Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/457

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the emperor julian.
421

Julian.

Yes; yes.

The Persian.

Burn the ships, sire!

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 left.] Oh chosen son of Helios—hear me, hear me!

Julian.

Not now, my Maximus!