ACT FOUR.

Princess Helena.

What a throng! The whole city streams out to meet them. – Hush! Myrrha, – do you not hear flutes and drums?

Myrrha the slave-girl.

Yes, I do think –

Princess Helena.

You are lying! The din is too loud; you can hear nothing. (springs up.) Oh, this tormenting uncertainty! Not to know whether he comes as victor or as fugitive.

Myrrha the slave-girl.

Do not be anxious, my mistress; Caesar has always come as victor, after all.

Princess Helena.

Yes, before; after all the smaller clashes. But this time, Myrrha! This great, terrible battle. All these conflicting rumours. If Caesar had come as victor, why should he then have sent that letter to the city magistrates and forbidden them to meet him with marks of honour outside the gates?

Myrrha the slave-girl.

Oh, you know, mistress, how little your exalted husband strives after such things.

Princess Helena.

Yes, yes, that is true enough. And if he had suffered some defeat – in Rome they would surely have to know it – would the emperor then have sent us this envoy, who may well be here this very day, and whose express courier has brought me all these rich jewels and gifts? Ah, Eutherius! Well, well?

Eutherius the steward (from the background).

My princess, it is quite impossible to learn anything reliable –

Princess Helena.

Impossible? You deceive me! The soldiers themselves must surely know –

Eutherius the steward.

They are only barbarian auxiliary troops that are marching in, – Batavians and others, – and they know nothing.

Princess Helena (wrings her hands).

Oh, have I deserved this anguish! Sweet, holy Christ, have I not called upon you night and day –

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

Caesar Julian (in dusty armour, comes quickly from the background).

Helena!

Eutherius the steward.

My exalted Caesar!

Caesar Julian (embraces the princess with vehemence).

Helena! – Bar all the doors, Eutherius!

Princess Helena.

Beaten! Pursued!

Eutherius the steward.

My lord!

Caesar Julian.

Double guards at the doors; let no one in! Listen; has any envoy come from the emperor?

Eutherius the steward.

No, my lord; but an envoy is expected.

Caesar Julian.

Go, go! (to the slave-girl) Away with you.

Princess Helena (sinks down into the armchair).

So it is all over with us, then!

Caesar Julian (draws the curtain together)

Who knows. Only be wary, and the storm may yet –

Princess Helena.

After such a defeat –?

Caesar Julian.

Defeat? What are you talking about, my beloved?

Princess Helena.

Have the Alemanni not beaten you?

Caesar Julian.

Had they beaten me, you would not have seen me alive again.

Princess Helena (springs up).

But, Lord of heaven, what has happened, then?

Caesar Julian (softly).

The worst, Helena; – an immeasurable victory.

Princess Helena.

A victory, you say! An immeasurable victory? You have conquered, and yet –?

Caesar Julian.

You cannot grasp how I stand. You know only the golden outer side of all a Caesar's misery.

Princess Helena.

Julian!

Caesar Julian.

Can you blame me for having concealed such things from you? Did not both duty and shame bid me –? Ah, – what is that? What a change –!

Princess Helena.

What? What?

Caesar Julian.

What a change in you these months! Helena, have you been ill?

Princess Helena.

No, no; but tell me –?

Caesar Julian.

Yes, you have been ill! You must be ill still; – these fever-hot temples, these blue-brown rings about the eyes –

Princess Helena.

Oh, nothing, my beloved! Do not look at me, Julian! Only anguish and night-watches for your sake; burning prayers to the most highly blessed one upon the tree of the cross –

Caesar Julian.

Spare yourself, you precious one; it is, after all, quite uncertain whether this zeal bears so much fruit.

Princess Helena.

Fie; your mind is not pious. – But speak of your own affairs, Julian! I beg you, conceal nothing from me.

Caesar Julian.

There can be nothing concealed any longer. Since the empress's death I have not been able to take a single step here in Gaul without its being ill-interpreted at the court. If I went cautiously to work against the Alemanni, then it was said that I was timorous and inactive. They mocked at the lover of wisdom, who could not rightly accustom himself to bearing war-armour. If I won an advantage over the barbarians, then I had to hear that I ought to have been able to achieve more.

Princess Helena.

But all your friends in the army –

Caesar Julian.

Who do you think are my friends in the army? Not one, my beloved Helena! Yes, a single one, – that Perusian knight, Sallust, to whom, during our wedding festivities in Milan, I had to refuse a modest request. He has magnanimously come to me in the camp, has reminded me of our old friendship in Athens and begged to be allowed to follow me into all dangers. But what does Sallust count for at the imperial court? He is, after all, one of those whom they there call heathens. He can profit me nothing. – And then the others! The commander Arbetio, who left me in the lurch when I lay shut up in Sennones! Old Severus, who is weighed down under the feeling of his own incompetence, and who yet cannot reconcile himself to my new conduct of war! Or do you think I can lean upon Florentius, – the praetorian prefect? I tell you, this restless man strives after the highest things.

Princess Helena.

Ah, Julian!

Caesar Julian (walks up and down).

If only I could get on the track of their intrigues! Every week secret letters go from the camp to Rome. Everything I undertake is reported and distorted. No thrall in the realm is fettered like Caesar. Do you know, Helena, that the bill of fare my cook has to abide by, it has been sent to him from the emperor, and I am not permitted to alter anything in it, neither to add nor to take away!

Princess Helena.

And all this you have borne secretly –!

Caesar Julian.

Everyone knows it, except you. Everyone mocks at Caesar's impotence. I will bear it no longer! I will not bear it!

Princess Helena.

But the great battle –? Tell me, though, – has the rumour exaggerated –?

Caesar Julian.

The rumour has not been able to exaggerate. – Hush; what was that? (listens toward the door.) No, no; I only thought –.

I dare say that in these months I have accomplished all that stood within human power. Step by step, and in spite of all hindrances in my own camp, I drove the barbarians back toward the eastern frontier. Before Argentoratum, with the Rhine at his back, King Knodomar drew all his fighting forces together. Five kings and ten lesser princes joined him. But before he had managed to gather the boats needful for crossing in case of need, I let my army advance to the attack.

