Emperor and Galilean

At Lutetia, in Gaul. A hall in Caesar’s palace, “The Warm Baths,” outside the city. Entrance, door in the back; to the right, another smaller door; in front, on the left, is a window with curtains.

The Princess Helena, richly attired, with pearls in her hair, sits in an arm-chair, and looks out of the window. Her slave, Myrrha, stands opposite her, and holds the curtain aside.

The Princess Helena.

What a multitude! The whole city streams out to meet them.—Hark! Myrrha,—do you not hear flutes and drums?

Myrrha.

Yes, I think I can hear——

Helena.

You lie! The noise is too great; you can hear nothing. [Springing up.] Oh, this torturing uncertainty! Not to know whether he comes as a conqueror or as a fugitive.

Myrrha.

Fear not, my noble mistress; Caesar has always returned a conqueror.

Helena.

Ay, hitherto; after all his lesser encounters. But this time, Myrrha! This great, fearful battle. All these conflicting rumours. If Caesar were victorious, why should he have sent that letter to the city magistrates, forbidding them to meet him with shows of honour outside the gates?

Myrrha.

Oh, you know well, my lady, how little your noble husband cares for such things.

Helena.

Yes, yes, that is true. And had he been defeated—they must have known it in Rome—would the Emperor have sent us this envoy who is to arrive to-day, and whose courier has brought me all these rich ornaments and gifts? Ah, Eutherius! Well? Well?

The Chamberlain Eutherius.

[From the back.] My Princess, it is impossible to obtain any trustworthy tidings——

Helena.

Impossible? You are deceiving me! The soldiers themselves must surely know——

Eutherius.

They are only barbarian auxiliaries who are coming in—Batavians and others—and they know nothing.

Helena.

[Wringing her hands.] Oh, have I deserved this torture? Sweet, holy Christ, have I not called upon Thee day and night——

[She listens and screams out.

Ah, my Julian! I hear him!—Julian; my beloved!

Julian Caesar.

[In dusty armour, enters hastily by the back.] Helena!

Eutherius.

My noble Caesar!

Julian.

[Vehemently embracing the Princess.] Helena!—Bar all the doors, Eutherius!

Helena.

Defeated! Pursued!

Eutherius.

My lord!

Julian.

Double guards at all the doors; let no one pass! Tell me: has any emissary arrived from the Emperor?

Eutherius.

No, my lord; but one is expected.

Julian.

Go, go! [To the Slave.] Away with you.

[Eutherius and Myrrha go out by the back.

Helena.

[Sinking into the arm-chair.] Then all is over with us?

Julian.

[Drawing the curtains together.] Who knows? If we are cautious, the storm may yet——

Helena.

After such a defeat——?

Julian.

Defeat? What are you talking of, my beloved?

Helena.

Have not the Alemanni defeated you?

Julian.

If they had, you would not have seen me alive.

Helena.

[Springing up.] Then, Lord of Heaven, what has happened?

Julian.

[Softly.] The worst, Helena;—a stupendous victory.

Helena.

Victory, you say! A stupendous victory? You have conquered, and yet——?

Julian.

You know not how I stand. You see only the gilded outside of all a Caesar’s misery.

Helena.

Julian!

Julian.

Can you blame me for having hidden it from you? Did not both duty and shame constrain me——? Ah, what is this? What a change——!

Helena.

What? What?

Julian.

How these months have changed you! Helena, you have been ill?

Helena.

No, no; but tell me——

Julian.

Yes, you have been ill! You must be ill now;—your fever-flushed temples, the blue rings round your eyes——

Helena.

Oh, ’tis nothing, my beloved! Do not look at me, Julian! ’Tis only anxiety and wakeful nights on your account; ardent prayers to the Blessed One on the cross——

Julian.

Spare yourself, my treasure; it is more than doubtful whether such zeal is of any avail.

Helena.

Fie; you speak impiously.—But tell me of your own affairs, Julian! I implore you, hide nothing from me.

Julian.

Nothing can now be hidden. Since the Empress’s death, I have taken no single step here in Gaul that has not been evilly interpreted at court. If I went cautiously to work with the Alemanni, I was called timorous or inert. They laughed at the philosopher, ill at ease in his coat of mail. If I gained an advantage over the barbarians, I was told that I ought to have done more.

Helena.

But all your friends in the army——

Julian.

Who, think you, are my friends in the army? I have not one, my beloved Helena! Yes, one single man—the knight Sallust, of Perusia, to whom, during our marriage feast at Milan, I had to refuse a slight request. He magnanimously came to me in the camp, appealed to our old friendship in Athens, and begged leave to stand at my side in all dangers. But what does Sallust count for at the imperial court? He is one of those whom they call heathens. He can be of no help to me.—And the others! Arbetio, the tribune, who left me in the lurch when I was blockaded by the Senones! Old Severus, burdened with the sense of his own impotence, yet unable to reconcile himself to my new strategy! Or think you I can depend on Florentius, the captain of the Praetorians? I tell you, that turbulent man is filled with the most unbridled ambitions.

Helena.

Ah, Julian!

Julian.

[Pacing up and down.] If I could but come to the bottom of their intrigues! Every week secret letters pass between the camp and Rome. Everything I do is set down and distorted. No slave in the empire is so fettered as Caesar. Would you believe it, Helena, even my cook has to abide by a bill of fare sent to him by the Emperor; I may not alter it, either by adding or countermanding a single dish!

Helena.

And all this you have borne in secrecy——!

Julian.

All know it, except you. All mock at Caesar’s powerlessness. I will bear it no longer! I will not bear it!

Helena.

But the great battle——? Tell me,—has rumour exaggerated——?

Julian.

Rumour could not exaggerate.—Hush; what was that? [Listening towards the door.] No, no; I only thought——

I may say that in these months I have done all that mortal man could do. Step by step, and in spite of all hindrances in my own camp, I drove the barbarians back towards the eastern frontier. Before Argentoratum, with the Rhine at his back, King Knodomar gathered all his forces together. He was joined by five kings and ten lesser princes. But before he had collected the necessary boats for his retreat in case of need, I led my army to the attack.

