you do not wholly wilL

Julian.
How can I will the impossible ?

Maximus.
Is it worth while to will what is possible .'*

Julian.
Word-froth from the lecture-halls ! You can no

longer cram my mind with that. And yet oh

no, no, Maximus! But you cannot understand
how it is with us. We are like vines transplanted
into a new, strange soil ; transplant us back again,
and we die ; yet in the new soil we cannot thrive,

Maximus.
We ? Whom do you call we ?

Julian.
All who are under the terror of the revelation.

212 Caesar's apostasy. [act v,

Maximus.
A terror of shadows !

Julian.
Be that as it may. But do you not see that this
paralysing terror has curdled and coiled itself up
into a wall around the Emperor ? Ah, I see very
well why the great Constantine promoted such a
will-binding doctrine to power and authority in
the empire. No bodyguard with spears and
shields could form such a bulwark round the
throne as this benumbing creed, for ever pointing
beyond our earthly life. Have you looked closely
at these Christians ? Hollow-eyed, pale-cheeked,
flat-breasted, all ; they are like the linen-weavers
of Byssus ; they brood their lives away unspurred
by ambition ; the sun shines for them, and they
do not see it ; the earth offers them its fulness, and
they desire it not ; — all their desire is to renounce
*nd suffer, that they may come to die.

Maximus.
Then use them as they are ; but you yourself
must stand without. Emperor or Galilean ; — •
that is the alternative. Be a thrall under the
terror, or monarch in the land of sunshine and
gladness ! You cannot will contradictions ; and
yet that is what you would fain do. You try to
unite what cannot be united, — to reconcile two
irreconcilables ; therefore it is that you lie here
rotting in the darkness*

Julian.
Show me light if you can i

ACT v.] caesar's apostasy. 213

Maximus.
Are you that Achilles, whom your mothe*
dreamed that she should give to the world ? A
tender heel alone makes no man an Achilles.
Arise, my lord ! Confident of victory, like a
knight on his fiery steed, you must trample on
the Galilean, if you would reach the imperial
throne

Julian.
Maximus !

Maximus.
My beloved Julian, look at the world around
you ! Those death-desiring Christians you speak
of are fewest of the few. And how is it with all
the others } Are not their minds falling away
from the Master, one by one? Answer me, —
what has become of this strange gospel of love ?
Does not sect rage against sect ? And the bishops,
those gold-bedecked magnates, who call them-
selves the chief shepherds of the church ! Do
they yield even to the great men of the court in
greed and ambition and sycophancy— ?

Julian.
They are not all like that ; think of the great
Athanasius of Alexandria

Maximus.
Athanasius stood alone. And where is Atha-
nasius now ? Did they not drive him out, because
he would not sell himself to serve the Emperor's
will ? Was he not forced to take refuge in the
Libyan desert, where he was devoured by lions ?
And can you name me one other like Athanasius?

214 Caesar's apostasy. [act v.

Think of Maris, the bishop of Chalcedon, who has
now changed sides three times in the Arian con-
troversy. Think of old Bishop Marcus, of Are-
thusa ; him you know from your boyhood. Has
he not lately, in the teeth of both law and justice,
taken all municipal property from the citizens, and
transferred it to the church ? And remember the
feeble, vacillating Bishop of Nazianzus, who is
the laughing-stock of his own community, because
he answers yes and no in the same cause, in the
hope to please both parties.

Julian.

True, true, true I

Maximus.

These are your brothers in arms, my Julian ; you
will find none better among them. Or perhaps
you count upon those two great Galilean lights
that were to be, in Cappadocia ? Ha-ha ; Gregory,
the bishop's son, pleads causes in his native town,
and Basil, on his estate in the far east, is buried
in the writings of secular philosophers.

Julian.

Yes, I know it well. On all sides they fall
away ! Hekebolius, my former teacher, has grown
rich through his zeal for the faith, and his expo-
sitions of it ; and since then ! Maximus — it

has come to this, that I stand almost alone in
earnestness.

Maximus,

You stand quite alone. Your whole army is
either in headlong flight, or lying slain around you.
Sound the battle-call, — and none will hear you ;
advance, — and none will follow you ! Dream not

Act v.] Caesar's apostasy. ^15

that you can do anytliing for a cause which has
despaired of itself. You will be beaten, I tell
you i And where will you turn then ? Disowned
by Gjnstantius, you will be disowned by all other
powers on earth, — and over the earth. Or will
you flee to the Galilean's bosom .'* How stands the
account between you and him ? Did you not own,
a moment ago, that you are under the terror?
Have you his commands within you ? Do you love
your enemy, Constantius, even if you do not smite
him .'* Do you hate the lusts of the flesh or the
alluring joys of this world, even if you do not,
like a heated swimmer, plunge into their depths?
Do you renounce the world, because you have not
courage to make it your own ? And are you so
very sure that — if you die here — ^you shall live
yonder ?

Julian.

[Pacing io and fro.] What has he done for me,
he who exacts so much ? If he hold the reins of
the world-chariot in his hands, it must have been

within his power to

[The psalm-singing in the church hecomes louder.

Listen, listen! They call that serving him.
And he accepts it as a sweet-smelling sacrifice.
Praise of himself, — and praise of her in the coffin !
If he be omniscient, how then can he ?

The Chamberlain Eutherius.
[Coming hastily down through the passage on i^e
left.'] My Caesar ! My lord, my lord ; where are
you?

Julian.
Here, Eutherius ? What would you with me ?

2l6 gaesar's apostasy. [act v.

EUTHERIUS.

You must come up, my lord ; — you must see it
with your own eyes ; — the Princess's body is work-
ing miracles.

Julian.

You lie !

EUTHERIUS.

I do not lie, my lord ! I am no believer in this
foreign doctrine ; but what I have seen I cannot
doubt.

JuLIANi

What have you seen ?

EUTHERIUS.

The whole town is in a frenzy. They are bear-
ing the sick and crippled to the Princess's bier ;
the priests let them touch it, and they go away
healed.

Julian.
And this you yourself have seen ?

EUTHERIUS.

Yes, my lord; I saw an epileptic woman go
forth from the church healed, praising the Gali-
leans' God.

Julian.
Ah, Maximus, Maximus !

EUTHERIUS.

Hark, how the Christians exult; — some fresh
miracle must have happened.

ACT v.] Caesar's apostasy. 217

The Physician Oribases,
[Calling out in the passage to the lejl.'\ Eutherius,
— have you found him ? Eutherius, Eutherius,
where is Caesar ?

Julian.
[Meeting him.'] Here, here; — is it true, Ori-
bases ?

Oridases.
[Coming Jorward.] Incredible, inexplicable, —
and yet true ; they touch the bier, the priests read
and pray over them, and they are healed ; from
time to time a voice proclaims : " Holy, holy, is
the pure woman ! "

Julian.
A voice proclaims ?

Oribases,
The voice of one invisible, my Caesar ; a voice

high up under the vaultings of the church ;

no man knows whence it comes.

Julian.
[Stands a moment immovable, then turns suddenli/ to
Maximus, and cries ;] Life or the lie I

Maximus.
Choose I

Oribases.
Come, come, my lord ; the awe-stricken soldiers
threaten you

Julian.
Let them threaten.

218 Caesar's apostasy. [act v.

Oribases.

TJiey accuse you and me of the Princess's
death

Julian.
I will come ; I will satisfy them

Oribases.
There is only one way: you must turn their
thoughts in another direction, my lord ; — they are
wild with despair over the fate awaiting them if
you delay any longer.

Maximus.
Now go to heaven, thou fool ; now die for thy
Lord and Master !

Julian.
[Grasping him l)y the anw.] The Emperor's empire
for me '

Maximus.
Achilles !

Julian.
What looses the covenant }

Maximus.
[Handing him the sacrificial knife J\ This.

Julian.
What washes the water away }

Maximus.
The blood of the sacrifice.

[He tears off the fillet from his own brow,
and fastens it round Caesar s.

ACT v.] Caesar's apostasy. 219

Oridases.
[Draivlng nearer. '\ What is your purpose, my
lord?

Julian,
Ask not.

EUTHKRIUS.

Hark to the clamour ! Up, up, my Caesar !

Julian.
First down, — then up. [To Maximus.] Tlie
sanctuary, my beloved brother }

Maximus.
Straight below, in the second vault.

Oribases.
Caesar, Caesar, — whither are you going >

Maximus.
To freedom.

Julian.

Through darkness to light. Ah !

[He descends vdo the lower galleries,

Maximus.
[Softly, looking after him,'\ So it has come at last !

Eutherius.
Speak, speak ; what mean these hidden arts ?

Oribases.
And now, when every instant is precious

220 Caesar's apostasy. [act v.

Maximus.
[ Whispering uneasily, as he shifis his ptace.'\ These
gliding, clammy shadows ! Faugh ! The slimy
things crawling underfoot !

Oribases.

[^Listening.'] The turmoil waxes, Eutherius ! It
is the soldiers ; listen, listen !

Eutherius.
It is the song in the -church

Oribases.
No, 'tis the soldiers ! — here they come !

The Knight Sallust appears up in the gallery, sur^
rounded by a great crowd of excited soldiers.
The Standard-Bearer Maurus is amongst them.

Sallust.
Be reasonable, I entreat you !

The Soldiers.
Caesar lias betrayed us ! Caesar shall die I

Sallust.
And what then, madmen I

Maurus.
What then ? With Caesar's head we will buy
forgiveness

The Soldiers.
Come forth, come forth, Caesar I

I

ACT v.] Caesar's apostasy. 221

Sallust.
Caesar, — my Caesar, where are you ?

Julian.
[Calling out, in the vault undemeatk."] Helios!
Helios !

Maximus.
Free !

The Choir in the Church above.
Our Father which art in heaven !

Sallust.
Where is he ? Euthcrius, Oribases, — what is
here afoot ?

The Choir.
[/» the church,'] Hallowed be Thy name !

Julian.
\Comes up the steps ; he has blood on his forehead^
on his breast, and on his hands.] It is finished '

The Soldiers.
Caesar !

Sallust.
Blood-stained 1 What have you done ?

JuLilN.
Cloven the mists of terror.

Maximus.
Creation lies in your hand.

222

Caesar's apostasy. [act v.

The Choir.
[In the ckurch.1 Thy will be done on earth as it
is in heaven !

[The chant continues during what follows,

Julian,
Now Constantius has no longer a bodyguard.

Maurus,
What say you, my lord ?

Julian,
Ah ! My faithful ones ! Up into the daylight
to Rome, and to Greece !

The Soldiers.
Long live the Emperor Julian I

Julian.
We will not look back ; all ways lie open before
us. Up into the daylight ! Through the church !

The liars shall be silenced 1

[He rushes up the steps in the background.
The army mine, the treasure mine, the throne
mine I

The Choir.
[In the church.'] Lead us not into temptation ;
but deliver us from evil !

[Julian ihroivs wide the doors, revealing the
brightly -lighted interior of the church.
The priests stand before the high altar ;
crowds of worshippers kneel bchw^ around
the Princess's bier.

act v.] caesar*s apostasy. 223

Julian.
Free, free : Mine is the kingdom !

Sallust.
\Calls lo him.^ And the power and the glory !

The Choir.
[In the church.^ Thine is the kingdom, and the
power, and the glory

Julian.
[Dazzled hy the light.'] Ah !

Maximus.
Victory !

The Choir.
[In the church.^ For ever and ever, amen I

THE EMPEROR JULIAN

CHARACTERS

The Empbeok Julian.

Nevita, a general.

POTAMON, a goldsmith.

Cabsarius op Nazianzus,
court physician,

Themistius, an orator.

Mamertinus, an orator,

Ursulus, treasurer,

EUNAPIUS, a larler,

Barbara, a procuress.

Hekebolius, a theologian.

Courtiers and Officers of
State.

Citizens of Constantinople.

People taking part in the
procession of Dionysus^
fiute-players^ dancers,
jugglers, and women.

Envoys from Eastern Kings.

The Chamberlain Eu-

THERIUS.

Servants of the palace,
Jvdges, orators, teachers,

and citizens of Antioch.
Medon, a corn-dealer.
Malchus, a tax-gatherer.
Gregory of Nazianzus,

Caesarius's "brother,
Phocion, a dyer.
Pub LI A, a woman of

Antioch,
HiLARiON, son of Fublia.
Aqathon of Cappadocia.
Maris, Bishop of Chal-

cedon.

People taking part in the
procession of Apollo,
priests, servants of the
temphf harp-players and
watchmen of the city.

AgathorHs younger brother.

A procession of Christian
prisoners.

Heraclius, a poet.

Oribases, court physician.

Libanius, an orator, a7id
chief magistrate of
Antioch.

Apollinabis, a hymn-
writer.

Cyrillus, a teacher.

An old priest of Cyhele.

Psalm-singers of Antioch.

Fromentinus, a captain.

Jovian, a general.

Maximus the Mystic.

NUMA, a soothsayer.

Two other Etruscan sooth-
sayers.

Prince Hormisdas, a Per-
sian exile.

Anatolus, captain of the
lifeguard.

Pbiscus, a philosopher.

Kytron, a philosopher.

Ammian, a captain.

Basil of Caesarea.

Makrina, his sister.

A Persian deserter.

Roman and Greek soldiers.

Persiaii warriors.

The first act passes in Constantinople, the second and third
in Antioch, the fourth in and about the eastern territories of
the empire, and ttie fifth on the plains beyond tlie Jigrin:.
TJie events take place in the interval between December^
A.D. 361, and the end of June^ A.d. 363.

THE EMPEROR JULIAN.

PLAY IN FIVE ACTS.

ACT FIRST.
SCENE FIRST.

The port of Constantinople. In the foreground to the
right J a richly -decorated landing-stage, spread with
carpets. On the elevated quay, at a little distance
from the landing-stage, is seen a veiled stone, sur-
rounded hy a guard. Far out on the Bosphorus
lies the imperial fleet, hung with flags of mourn-
ing.

A countless multitude, in boats and on the beach. Near
the end of the landing-stage stands the Emperor
Julian, robed in purple and decked ivith golden
ornaments. He is surrounded by Courtiers and
High Officers of State. Among those standing
nearest to him are Nevita,/^^ commander of the
forces, and the court physician, Caesarius, together
with the orators, Themistius and Mamertinus.

Julian.

[Looking out over the water.'] What a meeting !
The dead Emperor and the living. — Alas that he

228 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT I.

should have drawn his last breath in such distant
regions ! Alas that, in spite of all my haste, I
should not have had the sweet consolation of
embracing my kinsman for the last time ! A bitter
lot for both of us ! —

Where is the ship with the body ?

Nevita.
There it comes.

Julian.
That long boat ?

Nevita.
Yes, most gracious Emperor.

Julian.
My poor kinsman ! So great in life ; and now
to have to content you with so low a roof! Now
you will not strike your forehead against the coffin-
lid, you who bowed your head in riding through
the Arch of Constantino.

A Citizen among the Spectators.
[To the Goldsmith Potamon.] How young he
looks, our new Emperor !

Potamon.
But he has grown more stalwart. When I last
saw him he was a lean stripling ; that is now nine
or ten years ago.

Another Citizen,
Ay, he has done great things in those years.

A Woman.
And all the dangers he has passed through, ever
since his childhood I

SC. I.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN, 229

A Priest.
Marvellously has he been shielded from them
all ; the hand of heaven is over him.

PoTAMON.

Rumour says that in Gaul he placed himself in
very different hands.

The Priest.
Lies, lies ; you may depend upon it.

Julian.
Now he comes. The Sun, whom I invoke, and
the great thunder- wielding God, know that I never
desired Constantius's death. That was far indeed
from being my wish. I have offered up prayers
for his life. — Tell me, Caesarius, — you must know
best, — have they shown all due honour, on the
journey, to the imperial corpse ?

Caesarius.
The fune^'al procession was like a conqueror's
triumph through the whole of Asia Minor. In
every town we traversed, believers thronged the
streets; through whole nights the churches echoed
with prayers and hymns; thousands of burning
tapers transformed the darkness into higli
noon

Julian.
Good, good, good ! — I am seized with an un-
speakable misgiving at the thought of taking the
helm of state after so great and virtuous and well-
beloved an Emperor. Why was it not my lot to
livCL in peaceful retirement ?

2S0 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT I.

Mamertinus.
And who could have sufficed to this high and
difficult calling so completely as you, incomparable
lord ? I call fearlessly to all those others who have
aspired to the empire : Come, then, and take the
lielm of government ; but take it as Julian takes
it. Be on the alert night and day for the common
welfare. Be masters in name, and yet servants to
civic freedom. Choose the foremost places in
battle, and not at the feasts. Take nothing for
yourselves, but lavish gifts upon all. Let your
justice be equally remote from laxity and from
inhumanity. Live so that no virgin on earth shall
wring her hands because of you. Bid defiance—
both to impenetrable Gaul, and inhospitable
Germany. What would they answer .'* Appalled
by such stern conditions, they would stop their
effeminate ears, and cry : " Only a Julian is equal
to such a task ! '*

Julian.
The Omnipotent grant that such high hopes
may not be disappointed. But how great are my
shortcomings ! A shudder comes over me. To
affront comparison with Alexander, Marcus Aure-
lius, and so many other illustrious princes ! Has not
Plato said that only a god can rule over men ? Oh
pray with me that I may escape the snares of ambi-
tion, and the temptations of power. Athens, Athens!
Thither my longings turn ! I was as a man taking
reasonable exercise for the sake of his health ; —
and now, they come and say to me, "Go forth
into the arena, and conquer in the Olympian
games. The eyes of all Greece are upon you ! "
May I not well be panic-stricken even before the
contest begins ?

SC. I,] The EMPEROtl JULIAI^. SSI

Themistius.
Panic-stricken, oh Emperor ? Have you not
already the applause of Greece ? Are you not
come to reinstate all exiled virtues in their ancient
rights ? Do we not find concentred in you all the
victorious genius of Herakles, of Dionysus, of

Solon, of

Julian.
Hush ! Only the praise of the dead shall be
heard to-day. The boat has reached the wharf.
Take my crown and my chains ; I will not wear
the insignia of empire at such a time as this.

[He hands the ornaments to one of the
bystanders. The funeral procession ad~
vances along the landing-stage, with great
pomp. Priests with lighted candles wall:
at its head ; the coffin is drarvn on a lo7V~
wheeled carriage; church banners are
borne before and after the carriage ;
choristers siting censers ; crowds of Chris-
tian citizens follow after,

Julian.
[Laying his hand on the coffin^ and sighing audibly.^
Ah!

A Spectator.
Did he cross himself }

Another in the Crowd.
No.

The First.
You see ; you see !

A Third Spectator.
And he did not bow before the sacred image.

232 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT I.

The First.
[To the second.] You see ! What did I tell
you?

Julian.
Pass onward to thy home, amid pomp and
honour, soulless body of my kinsman ! I make
not this dust answerable for the wrongs thy spirit
did me. What do I say ? Was it thy spirit that
dealt so hardly with my house, that I alone am
left ? Was it thy spirit that caused my childhood
to be darkened with a thousand terrors ? Was it
thy spirit that bade fall that noble Caesar's head ?
Was it thou who didst allot to me, an untried
stripling, so difficult a post in inhospitable Gaul,
and afterwards, when disaffection and mischance
had failed to crush me, didst seek to rob me of
the honour of my victories .'* Oh Constantius, my
kinsman, — not from thy great heart did all this
spring. Wherefore didst thou writhe in remorse
and anguish; why didst thou see gory shades
around thee, on thy last bed of pain ? Evil coun-
cillors embittered thy life and thy death. I know
them, these councillors ; they were men who took
hurt from living in the ceaseless sunshine of thy
favour. I know them, these men, who so obsequi-
ously clothed themselves in that garb of faith,
which was most in favour at court.

Heathen Citizens.
[Among the spectators.] Long live the Emperor
Julian ! .

Caesarius.
Most gracious lord, the procession waits^;;^—;

sc. i.] the emperor julian. 233

Julian.
[To the priests.^ Stay not your pious hymns on
my account. Forward, my friends !

[The procession passes slowly out to the
left.
Follow whoso will, and remain whoso will.
But this you shall all know to-day, that my place
is here.

[Uneasiness and movement in the crowd.
What am I.'* The Emperor. But in saying
that, have I said all .'* Is there not one imperial
office, which seems to have been shamefully wiped
out of remembrance in these later years ? What
was that crowned philosopher, Marcus Aurelius }
Emperor ? Only Emperor } I could almost ask :
was he not something more than Emperor ? Was
he not also the Supreme Pontiff?

Voices in the Crowd.
What says the Emperor.? What was that?
What did he say ?

Themistius.
Oh sire, is it indeed your purpose ?

: Julian.

Not even my uncle Constantine the Great dared
to renounce this dignity. Even after he had con-
ceded to a certain new doctrine such very extra-
ordinary privileges, he was still called the Chief
Priest by all who held fast to the ancient divinities
of the Grecian race. I will not here enlarge upon
the melancholy disuse into which this office has
fallen of late years, but will merely remark that
none of my exalted predecessors, not even he to^

234 THE JEMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT 1.

"whom, with tear-stained faces, we to-day bid our
last farewell, has dared to reject it. Should I
presume to take any step which so wise and just
emperors did not deem right or expedient ? Far
be it from me !

Themistius.
Oh great Emperor, mean you by this ?

Julian.
I mean by this, that there shall be perfect free-
dom for all citizens. Cling to the Christians'
God, you who find it conduce to your souls' repose.
As for me, I dare not build my hopes on a god
who has hitherto been my foe in all my under-
takings. I know by infallible signs and tokens
that the victories I won on the Gallic frontier I
owe to those other divinities who favoured Alex-
ander in a somewhat similar way. Under watch
and ward of these divinities, I passed unscathed
through all dangers ; and, in especial, it was they
who furthered my journey hither with such mar-
vellous speed and success that, as I gathered from
cries in the streets, some people have come to
look upon me as a divine being, — which is a great
exaggeration, my friends ! But certain it is, that
I dare not show myself ungrateful for such untiring
proofs of favour.

Voices in the Crowd.
[Subdued.] What is he going to do ?

Julian.
Therefore, I restore to their pristine rights the
venerable Gods of our forefathers. But no injury
shall be done to the God of the Galileans, nor to

SC. I.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 2S5

the God of the Jews. The temples, which pious
rulers of old erected with such admirable art, shall
rise again in rejuvenated splendour, with altars
and statues, each for its especial God, so that
seemly worship may once more be offered them.
But I will by no ^means tolerate any vengeful
assaults upon the churches of the Christians;
neither shall their graveyards be molested, nor
any other places which a strange delusion leads
them to regard as sacred. We will bear with the
errors of others; I myself have laboured under
illusions ; — but over that I cast a veil. What I
have thought upon things divine since my one-
and-twentieth year, I will not now dwell upon ; I
will only say that I congratulate those who follow
my example, — that I smile at those who will not
tread in my footsteps, — that I will doubtless try
to persuade, but will not coerce any one.

[He stops a moment expectantly ; feeble
applause is heard here and there among
the crowd. He continues rvith more
warmth.

I had reckoned, not unreasonably, on grateful
acclamations, where I find only wondering curio-
sity. Yet I ought to have known it ; — there reigns
a deplorable indifference among those who profess
to hold fast to our ancient faith. Oppression and
mockery have caused us to forget the venerable
rites of our forefathers. I have inquired high and
low, but scarcely a single person have I found who
could speak with authority as to the ceremonies
to be observed in sacrificing to Apollo or Fortuna.
I must take the lead in this, as in other matters.
It has cost me many sleepless nights to search out
in the ancient records what tradition prescribes in

2S6 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT I.

Buch cases ; but I do not complain when I re-
member how much we owe to these very divinities ;
nor am I ashamed to do everything with my own
hands Whither away, Caesarius ?

Caesarius.
To the church, most gracious Emperor ; I would
pray for the soul of my departed master.

Julian.
Go, go ! In these matters every one is free.

[Caesarius, with several of the older cour-
tiers and officers of states goes out to the
left.
But the freedom I concede to the meanest

citizen, I claim for myself as well. Be it known,

therefore, to you all, Greeks and Romans, that I
return with my whole heart to the beliefs and
rites which our forefathers held sacred, — that they
may be freely propagated and exercised, no less
than all new and foreign opinions ; — and as I am a
son of this city, and therefore hold it pre-emi-
nently dear, this I proclaim in the name of its
guardian deities.

[Julian gives a sign ; some of the attendants
withdraw the veil from the stone : an altar
is seen, and, at its base, a flagon of wine,
a cruse of oil, a little heap of wood, and
other appurtenances. Strong but speech-
less emotion in the multitude, as Julian
goes up to the altar, and prepares for the
offering.

Themistius.
Oh well may I, as a Greek, melt into tears at

the sight of so much humility and pious zeal !

SC. I.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 237

A Citizen.
See, he breaks the fuel himself !

Another.
Over his left thigh. Is that how it ought to be
broken ?

The First Citizen.
Doubtless, doubtless.

Mamertinus.

In the light of the fire you there kindle, oh,
great Emperor, shall research and learning shine
forth, ay, and rise rejuvenated, like that miracu-
lous bird

Nevita.

That fire will temper the weapons of Greece. I
know little of the Galilean figments ; but this I
have noted, that all who believe in them are
spiritless and unfit for greater things.

Themistius.
In this fire, oh incomparable one, I see wisdom
purged of all scandal and reproach. The wine of
your libation is like purple, wherewith you deck
the truth, and set her on a royal throne. Now,
as you lift up your hands

Mamertinus.
Now, as you lift up your hands, it is as though
you glorified the brow of knowledge with a golden
wreath ; and the tears you shed

Themistius.
[Pressing nearer.] Yes, yes, the tears I see you
ghed are like costly pearls, wherewith eloquence

238 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT I,

shall once more be rewarded in kingly wise. Once
again^ then, the Greeks are suffered to raise their
eyes to heaven, and follow the eternal stars in
their courses ! How long it is since that was
vouchsafed us ! Have we not been forced, for fear
of spies, to tremble and bow our faces to the earth,
like the brutes ? Which of us dared so much as
to watch the rising or the setting of the sun ?

[He tuiiis to the crowd.

Even you husbandmen, who have to-day flocked
hither in such numbers, even you did not venture
to note the position of the heavenly bodies,
although by them you should have regulated your

labours

Mamertinus.

And you seamen, — have either you or your
fathers dared to utter the names of the constella-
tions by which you steered ? Now you may do so ;
now all are free to

Themistius*

Now no Greek need live on land or sea without

consulting the immutable laws of the heavens ; he

need no longer let himself be tossed about like a

plaything, by chance and circumstance; he

Mamertinus.

Oh, how great is this Emperor, to whom we owe
such blessings !

Julian.

[Before the altar, with uplifted arms.'\ Thus have
I openly and in all humility made libations of oil
and wine to you, ye beneficent deities, who have
so long been denied these seemly observances. I
have sent up my thanksgiving to thee, oh Apollo,
whom some of the sages — especially those of the

SC. I.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 239

East — call by the name of the Sun-King, because
thou bringest and renewest that light, wherein
life has its source and its fountain-head. — To thee,
too, I have made offering, oh Dionysus, god of
ecstasy, who dost lift up the souls of mortals out
of abasement, and exaltest them to an ennobling
communion with higher spirits. — And, although I
name thee last, I have not been least mindful of
thee, oh Fortuna ! Without thine aid, should I
have stood here ? I know indeed that thou dost
no longer visibly manifest thyself, as in the golden
age, of which the peerless blind singer has told
us. But this I know, too, — and herein all other
philosophers are at one with me — that it is thou
who hast the decisive share in the choice of the
guardian spirit, good or evil, that is to accompany
every man on his path through life. I have no
cause to chide thee, oh Fortuna ! Rather have I
the strongest reason to yield thee all thanks and
praise. This duty, precious to my heart, have I
this day fulfilled. I have not shrunk from even
the humblest office. Here I stand in open day ;
the eyes of all Greece are upon me ; I expect the
voice of all Greece to unite with mine in acclaim-
ing you, oh ye immortal gods !

[^During the sacrificial service, most of the
Christian onlookers have gradually stolen
away ; only a little knot remains behind.
When Julian ceases speaking, there arise
only faint sounds of approval mingled
with subdued laughter, and whispers oj
astonishment^

Julian.
\Looking round.'] What is this ? What has
become of them aJl } Are they slinking away }

240 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [ACT I,

Thkmistius.

Yes, red with shame at the ingratitude of so
many years.

Mamertinus.

Nay, 'twas the flush of joy. Tliey have gone to
spread the great tidings throughout the city.

Julian,
[Leaving the altar.'] The ignorant multitude is
ever perplexed by what is unaccustomed. My task
will be arduous ; but no labour shall daunt me.
What better befits a philosopher than to root out
error ? In this mission I count on your aid, en-
lightened friends I But our thoughts must turn
elsewhere, for a little time. Follow me ; I go to
other duties.

\He departs hastily ^ without returning the
citizens* greetings ; the courtiers , and his
other attendants, follow him.

SCENE SECOND.

A great hall in the Imperial Palace, Doors on both
sides, and in the back ; in front, to the left, on a
dais by the wall, stands the imperial throne.

The Emperor Julian, surrounded by his court and
high officials, among whom is Ursulus, the Trea-
surer, with the orators Themistius and Mamer-
tinus.

Julian.
So far have the gods aided us. Now the work

will roll onwards, like the waves of a spring flood.

The sullen ill-will which I can trace in certain

quarters where I least expected it, shall not dis-

SC. II.J THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 241

turb my equanimity. Is it not precisely the dis-«
tinguishing mark of true wisdom, that it begets
patience ! We all know that by suitable remedies
bodily ills may be allayed ; — but can fire and sword
annihilate delusions as to things divine? And
what avails it though your hands make offerings,
if your souls condemn the action of your hands ?

Thus will we live in concord with each other.
My court shall be open to all men of mark, what-
ever their opinions. Let us show the world the
rare and august spectacle of a court without
hypocrisy — assuredly the only one of its kind —
a court in which flatterers are counted the most
dangerous of enemies. We will censure and ex-
postulate with one another, when it is needful, yet
without loving one another the less.

[To Nevita, who enters hy the hacJc,

Your face is radiant, Nevita ; — what good tidings
do you bring ?

Nevita,

The best and happiest indeed. A great com-
pany of envoys from princes in furthest India have
come to bring you gifts, and to entreat your
friendship.

Julian.

Ah, tell me, — to what peoples do they belong ?

Nevita.
To the Armenians, and other races beyond the
Tigris. Indeed, some of the strangers aver they
come from the islands of Diu and Serandib.

Julian.

From the uttermost verge of the earth my
friends !

5242 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT I,

Themistius.
Even so far has rumour carried your name and
your glory i

Mamertinus.
Even in those unknown regions is your sword a
terror to princes and peoples !

Themistius.
Diu and Serandib ! Far east in the Indian

sea

Mamertinus.

I do not hesitate to say : beyond the orb of the

world

Julian.

Bid the barber come !

[A courtier goes out to the right.
I will receive the envoys in seemly guise, — ^yet
without display or adornment. So would the
august Marcus Aurelius have received them ;
and him I make my pattern, rather than the
Emperor whose death we have lately had to mourn.
No more parade of transitory mundane things !
Even the barbarians shall see that wisdom — in the
person, truly, of her meanest servant — has re-
sumed her place upon the throne.

[The courtier returns with Eunapius, ike
barber, who is magnifwentli/ attired,

Julian.
\Loohs at him in astonishment, then goes to meet him,
and greets him.'] What seek you here, my lord ?

Eunapius.
Gracious Emperor, you have commanded my
attendance ^

sc. ii.] the emperor julian. 243

Julian.
You mistake, friend ; I have not sent for any of
my councillors.

EUNAPIUS.

Most gracious Emperor

Ursulus.
Pardon me, sire ; this man is the imperial barber.

Julian.
What do I hear ? Can it be ? This man — oh,
you jest — this man, in silken raiment, with gold-
embroidered shoes, is ? Ah, indeed ! So you

are the barber ! [He bows before him] Never shall
I presume to let myself be served by such delicate
hands.

EUNAPIUS.

Most gracious Emperor, — I pray you, for God
and my Saviour's sake

Julian.

Ho-ho ! A Galilean ! Did I not think so ! Is
this the self-denial you boast of.'* But I know you
well ! What temple of what godhead have you
plundered, or how many dips have you made into
the Emperor's coffers, to attain such magnificence
as this ? — You may go ; I have no occasion for
you.

[EuNAPius goes out to the right.

Tell me, Ursulus, what is that man's wage ?

Ursulus.
Gracious Emperor, by your august predecessor's
command, the daily maintenance of twenty men
is assigned him

244 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT I,

Julian.
Aha ! No more than that ?

Ursulus.
Yes, sire ; latterly he has had free stabling in
the imperial stables, together with a certain yearly
allowance of money, and a gold piece for every

time he

Julian,
And all this for a barber ! Vv^hat, then, must

the others ? This shall not last a day longer.