Princess Helena.

My hero, my Julian!

Caesar Julian.

Lupicinus with the javelin-throwers and the light-armed went round the enemy in the north; the old legions under Severus drove the barbarians more and more eastward toward the river; the Batavians, our confederates, under the faithful Bainabaudes, stood honourably by the legions, and when Knodomar perceived that all was in peril, he sought to escape toward the south to reach over to the islands. But before that could happen I let Florentius meet him with the praetorians and the horsemen. Helena, I do not care to say it aloud, but certain it is that treachery or envy had nearly robbed me of the fruits of victory. The Roman riders gave way time after time before the barbarians, who threw themselves to the ground and stabbed the horses in the belly. I saw our defeat before my eyes –

Princess Helena.

But the God of battles was with you!

Caesar Julian.

I seized a banner, fired the imperial household troops with my shouts, held in all haste a speech to them, a speech that perhaps would not have been quite unworthy even of a more enlightened circle of hearers, and thereupon, as soon as the soldiers' shouts of applause had rewarded me, I plunged straight into the thickest tumult of battle.

Princess Helena.

Julian! Oh, you do not love me!

Caesar Julian.

In that moment you were not in my thoughts. I wished to die; I knew no other way out. But it came, my beloved! It was as if a lightning-striking terror flashed out of our lance-points. I saw Knodomar, that terrible warrior – yes, you have indeed seen him yourself – I saw him flee on foot from the battle, and with him fled his brother Vestralp and the kings Hortar and Suomar and all who did not fall beneath our swords.

Princess Helena.

Oh, I see it; I see it! Blessed saviour; it was you who again sent forth the angels of murder from the Milvian bridge!

Caesar Julian.

Never have I heard such cries of woe; never have I seen such gaping wounds as those we trod in, as we waded over the fallen. The river did the rest; the drowning fought among themselves until they rolled over and went to the bottom. Most of the princes fell alive into our hands; Knodomar himself had sought refuge in a clump of reeds; one of his companions betrayed him, our men sent a rain of arrows in toward the hidden one, but without striking him. Then he came forward of his own free will and gave himself up.

Princess Helena.

And after such a victory you should not feel secure?

Caesar Julian (hesitating).

After the victory, that same evening, there occurred an incident, a trifle –

Princess Helena.

An incident?

Caesar Julian.

I would rather call it so. In Athens we brooded so much over Nemesis. – My victory was so overwhelmingly great, Helena; my position had, as it were, come out of equilibrium; I do not know –

Princess Helena.

Oh, speak then; you frighten me!

Caesar Julian.

It was a trifle, I tell you. I had the captive Knodomar led before me in the sight of the army. Before the battle he had threatened that I should be flayed alive when I fell into his hands. Now he came toward me with uncertain steps, trembling over his whole body; broken by misfortune, in such a way as is the manner of barbarians, he cast himself down before me, clasped my knees, poured out tears and begged for his life.

Princess Helena.

With a shudder of terror through his powerful limbs. I see the prostrate Knodomar. – Did you kill him, my beloved?

Caesar Julian.

I could not kill this man. I assured him of safety and promised to send him as a prisoner to Rome.

Princess Helena.

Without torturing him?

Caesar Julian.

Prudence bade me act mildly. But then, – I cannot grasp how it came about, – in overflowing joy, and with a howl upon his lips, the barbarian sprang up, stretched his bound hands into the air and, little versed as he was in our tongue, cried with a loud voice: praised be you, Julian, you mighty emperor!

Princess Helena.

Ah!

Caesar Julian.

My companions were about to laugh; but the barbarian king's cry struck down like a kindling lightning among the clusters of soldiers. «Long live emperor Julian», cried the bystanders; and the cry spread in wider and wider rings to the remotest distance; – it was as if a Titan had hurled a mountain out into the world-ocean; – oh, my beloved, forgive me this heathen simile, but –

Princess Helena.

Emperor Julian! He said: emperor Julian!

Caesar Julian.

What did the rude Aleman know of Constantius, whom he had never seen? I, his vanquisher, was to him the greatest –

Princess Helena.

Yes, yes; but the soldiers –?

Caesar Julian.

I rebuked them sharply; for I saw it well, – Florentius, Severus and certain others stood about in silence, white with terror and wrath.

Princess Helena.

Yes, yes, – they, but not the soldiers.

Caesar Julian.

Scarcely had a single night run to an end before my secret enemies had distorted the matter. Caesar has let Knodomar proclaim him emperor, it was said, and in return he has granted the barbarian king his life. – Thus, turned upside down, it has also been reported to Rome.

Princess Helena.

Are you sure of it? And by whom?

Caesar Julian.

Yes, by whom? By whom? I myself wrote in haste to the emperor and told him the whole of it, but –

Princess Helena.

Well, – and what has he answered?

Caesar Julian.

As usual. You know that ill-boding silence when he means to strike someone.

Princess Helena.

Yet I think you misinterpret all this. It cannot be otherwise. See now; the envoy will soon bring you assurance that –

Caesar Julian.

I have assurance, Helena! Here on my breast I keep intercepted letters, which –

Princess Helena.

Oh, Lord my God, let me see!

Caesar Julian.

Later, later.

And all this after the services I have shown him! Here I have cast the Alemanni's onslaught to the ground for long times to come, while he himself has suffered defeat upon defeat at the Danube and while the army in Asia does not seem to gain a single step's advance against the Persians. Shame and ill-luck on all sides, except here, where a reluctant friend of wisdom was set at the head of affairs. And yet I am mocked all the same at the court. Yes, even after the last great victory they have made a lampoon on me and called me Victorinus! This must have an end.

Princess Helena.

Yes, I think so too.

Caesar Julian.

What is a Caesar's dignity on such terms!

Princess Helena.

No, you are right, Julian; we cannot remain standing at this.

Caesar Julian (stops).

Helena, could you follow me?

Princess Helena (softly).

Fear not for me; I shall not draw back.

Caesar Julian.

Away, then, from all this thankless toil; away to the so long coveted solitude –!