Helena.

My hero, my Julian!

Julian.

Lupicinus, with the spearmen and the light-armed troops, outflanked the enemy on the north; the old legions, under Severus, drove the barbarians more and more to the eastward, towards the river; our allies, the Batavians, under the faithful Bainabaudes, stood gallantly by the legions; and when Knodomar saw that his case was desperate, he tried to make off southwards, in order to reach the islands. But before he could escape, I sent Florentius to intercept him with the Praetorian guards and the cavalry. Helena, I dare not say it aloud, but certain it is that treachery or envy had nearly robbed me of the fruits of victory. The Roman cavalry recoiled time after time before the barbarians, who threw themselves down on the ground and stabbed the horses in the belly. Defeat stared us in the face——

Helena.

But the God of Battles was with you!

Julian.

I seized a standard, fired the Imperial Guards by my shouts, made them a hasty address, which was, perhaps, not quite unworthy of a more enlightened audience, and then, rewarded by the soldiers’ acclamations, I plunged headlong into the thickest of the fight.

Helena.

Julian! Oh, you do not love me!

Julian.

At that moment you were not in my thoughts. I wished to die; for I despaired of victory. But it came, my love! It seemed as though lightnings of terror flashed from our lance-points. I saw Knodomar, that redoutable warrior—ah, you have seen him too—I saw him fleeing on foot from the battlefield, and with him his brother Vestralp, and the kings Hortar and Suomar, and all who had not fallen by our swords.

Helena.

Oh, I can see it; I can see it! Blessed Saviour, ’twas thou that didst again send forth the destroying angels of the Milvian Bridge!

Julian.

Never have I heard such shrieks of despair; never seen such gaping wounds as those we trampled on, as we waded through the slain. The river did the rest; the drowning men struggled among themselves until they rolled over, and went to the bottom. Most of the princes fell living into our hands; Knodomar himself had sought refuge in a bed of reeds; one of his attendants betrayed him, and our bowmen sent a shower of arrows into his hiding-place, but without hitting him. Then, of his own accord, he gave himself up.

Helena.

And after such a victory do you not feel secure?

Julian.

[Hesitatingly.] On the very evening of the victory an accident occurred, a trifle——

Helena.

An accident?

Julian.

I prefer to call it so. In Athens we used to speculate much upon Nemesis.—My victory was so overwhelming, Helena; my position had, as it were, got out of balance; I do not know——

Helena.

Oh, speak, speak; you put me on the rack!

Julian.

It was a trifle, I tell you. I ordered the captive Knodomar to be brought before me, in the presence of the army. Before the battle, he had threatened that I should be flayed alive when I fell into his hands. Now he came towards me with faltering steps, trembling in every limb. Crushed by disaster, as the barbarians are apt to be, he cast himself down before me, embraced my knees, shed tears, and begged for his life.

Helena.

His mighty frame quivering with dread—I can see the prostrate Knodomar.—Did you kill him, my beloved?

Julian.

I could not kill that man. I granted him his life, and promised to send him as a prisoner to Rome.

Helena.

Without torturing him?

Julian.

Prudence bade me deal mercifully with him. But then—I cannot tell how it happened—with a cry of overflowing gladness, the barbarian sprang up, stretched his pinioned hands into the air, and, half ignorant as he is of our language, shouted with a loud voice: “Praise be to thee, Julian, thou mighty Emperor!”

Helena.

Ah!

Julian.

My attendants were inclined to laugh; but the barbarian’s shout flew like a lightning-flash through the surrounding soldiery, kindling as it went. “Long live the Emperor Julian,” those who stood nearest repeated; and the cry spread around in wider and ever wider circles to the furthest distance. ’Twas as though some Titan had hurled a mighty rock far out into the ocean;—oh, my beloved, forgive me the heathen similitude, but——

Helena.

Emperor Julian! He said Emperor Julian!

Julian.

What did the rude Aleman know of Constantius, whom he had never seen? I, his conqueror, was in his eyes the greatest——

Helena.

Yes, yes; but the soldiers——?

Julian.

I rebuked them sternly; for I saw at a glance how Florentius, Severus, and certain others stood silently by, white with fear and wrath.

Helena.

Yes, yes, they—but not the soldiers.

Julian.

Before a single night had passed my secret foes had distorted the affair. “Caesar has induced Knodomar to proclaim him Emperor,” the story went, “and in requital he has granted the barbarian his life.” And, thus inverted, the news has travelled to Rome.

Helena.

Are you sure of that? And through whom?

Julian.

Ah, through whom? through whom? I myself wrote at once to the Emperor and told him everything, but——

Helena.

Well—and how did he answer?

Julian.

As usual. You know his ominous silence when he means to strike a blow.

Helena.

I believe you misinterpret all this. It must be so. You will see that his envoy will soon assure you of——

Julian.

I am assured, Helena! Here, in my bosom, I have some intercepted letters, which——

Helena.

Oh, Lord my God, let me see!

Julian.

By-and-by.

[He walks up and down.

And all this after the services I have rendered him! I have put a stop to the inroads of the Alemanni for years to come, whilst he himself has suffered defeat after defeat on the Danube, and the army in Asia seems to make no way against the Persians. Shame and disaster on all sides, except here, where he placed a reluctant philosopher at the head of affairs. Yet none the less am I the scorn of the court. Even after the last great victory, they have lampooned me, and called me Victorinus. This must come to an end.

Helena.

So I, too, think.

Julian.

On such terms, what is the title of Caesar worth?

Helena.

No; you are right, Julian; things cannot go on thus!

Julian.

[Stopping.] Helena, could you follow me?

Helena.

[Softly.] Have no fear for me; I will not fail you.

Julian.

Then away from all this thankless toil; away to the solitude I have sighed for so long——!

Helena.

What do you say? Solitude!