Admit the foreign envoys I

[Nevita goes out by the hack.
I M'ill receive them with uncut hair. Better so ;
for although I know well that it is not the un-
kempt hair, nor the tattered cloak, that makes
the true philosopher, yet surely the example given
by both Antisthenes and Diogenes may well be
respected by one who — even on the throne — desires
to follow in such great teachers' footsteps.

He ascends the dais on fvhich stands the throne. The
court ranges itself' below. The Envoys, intro-
duced by Nevita and the Cha7nberlain Euthe-
Rius, enter in magnificent procession, accompanied
by slaves f who bear gifts of all sorts,

Nevita.
Most gracious Lord and Emperor ! Not being
possessed of the noble idiom which so many elo-
quent men, and you yourself not the least, have
perfected beyond all other tongues, — and there-
with fearful of letting barbarous sounds offend
your ear, — these envoys from the princes of the
East have deputed me to be their spokesman.

SC. II.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 245

Julian.
[Sitting on the throne.^ I am ready to hear you^

Nevita.

First, the King of Armenia lays at your feet
this suit of mail^ begging you to -wear it in battle
against the foes of the empire, although he knows
that you, invincible hero, stand under the protect-
ing eye of the gods, who will suffer no weapon of
mortal man to wound you. — Here are priceless
carpets, tents, and saddle-housings from the
princes beyond the Tigris. They thereby acknow-
ledge that, if the gods have granted those lands
exceeding riches, it was with the design that these
riches should be at the service of their favourite.
— The King of Serandib, and likewise the King
of Diu, send you these weapons, sword, spear, and
shield, with bows and arrows ; for, they say, " We
esteem it wisest to stand unarmed before the vic-
torious lord who, like a divinity, has shown him-
self so mighty as to overwhelm all opposition." — .
In return, all pray for the supreme favour of your
friendship, and especially beg that if, as report
says, you propose next spring to annihilate the
audacious Persian king, you will spare their terri-
tories from hostile invasion,

Julian,
Such an embassy cannot come quite as a sur-
prise to me. The gifts shall be deposited in my
treasury, and through you I apprise your masters
that it is my will to maintain friendship with all
nations who do not — whether by force or guile —
thwart my designs. — As to your being led, in your
distant lands, to regard me as a divinity on account

246 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT I.

of my fortunate victories, I will not enter further
into the matter. I reverence the gods too highly
to arrogate to myself an unmerited place in their
midst, although I know that frequently, and chiefly
in the days of old, there have hved heroes and
Tulers who have been so greatly distinguished by
the favour and grace of the gods, that it has been
difficult to determine whether they should rightly
be reckoned among mortals or immortals. Of
such things, however, it is rash to judge, even for
us Greeks. How much more, then, for you?
Therefore, enough of that. — Eutherius conduct
the strangers to repose, and see that they lack
nothing.

[The Envoys and their train leave the hall,
conducted hy Eutherius. Julian de-
scends from the dais ; the courtiers and
orators surround him iviih admiring con-
gratulations,

Themistius.
So young, — and already so highly honoured
above all other Emperors 1

Mamertinus.
I ask: will not Fame lack lungs to proclaim
your renown, if the gods, as I confidently hope,
grant you a long life .'*

Themistius.
The yell of fear, uttered by the flying Alemanni
on the furthest shores of the Rhine, has swept
eastward until it dashed against _ Taurus . and

Caucasus

Mamertinus.^
-and now rolls, like the echoes jof thunder,^

over the whole of Asia.

sc. ii.] the emperor julian. 247

Nevita.
What has so overawed the Indians is the like-
ness between our Greek Julian and the Mace-
donian Alexander

Mamertinus.
Oh where is the likeness ? Had King Alexander
secret enemies in his own camp? Had he to
struggle against an envious and backbiting imperial
court ?

Nevita.
True, true; and there were no incapable generals
to clog Alexander's progress.

Julian.
Ursulus, it is my will that the coming of these
envoys shall be made known both in the city and
through all regions of the empire. Everything
shall be exactly set forth, — the places whence
they came, and the gifts they brought with them.
I will withhold from my citizens nothing that con-
cerns my government. You may also allude in
passing to the strange belief among the Indians,
that Alexander has returned to earth.

Ursulus.
[Hesitatingly. "] Pardon: me, most gracious Em-*

peror, but

Julian.
Well?

Ursulus.
You have yourself said that in this court no
flattery is to be tolerated

Julian,
True/ my friend !

248 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT I

Ursulus.
Then let me honestly tell you that these envoys
came to seek your predecessor, not you,

Julian.
What do you dare to tell me ?

Themistius.
Pooh, what preposterous nonsense !

Mamertinus.

What a fable !

Ursulus,
It is the truth. I have long known that these
men were on their way, — long before the Emperor
Constantius closed his eyes. Oh, my most gracious
lord, let not a false vanity find its way into your
young mind

Julian,
Enough, enough ! Then you mean to say
that

Ursulus.
Think for yourself. How could your victories
in Gaul, glorious as they have been, reach the ears
of such distant nations with such rapidity?
When the envoys spoke of the Emperor's heroic
deeds, they had in mind the war against the King
of Persia

Nevita,
' I did not know that the war against King Sapor
had been so conducted as to spead terror to the
ends of the earth.

sc. ii.] the emperor julian. 249

Ursulus.

True; fortune has been against eur arms in
those regions. But 'twas the rumour of the great
armament which the Emperor Coiistantius was
preparing for the spring that alarmed the Arme-
nians and the other nations. — Oh, reckon out the
time^ sire, count the days if yon will, and say if it
can possibly be otherwise. Your march hither
from Gaul was marvellously rapid ; but the journey

of these men from the Indian isles ; it would

be tenfold more marvellous if ; ask them, and

you will hear

Julian.

[Pale with anger,'] Why do you say all this to
me ?

Ursulus,

Because it is the truth, and because I cannot
bear to see your fresh and fair renown darkened
by borrowed trappings.

Themistius.
What audacity !

Mamertinus.
What brazen audacity !

Julian.
You cannot bear, forsooth ! You cannot bearl
Oh, I know you better. I know all you old
courtiers. It is the gods whose glory you would
disparage. For is it not to the glory of the gods
that through a man they can compass such great
things ! But you hate them, these gods, whose
temples you have thrown down, whose statues you
have broken to pieces, and whose treasures you

950 THE EMPEROR JULIAtJ. [a.CT t.

have rifled. You have scarcely even tolerated
these our most beneficent deities. You have
scarcely suffered the pious to cherish thera secretly
in their hearts. And now you would also break
down the temple of gratitude which I have dedi-
cated to them in my heart ; you would rob me
of the grateful belief that I am indebted to the
immortals for a new and much-to-be-coveted
benefaction j — for may not renown be so termed ?

Ursulus.
The one God of heaven is my witness that

Julian.

The one God ! There we have it again ! So
are you always. What intolerance I Contrast
yourselves with us. Do we say that our gods are
the only ones ? Do we not esteem both the gods
of the Egyptians and that Jewish Jehovah, who
has certainly done great things among his people ?
But you, on the contrary, — and a man like you,
too, Ursulus — ! Are you a Roman bom of
Grecian race ? The one God I What barbarous
effrontery !

Ursulus.

You have promised to hate no man for his con-
victions' sake.

Julian.

That I have promised ; but neither will I suffer
you to treat us too insolently. These envoys have

not come to ? That is to say, in other words,

that the great and divine Dionysus, whose especial
gift it is to reveal what is hidden, — that he is not
as powerful now as in bygone ages. Ought I to
suffer this ? Is it not overweening audacity ? Am,
I not forced to call you to account ?

THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 251

Ursulus.
Then all Christians will say that it is their faith
you are persecuting.

Julian.
No one shall be persecuted by reason of his
faith. But have I the right to overlook whatever
faults you 'may commit, simply because you are
Christians ? Shall your delusions shield your mis-
deeds ? What have not your audacious crew for
long been doing, both here at court and elsewhere?
Have you not flattered all vices, and bowed before
all caprices ? Ay, what have not you yourself,
Ursulus, connived at ? I am thinking of that
shameless, bedizened barber, that salve-stinking
fool,who just now filled me with loathing. Are
not you treasurer ? How could you give way to
his impudent demands ?

Ursulus.

Is it a crime to have done my master's
bidding }

Julian.

I will have nothing to do with such luxurious
servants. All those Insolent eunuchs shall be
hunted out of the palace ; and all cooks, and
jugglers, and dancers after them. A becoming
frugality shall once more be enforced.

[To Themistius and Mamertinus.

You, my friends, shall aid me in this. — And you,
Nevita, on whom, as a mark of special distinction,
I bestow the title of general-in- chief, — you I de-
pute to investigate how the offices of state have
been administered under my predecessor, espe-
cially of kte years, j^ You may call in the aid of

252

THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT I.

competent men, at your own choice, to decide with
you in these affairs.

[To the older courtiers and councillors.
Of you I have no need. When my lamented
kinsman, on his death-bed, appointed me his suc-
cessor, he also bequeathed to me that justice
which his long illness had prevented him from
administering. Go home ; and when you have
given an account of yourselves, you may go whither
you please.

Ursulus.
The Lord God uphold and shield you, my
Emperor !

\He hows J and goes out hy the hack, together
with the older 7nen, Nevita, Themistius,
and Mamertinus, 7vith all the younger
meUf gather round the Emperor,

Nevita.
My august master, how can I sufficiently thank
you for the mark of favour which you

Julian.
No thanks. In these few days I have learnt to
value your fidelity and judgment. I also commis-
sion you to draw up the despatch concerning the
eastern envoys. Word it so that the beneficent
gods may find in it no reason for resentment
against any of us.

Nevita,
In both matters I will carry out my Emperor's
Vill

[He goes out to the light.

•c. ii.] the emperor julian. 253

Julian.

And now, my faithful friends, now let us praise
the immortal powers, who have shown us the right
way.

Themistius.
The immortals, and their more than mortal
favourite ! What joy there will be throughout the
empire, when it is known that you have dismissed
those violent and rapacious men !

Mamertinus.
With what anxiety and impatient hope will the
choice of their successors be awaited !

Themistius.
All the Greeks will exclaim with one voice :
" Plato himself has taken the helm of state ! "

Mamertinus.
No, no, worthy friend ; all the Greeks will ex-
claim : " Plato's ideal is realised — * Only a god
can rule over men ! * "

Themistius.
I can but trust that the goodwill of the benefi-
cent powers may follow Nevita. He has received
a great and difficult charge ; I know little of him ;
but we must all hope that he may prove himself
to be the right

Mamertinus.
Undoubtedly ; although there might perhaps
be other men who

254 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT I.

Themistius.
Not that I would for a moment imply that your
choice, oh peerless Emperor

Mamertinus,
No, no ; far from it !

Themistius.
But if it be an error to burn with zeal to serve a
beloved master

Mamertinus.
-then, in truth, you have more than one

erring friend-

Themistius.
-even if you do not honour them, as you

have honoured the thrice-fortunate Nevita-

Mamertinus.
-even if they have to be content without

any visible token of your favour-

JULIAN.

We will leave no capable men unemployed or
unrewarded. As regards you, Themistius, I
appoint you chief magistrate of this city of Con-
stantinople; and you, Mamertinus, prepare to
betake yourself to Rome during the coming year,
to enter upon one of the vacant consulships,

Themistius.
My Emperor ! I am dizzy with so much
honour

sc. ii.] the emperor julian, 255

Mamertinus.
So high a distinction ! Consul ! Was ever consul
so honoured as I ? Was Lucius ? Was Brutus ?
Was PubUus Valerius ? What were their honours
to mine ? They were chosen by the people, I by
Julian !

A Courtier.

Praise be to the Emperor, who makes justice
his guide !

Another Courtier.
Praise be to him, whose very name strikes terror
to the barbarians !

Themistius.
Praise be to all the exalted gods, who have united
in casting their enamoured eyes on one single man,
so that when the day comes — distant may it be ! —
when he shall for the first time inflict pain on us
by departing hence, this one man may be said to
have cast Socrates, Marcus Aurelius, and Alexander
into the shade !

Julian.
There you touch the kernel of the matter, my
Themistius ! 'Tis to the gods that we must uplift
our hands and hearts. I say this, not as instruct-
ing you, but merely to remind you of what has so
long been forgotten at this court. By no means
would I seek to coerce any one. But can I be
blamed because I would fain have others share in
the sweet rapture which possesses me when I feel
myself uplifted into communion with the immor-
tals ? Praise, praise to thee, vine-clad Dionysus !
For it is chiefly thou who dost bring about such
great and mysterious things. Depart now each

256 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [acT I.

to his task. I, for my part, have ordered a festal
procession through the streets of the city. It shall
be no mere revel for my courtiers, nor a banquet
within four walls. The citizens shall be free to
join me or to hold aloof; I will discern the pure
from the impure, the pious from the misguided.

Oh Sun-King, shed light and beauty over the
day ! Oh Dionysus, let thy glory descend in
floods upon our minds; fill our souls with thy
sacred storm-wind ; fill them till all trammels are
burst asunder, and ecstasy enfranchised draws
breath in dance and song! — Life, life, life in
beauty !

\^He goes out hastily to the right. The cour-
tiers break up into whispering groups, and
gradually disperse.

SCENE THIRD.

4 narrow street in Constantinople.
4 great concourse of people, all looking in one direc-
tion down the street. Noise, singing, and the
music of Jiutes and dnims is heard at some
distance.

A Shoemaker.
[At his house-door, calls across the street.^ ^Vhat
a foot, dear neighbour ?

A Shopkeeper.
[In the house opposite."] They say *tis some Syrian
jugglers that have come to town.

A Fruit-seller,
[In the street.'] No, no, 'tis a band of Egyptians
going around with apes and dromedaries.

III.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 267

EuNAPius THE Barber.
[Poorlif clad, trying in vain to slip through the crowd!]
Make room, you fools ! How the devil can any
one chatter and play the fool on such a day of
misfortune ?

A Woman.
\Ata small mndorv.] Hist, hist, EuUdpiUli ! My
comely master !

EUNAPIUS.

How dare you speak to me in the open street,
you procuress ?

The Woman.
Slip in by the back way, sweet friend !

EUNAPIUS.

Fie upon you ! Am I in the humour for
folly

The Woman.
You shall soon be in the humour. Come, fair
Eunapius ; I had a consignment of fresh doves
the day before yesterday

Eunapius.
Oh sinful world ! [Tries to pass.] Make room,
there, in Satan's name ; let me pass I

Hekebolius.
[Clad for a jouimetjj and followed by a couple of
laden slaves, comes from a side-si7'eet.] Has the town
turned into a madhouse ? Everyone seeks to out-
bellow his neighbour, and no one can tell me what
is astir. Aha, — Eunapius^ my pious brother .*

258 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT J.

EUNAPIUS.

All hail to you, reverend sir! So you have
come back to town ?

Hekebolius,
This very moment; — I have consecrated the
warm autumn months to quiet devotion, on my
estate in Crete. And now pray tell me what is
afoot here ?

EUNAPIUS.

Confusion arid disaster. The new Emperor

Hekebolius.
Yes, yes, I have heard strange rumours

EUNAPIUS.

The truth is ten times worse. All faithful
servants are hunted out of the palace.

Hekebolius.
Is it possible ?

EUNAPIUS.

Alackaday; I myself was the first

Hekebolius.
Terrible ! Then, perhaps, I too ?

EUNAPIUS,

Most certainly. All accounts are to be ex-
amined, all gifts resumed, all irregular perqui-
sites

Hekebolius.

[Turning pale.] God have mercy on us !

EUNAPIUS.

The Lord be praised, I have a good conscience I

THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 259

Hekebolius.

I too, I too ; but nevertheless i Then no

doubt it is true that the Emperor has sacrificed to
Apollo and Fortuna ?

EUNAPIUS.

Certainly ; but who cares for such trifles ?

Hekebolius,
Trifles ? See you not, my short-sighted friend,
that it is our faith, as good Christians^ that he is
persecuting ?

EUNAPIUS.

I What do you say ? God's cross, is it possible ?

" Women.

[/» the croivd.'\ There they come I

A Man.
[On a housetop.'\ I can see him !

Other Voices.
Who comes ? Who, who ?

The Man on the Housetop.
The Emperor Julian. He has vine-leaves in his
hair.

People in the Street,
The Emperor !

EuNAPius, ;

The Emperor !

Hekebolius.
Come, come, my godly brother!

EuNAPIUS.

Let me go, sir, I am in no wise godly.

260 THE EMPEROII JULIAN. [aCT I,

Hekebolius.
Not godly ?

EuNAPIUS.

Who dares accuse me of ? Do you want to

ruin me ? Godly ? When was I godly ? I once
belonged to the sect of the Donatists; that was
years and years ago. Devil take the Donatists I
[He knocks at the whidow.^ Hi, Barbara, Barbara;
open the door, old she-cat !

\The door is opened and he slips in.

The Multitude.
There he is ! There he comes !

Hekebolius.
All irregular perquisites ! Accounts ex-
amined ! Oh thunderbolt of disaster !

[He slips away, followed by his two slaves.

[The procession of Dionysus comes doivn
the street. Flute-players go foremost ;
drunken \me7i, some of them dressed as
fauns and satyrs, dance to the measure.
In the middle of the procession comes the
Emperor JuLiAi!i,ridi?igon an ass, which
is covered with a panther- skin ; he is
dressed as the god Dionysus, with a
panther-skin over his shoulders, a wreath
of vine-leaves round his head^ in his hands
a staff wreathed with green, and with a
jyine-cone fastened on its upper end. Half-
naked, painted women and youllis, dancers
and jugglers, surround him ; some carry
wine -flagons and goblets, othejs beat tam-
bourines, and move forward with ivild
leaps and antics.

SC. 111.1 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 26l

The Dancers.
[Singiiig,]
Potions of fire drain from goblets overflowing !
Potions of fire !
Lips deeply sipping.
Locks unguent-dripping.
Goat-haunches tripping,
Wine-God, we hail thee in rapturous quire I

The Women.

[Si7iging.]

Come, Bacchanalians, while noontide is glowing —

Come, do not flee us —
Plunge we m love-sports night blushes at knowing !

There rides Lyaeus,

Pard-borne, delivering !

Come, do not flee us ;
Know, we are passionate; feel, we are quivering!

Leaping all, playing all.

Staggering and swaying all —

Come, do not flee us !

Julian.
Make room ! Stand aside, citizens I Rever-
ently make way ; not for us, but for him to whom
we do honour !

A Voice in the Crowd.
The Emperor in the company of mummers
and harlots !

Julian.
The shame is yours, that I must content myself
with such as these. Do you not blush to find
more piety and zeal among these than among
yourselves ?

262 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT I.

An Old Man.
Christ enlighten you, sire !

Julian.

Aha, you are a Galilean ! And you must put in

your v/ord ? Did not your great Master sit at meat

with sinners ? Did he not frequent houses that

were held less than reputable ? Answer me that.

Eunapius.
l^Siirroutided hy girhj in the doorway q/* Barbara's
}iouse?\^ Yes, answer, answer if you can, you fool!

Julian.
What, — are not you that barber whom ?

Eunapius.
A new-made freeman, gracious Emperor ! Make
way. Bacchanalians ; room for a brother !

\lie and the girls dance into the ranks of the
Bacchanalians,

Julian.
I like this well. Take example by this Greek,
if you have a spark of your fathers' spirit left in
you. And this is sorely needed, you citizens ; for
no divinity has been so much misunderstood — ay,
even rendered ridiculous — as this ecstatic Diony-
sus, whom the Romans also call Bacchus. Think
you he is the god of sots } Oh ignorant creatures,
I pity you, if that is your thought. Who but he
inspires poets and prophets with their miraculous
gifts ? I know that some attribute this function
to Apollo, and certainly not without a show of
reason ; but in that case the whole matter must

pC IV.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 2§3x

be regarded in quite another aspect, — as I could
prove by many authorities. But this I will not
debate with you in the open streets. This is
neither the place nor the time. Ay, mock away I
Make the sign of the cross 1 I see it ! You would
fain whistle with your jfingers ; you would stone
me, if you dared. — Oh, how I blush for this city,
so sunk in barbarism that it knows no better than
to cling to an ignorant Jew*s deluded fantasies I —
Forward ! Stand aside, — do not block the way !

The Dancers.
There rides Lyaeus,
Pard-borne, delivering !

The Women.
Know, we are passionate ; feel, we are quivering ;
Come, do not flee us !
[During the singing of' the refrain the pro-
cession turns into a side-street ; the crowd
looks on in dumb astojiishvieiU.

SCENE IV.

71ic Emperor s library in the Palace, Entrance door
on the left; a lesser doorway, with a curtain
before it, on the right.

The Chamberlain Eutherius enters from the left,
followed by tivo servants, bearing carpets,

Eutherius.
[Calling out to the right.'\ Agilo, Agilo, warm
rose-water ! A bath for the Emperor.

[He goes out to the right, with both servants.

THE EMt>EUOll JULIAN. [aCT I.

The Emperor Julian enters hastily from the left.
He still wears the panther-skin and the vine-
leaves ; in his hand is the green-wreathed staff.
He paces the room once or iwicCf then Jlings the
staff into a comer.

Julian.

Was there beauty in this ?

Where were the white -bearded elders ? Where
the pure maidens, with the fillets on their brows,
modest, and of seemly bearing, even in the rapture
of the dance ?

Out upon you, harlots !

\^He tears off the panther-skin, and casts it
aside.
"WTiither has beauty fled ? When the Emperor
bids her come forth again, will she not obey ?

Out upon this stinking ribaldry !

What faces ! All the vices crying aloud in their

distorted features. Ulcers on soul and body

Faugh, faugh ! A bath, Agilo I The stench
chokes me.

The Bath-Servant Agilo.
[In the doorway to the right. "^ The bath is pre-
pared, gracious sire !

Julian.
The bath? Nay, let that be. What is the filth
of the body compared with all the rest ? Go !

[Agilo goes out again. The Emperor
stands some time in thought.
The seer of Nazareth sat at meat among publi-
cans and sinners. —

Where lies the gulf between that and this?

[Hekebolius enters from the lefi, and stops
apprehensively at the door.

sc. iv.] the emperor julian. 265

Julian.
What would you, man ?

Hekebolius.
[Kneeliiig.] Sire I

Julian.
Ah, what do I see ? Hekebolius ; — is it indeed
you ?

Hekebolius.

The same, and yet another.

Julian.
My old teacher. What would you have ? Stand
up !

Hekebolius.
No, no, let me lie. And take it not ill that I
presume on my former right of entrance to your
presence.

Julian.
[Coldli/J] I asked you what you would have ?

Hekebolius.
" My old teacher," you said. Oh that I could
cast the veil of oblivion over those times !

Julian.
[As before.^ I understand. You mean that

Hekebolius.
Oh that I could sink into the earth, and hide
the shame 1 feel ! See, see, — here I lie at your
feet, a man whose hair is growing grey — a man who
has pored and pondered all his days, and has to
confess at last that he has gone astray, and led his
beloved pupil into error I

26,6 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT 1,

Julian.
What would you have me understand by that. >

Hekebolius.
You called me your old teacher. See, here I
lie in the dust before you, looking up to you with
wonder, and calling you my new teacher.

Julian,
Rise, Hekebolius I

Hekebolius.

[Rising."] You shall hear everything, sire, and
judge me according to your righteousness. — When
you were gone, life at your august predecessor's
court became almost intolerable to me. I know
not whether you have heard that I was promoted
to be the Empress's reader and almoner. But ah,
could posts of honour console me for the loss of
my Julian ! I could scarce endure to see how men
who made great show of outward virtue accepted
gifts and bribes of every kind. I grew to hate
this daily intercourse with greedy sycophants,
whose advocacy was at the beck of any one who
could pay down sounding gold for sounding words.
Oh my Emperor, you do not know what went on

here !

Julian.

I know, I know.

Hekebolius.
A frugal life in retirement allured me. As often
as I might, I withdrew to Crete, to my modest
Tusculum — my little country house, — ^where virtue
did not seem to have utterly forsaken the world.
There I have been living this summer as well ;
meditating upon human life and heavenly truths.

sc. iv.] the emperor julian, 267

Julian.
Happy Hekebolius !

Hekeboliusj
Then the rumour of all your marvellous exploits

reached Crete

Julian,
Ah!

Hekebolius.
I asked myself: Is he more than mortal, this
peerless youth ? Under whose protection does he
stand ? Is it thus that the God of the Christians
is wont to manifest his pov/er ?

Julian.
[In rapt attention.] Well ; well !

Hekebolius.
I set myself to search once more the writings of
the ancients. Light after light dawned upon me
; oh, to have to confess this !

Julian.
Speak out — I beseech you !

Hekebolius.
[Falling on his knees.] Punish me according to
your righteousness, sire ; but renounce your youth-
ful errors on things divine I Yes, most gracious
Emperor, you are entangled in error, and I — oh,
I marvel that the shame does not kill me — I, I
have helped to lead you astray

Julian.
[With outstretched arjns.] Come to my closest
embrace !

268 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT I.

Hekebolius.
Oh, I entreat you, show gratitude to the im-
mortal gods, whose darling you are ! And if you
cannot, then punish me because I do it in your

stead

Julian.
Come, come to ray open arms, I tell you !

[i/e lifts him up, presses him in his armSj
and kisses him.
My Hekebolius ! What a great and unlooked-
for joy !

Hekebolius.
Sire, how am I to understand this ?

Julian.

Oh, then you do not know ? When came

you to the city ?

Hekebolius.
I landed an hour ago.

Julian.
And hurried hither at once ?

Hekebolius.
On the wings of anxiety and remorse, sire .'

Julian.
And you have spoken to no one ?

Hekebolius.
No, no, I have spoken to no one ; but ?

Julian.

Oh, then you cannot have heard

\He embraces htm again.

8C. IV.]

THE EMPEROR JULIAN.

269

My Hekebolius, listen and know ! I too, like
you, have cast off the yoke of error. The im-
mortal Sun- King, to whom we mortals owe so
much, I have restored to his ancient state ; Fortuna
has received her offering from my humble hands ;
and if, at this moment, you find me weary and
somewhat unstrung, it is because I have but now
been celebrating a festival in honour of the divine
Dionysus,

Hekebolius.
I hear, and am amazed !

Julian.
See, — the garland is still in my hair. Amid the
joyous acclaim of the multitude — ^yes, I may call
it a multitude

Hekebolius.
And I did not even dream of such great
things I

Julian.
Now we will gather around us all friends of
truth, and lovers of wisdom, all seemly and reve-
rent worshippers of the gods ; — there are already
some — not very many

The physician Caesarius, accompanied hy several
officials and notables of the former court ^ enters
from the left.

Julian.
Ah, here we have the good Caesarius, — nume-
rously accompanied, and with a face that betokens
urgent business.

270 THE KMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT 1,

Caesarius.
Most gracious Emperor, will you permit your
servant to ask a question, in his own name, and
that of these much disquieted men ?

Julian.
Ask, my dearest Caesarius I Are you not my
beloved Gregory's brother ? Ask, ask 1

Caesarius.

Tell me, then, sire [He observes Hekebolius.]

What do I see ! Hekebolius here ?

Julian.
Newly returned

Caesarius.
[Trt/ing to draw back,^ Then I beg leave to

defer

Julian.
No, no, my Caesarius; this friend may hear
everything.

Caesarius.
Friend, say you .^ Oh my Emperor, then you
have not ordered these imprisonments ?

Julian.
What mean you ?

Caesarius.
Do you not know ? Nevita — the general-in-
chief, as he now calls himself — is instituting
prosecutions under pretext of your authority,
against all the trusted servants of your prede-
cessor.

sc, iv.] the emperor julian. 271

Julian.

Investigations, highly necessary investigations,
my Caesarius !

Caesarius.

Oh sire, forbid him to go about it so harshly.
The book-keeper Pentadius is being hunted down
by soldiers; and likewise a certain captain of
Praetorians, whose name you have forbidden us to
mention; you know whom I mean, sire — that
unhappy man who is already, with his whole
household, in hiding for fear of you,

Julian.

You do not know this man. In Gaul, he
cherished the most audacious designs.

Caesarius.
That may be ; but now he is harmless. And not
he alone is threatened with destruction; the
treasurer, Ursulus, is imprisoned

Julian.
Ah, Ursulus ? So that has been found needful.

Caesarius.

Needful } Could that be needful, sire. Think
of Ursulus, that stainless old man — that man
before whose word high and low bend in

reverence

Julian.

A man utterly devoid of judgment, I tell you !
Ursulus is a prodigal, who, without any demur,
has gorged the rapacity of the court servants.
And besides, he is useless in affairs of state. I

272 THE EMPE410R JULIAN. [acT I.

have found that to my cost. I could never
trust him to receive the emissaries of foreign
princes.

Caesarius,
And yet we beg you, sire — all who are here
present — to be magnanimous, both to Ursulus and
to the others.

Julian.
Who are the others '^

Caesarius.
Too many, I fear. I will only name the under-
treasurer, Evagrius, the late chamberlain, Satur-
ninus, the supreme judge, Cyrenus, and

JuLiAi:.
Why do you stop ?

Caesarius.
[With hesitation.] Sire — the late Empress's
reader, Hekebolius, is also among the accused,

Julian.
What!

Hekebolius.
I ? Impossible I

Caesarius.
Accused of having accepted bribes from un-
worthy office-seekers

Julian.

Hekebolius accused of that ? A man like

Hekebolius ?

sc.

THE EMPEROR JULIAN.

273

Hekebolius.
What shameful slander ! Oh Christ — I mean
to say — oh heavenly divinities I

Caesarius.
Julian,

Ah!

What mean you ?

Caesarius.
[Coldly.] Nothing, most gracious Emperor !

Julian,
Caesarius !

Caesarius,
Yes, my august master !

Julian.
Not master ; call me your friend.

Caesarius.
Dare a Christian call you so!

Julian.

I pray you banish such thoughts, Caesarius !
You must not believe that of me. How can I
help all these accused men being Christians?
Does it not merely shovir that the Christians have
contrived to seize all the lucrative posts ? And can
the Emperor suffer the most important offices of
the state to be badly administered ?

[7*0 ike others.

You surely do not think that it is your creed
which has kindled my wrath against dishonest
officials ? I call all the gods to witness that I will

2TI^ THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT 1.

permit no proceedings against you Christians that
are not consonant with law and justice, nor will I
suffer any one to do you wrong. You, or at any rate
many of you, are pious in your way, since you too
adore that Lord who is all-powerful, and who rules
over the whole visible world. — Oh, myCaesarius,
is it not he whom I also adore, though under other
names ?

Caesarius.
Suffer me, gracious Emperor .

Julian,
Moreover, it is my intention to show clemency
wherever it is fit that I should do so. As to
Hekebolius, his secret enemies must not imagine
that they will be suffered to injure him by tale-
bearing or any other sort of paltry intrigue.

Hekebolius.
My Emperor ! My shield and my defence !

Julian.
Nor is it my will that all the minor court ser-
vants should be unmercifully deprived of their
subsistence. I have specially in mind that barber
whom I dismissed. I am sorry for it. The man
may remain. He seemed to me one who understood
his business thoroughly. All honour to such people!
So far I can go, my Caesarius, but no further. I
cannot interfere on behalf of Ursulus. I must act
so that the blind, and yet so keen- eyed. Goddess
of Justice may have no reason to knit her brows
over a mortal to whom she has confided so great a
responsibility*

so. IV.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 275

Caesarius.
After this, I have not a word more to say for
those unfortunates. I only crave permission to
leave the court and city.

Julian,
Would you leave me ?

Caesarius.
Yes, most gracious Emperor !

Julian.
You are stiff-necked, like your brother.

Caesarius.
The new order of things gives me much to
reflect upon.

Julian.
1 had great designs for you Caesarius ! It would
be a great joy to me, if you could renounce your
errors. Can you not ?

Caesarius.
God knows what I might have done a month
ago ; — now I cannot.

Julian.
A marriage into one of the most powerful
families should stand open to you. Will you not
bethink you ?

Caesarius.
No, most gracious lord.

276 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT I.

Julian.
A man like you could quickly mount from step
to step. Caesarius, is it not possible that you can
give me your aid in furthering the new order of
things ?

Caesarius.
No, most gracious lord !

Julian.
I do nol- mean here, but in other places. It is
my intention to depart from here. Constantinople
is very unpl easing to me ; you Galileans have
spoiled it for me in every way, I shall go to
Antioch ; there I shall find better soil to work
upon. I thought you would accompany me* Will
you not, Caesarius }

Caesarius,
Most gracious lord, I too am bound for the east;
but I will go alone.

Julian.
And what will you do there .'*

Caesarius.
Visit my old father ; help Gregory to strengthen
him for the coming struggle.

Julian,
Go!

Caesarius.
Farewell, my Emperor !

sc. iv.j the emperor julian. 277

Julian.
Happy father, with such unhappy sons !

\_He makes a gesture with his hand ; Cae-
SARius and those with him bow low, and

go out to the left,

Hekebolius.
What reckless and most unseemly defiance !