Princess Helena.

What do you say? Solitude!

Caesar Julian.

With you, my beloved; and with my dear books, which here I have so seldom been able to open, and which I have only dared to devote my restless nights to.

Princess Helena (looks down at him).

Ah, so!

Caesar Julian.

What else?

Princess Helena.

Well yes; what else?

Caesar Julian.

Yes, yes, – I ask, what else?

Princess Helena (closer).

Julian, – how did the barbarian king greet you?

Caesar Julian (drawing back).

Helena!

Princess Helena (closer again).

What name was it that resounded in the soldiers' ranks?

Caesar Julian.

Imprudent one; here perhaps a listener stands outside every door!

Princess Helena.

What do you fear from listeners? Is not God's grace over you? Have you not been the fortunate one in all encounters? – I see the admonishing saviour; I see the angel with the flaming sword, who made a way for my father when he cast Maxentius into the Tiber!

Caesar Julian.

I should rise up against the ruler of the realm!

Princess Helena.

Only against those who stand between you two. Oh, go, go; smite them with the lightning of your wrath; make an end of this consuming, joyless life! Gaul is a wasteland. I freeze here, Julian! I want to go home again, to the sun's warmth, to Rome and Hellas.

Caesar Julian.

Home again to your brother?

Princess Helena (softly).

Constantius is decrepit.

Caesar Julian.

Helena!

Princess Helena.

I can endure it no longer, I tell you. Time passes. Eusebia is gone; her empty seat stands beckoning toward honour and glory while I grow old –

Caesar Julian.

You do not grow old; you are young and fair!

Princess Helena.

No, no, no! Time passes; I cannot bear this with patience; life is slipping from me!

Caesar Julian (looks at her).

How temptingly fair, how godlike you are!

Princess Helena (clings to him).

Am I that, Julian?

Caesar Julian (embraces her).

You are the only woman I have loved, – the only one who has loved me.

Princess Helena.

I am older than you. I will grow no older. When all is over, then –

Caesar Julian (tears himself loose).

Be still! I will hear no more.

Princess Helena (goes after him).

Constantius dies a little each day; he hangs by a hair over the grave. Oh, my beloved Julian, you have the soldiers on your side, after all –

Caesar Julian.

Hush, hush!

Princess Helena.

He can bear no agitations of the mind. What, then, is there to shrink back from? I mean nothing bloody, after all. Fie, how could you think it? The terror will be enough; it will take him into its arms and lovingly end his sufferings.

Caesar Julian.

Do you forget the invisible bodyguard about the anointed one?

Princess Helena.

Christ is good. Oh, be pious, Julian, and he will forgive much. I will help. Prayers shall be sent up for you. Praised be the holy men! Praised be the martyrs! Believe me, we shall atone for everything afterward. Grant me the Alemanni for conversion; I will send out priests among them; they shall bow down beneath the grace of the cross.

Caesar Julian.

The Alemanni do not bow down under it.

Princess Helena.

Then they shall die! Like a sweet smoke shall the blood rise up to him, the most highly blessed. We will increase his glory; his praise shall be proclaimed through us. I will be there myself. The Alemannic women for me! If they do not bow, then they shall be sacrificed! And then, my Julian, – when you see me again –; made young again, made young again! Grant me the Alemannic women, you beloved! Blood –, it is no murder, after all, and the means shall be unfailing –, a bath in young virgin-blood –

Caesar Julian.

Helena, you are sinning!

Princess Helena.

Is it a crime to sin for your sake?

Caesar Julian.

You fair one, you only one!

Princess Helena (bends down over his hands).

My lord before God and men! – Do not yield this time, Julian! My hero, my emperor! I see heaven open. The priests shall sing praises to Christ; my women shall gather in prayer. (with uplifted arms.) Oh, you blessed one! Oh, you God of hosts, – you who hold grace and victory in your hand –

Caesar Julian (with a glance toward the door, cries out):

Helena!

Princess Helena.

Ah!

Eutherius the steward (from the background).

My lord, the emperor's messenger –

Caesar Julian.

Has he come?

Eutherius the steward.

Yes, my lord!

Caesar Julian.

His name? Who is he?

Eutherius the steward.

Decentius the tribune.

Princess Helena.

Really? The pious Decentius!

Caesar Julian.

Whom has he spoken with?

Eutherius the steward.

With no one, my lord; he came this very moment.

Caesar Julian.

I will see him at once. And listen; one thing more. The generals and the commanders shall present themselves to me.

Eutherius the steward.

Good, most gracious sire!

Caesar Julian.

Now, my Helena, now it will show itself –

Princess Helena (softly).

Whatever shows itself, do not forget that you can rely on the soldiers.

Caesar Julian.

Ah, rely, rely –; I do not know whether I can rely on anyone.

Princess Helena (toward him).

Welcome, noble Decentius! A Roman face, – and above all, this face, – oh, it lays a living gleam of sunshine over our unkind Gaul.

Decentius the tribune.

The emperor meets your longing and your hope halfway, exalted princess! We may believe that Gaul shall not fetter you much longer.

Princess Helena.

Do you say so, you bringer of joy? The emperor thinks of me always with love, then? How is it with his health?

Caesar Julian.

Go, go, my beloved Helena!

Decentius the tribune.

The emperor's health has by no means worsened.

Princess Helena.

No, is it not so? That was what I knew. All these alarming rumours –; God be praised that it was only rumours! Thank him most lovingly, you pious Decentius! And be thanked yourself. With what rich gifts have you not heralded your arrival! Imperial gifts –; no, no, brotherly gifts in truth! Two shining black Nubians, – you should see them, my Julian! – and pearls! Those I am wearing already. And fruits, – sweet, swelling; ah; peaches from Damascus, peaches in golden bowls! How they will refresh me; – fruit, fruit; I languish here in Gaul.

Caesar Julian.

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

Princess Helena.

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

Caesar Julian (after a moment's pause).

Message or dispatches?

Decentius the tribune.

Dispatches.

Caesar Julian (reads, suppresses a smile and stretches out his hand).

More!

Decentius the tribune.