Julian.

With you, my beloved; and with my dear books, that I have so seldom been able to open here, save only on my sleepless nights.

Helena.

[Looking him down from head to foot.] Ah, that is what you mean!

Julian.

What else?

Helena.

Ay, truly; what else?

Julian.

Yes, yes—I ask, what else?

Helena.

[Coming nearer.] Julian—how did the barbarian king hail you?

Julian.

[Shrinking.] Helena!

Helena.

[Still nearer.] What was the name that echoed through the ranks of the legions?

Julian.

Rash woman; there may be an eavesdropper at every door!

Helena.

Why should you fear eavesdroppers? Is not God’s grace upon you? Have you not been victorious in every encounter?—I see the Saviour calling upon you; I see the angel with the flaming sword, who cleared the way for my father when he drove Maxentius into the Tiber!

Julian.

Shall I rebel against the ruler of the empire?

Helena.

Only against those who stand between you. Oh, go, go; smite them with the lightning of your wrath; put an end to this harassing, joyless life! Gaul is an outer wilderness. I am so cold here, Julian! I pine for home, for the sunshine of Rome and Greece.

Julian.

For home and your brother?

Helena.

[Softly.] Constantius is but a wreck.

Julian.

Helena!

Helena.

I can bear it no longer, I tell you. Time is flying. Eusebia is gone; her empty seat invites me to honour and greatness, while I am ageing——

Julian.

You are not ageing; you are young and fair!

Helena.

No, no, no! Time speeds; I cannot bear this patiently; life slips away from me!

Julian.

[Gazing at her.] How temptingly beautiful, how divine you are!

Helena.

[Clinging to him.] Am I so indeed, Julian?

Julian.

[Embracing her.] You are the only woman I have loved,—the only one who has loved me.

Helena.

I am older than you. I will not age still more. When all is over, then——

Julian.

[Tearing himself away.] Hush! I will hear no more.

Helena.

[Following him.] Constantius is dying by inches; he hangs by a hair over the grave. Oh, my beloved Julian, you have the soldiers on your side——

Julian.

No more, no more!

Helena.

He can bear no agitation. What is there, then, to recoil from? I mean nothing bloody. Fie, how can you think so? The terror will be enough; it will fold him in its embrace and gently end his sufferings.

Julian.

Do you forget the invisible bodyguard around the Lord’s anointed?

Helena.

Christ is good. Oh, be pious, Julian, and He will forgive much. I will help. Prayers shall go up for you. Praised be the saints! Praised be the martyrs! Trust me, we will atone for everything later. Give me the Alemanni to convert; I will send out priests among them; they shall bow under the mercy of the cross.

Julian.

The Alemanni will not bow.

Helena.

Then they shall die! Like sweet incense shall their blood rise up to Him, the blessed One. We will magnify His glory; His praise shall be made manifest in us. I myself will do my part. The women of the Alemanni shall be my care. If they will not bow, they shall be sacrificed! And then, my Julian—when next you see me——; young, young once more! Give me the women of the Alemanni, my beloved! Blood—’twould be no murder, and the remedy is a sovereign one—a bath of young virgins’ blood——

Julian.

Helena, the thought is crime!

Helena.

Is it crime to commit crime for your sake?

Julian.

You beautiful, you peerless one!

Helena.

[Bowing herself down over his hands.] My lord before God and men!—Draw not back this time, Julian! My hero, my Emperor! I see heaven open. Priests shall sing praises to Christ; my women shall assemble in prayer. [With upraised arms.] Oh, thou blessed One! Oh, thou God of Hosts,—thou, in whose hand lie grace and victory——

Julian.

[With a look towards the door, exclaims:] Helena!

Helena.

Ah!

The Chamberlain Eutherius.

[From the back.] My lord, the Emperor’s emissary——

Julian.

Is he come?

Eutherius.

Yes, my lord!

Julian.

His name? Who is he?

Eutherius.

The tribune Decentius.

Julian.

Indeed? The pious Decentius!

Julian.

Has he talked with any one?

Eutherius.

With no one, my lord; he has this moment arrived.

Julian.

I will see him at once. And listen; one thing more. Summon the captains and officers to me here.

Eutherius.

It is well, most gracious lord.

[He goes out by the back.

Julian.

Now, my Helena, now we shall see——

Helena.

[Softly.] Whatever happens, forget not that you can trust in the soldiers.

Julian.

Ah, trust, trust——; I am not sure that I can trust in any one.

The Tribune Decentius enters from the back.

Helena.

[Meeting him.] Welcome, noble Decentius! A Roman face,—and, above all, this face,—oh! it sheds genial sunlight over our inclement Gaul.

Decentius.

The Emperor meets your longing and your hope half-way, noble Princess! We may hope that Gaul will not much longer hold you in its chains.

Helena.

Say you so, messenger of gladness? So the Emperor still thinks lovingly of me? How is it with his health?

Julian.

Go, go, my beloved Helena!

Decentius.

The Emperor’s health is certainly no worse.

Helena.

No, surely not? I thought as much. All those alarming rumours——; God be praised that they were but rumours! Thank him most lovingly, good Decentius! And let me thank you too. What splendid gifts have heralded your coming! Imperial——no, let me say brotherly gifts indeed! Two shining black Nubians,—you should see them, my Julian!—and pearls! See, I am wearing them already. And fruits,—sweet, luscious fruits! Ah, peaches from Damascus, peaches in chalices of gold! How they will refresh me;—fruit, fruit; I am pining away here in Gaul.

Julian.

A feast shall end the day; but business first. Go, my precious wife!

Helena.

I go to the church,—to pray for my brother and for all good hopes.

[She goes out to the right.

Julian.

[After an instant’s pause.] A message, or letters?

Decentius.

Letters.

[He hands him a roll of paper.

Julian.

[Reads, represses a smile, and holds out his hand.] More!

Decentius.

Noble Caesar, that is well-nigh all.

Julian.

