Chapter 13

Julian.

[Looks for a time alternately atDecentiusand 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 theRhine; it was the Emperor who raised up the King of the Alemanni, as he lay grovelling before him.Myname 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;Julianretires 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, exceptSintula, 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 hundredmen 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!

[Sintulagoes out by the back.Julianis hastening out to the right, when at the door he meets thePrincess 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.

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

Julian.

Ah, you think——?

Oribases.

Answer, women; what have you given thePrincess?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 afterthis. 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 KnightSallustcomes 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, nobleCaesar. ButCaesar. Butmy 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.

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