Exalted Caesar, that is about all.

Caesar Julian.

Really? Has the emperor sent his friend the long way only to –?

Had the Aleman king Knodomar come to Rome before your departure?

Decentius the tribune.

Yes, exalted Caesar!

Caesar Julian.

And how does he manage in the foreign land, unversed in the language as he is? Yes, he is most unversed, Decentius! He was downright a laughing-stock for my soldiers. Just think, he confused such common words as emperor and Caesar.

Decentius the tribune (shrugs his shoulders).

A barbarian. What is there to say?

Caesar Julian.

No, what is there to say? But the emperor is gracious to him, though?

Decentius the tribune.

Knodomar is dead, my lord!

Caesar Julian (stops).

Knodomar is dead?

Decentius the tribune.

In the strangers' camp on the Caelian hill.

Caesar Julian.

Dead? So? – Yes, the air in Rome is unhealthy.

Decentius the tribune.

The Aleman king died of homesickness, my lord! The longing for kin and freedom –

Caesar Julian.

– it consumes, Decentius; yes, yes, I know it. – I should not have sent him living to Rome; I should have had him killed here.

Decentius the tribune.

Caesar's mind is mild.

Caesar Julian.

Hm –! Homesickness? Indeed!

Are you there, old faun? Tempt me no more. (to Decentius.) Ever since the battle of Argentoratum he is always talking to me of the victory-chariot and the white team. (to Sintula.) It became Phaethon's ride with the Libyan sun-horses. How did it end? Have you forgotten – have you forgotten your heathenism, I was about to say. – Forgive me, Decentius, that I wound your pious ear.

Decentius the tribune.

Caesar tickles his servant's ear; but he does not wound it.

Caesar Julian.

Yes, yes; bear with Caesar if he jests. I really do not know how to take it otherwise. – There we have them.

Caesar Julian (goes to meet them).

Good morning, you brothers in arms and friends! Do not be too vexed that I call you straight here from the dirt and toil of the highroad; I should surely have granted you some hours' rest; but –

Florentius the praetorian prefect.

Has anything particular happened, my lord?

Caesar Julian.

Yes, in truth, there is. Can you tell me, – what was lacking in Caesar's fortune?

Florentius the praetorian prefect.

What should be lacking in Caesar's fortune?

Caesar Julian.

Now nothing. (to Decentius.) The army has demanded that I should hold a victory-entry into the city. At the head of the legions they wished that I should ride in through Lutetia's gates. Captive barbarian princes with bound hands were to walk by the wheels of the chariot; women and slaves from twenty conquered peoples were to follow after, closely crowded, head by head – (breaks off suddenly.) Rejoice, my brave fellow-fighters; here you see Decentius the tribune, the emperor's confidential friend and counsellor. He came this morning hour with gifts and greetings from Rome.

Florentius the praetorian prefect.

Ah, then surely nothing is lacking in Caesar's fortune.

Severus the general (softly to Florentius).

Inconceivable! So once more in the emperor's favour!

Florentius the praetorian prefect (softly).

Oh, this fickle emperor!

Caesar Julian.

It seems as if a wondering muteness had struck you all. – They find that the emperor has done too much, good Decentius!

Florentius the praetorian prefect.

How can such a thing come into Caesar's mind?

Severus the general.

Too much, exalted Caesar? By no means. Should the emperor not know how to choose the right bounds for his grace?

Florentius the praetorian prefect.

To be sure, this is a great and rare distinction –

Severus the general.

I would call it exceedingly great and rare.

Florentius the praetorian prefect.

And in particular it gives a shining testimony that our exalted emperor's mind is free of all envy –

Severus the general.

A testimony without precedent; that I may well say.

Florentius the praetorian prefect.

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

Caesar Julian.

A year-long dream, you precious friends! I have accomplished nothing at all. Nothing, nothing!

Florentius the praetorian prefect.

And your modesty reckons that as nothing? What was the army when you took it over? A disordered rabble –

Severus the general.

– without cohesion, without obedience, without leadership –

Caesar Julian.

Exaggeration, Severus!

Florentius the praetorian prefect.

And was it not with this unbridled rabble that you went against the Alemanni; did you not beat them with these bands, which through victories you transformed into an army of victors; did you not take Colonia Agrippina back –?

Caesar Julian.

Ah, ah, you see with friendship's eye, my Florentius! – Or is it really true? Is it so, that I drove the barbarians away from the islands in the Rhine? That I set the decayed Tres Tabernae in a state of defence for the good of the realm's security? Is it really so?

Florentius the praetorian prefect.

How, my lord? Can you doubt such great things?

Caesar Julian.

No, in truth, I think –. And the battle of Argentoratum? Was I not there? It hovers before me so surely that I was victorious over Knodomar. And after the victory –; Florentius, have I dreamed; or did I not build Trajan's fort up again, when we marched into the Germanic regions?

Florentius the praetorian prefect.

Exalted Caesar, is there any man so insane that he would dispute you this honour?

Severus the general (to Decentius).

I praise fate, which granted me in my old age to follow so fortunate a leader.

Florentius the praetorian prefect (likewise to the tribune).

What turn the Alemannic assault might have taken without Caesar's valour and prudence, I scarcely dare to think of.

Several courtiers (press forward).

Yes, my lord, Caesar is great!

Other gentlemen (clap their hands).

Caesar is without equal!

Caesar Julian (looks for a while by turns at Decentius and the others; then he bursts out in a loud short laugh).

So blind is friendship, Decentius! So blind, blind!

Here stand quite other things! Listen, and drink it in like a refreshing dew of recognition. It is the emperor's announcement to all the governors round about in the realm; – our excellent Decentius has brought a copy with him. Here it stands: I have accomplished nothing in Gaul. It was a dream, as I just said. Here we have the emperor's own words: it was under the emperor's fortunate auspices that the peril overhanging the realm was averted.

Florentius the praetorian prefect.

All the affairs of the realm enjoy success under the emperor's auspices.

Caesar Julian.

