Themistius.
Yes, red with shame at the ingratitude of so many years.
Mamertinus.
Nay, 'twas the flush of joy. They 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, enlightened friends! 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 daïs by the wall, stands the imperial throne.
The Emperor Julian, surrounded by his court and high officials, among whom is Ursulus, the Treasurer, with the orators Themistius and Mamertinus.
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-
