Maximus.
Must I remind you of the old prophecy now set afloat again? It has been foretold that so many years as the year has days should the empire of the Galilean endure. Two years more, and 'twill be three hundred and sixty-five years since that man was born in Bethlehem.
Julian.
Do you believe this prophecy?
Maximus.
I believe in him who is to come.
Julian.
Always riddles!
Maximus.
I believe in the free necessity.
Julian.
Still darker riddles.
Maximus.
Behold, Julian,—when Chaos seethed in the fearful void abyss, and Jehovah was alone,—that day when he, according to the old Jewish scriptures, stretched forth his hand and divided light from darkness, sea from land,—that day the great creating God stood on the summit of his power.
But with man arose will upon the earth. And men, and beasts, and trees, and herbs re-created themselves, each in its own image, according to eternal laws; and by eternal laws the stars roll through the heavenly spaces.
Did Jehovah repent? The ancient traditions of all races tell of a repentant Creator.