Truly? Has the Emperor sent his friend all this long way only to——?

[He bursts into a short laugh, and then walks up and down.

Had Knodomar, the King of the Alemanni, arrived in Rome ere you left?

Decentius.

Yes, noble Caesar!

Julian.

And how fares he in the strange land, ignorant as he is of our tongue! For he knows nought of it, Decentius! He was positively a laughing-stock to my soldiers. Only think, he mixed up two such common words as Emperor and Caesar.

Decentius.

[Shrugging his shoulders.] A barbarian. What can one expect?

Julian.

No, what can one expect? But the Emperor has received him graciously?

Decentius.

Knodomar is dead, my lord!

Julian.

[Stopping suddenly.] Knodomar dead!

Decentius.

Dead, in the foreigners’ quarters, on the Coelian hill.

Julian.

Dead? Indeed!—Ah, the Roman air is unwholesome.

Decentius.

The King of the Alemanni died of home-sickness, my lord! The longing for kindred and freedom——

Julian.

——wastes a man away, Decentius; yes, yes, I know that.—I should not have sent him living to Rome. I should have had him killed here.

Decentius.

Caesar’s heart is merciful.

Julian.

H’m——! Home-sickness? Indeed!

To the Master of the Horse, Sintula, who enters by the back.

Are you there, old faun? Tempt me no more.

[To Decentius.] Since the battle at Argentoratum, he is for ever talking to me of the triumphal chariot and the white horses. [To Sintula.] ’Twould be like Phaeton’s career with the Lybian sun-horses. How did that end? Have you forgotten—have you forgotten your heathendom, I had almost said?—Pardon me, Decentius, for wounding your pious ear.

Decentius.

Caesar delights his servant’s ear; he cannot wound it.

Julian.

Yes, yes; bear with Caesar’s jesting. In truth I know not how else to take the matter.—Here they are.

Severus and Florentius, together with other captains and gentlemen of Caesar’s court, enter from the back.

Julian.

[Advancing to receive them.] Greeting to you, brothers in arms and friends. Blame me not overmuch for summoning you hither, straight from the dust and toil of the march; truly, I should not have grudged you some hours’ rest; but——

Florentius.

Has aught of moment happened, my lord?

Julian.

Aye, truly. Can you tell me—what was lacking to complete Caesar’s happiness?

Florentius.

What should be lacking to complete Caesar’s happiness?

Julian.

Now, nothing. [To Decentius.] The army has demanded that I should enter the city in triumph. They would have had me pass through the gates of Lutetia at the head of the legions. Captive barbarian princes, with pinioned hands, were to march beside my chariot-wheels; women and slaves from twenty conquered peoples were to follow, crowded closely together, head against head—— [Breaking off suddenly.] Rejoice, my valiant fellow soldiers; here you see the Tribune Decentius, the Emperor’s trusted friend and councillor. He has arrived this morning with gifts and greetings from Rome.

Florentius.

Ah, then indeed naught can be lacking to complete Caesar’s happiness.

Severus.

[Softly to Florentius.] Incomprehensible! Then he is in the Emperor’s grace again!

Florentius.

[Softly.] Oh, this unstable Emperor!

Julian.

You seem all to be struck dumb with astonishment.—They think the Emperor has done too much, good Decentius!

Florentius.

How can Caesar think such a thought?

Severus.

Too much, noble Caesar? By no means. Who doubts that the Emperor knows how to set due bounds to his favour?

Florentius.

This is in truth a rare and remarkable distinction——

Severus.

I should even call it beyond measure rare and remarkable——

Florentius.

And especially does it afford a striking proof that our august Emperor’s mind is free from all jealousy——

Severus.

An unexampled proof, I venture to call it.

Florentius.

But then, what has not Caesar achieved in these few years in Gaul?

Julian.

A year-long dream, dear friends! I have achieved nothing. Nothing, nothing!

Florentius.

All this your modesty counts as nothing? What was the army when you took command? A disorderly rabble——

Severus.

——without coherence, without discipline, without direction——

Julian.

You exaggerate, Severus!

Florentius.

And was it not with this undisciplined rabble that you took the field against the Alemanni? Did you not win battle after battle with these levies, till your victories transformed them into an invincible host? Did you not retake Colonia Agrippina——?

Julian.

Come come, you see with the eye of friendship, my Florentius!—Or is it really so? Is it a fact, that I drove the barbarians out of the islands of the Rhine! That I placed the ruined Tres Tabernae in a posture of defence, making it a bulwark of the empire? Is it really so?

Florentius.

What, my lord! Can you be in doubt as to so great deeds?

Julian.

No, I cannot but think—— And the battle of Argentoratum? Was I not there? I cannot but fancy that I defeated Knodomar. And after the victory——; Florentius, have I dreamt it, or did I rebuild Trajan’s fortress, when we marched into German territory?

Florentius.

Noble Caesar, is there any man so mad as to deny you the honour of these exploits?

Severus.

[To Decentius.] I praise the destiny that has vouchsafed to my old age so victorious a leader.

Florentius.

[Also to the Tribune.] I dare scarcely think what turn this inroad of the Alemanni might have taken, but for Caesar’s courage and conduct.

Many Courtiers.

[Pressing forward.] Yes, yes; Caesar is great!

Others.

[Clapping their hands.] Caesar is peerless!

Julian.

[Looks for a time alternately at Decentius and the others; thereupon breaks out into a loud, short laugh.] So blind is friendship, Decentius! So blind, so blind!

[He turns to the rest, and taps the roll of paper in his hand.

Here I read far other tidings! listen and drink in the refreshing dew of knowledge. This is the Emperor’s despatch to all the proconsuls of the empire;—our excellent Decentius has brought me a copy of it. Here we learn that I have accomplished nothing in Gaul. It was, as I told you, a dream. Here we have the Emperor’s own words: it was under the Emperor’s happy auspices that the imminent danger to the empire was averted.

Florentius.

All the affairs of the empire flourish under the Emperor’s auspices.

