Julian.
Therefore I commission you, oh my Libanius, to compose a panegyric on me.
Libanius.
Ah, what an honour!
Julian.
You must lay special stress on the benefits for which the citizens of Antioch owe me gratitude. I hope you will produce an oration that shall do honour both to the orator and to his subject. This task, my Libanius, shall be my gift to you. I know of nothing more fitting to offer to a man like you.
Libanius.
Oh, my crowned friend, what a transcendent favour!
Julian.
And now to the fencing-hall. Then, my friends, we will walk through the streets, to give these insolent townsfolk a profitable example of sobriety in dress and simplicity in manners.
Oribases.
Through the streets, sire? In this midday heat
A Courtier.
Pray, sire, let me be excused; I feel extremely unwell
Heraclius.
I too, most gracious lord! All this morning I have been struggling against a feeling of nausea
