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 Julian the Apostate; a tragedy in two par 
 
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JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 
 
Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of tliis book is in 
 tine Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31 92401 3539980 
 
JULIAN THE APOSTATE 
 
 Ilf TWO FARTS 
 
 BY 
 
 CHRISTOPHER JAMES RIETHMIJLLER 
 
 LONDON 
 J. S. VIRTUE & CO., Limited, 26, IVY LANE 
 
 PATERNOSTER ROW 
 
 1883 
 
 [All rights reserved] 
 E.V. 
 

 P«£€»^3^ 
 
PEESONS EEPEESENTED. 
 
 The Emperor Constantius, last surviving son of Constan- 
 
 tine the Great. 
 The Empress Eusebia, Ms second wife. 
 CoNSTANTiNA, Ms elder sister, widow of the murdered 
 
 ! 
 
 Helena, his younger sister. 
 
 Gailtjs \ his cousins ; only surviving sons of his murdered 
 
 Julian ' uncle, Julius Constantius. 
 
 Ettsebixjs the EtosrucH, Lord Chamberlain. 
 
 Vaibns 
 
 Ursacitts 
 
 Macrina, a Christian lady of Fontus. 
 
 Basil of C^saeea, her grandson. 
 
 Gregory of Nazianzus, his friend and fellow-student. 
 
 Oribasius, Julian's physician. 
 
 Evhemertjs, Julian's librarian. 
 
 ^DEsrus \ 
 
 Maxxmus > Seathen philosophers. 
 
 Chrtsanthius / 
 
 The Hierophant of Eleusis. 
 
 Officers, Soldiers, Citizens, Eunuchs, Sophists, Sfc. 
 
ADDITIONAL OHAEACTEES IN THE SECOND 
 PAHT. 
 
 Sapoe, King of Persia. 
 
 Meranes, a Persian general. 
 
 Saxlust, Prefect of the East. 
 
 O^SAMtrs, the young court-physician, brother to Gregory 
 
 of Nazianztis. 
 
 Pentabius ) 
 
 } Envoys of the Emperor Constantius. 
 Decentius ) 
 
 Mauetjs, Standard-hearer of the Gallic legion of Petulants. 
 
 LiJciLiAif, a General under Constantius. 
 
 Dagaiaiphus, an Officer under Julian. 
 
 Pitblia, a widow of Antioch ; head of a sisterhood. 
 
 John, her son ; a presbyter of Antioch. 
 
 Pkisctts, heathen philosopher. 
 
 The Genius of the Empire. 
 
 Soldiers of the Gallic legions. 
 
 Inhabitants of Antioch. 
 
 Senators, Deputies, Satraps, Magians, Sfo. 
 
PART I. 
 
jniAN THE APOSTATE. 
 
 PART THE FIRST. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 Scene I. — Macellum in Cappadocia. A Garden, 
 with foimtains playing, and terrace-walks. The 
 Castle of Macellum in the background, and the 
 Mons ArgcBus in the distance. Julian reclined 
 on a hank, reading. Enter Gallus from the 
 terrace. 
 
 GrALLUS. 
 
 Still, JuKan, at your books ? 
 
 Julian {ri 
 
 Why not, good brother ? 
 The time would else hang heavy on my hands. 
 Homer and these old Greeks have wings to speed 
 The lagging hours. How have you spent the 
 morning ? 
 
 B 
 
2 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Paet I. 
 
 Gallus. 
 Oh, in all sorts of games ! I wrestled, boxed. 
 Took flying leaps, ran races, flung the disk, 
 Or sliot the feathery arrow through the rings. 
 You would have laughed to see how they admired 
 My strength and skill. I won the prize from all. 
 
 Julian. 
 It may be, Grallus, that they let you win. 
 
 GrALLUS. 
 
 Now, Julian, that's unfair. "Why should you grudge 
 My meed of praise ? You are not envious, brother ? 
 
 Julian. 
 Dear Grallus, no ! but I have often thought 
 That the last priuces of the Flavian house 
 Shoidd spend their youth in better things than sport. 
 And look for something higher than the praise 
 Of slaves and hirelings. Here we have no friends. 
 But only flatterers, or it may be spies. 
 From them I keep aloof. 
 
Pakt I.] JULIAN THE APOSTA TE. 3 
 
 Gallus. 
 
 What's to be done ? 
 We cannot choose our comrades. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 That is true, 
 And therefore have I made my books my friends. 
 I find in them a noble company 
 Of heroes and of sages. If my life 
 Must all, like these six weary years, be passed 
 In this dull prison, I at least will try 
 To hold free converse with the greatest minds. 
 
 Gallus. 
 Our prison's not so bad. The air is sweet. 
 The castle's large and stately, all the rooms 
 Are furnished like the palace of a king ; 
 These gardens can supply whate'er we want 
 Of fruits and flowers. Then we have garments rich, 
 Although you like to wear your plainer clothes ; 
 And for our daily service we can boast 
 Delicious banquets and the choicest wines. 
 
4 JULIAN THE APOSTATE, [Part I. 
 
 Which if you do not taste the fault is yours— 
 It cannot make the Emperor's kindness less. 
 
 JlILIAX. 
 
 The Emperor's kindness I 
 
 Gallus. 
 
 Wherefore do you start ? 
 
 Julian. 
 Oh, Gallus ! you are older than myseK, 
 And so much further should your memory reach ; 
 And yet I sometimes think that you forget 
 An awful vision of the past, impressed 
 In blood and fire upon my infant brain. 
 Oft I recall that fatal night when I, 
 A helpless childj lay trembling in the church, 
 While sounds of evil omen iiUed the air — 
 Fierce shouts, and horrid shrieks, and clash of arms ; 
 And, ere the morning dawned, our best beloved. 
 Our father, brother, uncle, cousins, all 
 Were barbarously murdered. You and I 
 Alone escaped the slaughter — which, no doubt, 
 
PahtI,] yULIAN THE APOSTATE. 
 
 Should make us grateful for the gift of life, 
 And always ready to esteem and thank 
 The Emperor for his kindness ! 
 
 Gallus. 
 
 But you know 
 'Tis said — or so at least we have been told — 
 The Emperor ne'er consented to that deed. 
 The soldiers acted of their own accord, 
 Without his orders and against his will. 
 And he has never ceased to mourn the, fate 
 Of his unhappy kinsmen, and has sworn 
 That he was wholly guiltless of their deaths. 
 
 Julian. 
 Believe it, if you can ! Also believe 
 That our exclusion from the camp and court. 
 The narrow ways in which we have been bred, 
 Our long confinement in this gilded cage, 
 And even the base companionship of slaves 
 To which we are condemned, are only marks 
 Of the same gracious kindness ! 
 
G JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part I. 
 
 GrALLUS. 
 
 Well, you see, 
 Bygones are bygones. We must live our life. 
 You do not often talk so gloomily, 
 Whate'er you think, as you Lave done to-day. 
 
 Julian. 
 Ah ! long ago I learned to hide my thoughts, 
 And let them prey in secret on my heart. 
 To whom could I lay bare its griefs and fears ? 
 Mardonius, my old tutor, never spoke 
 Of aught beyond the studies that he loved — 
 Hellenic poems and philosophy ; 
 And when we walked together to the schools. 
 He bade me fix my eyes upon the ground. 
 Sedate and silent. As for priestly guides. 
 Who taught me psalms, and hymns, and litanies. 
 And preached dull sermons upon texts obscure. 
 What could they know of my perplexities, 
 And all the doubts and struggles of my soul ? 
 And so my childhood passed tiU I came here. 
 Into this nest of sycophants and slaves, 
 
Part I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 
 
 "Whom it were madness to consult or trust. 
 
 Except yourself, I never had a friend ; 
 
 And you, my brother, have such different tastes 
 
 That, were I now to tell you all I think. 
 
 You would not care to listen patiently 
 
 To what would seem to you an idle tale. 
 
 Gallus. 
 
 I thank the Saints I never plague myself 
 With too much thinking. I keep all the feasts, 
 And, when required, the vigils and the fasts ; 
 And, having done my duty to the Church, 
 I take my pleasure without stint or fear. 
 Of course I should prefer a wider field. 
 If I were Emperor now, I'd have such shows 
 As would amaze the world — brave theatres. 
 More splendid than your poets ever dreamed, 
 Gay pantomimes, fair troops of dancing-girls. 
 Combats of beasts, and glorious chariot-races. 
 In which the fiery steeds outstrip the wind. 
 And, for my banquets, all the earth and sea 
 Should furnish costly dishes, and the wine 
 
8 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Paet I. 
 
 Should flow in torrents, and I'd scatter gold 
 To make the crowd sing praises to my name. 
 
 Julian. 
 Well for mankind, and well for you, dear Gallus, 
 That you have no such chance. Our sojourn here, 
 If wearisome and painful, yet is safe, 
 And harmless in the main. A sudden change 
 Might lead to dangers and to ills untold. 
 
 A Servant (entering). 
 My lords, a message from the Emperor's court. 
 The Chamberlain Eusebius has arrived. 
 And craves an audience. 
 
 Galltjs. 
 
 Wliat can he want here ? 
 
 Julian. 
 No matter. Tell him we attend his pleasure. 
 And give him straight admittance. 
 
 \_Exit Servant. 
 Gallus. 
 
 "What imports 
 This unexpected visit ? 
 
PiHTl.! JULIAN THE APOSTATE. i 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Who can tell ? 
 No good, I fear. Yet tow have we offended ? 
 Or what suspicion can they cast upon us, 
 Unless invented by some villain spy ? 
 This crafty eunuch ever was our foe. 
 And would be still if it were worth his pains. 
 But we are powerless to obstruct or aid 
 His plots, and he has left us in repose, 
 Having no interest now to do us wrong. 
 See where he comes ! Do you receive him, Gallus. 
 
 Enter Eusebius, with Attendants. 
 
 GrALLUS. 
 
 My lord, I bid you welcome to Macellum, 
 Both in my brother's name and in my own. 
 
 Eusebius. 
 Princes, I greet you both ! I have in charge 
 To bear to you the loviag salutation 
 Of our illustrious Emperor. Looking round 
 These beauteous gardens, I could almost envy 
 Your calm retirement in this charming place. 
 
10 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Paet I. 
 
 Q-ALLUS. 
 
 Oh, 'tis retired enougli ! 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 Exactly so. 
 The troubles of the world here pass you by, 
 And touch you not. StiU, in the prime of youth, 
 Men have ambitious hopes, and long to move 
 In more extended spheres. They wish to act 
 As well as to enjoy. Therefore, Prince Gallus, 
 It is the Emperor's purpose to advance you 
 To higher honours, and my mission here 
 Is to invite your presence at the court. 
 
 Gallus. 
 To higher honours ? 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 Well, I say no more, 
 But think it possible that he may shift 
 Some portion of the panoply of state 
 To younger shoulders. "Whatsoe'er is done 
 Will be for your advantage and renown. 
 
Part I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 11 
 
 Gallus. 
 I humbly thank the Emperor for his goodness, 
 And will endeavour to deserve his favour. 
 
 JULIAN'. 
 
 And what of me, Lord Chamherlain ? 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 Oh, Prince Julian ! 
 "We know that you are wedded to your books. 
 And, for the present, we should deem it hard 
 To interrupt your studies 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Yes, my lord ! 
 But to pursue my studies with eflfect, 
 Which is the very summit of my hopes, 
 I should have freedom to attend the schools 
 Of all the ablest teachers, and converse 
 With the great masters of philosophy. 
 If this were granted me, I should not ask 
 For any brighter fortune. 
 
12 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Pap.t I. 
 
 EuSEBIUS. 
 
 Wait awhile. 
 You must have patience, Prince. Your time will 
 
 come. 
 I have no power to grant or to deny, 
 Save as the organ- of the Emperor's will. 
 But he shall know your wishes. At this hour 
 I'm somewhat tired with travel, and would claim, 
 From your indulgent hospitality. 
 The privilege to take some needful rest. 
 
 GrALLUS. 
 
 This way, my lord ! I'll lead you to the castle. 
 
 \_Exeunt all hut Julian, who remains standing 
 in the foreground. 
 
 Julian. 
 The Emperor's will ! — He has no will but thine. 
 Thou fawning, lying, smooth-tongued parasite ! 
 Has he not been thy despicable tool 
 In many a treacherous, foul, and cruel deed. 
 Screen of thy guilt, and partner in thy shame ? 
 
Paht I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 13 
 
 And now methinks I can discern thy plan. 
 
 Constantius has no son to make his heir, 
 
 Whom thou couldst mould and fashion to thy wish. 
 
 And so secure the future as the past. 
 
 And therefore hast thou turned thy cunning eyes 
 
 On us, the former victims of thy hate, 
 
 Hoping my brother's weak and wavering mind. 
 
 Untaught, undisciplined, by flattery spoiled. 
 
 Might haply serve thy purpose. Woe for him. 
 
 And woe for me I — The only one I loved, 
 
 With all his faults ! The last of a doomed race ! 
 
 He will go forth, and leave me here alone. 
 
 While the temptations of a dissolute court. 
 
 With vague desires and passions unrestrained. 
 
 Will lead him further from me day by day, 
 
 And lure him to his ruin. As of old, 
 
 I must endure it all, and wear a mask. 
 
 And seal my lips ia silence, or my fate 
 
 Would soon be settled as my father's was. 
 
 But, by the light of yonder glorious Sun, 
 
 The all-pervading monarch of the world. 
 
 Great source of life, beneficent and pure — 
 
14 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Paki I. 
 
 I yet will break my chains, and walk erect 
 
 In free communion with my fellow-men, 
 
 And set my foot upon the hydra-heads 
 
 Of fraud and falsehood. Till that happy time, 
 
 Assist me, divine Philosophy ! 
 
 To bear with patience all the long delay ; 
 
 And, ye Muses ! calm my soul with song ! 
 
 {_Exit. 
 
 Scene II. — Comtantinople. A Gallery in the Im- 
 perial Palace. Enter Valexs and TJrsacius, 
 Arian Bishops. 
 
 TJesacius. 
 
 "What news from Alexandria, brother Valens ? 
 
 Valens. 
 Bad, very bad. Since his return from exile, 
 And his triumphal entry, Athanasius 
 Rules the whole city, carries all before him, 
 And is the only judge of faith and doctrine. 
 The people foUow bKndly in his footsteps. 
 Revere the ground he treads on, praise his virtues. 
 And take his words for gospel. 
 
Paet I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 15 
 
 Uksacius. 
 
 Whose the fault ? 
 We gave consent to Ms return — retracted 
 The accusations we had brought against him. 
 We have to thank ourselves. 
 
 Valens. 
 
 Not so, TJrsacius. 
 We gave consent to what we could not help. 
 When our imperial master had decided, 
 It would have been sheer folly to dispute 
 The Emperor's pleasure. He has been our friend, 
 Our steady patron, and our chief adherent, 
 However he may sometimes err in practice. 
 
 Uesachts. 
 I do not highly value his adherence. 
 The Emperor thinks himself a theologian. 
 And the most sacred mysteries are to him 
 Like precious jewels to an ignorant child, 
 Who plays with them as idly as with counters. 
 I cannot choose but smile at his pretensions. 
 
16 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Pakt I. 
 
 Yalens. 
 And yet we Have to humour him, TJrsacius, 
 Because he is the Emperor, From the day 
 When Constantine proclaimed himself a Christian 
 The Church has had to court imperial favour, 
 And we must seek to win it for the cause 
 Of sound opinion. If we temporize. 
 It is that we may conquer in the end. 
 
 Uksacitjs. 
 Yes, it would seem the safer policy ; 
 Though Athanasius holds a different course. 
 And utters what he fondly calls the truth, 
 At every season, and in every place. 
 In spite of all the world. 
 
 Valens. 
 
 And so has passed 
 Long years in exile, and may suffer yet 
 A more disastrous fall. Here comes the Emperor. 
 
 Enter the Emperor Constantius, with Attendants. 
 Uksacius. 
 Health to our great Augustus ! 
 
PaktI.] yULIAN THE APOSTATE. 17 
 
 Valens. 
 
 And may heaven 
 Give him the victory over all his foes ! 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 We thank you, reverend fathers ! We have need 
 Of yoxir kind prayers and blessings, for in sooth 
 The burdens of the State lie heavy on us. 
 We hope the more there's peace withia the Church. 
 
 TJksacius. 
 A truce, my lord, by your sole wisdom gained. 
 But much I fear it is no lasting peace. 
 
 Valens. 
 Oh ! if it only rested with ourselves. 
 We should be careful to preserve the peace — 
 But who can answer for our adversaries ? 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Well, come what may, we have no leisure now 
 For creeds or councils. War and armed rebellion — 
 The Persians hanging like a thunder- cloud 
 Upon our eastern frontier, and Magnentius 
 
18 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part I. 
 
 Raising his blood-stained banner in tlie west — 
 Claim all oiir thoughts. You must not therefore 
 
 wonder 
 If we postpone your deep religious questions 
 To a more fitting time. 
 
 TJesacius. 
 
 We quite agree 
 In that most sage resolve. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 We never doubted 
 That your approval would confirm our judgment. 
 Is there aught else that you would bring before us ? 
 
 Valens. 
 Nothing, my lord. We only wait to pay 
 Our duteous homage to our gracious sovereign. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Which we accept with joy from holy men. 
 Do not forget us in your pious prayers, 
 And keep the firm assurance of our zeal 
 For the true faith ! 
 
Paet I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE.. 19 
 
 Bishops. 
 
 We humbly take our leave. 
 \Exeunt. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Go, all of you !■ and let none have admittance 
 Until the Princess Constantina comes. 
 
 \The Attendants withdraw. 
 I am well rid of my good friends the bishops, 
 Having no relish for some new demands, 
 Or some fresh charges against Athanasius, 
 To rouse once more that proud, unyielding spirit. 
 I have enough to trouble me already, 
 And so have put them off with compliments. 
 But 'tis a weary world. The height of fortune 
 Is purchased at the cost of many cares, 
 Which banish peace from day and sleep from night. 
 And then there are the ghosts that haunt me still. 
 The ghosts of my slain kinsmen. I have tried 
 To lay them, but they will not let me rest, 
 Although, methinks, necessity and chance 
 Were more to blame than I. 'Tis long ago — 
 So long, that even remorse might find oblivion ; 
 
20 yULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Pabt I. 
 
 And I have fasted oft, and penance done, 
 
 And visited the shrines of martyred saints. 
 
 To make a full atonement for the past. 
 
 And one resource I keep for my last hour — 
 
 The cleansing water, the baptismal rite. 
 
 Which must absolve my soul from every sin, 
 
 "Wash out all stains, and send me straight to heaven ! 
 
 CONSTANTINA (without). 
 
 Let none attend me further. Bid my women 
 Wait for me, with my chariot and my train. 
 I go alone to seek the Emperor's presence. 
 
 {Entering.) 
 You sent for me, my lord ? 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Oh, my dear sister ! 
 I have to speak of that which much concerns you. 
 Amid the glories of supreme dominion. 
 There is a fatal weakness in our house, 
 Which needs must give us cause for anxious fears. 
 Our brothers both are dead, my wife is dead, 
 
Part I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 21 
 
 And I am childless. Whom can I regard 
 As my successor ? 
 
 CONSTANTINA.. 
 
 It is true, my lord. 
 The curse of a most strange mortality 
 Has fallen upon our race. But that, you know. 
 Is an old story. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Let old stories sleep ! 
 I deal with present dangers, and my thoughts 
 Have wandered to our youthful cousin Gallus. 
 I mean to raise him to the rank of Cassar, 
 And let him rule our eastern provinces, 
 While I march westward to chastise Magnentius. 
 But he is young, and wants experienced counsel, 
 And none would prove so potent as a wife 
 To guide him safely ; and no wife on earth 
 Would be so fitting as yourself, my sister. 
 
 CONSTANTINA. 
 
 What, I ?— Match with a boy ! 
 
22 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Paet I. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 And wherefore not ? 
 The full maturity of female charms 
 Would have the greater influence. 
 
 CONSTANTI'NA. 
 
 I remember 
 That once before I wedded with a cousin, 
 And that he died — well, somewhat suddenly. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Oh, leave the past, which cannot be recalled ! 
 
 Let us talk freely, and without reserve. 
 
 I know you, Constantina, and I know 
 
 That jnore than all the foibles of your sex 
 
 ( )ne master-passion still has swayed your mind, 
 
 The passion of ambition. Wed with Gallus, 
 
 And you may satisfy your heart's desire. 
 
 O'er the bright Orient you will reign as queen, 
 
 Your husband will but be your first of slaves. 
 
 And should some rude, untimely accident 
 
 Strike from mj"- hand the sceptre, you might govern 
 
 The world's great empire. 
 
PaetI.] JULIAN the apostate. 23 
 
 CONSTANTINA. 
 
 'Tis a tempting prospect ! 
 But who secures me that the power which made 
 "Will not unmake my fortune ? 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 That depends 
 Upon your own discretion. Where's my interest 
 To mar my work ? And if I trust my sister, 
 She ought, methinks, to have some faith in me. 
 
 CoNSTANTINA. 
 
 My faith was sorely tried of old, Constantius. 
 We understand each other, you and I, 
 And have outlived our days of childish trust. 
 Yet am I half inclined to dare the venture, 
 Accept the peril with the pomp and splendour. 
 And look with favour on this unfledged bridegroom. 
 But would the youth consent ? 
 
 Constantius. 
 
 His choice would lie 
 Between a prison and a throne. Now hear me ! 
 
24 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Paet I. 
 
 A brother might have asked for love and thanks ; 
 The Emperor claims obedience. When Eusebius, 
 Who bears my friendly message to Macellum, 
 Returns with this young Caesar to the court, 
 There must be no mistake, and no delay. 
 You must decide at once. 
 
 CONSTANTINA. 
 
 I have decided. 
 The blood of Constantine flows ia my veins, 
 And I will not evade the call to greatness. 
 I am not of your didl, insipid matrons. 
 To sit content and spin the flax at home, 
 AVhen opportunity invites to action. 
 I will embrace your ofier. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 That is well. 
 There spoke the daughter of a noble line. 
 And mark me, Constantina, you shall find me, 
 As surely as you prove a loyal subject, 
 A kind and generous sovereign. Oh, believe me ! 
 Time and reflection long have tamed my spirit. 
 
Part I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 25 
 
 And shown me many errors of my youth. 
 I fain would be to you a loving brother. 
 Then let us go to Saint Sophia's church, 
 And, kneeling there together at tbe altar, 
 Exchange our mutual vows of faith and friendship. 
 
 CoNSTAJSTTiNA (oside). 
 I do not trust him one hair's breadth the more. 
 
 l_IIxeuni. 
 
 Scene III. — Macellum. The Garden as in the First 
 Scene. 
 
 Enter Gailus and Julian, meeting. 
 Julian. 
 You come to bid farewell ? 
 
 Gallus. 
 
 Yes, all is ready. 
 Eusebius is impatient to depart. 
 And I am longing for the glorious change. 
 What scenes of pride and pleasure lie before me ! 
 
 Julian. 
 You feel no pang at leaving me behind ? 
 
26 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Paet I. 
 
 GrALLUS. 
 
 Oh, yes ! — of course — I'm very sorry, Julian. 
 But when I see the Emperor I shall ask him 
 To let you join me. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Do not think of it. 
 If you have any influence, gain permission 
 For me to travel to the seats of learning, 
 And, far away from courts, pursue my studies 
 In freedom unrestrained. 
 
 Gallus. 
 
 It shall be done. 
 My influence will be paramount. Eusebius 
 Is my good friend and servant. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Have a care 
 That he is not your master. Oh, my brother ! 
 I cannot tell you all my doubts and fears. 
 I see you entering on a dangerous track — 
 At every step a pitfall or a snare — 
 
Part I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 27 
 
 Heedless and gay as at a festival, 
 With joy and triumph sparkling in your eyes ; 
 While, to my vision, a dark shadow creeps 
 Across your path, climhs upward from your feet, 
 And wraps you in the likeness of a shroud. 
 May heaven avert the omen ! — But be warned ; 
 Be warned in time, dear brother ! — Do not trust 
 In false and flattering tongues, keep your own 
 
 counsel. 
 Govern your passions, limit your desires. 
 And turn whatever powers you may possess 
 To just and honest uses. Take example 
 By the great men embalmed in Plutarch's Lives, 
 Or choose the sage Aurelius for your model. 
 Then, if you fall, you fall at least with honour, 
 And memory will preserve your name untainted. 
 
 Gallxjs. 
 Thanks, Julian, for this virtuous homily ! 
 Methinks the Church should have you for a preacher. 
 
 Julian. 
 The Church has her Constantius and Eusebius ! 
 
28 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Pakt I. 
 
 But let that pass. I know 'tis all in vain, 
 And that you will not listen to my warning. 
 Still, whether you receive or scorn my words, 
 You cannot doubt the warmth of my affection, 
 And in the future, when we two are parted, 
 You will remember what was meant in kindness. 
 
 Gallus. 
 Oh ! but we soon shall meet ! 
 
 JuiJAN. 
 
 Alas, my brother ! 
 It may be that we never meet again. 
 Our roads will lie so very wide asunder. 
 And life is so beset with casualties 
 That none could have foretold. 
 
 Gallus. 
 
 Why, then 'tis wise 
 To drain the cup of pleasure while we can. 
 But now there is no further time for talk, 
 Eusebius and the horses wait without. 
 And I must say farewell. 
 
Pabt I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 29 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Farewell, dear Gallus ! 
 One last embrace. 
 
 Gallus [embracing). 
 
 I'll not forget you, Julian, 
 And we shall live to laugh at your predictions. 
 
 {Exit. 
 Julian. 
 He's gone — and I am left once more alone. 
 Prom earliest cliildliood it has been my lot. 
 And aU my facidties of soul and sense 
 Must long ago have perished famine-struck, 
 Had I not plucked the golden fruit that grows 
 In gardens of the Muses, and have held 
 Familiar converse with the living powers 
 Of universal Nature. I have heard 
 The voices of the Dryads in the woods. 
 The Oreads calling from the distant hills, 
 And the soft murmur of the Naiad's song. 
 But, above all things, I have loved to bask 
 In the full radiance of the Sun-God's day — 
 
30 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part I. 
 
 Or in the quiet night, serene and pure, 
 
 "Without a cloud upon the azure sky. 
 
 To watch the solemn beauty of the stars. 
 
 These were the chief consolers of my youth. 
 
 And now again, when my last human tie 
 
 Is rudely severed, I must turn to these 
 
 For coDsolation and companionship. 
 
 I find no comfort in the formal creed. 
 
 Which I have learned by rote. If it be true — 
 
 I neither question nor affirm its truth — 
 
 To me it only has a hollow sound. 
 
 Taught by the lips unclean of impious men. 
 
 Whose every act belies their vain pretence 
 
 Of justice and of mercy. What's the faith 
 
 To which a tyrant and his minions cling. 
 
 To salve their conscience or to cloak their crimes ? 
 
 I rather choose to trust to my own thoughts 
 
 And native instincts, than to warp my soul 
 
 To such perversion of the simple right — 
 
 For that there is a right I still believe, 
 
 And by that right I mean to stand or fall. 
 
 {Exit. 
 
Part I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 31 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 Scene I. — A Room in a Cowntry Souse in Fortius. 
 The Lady Macrina asleep on a couch. Voices 
 heard singing in the air, as in a dream. 
 
 First Voice. 
 Three hundred years of changeful time 
 
 Have joined the 'world-stream's rapid flow, 
 Since Bethlehem's dawn of hope sublime. 
 
 And Calvary's night of matchless woe — 
 Since from the manger to the tomb 
 
 The holiest life on earth was led, 
 And 'mid the deep, surrounding gloom 
 
 The Saviour bowed his dying head — 
 Since rising from the vanquished grave 
 
 He stood revealed to mortal sight, 
 His peace to all his followers gave, 
 
 And passed into the realms of light. 
 