More, more! Here it is reported that it is the emperor who has fought and conquered at the Rhine; it is the emperor who has raised up the humbly pleading Aleman king who cast himself down before him. My name I do not succeed in finding anywhere in this document, – nor yours, Florentius, nor yours either, Severus! And here, in the description of the battle of Argentoratum –; where was it I had it? yes here; here it stands; it was the emperor who ordained the order of battle; it was the emperor himself who, at peril of his life, hewed his sword blunt, fighting in the foremost ranks; it was the emperor who, by the terror of his presence, drove the barbarians into headlong flight –; read; read, I say!

Severus the general.

Exalted Caesar, your word is enough.

Caesar Julian.

And what, then, are you driving at with your deluding talk, you friends? Will you, out of excessive love for me, make me a parasite whom you feed with the abundance you pilfered from my kinsman's table? – What do you think, Decentius? What do you say to this? You see that in my own camp I must keep an eye on adherents who at times in their blindness are on the way to stray beyond the boundary-stakes of rebellion.

Florentius the praetorian prefect (quickly to the tribune).

In truth, my words have been grossly misinterpreted, if –

Severus the general (likewise to the tribune).

It could never come into my mind in that way to –

Caesar Julian.

So shall it be, you brothers in battle; let us all together swallow our pride. I asked before what was lacking in Caesar's fortune. Now you know it. It was the recognition of truth that was lacking in Caesar's fortune. Your silver helmet will not come to be covered by the dust of the triumphal procession, brave Florentius! The emperor has held a victory-entry for us in Rome. He finds, therefore, that all solemnities here are superfluous. Go, Sintula, and see to it that the intended processions are called off. The emperor wishes to grant his soldiers a beneficial rest. It is his will that they shall remain in the camp outside the walls.

Caesar Julian.

Was I not once a friend of wisdom? So they said, at least, both in Athens and in Ephesus. So weak is the human mind in prosperity. I was near becoming unfaithful to wisdom. The emperor has reminded me. Thank him most humbly, Decentius! Have you more to report?

Decentius the tribune.

One thing yet. After all that the emperor has learned, and according to the letter you wrote to him from Argentoratum, the great work of peace has been happily brought to an end here in Gaul.

Caesar Julian.

Surely; the emperor, partly by his valour and partly by his magnanimous mildness –

Decentius the tribune.

The realm's frontier is secured toward the Rhine.

Caesar Julian.

By the emperor, by the emperor.

Decentius the tribune.

In the provinces around the Danube, on the other hand, affairs stand badly, and still worse in Asia; King Sapor steadily gains ground.

Caesar Julian.

The audacious man! Rumour says that the emperor this summer also has not been pleased to let his generals crush him.

Decentius the tribune.

The emperor intends to crush him himself in the spring. (takes out a roll of paper.) Here is his will, exalted Caesar!

Caesar Julian.

Let me see, let me see! (reads.) Ah!

So it is the emperor's will that –? Good, good, noble Decentius; the emperor's will shall be complied with.

Decentius the tribune.

It is necessary that it be complied with this very day.

Caesar Julian.

This very day; of course. Come here, Sintula! Now, where is he? Ah, so! – Fetch Sintula back!

Florentius the praetorian prefect (in a subdued voice to the tribune).

I beg most earnestly, do not misinterpret what I said before. When I ascribed the honour to Caesar, it was of course not thereby meant that –

Severus the general (softly).

Never could it come into my thought that it was not the emperor's supreme wise leadership that –

A courtier (on the tribune's other side).

I beg you, noble sir, – put in a word for me in the court-camp, and release me from this painful post with a Caesar who –; yes, he is the emperor's exalted kinsman, but –

Another courtier.

I could unfortunately tell you things that bear witness as much to boundless vanity as to foolhardy hopes –

Caesar Julian.

This very day! Let a word be said, Decentius! It would be my highest wish, if I could lay down this responsible dignity.

Decentius the tribune.

That shall be reported to the emperor.

Caesar Julian.

I call heaven to witness that I never –; ah, there is Sintula; so then we can – (to the tribune.) You are going?

Decentius the tribune.

I have to confer with the generals, exalted Caesar!

Caesar Julian.

Without my intervention?

Decentius the tribune.

The emperor has charged me to spare his precious kinsman.

Caesar Julian (looks at him for a while).

Sintula!

Sintula the master of the horse.

Yes, exalted lord!

Caesar Julian.

Come nearer. – Yes, truly, you look honest. Forgive me; I have never thought that you could be so devoted to me.

Sintula the master of the horse.

Whence do you know that I am devoted to you, my lord?

Caesar Julian. (points at the roll of paper).

Here I can read it for myself; it says that you are to leave me.

Sintula the master of the horse.

I, my lord?

Caesar Julian.

The emperor is dissolving the Gallic army, Sintula!

Sintula the master of the horse.

Dissolving –?

Caesar Julian.

Yes, what else is it than a dissolution? The emperor needs to reinforce himself, both in the Danube region and against the Persians. Our Batavian and Herulian auxiliary troops are to depart in all haste, in order to be able to stand in Asia by the spring.

Sintula the master of the horse.

But these are impossible things, my lord! You have, after all, solemnly sworn to these very confederates of ours that they must on no account be used beyond the Alps.

Caesar Julian.

Just so, Sintula! The emperor writes that I gave that pledge in rashness and without his consent. That, to be sure, I have never known; but so it stands. I am to be forced to break my word, to dishonour myself in the eyes of the army, to turn the barbarians' unbridled wrath, perhaps their death-dealing weapons, against me.

Sintula the master of the horse.

It will fail, my lord! The Roman legions will offer you their breast for a shield.

Caesar Julian.

The Roman legions? Hm; – guileless friend! From each Roman legion three hundred men are to be drawn out, who likewise are to be sent to the emperor by the shortest roads.

Sintula the master of the horse.

Ah, this is –!

Caesar Julian.

It is well calculated; is it not? All the army-divisions are to be stirred up against me, so that with all the less danger they may make me weaponless.

Sintula the master of the horse.

And I tell you, my lord, that not a single one of your generals will let himself be used for this.

Caesar Julian.

