The Emperor.
To go in before the presence of the Lord! I—I! Oh, pray for me Julian! They will offer me the consecrated wine. I see it! It glitters in the golden chalice like serpents' eyes[Shrieks.] Bloody eyes! Oh, Jesus Christ, pray for me!
The Empress.
The Emperor is ill!
The Princess Helena.
Where is Caesarius? The physician, the physician—summon him!
The Empress.
[Beckons.] Memnon, good Memnon!
[She speaks in a low voice to the slave.
Julian.
[Softly.] Sire, have pity, and send me far from here.
The Emperor.
Where would you go?
Julian.
To Egypt. I would fain go to Egypt, if you think fit. So many go thither—into the great solitude.
The Emperor.
Into the great solitude? Ha! In solitude one broods. I forbid you to brood.
Julian.
I will not brood, if only you will let meHere my anguish of soul increases day by day.