 Second Yoice. 
 And from that last decisive hour, 
 By every test and torture tried, 
 
32 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Paet I. 
 
 His saints have kept the word of power, 
 
 His martyrs for the faith have died ; 
 And struggling on through toil and pain 
 
 The truth divine has forced its way. 
 Cold hearts to warm, lost souls to gain, 
 
 And bend the nations to its sway — 
 Until the world's proud masters own 
 
 The potent spell, and free from fear 
 The Christian Church erects her throne, 
 
 "With Rome's fierce eagles nestling near. 
 
 Third Voice. 
 Alas ! it is too soon to boast ! 
 
 The song of joy is raised in vain ! 
 Dark feuds divide the Christian host, 
 
 The seamless robe is rent in twain ; 
 And men who bear the sacred name 
 
 Against each other wage the strife. 
 With bitter hatred fan the flame, 
 
 And poison all the springs of life. 
 Unhallowed rites may yet prevail, 
 
 The altars smoke, the victims bleed. 
 
PaetL] JULIAN THE APOS2ATE. 3!} 
 
 And heathen myriads gladly hail 
 The triumph of the ancient creed ! 
 
 First Voice. 
 It may be, that we have to meet 
 
 "Worse dangers than were known of yore, 
 Meant to recall our wandering feet, 
 
 Our union and our zeal restore. 
 And, oh ! if this be Heaven's decree, 
 
 And should a mighty storm arise. 
 Though gathering clouds and troubled sea 
 
 Confound the weak, perplex the wise — 
 The winds may beat against our Ark, 
 
 The surging waves may break in foam. 
 But Faith and Hope will guide the bark, 
 
 And Love will bring it safely home ! 
 
 Macrina {rising). 
 Was it a dream ? The tones were sweet and clear. 
 Like some angelic carol, yet the words 
 Were only echoes of my waking thoughts. 
 How thankful do I feel, that heart and mind 
 Retain their freshness, though my weary limbs 
 
34 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Past I. 
 
 Are sinking fast beneath the weight of years ! 
 Well, I have seen great changes in my time, 
 And may see more. But God is over all ! 
 He led me through the trials of my youth. 
 And He wiU not forsake me in my age. 
 Who is it comes this -way ? If my old eyes 
 Do not deceive me, 'tis my grandson Basil, 
 The child of my adoption. 
 
 Basil {entering). 
 
 Dearest grandam, 
 I saw you were awake, and so have stolen 
 Upon you unannounced. 
 
 Macrina. 
 
 Oh, welcome ever ! 
 I knew that you were back at Caesarea, 
 And that I soon should clasp you in my arms. 
 My boy ! my pupil ! 
 
 Basil. 
 
 A big boy, dear lady, 
 But still, I hope, your pupil. 
 
PaetI.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 
 
 Macrina. 
 
 Come, sit near me. 
 "What of your mother, my beloved Emmelia, 
 And all the happy nine ? 
 
 Basil. 
 
 Thanks, all are well. 
 I found my brothers and my sisters grown 
 In stature since I left them, but in mirth 
 As bright as ever, and in love the same. 
 
 Maceina. 
 And what of Constantine's imperial city ? 
 
 Basil. 
 
 Oh, worthy to be called the second Rome ! 
 
 The very crown and glory of the earth, 
 
 If judged by outward opulence and splendour. 
 
 But too luxurious for the scholar's use. 
 
 I have a higher, nobler treat in store — 
 
 I am to visit Athens. 
 
36 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetI. 
 
 Macrina. 
 
 And wliat news 
 Have you brought with you from the haunts of men? 
 I live ahnost beyond the sound of rumour, 
 And scarcely know what passes in the world. 
 
 Basil. 
 
 Magnentius has been signally defeated 
 Upon the field of Mursa. 
 
 Mackina. 
 
 That I heard. 
 But what of the two princes, who were kept 
 So long confined as prisoners at Macellum ? 
 
 Basil. 
 
 The elder reigns, or seems to reign, at Antioch, 
 Ruled by his wife, a proud, imperious woman, 
 Whose shameless greed and cruel tyranny 
 Already are the theme of every tongue. 
 The younger has at length obtained his freedom — 
 'Tis thought by intercession of his brother — 
 And studies rhetoric and philosophy 
 
PahtI.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 'i\ 
 
 At Nicomedia. There lie dwells retired, 
 In modest fasliioii, more like sage than prince, 
 And bears the reputation of a youth 
 Much given to learning, 
 
 Macrina. 
 
 May it calm his mind. 
 For he has suffered many grievous wrongs. 
 As for yourself, dear Basil, the report 
 Of your advancement in all kinds of knowledge, 
 "Which still has reached me in my solitude. 
 Has been to me a source of constant gladness. 
 And now you go to Athens, there to drink 
 At the great fount of human eloquence. 
 One thing alone I fear — that art and science, 
 The pride of intellect, the charm of beauty. 
 May lead you to neglect that heavenly wisdom 
 Which is above all price. 
 
 Basil. 
 
 Oh, do not fear ! 
 I never shall forget my childhood's faith. 
 Imperfect, weak, and sinful as I am. 
 
38 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part I. 
 
 I know that my religion is a fact ; 
 
 Not a mere form derived from books or speech, 
 
 Nor an opinion based on argument, 
 
 But a conviction deep as life itself, 
 
 Fixed and imbedded in my bosom's core, 
 
 And part of my existence. How it came, 
 
 I scarce can tell ; it came like air and light. 
 
 The atmosphere in which I breathed and moved 
 
 From the first opening of the conscious mind, 
 
 And I beheld its truth in all around, 
 
 But chiefly in the lives of those I loved. 
 
 And in the tender charities of home. 
 
 )Since then, amid the noises of the world. 
 
 However else my fancy may have strayed, 
 
 The unseen Spirit, whispering to my soul. 
 
 Has strengthened and confirmed that early trust. 
 
 Nothing can shake it now. 
 
 Macrina. 
 
 Thank God, my Basil ! 
 I wiU not henceforth tremble for your future, 
 So far as it concerns your inward self ; 
 But 'tis a time of peril for the Church. 
 
Part I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 39 
 
 Of old, before the days of Constantine, 
 When persecution trampled on the Cross, 
 I knew what Christian people had to bear. 
 For seven long years your grandfather and I 
 Were hunted from our home, and had to hide 
 In woods and caves ; but then we felt assured 
 That we and all our brethren were as one 
 In true devotion to a common faith. 
 Now all is changed. The same imperial power 
 Which gave ufe rest and safety, also gave 
 Inducement to the venal and the base 
 To use the Christian name for selfish ends, 
 And clothe their vices in the Christian garb. 
 Hence loss of peace and loss of purity, 
 And evil passions rampant in the Church, 
 Ambition, arrogance, and peevish spite. 
 And those unhappy discords, which have made 
 The heathen laugh to scorn our boasted love. 
 
 Basil. 
 But surely you would still uphold the truth 
 Against attacks of heresy and schism. 
 Even at the heavy cost of love and peace ? 
 
40 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PabtI. 
 
 Mackina. 
 I would uphold what I believe the truth 
 At any risk to me or mine ; but, Basil, 
 There are two ways of combating with error, 
 I am a poor, lone woman, weak and old, 
 And yet, methinks, did the dark days return 
 Of persecution, I could brave the fire ; 
 But, if I read aright our Master's will, 
 Gentleness, meekness, patience, charity, 
 These are the weapons for the Christian war. 
 While the sharp sword of hate was forged in hell. 
 Oh, Basil ! if my hopes delude me not. 
 You are a destined pillar of the Church, 
 And will to her high service consecrate 
 Your gifts of human learning. Oh ! remember, 
 That when of yore the prophet sought the Lord, 
 He was not in the earthquake nor the storm. 
 But in the still small voice. 'Tis love alone 
 That can subdue the world. 
 
 Basil. 
 
 Yes, God is love ! 
 I feel the force of all that you have said, 
 
Part I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 41 
 
 And bow before the wisdom of the heart, 
 
 Which puts to shame our proud philosophy ; 
 
 And when I hang upon the honied lips 
 
 Of sages trained in academic lore, 
 
 I will keep treasured in my inmost soul 
 
 The better, hoKer lessons learned from you. 
 
 At Athens I may haply find a friend 
 
 With whom to talk of home and themes like these — 
 
 My fellow-student Gregory. 
 
 Maceina. 
 
 That is well. 
 And, Basil, let me try if I can walk 
 Once more with you along these garden paths. 
 To view the scenes endeared by memories 
 Of your first innocent hours and childish sports. 
 Lend me your arm. You must support me now. 
 
 Basil. 
 As you were wont to guide my infant steps. 
 Long may such task be mine ! — Lean upon me. 
 
 \Exeunt. 
 
42 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part I. 
 
 Scene II. — A Library in a House at Pergamos. 
 Enter Julian and Evhemerus. 
 
 Julian (looking round). 
 Thanks to your care, my good ETtemerus, 
 Our mules have now discharged their precious freight, 
 And my books greet me like familiar friends. 
 What said the sage ^desius to my message ? 
 
 EVHEMEEUS. 
 
 He was reserved, my lord, in his reply. 
 He wondered why you came to Pergamos. 
 
 Julian. 
 And what said you ? 
 
 Evhemerus. 
 
 I told him that your journey 
 Was made expressly to consult his wisdom. 
 He seems to me a strange old man. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 How so ? 
 
PaktL] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 43 
 
 EVHEMERUS. 
 
 Cautious, and shy, and timid as a hare, 
 He weighs each syllable before he speaks. 
 He would not promise even to be your tutor. 
 But he will wait upon you. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Let his welcome 
 Be such as fits his learning and renown. 
 As soon as he arrives, conduct him hither. 
 
 \Exit EvHEMERUS. 
 
 Yes, here I have them all — my household gods ! 
 
 Here are my poets, orators, historians — 
 
 Homer and Hesiod, -^schylus and Pindar, 
 
 The tender Sophocles, the glowing Sappho, 
 
 Demosthenes, the prince of eloquence, 
 
 Herodotus, and fluent Xenophon, 
 
 And grave Thucydides, and noblest Plutarch. 
 
 But, above all, here are the lords of mind, 
 
 The giant torch-bearers of sovereign reason, 
 
 Those who have handed down from age to age 
 
 The light which erst Prometheus stole from heaven ; 
 
44 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PabtI. 
 
 And, foremost of the band, the Stagirite, 
 And Plato the divine. Oh ! I have pored 
 Over their volumes of far-reaching thought, 
 And those of their profound interpreters. 
 Until my brain grew dizzy. What's the fruit ? 
 I yet am all unsatisfied. The search 
 Is but begun. The end is nowhere nigh. 
 I need some further guidance on my road. 
 Some voice to cheer, some hand to point the way. 
 Some living presence to direct my steps ; 
 And therefore have I come to Pergamos, 
 To seek the aid of this most famous sage. 
 
 Enter Evhemerus and jEdesius. 
 
 EVHEMERUS. 
 
 My lord, I have the honour to present 
 Your much-desired guest — the wise ^desius. 
 
 Julian. 
 Let me embrace you, dear and reverend father ! 
 
 Long have I wished for this propitious hour, 
 
 To see your face, and sitting at your feet 
 
 To listen to the words of perfect wisdom. 
 
 You must resolve my doubts, and make all sure. 
 
Pari I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 45 
 
 ^DESIUS. 
 
 Did you not come, my prince, from Nicomedia ? 
 
 Julian. 
 I did. 
 
 ^DKSIUS. 
 
 Then there you had the great Libanius ? 
 
 JtTLIAN. 
 
 I was forbidden to attend his lectures, 
 
 But letters passed between us, and I studied 
 
 With filial reverence all his written words. 
 
 ^DESIUS. 
 
 Forbidden ! — ^ha ! 
 
 Julian. 
 The Emperor's friends, the bishops, 
 Thought I might learn too much — ^but that has 
 
 made me 
 Only more eager to attain the truth. 
 
46 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part I. 
 
 wZEdesius. 
 Ye8, truth is glorious, but not given to all. 
 He that would find a treasure in the earth 
 Must dig below the surface. You have books — 
 I see, that you have books — read and reflect. 
 
 Julian. 
 I did not wait to visit Pergamos 
 To learn that lesson. What I want from you 
 Is something definite and tangible, 
 Which books have not imparted — some belief, 
 To be the polestar of my future life. 
 
 ^DESIUS. 
 
 Prince, we are not alone. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Oh ! my librarian 
 May in all things be trusted. 
 
 jEdesius. 
 
 You have read 
 Plotiaus ? Porphyry ? lamblichus ? 
 
PabtI.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 47 
 
 ■ Julian. 
 All these I know by heart. 
 
 ^DESIUS. 
 
 Why, then you know 
 Whatever I could teach. We grope our way 
 Through this dim world of shadows, haunted still 
 By unsubstantial dreams of Time and Space, 
 Which to the vulgar seem realities. 
 But to the wise are phantoms. Truth abides. 
 Not in the perishable things of sense. 
 But in their grand eternal archetypes, 
 And in the deathless kingdom of Ideas. 
 This Plato knew, and all his followers know, 
 And those whom I have named have shown the path 
 Which you must tread if you would find the truth. 
 I cannot tell you more. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Father, I seek 
 For that which underlies both sense and thought, 
 Appearance and reality — the fount 
 Of all our knowledge and existence here. 
 
48 yULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetI. 
 
 "We make reply, ttat the sole source of being 
 Is tte ineffable and primal One. 
 
 Julian. 
 Who hides for ever in the awful depths, 
 And keeps the silence of supreme repose. 
 But where's the agency that moves the world ? 
 What are the powers that rule our mortal lives ? 
 
 ^DEsros. 
 Ah ! there you ask a riddle hard to read. 
 The Jew, the Christian, and the Hellenist 
 Would give you different answers. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 What is yours ? 
 
 ^DESIUS. 
 
 1 answer not. Go, and consult your books. 
 
 Julian. 
 But is there not a science, handed down 
 From ancient times, known to a chosen few, 
 
PabtI.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 49 
 
 Wliicli will enable the adventurous mind 
 To h.old communion with the unseen Powers, 
 To wring their secrets from them, and to change 
 All doubts and guesses into certitude ? 
 
 ^DESITJS. 
 
 There may be such a science ; but, my son. 
 The laws of Home are strict against its practice. 
 
 Julian. 
 I am content to run aU risks, to gain 
 The truth I long for. 
 
 ^DESIUS. 
 
 How I love to mark 
 The generous fervour of intrepid youth ! 
 But, my dear son, you see that I am old ; 
 This time-worn temple hastens to decay, 
 And soon must fall ; have pity on my age. 
 Then, if you still persist in your design, 
 Go to my children, my beloved disciples, 
 And ask their counsel. Would they all were here ! 
 But Prisons is in Greece, and Maximus 
 
 E 
 
50 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Past I. 
 
 Abides at Epliesus. Here you will find 
 Chrysanthius and some others. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Wtich of these 
 Is first and greatest ? 
 
 ^DESIUS. 
 
 AU are wise, my son ; 
 But some, like me, may send you to your books. 
 'Tis Maximus alone that never falters. 
 He dares all hazards in pursuit of knowledge, 
 And has the key to awful mysteries. 
 Which lift the soul above humanity, 
 And make us blush that we were born as men ! 
 
 Julian. 
 Oh ! then, if others fail me in my search, 
 To him I go. 
 
 ^DESIUS. 
 
 Remember — ^"tis your choice — 
 Your own free choice — not any act of mine. 
 
Past I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 51 
 
 Your good librarian here will bear me witness 
 That I have nothing urged. 
 
 EVHEMERUS. 
 
 Oh, sir ! rest satisfied. 
 I will be sworn that you have never uttered 
 A word to harm yourself. 
 
 ^DESIUS. 
 
 Thanks, my good friend. 
 And, prince, it might be well that none should know 
 Of this our interview. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 It would be hard 
 To keep it altogether secret, father. 
 But surely your sublime philosophy 
 Should banish fears like these ? 
 
 .^DESIUS. 
 
 Ah, my dear son ! 
 It is a world of shadows — that is true. 
 But, while the shadows last, it much imports 
 
52 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetI. 
 
 Whether they wear a sad or pleasant aspect. 
 I own that I prefer the safer side. 
 And now I must return to the delights 
 Of contemplation and the studious life. 
 Farewell and prosper ! 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Farewell, honoured father ! 
 Evhemerus will attend you. 
 
 [ExPMnt ^DESius and Evhemerus. 
 It is strange ; 
 But this same learning, which should make men 
 
 strong, 
 Has left him weak and helpless as a babe. 
 I need more solid food, more bracing air. 
 I next will try the wisdom of Chrysanthius ; 
 And should that fail — why, then at once for Ephesus ! 
 
 [_Exit. 
 
PaetI.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 53 
 
 Scene III. — Antioch. A Room in the Palace. 
 Enter Gallus and Constantina. 
 
 G-ALLTJS. 
 
 How like you my new garments, Constantina ? 
 This tunic broidered in the gayest fashion 
 With beasts and birds, and this imperial robe 
 AU laced with pearls ? — I think they well become me. 
 
 Constantina. 
 Oh ! excellently weU. But have you signed 
 The papers that I brought you ? 
 
 Gallus. 
 
 Let me see ! 
 Orders to execute some criminals. 
 Wbat was their guilt ? I really have forgotten. 
 
 Constantina. 
 You may be sure, if they had not been guilty, 
 I had not asked you for their condemnation. 
 I strive to spare you trouble, and to make 
 Your rank sit lightly on you. 
 
54 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part I. 
 
 Gali.us. 
 
 True, my queen ! 
 And to refuse you were to doubt your love. 
 It shall be as you wish. Here are the papers. 
 Let's go and view the games. 
 
 CoNSTANTINA. 
 
 The chariot-race 
 Has been delayed an hour. 
 
 Gali.us. 
 
 Who dares delay it ? 
 Am I not Caesar ? Are not my commands 
 To be obeyed ? Let the affairs of state 
 Glide as they will, the races are my province ! 
 
 CONSTANTINA. 
 
 Well, you should take such order with your servants 
 As I with mine. Not one of all my women 
 But trembles at my frown. The proudest of them 
 Are taught obedience when they feel the lash, 
 And bear the crimson marks of my displeasure 
 Upon their deKcate skins. 
 
PaetI.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 55 
 
 Gallus. 
 
 Now, if I ruled them, 
 I'd choose the fairest of the fair ofiEenders, 
 And punish her with kisses. 
 
 CONSTANTINA. 
 
 Would you so, 
 My very loyal Caesar ? "Woe to her 
 On whom you set your fancy ! She had better 
 Be thrown to the embrace of hungry lions 
 Than fall within my grasp. 
 
 Galltjs. 
 
 I did but jest. 
 You know that I have eyes for none but you. 
 My queen and mistress. 
 
 CoNSTANTINA. 
 
 All you men are fools, 
 Led by a pretty face. But now to speak 
 Of pressing matters. I have need of money. 
 
56 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetI. 
 
 Gallus. 
 What's to be done ? 
 
 CONSTANTINA. 
 
 I want full powers to force 
 The golden tribute from unwilling hands. 
 These you must give me. 
 
 Gallus. 
 
 If I must, I must. 
 I can deny you nothing. But of late, 
 Going disguised at night about the city 
 To pick up information for your guidance, 
 I have heard dangerous murmurs. 
 
 CONSTANTINA. 
 
 Mark the murmurers. 
 And we will choke their treason in their throats. 
 
 Gallus. 
 And sometimes I have dreams, in which I see 
 My brother Julian stand beside my couch. 
 And with a warning gesture, grave and sad. 
 Point to a gulf before us. 
 
PabiI.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 57 
 
 CONSTANTINA. 
 
 Dreams indeed ! 
 Tour brother Julian mopes among his hooks, 
 And may be satisfied with scanty fare. 
 If he could live as we do in the blaze 
 Of princely shows, and festivals, and banquets. 
 He'd learn the use of taxes. Come, my Gallus ! 
 Give me the powers I ask, and you shall have 
 This jewel from my neck. 
 
 Gallus. 
 
 No, leave it there. 
 And only let me touch it with my lips. 
 Take any powers you like. 
 
 CONSTANTINA. 
 
 There's my own Caesar ! 
 \Exeunt. 
 
58 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PabtI. 
 
 Scene IV. — Ephesus. A Study hung round with 
 cabalistic signs. Maximus, a majestic figure in 
 flowing robes and with a long white beard, seated 
 at a table, reading a letter. 
 
 Maximus. 
 Let's see what says my -wortliy friend Chrysanthius. 
 Wary and wise, no doubt, if somewliat slow. 
 
 " To the excellent and illustrious Maximus, the 
 light of Ephesus, and my esteemed friend. — ^You 
 will shortly receive a visit from a young man of no 
 mean ability and promise — ^the Prince Julian, cousin 
 to the Emperor. He was sent to me by ^desius, 
 who has grown old, and is, perhaps, a little over 
 cautious. The youth was brought up in the Galilean 
 doctrines by those for whom he had neither love 
 nor reverence, and being unsettled in his opinions, 
 and without prejudice in favour of any special super- 
 stition, has sought the aid of philosophy to lead him 
 into the right path. You may judge what counsel 
 I gave him, and therefore I need not enlarge upon 
 
PaetI.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 59 
 
 it, but lie "was not wholly satisfied with my argu- 
 ments." 
 
 No, my dear friend, your lofty speculations 
 Are far too fine spun for the ardent hopes 
 Of energetic youth. Let me read on. 
 
 " He has drunk of the springs of Helicon, and 
 loitered on the slopes of Parnassus ; and sweet airs 
 have come to him from Plato's garden and the shades 
 of the Lyceum ; but methinks he would rather 
 hear some voice from Dodona's oaks or Delphi's 
 tripod, than song of poet or discourse of sage. If 
 the old oracles are silent, he would seek elsewhere 
 for the divine message. All which your wisdom 
 will imderstand. You will find in him a docile 
 pupil ; and should your prophetic glance see, iu the 
 obscure future, the shadow of an imperial crown 
 resting upon his brow, it might be expedient to 
 secure his aid to the cause that we all have at heart. 
 I do not travel with him, as that would attract 
 notice and might awake suspicion, but I mean to 
 follow our young Telemachus to the feet of his in- 
 
60 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetI. 
 
 spired Mentor. I shall then be able to explain 
 whatever is left unsaid in this letter. May the gods 
 protect you ! 
 
 " Cheysanthius." 
 
 You are no sphinx, my friend, and your enigma 
 
 Is plain enough. I am to do and dare 
 
 What you, my brother sophists, only think. 
 
 Well, we must have this youth. The gain is worth 
 
 Some little danger. As regards the means. 
 
 We who are pledged to serve a mighty cause 
 
 Must not be too exact and scrupulous 
 
 In the mere choice of weapons. Round us lies 
 
 A world of mystery, in which truth and falsehood 
 
 Oft seem to meet, and many forces work 
 
 For good or evil ; but amongst them all 
 
 One power alone that we can always trust — 
 
 The power of the strong mind and steadfast will, 
 
 Which useth all things to achieve its ends. 
 
 Enter Servant. 
 What would you now ? 
 
PaktI.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 61 
 
 Servant. 
 
 My lord, a stranger youtt, 
 Wlio calls Himself Prince Julian, waits without. 
 
 Maximus. 
 
 Admit him instantly ! 
 
 \Exit Servant. 
 
 Just so. He comes 
 
 Without attendants and in modest guise. 
 
 That and the letter gire me pregnant hints 
 
 How to perform my part. 
 
 Enter Julian. 
 
 Sir, you are welcome. 
 I do not pay my homage to the prince. 
 But to the searcher after truth and knowledge. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 And I pay mine to the enlightened sage 
 Who holds the key to hoth. Long have I sought 
 A hand like yours to guide me through the maze 
 Of doubt and error. 
 
62 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetI. 
 
 Maximus. 
 
 Yes, I know it all. 
 You need not tell your story. You were born 
 Near to a throne, but in a prison bred. 
 Your gaolers were the guardians of your youth, 
 Your tutors set you dull and weary tasks, 
 Your priests could only mumble old wife's tales 
 Of wonders wrought by touch of dead men's bones, 
 And all your life was colourless and cold. 
 But then you had your books. From them you 
 
 learned 
 What lay beyond your dungeon's narrow bounds. 
 And, as you grew to manhood, your whole mind 
 Was busy with high thoughts and questions deep. 
 So, when at length the day of freedom dawned. 
 You soared like some young eaglet from your cage. 
 But paused, bewildered ia your rapid course. 
 Uncertain whither to direct your flight ; 
 And, while around you rolled a sea of clouds. 
 Your eager eyes were straining for the sun. 
 
 Julian. 
 How can you know all this ? 
 
Past I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 63 
 
 Maximtjs. 
 
 Knowledge may spring 
 From divers sources. Have I spoken trutli ? 
 
 Julian. 
 You have. 
 
 Maximus. 
 Then I will tell you something more. 
 You called upon Philosophy for light. 
 She gave you words of wisdom, but she gave 
 No sanction to her words. You come to me 
 For confirmation of her sacred lore 
 By superhuman power. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Can this be had ? 
 
 Maximus. 
 It can — but only if you do not shrink 
 From toil or danger. Look around this room. 
 Here are the symbols of a secret art, 
 In different ages known by different names, 
 
64 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PabtI. 
 
 But still the same in essence. It belongs 
 To all the wisest seers of every race — 
 Indian, Egyptian, Persian, Hebrew, Greek, 
 Though the star-crowned Chaldean claims it most — 
 And, hovering on the verge of sense and thought. 
 It keeps the doors of the invisible world. 
 But none may enter there who has not purged 
 His soul by many trials. He must spend 
 Long days in fastiag and long nights in prayer, 
 And he must brave terrors innumerable. 
 Before he gain admittance. Have you strength 
 To venture on this path ? 
 
 Julian. 
 
 'Tisalllask; 
 And if a thousand demons blocked the way. 
 And if death waited at the further end, 
 Nothing should turn me back. 
 
 Maximus. 
 
 Then, my dear son — 
 For so I now may call you — I accept 
 The peril and the glory of the charge. 
 
PabtL] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 65 
 
 Which you have laid upon me. But remember, 
 You must submit in all things. You must let 
 The past be as a blank, and from this hour 
 Begin your life anew. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 I shall be ready 
 To follow truth wherever it may lead. 
 
 Maximtjs. 
 And I will be your guide. I wiU instruct you 
 In sacred rites and solemn mysteries 
 That give the stamp to truth. Come to the shrine. 
 Let us prepare for the initiation. 
 
 \_Exeunt. 
 
 Scene V. — Milan. A Room in the Palace. 
 Enter Constantius and Eusebius. 
 
 CONSTANTITJS. 
 
 AU things go well in Graul and Italy, 
 
 And Eome's vast empire owns its rightful lord. 
 
66 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetI. 
 
 But one black spot remains. That fool at Antiocli 
 Will drive the people to rebellion. 
 
 EUSEBITJS. 
 
 We made an error there. 
 
 True! 
 
 CONSTANTIXJS. 
 
 By your advice, 
 My excellent Eusebius. 
 
 EtJSEBIUS. 
 
 Gracious sovereign, 
 I held that a weak nature might be used 
 For a wise purpose. But I did not reckon 
 Upon the stronger will that rules him now. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 You mean my sister. But they both shall learn 
 That I am master. I will send Domitian 
 To regulate these matters, and to stop 
 Their wild extravagance. 
 
Part I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. (j 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 Good ! very good ! 
 But Antioch is far off, and they might choose 
 To turn deaf ears to counsel and remonstrance. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Then they must yield to force. 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 I think, my lord, 
 It were as well if we by slow degrees 
 Withdrew the veteran legions. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Can it be. 
 That they would dare resist ? 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 I predict nothing. 
 But I have ever seen that safety lies 
 In a few simple maxims. Trust your friend 
 So long as he can only serve his ends 
 By serving yours. If once your interests clash. 
 Take care he have no power to work you harm. 
 Should he become your foe ... . 
 