My generals will not come into temptation either. You are the man.

Sintula the master of the horse.

I, my Caesar!

Caesar Julian.

Here it stands written. The emperor entrusts to you to arrange all that is needful and thereupon to lead the selected divisions to Rome.

Sintula the master of the horse.

And that is entrusted to me? Here, where men like Florentius and old Severus –

Caesar Julian.

You have no victories on your list of sins, Sintula!

Sintula the master of the horse.

No, that is surely true. Never here would anyone grant me the opportunity to show –

Caesar Julian.

I have been unjust toward you. Thank you for your faithfulness.

Sintula the master of the horse.

So great an imperial grace! My lord, may I see –

Caesar Julian.

What do you want to see? You will not let yourself be used for this, after all.

Sintula the master of the horse.

God forbid that I should refuse the emperor obedience!

Caesar Julian.

Sintula, – you could disarm your Caesar!

Sintula the master of the horse.

Caesar has all his days set little store by me. Caesar has never been able to forgive me that he had to endure about him a master of the horse who was chosen by the emperor.

Caesar Julian.

The emperor is great and wise; he knows how to choose.

Sintula the master of the horse.

My lord, – I burn to do my duty; may I ask for the emperor's command?

Caesar Julian (hands him one of the papers).

Here is the emperor's command. Go, and do your duty.

Myrrha the slave-girl (comes hurriedly from the right).

Oh, merciful saviour!

Caesar Julian.

Myrrha! What is it?

Myrrha the slave-girl.

Oh, gracious heaven, my mistress –

Caesar Julian.

Your mistress, – what of her?

Myrrha the slave-girl.

Sickness or madness –; help, help!

Caesar Julian.

Helena ill! The physician! Oribases shall come, Sintula! Fetch him!

Princess Helena.

Loosen the comb! Loosen the comb, I say! It is red-hot. Fire in my hair; I burn, I burn!

Caesar Julian.

Helena! For God's mercy's sake –!

Princess Helena.

Is there no one who will help? They are murdering me with needle-pricks!

Caesar Julian.

My Helena! What has happened to you?

Princess Helena.

Myrrha, Myrrha! Save me from the girls, Myrrha!

Oribases the physician (comes from the background).

What message of horror is being told –? Is it true? Ah!

Caesar Julian.

Helena! My love, light of my life –!

Princess Helena.

Away from me! Oh, sweet Jesus, help!

Caesar Julian.

She is beside herself. What can it be, Oribases? Look, – look at the eyes, how large –!

Oribases the physician (to Myrrha).

What has the princess partaken of? What has she eaten or drunk?

Caesar Julian.

Ah, you think –?

Oribases the physician.

Answer, women; what have you given the princess?

Myrrha the slave-girl.

We? Oh, nothing, believe me; she herself has –

Oribases the physician.

Well, well!

Myrrha the slave-girl.

Some fruits; it was peaches, I think; – oh, I do not know –

Caesar Julian.

Fruits! Peaches? Of those that –?

Myrrha the slave-girl.

Yes – no – yes; I do not know, my lord; – there were two Nubians –

Caesar Julian.

Help, help, Oribases!

Oribases the physician.

Alas, I fear –

Caesar Julian.

No, no, no!

Oribases the physician.

Quiet, gracious sire; she is coming to herself.

Princess Helena (whispering).

Why did the sun go down? Oh, holy, mysterious darkness!

Caesar Julian.

Helena! Listen; collect your thoughts –

Oribases the physician.

My exalted princess –

Caesar Julian.

It is the physician, Helena! (takes her hand.) No, here, where I stand.

Princess Helena (tears herself loose).

Fie; there he was again!

Caesar Julian.

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

Princess Helena.

The loathsome one; – always he is about me.

Caesar Julian.

What does she mean?

Oribases the physician.

Step aside, gracious sire –!

Princess Helena.

Sweet stillness! He has no inkling –; oh, my Gallus!

Caesar Julian.

Gallus?

Oribases the physician.

Go, exalted Caesar; it is not fitting –

Princess Helena.

How your thick curly hair curves defiantly about the neck. Oh, this short, fleshy neck –

Caesar Julian.

Abyss of all abysses –!

Oribases the physician.

The delirium increases –

Caesar Julian.

I notice, I notice. We must investigate, Oribases!

Princess Helena (laughs softly).

Now he wants to investigate again. – Ink on the fingers; book-dust in the hair, – unwashed; fie, fie, how he stinks.

Myrrha the slave-girl.

My lord, do you not command that I shall –?

Caesar Julian.

Away with you, woman!

Princess Helena.

How could you let yourself be overcome by him, you brown, swelling barbarian? He cannot overcome women. How I am sickened by this virtue of impotence.

Caesar Julian.

Aside, all of you! Not so near, Oribases! I myself will watch over the princess.

Princess Helena.

Are you angry with me, you glorious one? Gallus is dead, after all. Beheaded. What a stroke it must have been! Not jealous, you my first and last. Burn Gallus in the fire of hell; – it was, after all, only you, you, you –!

Caesar Julian.

Not nearer, Oribases!

Princess Helena.

Kill the priest too! I will not see him after this, you know our sweet secret, after all. Oh, you longing of my days, rapture of my nights! It was you yourself, after all, – in the shape of your servant – in the prayer-chamber; yes, yes, you were there; it was you – in the darkness, in the air, in the veiling clouds of incense, that night when the Caesar-to-be beneath my heart –

Caesar Julian (recoils with a cry).

Ah!

Princess Helena (with outspread arms).

My lover and lord! Mine, mine –!

Caesar Julian (stands for a moment motionless; then he clenches his hand in the air and cries out):

Galilean!

Sallust the knight.

The princess in a swoon! Oh, so it was true after all!

Caesar Julian (seizes the physician by the arm and leads him aside).

Tell the truth! Have you before today known that –; well now, you understand me; have you before today known anything of – of the princess's condition?

Oribases the physician.

I, like all others, my lord!

Caesar Julian.

And you have said nothing to me, Oribases!

Oribases the physician.

How, my Caesar?