Julian,

My heart is wounded to the quick by this and
many other things. You, my HekeboHus, shall
accompany me. The ground burns beneath my
feet in this poisoned Galilean city ! I will write
to those philosophers, Kytron and Priscus, who
have won so great fame of late years. Maximus I
expect every day ; he shall go with us. — I tell you
there are joyful days of victory awaiting us, Heke-
bolius ! In Antioch, my friend, — there we shall
meet the incomparable Libanius, — and there we
are nearer Helios at his rising. Oh, this irresistible
yearning towards the Sun-King — — !

Hekebolius,
Yes, yes, yes !

Julian.
[Embracing him.] My Hekebolius! — Wisdom;
light; beauty!

ACT SECOND.
SCENE FIRST.

A spacious vestibule in ike Emperor's Palace, at
Antioch, An open entrance in the bachground ; on
the left is a door, leading into the inner rooms.
On a raised seat in the foreground, to the right, sits
the Emperor Julian, surrounded by his court.
Judges, Orators, Poets, a?id Teachers, among
them Hekebolius, sit on lower seats arojmd him.
Leaning agaiiist the wall near the entrance staiids
A Man, dressed as a Christian Piiest ; he hides
his face in his hands, and seems rapt in prayer,
A great gathering of citizens Jills the hall.
Guards at the entrance, and at the door on the
left.

Julian.
[Addressing the assemblage.^ So great success
have the gods vouchsafed me. Hardly a single
city have I approached on my journey, whence
whole troops of Galileans have not streamed forth
to meet me on the road, lamenting their errors,
and placing themselves under the protection of
tiie divine powers. Compared with this, what
signifies the senseless behaviour of the scoffers ?
May not the scoffers be likened to dogs, who in
their ignorance yelp at the moon ^ Yet I will not
deny that I have learned with indignation that
some inhabitants of this city have spoken scorn-
fully of the rule of life which I have enjoined oa

I

SC. I.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 279

the priests of Cybele, the good goddess. Ought
not reverence for so exalted a divinity to protect
her servants from mockery ? I say to those fool-
hardy men : Are ye barbarians, since ye know not
who Cybele is } Must I solemnly remind you how,
when the power of Rome was so gravely threatened
by that Punic commander, whose grave I saw not
long since in Libyssa, the Cumaean Sybil coun-
selled that the statue of Cybele should be taken
from the temple inPessinus, and brought to Rome?
As to the priests' way of life, some have M'on-
dered that they should be forbidden to eat roots,
and everything that grows along the earth, while
they are allowed to partake of upward-growing
herbs and fruits. Oh, how dense is your igno-
rance— I pity you if you cannot understand this !
Can the spirit of man find nourishment in that
which creeps along the ground .'* Does not the soul
live by all that yearns upward, towards heaven and
the sun } I will not enter more largely into these
matters to-day. What remains to be said you
shall learn from a treatise I am composing during
my sleepless nights, which I hope will shortly be
recited both in the lecture-halls and on the
market-places.

[Fie rises.
And with this, my friends, if no one has any-
thing further to bring forward

A Citizen.
[Pressing to the J'ront.'\ Oh most gracious
Emperor, let me not go unheard !

Julian.
I agaii
Who are you }

[Sitting down again.] Surely not, my friend,
ho an

280 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT II.

The Citizen.
I am Medon, the corn-merchant. Oh, if my
love for you, exalted and divine Emperor

Julian.
Come to your case, man I

Medon.
I have a neighbour. Allies, who for many years
has done me every imaginable injury ; for he, too,
is a dealer in corn, and takes the bread out of my
mouth in the most shameful way

Julian.
Aha, my good Medon ; yet you look not ill-fed.

Medon.
Nor is that the matter, most gracious Emperor I
Oh, by the august gods, whom every day I learn
to love and praise more highly — his affronts to me
I could overlook ; but what I cannot suffer

Julian.
He surely does not insult the gods ?

Medon.
He does what is worse, — or at least equally
shameless; he — oh, I scarce know whether my
indignation will permit me to utter it, — he insults
you yourself, most gracious Emperor !

Julian.
Indeed ? In what words }

Medon.
Not in words, but worse— in act.

sc. i.] the emperor julian. 281

Julian.
Then in what act ?

Medon.
He wears a purple robe

Julian.
A purple robe ? Oho, that is bold.

Medon.
Oh, great wing-footed Mercury, when I
think how he would have paid for that robe in
your predecessor's lime! And this garment of
vainglory I have daily before my eyes

Julian.
This garment, bought with money that might
have been yours

Medon.
Oh most gracious Emperor, — punish his auda-
city ; let him be expelled the city ; my love for our
great and august ruler will not suffer me to remain
a witness of such shameless arrogance.

Julian.
Tell me, good Medon, what manner of clothes
does Alites wear, besides the purple cloak ?

Medon.
Truly I cannot call to mind, sire; ordinary
clothes, I think ; I have only remarked the purple
cloak. •

Julian.
A purple cloak, then, and untanned sandals ?

Jfe82 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT fl.

Medon.
Yes, sire ; it looks as ludicrous as it is audacious.

Julian.
We must remedy this, Medon !

Medon.
[Jot^/^.J Ah, most gracious Emperor ?

Julian.
Come early to morrow to the palace

Medon.
[Still more delighted.] I will come very early,
most gracious Emperor !

Julian.
Give your name to my Chamberlain

Medon.
Yes, yes, my most gracious Emperor !

Julian.
You will receive from him a pair of purple shoes,
embroidered with gold

Medon.
Ah, my most generous lord and Emperor I

Julian.
These shoes you will take to Alites, place them
on his feet, and say that henceforth he must not
fail to put them on, whenever he would walk
abroad by daylight in his purple cloak

:. I.] THK EMPEROR JULIAN. 2S3

Oh!

Me DON.

Julian.

and, that done, you may tell him from me,

that he is a fool If he thinks himself honoured by
a purple robe, having not the power of the purple.
— Go; and come for the shoes to-morrow !

[The Corn Merchant slinks awaijj amid the
laughter of the citizens ; the Courtie7's,
Orators, Poets, and the rest clap their
hands, with loud exclamations ofaj^provaL

Another Citizen,
[Steppi?ig forward from the crowd."] Praised bd
the Emperor's j ustice ! Oh how richly this envious
corn-miser deserves his punishment ! Oh hear
me, and let your favour

Julian.
Aha; methinks I know that face. Were not
you one of those who shouted before my chariot
as I drove into the city ?

The Citizen.
None shouted louder than I, incomparable Em-
peror ! I am Malchus, the tax-gatherer. Ah,
grant me your aid ! I am engaged in a law-suit
with an evil and grasping man

Julian.

And therefore you come to me ? Are there not
judges ?

Malchus.
The affair is somewhat involved, noble Emperor ;
It concerns a field, which I leased to this bad man,

284 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT Iu

having bought it seven years since, when part of
the domain belonging to the Apostles' Church was
sold.

Julian.
So, so ; church property, then ?

Malchus.
Honestly purchased ; but now this man denies
either to pay me rent, or to give up the property,
under pretext that this field once belonged to the
temple of Apollo, and, as he declares, was unlaw-
fully confiscated many years ago,

Julian.
Tell me, Malchus, — ^you seem to be a follower
of the Galilean ?

Malchus.
Most gracious Emperor, 'tis an old tradition in
our family to acknowledge Christ.

Julian.
And this you say openly, without fear ?

Malchus.
My adversary is bolder than I, sire ! He goes
in and out, as before ; he fled not the city when he
heard of your approach.

Julian.
Fled not ? And why should he flee, this man
who stands out for the rights of the gods ?

Malchus.
Most gracious Emperor, you have doubtless
heard ot the book-keeper, Thalassius ?

SC. I.]

THE EMPEROR JULIAN.

285

Julian.

What ! That Thalassius who, to ingratiate him-
self with my predecessor, whilst I was being
slandered and menaced in Gaul, proposed, here in
Antioch, in the open market-place, that the
citizens should petition the Emperor to send them
Julian Caesar's head !

Malchus.

Sire, it is this, your deadly foe, who is wronging
me.

Julian.

Truly, Malchus, I have as great ground of
complaint against this man as you have.

Malchus.
Tenfold greater, my gracious Emperor ?

Julian.
What think you ? Shall we two combine our
quarrels, and prosecute him together .''

Malchus.
Oh, what exceeding grace ! Oh tenfold hap-
piness !

Julian.

Oh tenfold foolishness ! Thalassius goes in and
out as before, you say ? He has not fled the city
at my approach. Thalassius knows me better than
you. Away with you, man ! When I indict
Thalassius for my head, you may indict him for
your field.

Malchus.
[Wringing his hands.] Oh tenfold misery !

[i/e goes out hy the hack; the ctssemhly
again applauds the Emperor.

286 THE EMPEROIl JULIAN, [aCT II,

Julian.

That is well, my friends ; rejoice that I have
succeeded in making a not altogether unworthy
beginning to this day, which is specially dedicate to
the feast of the radiant Apollo. For is it not worthy
of a philosopher to overlook affronts against
himself, whilst he sternly chastises wrongs done
to the immortal gods .'* I do not recall whether that
crowned cultivator of learning, Marcus Aurelius,
was everinlike case ; but if he was, we must hope
that he did not act quite unlike me, who hold
it an honour to follow humbly in his footsteps.

Let this serve as a clue for your future guidance.
In the palace, in the market-place, even in the
theatre — did I not loathe to enter such a place of
folly — it is fit that you should greet me with
acclamation and joyful applause. Such homage,
I know, was well received both by the Macedonian
Alexander and by Julius Caesar, men who were
also permitted by the Goddess of Fortune to
outshine other mortals in glory.

But when you see me entering a temple, that is
another affair. Then I desire you to be silent, or
direct your plaudits to the gods, and not to me, as
I advance with bent head and downcast eyes. And
above all, I trust you will be heedful of this to-
day, when I am to sacrifice to so transcendent and
mighty a divinity as he whom we know by the
name of the Sun-King, and who seems even
greater in our eyes when we reflect that he is the
same whom certain oriental peoples call Mithra.

And with this — if no one has more to say

The Priest at the Door.
[Dra7vs himself wp.] In the name of the Lord
God!

sc. i.] the emperor julian. 287

Julian.
Who speaks ?

The Priest.

A servant of God and of the Emperor.

Julian.
Approach. What would you ?

The Priest.
I would speak to your heart and to your con-
science.

Julian.

[Springing up.] What voice was that ! What

do I see I In spite of beard and habit !

Gregory !

The Priest.

Yes, my august master !

Julian.
Gregory I Gregory of Nazianzus !

Gregory.
Yes, gracious Emperor I

Julian.
[Has descended and grasped his hands; he now
looks long at him.] A little older; browner; broader.
No ; 'twas only at the first glance ; now you are
the same as ever.

Gregory.
Oh that it were so with you, sire !

Julian.
Athens. That night in the portico. No man
has lain so near }xiy heart as you.

288 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT II.

Gregory.
Your heart ? Ah, Emperor, you have torn out
of your heart a better friend than I.

Julian.
You mean Basil ?

Gregory^
I mean a greater than Basil.

Julian.
[Glooming.] Ah ! So that is what you come to
tell me ? And in that habit

Gregory.
I did not choose this habit, sire !

Julian.
Not you ? Who then ?

Gregory.
He who is greater than the Emperor.

Julian.
I know your Galilean phrases. For the sake of
our friendship, spare me them.

Gregory.
Let me, then, begin by telling you how it is
that you see me here, ordained a priest of the
church you are persecuting.

Julian.
[With a sharp look."] Persecuting I

[He ascends ike dais again and sits down.
Now speak on.

sc. i.] the emperor julian. 289

Gregory.

You know what were my thoughts of things divine,
during our happy comradeship in Athens. But
then it was far from my purpose to renounce the
joysofhfe. Neither ambition nor the thirst for
riches, I can truly say, has ever tempted me ; yet
I should scarce tell the truth if I denied that my
eye and my mind dwelt wonderingly on all the
glories which the old learning and art of Greece
revealed to me. The wranglings and petty schisms
in our church afflicted me deeply ; but I took no
part in them ; I served my countrymen in tem-
poral things ; nothing more •

Then came tidings from Constantinople. It was
said that Constantius had died of terror at your
proceedings, and had declared you his heir.
Heralded by the renown of your victories, and
received as a superhuman being, you, the hero of
Gaul and Germany, had ascended the throne of
Constantine without striking a blow. The earth
lay at your feet.

Then came further tidings. The lord of earth
was girding himself up to war against the Lord of

heaven

Julian.

Gregory, what do you presume !

Gregory.
The lord of the body was girding himself up
to war against the Lord of the soul. I stand here
before you in bodily fear and trembling ; but I
dare not lie. Will you hear the truth, or shall I
be silent }

Julian.
Say on, Gregory !

290 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [a CT II,

Gregory.
What have not my fellow Christians already
suffered during these few months ? How many
sentences of death have been passed, and executed
in the cruellest fashion ? Gaudentius, the state
secretary ; Artemius, the former governor of
Egypt ; the two tribunes, Romanus and Vincen-

tius

Julian.

You know not what you speak oi. l tell you,
the Goddess of Justice would have wept had
those traitors escaped with their lives.

Gregory.

That may be, my Emperor; but I tell you that
one sentence of death has been passed which the
God of Justice can never forgive you. Ursulus !
The man who stood your friend in times of need !
Ursulus who, at the risk of his own life, supplied
you with money in Gaul ! Ursulus, vhose sole
crime was his Christian faith and his sin-
cerity

Julian.

Ah, this you have from your brother, Caesarius !

Gregory.
Punish me, sire ; but spare my brother.

Julian.
You well know that you risk nothing, Gregory !
Besides, I will grant you that Nevita acted too
harshly.

Gregory,
Ay, that barbarian, who tries in vain to hide
his origin under a Greek veneer !

sc. i.] the emperor julian. 291

Julian.

Nevita is zealous in his duty, and I cannot my-
self be everywhere. For Ursulus I have mourned
sincerely, and I deeply deplore that neither
time nor circumstances allowed me to examine
into his case myself, I should certainly have
spared him, Gregory ! I have thought, too, of
restoring to his heirs any property he has left
behind,

Gregory.

Great Emperor, you owe me no reckoning for
your acts. I only wished to tell you that all these
tidings fell like thunderbolts in Caesarea and
Nazianzus, and the other Cappadocian cities. How
shall I describe their effect ! Our internal wrang-
lings were silenced by the common danger. Many
rotten branches of the Church fell away ; but in
many indifferent hearts the light of the Lord was
kindled with a fervour before undreamt-of. Mean-
while oppression overtook God's people. The
heathen — I mean, my Emperor, those whom /call
heathen — began to threaten, to injure, to persecute

us

Julian.

Retaliation, — retaliation, Gregory !

Gregory.
Far be it from me to justify all that my fellow
Christians may have done in their excessive zeal
for the cause of the Church. But you, who are
so enlightened, and have power over all alike,
cannot permit the living to sufler for the faults of
the dead. Yet so it has been in Cappadocia. The
enemies of the Christians, few in number,*! but
thirsting after gain, *nd burning with eagerness

S92 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT H.

to ingratiate themselves with the new officials,
have awakened fear and perturbation among the
people both in town and country.

I am not thinking chiefly of the insults we have
had to suffer, nor of the infringements of our just
rights of property, to which we have been con-
stantly exposed of late. What most grieves me
and all my earnest brethren, is the peril to souls.
Many are not firm-rooted in the faith, and cannot
quite shake off the care for earthly goods. The
harsh treatment which has now to be endured by
all who bear the name of Christian has already led
to more than one apostasy. Sire, this is soul-
robbery from God's kingdom.

Julian.
Oh, ray wise Gregory, — how can you talk so } I
wonder at you ? Should you not rather, as a good
Galilean, rejoice that your community is rid of
such men ?

Gregory.
Gracious Emperor, I am not of that opinion. I
have myself been indifferent in the faith, and I
look upon all such as sick men, who are not past
cure, so long as they remain in the bosom of the
Church. So, too, thought our little congregation
at Nazianzus. Brethren and sisters, in deep dis-
tress, assembled to take counsel against the perils
of the time. They were joined by delegates from
Caesarea and other cities. My father is infirm,
and — as he owns with sorrow — does not possess
the steadfast, immovable will which, in these
troublous times, is needful for him who sits in the
bishop's chair. The assembly determined that a

SC. I.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 293

younger man should be chosen as his helper, to
hold the Lord's flock together.
The choice fell oa me.

Julian,

Ah!

G REGORY,

I was then away on a journey. But in my
absence, and without consulting me, my father
ordained me a priest and sent me the priestly
habit.

These tidings reached me in Tiberina, at my
country house, where I was passing some days
with my brother and with the friend of my youth,
Basil of Caesarea.

Sire — had my sentence of death been read to
me, it could not have appalled me more than
this.

I a priest ! I wished it, and I wished it not. I
felt it must, be — and yet my courage failed. I
wrestled with God the Lord, as the patriarch
wrestled with him in the days of the old covenant.
What passed in my soul during the night v/hich
followed, I cannot tell. But this I know that, ere
the cock crew, I talked face to face with the
Crucified One. — Then I was his.

Julian.
Folly, folly ; I know those dreams,

Gregory.

On my homeward journey I passed through

Caesarea. Oh, what misery met me there ! I

found the town full of fugitive country people,

who had forsaken house and home because the

29^ THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT II.

drought had burnt up their crops, and laid all the
vineyards and olive-gardens desolate. To escape
starvation they had fted to the starving. There
they lay — men, women, and children — in heaps
along the walls of the houses ; fever shook them,
famine gnawed their entrails. What had Caesarea
to offer them — that impoverished, unhappy town,
as yet but half rebuilt after the great earthquake
of two years ago ? And in the midst of this, amid
scorching heat and frequent earthquake-shocks,
we had to see ungodly festivals going on day and
night. The ruined altars were hastily rebuilt ; the
blood of sacrifices ran in streams ; mummers
and harlots paraded the streets with dance and
song.

Sire — can you wonder that my much-tried
brethren thought they saw in the visitation that
had come upon them a judgment of heaven because
they had so long tolerated heathenism and its
scandalous symbols in their midst ?

Julian,
What symbols do you mean }

Gregory.
The cry of the terror-stricken and fevered mul-
titude rose ever higher ; they demanded that the
rulers of the city should give a palpable witness
for Christ by ordering the destruction of what
still remains of the former glory of heathendom
in Caesarea.

Julian.
You cannot mean to say that ?

I

SC. I.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 295

Gregory.
The magistrates of the city called a meeting,
where I too was present. You know, most gracious
Emperor, that all temples are the property of the
city ; so that the citizens have the right to dispose
of them at their own free will.

Julian.
Well, well ; what if it were so ?

Gregory.
In that terrible earthquake that ravaged
Caesarea two years ago, all the temples but one
were destroyed.

Julian.
Yes, yes ; the temple of Fortuna.

Gregory.

At the meeting whereof I speak, the congregation
determined to complete God's work of judgment,
in testimony that they would trust wholly and
solely to him, and no longer tolerate the abomina-
tion in their midst.

Julian.

[Hoarseli/.] Gregory, — once my friend — do you
hold your life dear ?

Gregory.

This resolution I did not myself approve, but
almost all voices were in favour of it. But as we
feared that the matter might be represented to
you falsely, and might, perhaps, incense you against
the city, it was determined to send a man hither
to announce to you what we have resolved, and
what will presently happen.

Great "uler, — no one else was found willing to

296 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT II.

undertake the task. It fell perforce to me. There-
fore it is, sire, that I stand here before you in all
humility, to announce that we Christians in
Caesarea have resolved that the temple where
the heathen in bygone days worshipped a false
deity, under the name of Fortuna, shall be pulled
down and levelled with the ground.

Julian.
[Springing wyj.] And I must listen to this with
my own ears : One single man dares to tell me such
unheard-of things I

Courtiers, Orators, and Poets.
O pious Emperor, do not suffer it ! Punish this
audacious man !

Hekebolius.
He is distraught, sire ! Let nim go. See, —
the frenzy glitters in his eyes.

Julian.
Ay, it may well be called madness. But 'tis
more than madness. To dream of pulling down
that excellent temple, dedicated to a no less ex-
cellent divinity ! Is it not to the favour of this
very goddess that I ascribe my achievements, the
fame of which has reached the remotest nations ?
Were I to suffer this, how could I ever again hope
for victory or prosperity ? — Gregory, I command
you to return to Caesarea and give the citizens to
understand that I forbid this outrage.

Gregory.
Impossible, sire ! The matter has come to such
a pass that we have to choose between the fear of
man and obedience to God. We cannot draw back.

sc. i.] the emperor julian, 297

Julian.

Then you shall feel how far the Emperor's arm
can stretch !

Gregory.

The Emperor's arm is mighty in earthly things ;
and I, like others, tremble under it.

Julian.
Show it, then, in deeds ! Ah, you Galileans,
you reckon upon my long-suffering. Do not
trust to it ; for truly

A noise at the entrance. The barber, Eunapius,
followed by several citizensy rushes in,

Julian.
What is this.^ Eunapius, what has befallen
you?

Eunapius.
Oh that my eyes should see such a sight !

Julian.
What sight have you seen ?

Eunapius.
Behold, most gracious Emperor, I come bleed-
ing and bruised, yet happy to be the first to call
down your wrath

Julian.
Speak, man ; — who has beaten you ?

Eunapius.
Permit me, sire, to lay my complaint before
you.

298 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT II.

I went forth from the town this morning to
visit the little temple of Venus which you have
lately restored. When I came thither, the music
of flutes and singing greeted my ears. Women
were dancing gracefully in the outer court, and
within I found the whole space filled with a
rapturous crowd, while at the altar priests were
offering up the sacrifices you have ordained.

Julian.
Yes, yes ; and then }

EuNAPIUS.

Scarcely had I had time to turn my thoughts in
devotion toward that enchanting goddess, whom
I especially revere and worship, — when a great
crowd of young men forced their way into the

temple

Julian.
Not Galileans ?

Eunapius,
Yes, sire, — Galileans.

Julian.
Ah!

Eunapius.
What a scene followed ! Weeping under the
assailants* insults and blows, the dancing-girls
fled from the outer court to us within. The Gali-
leans fell upon us all, belaboured us and affronted
us in the most shameful manner.

Julian.
[Descending from his throne.] Wait, wait !

SC. I.J THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 299

EUNAPIUS.

Alas, would that their violence had fallen on
us alone I But the madmen went further. Yes,
gracious Emperor — in one word, the altar is over-
thrown, the statue of the goddess dashed to
pieces, the entrails of the sacrifices cast out to the

dogs

Julian.

[Paci?ig up and doivn.] Wait, wait, wait \

Gregory.
Sire, this one man's word is not enough

Julian.
Be silent !

[To EuNAPius.] Did you know any of the
sacrilegious crew ?

EUNAPIUS.

Not I, sire; but these citizens knew many of
them.

Julian.

Take a guard with you. Seize as many of the
wretches as you can. Cast them into prison. The
prisoners shall give up the names of the rest ; and
when I have them all in my power

Gregory,
What then, sire ?

Julian.
Ask the executioner. Both you and the citizens
of Caesarea shall be taught what you have to expect
if, in your Galilean obstinacy, you should abide
by your resolve.

[7'Ae Emperor goes out in great wrath, to
the left; Eunapius and his witnesses
retire with the watch ; the others disperse.

dOO THE EMPEROR JULIAN, [acT II.

SCENE SECOND.

A market-place in Antioch. In front, on the right,
a street debouches into the market ; to the lejl,
at the back, there is a view into a narrorv and
crooked street,

d great concourse of people Jills the market. Huck-
sters cri/ their wares If several places the towns-
people have gathered into clusters, talking
eagerly

A Citizen.
Good God of heaven, when did this misfortune

happen ?

Another Citizen.
This morning, I tell you; quite early this
morning.

Phocion the Dyer.
[Who has entered from the street on the right. ^
My good man, do you think it is fitting to call
tkis a misfortune ? I call it a crime^ and a most
audacious crime to boot.

The Second Citizen.
Yes, yes ; that is quite true ; it was a most
audacious thing to do.

Phocion.
Only think — of course it is the outrage on the
temple of Venus you are talking of } Only think
of their choosing a time when the Emperor was

in the city ? And this day, too, of all others

—a day

SC. II.J THE EMPEROR JULIAN. SOI

A Third Citizen.
[Drawifig near.] Tell me, good friend, what is

the matter ?

Phocion.
This day of all others, I say, when our august
ruler is himself to officiate at the feast of Apollo.

The Third Citizen.
Yes, I know that; but why are they taking
these Christians to prison .'*

Phocion.
What .'* Are they taking them to prison } Have
they really caught them ?

[Loifd shrieks are heard.
Hush; what is that.-* Yes, by the gods, I
believe they have them !

[^An Old Woman, much ag'daled, and with
dishevelled hair, makes her nmy through
the crowd ; she is beset by other jvomen,
who in vain seek to restrain her.

The Old Woman.
I will not be held back ! He is my only son,
the child of my old age ! Let me go ; let me go !
Can no one tell me where I can find the
Emperor ?

Phocion,

What would you with the Emperor, old mother }

The Old Woman.

I would have my son again. Help me ! My

son ! Hilarion ! Oh, they have taken him from

me ! They burst into our hoFise — and then they

took him away ! *

302 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [^CT II.

One of the Citizens.
[To Phocion.] Who is this woman ?

Phocion.
What ? Know you not the widow Publia, — the
psalm-singer ?

Citizen,
Ah, yes, yes, yes !

PUBLIA.

Hilarion ! my child ! What will they do to
him ? Ah, Phocion, — are you there ? God be
praised for sending me a Christian brother !

Phocion.
Hush, hush, be quiet; do not scream so loud;
the Emperor is coming.

PUBLIA,

Oh, this ungodly Emperor I The Lord of
Wrath is visiting his sins upon us ; famine ravages
the land ; the earth trembles beneath our feet !

[A detachment of soldiers enters by the
street on the right.

The Commander of the Detachment.
Stand aside ; make room here !

PUBLIA.

Oh come, good Phocion ; — help me, for our
friendship's and our fellowship's sake

Phocion.
Are you mad, woman ? I do not know you.

SC. II.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN, 303

PUBLIA.

What ? You do not know me ? Are you not
Phocion the dyer ? Are you not the son of ?

Phocion.
I am not the son of anybody. Get you gone,
woman ! You are mad ! I do not know you ; I
have never seen you.

[/fe hastens in among the crowd.

A Subaltern.
[With soldiers, fro7n the right ^ Clear the way
here!

\The soldiers force the multitude hack
towards the houses. Old Publia foints
in the arms of the women on the left.
All gaze expectanthj doivn the street.

Phocion.
[7w a knot of people behind the guard, to the right P\^
Yes, by the Sun-God, there he comes, the blessed
Emperor !

A Soldier.
Do not push so, behind there !

Phocion.
Can you see him } The man with the white
fillet round his brow, that is the Emperor.

A Citizen.
The man all in white ?

Phocion,
Yes, yes, that is he.

304 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT II,

The Citizen.
Why is he dressed in white ?

Phocion.
Doubtless because of the heat ; or, — no, stop, —
I think it is as the sacrificing priest that he— —

A Second Citizen.
Will the Emperor himself offer the sacrifice?

Phocion.

Yes, the Emperor Julian does everything him-
self.

A Third Citizen.

He does not look so powerful as the Emperoi
Constantius.

Phocion.

I think he does. He is not so tall as the late
Emperor; but his arms are longer. And then

his glance oh my friends 1 You cannot

see it just now; his eyes are modestly lowered as
he walks. Yes, modest he is, I can tell you. He
has no eye for women. I dare swear that since

his wife's death he has but seldom ; you see,

he writes the whole night. That is why his fingers
are often as black as a dyer's ; just like mine ; for
I am a dyer. I can tell you I know the Emperor
better than most people. I was bom here in
Antioch ; but I have lived fifteen years in Con-
stantinople, until very lately

A Citizen.
Is there aught, think you, in the rumour that
the Emperor is minded to settle here for good t

sc. ii.] the emperor julian. 305

Phocion.
I know the Emperor's barber, and he reports it
so. Let us trust these shameful disturbances may
not incense him too much.

A Citizen.
Alas, alas, that were a pity indeed I

A Second Citizen.
If the Emperor lived here, 'twould bring some-
thing in to all of us.

Phocion.
*Twas on that reckoning that I returned here.
So now we must do our best, friends ; when the
Emperor comes past, we must shout lustily both
for him and for Apollo.

A Citizen.
[To another.] Who is this Apollo, that people
begin to talk so much about }

The Other Citizen.
Why, 'tis the priest of Corinth, — he who watered
what the holy Paul had planted.

The First Citizen.
Ay, ay ; to be sure ; I think I remember now.

Phocion.
No, no, no, *tis not that Apollo ; 'tis another
one entirely ; — this is the Sun- King — the great
lyre-playing Apollo.

V * u

S06 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT II,

The Other Citizen.
Ah indeed ; that Apollo ! Is he better ?

Phocion,
I should think so, indeed. — Look, look, there
he comes. Oh, our most blessed Emperor !

The Emperor Julian, robed as a high priest^
enters, surrounded hy priests and servants of the
temple. Courtiers and learned men, among whom
is Hekebolius, have joined the procession ;
likewise citizens. Before the Emperor go flute-
players and harpers. Soldiers and men of the
city guard, with long staves^ clear the way
before the procession and on either side.

The Multitude.
[Clapping their ha7ids.'\ Praise to the Emperor !
Praise to Julian, hero and benefactor !

Phocion.
All hail to Julian and to the Sun-King I Long
live Apollo !

The Citizens.
[In the foregroujid, on the right.'\ Emperor,
Emperor, stay long among us !

[Julian makes a sign for the processio?i to stop.

Julian.

Citizens of Antioch ! It were hard for me to
name anything that could more rejoice my heart
than these inspiriting acclamations. And my
heart stands sorely in need of this refreshment.

It was with a downcast spirit that I set forth

so. II.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 307

on this procession, which should be one of joy and
exaltation. Nay, more ; I will not hide from you
that I was this morning on the verge of losing
that equanimity which it behoves a lover of
wisdom to preserve under all trials.

But can any one chide me for it? I would
have you all remember what outrages are threa-
tened elsewhere, and have already been committed
here.

PUBLIA.

My lord, my lord !

Phocion.
Oh pious and righteous Emperor, punish these
desperate men !

PUBLIA.

My lord, give me back my Hilarion I

Phocion.
All good citizens implore your favour towards
this city.

Julian.

Seek to win the favour of the gods, and of mine
you need have no doubt. And surely it is fitting
that Antioch should lead the way. Does it not
seem as though the Sun-God's eye had dwelt with
especial complacency on this city? Ask of
travellers, and you shall hear to what melancholy
extremes fanaticism has elsewhere proceeded in
laying waste our holy places. What is left ? A
remnant here and there ; and nothing of the
best.

But with you, citizens of Antioch ! Oh, ray
eyes filled with tears of joy when first I saw that

308 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [acT II

incomparable sanctuary, the very house Apollo*
which seems scarcely to be the work of human
hands. Does not the image of the Glorious One
stand within it, in un violated beauty? Not a
corner of his altar has broken or crumbled away,
not a crack is to be seen in the stately columns.

Oh, when I think of this, — when I feel the fillet
round my brow — when I look down upon these
garments, dearer to me than the purple robe of
empire, then I feel, with a sacred tremor, the
presence of the god.

See, see, the sunlight quivers around us in its
glory !

Feel, feel, the air is teeming with the perfume
of fresh-woven garlands !

Beautiful earth ! The home of light and life,
the home of joy, the home of happiness and
beauty ; — what thou wast shalt thou again become !
— In the embrace of the Sun-King ! Mithra,
Mithra !

Forward on our victorious way !

\^rhe procession moves on again, amid the
plaudits of the crowd ; those in front
come to a stop at the mouth of the narrow
street, through which another procession
enters the market-jjlace.

Julian.
What hinders us ?

Hekebolius.
Gracious lord, there is something amiss in the
other street.

Song.

[Far o/.
Blissful our pangs, be they never so cruel ;
Blissful our rising, the death-struggle o'er.

c. ii.] the emperor julian. 309

Phocion.
The Galileans, sire ! They have them !

PUBLIA.

Hilarion !

Phocion.
They have them ! I hear the fetters

Julian.
Pass them by !

EUNAPIUS.

[Hastening through the press.^ We have suc-
ceeded marvellously, sire.

Julian.
Who are they, these ruffians ?

Eunapius.
Some of them belong to this city ; but most, it
seems, are peasants fleeing from Cappadocia.

Julian.
I will not see them. Forward, as I commanded !

The Prisoners* Song.

[Nearer.
Blissful our crowning with martyrdom's jewel ;
Blissful our meeting with saints gone before.

Julian.
The madmen. Not so near to me ! My guard,
my guard !

[The two processions have meanwhile en-
countered each other in the crush. The

310 THE E?,IPEROR JULIAN. [aCT II.

procession of Apollo has to stand still
while the other, with the prisoners — men
in chains, surrounded by soldiers^ and
accompanied hy a great concourse of
people — passes on.

PUBLIA.

My child ! Hilarion !

HlLARION.

[Among tJie prisoners.^ Rejoice, my mother !

Julian.
Poor deluded creatures ! When I hear madness
thus speaking in you, I almost doubt "whether I
have the right to punish you.