68 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part I. 
 
 CONSTANTITJS. 
 
 What then, Eusebius ? 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 Why, then, my lord, there is no way but one. 
 Crush him beneath your feet ! 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 We oft have found 
 That we did well to listen to your warnings. 
 We wiU disarm our cousin. But what say you 
 As to his brother Julian ? 
 
 Eusebius. 
 
 For the present 
 He may be left in peace. He spends his time 
 With sophists, bookworms, pedants of the schools. 
 And idle dreamers of fantastic dreams. 
 He is not to be feared. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 But such communion 
 Might haply shake his faith. 
 
Part I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. ,69 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 His faith, my lord ! 
 Oh, let the bishops look to their stray lamb 
 If he should chance to wander from the fold ! 
 'Tis their concern, not mine. Enough for me 
 If I devote my utmost energies 
 To you, and to the glory of your throne. 
 And welfare of the state. 
 
 OONSTANTIUS. 
 
 We do beHeve 
 In your devotion. We have proved it long. 
 And know its value. May we feel assured 
 You will extend it to our destined bride ? 
 
 EusBBius {aside). 
 That's not so sure. 
 
 {Aloud.) Whate'er is yours, my lord, 
 Must be to me most sacred. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Thanks, my friend ! 
 I go to rest awhile. In half an hour 
 
 I shall expect you in my cabinet. 
 
 {Exit. 
 
70 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaktI. 
 
 Ettsebius. 
 His heart is set upon tliis second marriage, 
 And therein I must let him have his way. 
 If only this young Macedonian girl. 
 This fair Eusebia, whom he longs to wed, 
 Be of such metal that my plastic hand 
 May mould her into fitting shape. If not — 
 So much the worse — so much the worse for her ! 
 
 {Exit. 
 
 ScKNE VI. — The Temple of Diana at Ephestis. Moon- 
 light. Chkysanthius and Evhemeeus, with 
 spade and pickaxe, watching at the entrance of a 
 subterranean passage, from which they have cleared 
 away the rubbish. 
 
 Evhemeeus. 
 They tarry long. I tremble for my master. 
 
 Chkysanthius. 
 Oh, never fear ! "With Maximus for guide 
 The prince is safe enough. It might be well 
 
PaetI.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 71 
 
 If we concealed these tools among the brambles, 
 Lest any stranger chance to pass this way. 
 Though that's unlikely at this hour of night, 
 And in this haunted spot. 
 
 \They hide the tools. 
 
 EVHEMERUS. 
 
 Tell me, Chrysanthius, 
 Why did you not go with them down below ? 
 
 Chrysanthius. 
 'Tis not my function. I haTe been content 
 To glean my knowledge in the purer light 
 Of day, and from the volimies of the wise. 
 I leave to Maximus the secret lore. 
 The mystic dealings with supernal powers. 
 And all the wonders of the Magian's art. 
 
 EvHEMERUS. 
 
 And yet, methinks, you seemed to know the path 
 Which led our friends to vaults beneath the ground, 
 Where they are still entombed. 
 
72 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part r. 
 
 Cheysanthius. 
 
 I knew of old 
 That labyrinthine galleries and vast halls 
 Hide in the depths of yon stupendous pile, 
 Sacred to our Ephesian Artemis — 
 The many-breasted goddess, turret-crowned, 
 Image of kindly and productive Nature, 
 Who is the mighty mother of us all. 
 But Maximus alone has held the clew 
 By which to reach the subterranean shrines ; 
 And you yourself were witness that he went 
 Before us to this entrance, long disused, 
 And so encumbered that we had some pains 
 To clear an opening. 
 
 EvHEMERUS {aside). 
 
 "Would that I were sure 
 He had no other channel of access ! 
 
 Cheysanthius. 
 Hark ! I hear footsteps. They are coming forth. 
 
PaetIJ JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 73 
 
 Enier Jdlian and Maximus from the Vaults. 
 
 EVHEMEEUS. 
 
 How pale you look, my lord ! Large drops of sweat 
 Bedew your brows, and your bewildered eyes 
 Glare strangely round. Wliat is it you have seen ? 
 
 JULIAJS. 
 
 Keep still, EYhemerus. Let me breathe awhile. 
 Have we our footing on the solid earth, 
 Or is it all a dream ? 
 
 Maximus. 
 
 Be calm, my son. 
 Most nobly have you borne the final test. 
 
 JXJLIAN. 
 
 I scarce know what I saw. Vigil and fast 
 
 Had left me weak ; and yet I know I stood 
 
 In that deep cavern, by a lake of fire, 
 
 Amid the visions of a phantom- world, 
 
 And saw such sights, and heard such awful sounds. 
 
 That could they be described .... 
 
74 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetI. 
 
 Maximus. 
 
 Describe them not ! 
 Enough for you if in that solemn hour 
 You heard the voices of the immortal gods. 
 
 Julian. 
 I cannot doubt it, father. Rich and clear, 
 They came to me amid the whirling storm, 
 Like some sweet music rising from afar 
 Above all other noises. 
 
 Maximus, 
 
 Oh, my son ! 
 The glorious gods of HeUas are not dead. 
 Those ignorant fishers down in Galilee 
 Have not destroyed the bright Olympian race. 
 They live for ever, not alone in song. 
 Or unsubstantial images and types. 
 But have a real existence of their own. 
 Secure from change. The guardian deities 
 Are all around us, and derive their power 
 From One Supreme, whom we can never know. 
 But these we know, and we can worship these. 
 
Part I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 75 
 
 And they have many forms and attributes, 
 
 And different nations give them different names. 
 
 "We lift our eyes to yon resplendent Moon, 
 
 And call her Isis, Artemis, Diana ; 
 
 For she who kissed Endymion in his sleep 
 
 Is the swift huntress of the woods and hills ; 
 
 And she who wears the lotus of the Nile 
 
 Is the same goddess of the silver car 
 
 That nightly sheds abroad her genial light. 
 
 And so with all. Amid their shifting shapes. 
 
 Their essence lasts. While beauty charms the sense, 
 
 Or wisdom brings sweet solace to the mind, 
 
 WiU Aphrodite and Athena reign. 
 
 And still Jove thunders from the heights of heaven. 
 
 And Neptune wakes the fury of the seas ; 
 
 While Ceres on the golden harvest smiles. 
 
 And Bacchus trains the tendrils of the vine. 
 
 And Pan is piping to the flocks and herds. 
 
 Chrysanthiijs. 
 
 Which also squares with our philosophy 
 And Plato's highest teaching ; for these gods 
 
76 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part I. 
 
 Are the celestial messengers, wlio stand 
 Between the shadows of our human life 
 And the sublime, eternal verities. 
 
 Maximus. 
 
 The Sun-God is the greatest. Whether called 
 
 Osiris, Mithras, Helios, or Apollo, 
 
 He is the first and nearest to the source. 
 
 But more of this hereafter. Say, Prince Julian ! 
 
 Have you renounced the Jewish fables, taught 
 
 By those who were the tyrants of your youth. 
 
 And are you now prepared to serve the gods ? 
 
 Julian. 
 I am prepared. 
 
 Maximus. 
 
 Then hear me prophesy ! 
 A proud and splendid destiny is yours. 
 The purple robe and the imperial crown 
 Will be amongst your honours. But these gauds 
 Have fallen ere now into unworthy hands. 
 
PaktI.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 77 
 
 Your fate is to add lustre to a ttrone, 
 To be at once the Monarcli and the Sage, 
 And, as the Sovereign PontiflF, to restore 
 The ruined altars and the plundered fanes. 
 And, with the ancient faith, you will revive 
 The ancient virtue, and by noble deeds 
 Call back the glories of the Roman name. 
 
 EvHEMERUs {aside). 
 I have my doubts. He prophesies too much. 
 And how were all those secret wonders wrought ? 
 
 Julian. 
 If such my mission, I feel strong enough 
 To break, as breaks a lion from the toils. 
 Through every obstacle. 
 
 Maximus. 
 
 Not yet, my son. 
 Haste and impatience would endanger all. 
 You must be slow and cautious, and unite 
 The serpent's wisdom with the lion's strength. 
 It is the will of the immortal gods — 
 
78 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetI. 
 
 I speak as one inspired, for sucli advice 
 
 Is somewhat foreign to my natural temper — 
 
 That you should keep concealed your every thought, 
 
 And play the fawning Galilean's part 
 
 In all your acts and words, until the day 
 
 When prosperous Fortune shall untie your tongue. 
 
 And give the sword and sceptre to your hand. 
 
 Julian. 
 It is a hard command. 
 
 Maximtjs. 
 
 But absolute — 
 The first and chief condition of success. 
 Nor need you scruple to deceive the men 
 Who laid their wily snares to hold you fast 
 A life-long slave. But, friends, the time is come 
 To finish this night's work with sacrifice, 
 And solemn sprinkling of the victim's blood 
 Upon the head of our young proselyte, 
 So as to cleanse him wholly from the stain 
 Of false, unhallowed rites. Before we go, 
 
Part I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 79 
 
 Swear all of you that you will not reveal 
 What we have done, or yet may have to do, 
 In these our sacred mysteries. 
 
 All. 
 
 That we swear ! 
 
 Maximus. 
 Then let us join together, heart and soul. 
 In firm devotion to a common cause ; 
 And may the seed which we have sown to-night 
 Grow to a mighty and majestic tree 
 That shall o'er shadow all the Roman world ! 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
80 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PabtI. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 Scene I. — The Garden of a Country House in Ionia. 
 
 Enter Julian and Okibasitjs. 
 
 Julian. 
 My soul is very heavy, Oribasius, 
 My friend and kind physician. All your drugs, 
 Rich with Hygea's renovating fire. 
 Would fan to raise my spirits. 
 
 Oribasius. 
 
 Yet this air 
 Is most salubrious, and this house and garden 
 Are redolent of health. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 My mother's home. 
 My fair yoimg mother, whom I never knew. 
 And siace I have been here, amongst my books, 
 I have been calm and happy. Once relieved 
 Of all the doubts that racked my brain before, 
 
Part I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 81 
 
 I went back gladly to the student's Kfe, 
 And laid aside the more ambitious thoughts 
 That stirred me for a moment. Oh, my friend ! 
 I could have wished, if so it pleased the gods, 
 To leave prophetic visions unfulfilled, 
 And let my days flow Kke a gentle stream 
 Beneath the shelter of these quiet bowers. 
 But now fresh griefs are mine. The cruel Fate 
 Which has pursued our race seems to demand 
 Another victim. My poor, ill-starred brother 
 Is hastening to his doom. 
 
 Okibasius. 
 
 Whate'er his faults. 
 The Emperor's sister was the most to blame. 
 
 Julian. 
 But she is dead. The fever that destroyed her 
 Left him to bear the burden of her sins. 
 Constantius and his eunuchs will take care 
 To fix the guilt on Gallus, whom they made 
 Their tool and hers. And he, too weak to act 
 
 G 
 
82 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Paet I. 
 
 On any bold resolve for good or ill, 
 Accepts the Emperor's gracious invitation 
 To come to Milan. Spite of all my warnings, 
 He flutters, like a blind and helpless fly. 
 Into the spider's web. 
 
 Oribasius. 
 
 What could he do ? 
 
 Julian. 
 I have been trained to letters, not to arms ; 
 And yet methinks, if I had been at Antioch, 
 With soldiers at my back, I should have sent 
 A diflierent answer to the Emperor's message. 
 We soon shall know the worst. Our good Evhemerus 
 Has been despatched to meet the flying posts 
 And bring the earliest tidings. By this time 
 My brother may have reached the Emperor's presence. 
 And heard what charges will be urged against him. 
 
 Oribasius. 
 He must be tried by Roman law — may plead 
 The terms of his commission — and may prove 
 
Part I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 83 
 
 That many deeds of violence and wrong, 
 Such as Domitian's murder by the mob, 
 Were done without his knowledge. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Roman law 
 Is powerless to control a tyrant's will. 
 But see where comes Evhemerus. Oh, ye gods ! 
 How ghastly pale ! What horror does he bring ? 
 
 EvHEMEKUs {entering). 
 Would that my lips were closed in lasting silence. 
 Rather than speak my news ! 
 
 Oribasixjs. 
 
 Oh, speak at once ! 
 'Tis the suspense that kills. 
 
 Evhemerus. 
 
 My lord, your brother 
 Came not to Milan. Stopped at Adrianople 
 By agents of the Emperor, guards dismissed, 
 Attendants left behind, the outraged Caesar 
 
Hi JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PabtI. 
 
 Was hurried in strange fastion to Petovio, 
 
 And thence conveyed to Pola as a prisoner. 
 
 Examined there by that malignant eunuch, 
 
 The Chamberlain Eusebius, with no friend 
 
 To aid or counsel, driven to confess 
 
 Whatever crimes his foes imputed to him, 
 
 He soon was judged and sentenced. Do not ask me 
 
 To tell you more ! 
 
 Julian. 
 Yes, I must know it all. 
 My brother's dead. Your face proclaims the fact. 
 How did he die ? 
 
 EvHEMBEUS. 
 
 Alas ! that I should live 
 To tell so sad a tale ! Dragged to the block 
 Like any common felon, with his hands 
 Behind him fastened, the unhappy Csesar 
 Was foully murdered, and his headless trunk 
 Denied the decent honours of a grave. 
 
 Okibasius. 
 What ! by his kinsman's orders ? 
 
PaktI.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 85 
 
 EVHEMEEUS. 
 
 It is said 
 The Emperor sent to stay the execution, 
 But that the respite came too late. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 The villains ! 
 The brutal, savage villains ! Righteous gods ! 
 And thou, the never-slumbering I^emesis I 
 And you, avenging, fierce Eumenides ! 
 I call on you for justice. Soon or late 
 The day of retribution must arrive. 
 And in that hope I consecrate to you 
 My every thought. Help me to watch and wait, 
 To bear concealment, contumely, and shame. 
 To keep my sorrows buried in my breast. 
 And hide the sword till I can strike the blow ! 
 
 EVHEMERUS. 
 
 I hear the sound as of approaching feet 
 
 In measured march. And lo ! a glittering file 
 
 Of helms and spears. What is to happen next ? 
 
86 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part I. 
 
 Oeibasius. 
 Strangers at hand. Compose yourself, my prince. 
 
 Entur a Centurion and Soldiers. 
 
 EVHBMERUS. 
 
 What means this rude intrusion ? 
 
 Centurion. 
 
 No offence. 
 I only follow orders. My concern 
 Is with Prince Julian. Here's theEmperor's mandate, 
 That he repair without delay to Milan. 
 I must attend him thither. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Does that mean 
 I am to be your prisoner ? 
 
 Centukion. 
 
 Oh, my lord ! 
 Whj' use unpleasant names ? 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Well, my brave soldier. 
 You only do your duty. I suppose 
 That I may take some of my servants with me ? 
 
Part I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 8 
 
 Centurion. 
 Four of your household. That was in my orders. 
 
 Julian. 
 Then, my good friends, will you consent to share 
 My adverse fortunes ? 
 
 EVHEMERUS. 
 
 I will never leave you. 
 
 Oribasius. 
 Nor I. How soon must we begin this journey ? 
 
 Centurion. 
 Before another sunrise. 
 
 Julian. 
 Be it so. 
 Perchance, we shall not see this place again ; 
 But aU its brightness has for ever fled, 
 And dark will be its memory. Come, my friends. 
 
 Cesturion {to the Soldiers). 
 Close up your ranks. Attend upon the prince. 
 
 \_Exeunt. 
 
88 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part I. 
 
 Scene II. — Milan. A Room in the Palace. 
 Enter Constantitjs, Valens, and Ursacius. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Yes, you are right. Tte pride of Athanasius 
 Can be no more endured. He dares maintain 
 His own opinions against mine — the Emperor's ! 
 Now that all hostile forces are subdued, 
 I mean to show the world that I am master 
 In Church as well as State. 'Tis yours to see 
 That the assembled bishops in the council 
 Condemn this haughty prelate. 
 
 Valens. 
 
 We have won 
 The greater part, but some are obstinate. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Try every means — persuasion, promises. 
 And if it need be, threats. 
 
 Valens. 
 
 All has been tried. 
 We have not failed in duty. But some few 
 
Past I] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 89 
 
 Are stubborn as tbe adamantine rocks, 
 Led chiefly on by him of Rome, Liberius, 
 And Hosius, oldest bishop of the Church, 
 Now in his dotage. 
 
 TJesacius. 
 These fanatics say 
 That all the former charges were disproved, 
 And that they neither can nor will condemn 
 A brother bishop whom they have not heard 
 In his defence. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Can they not trust to me 
 That I would not impeach him without cause ? 
 But they shall learn obedience. Let them know 
 That I have been commissioned and ordained 
 To act as God's vicegerent here on earth. 
 And that I swear to use my utmost powers 
 To beat down opposition. 
 
 Valens. 
 
 We will strive 
 To follow your injunctions to the letter. 
 
90 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetI. 
 
 Ursacius. 
 And teach a wondering world to praise your wisdom. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Go then at once. Let there be no delay. 
 
 \_Exeunt Bishops. 
 Chosen to rule by heaven's peculiar favour, 
 I cannot brook the slowness of these churchmen. 
 And here come other troubles to annoy me. 
 
 Unter Eusebius. 
 Am I to have no peace, no rest, no leisure ? 
 
 Eusebius. 
 My lord, you were not wont to shrink from labours 
 That your high office needed. How can we, 
 Who are dependent on your slightest breath, 
 Move any step unless we know your will ? 
 I wish to ask what next is to be done 
 As to Prince Julian. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 There is time enough. 
 
PaetIO yULIAN THE APOSTATE. 91 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 But some decision .... 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 What should I decide ? 
 Are you impatient for more blood, Eusebius ? 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 My lord, your safety is my only care. 
 
 If, as we now have reason to suspect, 
 
 This youth, whom we believed absorbed in books, 
 
 Was in close correspondence with his brother, 
 
 He might prove dangerous. It were politic 
 
 To nip such mischief in the bud. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 But how ? 
 Am I to kill my last surviving kinsman 
 On bare suspicion ? 
 
 Eusebius. 
 
 I said naught of killing. 
 But we must either give him royal greeting, 
 
92 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaeiI. 
 
 As fits a prince and your acknowledged heir, 
 
 Or we must hold him as a captive hostage 
 
 In strictest bonds. There is no middle course. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 And which of these two roads am I to follow ? 
 
 Etjsebitjs. 
 The last, my lord, unless you choose to nurse 
 A serpent that may sting you. If your nerves 
 Have not the needful force to crush the snake. 
 Keep him well caged till you can draw his fangs. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Have your own way. Receive him as a prisoner. 
 And let him lie in ward. Only release me 
 From all this business. I would fain enjoy 
 The bloom and promise of my second spring. 
 Here comes my beautiful Eusebia. 
 
 EusEBiTJS {a&ide). 
 
 Damn her ! 
 
Part I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 93 
 
 Enter the Umpress Eusebia. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 How fares my sweetest Empress ? 
 
 Eusebia. 
 
 Wei], my lord. 
 But you look worn and harassed. Let me smooth 
 Those ugly wrinkles from your brow, Constantius, 
 And teach your lips to smile. The world is fair, 
 And we, who dwell upon its loftiest peaks, 
 May gaze our fill on all the glorious scene. 
 And ever find new pleasure in the view. 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 Madam, your gaze must have been somewhat brief. 
 Or you would find dark places everywhere. 
 
 Eusebia. 
 Oh, sir ! I know that gloomy spots abound ; 
 But 'tis our duty and our privilege 
 To make dark places light. Imperial power 
 Was lent us to promote the happiness 
 
94 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part I. 
 
 Of all mankind, and so increase our own. 
 I do not dread the task. 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 You are young, madam. 
 
 EUSEBIA. 
 
 And so have longer space to live and learn. 
 But, sir, I would be private with the Emperor. 
 We can excuse your presence. 
 
 Etjsebius (aside). 
 
 Curses on her! 
 But I will make her rue this insolence. \_Exit. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 You must not mind Eusebius. He is used 
 
 To take some freedom with us. An old servant. 
 
 And deep in aU our secrets. 
 
 Eusebia. 
 
 Oh, my lord ! 
 I trust that you and I wiU. have no secrets 
 
Part I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 95 
 
 Which need to fear the brightest glare of noon. 
 But for this man, the moment that I saw him 
 I shuddered at his glance. I feel assured 
 That he is false and cruel. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Nay, sweet wife, 
 He is my ancient friend and counsellor, 
 Who has been faithful to me many years. 
 
 EUSEBIA. 
 
 But were he now to come between us two, 
 And seek to blast our love ? 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Impossible ! 
 He, Hke all others, must admire and prize 
 So fair and good a mistress. 
 
 EUSEBIA. 
 
 Ah ! you think so. 
 But were he now to do it ? 
 
96 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part I. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Be content. 
 Those rosy lips and those bright eyes have power 
 More than a thousand ministers of state. 
 "With them I am the Emperor ; but with you 
 I am Constantius, young and fresh again 
 As in the morn of life. There go my cares ! 
 Until to-morrow I am wholly yours. \_Exeunt. 
 
 Scene III. — A Student's Chamber at Athens. 
 Enter Basil and Gregory. 
 
 Basil. 
 "We are well housed. What is the tumult now ? 
 
 [ Uproar without. 
 
 Gregoey. 
 Another freshman carried to the bath. 
 The lads are battering at the doors. 
 
 Basil. 
 
 My head aches 
 In listening to their shouts, and all the town 
 Is shaken with their din. 
 
Part I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 97 
 
 Gregory. 
 
 Boys will be boys. 
 You've not forgotten your first day at Athens ? 
 
 Basil. 
 
 Nor ever shall — nor how you rescued me, 
 My dear friend Gregory, from rude jests and horse- 
 play. 
 It is a foolish custom. 
 
 Gregory. 
 
 The exuberance 
 Of youthful health and spirits. Time and toil. 
 Or sickness, and the sorrows of the world, 
 "Will make them grave enough. 
 
 Basil. 
 
 Ah ! that's where fails 
 Our proud philosophy. The wise may find 
 Some comfort in sage maxims and high thoughts ; 
 But for the herd of ordinary men, 
 "Who tread the common round of daily life, 
 "When the warm flush of youth has passed away, 
 
 H 
 
98 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetI. 
 
 And disappointment comes — which comes to all — 
 Of what avail, amid their griefs and pains, 
 Their pressing troubles, and their vanished hopes, 
 Are the much-vaunted lessons of the schools ? 
 
 G-KEGORT. 
 
 'Tis strange to hear you talk so — you that hold 
 The highest place for speculative lore 
 Amongst our students — ^you to undervalue 
 The philosophic teaching ! 
 
 Basil. 
 
 No, dear Gregory, 
 It is to me most precious. You best know 
 What happy hours we two have spent together 
 In conning over all the sages wrote. 
 And then discussing their profoundest themes. 
 To us, who love the contemplative mood. 
 These things have been a banquet of delight, 
 And a resource in sadness. But, my friend. 
 No triumphs of the loftiest intellect 
 Can fully satisfy the human heart ; 
 This longing, human heart, which feels the woes 
 
PaetI.] yULIAN THE APOSTATE. 99 
 
 Of all around it, and instinctive strinks 
 
 From the deep gloom that shrouds the impending 
 
 fate. 
 We do not honour Plato's wisdom less, 
 That we believe more help is to be found 
 For suffering, doubting, erring, dying men, 
 In the plain words of John the fisherman. 
 Or Paul the tent-maker. 
 
 GrREGORY. 
 
 Those words have power. 
 Because they bear the message of the Lord. 
 But, Basil, what new dangers seem to threaten 
 Our Christian faith ! I hear that Arian counsels 
 Once more prevail at court, and that a ban 
 Is laid, or will be laid, on Athanasius. 
 How rage the wicked ones against the truth ! 
 
 Basil. 
 God will protect His truth, you need not fear. 
 And pondering much upon such thoughts of late, 
 Moved by the sound of discord in the Church, 
 There came to me a light as from above. 
 
100 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Past I. 
 
 That not by outward signs can we discern 
 The progress of the faith. It works unseen, 
 And wins its way in silence to the souls 
 Of humble men ; its fruit is in tbeir lives. 
 And all the powers of earth and hell combined 
 Will not prevail against it. Courts may change 
 Their tenets like the fashion of their dress — 
 Emperors proscribe, and venal priests condemn, 
 The best and noblest shepherds of the flock — 
 False brethren, by their actions, bring disgrace 
 Upon a sacred cause, and heathen foes 
 Join with the spirits of evil to predict 
 Our swift decay and fall. But, as of old. 
 In quietness and confidence shall be 
 Our strength and our deliverance. God has built 
 His Church upon a rock, and it will stand. 
 
 Gregoky. 
 
 I know it, Basil ; and it makes me blush 
 
 That I should yield to momentary fears. 
 
 But now, methinks, 'tis time for the Gymnasium. 
 
 To-day, Himerius lectures. 
 
PaetL] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 101 
 
 Basil. 
 
 A great man. 
 Would that lie were a Christian ! Let us go. 
 
 \^xeunt. 
 
 Scene IV. — Milan. A Room in the Palace. 
 Enter Constantiits, Etjsebia, and Helena. 
 
 EUSEBIA. 
 
 My lord, I have a boon to beg of you. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 What is it, dear EuBebia ? Shall I send 
 To furthest Ind for gems to deck your hair, 
 Clothe you in silk as fine as gossamer. 
 Or wrap your dainty limbs in Scythian furs ? 
 An empire's wealth is all at your disposal. 
 
 Helena. 
 Pray take him at his word, my gentle sister ; 
 He may not always make such generous offers. 
 
102 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part I. 
 
 EUSEBIA. 
 
 I do not greatly care for t Tn'n gs like these. 
 What I would ask is not so hard to grant. 
 
 CONSTANTIDS. 
 
 What is it, then ? 
 
 EUSEBIA. 
 
 To do an act of justice. 
 I cannot bear that we should spend our days 
 In pomp and pleasure, while a harmless youth. 
 Your cousin Julian, is detained a prisoner. 
 Cut off from all enjoyment. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Be not rash. 
 Keep to your woman's fancies and pursuits, 
 And do not meddle with affairs of state. 
 
 EUSEBIA. 
 
 I do not seek to meddle. But, Constantius, 
 I should not be your true and loyal wife 
 If I were not concerned for an affair 
 
PaetI.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 103 
 
 Which touches you most nearly. "Woman's wit 
 
 May fail to fathom depths of policy, 
 
 But woman's natural feelings are alive 
 
 To what affects the happiness and honour 
 
 Of those she loves. It surely cannot add 
 
 To the throne's glory or the empire's peace, 
 
 Or to your own serenity of mind, 
 
 To treat your kinsman as a criminal. 
 
 With nothing proved against him. Helena, 
 
 Lend me your knee and voice to move your brother. 
 
 Helena. 
 I would, but dare not. 
 
 CoNSTANTItrS. 
 
 My good sister knows 
 That I am little used to be assailed 
 After this fashion. My supreme decrees 
 Are never called in question. 
 
 EUSEBIA. 
 
 Then 'tis right 
 That one, who loves you with a perfect love. 
 
104 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Past I. 
 
 Should have such faith in your nobility 
 
 As to break through the custom. Oh, my lord ! 
 
 As the mouse freed the Kon from the net, 
 
 The lowliest thing on earth may sometimes help 
 
 The greatest, and the wise wiU not reject 
 
 A willing service from a friendly hand. 
 
 Though it be weak as mine. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 That little hand, 
 So supple, smooth, and delicately fair, 
 Stirs aU my pulses with its magic touch. 
 But I must guard against a witchery 
 That might be full of danger. If this youth 
 Is held in bondage, 'tis by the advice 
 Of men grown old in state-craft. 
 
 EUSEBIA. 
 
 So I thought. 
 'Tis not your judgment nor your own desire. 
 But the false counsel of inferior minds, 
 Which cannot rise to your imperial height. 
 Their cowardice sees peril everywhere, 
 And would infect you with their senseless fears. 
 