Caesar Julian.

How could you dare to keep silent about such a thing!

Oribases the physician.

My lord, there was one thing of which we were all ignorant.

Caesar Julian.

And that was?

Oribases the physician.

That Caesar knew nothing.

Caesar Julian.

Where to?

Oribases the physician.

To try the remedies that my art –

Caesar Julian.

I believe that your art will prove useless.

Oribases the physician.

My lord, it might yet be possible that –

Caesar Julian.

Useless, I say!

Oribases the physician (a step back).

Exalted Caesar, it is my duty to be disobedient to you in this.

Caesar Julian.

How do you interpret my words? Go, go; try what your art –; save the emperor's sister; the emperor would feel inconsolable if his loving care should draw any misfortune after it. Yes, you know well that those fruits were a gift from the emperor?

Oribases the physician.

Ah!

Caesar Julian.

Go, go, man, – and try what your art –

Oribases the physician (bows reverently).

I believe my art is useless, my lord!

Caesar Julian.

Ah, you, Sallust! What do you think? Now the waves of fate begin to roll in over the family again.

Sallust the knight.

Oh, but there is rescue. Oribases will –

Caesar Julian (curtly and dismissively).

The princess is dying.

Sallust the knight.

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

Caesar Julian.

Be comforted, friend; all the threads shall come to light, and then –

Decentius the tribune (comes from the background).

How shall I approach Caesar's countenance! How inscrutable are the ways of God! Crushed to pieces –; would that you could read in my entrails! I, the messenger of sorrow and misfortune –!

Caesar Julian.

Yes, you may well say that twice, noble Decentius! And how shall I find words soft and veiling enough to bring this into a tolerable presentation for the emperor's brotherly ear!

Decentius the tribune.

Ill-fated, that such a thing should happen almost at the same time as my mission! And just now! Oh, this lightning-stroke from the cloudless heaven of hopes!

Caesar Julian.

Yes, this sea-storm of fate, rising up and engulfing, just as the ship seemed about to run into a long-wished-for harbour; this, this –; grief makes us eloquent, Decentius, – you as well as me. But business first. The two Nubians shall be imprisoned and interrogated.

Decentius the tribune.

The Nubians, my lord? Do you think my wrathful zeal could endure that those two careless servants a moment longer –?

Caesar Julian.

How? Surely you have never –?

Decentius the tribune.

Call me a hot-tempered man, exalted Caesar; but my love for the emperor and for his grief-stricken house would in truth have to be lesser than it is, if in such an hour it could give room for cool deliberation.

Caesar Julian.

You have had both slaves killed?

Decentius the tribune.

Had they not sevenfold deserved death, the negligent ones? They were two heathen savages, my lord! Their testimony would have served no purpose; it was impossible for me to press anything else out of them than that they had let those important things stand a rather long time in the antechamber without guard, accessible to each and all –

Caesar Julian.

Aha! Indeed, Decentius!

Decentius the tribune.

I accuse no one. Oh, but, precious Caesar, I warn you; for you are surrounded by faithless servants. Your court – what an ill-fated misunderstanding! – they have thought to glimpse a kind of disfavour, or whatever I shall call it, behind the measures that the emperor has been compelled to take here; in short –

Sintula the master of the horse (comes from the background).

My lord, you have given me a charge that I can in no way carry out.

Caesar Julian.

The emperor has given you the charge, good Sintula!

Sintula the master of the horse.

Take it from me, my lord; I am truly not equal to it.

Decentius the tribune.

What has happened?

Sintula the master of the horse.

The camp is in wild uproar. The legion troops and the confederates are banding together –

Decentius the tribune.

In defiance of the emperor's will!

Sintula the master of the horse.

The soldiers cry out that they will hold to Caesar's promises.

Caesar Julian.

Hear, hear; these roars outside –!

Sintula the master of the horse.

The swarm storms hither –

Decentius the tribune.

Let no one in!

Sallust the knight (at the window).

It is too late; the whole square is filled with threatening soldiers.

Decentius the tribune.

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

Sintula the master of the horse.

Fled.

Decentius the tribune.

The boastful wretch! But Severus, then?

Sintula the master of the horse.

Severus declares himself ill; he has had himself driven out to his country estate.

Caesar Julian.

I will myself speak with the raging men.

Decentius the tribune.

Not from the spot, exalted Caesar!

Caesar Julian.

What now?

Decentius the tribune.

It is my duty, most gracious sire; the emperor's command –; his precious kinsman's life –; Caesar is my prisoner.

Sallust the knight.

Ah!

Caesar Julian.

So it came after all!

Decentius the tribune.

The household troops, Sintula! You are to convey Caesar in safety to Rome.

Caesar Julian.

To Rome!

Sintula the master of the horse.

What do you say, my lord!

Decentius the tribune.

To Rome, I say!

Caesar Julian.

Like Gallus! (cries through the window.) Help, help!

Sallust the knight.

Flee, my Caesar! Flee, flee!

Cries among the soldiers.

Caesar, Caesar!

Other voices.

Caesar, why have you betrayed us?

Yet others.

Down with the faithless Caesar!

Caesar Julian (throws himself with outspread arms right in among the soldiers and cries out):

Fellow-fighters, brothers in war, – save me from my enemies!

Decentius the tribune.

Ah, what is this –!

Wild cries.

Down with Caesar! Strike Caesar down!

Caesar Julian.

Close a ring about me; draw your swords!

Maurus the standard-bearer.

They are already drawn!

Women.

Cut him down; cut him down!

Caesar Julian.

Thank you for coming! Maurus! Honest Maurus! Yes, yes; on you I can rely.

Batavian soldiers.

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

Other confederates.

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

Caesar Julian.

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

Maurus the standard-bearer.

What do you say, my lord?

Decentius the tribune.

Do not believe him!

Caesar Julian.

Do not touch the noble Decentius; he is without guilt.

Laipso the under-officer.

It is true; Caesar is the guilty one.

Caesar Julian.

Ah, is it you, Laipso! Brave friend, is it you? You struck well at Argentoratum.

Laipso the under-officer.