Another Voice.
[Among the prisoners.^ Stand aside ; take not
from us our crown of thorns.

Julian.
Night and horror, — what voice is that }

The Leader of the Guard.
*Twas this one, sire, who spoke.

[He pushes one of the prisoners forward,
a young man, who leads a half-grown lad
by the hand»

Julian.
[With a cry.'\ Agathon !

[The Prisoner looks at him, and is sile?it.
Agathon, Agathon ! Answer me ; are you not
Agathon ?

The Prisoner.
I anitf

sc. ii.] the emperor julian. 311

Julian.
You among these ^ Speak to me ?

Agathon.
I know you not !

Julian.
You do not know me ? You know not who I
am f

Agathon.
I know you are the lord of the earth ; therefore
you are not my lord.

Julian,

And the boy ? Is he your young brother?

[ To the leader of the guard.
This man must be innocent.

Eunapius.
My lord, this man is the very ringleader. He
has confessed it ; he even glories in his deed.

Julian.
So strangely can hunger, and sickness, and mis-
fortune disorder a man's mind.

\To the priso?iers.
If you will but say, in one word, that you repent,
none of you shall suffer.

Publia.
[Shrieks.] Say it not, Hilarion I

Agathon.
Be strong, dear brother !

Publia.
Go, go to what awaits you, my gnly one 1

Sl^ The emperor julian. [act ii.

Julian.
Hear and bethink you, you others

Agathon.
[To the prisoners. 'j Choose between Christ and
the Emperor !

The Prisoners.
Glory to God in the highest !

Julian.
Terrible is the Galilean's power of delusion. It
must be broken. Pass them by, the abominable
crew ! They cloud our gladness ; they darken the
day with their brooding death-hunger ! — Flute-
players — men, women — why are you silent.'* A
song — a song in praise of life, and light, and
happiness.

The Procession of Apollo.

[Sings,
Gladsome with roses our locks to entwine;
Gladsome to bathe in the sunlight divine !

The Procession of Prisoners.
Blissful to sleep 'neath the blood-reeking sod ;
Blissful to wake in the gardens of God.

The Procession of Apollo.
Gladsome 'mid incense-clouds still to draw
breath.

The Procession of Prisoners.
Blissful in blood-streams to strangle to death.

The Procession of Apollo.
Ever for him who his godhead adoreth
Deep draughts of rapture Apollo outpoureth.

:. iii.] the emperor julian. 313

The Procession of Prisoners.
Bones racked and riven, flesh seared to a coal,
He shall make whole !

The Procession of Apollo.
Gladsome to bask in the light-sea that laves us !

The Procession of Prisoners.
Blissful to writhe in the blood-death that saves
us!

\The processions pass each other dtinng the
singing. The crowd in the market-place
looks on in dull siletice.

SCENE THIRD.

The sacred grove around the temple of Apollo. The
portico, supported by columns, a?id approached by
a broad flight of steps, is seen among the trees
in the background, on the left.

A number of people are rushing about in the grove
with loud cries of te?ror. Far away is heard the
music of the procession.

Women.
Mercy ! The earth is quaking again !

A Man in Flight.
Oh horror ! Thunder beneath our feet !

Another Man.
Was it indeed so ? Was it the earth that shook ?

514

THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [ACT II.

A Woman.
Did you not feel it ? That tree there swayed
so that the branches whistled through the air.

Many Voices.
Hark, hark, hark !

Some.
*Tis the roll of chariots on the pavements.

Others,
'Tis the sound of drums. Hark to the music

, the Emperor is coming '

[^I'lie procession of Apollo advances from
the right through the grove, atid stations
itself amid music of flutes and harps , in
a semicircle in front of the temple.

Julian.

[Turning towards the temple, with upstretched hands. '\
I accept the omen !

Never have I felt myself in such close commu-
nion with the immortal gods

The Bow-Wielder is among us. The earth
thunders beneath his tread, as when of old he
stamped in wrath upon the Trojan shore.

But 'tis not on us he frowns. 'Tis on those
unhappy wretches who hate him and his sunlit
realm.

Yes, — as surely as good or evil fortune affords
the true measure of the gods* favour towards
mortals, — so surely is the difference here made
manifest between them and us.

Where are the Galileans now ? Some under the
executioner's hands, others flying through the
narrow streets, ashy pale with terror, their eyes

SC. III.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 315

starting from their heads — a shriek between their
half-clenched teeth — their hair stiffening with
dread, or torn out in despair

And where are we ? Here in Daphne's pleasant
grove, where the dryads' balmy breath cools our
brows, — here, before the glorious temple of the
glorious god, lapped in the melodies of flute and
lyre, — here, in light, in happiness, in safety, the
god himself made manifest among us.

Where is the God of the Galileans ? Where is
the Jew, the carpenter s crucified son .'' Let him
manifest himself. Nay, not he !

*Tis fitting, then, that we should throng the
sanctuary. There, with my own hands, I will
perform the services which are so far from ap-
pearing to me mean and unbecoming, that I, on
the contrary, esteem them above all others.

[/fe advances at the head of the procession,
through the muUitudef towards the temple.

A Voice.
[Calling out in the throng.^ Stay, ungodly one!

Julian.
A Galilean among us ?

The Same Voice.
No further, blasphemer I

Julian.
Who is he that speaks ?

Other Voices in the Crowd.
A Galilean priest. A blind old man. Here he
stands.

Sl6 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT II.

Others again.
Away, away, with the sliameless wretch !

[A blind Old Man, in priestly garments ,
and supported by two younger men, also
dressed as priests, is pushed forward till
he stands at the foot of the temple steps,
facing the Emperor,

Julian.
Ah, what do I see ? Tell me, old man, are not
you Bishop Maris, of Chalcedon ?

The Old Man.
Yes, I am that unworthiest servant of the
Church.

Julian.
"Unworthiest," you call yourself; and I think
you are not far wrong. If I mistake not, you
have been one of the foremost in stirring up
internal strife among the Galileans.

Bishop Maris.
I have done that which weighs me still deeper
down in penitence. When you seized the empire,
and rumour told of your bent of mind, my heart
was beleagured with unspeakable dread. Blind
and enfeebled by age, I could not conceive the
thought of setting myself up against the mighty
monarch of the world. Yes, — God have mercy on
me — I forsook the flock I was appointed to guard,
shrank timidly from all the perils that gathered
frowning around the Lord's people, and sought
shelter here, in my Syrian villa

sc. iii.] the emperor julian. 81?

Julian.
In truth a strange story ! And you, timid as
you say you are, you, who formerly prized the
Emperor's favour so highly, now step forth before
me and fling insults in my very face !

Bishop Maris.
Now I fear you no longer ; for now has Christ
fully possessed my heart. In the Church's hour
of need, her light and glory burst upon me. All
the blood you shed, — all the violence and wrong
you do — cry out to heaven, and, re-echoing
mightily, ring in my deaf ears, and show me, in
my night of blindness, the way I have to go,

Julian.
Get you home, old man '

Bishop Maris.

Not till you have sworn to renounce your devilish
courses* What would you do ? Would dust rise
up against the spirit ? Would the lord of earth
cast down the Lord of heaven ? See you not that
the day of wrath is upon us by reason of your sins ^
The fountains are parched like eyes that have
wept themselves dry. The clouds, which ought
to pour the manna of fruitfulness upon us, sweep
over our heads, and shed no moisture. This earth,
which has been cursed since the morning of time,
quakes and trembles under the Emperor's blood-
guiltiness.

Julian.

What favour do you expect of your God for such
excess of zeal, foolish old man ? Do you hope
that, as of old, your Galilean master will work a
miracle, and give you back your sight ?

318 THE EMPEROR JULIAN, [aCT II.

Bishop Maris.
I have all the sight I desire ; and I thank the
Lord that he quenched my bodily vision, so that
I am spared from seeing the man who walks in a
darkness more terrible than mine.

Julian.
Let me pass !

Bishop Maris,
Whither?

Julian.
Into the Sun- King's house.

Bishop Maris.
You shall not pass. I forbid you in the name
of the only God I

Julian.
Frantic old man ! — Away with him !

Bishop Maris.
Ay, lay hands upon me ! But he who dares to
do so, his hand shall wither. The God of Wrath
shall manifest himself in his might

Julian.
Your God is no mighty God. I will show you
that the Emperor is stronger than he

Bishop Maris.
Lost creature ! — Then must I call down the ban
upon thee, thou recreant son of the church !

Hekebolius.
[Pa/^.] My lord and Emperor, let not this
thing be !

THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 319

Bishop Maris.
[In a loud voice.] Cursed be thoii, Julianus
Apostata ! Cursed be thou. Emperor Julian !
God the Lord hath spat thee forth out of his
mouth ! Cursed be thine eyes and thy hands !
Cursed be thy head and all thy doings !

Woe, woe, woe to the apostate ! Woe, woe,

woe

[^ kollo7V rumhiing noise is heard. The
roof ajid columns of the temple toiler ,
and are seen to collapse with a thundering
crash, while the whole building is wrapped
in a cloud of dust. The multitude utter
shrieks of terror ; many -flee, others fall
to the groimd. There is breathless still-
ness for a while. Little by little the
cloud of dust settles, and the temple of
Apollo is seen in ruins.

Bishop Maris.
[Whose two conductors have fled, stands alone, and
says softly.'] God has spoken.

Julian.
[Pale, and in a low voice^ Apollo has spoken.
His temple was polluted : therefore he crushed it.

Bishop Maris.
And I tell you it was that Lord who laid the
temple of Jerusalem in ruins.

Julian.
If it be so, then the churches of the Galilean
shall be closed, and his priests shall be driven
with scourges to raise up that temple anew.

820 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT II.

Bishop Maris.
Try, impotent man! Who has had power to
restore the temple of Jerusalem since tlie Prince
of Golgotha called down destruction upon it ?

Julian.
I have the power ! The Emperor has the
power ! Your God shall be made a liar. Stone
by stone wiU I rebuild the temple of Jerusalem
in all its glory, as it was in the days of Solomon.

Bishop Maris.
Not one stone shall you add to another ; for it
is accursed of the Lord.

Julian.
Wait, wait; you shall see — if you could see —
you who stand there forsaken and helpless, grop-
ing in the darkness, not knowing where you next
may place your foot.

Bishop Maris.
Yet i see the glare of the lightning that shall
one day fall upon you and yours.

[He gropes his way out. Julian remains
behind, surrounded by a handful of pale
and terrified attendants.

J

ACT THIRD.

SCENE FIRST.

In Antioch. An open colonnade, with statues and a
fountain in front of it. To the left, under the
colonnade, a flight of steps leads up to the Imperial
Palace.

A company of Courtiers, Teachers, Poets, and
Orators — among them the court-physician, Ori-
BASES, aiid the poet, Heraclius — are assembled,
some in the colonnade, some around the fountain ;
most of them are dressed in ragged cloaks, with
matted hair and beards.

Heraclius.
I can endure this life no longer. To rise with
the sun, plunge into a cold bath, run or fence one-
self weary

Oribases.
*Tis all very wholesome.

Heraclius.
Is it wholesome to eat seaweed and raw fish ?

A Courtier.
Is it wholesome to have to devour meat in
great lumps, all bloody^ as it comes from the
butcher .''

V* X

322 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT III.

Heraclius.
*Tis little enough meat I have seen for the past
week. Most of it goes to the altars. Ere long,
methinks, Ave shall be able to say that the ever-
venerable gods are the only meat-eaters in
Antioch.

Oribases.
Still the same old mocker, Heraclius.

Heraclius.
Why, of what are you thinking, friend ? Far be
it from me to mock at the Emperor's wise decrees.
Blessed be the Emperor Julian! Does he not
follow in the footsteps of the immortals ? For,
tell me, does not a certain frugality seem nowadays
to reign, even in the heavenly housekeeping }

A Courtier.
Ha-ha-ha I there you are not far wrong.

Heraclius.
Look at Cybele, formerly so bounteous a god-
dess, whose statue the Emperor lately found in an

ash-pit

Another Courtier.

It was in a dunghill

Heraclius^
Like enough ; fertilising is Cybele's business.
But look at this goddess, I say ; — in spite of her
hundred breasts, she flows neither with milk nor
honey.

[^ circ^'e of laughing hearers has gathered
round him. While he is speaking, the
Emperor Julian has corne forwai^ on
the steps in the coUmnade, unnoticed by

1

SC. I.l THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 82S

on you !

those below. He wears a tattered cloak,
with a girdle of rope ; his hair and heard
are unkempt y his fingers stained with ink ;
in both hands, under his arms, and sttick
in his belt, he holds bundles of parchment
rolls and papers. He stops and listens
to Heraclius with every sign of exaspera-
tion,

Heraclius.
\Continiiing.'\ It seems as though this wet-nurse
of the world had become barren. We might
almost think that she had passed the age when

women

A Courtier.
[Observing Julian.] Fie, fie, Heraclius, — shame

[Julian signs to the courtier to be silent,

Heraclius.
[Continuing.'] Well, enough of her. But is
Ceres in the same case ? Does she not display
a most melancholy — I had almost said an
imperial — parsimony ? Yes, believe me, if we
had a little more intercourse with high Olympus
nowadays, we should hear much to the same tune.
I dare swear that nectar and ambrosia are
measured out as sparingly as possible. Oh Zeus,
how gaunt must thou have grown ! Oh roguish
Dionysus, how much is there left of the fulness
of thy loins ? Oh wanton, quick-flushing Venus,
— oh Mars, inauspicious to married men

Julian.
[In great 7vrath.] Oh most shameless Heraclius •
Oh scurvy, gall-spitting, venom-mouth

324 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT III.

Heraclius.
Ahj my gracious Emperor !

Julian.
Oh ribald scoffer at all sacred things ! And this
must I endure — to hear your croaking tongue the
instant I leave my library to breathe the fresh
morning air !

[He comes nearer.
Know you what I hold under my left arm ? No,
you do not know. 'Tis a polemic against you,
blasphemous and foolish Heraclius !

Heraclius.
What, my Emperor, — against me }

Julian.

Yes, a treatise against you. A treatise with
which my indignation has this very night inspired
me. Think you I could be other than wroth at
your most unseemly behaviour yesterday } How
strange was the licence you allowed yourself in
the lecture-hall, in my hearing, and that of many
other earnest men } Had we not to listen for
hours together to the shameful fables about the
gods which you must needs retail > How dared
you repeat such fictions ? Were they not lies,
from first to last }

Heraclius.

Ah, my Emperor, if you call that lying, then
both Ovid and Lucian were liars.

Julian.
What else } Oh, I cannot express the indigna-
tion that seized me when I understood whither

sc.

'•]

THE EMPEROR JULIAN.

325

your impudent address was tending. " Man, let
nothing surprise you," I was tempted to say with
the comic poet, when I heard you, like an ill-con-
ditioned cur, barking forth, not expressions of
gratitude, but a string of irrational nursery-tales,
and ill-written to boot. For your verses were bad,
Heraclius ; —that I have proved in my treatise.

How I longed to arise and leave the hall when
I saw you, as in a theatre, making a spectacle both
of Dionysus and of the great immortal after whom
you are named ! If I constrained myself to keep
my seat, I can assure you 'twas more out of respect
to the players — if I dare call them so — than to the
poet. But 'twas most of all for my own sake. I
feared it miglit seem as though I were fleeing like
a frightened dove. Therefore I made no sign, but
quietly repeated to myself that verse of Homer :
" Bear it, my heart, for a time ; heavier things
hast thou suffered."
Endure, as before, to hear a mad dog yelp at the
eternal gods.

Yes, I see we must stomach this and more. We
are fallen on evil days. Show me the happy man
who has been suffered to keep his eyes and ears
uncontaminated in this iron age !

Oribases.
I pray you, my noble master, be not so deeply
moved. Let it comfort you that we all listened
with displeasure to this man's folly.

Julian.
That is in nowise the truth I I read in the
countenances of most of you something far dif-
ferent from _ displeasure while this shameless

326 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT III.

mountebank was babbling forth his ribaldries, and
then looking round the circle with a greasy smile,
just as though he had done something to be proud
of.

Heraclius.
Alas, my Emperor, I am most unhappy

Julian.
That you may well be ; for this is, in truth, no
trifling matter. Think you the legends of the
gods have not a serious and weighty purpose ?
Are they not destined to lead the human spirit,
by an easy and pleasant path, up to the mystic
abodes where reigns the highest god, — and thereby
to make our souls capable of union with him ?
How can it be otherwise ? Was it not with that
view that the old poets invented such legends, and
that Plato and others repeated them, and even
added to their number ? Apart from this purpose,
I tell you, these stories would be fit only for chil-
dren or barbarians, — and scarcely for them. But
was it children and barbarians, pray, that you had
before you yesterday.? Where do you find the
audacity to address me as if I were a child ? Do
you think yourself a sage, and entitled to a sage's
freedom of speech, because you wear a ragged
cloak, and carry a beggar's staff in your hand ?

A Courtier.
How true, my Emperor ! No, no, it needs more
than that

Julian.
Ay.? Does it indeed.? And what.? To let
your hair grow, perhaps, and never clean your nails .?
Oh hypocritical Cleon ! I know you, one and all.

SC. I.]

THE EMPEROR JULIAN.

327

Here, in this treatise, I have given you a name
which ; you shall hear

He searches through the bundles of papers. At thai
mo7neni Libanius entejs froin the right, lichly^
cladf and with a haughty viien.

Oribases.
[/« a lo7v tone.] Ah, you come in the nick of
time, most honoured Libanius !

Julian.
[Continuing his search.] Where can it be

Libanius.
[To Oribases.] What mean you, friend ?

Oribases.
The Emperor is much enraged ; your coming
will pacify him.

Julian.
Ah, here I have it

What does that man want }

Oribases.
Sire, this is

[With annoyance.

Julian.
No matter, no matter ! Now you shall hear
whether I know you or not. There are among
the wretched Galileans a number of madmen who
call themselves penitents. These renounce all
earthly possessions, and yet demand great gifts of
the fools who treat them as holy men and almost
as objects of worship. Behold, you are like

S28 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT III

these penitents, except that I shall giveyou nothing.
For I am not so foolish as those others. Yes,
yes, were I not firm on that point, you would
soon overrun the whole court with your shame-
lessness. Nay, do you not already do so ? Are
there not many among you who would come
again, even if I drove them away } Oh my dear
friends, what can this lead to ? Are you lovers
of wisdom ? Are you followers of Diogenes, whose
garb and habits you ape ? In truth, you do not
haunt the schools nearly so much as you besiege
my treasurer. What a pitiful and despicable thing
has not wisdom become because of you* Oh,
hypocrites and babblers without understanding !
Oh you But what is yonder fat man seek-
ing.?

Oaibases.
Sire, it is the chief magistrate of the city

Julian.
The chief magistrate must wait. The matters
we have in hand must take precedence of all
meaner affairs. How now } Why this air of
impatience ? Is your business so weighty

LiBANIUS.

By no means, sire ; I can come another day.

[^He is going,
Oribases.
Sire, do you not recognise this distinguished
man ? This is the rhetorician Libanius.

Julian.
What ? Libanius ? . Impossible. Libanius
here — the incomparable Libanius ! ^ I cannot be-
lieve it.

c.s]

•]

THE EMPEROR JULIAN

329

LiBANlUS.

I thought the Emperor knew that the citizens
of Antioch had chosen me as their chief magis-
trate.

Julian.

Assuredly I knew it. But when I made my
entrance into the city, and the magistrates came
forth to greet me with an oration, I looked in
vain for Libanius. Libanius was not among
them.

Libanius.

The Emperor had uttered no wish to hear
Libanius speak on that occasion.

Julian,
The orator Libanius ought to have known
what were the Emperor's wishes in that respect.

Libanius.
Libanius knew not what changes time and ab-
sence might have wrought. Libanius therefore
judged it more becoming to take his place among
the multitude. He chose, indeed, a sufficiently
conspicuous position ; but the Emperor deigned
not to let his eyes fall on him.

Julian.

I thought you received my letter the day

after

Libanius.
Your new friend Priscus brought it to me.

Julian.
And none the less — perhaps all the more — you
held aloof ?

^30 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [acT III.

LiBANIUS.

Headache and weighty business

Julian.
Ah, Libanius, in bygone days you were not so
chary of your presence.

Libanius.
I come where I am bidden. Ought I to be
intrusive ? Would you have me stand in the way
of the Emperor's much-honoured Maximus ?

Julian.
Maximus never appears at court.

Libanius.
And for good reason. Maximus holds a court
of his own. The Emperor has conceded him a
whole palace.

Julian.
Oh my Libanius, have I not conceded you my
heart ? How can you envy Maximus his palace ?

Libanius.
I envy no man. I do not ev«n envy my colleagues
Themistius and Mamertinus, although you have
conferred on them such signal proofs of your
favour. Nor do I envy Hekebolius, whose wealth
you have increased by such princely presents. I
even rejoice to be the only man to whom you have
given nothing. For I well know the reason of the
exception. You wish the cities of your empire to
abound in everything, and most of all in oratory,
knowing that it is that distinction which marks us
off from the barbarians. Now you feared that I,

SC. I.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 331

like certain others, miglit^ if you gave me riches,
become lukewarm in my art. The Emperor has
therefore preferred to let the teacher of his youth
remain poor, in order to hold him the closer to
his craft. Thus do I interpret a course of action
which has astonished some whom I forbear to name.
'Tis for the honour and well-being of the state
that you have given me nothing. I am to lack
riches that I may abound in eloquence.

Julian.
And I, my Libanius, have also understood the
reason why the teacher of my youth has let me pass
many months here in Antioch without presenting
himself. Libanius doubtless deemed that any ser-
vices his former pupil may have rendered to the
gods, to the state, or to learning, were not great
enough to deserve celebration by the man w ho is
called the king of eloquence. Libanius no doubt
thought that meaner orators were better fitted to
deal with such trivial things. Moreover, Libanius
has remained silent out of care for the balance of
my mind. You feared, doubtless, to see the Em-
peror intoxicated with arrogance, reeling like one
who in his thirst has drunk too deeply of the leaf-
crowned wine-bowl, had you lavished on him any
of that art which is the marvel of Greece, and
raised him, so to speak, to the level of the
gods, by pouring out before him so precious a
libation.

Libanius.
Ah, my Emperor, if I could believe that my
oratory possessed such power

SS2 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT III.

Julian.

And why should you not believe it, incomparable
friend ? Oh, leave me. I am wroth with you,
Libanius. But it is the lover's anger against the
one he loves.

Libanius.

Is it indeed so ? Oh my crowned brother, let
me then tell you that not a day has passed since
your coming hither on which I have not cursed
the steadfastness that would not let me make the
first advance. My friends assured me — not with-
out some show of reason — that you had undertaken
this long journey chiefly in order to see me and
hear me speak. But Julian himself gave no sign.
What was I to do.-* Should I flatter as Emperor
hira whom I loved as a man .'*

Julian.
\^Emhracing and kissing himj[ My Libanius !

Libanius.
[Kissing the Emperor in reiumJ] My friend and
brother !

Oribases.
How honourable to both !

Courtiers and Teachers.
[Clapping their hands.^ How beautiful ! How
sublime !

Julian.
Libanius, cruel friend, — ^how could you find it
in your heart to balk me so long of this happy
moment } During the weeks and months I have
waited for you, my countenance has been veiled in
Scythian darkness.

IC. I.l THE EMPEROR JULIAN, SSS

LiBANIUS.

Alas, you were in better case than I ; for you
had those to whom you could speak about your
absent friend.

Julian.
Say not so. I had only the hapless lover's com-
fort : that of sorrowfully repeating your name, and
crying out : *' Libanius, Libanius ! "

LlBANIUS.

Ah, whilst you spoke thus to empty air, I spoke
to the four walls of my chamber. Most of the day
I passed in bed, picturing to myself who was then
with you — now this one, now that. '' Once it was
otherwise," I said to myself, — ''then it was I who
possessed Julian's ear."

Julian.
And meanwhile you let me pine away with
longing. Look at me. Have I not grown a century
older ?

Libanius.
Oh, have I not suffered as great a change ? You
did not recognise me.

Julian.
This meeting has been to both of us as a bath,
from which we go forth healed.

\They embrace and kiss again
And now, beloved friend, now tell me what has
brought you hither to- day ; for I cannot doubt
that you have some special errand.

3S4! THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT III.

LiBANIUS.

To say nothing of my longing — so it is. Would
that another had been sent in my stead ! But the
post of honour to which the confidence of the
citizens has summoned me makes it my duty to
perform all missions alike.

Julian.
Speak, my Libanius^ and tell me how I can serve
you.

LiBANIUS.

Let me begin by saying that the inhabitants of
this city are sunk in sorrow because you have
withdrawn your favour from them.

Julian.
H m !

LiBANIUS.

And this sorrow has been coupled with anxiety
and disquiet since Alexander, the new governor,
assumed office,

Julian.

Aha ; indeed !

LiBANIUS.

The exaltation of such a man could not but take
us by surprise. Alexander has hitherto filled only
trifling offices, and that in a manner little calculated
to earn him either the respect or the affection of
the citizens.

Julian.

I know that well, Libanius !

LiBANIUS.

Alexander is violent in all his dealings, and
justice is of little moment in his eyes

••]

THE EMPEROR JULIAN.

3^5

Julian.
i know it ; I know all you tell me. Alexander
is a rough man, without morals and without
eloquence. Alexander has in no way deserved so
great advancement. But you may tell the citizens
of Antioch that they have deserved Alexander.
Ay, they have, if possible, deserved a still worse
ruler, covetous and intractable as they are

LlBANIUS.

It is, then, as we feared ; this is a punish-
ment

Julian.

Hear me, Libanius ! How did I come hither ?
With full confidence in the people of this city.
Antioch, chosen by the Sun-King for his especial
seat, was to help me to repair all the wrong and
ingratitude which had so long been shown to the
immortals. But how have you met me ? Some
with defiance, others with lukewarmness. What
have I not to endure here ? Does not that Cappa-
docian, Gregory of Nazianzus, still wander about
the city, stirring up the ignorant Galileans by his
audacious speeches ? Has not a poet arisen among
them — a certain Apollinaris — who, with his wild
songs, inflames their fanaticism to the point of
madness .'*

And what do I not learn from other places ? In
Caesarea, have they not carried out their threat,
and wrecked the temple of Fortuna ! Oh shame
and infamy ! Where were the goddess's wor-
shippers the while ? Did they prevent it ? No,
they did not lift a finger, Libanius, though they
should have laid down life itself to preserve the
sanctuary.

336 THE EMPEROR Jlrr-IAN. [aCT III.

But wait, wait ! The Galileans of Caesarea shall
atone with their blood, and the whole city shall
go up in flames as soon as I have time at my dis-

LiBANIUS.

My lord and friend, — if you would permit
me >

Julian.
Permit me, first. Say yourself whether I ought
to tolerate such things ? Say whether my zeal can
bear with such insults to the divinities who hover
over and shield me ? But what can I do ? Have
I not laboured through many a long night to dis-
prove these unhappy delusions, — writing,Libanius,
till myeyeswere red,and my fingers black with ink?
And what good, think you, has it done ? I have
reaped scorn instead of thanks^ not only from the
fanatics themselves, but even from men who pre-
tend to share my opinions. And now, to crown
all these mortifications, I find you acting as spokes-
man for the complaints of a handful of citizens
against Alexander, who at least does his best to
keep the Galileans in check.

LiBANIUS.

Oh, my august friend, — that is precisely our
ground of complaint.

Julian.
Do you tell me this ?

LiBANIUS.

*Tis not with my own good will that I do the
city's errands. I urged upon the council that they
ought to choose for this task the most distinguished

gC. I.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. SS7

man in the town, thereby implying that I did not
wish to be chosen. Despite this hint, the choice
fell on me, who am certainly not

Julian.
Well, w^ell, well ! But oh, Libanius, that I must
hear from your mouth !

Libanius.

I beg my crowned brother to remember that I
speak in the name of the city ! For myself, I prize
the immortal gods as highly as any one. Where
would the art of oratory be without the legends
which the poets of bygone days have left to us ?
May not these legends be likened to a rich vein
of ore, whence an accomplished orator can forge
himself both weapons and ornaments, if only he
understands how to work the metal skilfully ?
How flat and insipid would not the maxims of
wisdom seem, expressed without images or com-
parisons borrowed from the supernatural ?

But think, oh my friend — can you expect the
multitude to take this view, especially in such an
age as ours ? I assure you that in Antioch, at any
rate, 'tis not to be hoped for. The citizens — both
Galileans and the more enlightened — have of late
years lived at peace without greatly concerning
themselves as to these matters. There is scarce a
household in the city wherein people are of one
mind upon things divine. But, until lately, domestic
peace has nevertheless prevailed.

Now the case is altered. People have begun to
weigh creed against creed. Discord has broken out
between the nearest kinsmen. For example, a
citizen, whose name I forbear to mention, has
lately disinherited his son because the young man

V * y

338 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT III.

separated himself from the GaHIean community.
Commerce and social life suffer from all this,
especially now, when scarcity reigns and famine
stands at the door,

Julian.

Enough, enough, — more than enougn, Libanius !
You complain of scarcity. But tell me, has luxury
ever been more rampant than now? Is the
amphitheatre ever empty when it is reported that
a new lion has arrived from Africa ? Last week,
when there was a talk of turning all idlers and
vagabonds out of the city because of the dearth,
did not the citizens loudly demand that the
gladiators and dancing-girls should be exempted ;
for they felt they could not exist without them !

Ah, well may the gods desert you in wrath over
your folly ! There are plenty of teachers of wis-
dom in this city, but where is wisdom } Why do
so few tread in my footsteps } Why stop at
Socrates ? Why not go a few steps further, and
follow Diogenes, or — if I dare say so — me, since
we lead you to happiness ? For is not happiness
the goal of all philosophy ? And what is happi-
ness but harmony with oneself? Does the eagle
want golden feathers ? Or the lion claws of silver ?
Or does the pomegranate-tree long to bear fruits
of sparkling stone ? I tell you no man has a right
to enjoy until he has steeled himself to forbear.
Ay, he ought not to touch enjoyment with
his finger-tips until he has learnt to trample it
under foot.

Ah truly, we are far from that ! But for that
end will I work with all my might. For the sake of
these things I will give up others which are also
important. The Persian king — alarmed at my

SC. I.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 339

approach — has offered me terras of peace, I think
of accepting them, that I may have my hands free
to enhghten and improve you, intractable genera-
tion I As to the other matter, it must remain as
it is. You shall keep Alexander. Make the best
you can of him.

Yet, my Libanius, it shall not be said that I
have sent you from me in disfavour

LiBANIUStf

Ah, my Emperor

Julian.
You mentioned with a certain bitterness that I
had given much to Themistius and Mamertinus.
But did I not also take something from them ?
Did I not take from them my daily companionship?
*Tis my intent to give you more than I gave them.

Libanius.
Ah, what do you tell me, my august brother?

Julian,
*Tis not my intent to give you gold or silver.
That folly prevailed with me only at first, until I
saw how pecple flocked round me, like thirsty
harvesters round a fountain, elbowing and jostling
one another, and each stretching out a hollow
hand to have it filled first, and filled to the brim,
I have grown wiser since. I think it may be said
in particular that the Goddess of Wisdom has not
withdrawn her countenance from me in the
measures I have taken for the good of this city.

Libanius,
Doubtless, doubtless \

S40 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT III.

Julian.
Therefore I commission you, oh my Libanius, to
compose a panegyric on me.

LiBANIUS.

Ah, what an honour !

Julian.
You must lay special stress on the benefits for
which the citizens of Antioch owe me gratitude.
I hope you will produce an oration that shall do
honour both to the orator and to his subject. This
task, my Libanius, shall be my gift to you. I know
of nothing more fitting to offer to a man like you.

LiBANIUS.

Oh, my crowned friend, what a transcendent
favour !

Julian.

And now to the fencing-hall. Then, my friends,
we will walk through the streets, to give these
insolent townsfolk a profitable example of sobriety
in dress and simplicity in manners.

Oribases.
Through the streets, sire ? In this midday
heat—" —

A Courtier.
Pray, sire, let me be excused ; I feel extremely

unwell

Heraclius.
I too, most gracious lord ! All this momlHg
I have been struggling against a feeling of
nausea

• c. ii.] the emperor julian. 541

Julian.
Then take an emetic, and see if you cannot
throw up your folly at the same time.

Oh Diogenes, — how degenerate are your suc-
cessors ! They are ashamed to wear your cloak
in the open street.

[^He goes out angrily through the colotmade.

SCENE SECOND.

A mean street in the outskirts of the city. In the row
of houses to the left stands a small church.

A great multitude of lamenting Christians is as-
semhled. The psalm-writer Apollinaris a7id
the teacher Cyrillus are among them. Women
with children in their arms utter loud cries.
Gregory of Nazianzus passes along the street^

The Women.
[Rushing up to him and taking hold of his gar-
ments.] Ah, Gregory, Gregory — speak to us!
Comfort us in this anguish '.

Gregory,
Only One can give comfort here. Hold fast
by Him. Cling to the Lord our Shepherd.