Past I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 105 
 
 But you, my lord, the master of the world, 
 The conqueror of Magnentius — you, whose sword 
 Has overcome all rivals and all foes^ 
 You cannot deem that one unwarlike youth, 
 A student with no treasure save his books. 
 Without companions, followers, or allies, 
 Could ever work you harm. And why suppose 
 That he has harboured any such design ? 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 His brother was a traitor, and 'tis said 
 
 That there was frequent intercourse between them. 
 
 EUSEBIA. 
 
 Oh, my dear lord, how many things are said 
 Which have no ground of truth ! And is it strange, 
 That- brothers should hold converse, and yet one 
 Be innocent of all the other's acts ? 
 Methinks you must have seen such instances. 
 
 Helena. 
 Though Constantina was my elder sister. 
 And I scarce chose a dress without her counsel, 
 I never knew her secrets. 
 
106 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Past I. 
 
 EuSEBIA. 
 
 And the Emperor 
 Acquits you of all share in any blame 
 That clings to that poor lady's memory. 
 The cases are alike ; and this young Julian 
 May be as free from the least taint of guilt, 
 As our beloved and artless Helena. 
 Come, my Constantius, listen to my prayer. 
 I do not ask you to release your kinsman 
 Without inquiry. Call him to your presence. 
 Hear what he has to say. I am content 
 To leave the rest to your superior wisdom. 
 
 Constantius. 
 I will consult Eusebius. 
 
 EUSBBIA, 
 
 Consult nothing 
 But your own heart and conscience. What's this 
 
 eunuch, 
 That, like a serpent, he should wind his coils 
 About the mighty monarch of the woods ? 
 WiU you permit the vulgar voice to name him 
 
PiBTl.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 107 
 
 The sovereign of his soTereign ? Be yourself. 
 Trust your free judgment and the light from heaven ; 
 Or, if a human influence may intrude 
 On your deliberate choice and calm resolve, 
 Trust her, to whom your fame and happiness 
 Are dear as life or love. 
 
 Helena. 
 
 He will consent ; 
 I see it in his eye. Teach me, Eusebia, 
 To plead like you, and wia as good a cause. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Who can resist, when two confederate women 
 
 Have sworn to have their way ? He shall be sent for. 
 
 And you shall both attend our conference. 
 
 It may be well for once to show Eusebius 
 
 That we can act without him. Are you satisfied ? 
 
 Eusebia. 
 I am most grateful. But, indeed, Constantius, 
 It was for your advantage, not my own, 
 That I have been so pressing. 
 
108 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PabtI. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Oh, you witch ! 
 You would cajole the devil. But beware, 
 Beware the wrath of our Lord Chamberlain. 
 
 EUSEBIA. 
 
 The Emperor's wife fears no one but the Emperor. 
 
 \Exeunt. 
 
 Scene Y. — Milan, The Garden of a Souse in the 
 Suburbs. 
 
 Enter Julian, Oribasitjs, and Evhemerus. 
 
 Julian. 
 Shut out from all communion with the world, 
 Confined to this enclosure, guarded, watched. 
 How long am I to pace these weary walks ? 
 
 Okibasius. 
 Have you reflected on my late advice 
 To make your application to the Empress ? 
 You know I had a hint from friends at court, 
 That she is in your favour. 
 
PaetI.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 109 
 
 EVHEMEEUS. 
 
 All men say 
 That she is kiad as fair, and that her influence 
 Is potent with Constantius. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 My good friends, 
 I have considered well what you advised, 
 And only yesterday I had resolved 
 To act upon your counsel. I had gone 
 So far as write a letter to the Empress, 
 A brief but strong appeal, and would have sent it, 
 Although I knew the danger should it fall 
 Into the hands of others. But last night 
 There came to me great Hermes, like a star 
 Shooting across the blackness of the heavens. 
 And laid his herald's staff upon my lips. 
 Bidding me speak no word, and move no step. 
 But wait the will of the immortal gods. 
 
 Oeibasius. 
 A dream, my lord. 
 
110 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetI. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 I teU you, that I saw him 
 As I see you — the lithe and graceful form, 
 The golden sandals, and the cap with wings. 
 Enough, 1 burned the letter. 
 
 EvHEMERUs (aside). 
 
 Have his troubles 
 Begun to touch his brain ? 
 
 Julian. 
 
 If I am called — 
 As I believe I am — to make wrong right. 
 To build anew the altars and the fanes. 
 Restore the rule of justice and of law, 
 And bring diviae Astrssa back to earth. 
 The gods will not forsake me. In due time 
 They wiU equip their soldier for the fight, 
 And from Athena's hands he will receive 
 The helmet and the shield. But, till that day, 
 The wand of Hermes laid upon my lips 
 Forbids all indiscretion. I must wait, 
 And waiting must keep silence as of yore, 
 
PaetI.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE, 111 
 
 And play my part in a fantastic show 
 That is to puzzle and mislead my foes. 
 
 Enter Centurion. 
 What is your will ? 
 
 Oentttkion. 
 A message from the Emperor. 
 Prince Julian's presence is required at court. 
 
 Julian. 
 Indeed ! 'Tis somewhat sudden. 
 
 Centurion. 
 
 My commands 
 Extend no further ; but a chariot waits 
 To bear you to the palace. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 I am ready. 
 Farewell, my friends. I cannot even guess 
 What this imperial summons may portend ; 
 But I shall not forget the solemn charge 
 Which came by a celestial messenger. 
 
 \Exeunt Julian and the Centurion. 
 
112 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Paet I. 
 
 EVHEMEEUS. 
 
 What tliink you of our patron, Oribasius ? 
 Are these strange visions real, or is he fooled 
 By some insane delusion ? 
 
 Oribasius. 
 
 Who can say P 
 The elements are so obscurely mixed 
 In that most wondrous microcosm — man — 
 That the physician trembles to define 
 Where mind on body acts, body on mind, 
 Or outward things on both. But this I know — 
 Whether we hold these visions true or false — 
 There is no trace of madness. Julian keeps. 
 And in a high degree beyond his peers. 
 The steady purpose, the unshaken will, 
 The clear, deep insight, and the prescient art 
 To shape his means to ends. He is not mad — 
 Or 'tis the madness of earth's greatest men. 
 
 \Exeunt. 
 
PabtIO JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 113 
 
 Scene VI. — Milan. A Room in the Palace. 
 Enter Constantitjs, Eusebia, and Helena. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Here take your seats, and wait for tlie arrival 
 Of your young client. He shall have full freedom 
 To plead in his defence. Only remember. 
 That I must be the judge. 
 
 Eusebia. 
 
 We ask no more. 
 We can rely on your impartial justice. 
 
 Enter Eusebius. 
 But we had fancied that the only audience 
 Would be your wife and sister. 
 
 EUSBBITIS. 
 
 Trust me, madam, 
 My presence here can have but little weight. 
 'Tis true that I have served the Emperor long. 
 
114 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Past I. 
 
 And had his confidence. I learn with pain, 
 And some slight ■vronder, that my services 
 Are no more needed. Yet my humble duty 
 Compels me to attend my sovereign's pleasure, 
 When grave afiairs of state are in the balance, 
 Until I yield my stafi", and lose my office. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 You make too much of this, Lord Chamberlain. 
 You vrere not sent for, simply that we wished 
 To hold a family-council. 
 
 EUSEBITJS. 
 
 To include, 
 If I mistake not, an illustrious prisoner. 
 It may concern the safety of the empire — 
 But speak the word, and I withdraw at once. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Stop if you will, Eusebius. I am ready 
 
 To listen to both sides. Here comes our cousin. 
 
 FsHER {tvithouf). 
 Prince Julian — to attend upon the Emperor ! 
 
Part I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 115 
 
 {Enter Julian. Me stands on one side, and Eusebius 
 on the other, of Constantitjs and the two Ladies, 
 who remain seated.) 
 
 Julian. 
 I am a stranger in this noble presence ; 
 But long have I desired the happy hour 
 When I could meet my sovereign, face to face, 
 And answer in the broadest light of noon 
 All charges brought against me. For I feel 
 That I must have been charged with some offence. 
 Though ignorant of its nature and degree, 
 Or you, my lord, in your great clemency. 
 Would not have kept me banished from your sight. 
 Or aliened from your favour. 
 
 Eusebius. 
 
 Pardon me. 
 Whate'er the Emperor's wisdom has decided 
 Cannot be judged or questioned. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 True, Lord Chamberlain ! 
 I bow to your experience. But the Emperor 
 
116 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetI. 
 
 Is placed so liigli above all common rules. 
 That he will not disdain to give a reason 
 For his apparent coldness to a kinsman 
 Who never did him wrong. 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 There may be reasons 
 Which are state-secrets. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Oh, sir ! do not mock me. 
 What dealings can a poor sequestered scholar 
 Have had with state affairs ? — The only quarrels 
 In which I ever took a lively interest, 
 Are those of Agamemnon and Achilles ; 
 The only war I know is that of Troy ; 
 The only policy, such clever tricks 
 As those by which Ulysses foiled the Cyclops, 
 Or chaste Penelope with long delays 
 Baffled the suitors. It is merely trifling 
 To tell me that my acts affect the state. 
 
PaetI.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 117 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 Why, if your studies were your only aim, 
 Did you leave Nicomedia ? 
 
 Julian. 
 
 To pursue them 
 In other parts of Asia, with your knowledge, 
 And with the Emperor's license. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 That is true. 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 But had you not a meeting with your brother ? 
 
 Julian. 
 I saw my brother on his way to Antioch — • 
 Once, and no more. 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 But you had letters from him ? 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Yes, I had letters. 
 
118 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part I. 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 And you wrote replies ? 
 
 Julian. 
 If you have any sucli, I pray, produce them, 
 As I will some of his. Tou there will find 
 What any brother might to brother write 
 Upon familiar topics — not one word 
 That even vindictive malice could interpret 
 As treasonous or disloyal. 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 But, Prince Julian, 
 Will you deny, that you had sympathies 
 With your too guilty brother ? 
 
 Julian. 
 
 What imports 
 That specious question ? — I have yet to learn. 
 That sorrow, pity, friendship, ties of blood. 
 Are crimes against the state. I nothing know 
 Of my poor brother's guilt or innocence, 
 Not being privy to the dark designs 
 
PaetL] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 119 
 
 Of which he is accused. You cannot hold me 
 Responsible for actions not my own. 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 There is a rumour that you are in league 
 
 With divers heathen sophists, and have tampered 
 
 With arts unlawful, so as to endanger 
 
 Your Christian faith, as well as your allegiance 
 
 To our most pious Emperor. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Do not trust 
 The hollow voice of rumour. Bring some proof 
 That I have swerved in aught of faith or practice. 
 While heathen sophists lecture in the schools, 
 It cannot be imlawfizl to imbibe ' 
 
 Their secxdar teaching. Christian fathers send 
 Their children to Libanius or Themistius, 
 To profit by their learning. For the rest. 
 Ask of our bishops if I have neglected 
 A single spiritual duty. I have kept 
 AU holy festivals and solemn fasts. 
 
120 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PiETl. 
 
 Joined in the public worship of the Church, 
 And read aloud the scriptures to the people. 
 What would you more ? 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 I tell you that suspicion 
 Has been aroused, and you will have to lay it. 
 Before the Emperor can pronounce you guiltless. 
 
 Julian. 
 Ah ! who can grapple with that fiend, suspicion ? 
 It is a shadowy monster, without form 
 Or solid substance — a pernicious vapour, 
 Raised by the foul, malignant breath of slander — 
 Which cheats the senses and eludes the grasp. 
 I cannot answer vague and idle rumours. 
 If these be all your charges, I appeal 
 Without misgiving to the Emperor's justice. 
 And ask for my acquittal. 
 
 EUSEBITJS. 
 
 I protest 
 Against a hasty, premature decision. 
 
Part I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 121 
 
 Where there is smoke, there must be latent fire ; 
 "Where there is doubt, there may be hidden danger. 
 Time will make all things clear. 
 
 EUSBBIA. 
 
 Before you speak, 
 My gracious lord, give me a moment's hearing. 
 It may be true, that time will make all clear ; 
 But, in the interval, it is not just, 
 Nor kind nor wise, to let the innocent 
 Be treated as if guilty. Not a fault 
 Is proved against your cousin. Is it worthy 
 Of us, or of our dignity and station. 
 Because of some imaginary peril, 
 To keep him bound in fetters ? Oh, my lord ! 
 I too would have you bind him, but with chains 
 Of trusted loyalty and high-souled honour. 
 It is the safer and the nobler course. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 And what says Helena ? 
 
122 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part I. 
 
 Helena. 
 
 My lord and brother, 
 I am a timid woman, quite unskilled 
 To put my thoughts and wishes into words. 
 But I agree ia all things with the Empress. 
 
 Const ANTius. 
 Two against one, Eusebius. Well, Prince Julian, 
 "Were we disposed to give you back your freedom. 
 What else do you desire ? 
 
 Julian. 
 
 My gracious lord, 
 My only wish would be to seek a spot 
 Where I might lead a peaceful, studious life, 
 Remote from troubles and intrigues of court, 
 And safe from the suspicion of offence. 
 If I might choose a place in aU the world, 
 It should be Athens. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 A good choice, Eusebius ? 
 
PaetI.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 123 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 I say no more. The choice lies with the Empress. 
 
 EUSEBIA. 
 
 I make no such pretension. But, in sooth, 
 Methinks I could not name a spot on earth 
 More fitted for a student's home and refuge. 
 Than the famed city of Theseus. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Well, so be it. 
 You have your freedom, Julian, from this hour ; 
 But 'tis in all respects advisable. 
 That for the present you retire from court ; 
 And therefore, in compliance with your wish. 
 You may repair to Athens. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Oh, my lord ! 
 You have my humble thanks. May all your actions 
 Meet with their due reward. As for these ladies. 
 Their generous kindness ever will command 
 My utmost gratitude. And I will hope. 
 
124 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetI, 
 
 That in as far as you, Lord Chamberlain, 
 Have only sought to do your master service. 
 There may be peace between us. 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 I have never 
 Had any private feud with you, Prince Julian. 
 I have but done my duty. 
 
 CoNSTANTitJS (rising). 
 
 That's enough. 
 There need no more be said. Come, my Eusebia ! 
 To-day we have to entertain our cousin 
 Before his journey. 
 
 EusEBros (aside). 
 
 As one beast of prey 
 Might entertain another. Oh, the fools ! 
 
 \_Mi;eunt. 
 
PabtI.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 125 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 Scene I. — Athens. The Groves of the Academy. 
 Students and Sophists walking about. 
 
 Enter Basil and Geegoey. 
 
 Basil. 
 Now that we daily get to know hiin better, 
 What think you of our fellow-student JuKan ? 
 
 G-EEGOEY. 
 
 He is to me a riddle. Well endowed 
 
 With natural gifts and Tarious kinds of knowledge, 
 
 And with no insolence of rank or birth. 
 
 He should be as the model of a prince ; 
 
 But then how strange his bearing ! — See him walk 
 
 Along the street, with eyes upon the ground. 
 
 With nodding head, and quick, uncertain steps, 
 
 As in a dream — then make a sudden halt, 
 
 And burst into a laugh, or stare at you 
 
126 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetI. 
 
 Like one half-crazed. I sometimes have my doubts 
 Whether he be not of distempered mind. 
 
 Basil. 
 Talk with him on whatever theme you will, 
 And you shall find him clear and sound' of brain. 
 But he has had great griefs. And then his thoughts 
 Are busy with deep problems. 
 
 Gregory. 
 
 So are yours, 
 My Basil, but with you they only tend 
 To more unruffled calm. May it not be 
 That Julian hides some secret in his heart, 
 Some reservation, some strong wish repressed, 
 Which frets and tears him, like the vixen fox 
 That gnawed the entrails of the Spartan boy ? 
 
 Basil. 
 I scarce can think so. He has told me oft, 
 That he was ne'er so happy in his life 
 As here at Athens. 
 
PaetI.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 127 
 
 Gregory. 
 
 But he may deceive, 
 By some eyasiTe plea, himself or you. 
 His mind is like the Cretan labyrinth. 
 I would not trust him wholly. 
 
 Basil. 
 
 You are wrong. 
 He has a free and noble disposition. 
 Which claimed at once, and has already won, 
 My confidence and friendship. I had hoped 
 To have him for a third in our alliance. 
 
 Gregory. 
 I do not say you nay ; but I must make 
 Some difierence, in my inward estimate, 
 Between old friends and new. 
 
 Basil. 
 
 If that be all. 
 You will not find me careless of our love. 
 Or less regardful of our ancient bond, 
 Because another joins our fellowship. 
 
128 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetI. 
 
 Gkegory. 
 Look where he comes. He does not see us yet. 
 
 Enter Julian. 
 May we not share your dream ? 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Ha ! my dear Gregory ! 
 And Basil too ! well, that we might expect. 
 Castor and Pollux always go together. 
 But you are here in goodly company ; 
 And how delightful are these sacred groves, 
 Where every breeze among the quivering leaves 
 Whispers the name of Plato. 
 
 Basil. 
 
 Do not think 
 That none but his disciples here are found. 
 Why, at this moment, I can see before me 
 The partisans of many a rival school. 
 
 Julian. 
 That is the charm of Athens. Here we meet 
 All forms and shades of philosophic thought. 
 
Part I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 129 
 
 And free discussion will thresh out the best. 
 Great is the power of truth. 
 
 Gkegory. 
 
 Alas, my friend ! 
 Great is the power of falsehood. Who shall say 
 What constitutes opinion ? — Is it born 
 Of the pure intellect, or does it spring 
 From passion, prejudice, occasion, chance ? 
 And, once embraced, is it not oft retained 
 From the perversity of human will ? 
 Your sophists are but men. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 So are we all. 
 
 Gkegoey. 
 So must opinion be for ever doubtful. 
 
 Basil. 
 Opinion, yes. But not the highest truth. 
 It speaks to us in no uncertain tone, 
 And needs but the pure heart and listening ear. 
 
 K 
 
130 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Pakt I. 
 
 Jduan. 
 You mean the d^mon- guide of Socrates ? 
 
 Basil. 
 I mean the voice of God. 
 
 \_Students and Sophists gather round.'] 
 
 Epicurean. 
 
 The gods, my friends, 
 Do not concern themselves with us at all. 
 Thej' dwell apart in their felicity, 
 And leave the world to fare as best it may. 
 Two forces only rule the mind of man — 
 Pleasure and Pain. The first we always seek. 
 The last we shun. The study of the wise 
 Should be to cull the fairest flowers of life. 
 And yet escape its thorns. 
 
 Stoic. 
 
 A vain attempt — 
 Foolish as vain. The study of the wise 
 Should be to steel the soul against all ills, 
 And make itself suffice unto itself 
 
Part I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 131 
 
 'Mid the vicissitudes of outward things. 
 The sage can view with equal fortitude, 
 From his high place above the vulgar throng, 
 Sorrow and joy, riches and poverty. 
 Sickness and health, and all the accidents 
 That may befall him. None of these can touch 
 The pride of conscious virtue. 
 
 Cynic. 
 
 You may talk. 
 
 But he who is in earnest in his scorn 
 
 Of all the petty wants of common men, 
 
 Will show it by his acts — wUl only keep 
 
 What nature really needs — will wear, like me, 
 
 A tattered cloak, and sleep on the bare ground, 
 
 And have for his sole wealth a staff and scrip. 
 
 And spit upon your solemn decencies. 
 
 Then you may know that he is not the slave 
 
 Of appetite or custom. 
 
 Pyrrhonist. 
 
 We know nothing, . 
 And least of all ourselves. We play with words, 
 
132 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part I. 
 
 Invented to conceal our ignorance. 
 
 That whict one day is true, the next is false ; 
 
 What here is virtue, ttere is counted vice ; 
 
 No argument but has its refutation. 
 
 And our so-caUed beliefs are simply guesses. 
 
 Alike indifferent, and alike unproved. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 If that be so, why waste our time in speech ? 
 
 But I must think some grain of reason lurks 
 
 In all these theories. Even the tattered cloak 
 
 May have its value, if it be displayed. 
 
 Not as in ostentation or pretence, 
 
 Or mimicry of old Diogenes, 
 
 But as the symbol of a modest life ; 
 
 I fain would learn whatever trutb abides 
 
 In every system. 
 
 Student. 
 
 And we trust, Prince Julian, 
 That you will join in our athletic sports. 
 
Taut I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 133 
 
 Julian. 
 As gladly as the deer-hound joins the chase. 
 
 Student (aside). 
 A hearty fellow ! 
 
 Sophist (aside). 
 A judicious youth, 
 Who honours learning as becomes a prince ! 
 
 l_Sfudents and Sophists withdraw. 
 
 Gregory. 
 You left them doubtful which of aU the band 
 Might claim you as a follower. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Let them doubt ! 
 
 These men are not my leaders. You, my friends, 
 
 Who dwell in that great region of ideas 
 
 Where Plato reigns supreme, will understand 
 
 That all my efforts are to harmonize 
 
 The passing shadows which surround us here. 
 
 With everlasting truths which lie beyond. 
 
 There, and there only, is deliverance found 
 
 From all our woes and fears. 
 
134 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Pakt I. 
 
 Basil. 
 
 I grant as much. 
 But to attain that freedom we must seek 
 A surer guide than Plato. 
 
 JULIAK. 
 
 You, my Basil ! 
 Do you desert his standard ? 
 
 Basil. 
 
 Julian, no ! 
 "What reason could effect, that Plato did, 
 To raise the human nature to divine ; 
 But what he could not do was to bring down 
 Grod to the world, and show Him as He is. 
 None could do that, sare the Incarnate "Word. 
 
 Gregory. 
 So, turning oft away from earthly lights, 
 "We follow to its source the heavenly flame. 
 And daily give a portion of our time 
 To read what the beloved Apostle wrote. 
 "VVill you come with us ? 
 
Part I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 135 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Thanks — but not jiist now. 
 My thouglits are out of tune. 
 
 Gregory. 
 
 Well, as you will. 
 \_Exeunt Basil and Gregory. 
 
 Julian. 
 Oh, that I could but speak aloud my thoughts ! 
 It is a heavy burden, day by day, 
 To keep companionship with gentle friends. 
 And hold discourse on many a solemn theme, 
 Yet hide the strong convictions of the soul 
 Like foul and guilty secrets. Could I speak, 
 How good it were with Basil to survey 
 The grounds of our religions — for, in sooth. 
 It sometimes staggers me, that such a mind, 
 So clear and powerful, should so firmly cling 
 To what appears to me a baseless creed. 
 Can there be something in this Christian faith 
 Which I have not yet fathomed ? 
 
l-'36 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part I. 
 
 Enter the Hierophant of Eleusis. 
 
 Who is this 
 That comes with kingly air and stately step ? 
 He looks as if he knew me. 
 
 HlEEOPHANT. 
 
 Hail, Prince Julian ! 
 The favourite of the gods ! 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Forgive me, sir. 
 
 If I have failed to recognise your face. 
 
 Hierophant. 
 We have not met before, but I should know 
 Your form amongst a thousand. I have seen it 
 In the prophetic visions of the night , 
 Clothed in a purple robe, and crowned with glory. 
 'Tis Maximus of Ephesus that sends me. 
 To bid you to our Eleusinian Mysteries, 
 Of which I am the Hierophant. Your presence 
 Will grace our festival, and you will learn 
 Much that is yet concealed from mortal ken. 
 Or only shown to the predestined few. 
 Your fate may there be told. 
 
Part I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 137 
 
 Julian. 
 
 I thank you, sir. 
 Of my own future I take little heed ; 
 But there is nothing that I would not dare 
 To learn the secret counsels of the gods, 
 And follow their direction. If the choice 
 Lay with myself, I fain would spend my life 
 In the calm shade of these Athenian groves ; 
 But if the voice of the celestial Powers 
 Call me to action, they shall find me ready, 
 Whate'er the toil, the peril, or the doom. 
 
 HlEROPHANT. 
 
 On such resolve success and victory hang. 
 As you shall prove, for so the gods decree. 
 But, for the present, you must be my guest. 
 Let me attend you to the festival. 
 
 \Exeunt. 
 
138 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Pakt I. 
 
 Scene II. — Milan. A Boom in the Palace. 
 Enter Eusebia and Helena. 
 
 EUSEBIA. 
 
 Why do you sigh ? 
 
 Helena. 
 
 Out of sheer idleness. 
 
 Euseb];a. 
 I think not so. If I mistake not greatly, 
 There is an image ever in your mind — 
 The image of young Julian. Since you saw him, 
 You are an altered person. 
 
 Helena. 
 
 Oh ! you jest. 
 I do not find him perfect. 
 
 Eusebia. 
 
 No, not perfect. 
 Not tall of stature. 
 
Pabt I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 139 
 
 Helena. 
 But of medium height. 
 
 Etjsebia. 
 Shoulders too large. 
 
 Helena. 
 
 A broad and manly chest. 
 
 EUSEBIA. 
 
 A thick-set beard. 
 
 Helena. 
 
 But soft and flowing hair. 
 
 Eusebia. 
 Lips prominent. 
 
 Helena. 
 But such a well-shaped nose, 
 Such pencilled eyebrows, and such sparkling eyes. 
 _ What makes you laugh ? 
 
 Eusebia. 
 
 Oh, Helena, my love ! 
 You are far gone. 
 
140 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetI. 
 
 Helena. 
 If I were in the mood, 
 I could more justly lay the charge on you. 
 This Julian is your hero. 
 
 EUSEBIA. 
 
 That retort 
 Is stingless. Am I not your brother's wife ? 
 But, Helena, you have no cause to blush 
 For any tender interest you may feel 
 In one so worthy of a maiden's choice. 
 Methinks, he would not find it difficult 
 To win your favour. 
 
 Helena. 
 
 Wait until he woos, 
 Or has the power to woo. 
 
 EUSEBIA. 
 
 The time may come. 
 
 Enter Constantius. 
 Why wears my lord to-day so dark a front ? 
 
Paet I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 141 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Nothing but plagues. The empire in a blaze 
 From end to end. Sarmatians on the Danube, 
 Isaurian robbers issuing from their mountains, 
 The Persian monarch once more in the field. 
 And near at hand, in Gaul, the fierce barbarians. 
 The Franks and Alemanni, carrying ruiu 
 To all our western world. Forty-five cities 
 Given up to fire and pOlage. I scarce know 
 Which way to turn for counsel, and Eusebius 
 Has grown morose, and grudges the assistance 
 That he was wont to render. 
 
 EUSEBIA. 
 
 Rome's great Emperor 
 Should look for counsel to himself alone. 
 Your voice can summon millions to your aid, 
 Your glance inspire the legions, and your hand 
 Poiut them to certaia conquest. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 How and when ? 
 I cannot be in every place at once. 
 
142 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part I. 
 
 I must go eastward. Imminent perils there 
 Require my presence. Wlao is, then, to deal 
 "With this wild work in Gaul ? 
 
 EUSEBIA. 
 
 You have your generals. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Yes — and some favoured leader, if victorious — 
 Far from the influence of imperial state. 
 With none to represent me, none to bear 
 The outward emblems of my ruling power — 
 May prove more dangerous than the worst of foes. 
 I know not whom to trust. 
 
 EUSEBIA. 
 
 Will you disdain 
 To hear a woman's notion ? 
 
 CONSTAKTTUS. 
 
 Speak. I listen. 
 
Pabt I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 143 
 
 EUSEBIA. 
 
 Were it not well, that while your generals lead 
 Your armies to the war, they should have with them 
 The likeness of your lawful sovereignty, 
 Embodied in a Caesar ? 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Who is' he, 
 That you would have me choose for such an office ? 
 
 EUSEBIA. 
 
 Who but your cousin Julian ? — Birth and name. 
 Close kindred, common usage, mark him out 
 As your most fitting delegate. His mien 
 And his address will not disgrace your rank ; 
 His quiet habits and his bookish tastes 
 Will work no mischief; and his own advantage 
 Will join with gratitude to keep him loyal. 
 