Julian.

More, more. It is here set forth that it was the Emperor who fought and conquered on the Rhine; it was the Emperor who raised up the King of the Alemanni, as he lay grovelling before him. My name is not fortunate enough to find any place in this document,—nor yours, Florentius, nor yours, Severus! And here, in the description of the battle of Argentoratum—where was it? Yes, here it stands!—it was the Emperor who determined the order of battle; it was the Emperor himself who, at peril of his life, fought till his sword was blunted, in the forefront of the battle: it was the Emperor who, by the terror of his presence, put the barbarians to headlong flight——; read, read, I tell you!

Severus.

Noble Caesar, your word suffices.

Julian.

What mean you, then, by your deluding speeches, my friends? Would you, in your too great love for me, make me a parasite, to be fed with the leavings you have pilfered from my kinsman’s table?—What think you, Decentius? What say you to this? You see, in my own camp, I have to keep an eye on adherents who, in their blind zeal, are sometimes in danger of straying over the border-line of revolt.

Florentius.

[Hastily, to the Tribune.] I assure you, my words have been sadly misconstrued if——

Severus.

[Also to the Tribune.] It could never enter my mind to——

Julian.

That is right, my brothers in arms; let us all agree to swallow our vainglory. I asked what was lacking to complete Caesar’s happiness. Now you know it. ’Twas the recognition of the truth that was lacking in Caesar’s happiness. Your silver helmet will never be dimmed with the dust of the triumph, Florentius! The Emperor has already triumphed for us, in Rome. He therefore declares all festivities here to be superfluous. Go, Sintula, and see that the intended procession is countermanded. The Emperor wishes to give his soldiers a much-needed rest. ’Tis his will that they remain in the camp outside the walls.

[The Master of the Horse, Sintula, goes out by the back.

Julian.

Was I not once a philosopher? They said so, at least, both in Athens and Ephesus. So weak is human nature in the hours of success; I had almost been false to philosophy. The Emperor has brought me to my senses. Thank him most humbly, Decentius. Have you more to say?

Decentius.

One thing more. From all the Emperor has learnt, and especially from the letter you wrote him from Argentoratum, it appears that the great work of pacification in Gaul is happily accomplished.

Julian.

Most certainly; the Emperor, partly by his valour, partly by his magnanimous clemency——

Decentius.

The Rhine frontier of the empire has been placed in security.

Julian.

By the Emperor, by the Emperor.

Decentius.

In the Danubian provinces, on the contrary, affairs are going ill; and still worse in Asia—King Sapor makes constant progress.

Julian.

What audacity! Rumour has it that not even in this summer’s campaign has the Emperor been pleased to let his generals crush him.

Decentius.

The Emperor intends to do so himself in the spring. [Producing a roll of papers.] Here he makes known his will, noble Caesar.

Julian.

Let us see, let us see! [Reading.] Ah!

[He reads again for a long time, with signs of deep inward emotion; then he looks up and says:

Then, ’tis the Emperor’s will that——? Good, good, noble Decentius; the Emperor’s will shall be done.

Decentius.

It must be done, this very day.

Julian.

This very day; of course. Come hither, Sintula! Where is he?—Ah, I remember!—Call Sintula back!

[A courtier goes out by the back; Julian retires to the window, and reads the papers through once more.

Florentius.

[In a low voice, to the Tribune.] I implore you not to misinterpret what I said. When I gave Caesar the credit, of course I did not mean to——

Severus.

[In a low voice.] It could never occur to me to doubt that it was the Emperor’s supreme and wise direction that——

A Courtier.

[On the other side of the Tribune.] I beg you, noble sir,—put in a word for me at court, and release me from this painful position in the household of a Caesar who——; well, he is the Emperor’s exalted kinsman, but——

Another Courtier.

I could tell you, alas! of things that indicate not only boundless vanity, but overweening ambition——

Julian.

This very day! Let me say one word, Decentius! It has long been my dearest wish to lay down this burden of responsibility.

Decentius.

It shall be conveyed to the Emperor.

Julian.

I call heaven to witness that I never——; Ah, here is Sintula; now we can——[To the Tribune.] You are going?

Decentius.

I have affairs to transact with the generals, noble Caesar!

Julian.

Without my intervention?

Decentius.

The Emperor commands me to spare his beloved kinsman.

[He goes out by the back, followed by the others, except Sintula, who remains standing at the door.

Julian.

[Looking at him awhile.] Sintula!

Sintula.

Yes, noble master!

Julian.

Come nearer—Yes, by my faith, you look honest. Pardon me; I never thought you could be so attached to me.

Sintula.

How know you that I am attached to you, my lord?

Julian.

[Pointing to the roll of paper.] I can read it here, in this; it is written that you are to desert me.

Sintula.

I, my lord?

Julian.

The Emperor disbands the army of Gaul, Sintula!

Sintula.

Disbands——?

Julian.

Yes, what is it but a disbanding? The Emperor needs reinforcements, both on the Danube, and against the Persians. Our Batavian and Herulian auxiliaries are to depart with all speed, in order to reach Asia in the spring.

Sintula.

But the thing is impossible, my lord. You have solemnly sworn to these very allies that they shall in no case be called upon to serve beyond the Alps.

Julian.

Just so, Sintula! The Emperor writes that I gave that promise over hastily, and without his consent. This is quite a new light to me; but here it stands. I am to be forced to break my word, dishonour myself in the eyes of the army, turn against me the unbridled rage of the barbarians, perhaps their murderous weapons.

Sintula.

They cannot hurt you, my lord! The Roman legions will make their breasts your shield.

Julian.

The Roman legions. H’m;—my simple-minded friend! From every Roman legion three hundred men are to be drafted off, and are likewise to join the Emperor by the shortest route.

Sintula.

Ah! This is——?

Julian.

Well planned, is it not? Every branch of the army is to be set against me, that I may the more easily be disarmed.

Sintula.

And I tell you, my lord, that not one of your generals will lend himself to such a design.

