Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/186

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caesar'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!

Helena.

[Clinging to him.] <g>Am</g> 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 away.] Hush! I will hear no more.

Helena.

[Following him.] 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!

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 sufferings.