 Const ANTius. 
 It seems to me, you have a wondrous kindness 
 For this young prince. 
 
144 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part I. 
 
 EUSEBIA. 
 
 My lord, he is your kinsman. 
 
 CoNSTANTItrS. 
 
 True — but an Empress sHould be somewhat chary 
 How she bestows her favours. 
 
 EusEBiA (aside). 
 
 Is he jealous ? 
 
 Const ANTius. 
 Lest evil tongues should whisper, that an Empress, 
 Being a woman, might be frail as fair. 
 
 EUSEBIA. 
 
 That evil thought, my lord, was not your own. 
 I know the tongue from which the poison came. 
 And scorn the wretched eunuch's whispered malice. 
 But I have more to say about Prince Julian. 
 There is one here, who would, I think, be willing 
 To give a pledge for his fidelity. 
 If so it might be ordered. 
 
paeti.] JULIAN the apostate. 145 
 
 Helena. 
 
 Husli, Eusebia ! 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Wliat may this mean ? 
 
 Eusebia. 
 
 I have no right to speak — 
 But women have their fancies and their dreams — 
 And I have dreamt of late, I saw Prince Julian 
 Bound as a captive, with the silken chain 
 Held in your sister's hand. 
 
 CoNSTANTius (oside). 
 
 If this be so, 
 It makes all straight. Eusebius must have lied, 
 When he dared breathe a doubt of my chaste wife. 
 (Aloud.) What say you, Helena ? 
 
 Helena. 
 
 Nothing, my lord. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Well, silence gives consent. My dear Eusebia, 
 You are my star amid this night of gloom. 
 And you shall be my guide. 
 
146 JULIAN TBE APOSTATE. [Pabt I. 
 
 EuSEBlA. 
 
 You need no guidance 
 But your own wisdom, when your false advisers 
 Have once been shaken off. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 I need your love, 
 And the approval of that winning smile. 
 I feel already lighter for this converse. 
 And more prepared to cope with adverse fortune. 
 The Empress may have helped to save the empire. 
 
 \Exeunt. 
 
 Scene III. — Athens. The Acropolis. The Parthenon 
 in the background. 
 
 Enter Julian and Oribasius. 
 Julian, 
 Yes, every doubt has fled. The wondrous truths 
 Taught at Eleusis have made all things clear. 
 I know that I am chosen by the gods 
 
Part I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 147 
 
 For a great mission. 'Tis the time alone 
 That now remains uncertain. Oribasius, 
 What do you think of omens ? 
 
 Okibasius. 
 
 My dear lord, 
 From all my various studies I have learned, 
 That there are secrets in this web of nature 
 Which we shall ne'er unravel. Silly birds 
 Can have no conscious notion of the future ; 
 Yet they foretell the changes of the weather, 
 And fly the coming storm. Why should their flight 
 Be in naught else oracular ? 
 
 Julian. 
 
 And dreams ? 
 Old Homer says they come by difierent gates ; 
 But who is to determine which have passed 
 The ivory gate, and which the gate of horn ? 
 Last night I had a dream, wherein I saw 
 A mighty tree, with branches far outspread, 
 Totter and fall ; and I was filled with fear 
 That it would crush a small and tender shoot 
 
148 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Paet I. 
 
 Whicli grew beside it. But, when I drew nigli, 
 
 The giant trunk had fallen, and I beheld 
 
 The young, fresh tree, which sprang from the same 
 
 root. 
 Flourish in safety and put forth its leaves. 
 
 Oribasius. 
 Those trees might be the Emperor and yourself. 
 
 Julian. 
 Beware, lest you speak treason. 
 
 Enter Evhemeeus. 
 
 What's your news ? 
 
 EVHEMEEXIS. 
 
 I bring you letters that have just arrived. 
 
 Julian. 
 Letters from Milan. Ha ! the Emperor's seal 
 And superscription. "What is now his wiLL ? 
 
 EVHEMERUS. 
 
 This time he sends no soldiers to enforce it, 
 And you may breathe at leisure. 
 
PiBTl.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 149 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Hardly so. 
 He summons me to quit my much-loved Athens 
 And to return to court. A pressing business 
 Requires my presence, and brooks no delay. 
 Is this some new device of that vile eunuch ? 
 
 EVHEMEEUS. 
 
 Methinks the Chamberlain would not have trusted 
 To such a missive. 
 
 Oribasius. 
 
 No — unless he reckoned 
 That you would disobey, and so give cause 
 To question your allegiance. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Here's a note 
 That settles all. It only says : " Come quickly ! " 
 But 'tis in the handwriting of the Empress. 
 
 Oribasius. 
 She still has been your friend. 
 
150 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Paet I. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 My more than friend ! 
 A woman that, if Fate had left her free, 
 I could have loved and worshipped. Let that pass 
 But how am I to tear myself away 
 From this enchanted spot, this glorious home 
 Of sages, poets, heroes, demi-gods ; 
 This temple of the Muses ? — ^As I gaze 
 From this steep rock, I see before me spread 
 A marble wilderness of art and beauty. 
 The wonder of the world. From yonder fane. 
 Where the unrivalled works of Phidias live 
 Their own resplendent and immortal life. 
 The virgin goddess in her pride looks down 
 Upon her favoured city. What can rank. 
 Or wealth, or power — if such were in my reach — 
 Give in exchange for this ? 
 
 Oeibasius. 
 
 But you have sighed 
 For work to do. The time may be at hand. 
 
Paet I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 151 
 
 Julian. 
 If it be so, 1 will not shrink from duty. 
 Oh, send me strength and wisdom for the strife, 
 Pallas Athena ! — If I needs must go 
 From the one place where I found rest on earth, 
 I ask not riches or ignoble ease. 
 But to accomplish what the gods decree. 
 And be their faithful champion to the end. 
 
 Enter Basil and Gregory. 
 
 Oribasitjs. 
 You come in time to take your friend's farewell. 
 
 GrREGORY. 
 
 Farewell ! what mean you ? 
 
 Basil. 
 
 Will you leave us, Julian 'i 
 
 Julian. 
 Yes, Basil, I must leave you. I am summoned 
 Back to the court. What fortune waits me there 
 I cannot guess. But this, alas ! I know — 
 
152 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Paet I. 
 
 That all tlie dear, familiar intercourse, 
 
 The common studies and the pleasant talk, 
 
 The happy hours that we have spent together 
 
 Amid these grand, majestic monuments. 
 
 And our long rambles by the clear, cool stream 
 
 Of our beloved Ilissus — all are gone. 
 
 The best of life is over. 
 
 Basil. 
 
 It may be 
 That nothing here below can quite replace 
 The joyous time, when youthful spirits meet 
 In bright companionship. But 'tis the school 
 To make us fitting for the work of life. 
 And we shall oft, in after years, recall. 
 When we are busy with far different tasks. 
 The memory of our friendship, 
 
 Gkegoet. 
 
 And we hope 
 That you will not forget the good old days. 
 Amid the glare of courts and palaces. 
 
Part I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 153 
 
 Julian. 
 You need not fear. 
 
 Basil. 
 "Well, may God bless you, Julian ! 
 Do not neglect His service. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 I shall strive 
 To serve the truth in all things. 
 
 Gkegory. 
 
 But remember, 
 That truth is one. 
 
 Julian. 
 Farewell, my valued friends ! 
 Give me your hands. Whatever else may come. 
 The tie that binds us will not lightly break. 
 
 \Exeunt. 
 
154 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Pabt I. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 Scene I. — Milan. A Oallery in the Palace. 
 
 Enter Julian and Evhemeetjs. 
 
 Julian. 
 I needs must laugh, though with more cause to weep. 
 'Tis too absurd. Evhemerus, would you know me 
 In this strange habit ? 
 
 Evhemerus. 
 
 'Tis a soldier's garb. 
 
 Julian. 
 Yes, the attendant eunuchs could not rest 
 Till they had thus transformed me. First of aU, 
 They shaved my beard, perfumed me like a girl. 
 And combed and oiled my hair ; then with fell grasp 
 They seized relentless on my scholar's cloak, 
 And clothed me in this military dress, 
 Which sits like peacock's feathers on a bear ; 
 
Pabt I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 155 
 
 And then they sent a prating, pompous fellow, 
 To teach me how to walk with head erect 
 And martial stride. I soon dismissed the fool. 
 
 EVHEMEEUS. 
 
 Wise men must yield to customs. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 That may be — 
 
 But I am weary of these fopperies, 
 
 And wish myself at Athens every hour. 
 
 Would that I knew my fate ! 
 
 EVHEMERUS. 
 
 Is naught decided ? 
 
 Julian. 
 I cannot tell. The air of this same court 
 Is laden with intrigue. My only hope 
 Is in the Empress. Even now she bids me 
 Wait here until she passes. When she comes, 
 Tou can retire a little — not so far 
 As to excite remark, but just enough 
 To give us room for converse. 
 
156 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Paet I. 
 
 EvHEMEEUS. 
 
 She is coming. 
 How gracefully she seems to glide along, 
 Like some fair swan upon a placid lake ! 
 
 Bnter Eusebia and/ Lady-in -Waiting. 
 
 EUSEBIA. 
 
 I must have dropped my bracelet. Will you seek it, 
 And bring it to me ? — Thanks, my gentle Lucia ! 
 
 \Exit Lady. Evhemeeus withdraws. 
 
 Julian. 
 At length, dear madam, I am free to speak 
 My sense of all your kindness. 
 
 Eusebia. 
 
 My intent 
 Was but to render you the simplest justice. 
 There have been obstacles and long delays, 
 Which showed my power unequal to my will, 
 But I shall yet succeed. The Emperor's word 
 Is pledged to name you Csesar, and to give you 
 The chief command in Graul. When now I left him, 
 I had his final promise. 
 
Pakt L] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 157 
 
 Julian. 
 
 And Eusebius ? 
 
 EUSEBIA. 
 
 Will do whate'er he can to clip your wings ; 
 But I must still believe that the base kite 
 Is no match for the eagle. I have faith 
 In you and in your future. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 That alone 
 Should make me brave and strong. But is it true 
 That I am offered this important charge 
 Without conditions ? 
 
 EUSEBIA. 
 
 There is one condition. 
 You know the Emperor's sister Helena. 
 •It is proposed that you should wed with her, 
 And so cement with love this new alliance. 
 
 Julian. 
 Ha ! is it so ? — I had a brother once, 
 
158 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Paei I. 
 
 Who was named Csesar by imperial favour. 
 And wedded with a sister of Constantius. 
 "We saw with what result. 
 
 EUSEBIA. 
 
 I feel the force 
 Of the sad memories that must hold you back ; 
 And therefore have I sought this private meeting. 
 Were you as weak as Gallus, you might fear 
 Your brother's hapless fate. But women's eyes 
 Are quick to mark, and mine discerned in you 
 A power innate, which will defeat the wiles 
 Of all these plotting eunuchs. For the rest, 
 Our Helena is not a Constantina, 
 But soft, complying, modest, maidenly — 
 And, if I do not greatly err, she loves you. 
 
 Julian. 
 I do not doubt her virtues. But, in sooth, , 
 
 I have no thought of marriage. My past life 
 Has lain apart from women, and I deem 
 They care not for a rough imgainly scholar, 
 Who in his turn takes little heed of them. 
 
PaetI.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 159 
 
 Could I have ever loved, my fancy's image 
 Would have been far above me — one who joined 
 The beauty and the sweetness of her sex 
 "With manly fortitude, and high resolve. 
 And noble aspirations. But the world 
 Has only one Eusebia. 
 
 EUSEBIA. 
 
 Julian, hold ! 
 I may not hear this language. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Oh, forgive me ! 
 I would not shock, even by a word or look, 
 That purity of soul. Only believe 
 That I am not enamoured of this marriage. 
 
 Eusebia. 
 We cannot always choose. It is the curse 
 Of men reserved for lofty destinies, 
 That they must oft deny themselves the rights 
 Which hxmiblest peasants claim. Be satisfied 
 That Helena will prove a loving wife ; 
 
160 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part I. 
 
 And, for myself, whatever be your lot, 
 Such honest friendship as becomes us both. 
 Or such as a kind sister might bestow 
 Upon a brother, shall be aU your own. 
 
 Julian {hissing her hand). 
 Accept the homage of a grateful heart ! 
 
 EtlSEBIA. 
 
 And, Julian — ^when you are away in Gaul, 
 I will keep careful watch upon your foes. 
 And strive to foil their malice. But beware 
 You give them no advantage ; and, while here. 
 Seem rather to avoid than seek my company ; 
 And still remember, that these walls have ears. 
 
 [The Lady re-enters with the bracelet, and Evhemerus 
 eomes forward.) 
 
 Lady. 
 Madam, your bracelet. 
 
 EUSEBIA. 
 
 I rejoice, dear Lucia, 
 That you have found it. 'Twas the Emperor's gift 
 
PaetI.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 161 
 
 Before we married. I would not have lost it 
 
 For fifty times its value. That reminds me 
 
 Of sundry books, which you would prize, Prince 
 
 Julian, 
 Above these glittering gauds — a choice collection 
 Of rare and precious volumes, which I brought 
 From my old home, but which are wasted here 
 On this voluptuous court. If you will help me 
 To save these ancient tomes from dust and ruin, 
 They shall be yours, and I will straight commit them 
 To your librarian's keeping. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Such a present, 
 Suited alike to giver and receiver. 
 Commands my warmest thanks. 
 
 EUSEBIA. 
 
 No thanks are due. 
 All instruments are fittest in the hands 
 Of those who best can use them. 
 
 \Exeunt Eusebia and Lady. 
 
 M 
 
162 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaktI. 
 
 EVHEMBEUS. 
 
 A grand woman ! 
 Wortiiy to be an Empress ! 
 
 Julian. 
 
 She is perfect. 
 It were not safe to let my fancy dwell 
 Too long upon her charms. My road, Evhemerus, 
 Lies among rugged rocks where storms abound, 
 Not among roses where bright Eros points 
 His golden arrows at the hearts of men. 
 We shall be sent to Gaul. This soldier's dress 
 Will have some meaning when my hand has grasped 
 The sword and javelin ; for they need not think 
 That I will play the puppet for their sport. 
 Once in the saddle, I am confident 
 That I can ride as fast and far as they ; 
 And if this art of war be difficult. 
 It may be learned like other useful arts. 
 Enough for me that the immortal gods 
 Bid me pursue my mission. 
 
PaetI.] yULIAN THE APOSTATE. 163 
 
 EVHEMEEUS. ^ 
 
 But, my lord, 
 You own that you are all unskilled in arms. 
 
 Julian. 
 Just as I could not swim, until I plunged 
 Into the stream. All things are possible 
 For him who has the courage and the will. 
 
 \Exeunt. 
 
 Scene II. — The Emperor's Cabinet. 
 Enter Constantius and Eusebius. 
 
 CONSTANTITJS. 
 
 It cannot be, Eusebius. I have given 
 My promise to the Empress. 
 
 Eusebius. 
 
 That, of course, 
 Must overrule necessities of state. 
 I say no tnore. You have, no dcflibt, some reason — 
 Unknown to me — for thinking that this Julian, 
 
164 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetI. 
 
 Forgetting certain awkward past events, 
 And placable as a good Christian should be, 
 Is your devoted servant. Well — if so — 
 I cannot blame the magnanimity 
 Which trusts whole provinces beyond the Alps 
 To such a loyal kinsman. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 I trust nothing 
 To him of which I do not hold the threads. 
 I have not yet become a fool and dotard. 
 I name him Csesar, partly to remove him 
 Away from court, an honourable exile ; 
 Partly to please and satisfy the Empress. 
 But power he will have none. I shall surround him 
 With ministers that will control his actions, 
 And spies that will report them. As for war, 
 You do not think that captains trained in arms 
 Will leave the conduct of the mighty game 
 To a raw student. He will only serve 
 To figure in a pageant, as the symbol 
 Of my supremacy. His borrowed light 
 Will be the pale reflection of my splendour. 
 
PaetI.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 165 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 That sounds more topeful. Only have a care, 
 That the light blaze not up into a flame 
 And scorch your hands. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 We will take all precautions. 
 Therein I need, as ever, your assistance. 
 My dear Eusehius. 
 
 EusEBius {aside). 
 
 Ha ! I might have guessed it. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Instead of losiag time in idle protests, 
 Help me to guard against all chance of danger. 
 We must select the men that are to guide him ; 
 Prepare a manual of minute instructions 
 For every day's proceedings ; regulate 
 His habits, diet, household, and expenses. 
 So as to keep him subject, tame, and harmless. 
 Then we shall have no fear. 
 
166 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetL 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 I understand. 
 This precious Caesar is to have less freedom 
 Than when he was a schoolboy. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 He must sacrifice 
 Some portion of his private tastes and wishes 
 To his high place and dignity. 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 Just so. 
 And his illustrious bride ? 
 
 COWSTANTIUS. 
 
 The Princess Helena 
 Is all unlike her sister, and will prove 
 In every way submissive. 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 Then, my lord. 
 The Flavian house will be a happy family ; 
 So peaceful and united ! 
 
Part I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 167 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Cease, I pray you, 
 This mocking tone, Eusebius. You may trespass 
 Too far upon my patience. 
 
 Eusebius. 
 
 Oh, my lord, 
 I was too long a sharer in your counsels 
 To turn them into mockery. I but noted 
 How strangely things are altered. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 We must suit 
 Our measures to the changes of the time. 
 Are you prepared to aid me in this business ? 
 
 Eusebius. 
 With all my little wit. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Now, then, I know 
 That you are mocking, since you ape this air 
 Of meek humility. 
 
168 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Pam L 
 
 Etjsebius. 
 'Tis not for me 
 To contradict the Emperor ; but my service 
 "Will show that my devotion is no mockery. 
 
 \_Exeunt. 
 
 ScEKE III. — A Gallery in the Palace. As before. 
 
 Enter Julian. 
 
 Julian. 
 thou, All-seeing Sun, my guardian god ! 
 Whose beams pierce every corner, and reveal 
 The secret things of night ! how hard it is 
 For me, thy worshipper, to hide my thoughts 
 In thickest darkness from the light of day ! 
 How bitter is the task to speak smooth words 
 To treacherous foes, and clasp the proffered hand 
 Of the imperial butcher of our house, 
 Stained with the slaughter of my nearest kin, 
 And now still reeking with my brother's blood ! 
 And then to live a constant lie, and feign 
 Adherence to a faith which I reject. 
 
Past I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 169 
 
 And reverence for blind guides whom I despise! 
 
 And, for tlie softer feelings, I must shun 
 
 The only woman that I could have loved, 
 
 And seek another that I care not for. 
 
 She comes this way. No doubt she has been sent 
 
 To cross my path, and give me opportunity 
 
 To woo and win. Poor girl ! I will not wrong her 
 
 By any misconstruction. She is innocent 
 
 Of all these court-intrigues. She shall not know 
 
 That I am forced to act the lover's part ; 
 
 So that to her, as well as to the rest, 
 
 I must be false, if only to be kind. 
 
 Enter Helena. 
 Your servant, gentle princess ! , 
 
 Helena. 
 
 My good cousin, 
 I much rejoice — if what I hear be true — 
 That you are with the Emperor reconciled, 
 And that he means to raise you to a place 
 Of trust and honour. 
 
170 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PabtI. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Thanks to tte endeavours 
 Of my fair advocates. 
 
 Helena. 
 
 "Whate'er is done, 
 You owe it to the Empress. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 And to you. 
 
 Helena. 
 Oh ! I am nothing. I should not have dared 
 To speak, but for Eusehia. Yet I own 
 You had my friendly wishes from the first. 
 
 Julian. 
 And to a lonely man, whose life has been 
 As dull, as dreary, and as cold as mine. 
 Such wishes are as star-light in the gloom. 
 Or water in the desert. Could I hope 
 That they were something more than passing signs 
 Of your good- will — or I should rather say 
 
PaetL] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 171 
 
 Of your compassion for a grievous wrong — 
 I would implore you to extend tteir sway, 
 To call tliem henceforth by a dearer name, 
 And share with me whate'er the future brings 
 Of bright and prosperous fortune. 
 
 Helena. 
 
 Oh, Prince Julian ! 
 I will deal fairly with you. I had guessed — 
 Or have been told, it may be — that some question 
 Has been discussed of a projected marriage 
 Between us two. Having been born a princess, 
 I know the price we pay for birth and rank. 
 Yet, somehow — I am very weak and foolish — 
 But I would sooner die than take your hand 
 If I have not your heart. 
 
 Julian 
 
 Her simple faith 
 Renders it doubly hateful to dissemble. 
 But I have no choice left me. 
 
 (Aloud.) My dear Helena, 
 
172 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PabtI. 
 
 You must not think me churlish, if I fail 
 In honeyed accents, or in tender looks, 
 Or in the petty toys and courtesies 
 Of love and dalliance. I have only seen 
 The sterner and the harsher side of life, 
 And I am unaccustomed to the charm 
 Of its more pleasing aspect. Be content 
 To take me as I am, and I can promise 
 That I will make your happiness my care, 
 Through all the coming years. 
 
 Helena. 
 
 But do you love me ? 
 
 Julian. 
 How should I love you not, who are to me 
 The first sweet flower of beauty that has bloomed 
 In the waste garden of my sterile youth ? 
 It is for me to ask if you can love 
 A rough, uncourtly suitor like myself. 
 
 Helena. 
 Then, Julian, I will tell you all. My life 
 Has been, like yours, the subject and the sport 
 
PaetL] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 173 
 
 Of other wills than mine. From earliest dawn 
 
 Of infancy I feared my brother's frown ; 
 
 My sister ruled my girlhood's opening days ; 
 
 My tutors and my governesses held me 
 
 In strict restraint, and watchful eunuchs dogged 
 
 My every step. Until Eusebia came 
 
 I knew no hour of freedom. Even now 
 
 They would dispose of me, as of a slave 
 
 That has no power to choose. But so it chances — 
 
 I will not blush to own it — that for once 
 
 Their mandate only sanctions and confirms 
 
 My heart's unbidden preference. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 That one word 
 Completes our compact. Let me seal it thus. 
 
 \KisseB her. 
 
 Helena. 
 I may not linger now. But we shall meet 
 Again ere long. I trust I have not said 
 More than I ought. 
 
174 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Pabti. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 No more than well beseems 
 
 A virgin's lips. 
 
 Helena. 
 
 If lips are pure and honest, 
 They should not be afraid to speak the truth. 
 
 {Exit. 
 
 Julian. 
 Ah ! would that I were only half as true ! 
 Her frankness puts my casuistry to shame. 
 But, if I cannot give her love for love. 
 She shall not have to tax me with unkindness, 
 Or to repent her choice. Here come the bishops. 
 To drive me to new shifts with their vain babble. 
 With them I have less scruples. 
 
 Enter Valens and Uesacius. 
 
 Valens. 
 
 Hail, Prince Julian ! 
 Caesar that is to be ! for so the rumour 
 Is spread throughout the city. 
 
PabtI.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 175 
 
 Ursacius. 
 
 And we come 
 To offer our sincere congratulations 
 Upon this glad occurrence. 
 
 Valens. 
 
 Whicli we hope 
 Will proYe of high advantage to the Church. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Thanks, reverend fathers ! but you holy men, 
 Whose hearts are ever fixed on heavenly things, 
 Need not the aid of worldlings like myself 
 To serve your sacred cause. 
 
 Valens. 
 
 The Flavian race — 
 Tour uncle and your cousin most of all. 
 Great Constantino, and our beloved Constantius — 
 Have been the bounteous patrons of the Church. 
 We therefore hope that you, advanced to power. 
 Will follow in their footsteps. 
 
176 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part I. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 It is doubtful 
 If I have any power. But, if I had it, 
 What could I do for you ? 
 
 TJesacius. 
 
 Bestow your favour 
 Upon the Christian Churches, and obtain 
 The blessing of their prayers. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 On all impartially ? 
 On Rome, for instance, and on Alexandria ? 
 
 Valens. 
 Not till they have been cleansed from guilt of schism. 
 Till Athanasius has once more been exiled, 
 And till Liberius joins in condemnation 
 Of him and of his doctrines — those two sees 
 Must be held vacant. 
 
 Uesacius. 
 
 Pending the election 
 Of other bishops. 
 
PaetIJ JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 177 
 
 Julian. 
 
 And if they refuse 
 Acceptance of all others ? 
 
 Valens. 
 
 There we want 
 The temporal sword ; and you can see the service 
 Which our good Emperor and his delegates 
 May render to the Church. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Oh, yes ! I see it. 
 You will define her faith, her rule, her practice, 
 And 'tis our province to enforce your judgments, 
 And so unite the world in happy concord. 
 Thanks, reverend fathers, for your kind instructions. 
 Which I shall ne'er forget ! 
 
 Valens. 
 
 'Tis well, my son. 
 That you should be inclined to listen gladly 
 To the grave voices of religious men. 
 Only be warned, and do not lend your ear 
 To Athanasian counsels. 
 
 N 
 
178 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetI. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 On that score 
 You need have no misgivings. 
 
 Ursacius. 
 
 Then we leave you, 
 "With warmest wishes for success and honour 
 In your new office. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 I may live to show 
 The value which I set upon your friendship. 
 
 \_Exeunt Bishops. 
 How dearly do these Christians love their brethren ! 
 May the gods give me patience to play out 
 This tedious game of double purposes ! 
 
 Enter Eunuchs. 
 What now is in the wind ? 
 
 First Eunuch. 
 
 We greet you humbly, 
 Most high and mighty prince ! Our gracious sove- 
 reign 
 
Past I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 179 
 
 Desires your presence. All has been prepared 
 For the grand ceremonial which vdll raise you 
 To be his second self. 
 
 Second Etjnuch. 
 
 And 'tis our duty 
 To clothe you in this gold-embroidered vest, 
 And gird this jewelled sword upon your thigh. 
 
 Third Eunuch. 
 And to attend you, where the imperial chariot 
 Is waiting for you both. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Plato ! Plato ! 
 It is to put the saddle on the ox 
 To heap these fineries on thy pupil's back. 
 And who can say what troubles are in store ? 
 But we must yield to Fate. Lead on — I follow. 
 
 \_Exeunt. 
 
180 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PabtI. 
 
 Scene IV. — A Public Place in Milan. The Emperor's 
 Tribunal in the midst, with seats for the chief 
 personages in the ceremony. Soldiers draion up in 
 martial array, with their standards and eagles. A 
 crowd of Citizens assembled. 
 
 First Citizen. 
 Well, neighbour, what is to come next ? 
 
 Second Citizen. 
 I tell you, he's to be made Caesar, and to go and 
 fight our battles t'other side of the Alps. 
 
 First Citizen. 
 But, you know, he was never apprenticed to the 
 trade. I wouldn't trust a botcher to mend shoes. 
 
 Second Citizen. 
 A clever lad soon learns to do cobbler's work. I 
 warrant you, the Emperor will set those about him 
 as can teach a trick or two. He has a long head, 
 has our Emperor. 
 
PaktI.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 181 
 
 First Citizen. 
 Then why can't he manage affairs himself, without 
 taking a lubberly boy to help him ? 
 
 Second Citizen. 
 He's no such lubbard as you think, this young 
 Julian, I've heard tell he has read all the books in 
 the world. 
 
 First Citizen. 
 Books won't batter down walls or make bucklers. 
 But what I want to know is, why the Emperor can't 
 do without him ? 
 
 Second Citizen. 
 "Why, says the Emperor, " I've too many irons in 
 the fire, and if I try to pull them all out at once I 
 shall just bum my fingers." Take my word, now, 
 that's the long and the short of it. 
 
 Third Citizen. 
 And you see, neighbours, this young man has 
 some sort of a claim on our Emperor. He's his own 
 
182 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Past I. 
 
 cousin, his father's brother's son ; and there's not 
 many of them left. 
 
