Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/289

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sc. ii.]
the emperor julian.
253

Julian.

And now, my faithful friends, now let us praise the immortal powers, who have shown us the right way.

Themistius.

The immortals, and their more than mortal favourite! What joy there will be throughout the empire, when it is known that you have dismissed those violent and rapacious men!

Mamertinus.

With what anxiety and impatient hope will the choice of their successors be awaited!

Themistius.

All the Greeks will exclaim with one voice: "Plato himself has taken the helm of state!"

Mamertinus.

No, no, worthy friend; all the Greeks will exclaim: "Plato's ideal is realised—'Only a god can rule over men!'"

Themistius.

I can but trust that the goodwill of the beneficent powers may follow Nevita. He has received a great and difficult charge; I know little of him; but we must all hope that he may prove himself to be the right——

Mamertinus.

Undoubtedly; although there might perhaps be other men who——