Julian.
Yes, Maximus, <g>that</g> is the third empire.
Maximus.
In that empire shall the present watchword of revolt be realised.
Julian.
"Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's,—and to God the things that are God's." Yes, yes, then the Emperor is in God, and God in the Emperor.—Ah, dreams, dreams,—who shall break the Galilean's power?
Maximus.
Wherein lies the Galilean's power?
Julian.
I have brooded over that question in vain.
Maximus.
Is it not somewhere written: "Thou shalt have none other gods but me"?
Julian.
Yes—yes—yes!
Maximus.
The Seer of Nazareth did not preach this god or that; he said: "God is I;—I am God."
Julian.
Ay, this thing without me! 'Tis that which makes the Emperor powerless.
The third empire? The Messiah? Not the Jews' Messiah, but the Messiah of the two empires, the spirit and the world?