 First Citizen. 
 No. They do say the Emperor took good care of 
 that. 
 
 Second Citizen. 
 Hush ! no treason. 
 
 Third Citizen. 
 Don't let's meddle with great men's doings. It 
 was all very well in the old times, when the people 
 had their Tribunes to bark and bite for them. But 
 now, as long as we have our doles of corn, and oil, 
 and wine, and our games, and our shows, and our 
 public baths, it's best to leave Emperors, and such 
 like, to cut their cloth after their own pattern. 
 
 Second Citizen. 
 Well, I'm content, so long as they don't touch our 
 religion. 
 
 First Citizen. 
 Which religion, friend ? — for we're not all agreed 
 about that. 
 
Part I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 183 
 
 Third Citizen. 
 Neighbours, neighbours ! don't quarrel and spoil 
 sport. Here come some of the quality. 
 
 Enter Eusebia, Helena, and Ladies. They take their 
 seats, uith Attendants ranged around. 
 
 Second Citizen. 
 Look there ! that's the Empress. That's the 
 Princess Helena. Fine women, both. 
 
 Soldier. 
 Stand back, all of you ! Don't press upon our 
 ranks. 
 
 First Citizen. 
 Keep your halberd to yourself, then. Take care 
 how you strike a B,oman citizen. 
 
 Soldier. 
 A fig for your citizenship ! Stand out of the way. 
 
 Third Citizen. 
 There's the Emperor's chariot. There he is, and 
 his cousin with him. See ! they dismount and walk 
 together like brothers. 
 
184 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaktI. 
 
 First Citizen. 
 Puts one in mind of Cain and Abel. 
 
 Second Citizen. 
 That tongue of yours will get you into trouble 
 some of these days. 
 
 SOLDIEK. 
 
 Stand back ! room for the Emperor ! 
 
 Enter Constantitjs, Julian, Eusebius, Valens, 
 TJesacids, and others. They ascend the Tribunal. 
 Oribasius and Evhemerus pass through the 
 crowd and advance to the foreground. 
 
 Evhemerus. 
 He looks almost as pale as on the night 
 Of which I told you, when at Ephesus 
 We stood before the Temple of Diana 
 And talked with Maximus. 
 
 Oribasius. 
 
 But on his brow 
 Sits firm resolve, and in his downcast eyes 
 Glows the bright spark that springs from inward fire. 
 He is not what they deem. 
 
Past I.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 185 
 
 EVHEMEBUS. 
 
 I know that well ; 
 But 'tis an hour of grave and anxious trial. 
 Do you still trust in omens ? 
 
 Oribasius. 
 
 Hitherto 
 They have not failed. They promised him success ; 
 And, step by step, some secret power has brought 
 
 him 
 To this great crisis. We may therefore hope 
 That the same wondrous destiny, foretold 
 By many signs, wiU yet attend his course, 
 And crown him with a full and final triumph. 
 
 EVHBMEKUS. 
 
 I rather build my faith upon himself. 
 
 And his high courage, than on signs and omens. 
 
 He needs but opportunity. 
 
 Oribasius. 
 
 And Fate 
 Has placed that in his hands. 
 
186 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Paet I. 
 
 EVHEMBRUS. 
 
 A little time 
 Will stow the issue. Hark ! the Emperor speaks. 
 
 CoNSTANims (from the Tribunal). 
 
 Soldiers ! My gallant comrades ! Brave defenders 
 Of this imperial state ! I do not fear 
 To tell you of the dangers that surround us, 
 Because I know your valour bids them welcome, 
 And only longs to meet and vanquish them. 
 Most gladly would I lead you 'gainst them all ; 
 But from the rising to the setting sun 
 Our vast dominion claims my constant care, 
 And at this moment comes a pressing call 
 For me to give my presence and my aid 
 To the far East. Meanwhile, our deadly foes. 
 The fierce barbarians from beyond the Rhine, 
 Ravage the fertile plains and burn the cities 
 Of our once flourishing Gaul. In you I trust 
 To rescue that fair province from their hands. 
 But you require a leader — one commissioned 
 To represent my person and my power — 
 
PaetI.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. • 187 
 
 And such a one I now intend to offer 
 To your acceptance. 
 
 OeIBASIUS {to EVHEMERUS). 
 
 He speaks plausibly. 
 
 EvHEiMERUS (to OrIBASIUS). 
 
 His speech was ever fluent, and his words 
 Are nobler than his acts. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Here stands my cousin — 
 My true and loyal cousin — young, indeed — 
 To-day he enters on the closing year 
 Of his fifth lustrum — but held wise and prudent 
 By those who know biTn best, and in his veins 
 The blood of an illustrious ancestry. 
 
 EVHEMERUS {to OrIBASIUS). 
 
 With very little left of it elsewhere ! 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Nephew of Constantine, he yet may emulate 
 The virtues of his race. 
 
188 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PariI. 
 
 EVHEMEKUS {to OkIBASIUS). 
 
 The gods forbid ! 
 
 CONSTANTITJS. 
 
 And for the rest, he has my confidence ; 
 
 Nor do I think that I could find one worthier 
 
 To bear the name of Caesar. 
 
 {A murmur of applause.') My Lord Chamberlain, 
 
 I now must ask of you the purple robe 
 
 Which you have in your charge. 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 'Tis here, my lord, 
 Unfolded ready. (Aside.) Would 'twere steeped in 
 
 poison, 
 Like Dejanira's gift to Hercules ! 
 
 CONSTANTITJS. 
 
 I lay this mantle on your shoulders, Julian, 
 And so invest you with the glorious title 
 Derived from the great Julius. May your deeds 
 Prove you deserving of that honoured name ! 
 Henceforth, be sure you have my warmest friendship, 
 
Part 10 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 189 
 
 Which neither time nor distance can impair ; 
 And while I place on you my firm reliance, 
 Coimt on my help alike in peace and war. 
 Romans, behold your Csesar ! 
 
 [The people shout, and the Soldiers wave their 
 standards and clash their shields against 
 their knees. 
 
 Valens. 
 
 All good Saints 
 Bless this auspicious day ! 
 
 TJesacius. 
 
 And let the Church 
 Rejoice in this new champion of the faith ! 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Advance the sacred Banner of the Cross, 
 In token of our love for holy things. 
 
 [7%e Labarum is displayed. 
 And now, to knit still closer the strong ties 
 Which bind our kinsman to us — having taken 
 Due counsel with the partner of our throne — 
 
190 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetI. 
 
 "We have resolved to grant our sister's hand 
 
 To the young Caesar. 
 
 [^Renewed applause. 
 
 You are silent, Julian. 
 
 Julian. 
 Silence alone, my lord, can show my sense 
 Of this great shower of unexpected favours. 
 Words cannot speak the feelings of my heart. 
 
 EusEBiA (rising). 
 His modesty becomes him. Here's another, 
 Whom maiden bashfulness forbids to speak. 
 And I must answer for her. 
 
 l^Takes Helena Jy the hand, and leads her 
 forward. All descend from the Tri- 
 bunal. 
 
 EtISEBIUS. 
 
 Clear the way, there ! 
 Scatter the noisy mob of shouting idiots ! 
 
 l_The Soldiers disperse the people. The im- 
 perial family and their train advance to 
 the foreground. 
 
PaetI.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 191 
 
 EuSEBIA. 
 
 Now that the public scene is ended, Julian, 
 Accept my private wishes for your welfare. 
 
 Helena. 
 And mine too, if you will. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Thanks, dearest ladies ! 
 That is the sweetest note in all the music. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 There will be time for compliments hereafter. 
 The next few days are full of urgent business. 
 First, to complete this marriage. Dear Eusebia, 
 To you, and to these holy bishops here, 
 I leave the festive pomps and nuptial rites. 
 To you, Lord Chamberlain, belongs the office 
 Of making all arrangements for the household 
 And service, of our cousin. For myself, 
 I shall need every moment to instruct him 
 In those important duties which pertain 
 To his high dignity. But, my good Caesar, 
 
192 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Past I. 
 
 Although it is no common, slight occasion, 
 It does not call for such a solemn air. 
 Or such a mournful countenance. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Forgive me. 
 I am like one who, walking in a dream. 
 Sees all things change around him. Yesterday, 
 I was a poor, imnoted, nameless scholar. 
 To-day, you raise me to the second place 
 In the world's empire. Is it wonderful 
 That I am giddy with my sudden rise 
 To this great height of fortune ? 
 
 COXSTANTIDS. 
 
 Leave the past. 
 With its dull memories of a student's life ! 
 Look brightly at the future ; trust in me 
 As in a friend and brother ; lift the cloud 
 From off your brow ; be confident and gay. 
 And wear the purple as becomes a prince ! 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 Your chariot waits, my lord, to bear you home. 
 
PaetI.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 193 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 The Csesar goes with me. A word, Eusebius. 
 
 \They converse apart. The others form 
 separate groups on either side. Julian 
 is left standing alone in front. 
 
 Julian. 
 The purple ? — ay, the purple ? It is strange. 
 'Mid all this splendour, one Homeric line 
 Rings with monotonous cadence in my ear : 
 Him seized resistless Fate and purple Death. 
 
 \_The curtain falls. 
 
PAET II. 
 
PART THE SECOND. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 Scene I. — Basil's Retreat in Pontus. A Lodge in 
 a Garden at the foot of a woody Mountain. The 
 River Iris in the distance. 
 
 Enter Basil and Gregory. 
 
 Basil. 
 Welcome, dear Gregory! After long delay, 
 Have you resolved to keep your ancient promise. 
 And join me in my sylvan calm retreat ? 
 
 Gregory. 
 You know the reason that has held me hack ; 
 I could not leave my father. 
 
198 yULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaktH. 
 
 Basil. 
 
 Not to speak 
 Of what you wrote to me about your sufferings 
 At your last visit — how my bread and broth 
 Stuck in your throat, and how your dainty hands 
 "Were blistered with hard toil among my vines. 
 Well, you shall not be forced to plough or delve. 
 And my good mother, from her villa yonder. 
 Shall send you better fare. "Will that suffice 
 To make you happy ? 
 
 GrEEGOKY. 
 
 Oh ! you ne'er mistook 
 My foolish jest for earnest. I can trace 
 The old famiKar smile on those grave lips. 
 But, Basil, you look worn beyond your years. 
 And this continual abstinence may prove 
 Too hard for your weak frame. 
 
 Basil. 
 
 My constant cross. 
 The frail and sickly body still impedes 
 The spirit's efforts. But I thank my God 
 
PartH.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 199 
 
 That much has been accomplished in this place 
 For Christian souls. Since you and I have met, 
 My company of good and pious men, 
 Who give their lives to labour and to prayer, 
 Has largely grown. And there, beyond the river, 
 My mother gathers round her a like troop 
 Of saintly virgins. With their zealous aid, 
 And by devoting all our worldly wealth 
 To the one Master's service, we have striven 
 To rescue some small portion of the earth 
 From sin and misery. When I visited 
 The anchorets of Egypt, I admired 
 The fervour hid in solitary cells ; 
 And yet it seemed to me a worthier task 
 To help our brethren than to save ourselves. 
 Hence grew this scheme of union, work, and wor- 
 ship. 
 
 Gregory. 
 
 Oh, Basil ! I shall much rejoice to be 
 Your yoke-fellow, as in the former .days 
 1 was your fellow-student. But, in sooth, 
 
200 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [P>ietU. 
 
 Have you abandoned all the liberal arts, 
 In which you once delighted ? 
 
 Basil. 
 
 I have found 
 That in themselves they are but vanity. 
 Not so, if used to serve the cause of truth ; 
 For God, regardful of our complex being, 
 Oft makes philosophy and eloquence 
 The handmaids of religion. Our first care 
 Must be to feed the hungry, clothe the naked. 
 Shelter the homeless wayfarer, protect 
 The widow and the orphan, cleanse the leper, 
 Minister to the sick, reclaim the sinner. 
 Train up the little children — Christ's own lambs- 
 And, by a pure and self-denying life. 
 Prove that we really hold the things we teach. 
 Then, my dear Gregory, if we stUl have leisure. 
 We may resume our studies, and explore 
 The brilliant arrnoury of human wisdom. 
 In search of weapons to defend the faith. 
 
PabtU.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 201 
 
 Gregory. 
 They never were more needed by the Church.. 
 Heresy rules the court, and Athanasius 
 Is once again a hunted fugitive, 
 Amid the desert sands. Can we do nothing 
 "With tongue or pen ? 
 
 Basil. 
 You will not find me backward, 
 "When the time comes to battle for the creed 
 Of the assembled fathers at Nicsea, 
 Which we believe to be the Gospel truth. 
 But now, methinks, the work we have to do. 
 Among the simple souls around us here. 
 Is rather to show forth the Christian faith 
 In actions than in words. 
 
 Gregory. 
 
 And, with it all, 
 Does never any thought of the great world, 
 "Which you have left, intrude on your repose, 
 And raise in you the wish to know what happens 
 In that more stirring scene ? 
 
202 yULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PabtH. 
 
 Basil. 
 
 I am a man, 
 And needs must feel man's interest in Lis kind. 
 Who cultivates a narrow strip of ground 
 Is not shut out from all the earth beside, 
 But gladly listens to the traveller's tale. 
 I shall have much to ask, and you to answer. 
 What news of our friend Julian ? 
 
 Geegoey. 
 
 His achievements 
 Have long ago resounded through the empire. 
 And must have reached even here. 
 
 Basil. 
 
 Yes, we have heard 
 Of marvellous deeds, more like poetic fables 
 Than real events. But you, no doubt, can tell us 
 A clear, uncoloured story. 
 
 Geegoey. 
 
 In due time. 
 It would take hours to give you all the facts, 
 
PAETn.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 203 
 
 Which I have gathered piecemeal from my brother 
 Ceesarius, who is now the court-physician, 
 And at the fountain-head of accurate knowledge 
 In public matters. 
 
 Basil. 
 
 I but ask at present 
 For a brief summary. 
 
 Gkegory. 
 
 When the prince left Milan, 
 He was surrounded by a host of spies, 
 The creatures of the Emperor. His own council 
 Aspired to be his masters, and to treat him 
 As a mere gilded image of the sovereign. 
 When he arrived in Graul, he found the province 
 Eavaged by fierce invaders, cities burning, 
 Harvests destroyed, fields bare and desolate. 
 The people flying from their plundered homes, 
 The troops disorganized, the leaders helpless. 
 And naught but anarchy, dismay, and ruin. 
 Then, while men mocked or pitied, to behold 
 So raw a youth in such a grievous plight. 
 
204 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaeiH. 
 
 He sprang at once into his place of Caesar, 
 And showed himself to their astonished eyes 
 A warrior and a statesman. First, he broke 
 The chains that bound him, foiled the machinations 
 Of those that would have thwarted or betrayed him. 
 Restored the army's discipline, yet won 
 The soldier's good report — and next, he led 
 His legions to a long career of conquest. 
 
 Basil. 
 
 It is most wonderful ! 
 
 Gregory. 
 
 In four campaigns 
 He freed the whole of Gaul, thrice crossed the Rhine, 
 Drove Franks and Alemanni to their forests 
 In headlong flight, forced them to sue for peace, 
 Rescued from slavery twenty thousand captives. 
 And never paused till Celt and Roman rested 
 In perfect safety 'neath the sheltering wings 
 Of his victorious eagles. 
 
PaetD.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 205 
 
 Basil. 
 
 And this youth 
 "Was thought an idle dreamer ! 
 
 Gregory. 
 
 And 'tis said, 
 That now he labours with a like success 
 To wipe away the bloody stains of war, 
 And bring back law and order to the land — 
 Rebuilds the cities, fetches corn from Britain 
 To feed the famishing people — in a word. 
 Does all he can to govern well and wisely 
 The state which he delivered by his valour. 
 
 Basil. 
 How have these efforts been received at court ? 
 
 Gregory. 
 "With jealousy, suspicion, covert hatred. 
 Csesarius tells me, Julian must have failed 
 But for the Empress. She alone defeated 
 The plots devised against him. But his fortune 
 Has so far triumphed over every foe. 
 
206 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PahiH. 
 
 Basil, 
 And you will own, dear Gregory, that his virtues 
 Have vanquished even your doubts. 
 
 Gtkegoey. 
 
 I own the hero ! 
 But I am not so certain of the Christian. 
 Should he prove false in his religious faith, 
 His very virtues would be full of peril 
 To us and to the empire. 
 
 Basil. 
 
 Trust in God ! 
 He sends alike the winter and the spring, 
 The tempest, and the sunshine, and the rain ; 
 And all things work together to one end. 
 What is this Roman Empire, with its glories, 
 Its widespread regions, and its countless throng 
 Of many races, nations, languages — 
 But a grand theatre, prepared beforehand 
 For the great Christian Drama ? Come what may, 
 The rulers and the conquerors of the world 
 Are but the instruments of Him whose throne 
 
PAsin.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 207 
 
 Is fixed in heaven, above all chance or change. 
 Enough for us if, in our bounded sphere. 
 We do our duty. Leave the rest to Him ! 
 
 \Exeunt. 
 
 Scene II. — Luietia. The Hall 0/ Julian's Palace. 
 
 Enter Oeibasiub and Evhemertjs. 
 
 Oribasius. 
 What think you now of all our doubts, Evhemerus ? 
 The omens have come true. 
 
 Evhemerus. 
 
 Or shall we say, 
 That Julian's vigour has achieved success 
 In spite of every obstacle ? No matter, 
 The end is still the same. He has succeeded. 
 
 Oribasius. 
 Yes, Gaul is pacified, contented, happy ; 
 And, in this fair Lutetia, rich and poor, 
 Soldier and Citizen, and Celt and Roman, 
 Eevere the name of Caesar. Most men feel 
 
208 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetII. 
 
 That they are safer than of yore, with justice 
 In reach of all, and yet the taxes lighter. 
 No wonder he is popular. 
 
 EVHEMERUS. 
 
 They like, too. 
 His easy commerce with all sorts of people. 
 His hardy habits, and his simple fare ; 
 And even the careless dress and rugged beard 
 Are not without admirers. He has gained 
 The universal confidence. 
 
 Oeibasius. 
 
 Yet he keeps 
 The secret of his faith. 
 
 EVHEMERTJS. 
 
 He bides his time. 
 But in his private chamber daily offers 
 Oblations to the gods. I too have charge 
 Of letters which he constantly receives 
 From MaximuB, Chrysanthius, and the rest ; 
 And oft at night, when you and others sleep, 
 He pores upon his volumes as of old, 
 Or plies the fluent pen. 
 
PaetH.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 209 
 
 Oribasius. 
 
 So strange a Caesar 
 Was never seen before ! 
 
 EVHEMEEUS. 
 
 'Tis Plato's dream — 
 
 A sage upon a throne. 
 
 Oeibasius. 
 
 Long may it last ! 
 
 Enter Julian and an Advocate. 
 
 Julian. 
 I tell you once for all I will not have 'it. 
 No man shall be condemned without full proof 
 Produced in open court. You say this governor 
 Is charged with malversation in his office, 
 And other grave offences ? 
 
 Advocate. 
 
 Yes, my lord, 
 But he denies them all, and brings his creatures 
 To back his words. Who then can be found guilty, 
 If it be deemed sufficient to deny ? 
 
210 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Paet ri. 
 
 Julian. 
 And who can ever be found innocent, 
 If it be deemed sufficient to accuse? 
 No, let bis evidence be duly sifted. 
 And fairly matched with yours. His guilt established, 
 No earthly power shall save him. But, tiU then. 
 You waste your words on me. 
 
 Advocate. 
 
 I only plead 
 The cause of the oppressed, and seek to punish 
 A vile extortioner. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 I know it, friend ; 
 But justice and humanity require 
 That zeal should still be tempered with discretion. 
 Go and collect your proofs. \Exit Advocate. 
 
 Well, Oribasius, 
 How speeds your work on Galen ? 
 
 Oribasius. 
 
 Oh, my lord. 
 It makes but little progress. Life's too short 
 To master Nature. 
 
PARin.} JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 211 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Would I had more time 
 To aid in your researches ! — Did you find 
 The passage that I asked you for, Evhemerus ? 
 
 EVHEMERXJS. 
 
 Yes, in Longinus. 
 
 Julian. 
 Thanks — I should have known it ; 
 But memory rusts for lack of use. You smile ! 
 In truth, I hardly have a moment's leisure 
 To read or think. And when shall I be able 
 To write the history of my late campaigns ? 
 
 Oribasius. 
 That were a sequel to the commentaries 
 Of the great Julius. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 I will do it yet. 
 His wars and mine bear some comparison. 
 I, too, might say : I came, and saw, and conquered. 
 
212 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PabtII. 
 
 But I would rather claim the milder virtues 
 
 Of the more wise Aurelius. For the rest, 
 
 I have no mind to imitate the Caesars. 
 
 They were but, for the most part, fools or tyrants. 
 
 EVHEMEKUS. 
 
 'Tis well, my lord, that you are privileged 
 To speak thus freely. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Would the time were come 
 To speak out all my thoughts to all the world ! 
 
 Enter Helena and Ladies. 
 How fares my gentle wife ? 
 
 Helena. 
 
 Alas, my lord, 
 We meet so seldom that we greet each other 
 Almost like strangers. When will state affairs 
 Leave you an hour for me ? 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Be patient, Helena. 
 We must endure the slavery of our lot. 
 
PaetH.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 213 
 
 Which, others envy. Can I give you aught 
 To make your life more pleasant ? 
 
 Helena. 
 
 I want nothing 
 But to see more of you. I fain would share 
 In all your cares and labours. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 'Tis impossible. 
 The load would be too heavy and too rough 
 For such a tender frame. Be satisfied 
 That you supply the beauty and the grace, 
 Which else were absent from the camp and court 
 Of a rude soldier. 
 
 Helena (aside). 
 
 All his words are kind, 
 But, like these Gallic winters, wondrous cold. 
 
 Enter a Messenger. 
 
 Julian. 
 What tidings do you bring ? 
 
214 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PabtII. 
 
 Messenger. 
 
 Letters, my lord. 
 These for yourself, these for our gracious mistress, 
 This for the sage physician. I have ridden 
 From Melodunum, where I met the post. 
 
 Julian. 
 Look to your horse, good fellow, and then seek 
 Eefreshment for yourself. \Exit Messenger. 
 
 Ha ! what is this ? 
 
 Evhemerus. 
 Bad news, I fear, my lord. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Such news, Evhemerus, 
 As robs me of my courage. My best friend. 
 My bountiful protectress — 
 
 Evhemerus. 
 
 Not the Empress ? 
 
 Julian. 
 I'd spill my dearest blood to prove it false ; 
 But you have guessed aright. Eusebia's dead. 
 
PAETn.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 215 
 
 Helena. 
 It is too sure. My letters but confirm 
 The mournful truth. Oh, my dear lord ! in this 
 I have the strongest claim to share your grief. 
 
 Julian. 
 'Tis said, we should not grieve for those who die ; 
 And yet, in spite of our philosophy. 
 The tears will have their way. So fair a flower, 
 Untimely faded ! — Give me leave awhile, 
 Or I shall put to shame the pride of manhood, 
 And act a woman's part. 
 
 \_Exit. 
 Helena {aside). 
 
 He turns from me ; 
 Yet I must do my best to comfort him 
 In this great woe. 
 
 {Aloud.) Let none attend me further. 
 I go to join my husband. Poor Eusebia ! 
 
 [Exit. The Ladies retire, lohispering. 
 
 EVHBMEKUS. 
 
 You, also, have a letter ? 
 
216 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PiKan. 
 
 Okibasius. 
 
 From Csesarius — 
 The brother of the Gregory that we knew 
 At Athens, and a mach-esteemed physician. 
 He was called in too late, when all was over. 
 And nothing could be done. The Empress died 
 With little warning. 
 
 Ethembrus. 
 
 Does he name no cause ? 
 
 Oeibasius. 
 He writes with doubt and caution, but I gather 
 From what he says, and what he leaves unsaid, 
 That he suspects the worst. 
 
 EVHEMERUS. 
 
 Can he mean poison ? 
 
 Oribasius. 
 It is not safe to utter all we fear. 
 
 EVHBMERUS. 
 
 If it be so, 'tis that infernal eunuch. 
 The infamous Eusebius. 
 
PaktIL] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 217 
 
 Oeibasixis. 
 
 Be not rash ! 
 Until we have move warrant for the charge. 
 Let's bury our suspicions in our bosoms, 
 And trust in the avenging deities 
 To punish secret crimes. Alas, poor lady ! 
 She was a noble creature. This one blow 
 Will shake the fabric of our Caesar's fortune. 
 
 \Exeunt. 
 
 Scene III. — Constantinople. A Room in the Palace. 
 Enter Exjsebius and C^saeius. 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 Ask what you will, most excellent Cssarius, 
 And I can promise that the Emperor's favour 
 Will not be wanting. He is most desirous 
 To honour science in your person. 
 
 CMSA.m.vs. 
 
 Pardon me ; 
 The art I practise brings its own reward. 
 In healing sickness and in saving life. 
 It needs no glittering honours. 
 
218 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetII. 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 But to mark 
 Our sense of service rendered ? 
 
 CjESARIUS. 
 
 Sir, my service 
 Is due to all alike, and amply paid for. 
 Would it were always guerdoned with success ! 
 But there are maladies, obscure and strange, 
 That foil our utmost skill. Excuse me, sir ; 
 I have no time for further conference. 
 
 \Exii. 
 
 EuSEBlXJS. 
 
 This damned physician seems to look me through ; 
 The dangers thicken round me. What would happen 
 If now Constantius died ? Long as he lives, 
 Eusebia gone, he can be hoodwinked easily. 
 But how to deal with Julian ? 'Twill not serve, 
 As in the past, to call him hairy savage. 
 Blind mole, or purple ape. The conquering Csesar 
 Cannot be so disarmed. He must be crushed 
 As Gfallus was ; but will he fall, like Grallus, 
 
PAEin.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 219 
 
 Into the snare ? It is a perilous game ; 
 
 And yet I see no other road to safety. 
 
 First, then, to work upon the Emperor's fears. 
 
 Enter Constantius. 
 'Twill soon be time, my lord, to take the field 
 Once more against the Persians. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Well — I know it. 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 And aU the Roman world expects the triumph 
 Which you will yet achieve, and waits to crown you 
 With victory's glorious laurels. But the task 
 May prove a hard one still, and prudent counsel 
 Should forecast coming evils. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 What worse evils 
 Have we to fear, than those which must attend 
 The usual chance of war? 
 
 EtJSEBlUS. 
 
 While you are leading 
 Your armies, weakened by a lengthened struggle, 
 
220 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PartH. 
 
 Through burning deserts and o'er barren plains, 
 To Tigris or Euphrates — your good cousin, 
 The fortunate, and now illustrious, Julian 
 Safe in his Grallic quarters, and surrounded 
 By veteran soldiers, all devoted to him. 
 May cherish pleasing fancies and fond hopes. 
 
 CoNSTANTIUS. 
 
 What should he hope for more ? — Is he not Cassar ? 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 He may prefer to shine with his own brightness. 
 And not with borrowed light. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 He would not dare ; 
 He must remember, he owes aU to me. 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 His memory may be faulty. He may think 
 That he owes something to the gracious lady 
 Whose loss we all deplore. But, right or wrong, 
 Will gratitude suffice to check ambition ? 
 Not such is my experience. 
 
PaetII.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 221 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 What's your counsel ? 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 Deprive him of his only means of mischief^ 
 And so remove temptation from his path. 
 You need fresh forces for this Persian war ; 
 "Withdraw his chosen legions — above all, 
 The bands that he has raised beyond the Alps 
 For the defence of Gaul. Those hardy troops 
 "Will be great gain to you, great loss to him ; 
 And their departure leaves him powerless 
 For any traitorous enterprise. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 "What next ? 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 "When we have pared his claws, we will consider 
 "What more remains to do. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 You smile, Eusebius ! 
 I know that smile. It bodes no good to Julian. 
 