A Woman.
Know you this, oh man of God, — the Emperor
has commanded that all our sacred scriptures shall
be burnt !

Gregory.
I have heard it ; but I cannot believe that his
folly is so great.

348 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT III.

Apollinaris.

It is true. Alexander, the new governor, has
sent out soldiers to search the houses of the
brethren. Even women and children are whipped
till they bleed, if they are suspected of hiding
books.

Cyrillus.

The Emperor's decree applies not to Antiocli
only, nor even to Syria ; it applies to the empire
and the whole world. Every smallest word that
is written concerning Christ is to be wiped out of
existence, and out of the memory of believers.

Apollinaris.

Oh ye mothers, weep for yourselves and for your
children !

The day will come when ye shall dispute with
those ye now carry in your arms, as to what was in
truth written in the lost Word of God. The day
will come when your children's children shall mock
at you, and shall not know who or what Christ
was.

The day will come when no heart shall re-
member that once on a time the Saviour of the
world suffered and died.

The last believer shall go in darkness to his
grave, and from that hour shall Golgotha vanish
away from the earth, like the place where the
Garden of Eden lay.

Woe, woe, to the new Pilate ! He is not content,
like the first, to slay the Saviour's body. He
murders the word and the faith !

The Women.
[Tearing their hair a7id rending their garments.^
Woe, woe, woe !

I

•c. ii.] the emperor julian. 343

Gregory.
And I say unto you, be of g6od cheer .' Cod
does not die. 'Tis not from Julian that the danger
comes. The danger was there long ere he arose,
in the weakness and contentiousness of our
hearts.

Cyrillus.
Oh, Gregory, how can you ask us to remain
steadfast amid these horrors? — Brethren and
sisters — know you what has happened in Arethusa?
The unbelievers have maltreated the old bishop
Marcus, dragged him by the hair through the
streets, cast him into the sewers, dragged him up
again, bleeding and befouled, smeared him over
with honey and set him in a tree, a prey to wasps
and poisonous -flies.

Gregory.
Aiid has not God's power been gloriously mani-
fested in this very Marcus } What was Marcus
before .'* A man of doubtful faith. When the
troubles broke out in Arethusa, he even fled from
the city. But behold — no sooner had he heard in
his hiding-place that the raging crew were aveng-
ing the bishop's flight on innocent brethren, than
lie returned of his own free will. And how did
he bear the torments which so appalled even his
executioners, that in order to withdraw with some
show of credit, they offered to release him if he
would pay a very trifling fine ? Was not his
answer : No — and no, and again no ? The Lord
God was with him. He neither died nor yielded.
His countenance showed neither terror nor im-
patience. In the tree wherein he hung, he thanked

344 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT III.

God for being lifted a few steps nearer heaven,
while the others, as he said, crawled about on the
flat earth.

Cyrillus,
A miracle must have happened to the resolute
old man. If you had heard, as 1 did, the shrieks
from the prison, that day in the summer when

Hilarion and the others were tortured ! They

were like no other shrieks — agonised, rasping,
mixed with hissing sounds every time the white-
hot iron buried itself in the raw flesh.

Apollinaris.

Oh> Cyrillus, have you forgotten how the shrieks
passed over into song? Did not Hilarion sing
even in death ? Did not that heroic Cappadocian
boy sing until he gave up the ghost under the
hands of the torturers ? Did not Agathon, that
boy's brother, sing until he swooned away, and
then woke up in madness }

Verily I say unto you, so long as song rings out
above our sorrows, Satan shall never conquer !

Gregory.

Be of good cheer. Love one another and suffer
one for another, as Serapion in Doristora lately
suffered for his brothers, for love of whom he let
himself be scourged, and cast alive into the
fornace !

See, see, — has not the Lord's avenging hand
already been raised against the ungodly ? Have
you not heard the tidings fromi Heliopolis under
Lebanon ?

.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 345

Apollinaris.
I know it. In the midst of the ribald feast of
Aphrodite, the heathen broke into the house of
our holy sisters, violated them, murdered thera
amid tortures unspeakable

The Women.
Woe, woe !

Apollinaris.

ay, some of the wretches even tore open

the bodies of the martyrs, dragged forth the en-
trails and ate the liver raw !

The Women,
Woe, woe, woe !

Gregory.

The God of Wrath seasoned the meal. How
have they thriven on it ? Go to Heliopolis, and
you shall see those men with a putrefying poison
in all their veins, their eyes and teeth dropping
out, bereft of speech and understanding. Horror
has fallen on the city. Many heathens have been
converted since that night.

Therefore I fear not this pestilent monster who
has risen up against the church ; I fear not this
crowned hireling of hell, who is bent upon finish-
ing the work of the enemy of mankind. Let him
fall upon us with fire, with sword, with the wild
beasts of the amphitheatre ! Should his madness
even drive him further than he has yet gone —
what does it matter? For all this there is a
remedy, and the path lies open to victory.

The Women.
Christ, Christ I

346 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT III

Other Voices.
There he is ! There he comes !

Some.
Who?

Others.
The Emperor ! The murderer ! The enemy of
God!

Gregory,
Be still! Let him pass by in silence.

[A detachment of the Imjyerial Guards comes
along the street. Juiaks follows, accom-
panied by courtiers and j)hilosophers, all
' suirounded by guards. Another division

of the Houseiiold Guard , led by Fromen-
TiNUS, closes the procession,

A Woman
[Softly to the others.'] See, see, he has wrapped
himself in rags, like a beggar.

Another Woman.
He must be out of his senses.

A Third Woman.
God has already stricken him.

A Fourth Woman.
Hide your little ones against your breasts. Let
not their eyes behold the monster.

Julian.
Aha, are not these all Galileans } What do you
here in the sunshine, in the open street, you spawn
of darkness ?

8C. II.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 347

Gregory.
You have closed our churches ; therefore we
stand without and praise the Lord our God.

Julian.
Ahj is that you, Gregory ? So you still linger
here. But beware ; my patience will not last for
ever.

Gregory.
I seek not a martyr's death ; I do not even
desire it ; but if it be allotted me, I shall glory in
dying for Christ.

Julian.
Your phrases weary me. I will not have you
here. Why cannot you keep to your stinking
dens } Go home, I tell you !

A Woman.
Oh, Emperor, where is our home?

Another Woman.
Where are our houses ? The heathen have
plundered them and driven us out.

A Voice in the Throng.
Your soldiers have taken from us all our goods.

Other Voices.
Oh Emperor, Emperor, why have you seized
upon our possessions }

Jullan.
You ask that ^ I will tell you, ignorant crea-
tures ! If your riches are taken from you, 'tis out

S48 THP EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT III,

of care for your souls' weal. Has not the Galilean
said that you shall possess neither silver nor gold ?
Has not your Master promised that you shall one
day ascend to heaven } Ought you not, then, to
thank me for making your rising as easy as
possible ?

The Philosophers.
Oh, incomparably answered ! '

Apollinaris.
Sire, you have robbed us of what is more
precious than gold and silver. You have robbed
us of God's own word. You have robbed us of
our sacred scriptures.

JUUAN.

I know you, hollow-eyed psalm-singer ! Are
not you Apollinaris .'* I believe if 1 take away
your senseless books, you are capable of making
up others, just as senseless, in their stead. But
you are a pitiful bungler, let me tell you, both in
prose and verse ! By Apollo ! no true Greek
would suffer a line of yours to pass his lips. The
pamphlet you sent me the other day, which you
had the effrontery to entitle " The Truth," I have
read, understood, and condemned.

Apollinaris.
*Tis pK)Ssible you may have read it ; but under-
stood it you have not ; for if you had, you would
not have condemned it.

Julian.
Ha-ha ! the rejoinder I am preparing will prove
that I understood it. — But as to those books whose

8C. II.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 349

loss ^ou lament and howl over, I may tell you
that you will presently hold them cheaper when
it is proved that Jesus of Nazareth was a liar and
deceiver.

The Women.
Woe to us ; woe to us !

Cyrillus.
[Stepping Jhrrnard.] Emperor — what mean you
by that ?

Julian.
Did not the crucified Jew prophesy that the
Temple of Jerusalem should lie in ruins till the
end of time ?

Cyrillus.
So shall it be !

Julian.
Oh fools ! At this moment my general, Jovian,
with two thousand workmen, is at Jerusalem,
rebuilding the temple in all its glory. Wait,
wait, you stiff-necked doubters — you shall learn
who is the mightier, the Emperor or the Galilean.

Cyrillus.
Sire, that you yourself shall learn to your dis-
may. I held my peace till you blasphemed the
Highest, and called him a liar ; but now I tell
you that you have not a feather-weight of power
against the Crucified One !

Julian.
[Constraining himself.'] Who are you, and what
do you call yourself }

350 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT III.

Cyrillus.

\^Commg forrvard.] I will tell you. First and
foremost I call myself a Christian, and that is a
most honourable name ; for it shall never be wiped
away from the earth.

Furthermore, I bear the name of Cyrillus, and
am known by that name among my brethren and
sisters.

But if I keep the former name unspotted, I
shall reap eternal life as a reward.

Julian.

You are mistaken, Cyrillus I You know I am
not unversed in the mysteries of your creed.
Believe me — he in whom you put your trust is not
the being you imagine. He died, in very truth,
at the time when the Roman, Pontius Pilate^ was
governor in Judea.

Cyrillus.

I am not mistaken. 'Tis you, oh Emperor, who
err in this. 'Tis you, who repudiated Christ at
the moment when he gave you dominion over the
world.

Therefore I tell you, in his name, that he will
quickly take from you both your dominion and
your life ; and then shall you recognise, too late,
how mighty is he whom in your blindness you
despise.

Yea, as you have forgotten his benefits, he will
not remember his lovingkindness, when he shall
rise up to punish you.

You have cast down his altars; he shall cast
you down from your throne. You have taken
delight in trampling his law under foot, that very
law which you yourself once proclaimed to be-

SC. !I.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 351

lievers. In like manner shall the Lord trample
you under his heel. Your body shall be scattered
to the wild winds, and your soul shall descend to
a place of greater torments than you can devise
for me and mine !

\^The women flock around Cyrillus, with
cries and lamentations,

Julian.

I would fain have spared you, Cyrillus ! The
gods are my witnesses that I hate you not for
your faith's sake. But you have mocked at my
imperial power and authority, and that I must
punish.

yTo the Captain of the Guard.

Fromentinus, lead this man to prison, and let
the executioner Typhon give him as many lashes
with the scourge as are needful to make him con-
fess that the Emperor, and not the Galilean, has
all power upon earth.

Gregory.
Be strong, Cyrillus, my brother 1

Cyrillus.
[With upraised hands.] How blessed am I, to
suffer for the glory of God !

[The soldiers seize and drag him out.

The Women.
[With tears and sobs,] Woe to us ! Woe, woe,
to the apostate !

Julian.
Disperse these maniacs I Let them be driven

352 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [>

out of the city as rebels. I will no longer endure

this defiance and scandal.

[The guard drives the Lamenting crowd into
the side streets. Only the Emperor and
his suite remain behind. A man who has
hitherto been hidden is now seen lying at
the church door ; he is in torn garments^
and has ashes strewn on his head,

A Soldier.
IStirring him with a lance-shaft.'\ Up, up; be
off!

The Man.
[Looking up.'\ Tread under foot this salt with-
out savour, rejected of the Lord !

Julian.
Oh everlasting gods ! — Hekebolius • I

The Courtiers.
Ah, so it is, — Hekebolius I

Hekebolius.
That is no longer my name ! I am nameless.
I have denied the baptism that gave me my
name '

Julian.
Arise, friend } Your mind is distempered

Hekebolius.
Judas's brother is pestiferous. Away from
me

Julian.
Oh feeble-hearted man

SC. III.l THE EMPEROR JULIAN. S5S

Hekebolius.
Avaunt, tempter ! Take back your thirty
pieces of silver ! Is it not written, '* Thou shalt
forsake wife and children for the Lord's sake " ?

And I ? For the sake of wife and children

have I betrayed the Lord my God I Woe, woe,
woe i

[He casts himself down again on his face,

Julian.
Such flames of madness do these writings kindle
over the earth I

And do I not well to burn them ?
Wait ! Ere a year has passed the Temple of
the Jews shall stand again on Zion hill, — the
splendour of its golden dome shining over the
world, and testifying : Liar, liar, liar !

[He goes hastily atvay, followed by the
philosophers.

SCENE THIRD.

A road outside the city. To the left, by the wayside,
stands a statue of Cybele amid the stumps of
hemn-domn trees. At a little distance to the left
IS a fountain, with a stone basin. It is towards
sunset.

On a step at the foot of the goddesses statue sits an
old priest, with a covered basket in his lap. A
number of men and women carry water from, the
fountain. Passers-by are seen on the road. From
the left enters the dyer Phocion, meanly clad,
with a great bundle on his head. He ineets
EuNAPius the barber, who comes from the city,
V ♦ z

S54 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT 111.

Phocion.
Aha ! — vaj friend Eunapius in full court dress !

EUNAPIUS.

Shame on you for mocking a poor man.

Phocion.
Call you that mockery ? I thought it was the
highest distinction.

Eunapius.
You may say so indeed. *Tis now the height of
distinction to go in rags^ especially if they have
lain long enough in the gutter.

Phocion.
How will all this end, think you ?

Eunapius.
What should I care ? I know how it has cnd«d
with me, and that is enough.

Pmocion.
Are you no longer in the Emperor's service ?

Eunapius.
What should the Emperor Julian want with a
barber ? Think you he has his hair cut, or his beard
trimmed ? He does not even comb them. But
how goes it with you ? You do not look much
better off.

Phocion,
Alas, Eunapius, purple-dyeing has had its
day.

SC. III.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN, 855

EUNAPIUS.

Right, right ; now we dye only the backs of
the Christians. But what is that you are toiling
with?

Phocion.
A bundle of willow bark. I am to dye fools'
cloaks for the philosophers.

[A detachment of soldiers enters from ike
right; they range theniselves beside the
statue of Cyhele^

Phocion.
[To one of the men beside the stone basin.^ What
does this mean ?

The Man.
The statue is to be fed once more.

Phocion.
Will the Emperor sacrifice here this evening ?

Another Man.
Does he not sacrifice both morning and even-
ing— sometimes here, sometimes there ?

A Woman.
Tis hard on us poor folk that the new Emperor
is so much in love with the gods.

Another Woman.
Nay, Dione, say not so. Ought we not all to
love the gods ?

The First Woman.

Maybe, maybe; but 'tis haril on us none the

less

S56 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT 111.

One of the Men.
[Points to the right.] Look — there he comes.

The Bmperor Julian advances in priestly attire,
with a sacrijicial knife. Many philosophers,
priests, and servants surround him, along with
his guard. After them comes a crowd of people,
some jnocking, some indignant.

One of the Newcomers.
There stands the goddess. Now you shall see
sport.

An Older Man.
Do you call that sport } How many hungry
mouths could be fed with what is wasted here ?

Julian.

[Approaching the statue.] Oh, this sight! It
fills my heart with rapture and my eyes with tears
of sorrow.

Yes, I must indeea weep, when I remember
that this awe-inspiring goddess's statue, over-
thrown by impious and audacious hands, has lain
so long as if in a sleep of oblivion — and that,
moreover, in a place I loathe to mention.

[Suppressed laughter among the listeners,
Julian turns angrily.

But I feel no less rapture when I remember
that to me it was vouchsafed to rescue the Divine
Mother from so unworthy a situation.

May I not well be enraptured by this thought ?
— Men say of me, that I have won a few victories
over the barbarians, and praise me for them,
for my part, I set more value on what I am doing

SC. III.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 357

for the gods ; for to them we owe all our strength
and all our care.

[To those by the stone basin.

It pleases me, however, to find that there are
some in this stiff-necked city wh© are not deaf
to my exhortations, but have come forth with
seemly piety — and, I doubt not, have brought
with them suitable offerings.

\He goes up to the Old Priest.

What do I see ? One solitary old man 1 Where
are your brethren of the temple }

The Old Priest.
Sire, they are all dead but I.

Julian.

All dead ] The road laid irreverently close
to the sanctuary. The venerable grove hewn
down

Old man — where are the sacrificial offerings ?

The Old Priest.
[Pointing to the basket.^ Here, sire !

Julian.
Yes, yes ; but the rest ?

The Old Priest.
This is all.

\He opens the baskets
Julian.
A goose 1 And this goose is all ?

The Old Priest.
Yes, sire !

358 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT III,

Julian.
And what pious man have we to thank for so
generous an offering ?

The Old Priest.
I brought it with me myself. Oh, sire, be not
wroth ; this one was all I had.

[^Laugkier and mutterings among the bystanders.

Suppressed Voices.
'Tis enough. A goose is more than enough.

Julian.
Oh Antioch — you put my patience to a hard
test J

A Man in the Crowd.
Bread first, offerings afterwards !

Phocion.
\Nud^ng him in the side.'\ Well said; well
said !

Another Man.
Give the citizens food ; the gods may do as
best they can.

A third Man.
We were better off under Chi and Kappa !

Julian.
Oh you shameless brawlers, with your Chi and
Kappa ! Think you I do not know whom you
mean by Chi and Kappa ? Ho-ho, I know very
well. 'Tis a by-word among you. You mean
Christ and Constantius. But their dominion is past,
and I shall soon find means of subduing the fro-

SC. III.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 359

wardness and ingratitude you display both towards
the gods and towards me. You are offended because
I allot the gods their due offerings. You mock
at my modest attire and my untriramed beard.
This beard is a very thorn in your eyes ! You call
it, irreverently, a goat's beard. But I tell you, oh
fools, it is a wise man's beard. I am not ashamed
to let you know that this beard harbours vermin,
as willow copses harbour game — and yet this
despised beard is more honourable to me than your
smooth-shaven chins to you !

EUNAPIUS.

[Half aloud.J What foolishness ; most unrea-
sonable !

Julian.
But think you I will leave your mockeries
unanswered ? No, no, you will find yourselves
mistaken. Only wait ; you shall hear from me
sooner than you think. I am at this moment
preparing a treatise, entitled '* The Beard-Hater."
And would you know against whom it is directed ?
It is directed against you, citizens of Antioch —
against you, whom I describe in it as *' those
ignorant hounds." You will find in it my reasons
for many things that now seem strange to you in
my behaviour.

Fromentinus.
[Entering from the right.'] Great Emperor, I bring
you good news. Cyrillus has already given
way

Julian.
Ah, I thought so.

S60 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT III.

Fromentinus.
Typhon did his work bravely. The prisoner
was stripped, tied by the wrists, and slung to the
rafters, so that the tips of his toes barely touched
the floor ; then Typhon scourged him from behind
with a lash of ox sinews that circled his body
round to the breast.

Julian.
Oh how wicked to force us to use such means !

Fromentinus.
Lest he should die under our hands, we had at
last to release the obstinate wretch. He remained
for a time quite still, and seemed to reflect ; then
suddenly he demanded to be brought before the
Emperor.

Julian.
This pleases me. And you are having him
brought hither ?

Fromentinus.
Yes, sire — here they come with him.

A detachment of soldiers enters, conducting Cyrillus.

Julian.
Ah, my good Cyrillus, — you are not quite so
overweening as you were, I see.

Cyrillus.
Have you read in the entrails of some beast or
bird what I have to say to you ?

Julian.
Methinks there needs no divination to foresee
that you have come to your senses, that you

SC. III.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 36l

renounce your delusions concerning the Galilean's
power, and that you acknowledge both the
Emperor and our gods to be greater than he.

Cyrillus.
Imagine no such thing. Your gods are powerless ;
and if you cling to these graven images, that can
neither hear nor see, you yourself will soon be as
powerless as they.

Julian.
Cyrillus — is this what you have to say ?

Cyrillus.
No; I come to thank you. Hitherto I have
dreaded you and your tortures. But in the hour
of agony I won the victory of the spirit over all
that is corruptible. Yes, Emperor, while your
hirelings thought I was hanging in torment from
the prison roof, — I lay, happy as a child, in my
Saviour's arms; and when your executioners
seemed to be flaying my body with stripes, the
Lord passed his healing hand over the wounds,
took away the crown of thorns, and placed on my
brow the crown of life.

Therefore I thank you ; no mortal has ever done
ne so great a service as you.

And lest you should think I fear you for the

future, see

[He throws back his cloak, tears open his

wounds mid casts pieces ofjlesh at the

Emperor s feet.

— see — see — ^gorge yourself with the blood you

thirst after ! But as for me, know that I thirst

after Jesus Christ alone.

[Shrieks of horror are heard among the
crowd.

?62 THE BMPEROR JULIAN. [acT III.

Many Voices.
This will bring disaster on us all !

Julian.
[Who has recoiled.] Hold the madman, lest he
lay hands on us !

[The soldiers surround Cyrhlus and drag
him to the water basin; at the same
moment the voices of singing women are
heard to the rights,

Julian.
Look there, Fromentinus — what strange company

is that }

Fromentinus.
My gracious Emperor, *tis the psalm-
singers

Julian.
Ah, that band of raving women

Fromentinus.
The governor Alexander has taken from them
some writings which they hold sacred. They are
going out of the city to weep at the graves of the
Christians,

Julian.
[With clenched hands.] Defiance ; defiance —
from men and women alike !

[Old Publia, and mxmy other women, come
along the road,

PuBLIAg

[Sings.
Their gods are of marble, and silver and gold.
They shall crumble to mould.

SC. III.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 363

Chorus of Women.
To mould ; to mould !

PUBLIA.

They murder our brothers ; our childreH they

smite.
Soar up, doves of song, and pray God to re-
quite !

Chorus of Women.
Pray God to requite !

PUBLIA.

[Catching sight of Julian.] There he stands !
Woe to the miscreant who has burnt the word of
the Lord ! Think you you can bum the word
of the Lord with fire ? I will tell you where it
bums«

[She wrests a knife from one of the sacri-
ficing priests, cuts open her breast and
probes into the wound.
Here the word bums. You may bum our books ;
but the word shall bum in the hearts of men until
the uttermost end of time !

[She casts the knife from her.

The Women.

[Sing with growing ecsta^.
Let writings be burnt, and let bodies be slain ;
The word shall remain —
The word shall remain !
[They take Publia into their midst and go
out towards the country.

The People by the Fountain.
Woe to us ; the Galileans' God is the
strongest !

S64> THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT III.

Other Voices.
What avail all our gods against this one ?

Others again.
No offering I No worship ! *Twili incense the
terrible one against us.]

Julian.
Oh fools ! You fear to incense a man long dead,
■ — a false prophet — you shall have proof of it.
He is a liar, I say ! Wait but a little longer.
Every day, every hour, may bring tidings from
Jerusalem

Jovian, mtick travel-stained^ enters hastily, with a few
followers, from the right.

Jovian.
Most gracious Emperor, pardon your servant for
seeking you here.

Julian.
[ With a cry of joy. J Jovian ! Oh welcome news-
bearer !

Jovian.
I come direct from Judea. I learned at the
palace that you were here

Julian.
Oh, ever-praiseworthy gods, — yon setting sun
shall not go down upon the lie. How far have
you progressed ? Speak, my Jovian !

Jovian.
\With a glance at the crowd.] Sire, shall I tell
all?

sc. iii.] the emperor julian, 365

Julian.
All^all — from first to last !

Jovian.
I arrived at Jerusalem with the architects and
soldiers, and the two thousand workmen. We went
to work at once to clear the ground. Mighty
remnants of the walls remained. They fell before
our pickaxes and crowbars so easily that it seemed
as though some unseen power were helping us to
efface tliem

Julian.
You see ! What did I tell you !

Jovian.
In the meantime immense heaps of mortar were
being brought together for the new building.
Then, without any warning, there arose a whirl-
wind, which spread the lime like a cloud over the
whole region.

Julian.
Go on ; go on ;

Jovian.
The same night the earth shook repeatedly.

Voices in the Crowd.
Hear that ! The earth shook.

Julian.
Go on, I say !

Jovian.
We were nothing daunted by this strange event.
But when we had dug so deep into the ground
as to open the subterranean vaults, and the stone-
hewers went down to work by torchlight

366 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT IIX,

Julian.
Jovian^ — what then ?

Jovian.

Sire, a terrible, a monstrous stream of fire burst
out of the caverns. A thundering noise shook
the whole city. The vaults burst asunder ; hun-
dreds of workmen were killed in them, and the
few who escaped fled with lacerated limbs.

Whispering Voicw.
The Galileans' God '

Julian.
Cam I believe all this ? Did you see it ?

Jovian.
With my own eyes. We began anew. Sire, in
the presence of many thousands — awestruck,
kneeling, exulting, praying — the same wonder
was twice repeated.

Julian.

[Pale and irembling.] And then ? In

one word, — what has the Emperor achieved in
Jerusalem ?

Jovian.
The Emperor has fulfilled the Galilean's pro-
phecy.

Julian,
Fulfilled ?

Jovian.
Through you is the saying accomplished : "Not
one stone shall remain upon another."

sc. iv.] the emperor julian, s67

Men and Women.
The Galilean has overcome the Emperor ! j^The
Galilean is greater than Julian !

Julian.
[To the priest of Cyhele.'] You may go home, old
man ! And take your goose with yon. We will
have no sacrifice this evening.

[He turns to the croivd.

I heard some say the Galilean had conquered.

It may appear so ; but I tell you it is a delusion.

Oh senseless clods; oh contemptible dolts, — believe

me, it will not be long before the tables are turned !

I will ; I will ! Ah, only wait ! I am

already collecting material for a treatise against
the Gahlean. It is to be in seven chapters ; and
when hi» followers have read that, — and when

"The Beard-Hater," too

Give me your arm, Fromentinus ! This defiance
lias wearied me.

[To the guard f as he passes the fountain.
Set CyriUus free !

[He returns rvith his retinue to the city.

The Crowd at the Fountain.
[Shouting after him rvith scornful laughter. "^ There
goes the altar-butcher ! — There goes the ragged
bear ! — There goes the ape with the long arms !

SCENE FOURTH

Moonlight, Among the ruins of the temple of Apollo,
The Emperor Julian and Maxim us the Mystic,

hoth in robes, appear among the overthrotvn

columntm

368 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT III.

Maximus.
Whither, my brother ?

Julian.
Where it is loneliest.

Maximus.
But here — ^in this desolation? Among these
rubbish-heaps ?

Julian.
Is not the whole earth a rubbish-heap ?

Maximus.
Yet you have shown that what has fallen can be
restored.

Julian.
Mocker ! In Athens I saw how a cobbler had
made himself a little workshop in the temple of
Theseus. In Rome, I hear, a corner of the Basilica
Julia is used for a bullock-stable. Call you that
restoration ?

Maximus.
Why not ? Does not everything happen little
by little ? What is a whole but the sum of all the
parts?

Julian.
Foolish wisdom !

[/fe points to the overturned statue of Apollo.

See this noseless face. See this splintered

elbow, — these shattered loins. Does the sum of

all these deformities restore to us the divine oer-

fection of bygone beauty ?

BC. IT.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. S69

was
or's

Maximus.
How know you that that bygone beauty "^
beautiful — in itself — apart from the spectat
idea ?

Julian.
Ah, Maximus, that is just the question. What

exists in itself.'' After to-day I know of nothing.
[He kicks the head of Apollo.
Have you ever been mightier, in yourself.'*
Strange, Maximus, that there should dwell such

strength in delusion. Look at those Galileans.

And look at me in the old days, when I thought

it possible to build up again the fallen world of

beauty.

Maximus.
Friend — if delusion be a necessity to you, return
to the Galileans. They will receive you with
open arms.

Julian.

You know well that that is impossible. Em-
peror and Galilean ! How reconcile that contra-
diction ?

Yes, this Jesus Christ is the greatest rebel that
ever lived. What was Brutus — what was Cassius,
compared with him.^ They murdered only the
man Julius Caesar; but he murders all that is
called Caesar or Augustus. Is peace conceivable
between the Galilean and the Emperor ? Is there
room for the two of them together upon the earth }
For he lives on the earth, Maximus, — the Galilean
lives, I say, however thoroughly both Jews and
Romans imagined that they had killed him ; he
lives in the rebellious minds of men ; he lives in
their scorn and defiance of all visible authority.

v ♦ 2 A

370 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT llf.

" Render unto^aesar the things that are Caesar's,
— and to God the things that are God's ! " Never
has mouth of man uttered a craftier saying than
that. Wliat lies behind it ? What, and how
much, belongs to the Emperor ? That saying is
nothing but a bludgeon wherewith to strike the
crown from off the Emperor's head.

Maximus.
Yet the great Constantine knew how to com-
pound matters with the Galilean — and your prede-
cessor too.

Julian.

Yes, could one only be as easily satisfied as they !
But call you that ruling the empire of the world ?
Constantine widened the boundaries of his
dominion, but did he not fix narrow boundaries to
his spirit and his will ? You rate that man too
high when you call him " the great." Of my
predecessor I will not speak ; he was more slave
than Emperor, and I cannot be contented with
the name alone.

No, no, a truce is not to be thought of in this
contest. And yet — to have to give way ! Oh,
Maximus, after these defeats I cannot retain the
crown — yet neither can I renounce it.

You, Maximus, who can interpret omens whose
mystic meaning is hidden from all others — you
who can read the volume of the eternal stars^ —
can you foretell the issue of this struggle }

Maximus.
Yes, my brother, I can foretell the issue.

SC. IV.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. S7l

JuLm\N.
Can you ? Then tell me — I Who shall con-
quer ? The Emperor or the Galilean ?

Maximus.
Both the Emperor and the Galilean shall
succumb.

Julian.
Succumb ? Both ?

Maximus.
Both. Whether in our times or in hundreds of
years, I know not ; but so it shall be when the
right man comes.

Julian.
And who is the right man ?

Maximus.
He who shall swallow up both Emperor and
Galilean.

Julian.
You solve the riddle by a still darker riddle.

Maximus.

Hear me, brother and friend of truth ■ I say
you shall both succumb — but not that you shall
perish.

Does not the child succumb in the youLh, and
the youth in the man ? Yet neither child nor
youth perishes.

Oil, my best -loved pupil — have you forgotten all
our discourse iu Ephesus about the tlnec empires.''

S72 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT III.

Julian.

Ah Maximus, years have passed since then.
Speak !

Maximus.
You know I have never approved the course
you have taken as Emperor, You have striven to
make the youth a child again. The empire of the
flesh is swallowed up in the empire of the spirit.
But the empire of the spirit is not finals any more
than the youth is. You have striven to hinder the
growth of the youth, — to hinder him from becom-
ing a man. Oh fool, who have drawn your sword
against that which is to be— against the third
empire, in which the twin-natured ^^hall reign !

Julian.

And he ?

Maximus.
The Jews have a name for him. They call him
Messiah, and they await him.

Julian.
[Slotvlif and thought fully.'] Messiah ? — Neither
Emperor nor Redeemer ?

Maximus.
Both in one, and one in both.

Julian,
Emperor-God — God-Emperor. Emperor in the
kingdom of the spirit, — and God in that of the
desh.

Maximus.
That is the third empire, Julian!

sc. iv.] the emperor julian. 37s

Julian.
Yes, MaximuSy that is the third empire.

Maximus.
In that empire shall the present watchword of
revolt be realised.

Julian.
" Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's,
— and to God the things that are God's." Yes,
yes, then the Emperor is in God, and God in the
Emperor. — Ah, dreams, dreams, — who shall break
the Galilean's power ?

Maximus.
Wherein lies the Galilean's power ?

Julian.
I have brooded over that question in vaiii.

Maximus.
Is it not somewhere written : " Thou shalt have
none other gods but me ** ?

Julian.

Yes — yes — yes !

Maximus.
The Seer of Nazareth did not preach this god
or that ; he said : " God is I ; — I am God."

Julian.

Ay, this thing without me 1 *Tis that which

makes the Emperor powerless.

The third empire ? The Messiah ? Not the
Jews' Messiah, but the Messiah of the two empires,
the spirit and the world .**

S74 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT III.

Maximus.
The God-Emperor.

Julian^
The Emperor-God. ^

Maximus. ' '

Logos in Pan — Pan in Logos.

Julian.
Maximus, — how comes he into being ?

Maximus.
He comes into being in the man who wills
himself.

Julian.
My beloved teacher, — I must leave you

Maximus.
Whither are you going ?

Julian.
To the city. The Persian king has made over-
tures of peace, which I too hastily accepted. My
envoys are already on the way. They must be
overtaken and recalled.

Maximus.
You will reopen the war against King Sapor ?

Julian.
I will do what Cyrus dreamed of, and Alexander

attempted

Maximus.
Julian 1 i v. f

8C. IV.]

THE EMPEROR JULIAN.

375

Julian.
I will possess the world. — Good-night, my
MaximusI

[Htf makes a gesture of faretveUy and goes
hastily away. Maximus looks thought-
fully after him.

Thk Chorus of the Psalm-Singers.
[Far away, beside the graves of the martyrs.
Ye gods of the nations, of silver and gold.
Ye shall crumble to mould !

ACT FOURTH
SCENE FIRST.

The eastern frontier of the empire. A nnld mountain
landscape. A deep valley separates the high fore-
ground from the mountains behind.

