Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/273

This page needs to be proofread.
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 miraculous 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 shed are like costly pearls, wherewith eloquence