 \Mxeunt. 
 
222 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PabtH. 
 
 Scene IV. — Julian's Camp near Lutetia. Winter. 
 Soldiers grouped around the fires. — Romans and 
 men_ of the auxiliary legions — Batavians, Celts, 
 Herulians, and Petulants. 
 
 Roman. 
 'Tis piercing cold ! 
 
 Celt. 
 
 Well, comrade, not so mild 
 As in the sunny south. — hut bearable, 
 With these dry logs to feed the crackling flame, 
 And this good liquor sparkling in the bowl ; 
 Drink, and be cheered ! 
 
 Batavian. 
 
 By Bacchus, that's well said ! 
 And cold ! Who talks of cold ? Not sharp enough 
 To freeze the drop upon a sentry's nose. 
 Have you forgotten how we chased the Franks 
 Across the ice, wading knee-deep in snow ? 
 'Twas colder then. 
 
PaetH.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 223 
 
 Roman. 
 Oh ! fighting kept us warm. 
 
 Petulant. 
 There spoke a soldier. When the trumpet sounds, 
 It stirs the blood ; and when the javelins fly, 
 And we have drawn our weapons for the charge, 
 Who thinks of wind or weather ? 
 
 Heeulian. 
 
 I can bear 
 
 Rude buffets like another ; but I own 
 
 That, in the winter, I would rather lie 
 
 Beside the tire, and hold a long carouse. 
 
 Roman. 
 Men are not all alike in field or camp. 
 'Tis said, our general scorns the aid of fire 
 These winter-nights, and that he seldom quafis 
 More potent drink than water. 
 
 Batavian. 
 
 Ay, and sleeps 
 On the rough boards, wrapped in his warrior's cloak, 
 Like one of us. 
 
224 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part II. 
 
 Celt. 
 That's when he sleeps at all. 
 But I have heard that there are maffic spells 
 Found in the books he always carries with him, 
 Which serve instead of food and fire and rest, 
 And make him proof against all deadly missiles. 
 
 Roman. 
 Tut, man ! that's nonsense. It were to discredit 
 The courage of our Caesar to believe 
 That he has need of magic. 
 
 Petulant. 
 
 I have seen him 
 Leading his troops to battle, and would trust 
 The martial spirit blazing from his eyes. 
 More than a world of witchcraft. 
 
 Celt. 
 
 Yet 'tis strange, 
 That one we thought a kind of schoolmaster 
 Should prove so good a soldier. 
 
PaktII.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 225 
 
 Roman. 
 
 "What lie was 
 Signifies nothing. We know what he is. 
 
 Petulant. 
 The bravest and the best. Here's to his health ! 
 
 Herulian. 
 Stop, comrade ! Let us join you in that wish, 
 And take a hearty draught. 
 
 Batavian. 
 
 By Jove and Bacchus ! 
 I will not lag behind. Here's to our Caesar ! 
 
 Eoman. 
 Your oaths, my friend, smack of the old religion. 
 
 Batavian. 
 All's one to me. 
 
 Roman. 
 But since the Christian faith 
 Is now the empire's ? 
 
 Celt. 
 
 To be sure — that's right I 
 Respect the banner under which we serve. 
 
 a 
 
226 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part 11. 
 
 Petulant. 
 We need not trouble ourselves witli this or that. 
 A soldier's duty is to ask no questions, 
 But obey orders. 
 
 Batavian. 
 And whate'er may happen, 
 To keep true to his general and his eagles. 
 
 Petulant. 
 And to uphold the honour of his legion 
 Against all comers. 
 
 EOMAN. 
 
 But, my worthy friends, 
 A soldier has a conscience, and a soul 
 That may be saved. 
 
 Batavian. 
 Well, we must take our chance. 
 
 Celt. 
 I always have stuck fast to my religion. 
 I cross myself before I go to battle, 
 And wear a sacred relic round my neck. 
 Which is a great preservative from evil. 
 
PabtII.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 227 
 
 But I ne'er quarrel with a boon companion 
 About his faith, so long as he forbears 
 To talk profanely. 
 
 Petulant. 
 
 That's an honest fellow ! 
 Let's have a song, and leave this dull discourse. 
 
 Celt. 
 What shall it be ? 
 
 Petulant. 
 One with a rousing chorus. 
 
 Celt. 
 I'll sing you one, made by a Gallic bard. 
 Upon our Julian. You must all join in. 
 
 Petulant. 
 We shall be ready when you give the signal. 
 
 Celt. 
 From marsh, and moor, and forest. 
 
 They swarmed across the Rhine, 
 The beasts of prey that ravage 
 
 The lands of corn and wine. 
 
228 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Past II. 
 
 Our fields the mid boar trampled, 
 
 The wolf destroyed our sheep, 
 With none to saye the harvest, 
 
 "With none the flocks to keep ; 
 For the dogs were slain or scattered, 
 
 The shepherds all had fled, 
 And the Roman sword was broken. 
 
 And the Roman spirit dead ! 
 
 Roman. 
 No, comrade. We will not sing that. 
 'Tis rank treason against the empire. 
 
 Petulant. 
 Wait for the next verse. 
 
 Celt. 
 But while from ruined homesteads . 
 
 The sounds of grief rose high, 
 The wail of frightened women, 
 
 The famished children's cry — 
 While strong-limbed men stood helpless. 
 
 In sorrow and in shame — 
 
PABtn.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 229 
 
 From out the shining Orient 
 
 A youthful Hunter came. 
 He spake three words of pity, 
 
 He threw one glance of scorn, 
 Then tightly grasped his boar-spear. 
 
 And wound his himting-horn. 
 
 Chorus. 
 
 He spake three words of pity, 
 He threw one glance of scorn, 
 
 Then tightly grasped his boar-spear, 
 And wound his hunting-horn. 
 
 Celt. 
 
 The dogs that had not perished 
 
 Obeyed that stirring call ; 
 The men took heart who heard it 
 
 On all the plains of Gaul ; 
 They gathered in his footsteps, 
 
 They followed on his track, 
 To stay the flood of havoc. 
 
 And drive the spoilers back ; 
 
230 yULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PabtII. 
 
 And ere each grisly monster 
 
 His swift- approach could note, 
 His spear was in the wild boar's flank. 
 
 His knife at the grim wolf's throat. 
 Chorus. 
 And ere each grisly monster 
 
 His swift approach could note. 
 His spear was in the wild boar's flank. 
 
 His knife at the grim wolf's throat. 
 Celt. 
 He swept the chase before him 
 
 Through all the stormy day. 
 O'er deep and swollen rivers. 
 
 To distant woods away. 
 And if our flocks are grazing 
 
 On many a pleasant lea, 
 And we till the ground in safety 
 
 From the mountains to the sea — 
 "With songs of joy and triumph 
 
 And grateful hearts we own. 
 That we have to thank the Hunter 
 
 "Who sits on Caesar's throne ! 
 
PabtU.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 231 
 
 Chorus. 
 With Bongs of joy and triumph 
 
 And grateful hearts we own, 
 That we have to thank the Hunter 
 
 Who sits on Caesar's throne ! 
 
 \A.s the Soldiers all rise to their feet, and 
 press forward to Join in the Chorus, the 
 curtain falls. 
 
232 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaktIL 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 Scene I. — Lutetia. The Hall of Julian's Palace. 
 Enter Julian, Okibasius, and Evhemerus. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 What ! send my four best legions to the Emperor, 
 With choice detachments of my other troops ? 
 'Tis to imdo all that has yet been done. 
 And leave my Gaul defenceless. 'Tis to break 
 Faith with the soldiers, levied for protection 
 Of their own land, and not for distant service. 
 But the command is urgent, and these envoys 
 Press for a speedy answer. Is there room 
 For aught save prompt obedience ? 
 
 Okibasius. 
 
 I presume not 
 To give advice, my lord. But I remember. 
 
PiBin.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 233 
 
 That in your brother's case you would haye 
 
 counselled 
 A different course of action. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Yesi my friend ! 
 The boldest course might be the best and wisest, 
 Were the risk only mine. But to destroy 
 The peaceftd. fabric I have raised, to plunge 
 The empire into civil war, to deluge 
 A himdred fields with blood — ^would this approve 
 
 itself 
 To sages trained in Plato's lofty school ? 
 Were it not better to resign these gauds 
 Of pomp and power, and seek the happier shade 
 Of private station, where the world of books 
 Invites to calm reflection and repose ? 
 
 EVHBMERUS. 
 
 Alas, my lord ! how long would you be left 
 In safety with your books ? A fallen prince 
 Soon finds himself a victim. 
 
234 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. IPabtH. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Worst of all 
 Is this blank stage of doubt. Would that I knew 
 The purpose of the gods ! Here come the envoys. 
 
 Enter Pektadius and Decentitjs. 
 What more have you to say P 
 
 Pentadius. 
 
 My lord, we dare not 
 Delay one moment longer. We have letters 
 Which grant us no discretion. 'Tis the will 
 And absolute injunction of the Emperor, 
 That you despatch the legions instantly 
 To join his standard. 
 
 Julian. 
 Does the Emperor know 
 That portions of my army are in Britain, 
 Fighting the Picts and Scots, and that to take 
 These legions from me will leave Gaul unguarded ? 
 And does he know the terms on which my levies 
 Were raised throughout these countries ? 
 
PAETn.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 235 
 
 Decentius. 
 
 We believe 
 
 That he knows all. 'Tis not for us to question 
 
 His knowledge or his pleasure. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 "Well, Decentius, 
 
 You are a notary. Please to note my protest 
 
 Agaiast proceedings that must needs endanger 
 
 The welfare of the state. Whate'er betides, 
 
 I wash my hands of the result. 
 
 Pentadius. 
 
 No blame 
 Can ever rest on you, my lord. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 And mark me ! 
 If I must send these legions, they had better 
 March from the camp at once, nor face the peril 
 Of mustering at Lutetia. 
 
 Decentius. 
 
 Nay, not so. 
 The Emperor gives the most express direction. 
 
236 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaktII. 
 
 That you yourself shall speed them on their journey, 
 So that no doubt remain of your compliance 
 With the imperial mandate. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 His commands 
 Shall be obeyed in all things. You, Decentius, 
 Are the example of a trusty agent. 
 Who acts up to the letter of his orders. 
 Without regard to what may haply follow. 
 I'll take you for my model. 
 
 Decentius. 
 
 Oh, my lord ! 
 I am a servant only. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 So am I. 
 The Emperor is my master, and this shows it. 
 Against my wish, my instinct, and my judgment, 
 I go to execute his will. The soldiers 
 Shall be forthwith assembled at Lutetia, 
 And learn their destined transport to the East. 
 
Part II.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 237 
 
 However they receive the news, bear witness 
 That I am only swayed by your instructions, 
 And cannot answer for the consequences. 
 
 Pentadius. 
 That we will gladly do. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Thanks, good Pentadius ! 
 You may attend, and hear the summons issued. 
 
 \Exit, with Pentadius and Decentius. 
 
 EVHEMERUS. 
 
 "What now are his intentions ? 
 
 Oribasius. 
 
 He has reached 
 That point where, standing at divided ways. 
 And doubtful which to take, he seems to wait 
 The guidance of events. A single step 
 On the wrong road were fatal. 
 
 Evhemeeus. 
 
 Yet, methinks 
 He were not sorry that events should force him 
 
238 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetH. 
 
 Into the track which, though beset with dangers, 
 Leads to the nobler fortune. 
 
 Oeibasius. 
 
 To my thinking 
 It were the safer also. May the gods 
 Direct him to choose wisely ! 
 
 EVHEMEKUS. 
 
 Oribasius, 
 The gods oft use the humblest instruments 
 To work their purpose. Much will now depend 
 Upon the soldiers. They at least shall know 
 The truth of what is passing. We will scatter 
 A missive through their ranks, which shall inform 
 
 them 
 Of these designs against themselves and him. 
 It may be that once more the Q-allic sword 
 Will weigh the balance down — or that a hero 
 Will cross the Rubicon, and Rome be Caesar's ! 
 
 \Exeimt. 
 
PabtH.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 239 
 
 Scene II. — The Camp near Lutetia. Soldiers flocking 
 from different sides, and gathering together in the 
 foreground. 
 
 Celt. 
 What talk is tlus we hear ? 
 
 Batayian. 
 
 Some say the camp 
 Is to be broken up. 
 
 Herulian. 
 
 "We are to march 
 First to Lutetia, then to foreign lands. 
 
 Celt. 
 That cannot be. I was engaged to fight 
 For my own hearth and home. 
 
 Roman. 
 
 Well, as for me, 
 I fain would see my Italy again, 
 But not another general. 
 
240 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PartH. 
 
 PETULAlifT. 
 
 Who says aught 
 Of any other general than the Csesar, 
 Our own victorious chief ? 
 
 Roman. 
 
 If we go hence 
 He will be left behind to rule in Gaul. 
 
 Petulant. 
 How can he rule without our swords to guard him 
 From savage foes ? 
 
 Celt. 
 And then our wives and children ! 
 What will become of them ? 
 
 Batavian. 
 
 There's time enough 
 To fret and fume when we shall know the truth. 
 It may be all a lie. 
 
 Hbrulian. 
 
 Let's sleep upon it. 
 
 Roman. 
 I fear, my friend, you will be rudely wakened. 
 
PAEin.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 241 
 
 Celt. 
 Whence came the first report ? 
 
 Petulant. 
 
 I scarce can tell. 
 But here's our standard-bearer, noble Maurus, 
 Whose dragon-flag is ever in the van 
 When we charge home. He may know something 
 more. 
 
 Enter Maurus. 
 My comrades and myself entreat you, captain. 
 To say if there be truth in this vague rumour 
 That we are to be sent to distant climes, 
 And parted from our general. 
 
 Maukus. 
 
 I know nothing. 
 Save that we all are ordered to Lutetia. 
 But, as I came along, I found this paper 
 Upon my path. 
 
 All. 
 What is it P Let us hear ! 
 
 R 
 
242 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PAEin. 
 
 Maurus. 
 
 Be still, and listen. 
 [Reads.) " Soldiers ! your ruin lias been resolved on. 
 You are to be driven like condemned criminals, not 
 only beyond the Alps, but to the burning plains of 
 Asia, and to the uttermost parts of the earth. Your 
 wives and children, whom you rescued from slavery 
 in many a bloody battle, are to be left to the mercies 
 of the Franks and Alemanni. And your brave com- 
 mander, who so often led you to victory, is to be 
 basely abandoned to the vengeance of the enemies he 
 has conquered. Such is the will of the Emperor! " 
 
 All. 
 Shameful ! infamous ! abominable ! 
 
 Batavian. 
 They shall drag me with oxen before I move. 
 
 Hehttlian. 
 Better lie down and die. 
 
 Petulant. 
 Who talks of dying while we have arms in our 
 hands ? 
 
PaetII.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 243 
 
 EOMAN. 
 
 But when the Emperor commands ! 
 
 Celt. 
 Who cares for the Emperor ! What has he done 
 for us ? He is not able to meet the Persians, much 
 less to defend our country. 
 
 Petulant. 
 We'll show him we are not to be treated like 
 dumb beasts. 
 
 Celt. 
 
 Let him keep to his filthy eunuchs. He'll find 
 that here he has to deal with men. 
 
 Petulant. 
 Stand to your arms, soldiers ! stand to your arms ! 
 
 Maurtjs. 
 My friends, do not forget your discipline. 
 Which is the soldier's honour. Hold your places 
 In due subjection to your officers. 
 Be loyal to your standards. Let us prove 
 That we are neither mutineers nor rebels. 
 
244 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetH. 
 
 But that we have our rights. Prepare to march. 
 According to our orders, to Lutetia. 
 There we shall see our general. 'Tis from him 
 That we must learn the truth. 
 
 Petulant. 
 
 And, come what riiay, 
 We'll not desert our Caesar ! 
 
 EOMAN. 
 
 "Wait to hear 
 What he may have to tell us. 
 
 Celt. 
 
 That seems fair; 
 We ask for nothing out of reason, comrade. 
 
 Batavian. 
 And do not let us waste our breath in noise ; 
 Let's keep our strength for deeds. 
 
 Hekulian. 
 
 Here come the women ; 
 Now there'll be noise enough. 
 
PabtH.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 245 
 
 Enter Women and Children. 
 Women. 
 
 Alas, the day ! 
 But no ! they shall not take our husbands from us ! 
 Cling to your fathers, little ones ! Implore them 
 Not to forsake us ! Not to leave us helpless 
 In the rude grasp of cruel, bitter foes ! 
 Alas ! Alas ! Alack and welaway ! 
 
 Matjeus. 
 Be silent, all of you ! — 'Tis from the lips 
 Of our brave Julian we must learn our doom. 
 Let's strike our tents, and each man join his legion. 
 To your ranks, soldiers ! Form in order ! March ! 
 
 [_Exemit. 
 
 Scene III. — A Boom in Julian's Palace. Night. 
 Moon and stars visible. 
 
 Enter Julian, icith a hook in his hand. 
 Julian. 
 Lie there, my Plato. In this time of need 
 Philosophy can give me little aid. 
 
246 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetII. 
 
 "When moments call for action. 'Tis one thing 
 
 To shape a theory of the universe, 
 
 And hold high intercourse with great ideas ; 
 
 And 'tis another to decide what next 
 
 Has to be done in this rough work of life. 
 
 'Tis here we crave some teaching from above, 
 
 Some guidance not our own — or some fixed rule 
 
 Of conduct, based upon eternal laws. 
 
 I grope in vain, amid the darkness round, 
 
 And find no issue. Oh, ye glorious stars 
 
 That rule the hidden destinies of man ! 
 
 Could I but read your meanings, and be sure 
 
 Of what the gods decree ! Let me but know 
 
 The path I am to follow, and I swear 
 
 That I wiU hew my way through every obstacle, 
 
 And reach the goal, or leave my bones to whiten 
 
 Upon the blood-stained road ! 
 
 Enter Evhemerus. 
 
 What tidings now ? 
 
 EVHEMEETJS. 
 
 My lord, a deputation from the army 
 Awaits your pleasure. 
 
PartH.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 247 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Let them have admittance. 
 
 \Exit EvHEMERUS. 
 
 It is the hour of fate, and the world's future 
 May hang upon my answer to their message. 
 
 Enter Maueus and Officers. 
 
 Matjrus. 
 My lord, your faithfal soldiers humbly seek 
 Your counsel and direction. They have heard. 
 With sorrow and dismay, of a design 
 To take them from your service, and to send them 
 To the far East, to fight in alien wars, 
 Under strange leaders. Tou, my lord, remember 
 That for the most part they were levied here 
 For the defence of Gaul, and not intended 
 To serve beyond the Alps. Yet their devotion 
 To you is such, that, were you to require it, 
 And under your command, they would be ready 
 To follow where you listed. Until then. 
 They beg you not to suffer this infringement 
 Of aU their rights and yours. 
 
248 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaeiII. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Tell my brave soldiers 
 That Ij like tiem, with all my heart deplore 
 The sad necessity that parts me from them, 
 My comrades, tried ia hardship, toil, and danger. 
 But 'tis the Emperor's will — and he, no doubt, 
 Prepares to give them welcome, and to honour 
 Their loyalty and valour. 
 
 Maxjrus. 
 
 Oh, my lord ! 
 We do not know, and cannot trust the Emperor. 
 'Tis you we know and trust. And, were we gone. 
 Would you have power to guard our wives and 
 
 children, 
 And save our homes from ruin ? 
 
 Julian. 
 
 I have ordered 
 
 Chariots and means of transport for the families 
 
 Of those who wish to move their household gods ; 
 
 And foi; the rest, my friends, I can but promise 
 
 That I will shed my last poor drop of blood 
 
 Ere wrong shall come to those you leave behind. 
 
PAEin.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 249 
 
 Maurus. 
 But is there no alternative ? 
 
 JULIAX. 
 
 I see none. 
 My duty is obedience to the Emperor. 
 
 Mattktjs. 
 My lord, this answer will not satisfy 
 Your faithful legions. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Sir, you are an officer ; 
 You know the rules of discipHne. Your province 
 Is to restrain the current of emotion 
 Within due bounds. Greet my brave soldiers for me. 
 Tell them they have my perfect sympathy ; 
 But tell them also, that for them and me 
 There is no choice, save silence and submission. 
 
 Maukus. 
 We go, my lord — but 'tis with grief and fear. 
 
 \Exeunt Officers. 
 
250 JULIAN THE APOSTATE, [Paet II. 
 
 Julian. 
 One word — one little word — and, like a spark 
 Fallen upon tow, it would liave raised a flame 
 To make Constantius tremble on his throne. 
 And yet I have not spoken it. No peril 
 Has ever stayed me, when I once have chosen 
 A line of action ; but to take the plunge, 
 To risk the one irreparable step, 
 Which leads I know not whither ! If my life 
 Alone were on the hazard ; but the fate 
 Of this proud empire, and the cherished hope 
 To renovate the glories of the past. 
 And to revive the old ancestral faith — 
 A single error might endanger all. 
 They say, the night brings counsel. I will try 
 To sleep awhUe, and rest this weary brain, 
 Troubled with doubts, and overtasked by cares. 
 Cynthia ! bathe my brow in softest light, 
 And soothe me into slumber with thy beams ! 
 
 \Throws himself on a couch, and falls asleep. 
 Solemn music. A silvery cloud rises in 
 the distance, and slowly dividing shows 
 the gigantic figure of a Genius, winged, 
 and hearing the cornucopia. 
 
PiRTn.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 251 
 
 Genius 
 
 Julian, I am the Genius of the Empire. 
 
 How long am I to linger on thy threshold, 
 
 Or in thy outer courts, waiting thy voice 
 
 To bid me enter ? More than once already 
 
 Have I drawn hack disheartened. But this time, 
 
 If I retire, I shall return no more. 
 
 \I)i&appears. 
 
 Julian (starting up). 
 
 Stay, awful vision ! let me speak with thee. 
 
 But no ! it will not answer. It is gone. 
 
 Yet was the form distinct, the message clear. 
 
 Why should I hesitate ? Each passing hour 
 
 Is laden with incalculable chances 
 
 That may not be recalled. 
 
 Enter Oribasius. 
 
 Oh, my dear friend ! 
 Have you no drug in all your pharmacy 
 That can extinguish doubt ? 
 
 Oribasius. 
 
 I come, my lord. 
 
 From careful study of the starry heavens ; 
 
252 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetII. 
 
 And I can witness that the planets point 
 To the success of a great enterprise, 
 If undertaken now. 
 
 Jdlian. 
 
 What noise was that ? 
 
 Oribasius. 
 It sounds like an approaching multitude, 
 With shouts and tumult. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 But I also hear 
 
 The martial tread of soldiers on the march 
 
 And the loud clang of arms. 
 
 Oribasius. 
 
 'Tis drawing nigh. 
 'Twill soon he at the gates. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 And see ! the skies 
 Reflect the glare of torches. 
 
 Soldiers {without). 
 
 Julian ! Julian ! 
 
PiETll.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 253 
 
 Oribasius. 
 'Tis in your name, my lord, tie tempest rolls. 
 And you alone, methinks, will have the power 
 To rule its fury and direct its course. 
 
 Soldiers (wiihout). 
 Julian Augustus ! 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Ha ! what cry was that ? 
 
 Enter Evhemerus. 
 What would they have ? 
 
 Evhemerus. 
 
 My lord, a mighty throng. 
 Of soldiers and of citizens combined, 
 Besiege your palace-doors. They call for you. 
 They say that they will own no other chief. 
 No other leader. None of all your troops 
 Will stir a step, save under your command. 
 And, since the Emperor tramples on their Caesar, 
 Only by virtue of his higher title. 
 They will bestow it on you by their voices, 
 And guard it with their swords. 
 
254 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PartH. 
 
 SOLDIEKS (without). 
 
 Julian Augustus ! 
 
 Julian. 
 Go to them, gentle friends, and strive to calm 
 This fierce excitement. Say that I wiU hear them. 
 But not to-night. Let them regain their quarters, 
 And wait for my decision till to-morrow. 
 Bid them be patient, and I pledge my word 
 That I will do my best to reconcile 
 Their wishes with my duty. 'Tis not long 
 For them to pause. The day will soon be here. 
 
 \Exewnt OniBAsros and Evhemeeus. 
 The fruit is ripe, and hangs within my reach, 
 I have but to stretch forth my hand to pluck it ; 
 And signs, and omens, and supernal powers 
 Unite to urge me on. guardian Sun ! 
 Make haste to drive away the shades of night ; 
 Come forth, and show me what I have to do ! 
 
 Enter Helena. 
 "Why are you not at rest ? 
 
PAWn.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 255 
 
 Helena. 
 
 Oil, my dear lord ! 
 How can I rest when tumult rages near. 
 And perils gather round ? How can I sleep, 
 Indifferent to your safety ? 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Helena, 
 It is your brother who has raised the storm ; 
 And it is for your peace that you remain 
 Passive and neutral. Let us men contend. 
 If so it needs must be. But you may claim 
 Tour woman's privilege, and still stand apart. 
 
 Helena. 
 No, Julian ! All my other social ties 
 Are merged in one. Tou are my lord and husband. 
 Whatever troubles are in store for you. 
 My place is at your side. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 There's my true wife. 
 It may be that you yet will share with me 
 A nobler destiny. But, for the instant. 
 
256 JULIAN 7 HE APOSTATE. [Past II. 
 
 Let me entreat you to retire to rest 
 
 And leave me to myself. When the hour comes 
 
 For action, you shall know it. 
 
 Helena 
 
 Ne'er theless, 
 I will keep watch and ward for his protection. 
 
 \_Exit. 
 
 Julian. 
 'Tis silent all,^and the full tide of passion 
 Has once again receded. I have yet 
 A little breathing-time, before I speak 
 The final and irrevocable word. 
 Nay, even now, it is within my power 
 To throw aside the purple, and resume 
 The scholar's cloak ; or, at the worst, to find 
 The quiet rest and refuge of the grave. 
 But then it were to yield to selfish fears, 
 And fail in the high mission which the gods 
 Have trusted to my hands. No ! come what may — 
 Anxiety and labour, wrath and hate, 
 And a dread struggle that will fright the world 
 
PartD.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 257 
 
 As with the shock of earthquakes — I must hold 
 My steady course, or sink o'erwhelmed with shame. 
 
 \The light changes. 
 The moon sets, and the stars begin to fade. 
 And the first streak of dawn is ia the sky. 
 
 Phoebus ! as thy fiery coursers climb 
 
 The steep ascent of heaven, they bear with them 
 lly fortune and the future fate of Rome. 
 Rise quickly, and relieve my every doubt ! 
 
 Enter Helena. 
 StUl waking, Helena ! 
 
 Helena. 
 
 Oh, my dear lord ! 
 
 1 come to warn you. There is danger imminent ; 
 One of my servants has discovered it. 
 
 The Emperor's envoys tamper with the guards 
 About the palace, scattering gold by handfuls. 
 They have a plot to seize upon your person. 
 If not to take your life. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 They dare not do it. 
 Where is this servant ? 
 
 s 
 
258 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PAExn. 
 
 Helena. 
 
 On his way already 
 To call tlie legions back ; and I liave summoned 
 Such friends as we could trust. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 My gallant wife ! 
 A dove converted to a lioness ! 
 What charm has wrought this wonder ? 
 
 Helena. 
 
 Love for you. 
 
 Enter Okibasius and Evhemekus, armed. 
 
 Julian. 
 And here's my sage physician clad in arms, 
 Prepared to kill or cure ! And my librarian, 
 With deadly weapons keen as Attic wit ! 
 
 Evhemekus. 
 A sword just now is worth a thousand books. 
 
 Okibasius. 
 You may despise our help, but if we fail 
 To save you, we can die with you, my lord. 
 
paktii.] JULIAN the apostate. 259 
 
 Julian. 
 Mistake me not, dear friends ! You have my thanks, 
 My warmest thanks for your devoted zeal. 
 But laugh to scorn these plotters. There's not one 
 That would not shrink in terror from my glance. 
 I cannot so be conquered. 
 