The Emperor Julian, in military dress, stands on
the edge of a rocky promontory, and looks into
the deptJis, A little way from him, to the left,
stand Nevita, the Persian prince Hormisdas,
Jovian, a7id several other generals. To the right,
beside a roughly -built stone altar, crouch the sooth-
sayer, Numa, a7id two other Etruscan soothsayers,
examining the entrails of the sacrifices for omens.
FurtJier fortvard sits Maximus the Mystic on a
stone, surrounded by Priscus, Kytron, ajid other
philosophers. Small detachments of light-armed
Tnen now and then pass over the height from left
to right,

Julian.
\Pointing downwards.^ See, see — the legions

wind like a scaly serpent through the ravine.

Nevita.
Those just below us, in sheepskin doublets, are
the Scythians.

Julian.
What piercing howls !

8c. i.] the emperor julian. 377

Nevita.
That is the Scythians* customary song^ sire !

Julian.

More howl than song.

Nevita.

Now come the Armenians. Arsaces himself is
leading them.

Julian.

The Roman legions must already be out on the
plains. All the neighbouring tribes are hastening
to make their submission.

[He turns to ike officers.

The twelve hundred ships, containing all our
stores and munitions, lie assembled on the Eu-
phrates. I am now fully assured that the fleet can
cross over to the Tigris by the ancient canal. The
whole army will pass the river by means of the
ships. Then we will advance along by the eastern
bank as rapidly as the current will suffer the ships
to follow us.

Tell me, Hormisdas, what think you of this
plan ?

HORMISDAS.

Invincible general, I know that under your vic-
torious protection it will be vouchsafed me to tread
once more the soil of my fatherland.

Julian.
What a relief to be rid of those narrow-breasted
citizens ! What terror was in their eyes when they
pressed round my chariot as I left the city ! " Come
again quickly," they cried, '* and be more gracious
to us than now." I will never revisit Antioch. I

378 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT IV,

will never again set eyes on that ungrateful city I
When I have conquered I will return by way of
Tarsus,

[/fe goes up to the soothsayers.
Numa, — what omens for our campaign do you
find this morning ?

Numa.
The omens warn you not to pass the frontier of
your empire this year.

Julian.
H'm I How read you this omen^ Maximus ?

Maximus.
I read it thus : the omen counsels you to subdue
all the regions you traverse ; thus you will never
pass the frontier of your empire.

Julian.
So is it. We must look closely into such super-
natural signs ; for there is wont to be a double
meaning in them. It even seems at times as if
mysterious powers took a delight in leading men
astray, especially in great undertakings. Were
there not some who held it an evil omen that the
colonnade in Hierapolis fell in and buried half a
hundred soldiers, just as we marched through the
city .'' But I say that that is a presage of a two-
fold good. In the first place it foreshows the
downfall of Persia, and in the second place the
doom of the unhappy Galileans. For what sol-
diers were they who were killed } Why, Galilean
convict-soldiers, who went most unwillingly to the
war ; and therefore fate decreed them that sudden
and inglorious end.

8c. 1.] the emperor julian. s79

Jovian.
Most gracious Emperor, here comes a captain
from the vanguard.

Ammian.
[Entering from the right.'] Sire, you commanded
me to inform you should anything strange befall
during our advance.

Julian.
Well ? Has anything happened this morning ?

Ammian.

Yes, sire, two portents, '

Julian.
Quick^ Ammian, — speak on \

Ammian.
First, sire, it happened that when we had gone
a little way beyond the village of Zaita, a lion of
monstrous size burst from a thicket and rushed
straight at our soldiers, who killed it with many
arrows.

Julian.
Ahl

The Philosophers.
What a fortunate omen !

HORMISDAS.

King Sapor calls himself the lion of the nations.

NUMA.

[Busied at the altar. ^ Turn back; turn back.
Emperor Julian !

Maximus.
Gd*fearlessly forward, chosen son of victory !

S80 THK EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT IV.

Julian.

Turn back after this ^ As the lion fell at ZslHsl,
so shall the lion of the nations fall before our
arrows. Does not history warrant me in inter-
preting this omen to our advantage ? Need I
remind such learned men that when the Emperor
Maximian conquered the Persian king, Narses,
a lion, and a huge wild boar besides, were, in like
manner^ slain in front of the Roman ranks ?

[To Ammian.

But now the other ? You spoke of two

signs.

Ammian.

The other is more doubtful, sire ! Your
charger, Babylonius, was led forth, as you com-
manded, fully equipped, to await your descent on
the other side of the mountain. But just at that
time a detachment of Galilean convict-soldiers
happened to pass. Heavily laden as they were,
and by no means over willing, they had to be
driven with scourges. Nevertheless they lifted
up their arms as in rejoicing, and burst forth into
a loud hymn in praise of their deity. Babylonius
was startled by the sudden noise, reared in his
fright, and fell backwards ; and as he sprawled
upon the ground, all his golden trappings were
soiled and bespattered with mud.

NUMA.

[At ike altar. "] Emperor Julian, — turn back,
turn back !

Julian.
The Galileans must have done this out of
malice, — and yet, in spite of themselves, they

[^P SC. I.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 381

have brought to pass a portent which I hail with
delight.

Yes, as Babylonius fell, so shall Babylon fall,
^K stripped of all the splendour of its adornments.

F

Priscus.
What wisdom in interpretation !

Kytron.
By the gods, it must be so !

The other Philosophers.
So, and not otherwise i

Julian.

[To Nevita.] The array shall continue to
advance. Nevertheless, for still greater security,
I will sacrifice this evening and see what the
omens indicate.

As for you Etruscan jugglers, whom I have
brought hither at so great a cost, I will no longer
suffer you in the camp, where you serve only to
damp the soldiers* spirits. You know nothing of
the difficult calling you profess. What effrontery I
What measureless presumption ! Away with
them ! I will not set eyes on them again.

[Some of the guards drive the Soothsayers
out to the left.

Babylonius fell. The lion succumbed before
my soldiers. Yet these things do not tell us what
invisible help we have to depend upon. The gods,
whose essence is as yet by no means duly ascer-
tained, seem sometimes — if I may say so — to
slumber, or, on the whole, to concern themselves
very little with human affairs. We, my dear
friends, are so unfortunate as to live in such an

382 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT IV.

age. We have even seen how certain divinities
have neglected to support well-meant endeavours,
tending to their own honour and glory.

Yet must we not judge rashly in this matter.
It is conceivable that the immortals, who guide
and uphold the universe, may sometimes depute
their power to mortal hands, — not thereby,
assuredly, lessening their own glory ; for is it not
thanks to them that so highly-favoured ^ a mortal
— if he exist — has been born into this world ?

Priscus.

Oh matchless Emperor, do not your own
achievements afford proof of this ?

Julian.
I know not, Priscus, whether I dare rate my
own achievements so highly. I say nothing of
the fact that the Galileans believe the Jew, Jesus
of Nazareth, to have been thus elected ; for these
men err — as I shall conclusively establish in my
treatise against them. But I will remind you of
Prometheus in ancient days. Did not that pre-
eminent hero procure for mankind still greater
blessings than the gods seemed to vouchsafe —
wherefore he had to suffer much, both pain and
despiteful usage, till he was at last exalted to the
communion of the gods — to which, in truth, he
had all the while belonged ?

» The original edition here reads " benadet," and this read-
ing is followed in the translation. In the collected edition
of Ibsen's works (Copenhagen 1899) the word becomes
"beandet," which is probably a misprint, but may, on the
other hand, be a correction. In that case, for "highly-
favoured" we should have to read "specially inspired,"
Ibsen uses the word "beandet" several times in "Hcdda
Gabler."

SC. I.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 383

And may not the same be said both of Herakles
and of Achilles, and, finally, of the Macedonian
Alexander, with whom some have compared me,
partly on account of what I achieved in Gaul,
partly, and especially, on account of my designs
in the present campaign ?

Nevita.
My Emperor — the rear-guard is now beneath
us — it is perhaps time

Julian.

Presently, Nevita ! First I must tell you of a
strange dream I had last night.

I dreamed that I saw a child pursued by a rich
man who owned countless flocks, but despised
the worship of the gods.

This wicked man exterminated all the child's
kindred. But Zeus took pity on the child itself,
and held his hand over it.

Then I saw this child grow up into a youth, under
the care of Minerva and Apollo.

Further, I dreamed that the youth fell asleep
upon a stone beneath the open sky.

Then Hermes descended to him, in the likeness
of a young man, and said : " Come ; I will show
thee the way to the abode of the highest god ! "
So he led the youth to the foot of a very steep
mountain. There he left him.

Then the youth burst out into tears and lamen
tations, and called with a loud voice upon Zeus.
Lo, then, Minerva and the Sun-King who rules
the earth descended to his side, bore him aloft to
the peak of the mountain, and showed him the
whole inheritance of his race.

384 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [acT IV.

But this inheritance was the orb of the earth
from ocean to ocean, and beyond the ocean.

Then they told the youth that all this should
belong to him. And therewith they gave him
three warnings : he should not sleep, as his race
had done ; he should not hearken to the counsel
of hypocrites ; and, lastly, he should honour as
gods those who resemble the gods. " Forget not,"
they said, on leaving him, " that thou hast an
immortal soul, and that this thy soul is of divine
origin. And if thou follow our counsel thou shalt
see our father and become a god, even as we.'*

pRiscus.
What are signs and omens to this !

Kytron.
It can scarcely be rash to anticipate that the
Fates will think twice ere they suffer their
counsels to clash with yours.

Julian.

We dare not build with certainty on such an
exception. But assuredly I cannot but find this
dream significant, although my brother Maximus,
by his silence — against all reasonable expectation
— seems to approve neither of the dream itself,
nor of my relation of it. — But that we must bear
with!

[He takes out a roll of paper _

See, Jovian; before I arose this morning, I
noted down what I had dreamt. Take this paper,
let numerous copies of it be made, and read to
the various divisions of the army. I hold it of
the utmost moment, on so hazardous an expedi

8C. I.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 385

tion, that, amid all dangers and difficulties, the
soldiers may leave their fate securely in their
leader's hands, considering h'm infallible in all
that concerns the issue of the war.

Jovian.
I pray you, my Emperor, let me be excused from
this.

Julian.
What do you mean ?

Jovian.
That I cannot lend my aid to anything that is
against the truth. — Oh, hear me, my august
Emperor and master ! Is there a single one of
your soldiers who doubts that he is safe in your
hands ? Have you not, on the Gallic frontier, in
spite of overwhelming numbers and difficulties of
all kinds, gained greater victories than any other
living commeinder can boast of t

Julian.
Well, well ! What startling news !

Jovian.
All know how marvellously fortune has hitherto
followed you. In learning you excel all other
mortals, and in the glorious art of eloquence you
bear the palm among the greatest.

Julian.
And yet ? In spite of all this ?

Jovian.
In spite of all this, my Emperor, you are but
mortal. By publishing this dream through the
Y * 2B

S86 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT iV.

army you would seek to make men deem you a
god, — and in that I dare not assist you.

Julian.
What say you, my friends, to this speech ?

Kytron.
It assuredly shows no less effrontery than
ignorance.

Julian.
You seem to forget, oh truth-loving Jovian, that
the Emperor Antoninus, surnamed the Pious, has
been worshipped in a special temple on the Roman
forum as an immortal god. And not he alone, but
also his wife, Faustina, and other Emperors before
and after him.

Jovian.
I know it, sire, — but it was not given to our
forefathers to live in the light of truth.

Julian

[fTiVA a long look at him.] Ah, Jovian !

Tell me, — last evening, when I was taking the
omens for the coming night, you brought me* a
message just as I was laving the b'ood from my
hands in the water of purification—

Jovian.
Yes, my Emperor !

Julian
In my haste, I chanced to sprinkle a few drops
of the water on your cloak. You shrank sharply
backward and shook the water off, as if your cloak
had been defiled.

bc, i.] the emperor julian. s87

Jovian.
My Emperor, — so that did not escape you ?

Julian.
Did you think it would have escaped me ?

Jovian.
Yes, sire ; for it was a matter between me and
the one true God.

Julian.
Galilean!

Jovian.
Sire, you yourself sent me to Jenisalem, and I
was witness to all that happened there. I have
pondered much since then ; I have read the
scriptures of the Christians, have spoken with
many of them, — and now I am convinced that in
their teaching lies the truth of God.

Julian.
Is this possible } Can it be possible ? Thus
does this infectious frenzy spread ! Even those
nearest me — my own generals desert me-^ »

Jovian.
Place me in the van against your foes, sire,^-
and you shall see how gladly I render to Caesap
the things that are Caesar's.

Julian.
How much ?

Jovian,

My blood, my life. .

388 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [acT IV.

Julian.

Blood and life are not enough. He who is to
rule must rule over the minds, over the wills of
men. It is in this that your Jesus of Nazareth
bars my way and contests my power.

Think not that I will punish you, Jovian!
You Galileans covet punishment as a benefaction.
And after it you are called martyrs. Have they
not thus exalted those whom I have been obliged
to chastise for their obduracy ?

Go to the vanguard ! I will not willingly see
your face again. — Oh, this treachery to me, which
you veil in phrases about double duty and a double
empire ! This shall be altered. Other kings
besides the Persian shall feel my foot on their
necks.

To the vanguard, Jovian !

Jovian.
I shall do my duty, sire !

[He goes out to the right,

Julian.
We will not have this morning darkened, which
rose amid so many happy omens. This, and
more, will we bear with an even mind. But my
dream shall none the less be published through
the army. You, Kytron, and you, my Priscus,
and my other friends, will see that this is done in
a becoming manner.

The Philosophers.
With joy, with unspeakable joy, sire !

[They take the roll and go out to the right.

sc. i.] the emperor julian. 389

Julian.
I beg you, Hormisdas, not to doubt my power,
although it may seem as though stubbornness
met me on every hand. Go; and you too,
Nevita, and all the rest, each to his post ; — I will
follow when the troops are all gathered out on
the plains.

[All except the Emperor and Maximus go
out to ike right.

Maximus.

[AJler a time, rises from the stone where he has been
seated and goes up to the Emperor,^ My sick
brother \

Julian.

Rather wounded than sick. The deer that is
pierced by the hunter's shaft seeks the thicket
where its fellows cannot see it. I could no longer
endure to be seen in the streets of Antioch ; —
and now I shrink from showing myself to the
army.

Maximus.

No one sees you, friend ; for they grope in
blindness. But you shall be as a physician to
restore their sight, and then they shall behold you
in your glory.

Julian.

[Gazing down into the ravine.^ How far beneath
us ! How tiny they seem, as they wind their
way forward, amid thicket and brushwood, along
the rocky river-bed !

When we stood at the mouth of this defile, all
the leaders, as one man, made for the pass. It
meant an hour's way shortened, a little trouble
spared, — on the road to death.

S90 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [acT IY.

And the legions were so eager to follow. No
thought of taking the upward path, no longing
for the free air up here, where the bosom expands
with each deep draught of breath. There they
march, and march, and march, and see not that
the heaven is straitened above them, — and know
not there are heights where it is wider. — Seems
it not, Maximus, as though men lived but to die ?
The spirit of the Galilean is in this. If it be true,
as they say, that his father made the world, then
the son contemns his father's work. And it is
just for this presumptuous frenzy that he is so
highly revered !

How great was Socrates compared with him !
Did not Socrates love pleasure, and happiness, and
beauty ? And yet he renounced them. — Is there
not a bottomless abyss between not desiring, on
the one hand, and, on the other, desiring, yet re-
nouncing ?

Oh, this treasure of lost wisdom I would fain
have restored to men. Like Dionysus of old, I
went forth to meet them, young and joyous, a
garland on my brow, and the fulness of the vine
in my aims. But they reject my gifts, and I am
scorned, and hated, and derided, by friends and
foes alike.

Maximus.

Why ? I will tell you why.
'*' Hard by a certain town where once I lived,
there was a vineyard, renowned far and wide for
its grapes ; and when the citizens wished to have
the finest fruits on their tables, they sent their
servants out to bring clusters from this vineyard.

Many years after I came again to that city ; but
no one now knew aught of the grapes that were
once so renowned. Then I sought the owner of

SC. I.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. SPl

the vineyard and said to him, " Tell me, friend,
are your vines dead, since no one now knows aught
of your grapes ? '* '* No," he answered, " but let
me tell you, young vines yield good grapes but
poor wine ; old vines, on the contrary, bad grapes
but good wine. Therefore, stranger," he added,
" I still gladden the hearts of my fellow citizens
with the abundance of my vineyard, only in another
form — as wine, not as grapes."

Julian,
[Thoughtfully.'] Yes, yes, yes !

Maximus.
You have not given heed to this. The vine of
the world has grown old, and yet you think that
you can still offer the raw grapes to those who
thirst for the new wine.

Julian.

Alas, my Maximus, who thirsts ? Name me a
single man, outside our brotherhood, who is moved
by a spiritual craving. — Unhappy I, to be born
into this iron age !

Maximus.

Do not reproach the age. Had the age been
greater, you would have been less. The world-
soul is like a rich man with innumerable sons. If
he share his riches equally, all are well to do, but
none rich. But if he disinherit all but one, and
give everything to him, then that one stands as a
rich man amid a circle of paupers.

Julian.
No similitude could be less apt than this. — Am
I like your single heir ? Is not that very thing

392 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT IT.

divided among many which the ruler of the world
should possess in fuller measure than all besides —
nay, which he alone should possess } Oh how is
not power divided ? Has not Libanius the power
of eloquence in such fulness that men call him the
king of orators .'' Have not you, my Maximus, the
power of mystic wisdom ? Has not that madman
ApoUinaris of Antioch the power of ecstatic song
in a measure I needs must envy him ? And then
Gregory the Cappadocian ! Has he not the power
of indomitable will in such excess, that many have
applied to hira the epithet, unbecoming for a
subject, of " the Great " .'' And — what is stranger
still — the same epithet has been applied to
Gregory's friend, Basil, the soft-natured man with
girlish eyes. And yet he plays no active part in
the world ; he lives here, this Basil — here in this
remote region, wearing the habit of an anchorite,
and holding converse with none but his disciples,
his sister Makrina, and other women who are called
pious and holy. What influence do they not exert,
both he and his sister, through the epistles they
send forth from time to time. Everything, even
renunciation and seclusion, becomes a power to
oppose my power. But the crucified Jew is still
the worst of all,

Maximus.
Then make an end of all these scattered powers!
But dream not that you can crush the rebels, by
attacking them in the name of a monarch whom
they do not know. In your own name you must
act, Julian ! Did Jesus of Nazareth come as the
emissary of another } Did he not proclaim him-
self to be one with him that sent him ? Truly in
you is the time fulfilled, and you see it not. Do

SC. I.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 393

not all signs and omens point, with unerring finger,
to you ? Must I remind you of your mother's

dream ?

Julian.
She dreamed that she brought forth Achilles,

Maximus.

Must I remind you how fortune has borne you,
as on mighty pinions, through an agitated and
perilous life } Who are you, sire ? Are you
Alexander born again, not, as before, in immaturity,
but perfectly equipped for the fufilment of the
task ?

Julian.

Maximus !

Maximus,

There is One who ever reappears, at certain
Intervals, in the course of human history. He is
like a rider taming a wild horse in the arena.
Again and yet again it throws him. A moment,
and he is in the saddle again, each time more secure
and more expert ; but off he has had to go, in all
his varying incarnations, until this day. Off he
had to go as the god-created man in Eden's grove ;
off he had to go as the founder of the world-
empire; — off he must go as the prince of the
empire of God, Who knows how often he has
wandered among us when none have recognised
him ?

How know you, Julian, that you were not in
him whom you now persecute ?

Julian.

[Looking Jar (iway.'\ Oh unfathomable
riddle !

394 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT IV.

Maximus.
Must I remind you of the old prophecy now set
afloat again ? It has been foretold that so many
years as the year has days should the empire of
theGalilean endure. Two years more, and 'twill be
three hundred and sixty-five years since that man
was born in Bethlehem.

Julian.
Do you believe this prophecy ?

Maximus.
I believe in him who is to come.

Julian.
Always riddles I

Maximus.
I believe in the free necessity.

Julian.

Still darker riddles.

Maximus.

Behold, Julian, — when Chaos seethed in the
fearful void abyss, and Jehovah was alone, — that
day when he, according to the old Jewish scriptures,
stretched forth his hand and divided light from
darkness, sea from land, — that day the great
creating God stood on the summit of his power.

But with man arose will upon the earth. And
men, and beasts, and trees, and herbs re-created
themselves, each in its own image, according to
eternal laws ; and by eternal laws the stars roll
through the heavenly spaces.

Did Jehovah repent ? The ancient traditions
of all races tell of a repentant Creator.

SC. II.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 395

He had established the law of perpetuation in
the universe. Too late to repent ! The created
will perpetuate itself — and is perpetuated.

But the two onesided empires war one against
the other. Where, where is he, the king of peace,
the twin-sided one, who shall reconcile them ^

Julian.

[To himself.'] Two years ? All the gods inactive.
No capricious power behind, which might bethink
itself to cross my plans

Two years } In two years I can bring the earth
under my sway.

Maximus.
You spoke, my Julian ; — what said you ?

Julian.
I am young and strong and healthy. Maximus
— it is my will to live long.

[He goes out to the right. M axihivs Jollorvs
him,

SCENE SECOND

A hilly wooded region with a brook among the trees.
On an elevation a little farm. It is towards sun-
set.

Columns of soldiers pass from left to right at the foot
of the slope. Basil op Caesarea, and his
sister Makrina, both in the dress of hermits, stand
by the ivayside and offer water and fruits to the
weary soldiers.

Makrina.
Oh, Basil, see — each paler and more haggard

than the last !

896 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT IV.

Basil.
And countless multitudes of our Christian
brethren among them ! Woe to the Emperor
Julian ! This is a cruelty more cunningly contrived
than all the horrors of the torture-chamber.
Against whom is he leading his hosts.'' Less
against the Persian king than against Christ.

Makrina.
Do you believe this dreadful thing of him ?

Basil.
Yes, Makrina, it becomes more and more clear
to me that 'tis against us the blow is aimed. All
the defeats he has suffered in Antioch, all the
resistance he has met with, all the disappointments
and humiliations he has had to endure on his
ungodly path, he hopes to bury in oblivion by
means of a victorious campaign. And he will
succeed. A great victory will blot out everything.
Men are fashioned so ; they see right in success,
and before might most of them will bend.

Makrina.
[Pointing out to the left] Fresh multitudes !

Innumerable, unceasing

[^ company of soldiers passes hy ; a young
man in the ranks sinks down on the road
from weariness.

A Subaltern.
[Beating him with a stick.] Up with you, lazy
hound !

Makrina.
[Hastening up.] Oh, do not strike him !

SC. II.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 39?

The Soldier.
Let them strike me ; — I am so glad to suffer.

Ammian.

[Entering.] Again a stoppage ! — Oh, it is he.
Can he really go no further ?

The Subaltern.
I do not know what to say, sir ; he falls at every
step.

Makrina.
Oh, be patient I Who is this unhappy man ? —
See, suck the juice of these fruits. — Who is he,
sir.'*

Ammian.
A Cappadocian, — one of the fanatics who took
part in the desecration of the temple of Venus at
Antioch.

Makrina.
Oh, one of those martyrs !

Ammian.

Try to rise, Agathon ! I am sorry for t\iis
fellow. They chastised him more severely than
he could bear. He has been out of his mind ever
since.

Agathon,

[Rising.] I can bear it very well, and I am in
my right mind, sir ! Strike, strike, strike ; — I
rejoice to suffer.

Ammian.

[To the Subaltern.] Forward ; we have no time
to waste.

$gS THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT IV.

The Subaltern.
[To the soldiers.] Forward, forward !

Agathon.
Babylonius fell; — soon shall the Babylonian
whoremonger fall likewise. The lion of Zaita was
slain — the crowned lion of the earth is doomed I
[The soldiers are driven out to the right,

Ammian.

[To Basil and Makrina.] You strange people ;
— you go astray and yet you do good. Thanks for
your refreshment to the weary ; and would that
my duty to the Emperor permitted me to treat
your brethren as forbearingly as I should desire.

[He goes off to the right.

Basil.
God be with you, noble heathen I

Makrina.
Who may that man be ?

Basil.
I know him not.

[He points to the left.
Oh see, see — there he is himself !

Makrina.
The Emperor? Is that the Emperor.^

Basil. «;»

Yes, that is he.

The Emperor Julian with several of his principal
officers, escorted hy a detachment of guards, with
their captain Anatolus, enters from the left.

Sa II.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 399

Julian.
[ To his retinue.] Why talk of fatigue ? Should
the fall of a horse bring me to a standstill ? Or
is it less becoming to go on foot than to bestride
an inferior animal } Fatigue ! My ancestor said
that it befits an Emperor to die standing. I say
that it befits an Emperor, not only in the hour of
death, but throughout his whole life, to set an

example of endurance ; I say Ah, by the

great light of heaven 1 do I not see Basil of
Caesarea before my eyes ?
Basil.
[Bowing deeply.] Your meanest servant, oh
most mighty lord !

Julian.
Ah, I know what that means ! Truly you serve
me well, Basil !

[Approaching.
So this is the villa that has become so renowned
by reason of the epistles that go forth from it.
This house is more talked of throughout the pro-
vinces than all the lecture-halls together, although
I have spared neither care nor pains to restore
their glory.

Tell me — is not this woman your sister, Mak-
rina?

Basil.
She is, sire !

Julian.
You are a fair woman, and still young. And
yet, as I hear, you have renounced life.

Makrina.
Sire, I htve renounced life in order truly to
live.

400 THE EMPETIOR JULIAN. [aCT IV.

Julian.
Ah, I know your delusions very well. You sigh
for that which lies beyond, of which you have no
certain knowledge ; you mortify your flesh ; you
repress all human desires. And yet I tell you this
may be a vanity, like the rest.

Basil.

Think not, sire, that I am blind to the danger
that lurks in renunciation. I know that my friend
Gregory says well when he writes that he holds
himself a hermit in heart, though not in the body.
And I know that this coarse clothing is of small
profit to my soul if I take merit to myself for
v/earing it.

But that is not my case. This secluded life
fills me with unspeakable happiness ; that is all.
The wild convulsions through which, in these days,
the world is passing, do not here force themselves,
in all their hideousness, upon my eyes. Here I
feel my body uplifted in prayer, and my soul
purified by a frugal life.

Julian.
Oh my modest Basil, I fear you are ambitious
of more than this. If what I hear be true, your
sister has gathered round her a band of young
women whom she is training up in her own like-
ness. And you yourself, like your Galilean
master, have chosen twelve disciples. What is
your purpose with them ?

Basil,
To send them forth into all lands, that they may
strengthen our brethren in the fight.

8C. II.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 401

Julian,

Truly J Equipped with all the weapons of
eloquence, you send your army against me. And
whence did you obtain this eloquence, this glorious
Greek art .'' From our schools of learning. What
right have you to it ? You have stolen like a
spy into our camp, to find out where you can
most safely strike at us. And this knowledge you
are now applying to our greatest hurt I

Let me tell you, Basil, that I have no mind to
suffer this scandal any longer. I will strike this
weapon out of your hands. Keep to your Matthew
and Luke, and other such unpolished babblers.
But henceforth you shall not be permitted to
interpret our ancient poets and philosophers ; for
I hold it unreasonable to let you suck knowledge
and skill from sources in the truth of which you
do not believe. In like manner shall all Galilean
scholars be forbidden our lecture-halls ; for what
is their business there ? To steal our weapons
and use them against us.

Basil.

Sire, I have already heard of this strange deter-
mination. And I agree with Gregory in main-
taining that you have no exclusive right either to
Grecian learning or to Grecian eloquence. I
agree with him when he points out that you use
the alphabet which was invented by the Egyptians,
and that you clothe yourself in purple, although it
first came into use among the people of Tyre.

Ay, sire — and more than that. You subdue
nations, and make yourself ruler over peoples,
whose tongues are unknown and whose manners
are strange to you. And you have a right to do

V ♦ 2C

402 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT IT.

SO. But by the same right whereby you rule the
visible world, he whom you call the GaUlean rules
the invisible

JUUAN.

Enough of that ! I will no longer listen to
such talk. You speak as though there were two
rulers of the world, and on that plea you cry halt
to me at every turn. Oh fools 1 You set up a
dead man against a living one. But you shall
soon be convinced of your error. Do not suppose
that amid the cares of war I have laid aside the
treatise I have long been preparing against you.
Perhaps you think I spend my nights in sleep ^
You are mistaken ! For "The Beard-Hater** I
reaped nothing but scorn, — and that from the
very people who had most reason to lay certain
truths to heart. But that shall in nowise deter
me. Should a man with a cudgel in his hand
shrink from a pack of yelping dogs ? — ^Why did
you smile, woman ? At what did you laugh ?

Makrina.
Why, sire, do you rage so furiously against one
who, you say, is dead ?

Julian.
Ah, I understand ! You mean to say that he
is alive.

Makrina.
I mean to say, oh mighty Emperor, that in
your heart you feel of a surety that he lives.

Julian.
I? What next! 7 feel !

THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 403

AIakrina.

What is it that you hate and persecute ? Not
him, but your belief in him. And does he not live
in your hate and persecution, no less than in our
love?

Julian.

I know your tortuous tricks of speech. You
Galileans say one thing and mean another. And
that you call rhetoric ! Oh mediocre minds !
What folly ! / feel that the crucified Jew is
alive I Oh what a degenerate age, to find satis-
faction in such sophistries! But such is the
latter-day world. Madness passes for wisdom.
How many sleepless nights have I not spent in
searching out the true foundation of things ?
But where are my followers ? Many praise my
eloquence, but few, or none, are convinced by it.

But truly the end is not yet. A great astonish-
ment will come upon you. You shall see how all
the scattered forces are converging into one.
You shall see how, from all that you now despise,
glory shall issue forth — and out of the cross on
which you hang your hopes I will fashion a ladder
for One whom you know not of,

Makrina.

And I tell you. Emperor Julian, that you are
nought but a scourge in the hand of God — a
scourge foredoomed to chasten us by reason of our
sins. Woe to us that it must be so ! Woe to us for
the discords and the lovelessness that have caused
us to swerve from the true path !

There was no longer a king in Israel. There-
fore has the Lord stricken you with madness, that
you might chastise us.

404 THE BMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT IV.

What a spirit has he not darkened, that it
should rage against us ! What a blossoming tree
has he not stripped to make rods for our sin-laden
shoulders i

Portents warned you, and you heeded them
not. Voices called you, and you heard them not.
Handfi wrote in letters of fire upon the wall, and
you rubbed out the writing ere you had deciphered
it.

Julian.

Basil — I would I had known this woman before
to-day.

Basil.

Come, Makrina !

Makrina.

Woe is me that ever I saw those shining eyes !
Angel and serpent in one ; the apostate's longing
wedded to the tempter's guile I Oh, how have
our brethren and sisters borne their hope of
victory so high, in the face of such an instrument
of wrath ? In him dwells a greater than he. Do
you not see it, Basil — in him will the Lord God
smite us even to death.

You have said it !

Net II
First-won soul !

Avaunt from me !

Julian.
Makrina.

JULIiBN.

Makrina.^

sc. ii.] the emperor julian. 405

Basil.
Come — come I

Julian.
Stay here ! — Anatolus, set a guard about them !
— 'Tis my will that you shall follow the army — •
both you and your disciples, — ^youths and women.

Basil.
Sire, you cannot desire this !

Julian.
*Tis not wise to leave fortresses in our rear.
See, I stretch forth my hand and quench the
burning shower of arrows which you have sent
forth from yonder villa.

Basil.
Nay, nay, sire — this deed of violence

Makrina.
Alas, Basil — here or elsewhere — all is over.

Julian.
Is it not written " Render unto Caesar the
things that are Caesar's " ? I require all aid in
this campaign. You can tend my sick and
wounded. In that you will be serving the Gali-
lean as well ; and if you still think that a duty,
I counsel you to make good use of your time. His
end is near ?

^Some soldiers have surrounded Basil and
Makrina, others hasten through the
thicket towards the house.

406 The emperor julian. [act iv.

Makrina.
Sunset over our home ; sunset of hope and of
light in the world ! Oh Basil I that we should
live to see the night !

Basil.
The light is.

Julian.
The light shall be. Turn j^our backs to the
sunset, Galileans ! Your faces to the east, to the
east, where Helios lies dreaming. Verily I say
unto you, you shall see the Sun-King of the
world.

[He goes out to ike nght ; all follow kirn*

SCENE THIRD.

beyond the Euj)krates and Tigris. A Tvide plain,
with the imperial camp. Copses, to the left and
in the background, hide the windings of the
Tigris. Masts of ships rise over the thickets in
long rows, stretching into tlie far distance. A
cloudy evening.

Soldiers and men-at-arms of all sorts are busy pitch-
ing their tents on the plain. All kinds of stores
are being brought from the ships. Watchjires
far away. Nevita, Jovian, and other officers
come from the fleet,

Nevita,
See, now, how rightly the Emperor has chosen !
Here we stand, without a stroke, on the enemy's
territory ; no one has opposed our passage of the
river ; not even a single Persian horseman is to be
seen.

