He had established the law of perpetuation in the universe. Too late to repent! The created <g>will</g> perpetuate itself—and is perpetuated.
But the two onesided empires war one against the other. Where, where is he, the king of peace, the twin-sided one, who shall reconcile them?
Julian.
[To himself.] Two years? All the gods inactive. No capricious power behind, which might bethink itself to cross my plans Two years? In two years I can bring the earth under my sway. Maximus. You spoke, my Julian;—what said you? Julian. I am young and strong and healthy. Maximus—it is my will to live long. [He goes out to the right. Maximus follows him.
SCENE SECOND
A hilly wooded region with a brook among the trees. On an elevation a little farm. It is towards sunset.
Columns of soldiers pass from left to right at the foot of the slope. Basil of Caesarea, and his sister Makrina, both in the dress of hermits, stand by the wayside and offer water and fruits to the weary soldiers.
Makrina.
Oh, Basil, see—each paler and more haggard than the last!
