Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/183

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act iv.]
caesar's apostasy.
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Julian.

By-and-by,

[He walks up and down.

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 philosopher 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——!