SC. IIl] the emperor JULIAN. 407

Jovian.

No, sir, by this route, the enemy certainly did
not expect us,

Nevita.

You speak as if you still thought this route
unwisely chosen.

Jovian.

Yes, sir, it is still my opinion that we should
rather have taken a more northerly direction.
Then our left wing would have rested on Armenia,
which is friendly towards us, and all our supplies
might have come from that fruitful province. But
here ? Hampered in our progress by the heavy
freight-ships, surrounded by a barren plain, almost

a desert Ah! the Emperor is coming. I

will go ; I am not in his good graces at present.

He goes out to the right. At the same time
Julian enters nith his retinue from the ships,
Oribases, the physician, the philosophers Pris-
cus and Kytron, with several others, appear
from among the tents on the right, and advance
to meet the Emperor,

Julian.
Tlius does the empire grow. Every step I
take towards the east shifts the frontier of my
dominion.

\He stamps on the earth.
This earth is mine ! I am in the empire, not
beyond it. — ^Well, Priscus }

Priscus.
Incomparable Emperor, your command has been
executed. Your marvellous dream has been read
to every division of the army.

408

THB EMPEROR JULIAN. [acT IV,

Julian.
Good, good. And how did my dream seem to
affect the soldiers ?

Kytron.
Some praised you with joyful voices, and hailed
you as divine ; others on the contrary

Priscus.
Those others were Galileans, Kytron !

Kytron.
Yes, yes, most of them were Galileans ; and
these smote upon their breasts and uttered loud
lam«ntations.

Julian.
I will not let the matter rest here. The busts
of myself, which I have provided for erection in
the towns I am to conquer, shall be set up round
the camp, over all the paymasters' tables. Lamps
shall be lighted beside the busts ; braziers, with
sweet-smelling incense, shall burn before them ;
and every soldier, as he comes forward to receive
his pay, shall cast some grains of incense on the
fire.

Oribases.
Most gracious Emperor, forgive me, but — is that
expedient ?

Julian.
Why not ? I marvel at you, my Oribases I

Priscus.
Ah, sire, you may well marvel ? Not expedient

8C. III.] THE EMPKROR JULIAN. 409

Kytron.
Should not a Julian dare what less god-like men
have dared ?

JuLfAN.

I, too, think that the more daring course would
now be to disguise the counsels of the mystic
powers. If it be the case that the divinities have
deputed their sovereignty into earthly hands — as
many signs justify us in concluding — it would in-
deed be most ungrateful to conceal the fact. In
such hazardous circumstances as these, 'tis no
trifling matter that the soldiers should pay their
devotions In a quite different quarter from that in
which they are due.

I tell you, Oribases, and all of you, — if, indeed,
there be present any one else who would set limits
to the Emperor's power, — that this would be the
very essence of impiety, and that I should there-
fore be forced to take strong measures against it.

Has not Plato long ago enunciated the truth
that only a god can rule over men .'' What meant
he by that saying? Answer me — what did he
mean ? Far be it from me to assert that Plato —
incomparable sage though he was — had any in-
dividual, even the greatest, in his prophetic eye.
But I think we have all seen what disorders result
from the parcelling out, as it were, of the supreme
power into several hands.

Enough of that. I have already commanded that
the imperial busts shall be displayed about the
camp.

Ah ! what seek you in such haste, Eutherius ?

The Chamberlain Eutherius co7nes from the ships,
accompanied htf a man in girt-up garments.

410 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT IV.

EUTHERIUS.

Exalted Emperor, — this man of Antioch is sent
by the governor, Alexander, and brings you a letter
which, he says, is of great importance.

Julian.
Ah, let me see ! Light here I

\^A torch is brought ; the Emperor opens and
reads the letter,

Julian.
Can this be possible ! More light ! Yes, here
it is written — and here — ; what next ? — Truly
this exceeds all I could have conceived I

Nevita,
Bad news from the west, sire ?

Julian.
Nevita, tell me, how long will it take us to reach
Ctesiphon ?

Nevita.
It cannot be done in less than thirty days.

Julian.
It must be done in less ! Thirty days ! A
whole month ! And while we are creeping forward
here, I must let those madmen

Nevita.
You know yourself, sire, that, on account of the
ships, we must follow all the windings of the river.
The current is rapid, and the bed, too, shallow
and stony. I hold it impossible to proceed more
quickly.

SC III.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 411

Julian.
Thirty days ! And then there is the city to be
taken, — the Persian army to be routed, — peace to
be concluded. What a time all this will take !
Yet there were some among you foolish enough
to urge upon me an even more roundabout route.
Ha-ha ; they would compass my ruin 1

Nevita.
Never fear, sire ; the expedition shall advance
with all possible speed.

Julian.
It must indeed. Can you imagine what Alexan-
der tells me ? The frenzy of the Galileans has
passed all bounds since my departure. And it
increases day by day. They understand that my
victory in Persia will bring their extirpation in its
train ; and with that shameless Gregory as their
leader, they now stand like a hostile arm)'^ in my
rear; in the Phrygian regions secret things are
preparing, no one knows to what end

Nevita.

What does this mean, sire? What are they
doing ?

Julian.
What are they doing.? Praying, preaching,
singing, prophesying the end of the world. And
would that that were all ! — but they carry our
adherents away, and entice them into their rebel-
lious conspiracies. In Caesarea the congregation
has chosen the judge Eusebius to be theii bishop,
— Eusebius, an unbaptised man — and he has been

412 THE EMPEROR JUklAN. [aCT IV.

SO misguided as to accept their call, which, more-
over, the canon of their own church declares
invalid.

But that is far from being the worst ; worse,
worse, ten times worse is it, that Athanasius has
returned to Alexandria.

Nevita.
Athanasius '

Priscus.
That mysterious bishop who, six years ago,
vanished into the desert.

Julian.

A council cf the church expelled him on account
of his unseemly zeal. The Galileans were tract-
able under my predecessor.

Yes, just think of it — this raging fanatic has
returned to Alexandria. His entrance was like a
king's ; the road was strewn with carpets and
green palm-branches. And what followed ? What
do you think ? The same night a riot broke out
among the Galileans. George, their lawful bishop,
that right-minded and well-disposed man, whom
they accused of lukewarmness in the faith, was
murdered — torn to pieces in the streets of the
city.

Nevita.

But, sire, how were things suffered to go so far ?
Where was the governor, Artemius ?

Julian,
You may well ask where Artemius was. I will
tell you. Artemius has gone over to the Galileans.*
Artemius himself has broken by force of arms

SC. III.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN, 41S

into the Serapeion, that most glorious of earthly
temples, — has shattered the statues — has plun-
dered the altars, and destroyed that vast treasury
of books, which was of such inestimable value
precisely in this age of error and ignorance. I
could weep for them as for a friend bereft me by
death, were not my wrath too great for tears.

Kytron.
Truly, this surpasses belief !

Julian.

And not to be within reach of these miserable
beings to punish them ! To be doomed to look
idly on while such atrocities spread wider and
wider around ! — Thirty days, you say ! Why are
we loitering ? Why are we pitching our tents ?
Why should we sleep ? Do my generals not know
what is at stake ? We must hold a council of war.
When I remember what the Macedonian Alexander
achieved in thirty days

Jovian, accompanied hy a man in Persian garb, un-
armed, enters from the camp,

Jovian.
Forgive me, sire, for appearing before you:
but this stranger

Julian.
A Persian warrior i

The Persian.
[Prostrating himself io the eartkj] No warrior, oh
mighty Emperor!

414 THE EMPEROR JULIAN, [aCT IV,

Jovian.
He came riding over the plains unarmed, and
surrendered at the outposts •

Julian.
Then your countrymen are at hand ?

The Persian.
No, no !

Julian,
Whence come you then ?

The Persian.
[Thi-ows open his garments.! Look at these arms,
oh ruler of the world, — bleeding from rusty fetters.
Feel this flayed back, — sore upon sore, I come
from the torture chamber, sire I

Julian.
Ah — a fugitive from King Sapor ?

The Persian.

Yes, mighty Emperor, to whom all things are
known ! I stood high in King Sapor's favour until,
impelled by the terror of your approach, I dared
to prophesy that this war would end in his de-
struction. Would you know, sire, how he has
rewarded me ? My wife he gave as a prey to his
archers from the mountains ; my children he sold
as slaves ; all my possessions he divided among
his servants ; myself he tortured for nine days.
Then he bade me ride forth and die like a beast in
the desert.

Julian.

And what would you with me ?

8c. iii.] the emperor julian. 415

The Persian.
What would I after such treatment ? I would
help you to destroy my persecutor.

Julian.
Ah, poor tortured wretch, — how can you help ?

The Persian.
I can lend wings to your soldiers' feet.

Julian.
What mean you by that ? Rise and explain
yourself.

The Persian.
[Rising.'\ No one in Ctesiphon expected you to
choose this route

Juuan.
I know that.

The Persian.
Now 'tis no longer a secret.

Julian.

You lie, fellow I You Persians know nought of
my designs.

The Persian.

You, sire, whose wisdom is bom of the sun and
of fire, know well that my countrymen are now
acquainted with your designs. You have crossed
the rivers by means of your ships ; these ships,
more than a thousand in number, and laden with
all the supplies of the army, are to be towed up
the Tigris, and the troops are to advance abreast
of the ships.

416 THE BMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT IV.

Julian.
Incredible !

' The Persian.

When the ships have approached as near Ctesi-
phon as possible — that is to say, within two days*
march — you will make straight for the city, be-
leaguer it, and compel King Sapor to surrender.

I

Julian.

[Looking round.] Who has betrayed us ?

The Sersian.
This plan is now no longer practicable. My
countrymen have hastily constructed stone dams
in the bed of the river, on which your ships will
run aground,

Julian.
Man, do you know what it will cost you if you
deceive me .''

The Persian.
My body is in your power, mighty Emperor !
If I speak not the truth, you are free to bum me
alive.

Julian.
[To Nevita.] The river dammed ! It will take
weeks to make it navigable again.

Nevita.
If it can be dc«ie at all, sire ! We have not the
implements—

sc. iii.] the emperor julian. 417

Julian.
And that this should come upon us now — just
when so much depends on a speedy victory.^

The Persian.
Oh ruler of the world, I have said that I can
lend your army wings.

Julian.
Speak ! Do you know of a shorter way ?

The Persian.
If you will promise me that after your victory
you will restore the possessions of which I have
been robbed, and give me a new wife of noble
birth, I will

Julian.
I promise everything ; only speak, — speak 1

The Persian,
Strike straight across the plains, and in four
days you will be under the walls of Ctesiphon.

Julian.
Do you forget the mountain chain on the other
side of thef plains ?

The Perslan.
Sire, have you never heard of that strange de-
file among the mountains ?

In the collected edition (1899) the word *« sejre" (to conquer)
of earlier editions is replaced by "rejse" (journey). This is
almost certainly a misprint.

V * 2D

418 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT IV.

Julian.
Yes, yes, a chasm; "Ahriman*s Street" it is
called. Is it true that it exists ?

The Persian,
I rode through " Ahriman's Street " two days
ago.

JULIAK.

Nevita!

Nevita.
In truth sire, if it be so

Julian.
Miraculous help in the hour of need !

The Persian.
But if you would pass that way, oh mighty one,
there is not a moment to be lost. The Persian
army which had been assembled in the northern
provinces, is now recalled to block the mountain
passes.

Julian.
Know you that for certain ?

The Persian.
Delay, and you will discover it for yourself.

Julian.
How many days will it take your countrymen to
get there }

The Persian.
Four days, sire 1

¥

C. III.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 419

Julian.

Nevita, in three days we must be beyond the
defiles 1

Nevita.

[To the Persian.] Is it possible to reach tke
defiles in three days ?

The Persian.
Yes, great warrior, it is possible, if you make
use of this night as well.

Julian.
Let the camp be broken up ! No time now for
sleep, for rest I In four days — or five at the
utmost — I must stand before Ctesiphon. — What
are you thinking about ! Ah, I know.

Nevita.
The fleet, sire '

Julian.
Yes, yes, yes, the fleet '

Nevita.
Should the Persian army reach the deftjfes a day
later than we, they will — if they cannot injure
you in any other way — turn westward against your

ships

Julian.
And seize a vast amount of booty, wherewith to
continue the war

Nevita.
If we could leave twenty thousand men with
the ships, they would be safe

420 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT IV.

Julian.

What are you thinking of I Twenty thousand ?
Well nigh a third of our fighting strength. Where
would be the force with which I must strike the
great blow ? Divided, dispersed, frittered away.
Not one man will I detach for such a purpose.

No, no, Nevita; but there may be a middle
course

Nevita.
[Recoiling.] My great Emperor !

Julian.
The fleet must neither fall into the hands of the
Persians, nor yet cost us men. There is a middle
course, I tell you ! Why do you falter ? Why
not speak it out ?

Nevita.
[To the Persian.] Do you know whether the
citizens of Ctesiphon have stores of corn and oil }

The Persian.
Ctesiphon overflows with supplies of all sorts.

Julian.
And when we have once taken the city, the
whole rich country lies open to us.

The Persian.
The citizens will open their gates to you, sire
I am not the only one who hates King Sapor.
They will rise against him and straightway submit
to you, if you come upon them, unprepared and
panic-stricken, with your whole united force.

sc. iii.] the emperor julian. 421

Julian.
Yes ; yes.

The Persian.
Bum the ships, sire f

Nevita.
Ah'

Julian.
His hate has eyes where your fidelity is blind,
Nevita !

Nevita.
My fidelity saw, sire ; but it shrank from what
it saw.

Julian.
Are not these ships like fetters on our feet ?
We have provisions for four full days in the camp.
It is well that the soldiers should not be too
heavily laden. Of what use, then, are the ships ?
We have no more rivers to pass

Nevita.
Sire^ if it be indeed your will

Julian.
My will, — my will } Oh, on an evening like
this, — so angry and tempestuous, — why cannot a
flash of lightning descend and

Maximus.
[Entering hastily from the leftJ] Oh chosen son of
Helios — ^hear me, hear me I

Julian.
Not now, my Maximus f

428 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT IV.

Maximus.
Nothing can be more pressing than this. You
must hear me !

Julian.
Then in the name of fortune and wisdom^ speak^
my brother !

Maxkvius.
[Draws him apart, and says in a low voice."^ You
know how I have striven to search and spell out,
both in books and through auguries^ the issue of
this campaign ?

Julian.
I know that you have been unable to foretell
anything.

Maximus.
The omens spoke and the writings confirmed
them. But the answer which always came was
so strange that I could not but think myself mis-
taken.

Julian.

But now ?

Maximus.
When we departed from Antioch, I wrote to
Rome to consult the Sibylline Books

Julian.

Yes, yes !

Maximus.
This very moment the answer has arrived ; a
courier from the governor of Antioch brought it.

Julian.
Ah, Maximus, — and its purport ?

8c iii.] the emperor julian. 423

Maximus.
The same as that of the omens and the books ;
and now I dare interpret it. Rejoice, my brother,
— in this war you are invulnerable.

Julian.
The oracle, — the oracle ?

Maximus.

The Sibylline Books say : ** Julian must beware
of the Phrygian regions."

Julian.
[Recoiling.'] The Phrygian } Ah, Maxi-
mus '

Maximus.
Why so pale, my brother ?

Julian.

Tell me, dear teacher — how do you interpret
this answer ?

Maximus,

Is more than one interpretation possible .'' The
Phrygian regions } What have you to do in
Phrygia.'* In Phrygia — a remote province lying
far behind you, where you need never set your foot.
No danger threatens you, fortunate man — that
is the interpretation.

Julian.

This oracle has a twofold meaning. No danger
threatens me in this war, — but from that distant
region

Nevita, Nevit* ^

424 THE EMPEROR JULIAN, [aCT IV.

Nevita.

Sire-^- f

Julian.
In Phrygia ? Alexander writes of secret things
preparing in Phrygia. It has been foretold that

the Galilean is to come again

Burn the ships^ Nevita I

Nevita.
Sire, is this your firm and irrevocable will ?

Julian.
Burn them ! No delay ! Lurking dangers
threaten us in the rear.

[To one of the captains.
Give close heed to this stranger. He is to be
our guide. Refresh him with food and drink^ and
let him have thorough rest.

Jovian.
My Emperor, I implore you — build not too
securely on the reports of a deserter like this.

Julian.
Aha — you seem perturbed, my Galilean coun-
cillor I AH this is not quite to your mind. Per-
haps you know more than you care to tell.
Go, Nevita, — and bum the ships !

[Nevita bows and goes out to the left.
The captain leads the Persian away
among the tents

Julian.
Traitors in my own camp ! Wait, wait, — I shall
get to the bottom of these machinations.

SC. III.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 425

The camp shall break up ! Go, Jovian, see that
the vanguard is afoot within an hour. The Persian
knows the way. Go !

Jovian.
As you command, my august Emperor i

[He goes out to the right.

Maximus.
You would bum the fleet ? Then surely you
have great things in your mind.

Julian.
Tell me, would the Macedonian Alexander have
ventured this ?

Maximus.
Did Alexander know where the danger threa-
tened ?

Julian.

True, true } / know it. All the powers of
victory are in league w ith me. Omens and signs
yield up their mystic secrets to advance my
empire.

Is it not said of the Galilean, that spirits came
and ministered unto him.'^ — To whom do the spirits
now minister ?

What would the Galilean say, were he present
unseen among us ?

Maximus.
He would say : the third empire is at hand.

Julian.
The third empire is here, Maximus ! I feel
that the Messiah of the earth lives in me. The

426 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT IY.

spirit has become flesh and the flesh spirit. All
creation lies within my will and my power.

See, see, — there are the first sparks drifting
aloft. The flames are licking up the cordage and
the clustered masts.

[He shouts in the direction of the fire.
Spread ; spread !

MAxmus.
The wind anticipates your will. *Tis rising to
serve you.

Julian.
[Commanding with clenched hand.] Swell into a
storm ! More westerly ! I command it !

Fromentinus.
[Etiters from the right.] Most gracious Emperor,
— suffer me to warn you. A dangerous disturb-
ance has broken out in the camp.

Julian.
I will have no more disturbances. The army
shall advance.

Fromentinus.
Yes, my Emperor, — but the refractory Gali-
leans

Julian.
The Galileans .? What of them f

Fromentinus.
Before the tables where the paymasters were
distributing the soldiers' pay, your august image
had been set up

Julian.
It is always to be so for the future.

I

8C. UU] THS EMPEROR JULIAN. 42?

_i^

Fromentinus.
Every man was ordered, as he came forward, to
cast a grain of incense into the braziers

Julian.
Yes — well, well ?

Fromentinus.
Many of the Galilean soldiers did so unthink-
ingly, but others refused

JUUAN.

What ! they refused ?

Fromentinus.
At first, sire ; but when the paymasters told
them that 'twas an old custom revived, in no
wise pertaining to things divine •

Julian.
Aha ! what then }

Fromentinus.
—they yielded and did as they were bidden.

Julian.
There you see ; they yielded !

Fromentinus.
But afterward, sire, our own men laughed and
mocked at them, and said, unthinkingly, that now
they had best efface the sign of the cross and the
fish which they are wont to imprint upon their
arms ; for now they had worshipped the divine
Emperor.

428 THB EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT IV.

Julian.
Yes, yes ' And the Galileans ?

Fromentinus.

They broke out into loud lamentations ;

listen, listen, sire ! It is impossible to bring them
to reason.

[?FiW cries are heard witkout^ among the tents.

Julian.
The madmen ! Rebellious to the last. They
know not that their master's power is broken.

[Christian soldiers come rushing in. Some
beat their breasts; others tear their
garments, with loud cru's and weeping.

A Soldier.
Christ died for me, and I forsook him !

Another Soldier.
Smite me, oh wrathful Lord in heaven ; for I
have worshipped false gods !

The Soldier Agathon.
The devil on the throne has slain my soul !
Woe. woe, woe

Other Soldiers.
[Tearing off^ the leaden seals which they wear round
their necks ^ We will not serve idols I

Others Again.
The Apostate is not our ruler! We will go
home! home!

bc. iii.] ths emperor julian. 429

Julian.
Fromentinus, seize these madmen ! Hew them
down I

[Fromentinus and many of the bystanders
are on the point of falling upon the
Christian soldiers. At that moment a
vivid glare- spreads over the sky^ and
flames burst from the ships.

Officers and Soldiers.
[Terror-stricken.] The fleet is burning !

Julian.
Yes, the fleet is burning i And more than
the fleet is burning. In that blazing,
swirling pyre the crucified Galilean is burning to
ashes ; and the earthly Emperor is burning with
the Galilean. But from the ashes shall arise —
like that marvellous bird — the God of earth and
the Emperor of the spirit in one, in one, in one I

Several Voices.
Madness has seized him I

Nevita.
[Entering from the left.] It is done.

Jovian.
[Approaching hastily from the camp.] Quench the
fire I Out, out with it !

Julian.
Let it bum I Let it bum !

Ammlan.
[From the camp.] Sire, you are betrayed. That
Persian fugitive was a traitor

450 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT IY.

Julian.
Man, you lie ! Where is he ?

Ammian.
Fled!

Jovian.
Vanished like a shadow ^

Nevita.
Fled I

Jovian.
His guards protest that he disappeared almost
under their very eyes.

Ammian.
His horse, too, is gone from its pen ; the Per-
sian must have fled over the plains.

Julian
Quench the fire, Nevita !

Nevita.
Impossible^ my Emperor!

Julian.
Put it out, I say. It shall be possible !

Nevita.
Nothing could be more impossible. All the
cables are cut ; the rest of the ships are all drift-
ing down upon the burning wrecks.

Prince Hormisdas.
[Coming from among the tents.^ Curses upon my
countrymen ! Oh sire, how could you give ear to
that deceiver?

I

SC. III.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 4S1

Cries from the Camp.
The fleet on fire ! Cut off from home ! Death
before us !

The Soldier Agathon.
False god, false god, — bid the storm to cease I
bid the flames die down !

Jovian.

The storm increases. The fire is like a rolling
sea

Maximus.

[Whispers.] Beware of the Phrygian regions.

Julian.
[Shouts to the armi^.] Let the fleet bum ! Within
seven days you shall burn Ctesiphon.

ACT FIFTH.
SCENE FIRST.

A barren, stony desert, withovi trees or grass. To the
right, the Emperor s tent, Aftei-noon,

Exhausted soldiers lie in knots on the plain. Detach-
ments now and again pass hyfrom left to right.
Outside the tent are the philosophers Priscus and
Kytron, with several others of the Emperor s
suite, waiting in restless anxiety. The captain of
the bodyguard, Anatolus, stands with soldiers
before the opening of the tent.

Kytron.
Is is not incredible that this council of war
should last so long ?

Priscus.
Ay, truly; one would think there were only
two courses to choose between : to advance or to
retire.

Kytron.

'Tis utterly incomprehensible

Tell me, good Anatolus, why, in the name of the
gods, do we not advance ?

Priscus.
Yes, why alarm us by halting here in the middle
of the desert ?

sc. i.] the emperor julian. 4ss

Anatolus.
See you the quivering air on the horizon^ to the
north, east, and south ?

Kytron.
Of course, of course ; that is the heat

Anatolus.
It is the desert burning.

Priscus.
What say you ? The desert burning ?

Kytron.
Do not jest so unpleasantly, good Anatolus f
Tell us, — what is it ?

Anatolus,
The desert burning, I tell you. Out yonder,
where the sand ceases, the Persians have set the
grass on fire. We can make no progress till the
ground cools.

Kytron.
Oh is not this appalling ! What barbarians 1
To have recourse to such means !

Priscus.
Then there is no choice left us. Without

provisions, without water ; why do we not

retreat ?

Anatolus.
Over the Tigris and Euphrates ?

V * 2 E

434 THE KMPBROR JULIAN. [aCT V.

Kytron.
And the fleet burnt ! What way is this to con-
duct the war ? Oh, why does not the Emperor
think more of his friends ! How shall I get home
again ?

Anatolus.
like the rest of us, friend !

Kytron.

Like the rest ? Like the rest ! That is a fine
way to talk. With you it is quite another matter.
You are soldiers. 'Tis your calling to endure cer-
tain hardships to which I am not at all accustomed.
I did not join the Emperor's suite to go through
all this. Here am I tortured with gnats and
poisonous flies ; — look at my hands !

Priscus.
Most certainly we did not come for this. We
consented to accompany the army in order to
compose panegyrics on the victories the Emperor
intended to win. What has come of these vic-
tories } What has been achieved during the six
toilsome weeks since the fleet was burnt ? We
have destroyed a few deserted towns of the sorriest
kind. A few prisoners have been exhibited in
the camp, whom the advance-guard are said
to have taken — truly I know not in what battles !
The prisoners, methought, looked more like poor
liidnapped shepherds and peasants

Kytron.
And to think of burning the fleet ! Said I not
from the first that it would be a source of dis-
aster ?

8c. i.] the emperor julian. 4s5

Anatolus.
I did not hear you say so.
Kytron.
What ? Did I not say so ? Oh Priscus, did you
not hear me say it ?

Priscus,
Truly, I do not know, friend ; but I know that
I myself in vain denounced that luckless measure.
Indeed I may say that I opposed the whole cam-
paign at this time of year. What rash haste !
Where were the Emperor's eyes.'* Is this the
same hero who fought with such marvellous
success upon the Rhine ? One would think he
had been struck with blindness or some spiritual
disease.

Anatolus.
Hush^ hush ; — ^what talk is this ?

Kytron.
*Twas indeed no fitting way for our Priscus to
express himself. Yet I, too, cannot deny that I
observe a deplorable lack of wisdom in many of
the crowned philosopher's recent proceedings.
How precipitate to set up his busts in the camp,
and claim worship as if he were a god ! How im-
prudent so openly to scoflF at that strange teacher
from Nazareth, who undeniably possesses a pecu-
liar power, which might have stood us in good
stead in these perilous conjunctures.

Ah ! here comes Nevita himself. Now we shall

hear

[Nevita comes out of the tent. In the
opening he turns and makes a sign to
some one within. The physician Ori-
BASEs immediately comes out.

486 thk emperor julian. [^^"^ ▼•

Nevita.
[Drawing him aside. ^ Tell me openly, Oribases,
— is there anything amiss with the Emperor's
mind?

Oribases.
What should make you think that^ sir ?

Nevita.
How else can I interpret his conduct ?

Oribases.
Oh my beloved Emperor !

Nevita.
Oribases, you must hide nothing from me.

Kytron.
[Drawing near.] Oh valiant general^ if it be not

indiscreet

Netita.
Presently, presently !

Oribases.
[To Nevita.] Do not fear, sir ! No misfortune
shall happen. Eutherius and I have promised
each other to keep an eye upon him.

Nevita.
Ah, you do not mean to say that ?

Oribases.
Last night he had well nigh shortened his life.

Fortunately Eutherius was at hand ; oh speak

of it to no one !

8C

.,.]

THE EMPEROR JULIAN.

437

Nevita,
Do not lose sight of him.

Priscus.
[Drawing near."] It would greatly relieve our
minds to hear what the council of war I

Nevita.
P&rdon me ; I have weighty matters to attend
to.

[He goes out behind the tent.

At ike same moment Jovian enters from the opening.

Jovian.
[Speaking into the tentj\ It shall be done, my
gracious Emperor !

Kytron.
Ah, most excellent Jovian ' Well ? Is the
retreat decided on ?

Jovian.
I would not counsel any one to call it a retreat.
[He goes out behind the tent.

Kytron.

Oh these soldiers ! A philosopher's peace of
mind is nothing to them. Ah !

[The Emperor Julian comes out of the
tent ; he is pale and haggard. With him
come the Chamberlain Euthkrius and
several officers ; the latter go off over the
plain to the rights

Julian.
[To the philosopher s."] Rejoice, my friends ! All
will soon be well now.

4S8 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [acT V.

Kytron.
Ah, gracious Emperor, have you discovered an
expedient ?

Julian.
There are expedients enough, Kytron ; the only
difficulty is to choose the best. We will slightly
alter the line of advance

Priscus.
Oh, praise be to your wisdom !

Julian.
This eastward march — it leads to nothing.

Kytron.
Kg, no, that is certain !

Julian.
Now we will turn northward, Kytron !

Kytron.
What, sire, — northward ^

Priscus.
Not westward ?

Julian.

Not westward. Not by any means westward.
That might be difficult on account of the rivers.
And Ctesiphon we must leave till another time.
Without ships we cannot think of taking the city.
It was the Galileans who brought about the burn-
ing of the fleet; I have noted one thing and
another.

Who dares call this northward movement a re-

■ .c.

I.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 439

treat ? What know you of my plans ? The Persian
array is somewhere in the north ; of that we are
now pretty well assured. When I have crushed
Sapor — one battle will finish the matter — we shall
find abundant supplies in the Persian camp.

When I lead the Persian king as my captive
through Antioch and the other cities, I would
fain see whether the citizens will not fall at my
feet.

Christian Soldiers.

[Pass singing over the plain.

Doomed is the world's proud cedar-tree.

The axe shall its roots dissever ;

The palm He planted on Calvary,

Blood- watered, shall bloom for ever.

Julian.

[Follomng them with his ey€s.'\ The Galileans
are always singing. Songs about death and wounds
and pain. Those women whom I brought with
me to tend the sick — they have done us more
harm than good. They have taught the soldiers
strange songs, such as I have never heard before.

But hereafter I will punish no one for such
things. It does but lead them deeper into error.
Know you, Priscus, what happened of late, in the
case of those mutineers who refused to show due
reverence to the imperial busts ?

Priscus.
Of late, sire ?

Juuan.
When, wishing to beget a wholesome dread in
their companions in error, I ordered some of these
men to be executed, the oldest of them stepped

440 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT V.

forward with loud cries of joy, and begged to be
the first to die. — Look you, Priscus — when I heanl

that yesterday

Priscus.
Yesterday } Oh, sire, you are mistaken. That
happened forty days ago.

Julian.
So long ? Yes, yes, yes ! The Hebrews had to
wander forty years in the wilderness. All the
older generation had to die out. A new genera-
tion had to spring up; but they — mark that ! —
they entered into the promised land.

EUTHERIUS.

*Tis late in the day, sire ; will you not eat ?

Julian.

Not yet, my Eutherius. *Tis good for all men
to mortify the flesh.

Yes, I tell you, we must make haste to become
a new generation. I can do nothing with you as
you are. If you would escape from the desert, you
must lead a pure life. Look at the Galileans. We
might learn more than one lesson from these men.
There are none poverty-stricken and helpless among
them ; they live together as brethren and sisters,
— and most of all now, when their obstinacy has
forced me to chastise them. These Galileans, you
must know, have something in their hearts which
I could greatly desire that you should emulate.
You call yourselves followers of Socrates, of Plato,
of Diogenes. Is there one of you who would face
death with ecstasy for Plato's sake ? Would our
Priscus sacrifice his left hand for Socrates ? Would

I

SC. I.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 441

Kytron, for Diogenes' sake, let his ear be cut

off? No, truly ! 1 know you, whited sepulchres !

Begone out of my sight ; — I can do nothing with

you !

\^Tke philosophers slink away ; the others
also disperse, whispering anociously. Only
Oribases and Eutherius remain behind
with the Emperor. Anatolus, the officer
of the guard, still stands with his soldiers
outside the tent.

Julian.
How strange I Is it not i nconcei vable, unfathom-
able? Oribases, — can you rede me this riddle ?

Oribases.
What riddle do you mean^ my Emperor ?

Julian.

With twelve poor ignorant fishermen^he founded

all this.

Oribases.
Oh sire, these thoughts exhaust you,

Julian.
And who has held it together until this day ?
Women and ignorant people, for the most
part

Oribases.

Yes, yes, sire ; but now the campaign will soon
take a happy turn

Julian.
Very true, Oribases ; as soon as fortune has
taken a turn, all will be well. The dominion of

442 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT V.

the carpenter's son is drawing to its close ; we
know that. His reign is to last as many years as
the year has days ; and now we have

EUTHERIUS.

My beloved master^ would not a bath refresh
you?

Julian.
Do you think so ? — You may go, Eutherius I
Go, go ! I have something to say to Oribases.

[Eutherius goes off behind the tent. The
Emperor draws Oribases over to the
other side.

Julian.
Has Eutherius told you aught this morning ?

Oribases.
No, sire!

Julian.
Has he told you nothing about last night ?

Oribases.
No, my Emperor — nothing at all. Eutherius is
very silent.

Julian.
If he should tell you anything, do not believe it.
The thing did not happen at all as he pretends.
'Tis he who is seeking my life.

Oribases.
He, — ^your old and faithful servant !

Julian.
I shall keep an eye on him.

sc. i.] the emperor julian. 443

Oribases.
I too.

Julian.
We will both keep an eye on him.

Oribases.
Sire, I fear you had but little sleep last night.

Julian.
Very little.

[Oribases is on the point of sailing some'
thing, but changes his mind^

Julian.
Know you what kept me from sleeping ?

Oribases.
No, my Emperor.