Julian.

My generals are not to be led into temptation. You are the man.

Sintula.

I, my Caesar!

Julian.

Here it is written. The Emperor commissions you to take all necessary measures, and then to lead the chosen detachments to Rome.

Sintula.

This task assigned to me? With men here like Florentius and old Severus——

Julian.

You have no victories to your discredit, Sintula!

Sintula.

No, that is true. I have never been allowed an opportunity of showing——

Julian.

I have been unjust to you. Thanks for your fidelity.

Sintula.

So great an imperial honour! My lord, may I see——

Julian.

What would you see? You surely would not lend yourself to such a design.

Sintula.

God forbid that I should disobey the Emperor!

Julian.

Sintula,—would you disarm your Caesar?

Sintula.

Caesar has ever undervalued me. Caesar has never forgiven me the fact of his having to endure about his person a Master of the Horse chosen by the Emperor.

Julian.

The Emperor is great and wise; he chooses well.

Sintula.

My lord,—I long to set about my duty; may I beg to see the Emperor’s commission?

Julian.

[Handing him one of the papers.] Here is the Emperor’s commission. Go, and do your duty.

Myrrha.

[Entering hastily from the right.] Oh merciful Redeemer!

Julian.

Myrrha! What is the matter?

Myrrha.

Oh kind heaven, my mistress——

Julian.

Your mistress,—what of her?

Myrrha.

Sickness or frenzy——; help, help!

Julian.

Helena sick! The physician! Oribases must come, Sintula! Summon him!

[Sintula goes out by the back. Julian is hastening out to the right, when at the door he meets the Princess Helena, surrounded by female slaves. Her countenance is wild and distorted, her hair and clothes are in disorder.

Helena.

Loosen the comb! Loosen the comb, I say! It is red hot. My hair is on fire; I burn, I burn!

Julian.

Helena! For God’s pity’s sake——!

Helena.

Will no one help me? They are killing me with needle-pricks!

Julian.

My Helena! What has befallen you?

Helena.

Myrrha, Myrrha! Save me from the women, Myrrha!

The Physician Oribases.

[Entering from the back.] What horror do I hear——? Is it true? Ah!

Julian.

Helena! My love, light of my life——!

Helena.

Away from me! Oh sweet Jesus, help!

[She half swoons among the slave-girls.

Julian.

She is raving. What can it be, Oribases?—See—see her eyes, how large——!

Oribases.

[To Myrrha.] What has the Princess taken? What has she been eating or drinking?

Julian.

Ah, you think——?

Oribases.

Answer, women; what have you given the Princess?

Myrrha.

We? Oh nothing, I swear; she herself——

Oribases.

Well? Well?

Myrrha.

Some fruits; they were peaches, I think;—oh, I know not——

Julian.

Fruits! Peaches? Some of those which——?

Myrrha.

Yes—no—yes; I do not know, my lord; it was two Nubians——

Julian.

Help, help, Oribases!

Oribases.

Alas, I fear——

Julian.

No, no, no!

Oribases.

Hush, gracious lord; she is coming to herself.

Helena.

[Whispering.] Why did the sun go down? Oh holy mysterious darkness!

Julian.

Helena! Listen; collect your thoughts——

Oribases.

My noble Princess——

Julian.

It is the physician, Helena! [He takes her hand.] No, here, where I stand.

Helena.

[Tearing her hand away.] Faugh! there he was again!

Julian.

She does not see me. Here, here, Helena!

Helena.

The loathsome creature;—he is always about me.

Julian.

What does she mean?

Oribases.

Stand apart, gracious lord——!

Helena.

Sweet stillness! He does not dream——; oh my Gallus!

Julian.

Gallus!

Oribases.

Go, noble Caesar; it is not meet——!

Helena.

How boldly your close-curling hair curves over your neck! Oh that short, thick neck——

Julian.

Abyss of all abysses——!

Oribases.

The delirium is increasing——

Julian.

I see, I see. We must take note, Oribases!

Helena.

[Laughing softly.] Now he would be taking notes again.—Ink on his fingers; book-dust in his hair—unwashed; faugh, faugh, how he stinks.

Myrrha.

My lord, shall I not——?

Julian.

Away with you, woman!

Helena.

How could you let yourself be conquered by him, you great-limbed, bronzed barbarian? He cannot conquer women. How I loathe this impotent virtue.

Julian.

Stand apart, all of you! Not so near, Oribases! I myself will watch the Princess.

Helena.

Art thou wroth with me, thou glorious one? Gallus is dead. Beheaded. What a blow that must have been! Be not jealous, oh my first and last? Burn Gallus in hell fire;—it was none but thou, thou, thou——!

Julian.

No nearer, Oribases!

Helena.

Kill the priest, too! I will not see him after this. Thou knowest our sweet secret. Oh thou, my days’ desire, my nights’ delight! It was thou thyself—in the form of thy servant—in the oratory; yes, yes, thou wast there; it was thou—in the darkness, in the heavy air, in the shrouding incense-clouds, that night, when the Caesar growing beneath my heart——

Julian.

[Recoiling with a cry.] Ah!

Helena.

[With outstretched arms.] My lover and my lord! Mine, mine——!

[She falls swooning on the floor; the slave-girls hasten forward and crowd round her.

Julian.

[Stands for a moment immovable; then shakes his clenched fist in the air, and cries:] Galilean!

[The slave-girls carry the Princess out on the right; at the same moment the Knight Sallust comes hastily in by the door in the back.

Sallust.

The Princess in a swoon! Oh, then it is true!

Julian.

[Grasps the Physician by the arm, and leads him aside.] Tell me the truth. Did you know before to-day that——; you understand me; have you known aught of——the Princess’s condition?

Oribases.

I, like every one else, my lord.

Julian.

And you said naught to me, Oribases!

Oribases.

Of what, my Caesar?

Julian.

How dared you conceal it from me?

Oribases.

My lord, there was one thing we none of us knew.