Caesar remembers that?

Varro the under-officer.

His promises he does not remember!

Caesar Julian.

Was it not the dauntless Varro's voice that I caught there? There we have him! Your wound is healed, I see. Oh, you well-deserving warrior, – that it should yet be denied me to make you a captain!

Varro the under-officer.

Have you really wished it?

Caesar Julian.

Do not lay it to the emperor's charge that he refused my request. The emperor knows none of you as I know you.

Decentius the tribune.

Soldiers, hear me –!

Many voices.

We have nothing to do with the emperor.

Others (press forward threateningly).

Caesar shall render us account!

Caesar Julian.

What power, then, has your unhappy Caesar, you friends? They mean to lead me to Rome. They refuse me the management of even my own affairs. They seize my share of the spoils of war. Five gold pieces and a pound of silver I had meant to grant each soldier, but –

The soldiers.

What does he say?

Caesar Julian.

It is not the emperor who forbids it; it is evil and envious counsellors. The emperor is good, you dear friends! Oh, but the emperor is ill; he can accomplish nothing –

Many soldiers.

Five gold pieces and a pound of silver!

Other soldiers.

And that is denied us!

Yet others.

Who dares deny Caesar anything!

Maurus the standard-bearer.

So they deal with Caesar, the father of the soldiers!

Laipso the under-officer.

With Caesar, who has been more a friend than a lord to us! Or has he perhaps not?

Many voices.

Yes, yes, he has!

Varro the under-officer.

Should not Caesar, the victor, be able to choose as captains whom he will?

Maurus the standard-bearer.

Should he not have free disposal over the booty that has fallen to him?

Loud shouts.

Yes, yes, yes!

Caesar Julian.

Alas, what would it profit you? What use can you make of earthly goods, you who are to be led away to the remotest lands to go to meet an uncertain fate –

The soldiers.

We will not go!

Caesar Julian.

Do not look at me; I am ashamed; for I am near to pouring out a stream of tears when I think that within a few months you are to be given up as a prey to diseases, to hunger and to the weapons of a bloodthirsty enemy.

Many soldiers (crowd about him).

Caesar! Good Caesar!

Caesar Julian.

And then your defenceless wives and children, whom you must leave behind in the scattered homes! Who shall shield these pitiable ones, these widows- and orphans-to-be, who will soon be exposed to the Alemanni's vengeful assault?

The women (weeping).

Caesar, Caesar, take care of us!

Caesar Julian (likewise in tears).

What is Caesar? What can the fallen Caesar do?

Laipso the under-officer.

Write to the emperor and let him know –

Caesar Julian.

Alas, what is the emperor? The emperor is sick in mind and body; he is broken down by care for the welfare of the realm. Is it not so, Decentius?

Decentius the tribune.

Yes, surely; but –

Caesar Julian.

How it cut me to the heart when I learned – –

Pray for his soul, you who worship the good Christ! Bring offerings for his health, you who have remained faithful to your fathers' gods! – – Do you know that the emperor has held a victory-entry in Rome?

Maurus the standard-bearer.

Has the emperor?

Varro the under-officer.

What? Beaten, as he came from the Danube?

Caesar Julian.

As he came from the Danube he has held a victory-entry for our victories –

Decentius the tribune (threateningly).

Exalted Caesar, consider –!

Caesar Julian.

Yes, it is true, what the tribune says; consider how the emperor's mind must be clouded, when such things can happen? Oh, my sorely afflicted kinsman! When in Rome he rode through Constantine's mighty arch, he thought himself so great that he bent his back and bowed his head down toward the saddle-bow.

Maurus the standard-bearer.

Like a cock in a gateway-arch!

A few voices.

Is that an emperor!

Varro the under-officer.

And him we are to obey!

Laipso the under-officer.

Away with him!

Maurus the standard-bearer.

Caesar, take the rule yourself!

Decentius the tribune.

Rebellion –!

Many voices.

Take the power; take the power, Caesar!

Caesar Julian.

Madmen! Is that to speak like Romans? Will you imitate the Alemannic barbarians? What was it Knodomar cried at Argentoratum? Answer me, good Maurus, – what did he cry?

Maurus the standard-bearer.

He cried: long live emperor Julian!

Caesar Julian.

Ah, hush, hush! What are you saying?

Maurus the standard-bearer.

Long live emperor Julian!

Those standing behind.

What is going on?

Varro the under-officer.

They proclaim Caesar Julian emperor!

Loud cries.

Long live the emperor! Long live emperor Julian!

Caesar Julian.

Oh, I implore you –! Soldiers, friends, comrades in battle, – see, I stretch out my trembling arms –! Be not anxious, my Decentius! – Oh, that I should have to live to see this! I lay nothing to your charge, you faithful ones; it is despair that has driven you. You will have it so. Good; I submit myself to the will of the army. – Sintula, let my commanders be assembled. – You, tribune, can bear witness for Constantius that I only of necessity – (turns to Varro.) Go, captain, and proclaim in the camp this unexpected change. I myself will without delay write to Rome –

Sallust the knight.

My lord, the soldiers want to see you.

Maurus the standard-bearer.

A golden ring about your head, emperor!

Caesar Julian.

Such an ornament I have never owned.

Maurus the standard-bearer.

This one can do it.

Shouts outside.

The emperor; the emperor! We want to see the emperor!

Soldiers.

Onto the shield with him! Up, up!

Caesar Julian.

The will of the army be done! I bow to the inevitable and renew all my pledges –

Legionaries.

Five gold pieces and a pound of silver!

Batavians.

Not over the Alps!

Caesar Julian.

We will establish ourselves firmly in Vienna. That city is the strongest in Gaul and besides rich in all manner of stores. There it is my intention to wait until we see whether my downcast kinsman approves what we here, for the good of the realm, have resolved –

Sallust the knight.

That he will not do, my lord!

Caesar Julian (with uplifted hands).

Divine wisdom, shine into his darkened soul and lead him to the best! Be with me, you fortune, that have never failed me before!

Myrrha and the women (wailing outside to the right).

Dead, dead, dead!