Julian.
The victor of the Milvian Bridge was with me.

Oribases.
The great Constantine ?

Julian.
Yes. For some nights past his shade has given
me no rest. He comes a little after midnight, and
does not depart until the dawn is at hand.

Oribases.
The moon is full, sire ; that has always had a
strange effect on your mind.

444 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT V.

Julian.

According to the ancients, such apparitions are

wont What can have become of Maxlmus ?

But their opinions are by no means to be relied
on. We see how greatly they erred in many
things. Even what they tell us of the gods we
cannot believe without reserve. Nor what they
report as to the shades, and the powers, as a
whole, which rule the destinies of men. What
know we of these powers ? We know nothing,
Oribases, except their capricioupness and incon-
stancy, of which characteristics we have evidence
enough.

I wish Maxlmus would come

[To himself.

Here ? *Tis not here that the menacing storm
is drawing up. 'Twas said to be in the Phrygian

regions

Oribases«

What regions, sire, — and what storm ?

Julian.
Oh nothing — nothing.

Nevita.
[Enters from the plain on the right.] My Emperor,
the army is now on the march.

Julian.
Northwards ?

Nevita.

[Starts.] Of course, sire !

Julian.
We ought to have waited till Maximus

SC I.l THE EMPEROR JVLIAN. 445

I

r Nevita.

What mean you, my Emperor ? There is nothing
to wait for. We are without supplies ; scattered
bands of the enemy's horsemen are already ap-
pearing both in the east and in the south

Julian.
Yes, yes, we must advance, — northwards.
Maximus must soon be here, I have sent to the
rear for the Etruscan soothsayers ; they shall try

once more I have also discovered some

Magians, who say they are well versed in the
Chaldean mysteries. Our own priests are taking
the omens in nine different places

Neyita.
Sire, whatever the omens may say, I tell you
we must go hence. The soldiers are no longer to
be depended on ; they see clearly that our only
hope lies in reaching the Armenian mountains.

Julian.
We will do so, Nevita, — whatever the omens say^,
Nevertheless it gives one a great feeling of security
to know that one is acting, as it were, in concert
with those unfathomable powers who, if they will,
can so potently influence our destinies.

Nevita.
[Goes from kiniy and says shortly and decisively. "l
AnatolMs, strike the Emperor's tent !

[He whispers some words to the Captain of
the Guard, and goes out to the right.

446 THE EMPEROR JU1<IAN. [acT V

Julian.

All auguries for these forty days have been
inauspicious ; and that proves that we may place
trust in them ; for in all that time our affairs have
made but scant headway. But now, you see,
my Ori bases, — now that I have a fresh enterprise
in view

Ah ! Maximus !

Maximus.

\Entering from the j)Jain.'\ The array is already
on the march, sire ; get to horse !

Julian.
The auguries — ^the auguries ?

Maximus.
Oh — the auguries ! Ask not about the
auguries.

Julian,
Speak ! I demand to know what they say,

Maximus.
All auguries are silent.

Julian.
Silent?

Maximus.
I went to the priests ; the entrails of the sacri-
fices gave no sign, I went to the Etruscan
jugglers ; the flight and cries of the birds said
nothing. I went also to the Magians ; their
writings had no answer to give. And I my-
self

Julian.

You yourself, my Maximus?

sc i.] the emperor julian. 447

Maximus.
Now I can tell you. Last night I studied the
aspect of the stars. They told me nothing,
Julian.

Julian,

Nothing. — Silence — silence, as though in an
eclipse. Alone ! No longer any bridge between
me and the spirits.

Where are you now, oh white-sailed fleet, that
sped to and fro in the sunlight and carried tidings
between earth and heaven ?

The fleet is burn t. That fleet too is burnt. Oh
all my shining ships.

Tell me, Maximus — what do you believe as to
this?

Maximus.
I believe in you.

Julian,
Yes, yes — ^believe !

Maximus.
The world-will has resigned its power into your
hands ; therefore it is silent.

Julian.

So will we read it. And we must act accord-
ingly,— although we might have preferred that
This silence 1 To stand so utterly alone.

But there are others who may also be said to
stand almost alone. The Galileans. They have
but one god ; and one god is next thing to no
god.

How is it, then, that we daily sec these
men ?

448 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT V.

Anatolus.
[Who has meanwhile had the tent struck.^ My
Emperor, now must you get to horse ; 1 dare not
let you remain here longer.

Julian.
Yes, now I will mount. Where is my good

Babylonius ? See now ; sword in hand

Come, my dear friends 1

[All go out to the right.

SCENE second;

A marshy, wooded country. A dark, still lake among
the trees. Watch-fires in the distance. Moon-
light, with driving clouds.

Several soldiers on guard in the foreground.

Makrina and the Women.

[Singing without, on the left.
Woe to us ! Woe 1
Upon us all
God's wrath will fall !
Death we shall know !

One of the Soldiers.
[Listening.] Hark ! Do you hear } The Gali-
lean women are singing over yonder.

Another Soldier.
They sing like owls and night ravens.

A THIRD Soldier.
Yet would I willingly be with them. 'Tis safei

SC. II.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 449

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

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

The third Soldier.
What is worse is that he has angered the Gali-
leans' God. Have you not heard, they say posi-
tively that, a few nights since, he and his magician
ripped open a pregnant woman, to read omens in
her entrails ?

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

The third Soldier.
They say the Galileans* God cares for the bar-
barians too ; and if so, 'twill be the worse for us.

The second Soldier.
Oh, pooh — the Emperor is a great soldier.

The first Soldier.
They say King Sapor is a great soldier too.

The second Soldier.
Think you we have the whole Persian army
before us ?

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

V* 2 r

450 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT V.

The third Soldier.
I would I were among the Galileans.

The first Soldier.
Are you going over to them, too ?

The third Soldier.
So many are going over. In the last few
days

The first Soldier.
[Calling out into ike darkness.^ Halt — halt !
Who goes there .'*

A Voice.
Friends from the outposts !

[Several soldiers come from amojig the trees,
with Agathon the Cappadocian in their
midst.

The second Soldier.
Ho-ho ; a deserter.

One of the New-comers.
No ; he has gone out of his mind.

Agathon.
1 have not gone out of my mind. Oh, for God's
^reat mercy's sake, — let me go !

The Soldier from the Outposts.
He says he wants to slay a beast with seven
heads.

Agathon.
Yes, yes, yes, I will, I will. Oh, let me go !
See you this spear } JCnpw you what spear it is ?

BC. II.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 451

With this spear will 1 slay the beast with seven
heads, and then I shall get back my soul again.
Christ himself has promised me that. He was
with me to-night.

The first Soldier.
Hunger and weariness have turned his brain.

One of the New-comers.
To the camp with him ; there he can sleep his
weariness away.

AOATHON.

Let me go ! Oh, if you but knew what speer
this is !

[jTAtf soldiers lead him off hy the fronts lo
the right.

The third Soldier,
What could he mean by that beast ?

The first Soldier.
That is one of the Galilean secrets. They have
many such secrets among them.

[EuTHERius and Oribases enter hastily
from the right, looking anxiously about,

EUTHERIUS.

Do you not see him }

Oribases.
No. — Ah, soldiers ! — Tell me, good friends, has
any one passed by here }

[ The first Soldier.

' yes, a detachment of spearmen.

452 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT V.

Oribases.
Good, good! But nobody else? No great
person ? None of the generals ?

The Soldiers.
No, none.

Oribases.
Not here then ! Oh, Eutherius, how could

you— ?

Eutherius,

Could I help ? Could I help it ? I

have not closed my old eyes for three nights

Oribases.
[To the soldiers.^ You must help us to search.
I demand it in the name of the general-in-chief.
Spread yourselves among the trees ; and should
you find any great person, report it at the watch-
fire yonder.

The Soldiers.

We will not fail, sir !

[Thei/ all go out hy different ways, to the
left. Soon after, the Emperor emerges
from behind a tree on the right. He
listens, looks round, and beckons to some
one behind him,

Julian.
Hist! Come forward, Maximus ! They did
not see us.

Maximus.
[From the same side.] Oribases was one of
them.

SC. II.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 453

Julian.
Yes, yes ; both he and Eutherius keep watch
on me. They imagine that Has neither of

them told you aught ?

Maximus.
No, my Julian ! But why have you awakened
mc ? What would you here in the darkness ?

Julian.
I would be alone with you for the last time, my
beloved teacher !

Maximus.
Not for the last time, Julian !

Julian.
See that dark water. Think you — if I utterly
vanished from the earth, and my body was never
found, and none knew what had become of me, —
think you the report would spread abroad that
Hermes had come for me, and carried me away,
and that I had been exalted to the fellowship of the
gods ?

Maximus.
The time is at hand when men will not need to
die, in order to live as gods on the earth,

Julian.
I am pining with home-sickness, Maximus,-—
with home-sick longing for the light and the sun
and all the stars.

Maximus.
Oh, I beseech you — think not of sorrowful
things. The Persian army is before you. To-

454i THIS fiMPEROtl JULIAN. [aCT V.

morrow will come the battle. You will con-
quer

Julian.
I — conquer > You do not know who was with
me an hour ago.

Maximus.
Who w&s with you ? *

Julian.
I had fallen asleep on my couch in the tent.
Suddenly I was awakened by a strong red glare,
that seemed to burn through my closed eye-lids.
I looked up and beheld a figure standing in the
tent. Over its head was a long drapery, falling
on both sides, so as to leave the face free.

Maximus.
Knew you this figure }

Julian,
It was the same face which I saw in the light
that night at Ephesus, many years ago, — that night
when we held symposium with the two others.

Maximus.
The spirit or the empire.

Julian.
Since then it has appeared to me once in Gaul,
—on an occasion I would fain forget.

Maximus.
Did it speak ?

SC. II.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 455

Julian,
No. It seemed as though it wished to speak ;
but it did not. It stood motionless, looking at
me. Its face was pale and distorted. Suddenly,
with both arms, it drew the drapery together over
its head, hid its face, and went straight out through
the tent-wall.

Maximus.
The decisive hour is at hand.

Julian.
Ay, truly, *tis at hand,

Maximus.
Courage, Julian I He who wills, conquers.

Julian.

And what does the conqueror win ? Is it worth
while to conquer? What has the Macedonian
Alexander, what has Julius Caesar won .'* Greeks
and Romans talk of their renown with cold
admiration, — while the other, the Galilean, the
carpenter's son, sits throned as the king of love in
the warm, believing hearts of men.

Where is he now ? — Has he been at work else-
where since that happened at Golgotha ?

I dreamed of him lately. I dreamed that I
had subdued the whole world. I ordained that
the memory of the Galilean should be rooted out
on earth ; and it was rooted out. — Then the spirits
came and ministered to me, and bound wings on
my shoulders, and I soared aloft into infinite
space, till my feet rested on another world.

It was another world than mine. Its curve was

456 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT V.

vaster, its light more golden, and many moons
circled around it.

Then I looked down at my own earth — the
Emperor's earth, which I had made Galileanless —
and I thought that all that I had done was very
good.

But behold, my Maximus, — there came a pro-
cession by me, on the strange earth where I
stood. There were soldiers, and judges, and
executioners at the head of it, and weeping women
followed. And lo ! — in the midst of the slow-
moving array, was the Galilean, alive, and bearing
a cross on his back. Then I called to him, and
said, " Whither away, Galilean } '* But he turned
his face toward me, smiled, nodded slowly, and
said : " To the place of the skull."

Where is he now ? What if that at Golgotha,
near Jerusalem, was but a wayside matter, a thing
done, as it were, in passing, in a leisure hour ?
What if he goes on and on, and suffers, and dies,
and conquers, again and again, from world to
world }

Oh that I could lay waste the world ! Maxi-
mus,— is there no poison, no consuming fire, that
could lay creation desolate, as it was on that day
when the spirit moved alone over the face of the
waters ?

Maximus.
I hear a noise from the outposts. Come,
Julian

Julian.
To think that century shall follow century, and
that in them all shall live men, knowing that 'twas
I who was vanquished, and he who conquered !

^■y:-

SC. 11.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 457

I will not be vanquished ! I am young ; I am

invulnerable, — the third empire is at hand

[ With a great cry.
There he stands !

Maximus.
Who? Where?

Julian.
Do you see hira ? There, among the tree-stems
— in a crown and a purple robe

Maximus.
*Tis the moon glimmering on the water. Come
— come, my Julian I

Julian.
\Going threateningly towards the vision.^ A.vaunt !
Thou art dead ! Thy empire is past. Off witli
the juggler's cloak, carpenter's son !

What dost thou there ? At what art thou
hammering } — Ah !

EUTHERIUS.

[From the left.] All gods be praised ! — Oribases,
— here, here l

Julian.
What has become of him ?

Oribases.
[From the left.] Is he here ?

EUTHERIUS.

Yes. — Oh my beloved Emperor !

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

458 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT V.

Oribases.
What mean you, sire ?

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

Oribases.
Come with me to your tent, I implore you .

[Shouts and cries are heard Jar away,

Maximus.
War-cries ! The Persians are upon us —

EUTHERIUS.

There is already fierce fighting at the outposts.

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

Julian.
I will sacrifice to the gods.

Maximus.
To what gods, oh fool } Where are they — and
what are they }

Julian,
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

Oribases.
There is not a moment to be lost !

sc. iii. j the emperor julian. 459

Julian.
Ah — saw you the burning torch behind the
cloud ? It flashed forth and went out in the same
instant. A message from the spirits ! A shining
ship between heaven and earth I — My shield I My
sword !

[He rushes out to the right, Oribases and
EuTHERius Jollotv him,

Maximus.
[Calling afier him.'] Emperor, Emperor — do not
fight to-night !

[He goes off to the right.

SCENE THIRD.

An open plain, with a village for away. Daybreak
and cloudy weather.

A noise of battle. Cries and the clashing of weapons
out on the plain. In the foreground Roman
spearmen, under Ammian's command, fighting
with Persian archers. The latter are driven
back by degrees towards the left.

Ammian.

Right, right! Close with them ! Thrust them
down ! Give them no time to shoot !

Nevita.
[With followers from the right.] Well fought,
Ammian !

Ammian.
Oh sir, why come not the cavalry to our help ?

460 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT V.

Nevita.
They cannot. The Persians have elephants in
their front rank. The very smell strikes terror to
the horses. Thrust — thrust ! Upwards, men, —
under their breastplates }

Kytron.
[In night-clothes, laden with hooks and rolls oj paper,
enters from the rigkt.'j Oh that I should be in the
midst of such horrors I

Nevita.
Have you seen the Emperor, friend ?

Kytron.
Yes, but he heeds me not. Oh, I humbly beg
for a detachment of soldiers to protect me !

Nevita,
[To his followers.'] They are giving ground!
The shield-bearers forward I

Kytron.
You do not listen to me, sir ! My safety is of
the utmost importance ; my book, " On Equani-
mity in Affliction," is not finished •

Nevita.
[As before.] The Persians have been reinforced
on the right. They are pressing forward again !

Kytron.
Pressing forward again ? Oh this bloodthirsty
ferocity ! An arrow ! It almost struck me ! How
recklessly they shoot ; no care for life or limb i
[He takes to flight by the foreground on the left.

sc. iii.] the emperor julian. 46l

Nevita.

The battle hangs in the balance. Neither side
gains ground.

[To Fromentius, 7vho comes tvitk a fresh
troop from the right.
Ho, captain^ — have you seen the Emperor ?

Fromentinus.
Yes, sir ; he is fighting at the head of the white
horsemen.

Nevita.
Not wounded ?

Fromentinus.
He seems invulnerable. Arrows and javelins
swerve aside wherever he shows himself.

Ammian.
[Calling out from the thick of the Jighi,'\ Help,
help ; we can hold out no longer !

Nevita.
Forward, my bold Fromentinus !

Fromentinus.
[To the soldiers. "l Shoulder to shoulder, and at
them, Greeks !

[He hastens to the help of Ammian ; the
mellay rolls backwards a little.

Anatolus, the Captain of the Guard, enters
tvith follofvers from the right.

Anatolus.
Is not the Emperor here ?

462 THE EMPEROR JULIAN, [aCT V.

Nevita,

The Emperor ! Is it not your business to answer
for him ?

Anatolus.

His horse was shot under him, — a terrible tumult
arose ; it was impossible to get near him

Nevita.
Think you he has come to any harm ?

Anatolus.
No, 1 think not. There was a cry that he was
unhurt, but

Many of Nevita's Followers.
There he is ! There he is !

The Emperor Julian, without helmet or armour, with
only a sword and shield, escorted hy soldiers of
the Imperial Guard, enters from the right,

Julian.
*Tis well I have found you, Nevita !

Nevita.
Ah, sire — without armour ; how imprudent

Julian,
In these regions no weapon can touch me. But
go, Nevita; take the supreme command; my
horse was shot under me, and

Nevita.
My Emperor, then after all you are hurt ?

sc. iii.] the emperor julian. 463

Julian.
No ; only a blow on the head ; a little dizzy.

Go, go What is this? So many strange

multitudes thronging in among us !

I Nevita.

[In a low voice»] Anatolus^ you must answer for
the Emperor.

Anatolus.
Never fear, sir !

[Nevita goes off with his followers to the
right. The Emperor Julian, Anatolus,
and some of the Imperial Guard remain
behind. The fight on the plain rolls
further and further hack,

Julian.
How many of our men think you have fallen,
Anatolus ?

Anatolus.
Certainly not a few, sire; but I am sure the
Persians have lost more than we.

Julian.
Yes, yes ; but many have fallen, both Greeks
and Romans. Do you not think so }

Anatolus.
Surely you are unwell, my Emperor. Your face
is so pale— —

Julian,
Look at those lying there, — some on their backs,
others on their faces, with outstretched arms.
They must all be dead ?

4:64 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [acT V.

Anatolus.
Yes, sire, beyond a doubt.

Julian.
They are dead, yes I They know nought, then,
either of the defeat at Jerusalem or the other
defeats. — Think you many more Greeks will fall
in the battle, Anatolus ?

Anatolus.
Sire, let us hope the bloodiest work is over.

Julian.

Many, many more will fall, I tell you ! But not
enough. Of what use is it that many should fall ?
None the less will posterity learn

Tell me, Anatolus, how think j'ou the Emperor
Caligula pictured to himself that sword ?

Anatolus.
What sword, sire ?

Julian.
You know he wished for a sword wherewith he
might at one blow

Anatolus.
Hark to the shouts, sire I Now I am sure the
Persians are retreating.

Julian.
[Listening.'] What song is that in the air ?

Anatolus.
Sire, let me summon Oribases ; or still better,
!^-come, — come ; you are sick I

I
I

sc. iii.] the emperor julian. 465

Julian.
There is singing in the air. Can you not hear
it?

Anatolus.
If it be so, it must be the Galileans-—

Julian.
Ay, be sure 'tis the Galileans, Ha-ha-ha, they
fight in our ranks, and see not who stands on the
other side. Oh fools, all of you ! Where is
Nevita? Why should he attack the Persians?
Can he not see that 'tis not the Persians who are
most dangerous ? — You betray me, all of you.

Anatolus.
[Sqftli^ to one of the soldiers.] Hasten to the
camp ; bring hither the Emperor's physician .^

[The soldier goes out to the right.

Julian.
What innumerable hosts ! Think you they have
caught sight of us, Anatolus ?

Anatolus.
Who, sire ? Where }

Julian.
T>o you not see them — yonder — high up and far
away ! You lie ! You see them well enough !

Anatolus,
By the immortal gods, they are only the morn-
ing clouds, — 'tis the day dawning.

V ♦ 3 O

466 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT V,

Julian.
*Tis the hosts of the Galilean, I tell you ! Look
— those in the red-edged garments are the martyrs
"who died in blood. Singing women surround them,
and weave bowstrings of the long hair torn from
their heads. Children are with them, twining
slings from their unravelled entrails. Burning

torches ! Thousandfold — multitudinous! They

are hastening hitherward ! They are all looking
at me ; all rushing straight upon me I

Anatolus.
*Tis the Persians, sire ! Our ranks are giving

way

Julian.
They shall not give way I — You shall not!
Stand fast, Greeks ! Stand, stand, Romans ! To-
day we will free the world !

[The battle has in the meantime swept for-
ward over the plain again. Julian hurls
himself with drawn sivord into the thickest
of thejight. General confusion^

Anatolus.
[Calling out to the right.] Help, help! The
Emperor is in deadly peril !

Julian.
[Among the combatajitsJ] I see him ; I see him !
A longer sword ! Who has a longer sword to lend
me?

Soldiers.
[Streaming in from the rigJit.] With Christ for
the Emperor i

ic. iii.] the emperor julian. 467

Agathon*
[Among the new-comers.^ With Christ for Christ !
[He throws his spear; it grazes the Em-
perors arm, and plunges into his side.

Julian,

Ah

[He grasps the spear-head to di'aiv it out,
but gashes his hand, utters a loud cri/i and
falls.

AOATHON.

[Calls out in the tumult.^ The Roman's spear from
Golgotha !

[He casts himself weaponless among the
Persians, and is seen to be cut down.

Confused Cries.
The Emperor ! Is the Emperor wounded ?

Julian,
[Attempts to rise, but falls back again, and cries :'\
Thou hast conquered, Galilean !

Many Voices,
The Emperor has fallen !

Anatolus.
The Emperor is wounded ! Shield him — shield
him, in the name of the gods !

[He casts himself despairingly agai?ist the
advancing Persians. The Empewr /.?
carried away senseless. At that moment,
Jovian comes fonvard upon the plain with
fresh troops.

468 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT V.

Jovian.
On — on, believing brethren ; give Caesar what
is Caesar's I

Retreating Soldiers.
[Calling to him.] He has fallen ! The Emperor
has fallen !

Jovian*
Fallen ! Oh mighty God of vengeance ! On,
on ; 'tis God's will that his people shall live ! I
see heaven open ; I see the angels with flaming
swords

The Soldiers.
[Hurtling forward.'] Christ is among us !

Ammian's Troops.
The Galileans' God is among us ! Close round
him ! He is the strongest !

[A wild tumult of battle. Jovian hews his
way into the enemy s ranks. Sunrise.
The Persians flee in all directions.

SCENE FOURTH.

The Emperor's tent, with a curtained entrance in the
background. Daylight.

The Emperor Julian lies unconscious on his couch.
The wounds in his right side, arm, and hand are
hound up. Close to him stand Oribases and
Makrina, with EuTHERius. Further back Basil
OF Caesarea, and Priscus. At the foot of the
bed stands Maximus the Mystic,

SC. IV.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 469

Makrina.
He bleeds again. I must bind the bandage
tighter.

Oribases.
Thanks to you, tender woman ; your heedful
hands do us good service here.

EUTHERIUS.

Is it possible that he still lives ?

Oribases.
Certainly he lives.

Eutherius.
But he does not breathe,

Oribases.
Yes, he breathes.

Ammian enters softly, with the Emperor s sword and
shield, which he lays down, and remains standing
beside the curtain,

PRISCUS.

Ah, good captain, how go affairs without ?

Ammian.
Better than here. Is he already ?

pRiscus.
No, no, not yet. But is it certain that we have
defeated the Persians }

Ammian.

Completely. It was Jovian who put them to

470 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT V*

flight. Three noblemen have even now arrived
as envoys from King Sapor, to beg for a truce.

Priscus.
And think you Nevita will accede to it ?

Ammian.
Nevita has yielded up the command to Jovian.
All flock around him. AH see in him our one hope
of safety

Oribases.
Speak low ; he moves.

Ammian.
He moves. Mayhap he is awakening to con-
sciousness ' Oh, if he should live to see this !

Eutherius.
"What, Ammian ?

Ammian.
Both soldiers and leaders are taking counsel as
to the choice of the new Emperor.

Priscus.
What say you ?

Eutherius.
Oh, what shameful haste !

Ammian.

The perilous situation of the army partly excuses

it ; and yet

Makrina.

He is waking ; — he opens his eyes

[Julian lies for a time quite still, looking
kindly at the bystanders.

8c. iv.] the emperor julian. 471

Oribases.
Sire, do you know me ?

Julian.
Very well, my Oribases,

Oribases.
Only lie quiet.

Julian.
Lie quiet ? You remind me ! I must be up !

Oribases.
Impossible, sire ; I implore you

Julian,
I must up, I say. How can I lie quiet now ? I

must utterly vanquish Sapor,

EUTHERIUS.

Sapor is vanquished, sire ! He has sent envoys
to the camp to beg for a truce.

Julian,

Has he, indeed ? That is good news. So him,
at least, I have conquered.

But no truce. I will crush him to the earth. —
Ah, where is my shield ? Have I lost my shield ?

Ammian.

No, my Emperor, — here are both your shield
^nd your sword,

Julian.

I am very glad of that. My good shield. I
should grieve to think of it in the hands of the
barbarians. Give it me, on my arm

472 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT V.

Makrina.
Oh, sire, 'tis too heavy for you now !

Julian.
Ah, you ? You are right, pious Makrina ; 'tis
a little too heavy for me. — Lay it before me, that
I may see it. What ? Is that you, Ammian ?
Are you on guard here ? Where is Anatolus .''

Ammian.

Sire, he is now in bliss.

Julian.

Fallen > My trusty Anatolus fallen for my sake •
— In bliss, you say ? Ha

One friend the less. Ah, my Maximus ! — I will
not receive the Persian king's envoys to-day.
Their design is merely to waste my time. But I
will grant no terms. I will follow up the victory
to the utmost. The army shall turn against
Ctesiphon again.

Oribases.

Impossible^ sire ; think of your wounds.

Julian.
My wounds will soon be healed. Will they not.
Oribases — do you not promise me ?

Oribases.
Above all things rest, sire I

Julian.
What a most untimely chance! Just at this
moment, when so many weighty matters are
crowding in upon me. I cannot leave these

SC. IV.] THE EMPEROR JULIAN. 473

things in Nevita's hands. In such matters I can
trust neither him nor others ; I must do all myself.
— 'Tis true, I feel somewhat weary. How unfor-
tunate ! — Tell me, Ammian, what is the name of
that ill-omened place ?

Ammian.

What place, my gracious Emperor ?

Julian^
The spot where the Persian javelin struck me f

Ammian.
*Tis called after the village of Phrygia

Maximus.
Ah!

Julian.

What is it called ? What say you the region

is called ?

Ammian.

*Tis called from the village over yonder, (he
Phrygian region.

Julian.
Ah, Maximus — Maximus I

Maximus.
Betrayed !

[^He hides his face, and sinks dorvn at the
foot of the bed.

Oribases.
My Emperor, what alarms you ?

474 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT V.

Julian.

Nothing — nothing

Phrygia ? Is it so ? Nevita and the others wilf
have to take the command after all. Go, tell
them — —

Ammian.

Sire, they have already, on your behalf

Julian.
Have they ? Yes, yes, that is well.
The world-will has laid an ambush for me,
Maximus !

Makrina.
Your wound bleeds afresh, sire !

Julian.
Oh, Oribases, why did you seek to hide it from
me ?

Oribases.
What did I seek to hide, my Emperor ?

Julian.
That I must die. Why not have told me
before.

Oribases.
Oh, my Emperor !

Basil.
Julian — Julian !

[He casts lumself down, weeping, beside the
bed,

Julian.
Basil, — friend, brother, — we two have lived
beautiful days together r

SC. IV.] THE EMPKROll JULIAN. 475

You must not weep because I depart from you
so young. 'Tis not always a sign of the Fates'
displeasure when they call a man away in his
prime. What, after all, is death ? 'Tis nought
but paying our debt to the ever-changing empire
of the dust. No lamentations ! Do we not all
love wisdom ? And does not wisdom teach us that
the highest bliss lies in the life of the soul, not in
that of the body } So far the Galileans are right,

although ; but we will not speak of that.

Had the powers of life and death suffered me to
finish a certain treatise, I think I should have

succeeded in

Oribases.

Oh my Emperor, does it not weary you to talk
so much ?

Julian.

No, no, no. I feel very light and free.

Basil.
Julian, my beloved brother, — is there nought
you would recall ?

Julian.
Truly I know not what it should be.

Basil.
Nothing to repent of, Julian ?

Julian.
Nothing. That power which circumstances
placed in my hands, and which is an emanation of
divinity, I am conscious of having used to the best
of my skill. I have never wittingly wronged any
one. For this campaign there were good and

476 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT V.

sufficient reasons ; and if some should think that
I have not fulfilled all expectations, they ought in
justice to reflect that there is a mysterious power
without us, which in a great measure governs the
issue of human undertakings.

Makrina.
[Softly to Oribases.] Oh listen — listen how
heavily he breathes.

Oribases.
His voice will soon fail him,

Julian.

As to the choice of my successor, I presume not
to give any advice. — You, Eutherius, will divide
my possessions among those who have stood
nearest to me. I do not leave much ; for I have
always held that a true philosopher

What is this .-^ Is the sun already setting ?

Oribases.
Not so, my Emperor ; 'tis still broad day,

Julian.

Strange ! It seemed to me to turn quite
dark

Ah, wisdom — wisdom. Hold fast to wisdom,
good Priscus ! But be always armed against an
unfathomable something without us, which—

Is Maximus gone .''

Maximus.
No, my brother !

Julian.
My throat is burning. Can you not cool it ?

8c. iv.] the emperor julian. 477

Makrina.
A draught of water, sire ?

[She holds a cup to his lips,

Oribases.
[Whispers to Makrina. J His wound bleeds
inwardly.

Julian,

Do not weep. Let no Greek weep for me ; I
am ascending to the stars

Beautiful temples Pictures But so

far away.

Makrina.
Of what is he talking ?

Oribases.
I know not ; I think his mind is wandering.

Julian.
[ With closed eyes."] 'Twas given to Alexander to

enter in triumph — into Babylon. — I too will

Beautiful wreath - crown'd youths — dancing
maidens, — but so far away.

Beautiful earth, — beautiful life

[He opens his eyes wide.
Oh, Helios, Helios — why didst thou betray
me.?

[He dies.

Oribases.
[After a pause.^ That was death.

The Bystanders*
Dead — dead I

478 THE EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT V.

Oribases.
Yes, now he is dead.

[Basil and Makrina kneel in prayer.
Eutherius veils his head. A sound of
drums and trumpets is heard in the
distance.

Shouts from the Camp.
Long live the Emperor Jovian!

Oribases.
Oh, heard you that shout .'*

Ammian.
Jovian is proclaimed Emperor.

Maximus.
[Laughin^.^ The Galilean Jovian ! Yes — yes
— yes !

Oribases.
Shameful haste ! Before they knew that

Priscus.
Jovian, — the victorious hero who has saved us
all ! The Emperor Jovian assuredly deserves ^
panegyric. I trust that crafty Kytron has not

already •

[He hastens out.
Basil.
Forgotten, ere your hand is cold. And for this
jiitiful splendour you sold your immortal soul !

Maximus.
[Rising.l The world-will shall answer for Julian's
soul !

sc. iv.] the emperuk julian. 479

Makrina.

Blaspheme not ; though surely you have loved

this dead man

Maximus.

[Approaching the bodi/.'\ Loved, and led him
astray — Nay, not //

Led astray like Cain. Led astray like Judas.
— Your God is a spendthrift God, Galileans I He
wears out many souls.

Wast thou not then, this time either, the
chosen one — thou victim on the altar of necessity ?

What is it worth to live ? All is sport and
mockery. — To will is to have to will.

Oh my beloved — all sijjjns deceived me, all
auguries spoke with a double tongue, so that I
saw in thee the mediator between the two
empires.

The third empire shall come ! The spirit of
man shall re-enter on its heritage — and then shall
offerings of atonement ^ be made to thee, and to
thy two guests in the symposium.

[He goes out.
Makrina.

[Rising, pale.] Basil — did you understand the
heathen's speech ?

Basil.

No, — ^but it dawns on me like a great and

1 Here occurs the one clear case I have observed of a
revision of the text. In earlier editions the phrase ran *' da skal
der taendes rogoffer," meaning literally " then shall burnt-
offerings (smoke-offerings) be lighted." In the collected
edition (1899) "sonoffer" (offerings of atonement) is substi-
tuted for "rogoffer." This can scarcely be a printer's error;
and as one deliberate alteration has been made, it would seem
that the alterations noted on pp. 382 and 417 (especially the
former) may also be due* not to the printer, but to the poet.

480 THB EMPEROR JULIAN. [aCT V.

radiant light, that here lies a noble, shattered
instrument of God.

Makrina.
Ay, truly, a dear and dear-bought instrument.

Basil.
Christ, Christ — ^how came it that thy people
saw not thy manifest design } The Emperor
Julian was a rod of chastisement, — not unto
death, but unto resurrection.

Makrina.
Terrible is the mystery of election. How know

we ?

Basil.
Is it not written : '' Some vessels arc fashioned
to honour, and some to dishonour " }

Makrina.
Oh brother, let us not seek to fathom that
abyss.

[She bends over the body and covers the face.
Erring soul of man — if thou wast indeed forced
to err, it shall surely be accounted to thee for
good on that great day when the Mighty One
shall descend in the clouds to judge the living
dead and the dead who are yet alive I

THE END.

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OCT 0 3 2005