Julian.

And that was?

Oribases.

That Caesar knew nothing. [He is going.]

Julian.

Where are you going?

Oribases.

To try the remedies my art prescribes——

Julian.

I believe your art will prove powerless.

Oribases.

My lord, it is yet possible that——

Julian.

Powerless, I tell you!

Oribases.

[Retiring a step.] Noble Caesar, it is my duty to disobey you in this.

Julian.

What think you I mean? Go, go; try what your art——; save the Emperor’s sister; the Emperor will be inconsolable if his thoughtful affection should bring any disaster in its train. Of course you know that those fruits were a gift from the Emperor?

Oribases.

Ah!

Julian.

Go, go, man,—try what your art——

Oribases.

[Bowing reverently.] I believe my art will prove powerless, my lord!

[He goes out to the right.

Julian.

Ah, is it you, Sallust? What think you? The waves of fate are once more beginning to sweep over my race.

Sallust.

Oh, but rescue is at hand. Oribases will——

Julian.

[Shortly and decisively.] The Princess will die.

Sallust.

Oh, if I dared speak! If I dared trace out the secret threads in this web of destruction!

Julian.

Be of good cheer, friend; all the threads shall be brought to light, and then——

Decentius.

[Entering from the back.] How shall I look Caesar in the face! How inscrutable are the ways of God! Crushed to earth——; oh that you could but read my heart! That I should be the harbinger of sorrow and disaster——!

Julian.

Yes, that you may say twice over, noble Decentius! And how shall I find soft and specious enough terms to bring this in any endurable guise to the ears of her imperial brother!

Decentius.

Alas that such a thing should happen so close upon the coming of my mission! And just at this moment! Oh, what a thunderbolt from a cloudless sky of hope!

Julian.

Oh, this towering and devouring tempest, just as the ship seemed running into the long-desired haven! Oh, this—this——! Sorrow makes us eloquent, Decentius,—you as well as me. But first to business. The two Nubians must be seized and examined.

Decentius.

The Nubians, my lord? Could you dream that my indignant zeal would for another instant suffer the two negligent servants to——?

Julian.

What! Surely you have not already——?

Decentius.

Call me hasty, if you will, noble Caesar. But my love to the Emperor and to his sorrow-stricken house would in truth be less than it is if, in such an hour, I were capable of calm reflection.

Julian.

Have you killed both the slaves?

Decentius.

Had not their negligence deserved a sevenfold death? They were two heathen savages, my lord! Their testimony would have been worthless; it was impossible to wring anything out of them, save that they had left their precious charge standing for some time unwatched in the antechamber, accessible to every one——

Julian.

Aha! Had they indeed, Decentius?

Decentius.

I accuse no one. But oh, beloved Caesar, I bid you beware; for you are surrounded by faithless servants. Your court—by an unhappy misunderstanding!—fancies that some sort of disfavour—or what should I call it?—is implied in the measures which the Emperor has found it necessary to adopt; in short——

Sintula.

[Entering from the back.] My lord, you have imposed on me a charge I can in no way fulfil.

Julian.

The Emperor imposed it, good Sintula!

Sintula.

Relieve me of it, my lord; it is utterly beyond me.

Decentius.

What has happened?

Sintula.

The camp is in wild revolt. The legions and the allies are banding together——

Decentius.

Rebelling against the Emperor’s will!

Sintula.

The soldiers are shouting that they appeal to Caesar’s promises.

Julian.

Hark! hark! that roar outside——!

Sintula.

The rioters are rushing hither——

Decentius.

Let no one enter!

Sallust.

[At the window.] Too late; the whole courtyard is filled with angry soldiers.

Decentius.

Caesar’s precious life is in danger! Where is Florentius?

Sintula.

Fled.

Decentius.

The blustering coward! And Severus?

Sintula.

Severus feigns sickness; he has driven out to his farm.

Julian.

I myself will speak to the madmen.

Decentius.

Not a step, noble Caesar!

Julian.

What now?

Decentius.

’Tis my duty, gracious lord; the Emperor’s command—; his beloved kinsman’s life—; Caesar is my prisoner.

Sallust.

Ah!

Julian.

So it has come at last!

Decentius.

The household guard, Sintula! You must conduct Caesar in safety to Rome.

Julian.

To Rome!

Sintula.

What say you, my lord?

Decentius.

To Rome, I say!

Julian.

Like Gallus! [He shouts through the window.] Help, help!

Sallust.

Fly, my Caesar! Fly, fly!

Wild cries are heard without. Soldiers of the Roman legions, Batavian auxiliaries, and other allies climb in through the window. At the same time, others swarm in by the door at the back. Amongst the foremost is the Standard-Bearer Maurus; women, some with children in their arms, follow the intruders.

Cries among the Soldiers.

Caesar, Caesar!

Other Voices.

Caesar, why have you betrayed us?

Again Others.

Down with the faithless Caesar!

Julian.

[Casts himself with outstretched arms into the midst of the soldiers, crying:] Fellow-soldiers, brothers in arms,—save me from my enemies!

Decentius.

Ah, what is this——?

Wild Cries.

Down with Caesar! Strike him down!

Julian.

Close round me in a circle; draw your swords!

Maurus.

They are drawn already!

Women.

Strike him, cut him down!

Julian.

I thank you for coming! Maurus! Honest Maurus! Yes, yes; you I can trust.

A Batavian Soldier.

How dare you send us to the ends of the earth? Was that what you swore to us?

Other Allies.

Not over the Alps! We are not bound to go!

Julian.

Not to Rome! I will not go; they would murder me, as they murdered my brother Gallus!

Maurus.

What say you, my lord?

Decentius.

Do not believe him!

Julian.

Lay no finger on the noble Decentius; the fault is not his.

Laipso.

[A Subaltern.] That is true; the fault is Caesar’s.

Julian.

Ah, is that you, Laipso! My gallant friend, is that you? You fought well at Argentoratum.

Laipso.

Caesar has not forgotten that?

Varro.

[A Subaltern.] But he forgets his promises!

Julian.

Was not that the voice of the undaunted Varro? Ah, there he is! Your wound is healed, I see. Oh, well-deserving soldier,—why would they not let me make you captain?

Varro.

Was it indeed your wish?

Julian.

Blame not the Emperor for refusing my request. The Emperor knows none of you as I know you.

Decentius.

Soldiers, hear me——!

Many Voices.

We have nothing to do with the Emperor!

Others.

[Pressing forward menacingly.] It is Caesar we call to account!

Julian.

What power has your hapless Caesar, my friends? They would take me to Rome. They deny even the control of my private affairs. They seize upon my share of the spoils of war. I thought to give every soldier five gold pieces and a pound of silver, but——

The Soldiers.

What does he say?

Julian.

’Tis not the Emperor who forbids it, but bad and envious councillors. The Emperor is good, my dear friends! But oh, the Emperor is sick; he can do nothing——

Many Soldiers.

Five gold pieces and a pound of silver!

Other Soldiers.

And that they deny us!

Others Again.

Who dares deny Caesar anything?

Maurus.

Is it thus they treat Caesar, the soldiers’ father?

Laipso.

Caesar, who has been rather our friend than our master? Is it not true?

Many Voices.

Yes, yes, it is!

Varro.

Should not Caesar, the victorious general, be suffered to choose his captains as he pleases?

Maurus.

Should he not have free control over the spoils that fall to his share?

Loud Shouts.

Yes, yes, yes!

Julian.

Alas, what would it profit you? What need you care for worldly goods, you, who are to be led forth to the most distant lands, to meet a doubtful fate——?

Soldiers.

We will not go!

Julian.

Look not at me; I am ashamed; I can scarce help weeping when I think that, within a few months, you will be a prey to pestilence, famine, and the weapons of a bloodthirsty foe.

Many Soldiers.

[Pressing round him.] Caesar! Kind Caesar!

Julian.

And your defenceless wives and children, whom you must leave behind in your scattered homes! Who shall protect them in their pitiable plight, soon to be widowed and fatherless, and exposed to the vengeful onslaughts of the Alemanni?

The Women.

[Weeping.] Caesar, Caesar, protect us!

Julian.

[Weeping likewise.] What is Caesar? What can the fallen Caesar do?

Laipso.

Write to the Emperor, and let him know——

Julian.

Ah, what is the Emperor? The Emperor is sick in mind and body; he is broken down by his care for the empire’s weal. Is it not so, Decentius?

Decentius.

Yes, doubtless; but——

Julian.

How it cut me to the heart when I heard——

[Pressing the hands of those around him.

Pray for his soul, you who worship the good Christ! Offer sacrifices for his recovery, you who have remained faithful to the gods of your fathers!——Know you that the Emperor has held a triumphal entry into Rome?

Maurus.

The Emperor!

Varro.

What? As he returned, beaten, from the Danube?

Julian.

As he returned from the Danube, he held a triumph for our victories——

Decentius.

[Threateningly.] Noble Caesar, reflect——!

Julian.

Yes, the Tribune says well; reflect how our Emperor’s mind must be clouded, when he can do such things! Oh, my sorely afflicted kinsman! When he rode into Rome through the mighty arch of Constantine, he fancied himself so tall that he bent his back and bowed his head down to his saddle-bow.

Maurus.

Like a cock in a doorway.

[Laughter among the soldiers.

Some Voices.

Is that an Emperor?

Varro.

Shall we obey him?

Laipso.

Away with him!

Maurus.

Caesar, do you take the helm!

Decentius.

Rebellion——!

Many Voices.

Seize the throne; seize the throne, Caesar!

Julian.

Madmen! Is this language for Romans? Would you imitate the barbarous Alemanni? What was it Knodomar cried at Argentoratum? Answer me, good Maurus,—what did he cry out?

Maurus.

He cried, “Long live the Emperor Julian!”

Julian.

Ah, hush, hush! What are you saying?

Maurus.

Long live the Emperor Julian!

Those Behind.

What is afoot?

Varro.

They are proclaiming Julian Emperor!

Loud Cries.

Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor Julian!

[The cry spreads in wider and wider circles without; all talk together; Julian cannot make himself heard for some time.

Julian.

Oh, I entreat you——! Soldiers, friends, brothers in arms,—see, I stretch out my trembling arms to you——! Be not alarmed, my Decentius!—Oh that I should live to see this! I do not blame you, my faithful friends; it is despair that has driven you to this. You will have it? Good; I submit to the will of the army.—Sintula, call the generals together.—You, Tribune, can bear witness to Constantius that ’twas only on compulsion that I—— [He turns to Varro.] Go, captain, and make known throughout the camp this unlooked-for turn of events. I will write without delay to Rome——

Sallust.

My lord, the soldiers clamour to see you.

Maurus.

A circlet of gold on your head, Emperor!

Julian.

I have never possessed such a gaud.

Maurus.

This will serve.

[He takes off his gold chain, and winds it several times round Caesar’s brow.

Shouts outside.

The Emperor, the Emperor! We will see the Emperor!

Soldiers.

On the shield with him! Up, up!

[The bystanders raise Julian aloft on a shield, and show him to the multitude, amid long-continued acclamations.

Julian.

The will of the army be done! I bow before the inevitable, and renew all my promises——

Legionaries.

Five gold pieces and a pound of silver!

Batavians.

Not over the Alps!

Julian.

We will occupy Vienna. ’Tis the strongest city in Gaul, and well supplied with provisions of every sort. There I intend to wait until we see whether my afflicted kinsman sanctions what we have here determined, for the empire’s weal——

Sallust.

That he will never do, my lord!

Julian.

[With upstretched hands.] Divine wisdom enlighten his darkened soul, and guide him for the best! Be thou with me, Fortune, who hast never yet deserted me!

Myrrha and the Women.

[Lamenting outside on the right.] Dead, dead, dead!