 EVHEMEKUS. 
 
 Yet be sure 
 That treason is at work. The gates are barred, 
 And none allowed to pass. 
 
 Helena. 
 
 My messenger 
 
 Was forced to scale the wall. 
 
 EVHEMERUS. 
 
 Believe or not, 
 The Csesar is a prisoner in his palace. 
 
 Julian. 
 If it be so, all doubts are at an end, 
 And it is time for deeds. I soon will see 
 Who dares to bar my passage. 
 
260 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Paet n. 
 
 Helena. 
 
 Do not venture. 
 
 Wait till our friends arrive. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 My Helena, 
 
 The star of Julian still is high in heaven, 
 
 Above the reach of traitors. Oribasius, 
 
 Do you distrust your omens ? When I fall 
 
 It will not be by base and hireling hands. 
 
 Here lies my way. 
 
 [J.S he is going, he is met by Pentadius, 
 
 Decentius, and Soldiers. 
 
 Pentadius. 
 My lord, we crave your pardon. 
 But we are bound in duty to the Emperor, 
 While mutiny is raging in the camp, 
 To stop all egress from the palace. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 The conduct of the army and the state 
 
 Is my concern, not yours. 'Tis I alone 
 
PaktII.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 261 
 
 That represent the Emperor. At your peril 
 Attempt to stop me, and the doom of treason 
 "Will light upon your heads. 
 
 Pentaditjs. 
 
 We only ask 
 
 That you remain a hostage for the peace 
 
 And safety of the empire. Do not drive us 
 
 To violent measures. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 What ! you dare to threaten 
 The Caesar in his palace ! Hear me, soldiers. 
 These men are not your officers. Their claim 
 To order you is empty froth and vapour. 
 I am your prince and general. 
 
 Decentius. 
 
 We have shown you 
 The Emperor's warrant, giving us full powers 
 To act as need requires. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 And you have backed it, 
 No doubt, with gifts and promises. But, soldiers. 
 
262 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetH. 
 
 Are you so stupid as to trust the word 
 
 Of this smooth courtier, and this wily notary, 
 
 Eather than mine? They'd use you for their 
 
 purpose. 
 Then cast you forth as worthless. Did they wish it. 
 Could they protect you from the indignant vengeance 
 Of your own comrades ? And of what avail 
 Will .be their gold, which now pollutes your touch. 
 When you are dragged to answer for the crime 
 Of treachery to your leader and your legion ? 
 
 \The Soldiers stand irresolute. 
 Look where the rosy-fingered goddess paints 
 The parting clouds. You have one moment more 
 To disavow this treason, ere the Sun 
 Comes to make dark things light. Let him not find 
 
 you 
 In league with vile conspirators, and false 
 To honesty and honour. 
 
 Pentadtus. 
 
 Do not hear him ! 
 Be faithful to your oaths and to the Emperor ! 
 
 \_Oreat uproar without. 
 
Paet II.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 263 
 
 Julian. 
 It does not matter now what you decide. 
 The Sun has risen. 
 
 Soldiers [without.) 
 
 Batter down the gates ! 
 Bring fire and fagots ! If we find a hair 
 Of Julian hurt, we'U put all to the sword ! 
 The dragon to the rescue ! 
 
 Julian. 
 
 'Tis the cry 
 Of my brave Petulants. 
 
 {To the Soldiers.) If you expect 
 Oblivion for the past, go and admit them, 
 And give them such assurance of my safety 
 As will appease their fury. 
 
 [_Exeunt Soldiers. 
 {To the Envoys.) As for you, sirs. 
 It may be prudent to remain with me 
 And keep unbroken silence. Helena, 
 And you, my friends, I told you that my star 
 "Was yet too high in heaven to fear eclipse. 
 
264 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Paet II. 
 
 The Powers above have work for me to do, 
 And will not let me shun my destiny. 
 
 \^houts and the rush of feet. 
 
 Enter Maurus and Legionaeies, tumultuously. 
 
 Legionaries. 
 He's safe ! He's safe ! and we will now defend him 
 Against the world. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 My thanks to each and all. 
 I knew that I could trust your love and valour 
 To bring me help. 
 
 Petulant. 
 Where are these treacherous envoys ? 
 
 Celt. 
 Skulking behind the Csesar. 
 
 Petulant. 
 
 Down with them ! 
 Tear them to pieces ! 
 
parth.] yuLiAN the apostate. 265 
 
 Julian (spreading his robe). 
 
 No ! my purple covers them. 
 Let them go free, and spare them to relate 
 The night's adventures to their master. 
 
 Maurus. 
 
 Soldiers, 
 They are not worth your anger. But our task 
 Is only half accomplished. Our brave Caesar 
 Must be no longer subject to the freaks 
 Of any fickle tyrant. He must reign 
 Our undisputed sovereign. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 But, my friends. 
 Who gives the right ? 
 
 Maurus. 
 
 The army and the people. 
 
 Legionaries. 
 Yes ! yes ! it must be so. Julian Augustus ! 
 
266 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Past n. 
 
 Julian. 
 I promise you, that you shall not go hence 
 Upon this foreign service. I will write 
 In explanation to the Emperor, 
 And strive to come to terms. 
 
 Legionaeies. 
 
 No terms ! no writing ! 
 Julian Augustus ! 
 
 Julian. 
 But, were I to yield. 
 You might have then, indeed, to leave your homes 
 And march to distant lands. 
 
 Maurus. 
 
 With you for leader 
 We'd march through fires of hell ! 
 
 Legionaries. 
 
 We'll hear no more. 
 Julian Augustus ! 
 
 \They press round Julian, and raise 
 him in their arms. 
 
Part U.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 267 
 
 Celt. 
 
 Lift hiin from the ground 
 And set his feet upon this well-proved buckler, 
 Made of the strong bull's hide and bound with brass — 
 A warrior's fitting throne ! 
 
 Petulant. 
 
 And on his brow 
 Let's plant the golden circlet. Who can furnish 
 The semblance of a crown ? 
 
 Helena. 
 
 Here is my necklace. 
 'Tis of the finest gold. 
 
 • Julian. 
 
 "What ! you, my wife ! 
 Confederate with these rebels ? . 'Twere unlucky 
 To deck me like a woman. 
 
 Celt. 
 
 Here's the frontlet, 
 Richly enchased, from a proud courser's headstall. 
 'Tis not unlike a diadem. 
 
268 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Past n. 
 
 Oribasius. 
 
 But suited 
 More to adorn a steed tlian grace a monarch. 
 
 Maueus. 
 
 Take this, my soldier's collar. It has glittered 
 Amid the foremost ranks in many a battle, 
 The standard-bearer's badge. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 If I must choose 
 I would not wish to wear a nobler garland. 
 But once again consider. . . . 
 
 m 
 
 Petulant. 
 
 We'll hear nothing 
 Till we have borne you to the field of Mars, 
 And shown you to the people. 
 
 All. 
 
 Crown him ! crown him ! 
 \They place the collar on Julian's head. 
 
paetii.1 JULIAN the apostate. 269 
 
 Maueus. 
 Clash your shields, comrades ! Wave your banners 
 
 high. 
 Shout, till the welkin echo back your shouts ! 
 Julian Augustus, hail ! Long Hve the Emperor ! 
 
 All. 
 Julian Augustus, hail ! Long live the Emperor ! 
 
 \The curiam falls. 
 
270 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Paet n. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 Scene I. — ^Basil's Retreat in Pontus. 
 
 Enter Basil and (jteegory, meeting. 
 
 Gkegory. 
 What think you now of Julian ? 
 
 Basil. 
 
 His revolt 
 Against the Emperor had great provocation. 
 And it would seem, if we have heard aright, 
 That he has laboured long and strenuously 
 To come to some arrangement with Constantius. 
 
 Gkegory. 
 AU that is over. Every hope of peace 
 Has melted into air like empty bubbles. 
 He marches eastward, and the Emperor speeds 
 To cross him on the way. Blood will be shed 
 
pahtil] JULIAN the apostate. 271 
 
 In torrents, and the sword must judge between them. 
 But tidings in my letters just received 
 Are worse than all the rest. 
 
 Basil. 
 
 I did not know 
 That there was later news. I have been busied 
 "With other cares and duties. 
 
 G-REGOEY. 
 
 Oh, my Basil ! 
 This news concerns us nearly. My suspicions 
 Have proved unerring prophets. Once resolved 
 To act alone, Julian throws off the mask, 
 And shows himself a traitor to his God 
 As well as to his sovereign. He renounces 
 The Christian faith, proclaims the old idolatry. 
 And on his march already celebrates 
 The sacrificial rites of heathen worship. 
 
 Basil. 
 
 Alas for him ! he has my heartfelt pity. 
 
272 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part II. 
 
 Gregoky. 
 Pity ! The renegade that sells his birthright ! 
 The hypocrite, who only last Epiphany 
 Joined in the solemn service of the Church ! 
 What can we but condemn ? 
 
 Basil. 
 
 He was our friend. 
 
 If deep his fall, the more should be our sorrow. 
 
 Gregoky. 
 But to dissemble with us from the first. 
 And hide his evil purpose ! 
 
 Basil. 
 
 Who can tell 
 
 What doubts and struggles may have rent his soul, 
 
 Before he yielded to the subtilties 
 
 Of a too restless intellect ? His silence 
 
 May only have concealed the spirit's anguish. 
 
 Gregory. 
 But should he conquer in this war, what then 
 Would happen to the Church ? 
 
Past II.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 273 
 
 Basil. 
 
 I cannot think 
 That he, our fellow-student, who has sucked 
 At the same breasts of pure Philosophy 
 As those from which we drew our mental nurture, 
 Would stoop to persecution. But the Church 
 May have to face some danger yet untried. 
 She bore unflinchingly the tyrant's malice, 
 And rose triumphant from the torturing flames ; 
 And she has since endured the harder trial 
 Of venal guides, false friends, and the temptations 
 Of pleasure, wealth, and ease. But it may be 
 That, in the secret providence of God, 
 She yet has to encounter human wisdom. 
 Armed with Greek eloquence and Eoman valour. 
 And shining from a throne. 
 
 Geegohy. 
 
 If such the contest 
 Which looms upon the future's dark horizon, 
 'Twere well to furbish up our ancient weapons 
 Of stately rhetoric and sharp dialectics, 
 In readiness for battle. 
 
 T 
 
274 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part II. 
 
 Basil. 
 
 You, at least, 
 
 Are clothed at all points in scholastic armour. 
 
 And bristling o'er with controversial arrows. 
 
 And yet I feel, dear Gregory, that our strength 
 
 Lies in a different field. 'Tis by our lives — 
 
 By purity amid a world of sin. 
 
 By love to all, the humblest as the highest. 
 
 Forgiveness of our slanderers and our foes. 
 
 Patience in suffering, temperance, self-deDial, 
 
 By faith in peril, and by hope in death — 
 
 That we must win the victory. Heathen sophists 
 
 Tickle the ears, and heathen heroes dazzle 
 
 The eyes of men. The Christian Life alone 
 
 Touches the conscience and subdues the heart. 
 
 I do not fear the issue. 
 
 Gregory. 
 
 But, meanwhile, 
 
 We may have troublous times. 
 
 Basil. 
 
 God's will, dear Gregory ! 
 We must not be dismayed. Where now is Julian ? 
 
Part II.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 275 
 
 Gregouy. 
 He had left Gaul, and once more crossed the Rhine, 
 But all his movements, like his wandering thoughts. 
 Are shrouded in thick darkness. When the dream 
 "Was ended of a treaty with Constantius, 
 And the last tie between them had been broken 
 By Helena's decease 
 
 Basil. 
 
 What ! is she dead ? 
 
 Gkegoky. 
 Yes, by a sudden doom, she drooped and died ; 
 Rescued, it may be, from the wrath to come. 
 But, when all chance of peace was past and gone, 
 Julian was foimd prepared to take the field. 
 And his grim warriors now no longer scrupled 
 To quit their homes for strange and distant regions. 
 Since the beginning of his swift advance 
 He has been lost to view. 
 
 Basil. 
 And where's the Emperor ? 
 
276 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part II. 
 
 Q-REGORY. 
 
 Hastening througli Asia to confront his rival, 
 And forced to leave the Persian war unfinislied. 
 None know who first will reach the seat of empire. 
 
 Basil. 
 We can but wait, and, waiting, work in silence 
 At the foundations of that heavenly city 
 Which will outlast all empires. 
 
 Gregory. 
 
 You are right. 
 The slow, sure progress of our Master's kingdom 
 Should be our only care. And yet I own 
 That I am strongly moved by this fierce conflict 
 Between contending forces, 
 
 Basil. 
 
 Let earth's rulers 
 Wage direfiil wars, and nations rise or fall ; 
 Our mission is to labour and to pray ; 
 We sow the seed — the harvest wiU not fail. 
 The daily task sufficeth for the day. 
 
 \Exeunt. 
 
PabtU.] JULIAN the apostate. 'Ill 
 
 Scene ll.-r-Sirmium in Pannonia. A Room in the 
 House of LnciLiAN, Commander of the Imperial 
 Forces in Illyrieum. 
 
 Enter Lucilian and Officer. 
 
 Ltjcilian. 
 Where can tliis Julian hide ? "We cannot trace 
 His march beyond the Rhine. 
 
 Officer. 
 
 Oh ! lost, no doubt, 
 In the black depths of the Hercynian forest. 
 'Tis said he plunged into that horrid gloom 
 With a small force detached from his main army, 
 And with but scant provision. He must be 
 Stark staring mad. 
 
 Lucilian. 
 
 It seems incredible. 
 If it be true, we need not greatly hasten 
 Our measures of defence. Mountains and rivers. 
 Impervious woods, and bands of fierce barbarians. 
 Will hold him many weeks in check — if ever 
 He should emerge alive. 
 
278 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Paet U 
 
 Officek. 
 
 Oh, sir ! by this time 
 He must have perished, or be vainly striving 
 To make good his retreat. 
 
 LUCILIAN. 
 
 'Tis probable. 
 Methinks, that when the Emperor comes to join us 
 He may well find he has no foes to conquer. 
 
 Enter Soldier. 
 What wouldst thou, my good fellow ? 
 
 Soldier. 
 
 Noble General ! 
 I've ridden from the outposts on the Danube 
 To bring you a strange rumour that is floating 
 Down with the current. First we heard that ships 
 Full of armed men were seen upon its waters ; 
 Next, that these men were Julian's GraUic warriors, 
 Who, having cut their way through pathless forests, 
 Had seized our fleet at anchor in the river, 
 High up the stream, and now were rushing onward 
 With sail and oar. 
 
PART^ir.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 279 
 
 LUCILIAN. 
 
 It is impossible ! 
 
 Soldier. 
 I only tell you what I have been told. 
 
 LuciLiAN {to the Officer). 
 What think you, friend ? 
 
 Officer. 
 
 I scarcely can beHeve it. 
 But we must take precautions. 
 
 LUCILIAN. 
 
 Time enough ; 
 We must have warning of their near approach. 
 We shall know more to-morrow. But, meanwhile, 
 You can despatch troops to secure the heights 
 That overlook the windings of the river, 
 And so make all things sure. 
 
 Officer. 
 
 It shall be done. 
 
 \_Exit. 
 
280 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Pabt ii. 
 
 LuciLiAN {to the, Soldiee)'. 
 I've work for thee, good fellow. Come with me, 
 And I wiU give thee letters to deliver 
 To my lieutenants, summoning a council 
 To meet me in the morning. Until then. 
 Even should this news prove true, 
 There needs no hurry. \Exeunt. 
 
 Scene III. — The Danube, near Bononia. An armed 
 Galley comes in sight, and is moored to the bank. 
 The Rowers ship their Oars, and the Mariners 
 lower the Sails. Officers and Soldiers disembark. 
 
 Enter, from the Ship, Julian, Oribasius, and 
 evhemekxjs. 
 
 Julian. 
 At length, my friends, we are once more on land. 
 "We have not lost much time. The mighty stream. 
 The favouring breeze, and yonder sturdy crew 
 Of willing oarsmen, toiling night and day, 
 Have borne us swiftly on. We shall surprise 
 Lucilian by our visit. 
 
PAETn.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 281 
 
 EVHEMEEUS. 
 
 Are you certain 
 That he does not expect us ? 
 
 Julian. 
 
 If he heard 
 Of our advance, he would not half believe it. 
 Deeming us swallowed up in the Black Forest. 
 Or, if at last convinced against his will. 
 He would conclude — I know the kind of man — 
 That we should still pursue our watery way 
 As far as Sirmium. His whole thought would be 
 To guard the river. Landing at Bononia, 
 "We turn his flank, and take him unawares. 
 I have already sent some light troops onward 
 To view the road before us. 
 
 Oeibasitjs. 
 
 The last omens 
 Have been propitious. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Yes ; and not in vain 
 We sacrifice to Mars and to Bellona. 
 
282 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Paet II. 
 
 They promise victory. The great Sun himself 
 Has come to me in vision, and has shown me 
 That a dark doom is hanging o'er Constantius. 
 The gods decree my triumph. 
 
 EvHEMBRUS {aside). 
 
 Spite of which, 
 He will omit no effort to secure it. 
 
 Jdlian. 
 They are my witness, that I have not sought 
 For power to please myself. A life of study 
 Had been my choice. But I accept my fortune. 
 Poor Helena ! she should have lived to share it ! 
 
 Oeibastus. 
 All means were tried to save her. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 That is certain ; 
 But your physician's art could not reverse 
 The sentence of inexorable Fate ; 
 And it may be, that one so soft and gentle 
 
PiBT n.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 283 
 
 Is well at rest in this tempestuous time. 
 As for myself, my nature was not made, 
 Or else my training has not fitted me, 
 For household joys, or the companionship 
 Of wife and children. It is better so. 
 
 Oribasius. 
 And yet, my lord, the greatest men on earth 
 Have had their private loves, and wished to leave 
 Heirs of their name and fame. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 I am content 
 If I can leave behind a progeny 
 Of grand ideas that shall bear fruit hereafter. 
 
 EVHEMEEUS. 
 
 Meanwhile our scouting-party has returned. 
 And here comes their young leader. 
 
 Enter Dagalaiphus. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Well, brave captain ! 
 "What have you to report ? 
 
284 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Paet U. 
 
 Dagalaiphus. 
 
 We found the road 
 All undefended, so we felt our way. 
 And ventured on into the heart of Sirmium, 
 Surprised LucUian in his house, and bring him 
 A prisoner with us back. 
 
 Jtjlian. 
 
 'Twas nobly done ! 
 What need I fear with soldiers like to these ? 
 Where is your captive ? 
 
 Dagalaiphus. 
 
 He is close at hand. 
 Half stupefied with terror and amazement. 
 He seems to think that we shall roast and eat him. 
 See how my comrades have to hold him up ! 
 
 Enter Ltjoilian, guarded. 
 
 Julian. 
 Sir, you are welcome. 
 
 LuciLiAN {falling at Julian's feet). 
 
 Oh, my gracious lord ! 
 I can but crave your mercy. 
 
Part II.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 285 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Here's my purple, 
 In token of your safety. 
 
 [LucinAN Ms&es the hem of Julian's rohe. 
 Eise, I pray you, 
 From this unmanly, slavish attitude. 
 You are not in the grasp of sayage robbers, 
 But in the power of one who claims to rule 
 
 By law and justice. 
 
 [Raises him. 
 
 Take your pJace beside me, 
 And you shall learn that I am not a tyrant. 
 Like him you long have served. 
 
 Dagalaiphus. 
 
 What's our next duty ? 
 
 Julian. 
 I honour your impatience, gallant soldier. 
 And you shall lead the van. Give instant orders 
 That the whole army march at once for Sirmium. 
 Our troops have landed from their different vessels. 
 And all are now ashore. The road is open. 
 
286 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Paet 11. 
 
 And we shall find the garrison dispirited, 
 Pull of vague fears, and left without a general. 
 We have but to strike quickly. 
 
 LUCILIAN. 
 
 Oh, my lord ! 
 You do not know the dangers that you run. 
 The Emperor's forces far outnumber yours, 
 And once collected, as this note of peril 
 Must draw them soon together, they will crush you 
 By simple weight and pressure. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Sir, excuse me. 
 I have received you merely as a suppliant, 
 And not as an adviser. Keep your counsels. 
 Your timid counsels, for your master's ear. 
 Sound trumpets ! Pass the word to all our officers, 
 To form their companies in marching order ! 
 Let there be no delay. Each hour is precious 
 "When time is short. We sleep to-night at Sirmium ! 
 
 \_Exeu.nt. 
 
Part II.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 287 
 
 Scene IV. — The Vestibule of a House at Mopsucrene 
 
 in Cilicia. 
 
 Enter Servants. 
 
 First Servant. 
 Bustle about, my lads ! bustle about ! 
 The Emperor's coming. 
 
 Second Servant. 
 What ! to this house ? 
 
 First Servant. 
 Yes — and he will be here directly. 
 
 Second Servant. 
 And with nothing ready to receive him ! 
 
 First Servant. 
 It cannot be helped. They say he is too ill to get 
 on with his journey. The fever took him before he 
 left Tarsus, and he has grown worse by the way. 
 
 Second Servant. 
 And air in confusion, and the town full of soldiers I 
 And no fresh provisions to be had for love or money ! 
 
288 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PabtII. 
 
 FiKST Servant. 
 Never mind. Fasting is good for fever. 
 
 Second Servant. 
 And how many people will lie bring with him ? 
 
 First Servant. 
 How can I tell? But here they are already. 
 Run away, and let's all be found at our posts. 
 
 {JExeiint Servants. 
 
 ^/(ferCoNSTANTius, EusEBius, Officers and Attendants. 
 
 Constantitjs. 
 I can no further ; I must rest. Ah me ! 
 
 Etjsebius. 
 Go, fetch a couch. There. Set it in the shade. 
 Lie down awhile, my lord. A short repose 
 "Will soon restore your strength. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 But to be stopped — 
 Stopped in my mid career to punish treason ! 
 It is the Devil's work ! 
 
Paet n.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 289 
 
 EusEBius (aside). 
 
 Had it been Julian, 
 It would have been God's judgment. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Let me breathe ! 
 Stand from around me. All of you withdraw, 
 Except Eusebius. Send Csesarius hither. 
 
 l_I!j:etmt Officers and Attendants. 
 Who's there, behind my couch ? 
 
 Eusebius. 
 
 No one, my lord. 
 
 CONSTAXTIUS. 
 
 I thought I saw a figure. Was it Gallus, 
 Or one of my two uncles ? 
 
 Eusebius. 
 
 A mere fancy; 
 A phantom of the brain. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 Yes, they are dead ; 
 They cannot come to plague me. But this Julian — 
 Why did I spare his life ? 
 
290 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part II. 
 
 EuSEBlUS. 
 
 Amiable ■weakness, 
 And sweet persuasiveness of female lips. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 I tell you that I will not hear you speak 
 Against Eusebia. Why does she not come 
 To nurse me in my sickness ? 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 But, my lord. 
 
 She too is dead. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 How strangely I forget ! 
 Where's my physician ? 
 
 ElTSEBIUS. 
 
 We have sent for him. 
 He will be here anon. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 I'd have you know, sir. 
 That I am still the Emperor, and not used 
 To be kept waiting. 
 
Part 11.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 291 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 All your humble servants 
 Attend upon your pleasure. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 No, 'tis false ! 
 They think to pay court to the rising sun, 
 And worship this young Julian. They shall find 
 That I can reach him. yet. Oh ! that sharp pang 
 
 Enter Cjesaeius. 
 Which shoots across my chest ! 
 
 C^SARIUS. 
 
 How fares my lord ? 
 
 CONSTANTITJS. 
 
 So ! You are here at last ! 
 
 CiESARIUS. 
 
 I was detained 
 Beside a dying soldier. Let me feel 
 Your pulse. Your head is fire ; your feet are ice. 
 You must at once to bed. 
 
292 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Paet II. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 But for tow long ? 
 Say — when can I set forward on my march ? 
 
 CjESAEIUS. 
 
 I cannot tell, my lord. 
 
 CONSTANTTUS. 
 
 "What do you mean ? 
 Why do you look so ? "Would you intimate 
 That I may not recover ? 
 
 CUSAEIUS. 
 
 Life and death 
 Are in the hands of God. My human science 
 Can only show that danger is impending, 
 And there is much to fear. 
 
 CoNSTANTIUS. 
 
 I must not die ! 
 Not yet ! not now ! I am all unprepared 
 For such a sudden call. Say you will cure me, 
 And I will load you with an empire's wealth. 
 
PabtII.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 293 
 
 'Tis not the grave alone, but the hereafter. 
 Give me some hope. 
 
 C^SARIUS. 
 
 I cannot give you hope, 
 Save in God's mercy. That may yet avail 
 For you, as for the lowliest of your subjects, 
 Whether you live or die. But such poor help 
 As I can render shall be yours, my lord ; 
 And for that end I go to call your servants. 
 And you must let us bear- you to your chamber. 
 
 [Summons the Attendants. 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 I too will lend my aid. 
 
 CoNSTANTlCS. 
 
 No ! touch me not ! 
 There's blood upon your hands ! Send for the bishops. 
 They shall baptize me, and the lustral water 
 Shall wash away the blood. Keep off yon spectres ! 
 I cannot bear the gaze of dead men's faces. 
 Why do they turn those ghastly looks upon me, 
 
294 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Pabt n. 
 
 As if in mute reproach ? It was not I, 
 It was Eusebius. He has ever been 
 My evil genius, and has led me on 
 To my eternal ruin ! 
 
 Eusebius. 
 
 How he raves ! 
 
 C^SARIUS. 
 
 Strange words are often uttered in delirium 
 That have a serious meaning. 
 
 CONSTANTIUS. 
 
 They are fiends 
 Who conjure up these visions. None are left 
 Of all the Flavian line, but one. The rest 
 Have long ago been safe beneath the ground. 
 They cannot walk abroad. The dead sleep well. 
 But Julian ! Where is Julian ? Him I spared. 
 And I will make amends. Let me but live. 
 And he shall share my throne, and be my heir. 
 I only ask for time. Who was it laughed ? 
 The Devil, or Eusebius ? 
 
Past no JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 295 
 
 Cjesaeius. 
 
 Lift him gently. 
 
 \JEe is carried into the Rouse hy C^sarius and 
 the Attendants. 
 
 EUSEBITJS. 
 
 The miserable coward ! he has drunk 
 His fill of the intoxicating wine 
 Of pride and splendour, and has never cared 
 What bloody marks were set against the score. 
 Now he would fain let others pay the cost, 
 And go scot-free. If it could serve his turn, 
 He would to-morrow give me up to Julian. 
 But he may never chance to see to-morrow. 
 
 [Servants pass to and fro, as if in haste. A 
 Bishop and his Acolytes arrive, and enter 
 the House. 
 
 And 80 he thinks to make his peace with Heaven 
 By muttered spells, and charms, and incantations 
 Around his dying bed. If there be Powers 
 That claim fit retribution for men's deeds, 
 They will not thus be cheated of their due. 
 
296 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaktII. 
 
 But then we nothing know, and need not try 
 
 To pierce the fdture'a veil. Enough for me 
 
 To seek, hy daring wit or subtle craft. 
 
 How best to meet or shun the present ills. 
 
 If he recover, I may yet resume 
 
 The inflaence of the strong mind on the weak ; 
 
 But if he die, ah ! there's the doubtful choice. 
 
 What image can I set up in his place 
 
 For the fond worship of the foolish crowd, 
 
 And so unite our forces to withstand 
 
 The Csesar's rude assault ? Or were it wiser 
 
 To bow to Julian's star, and be the first 
 
 To hail the victor and confirm his triumph ? 
 
 That were a dangerous course, but not quite desperate, 
 
 If all else fail — for Julian piques himself 
 
 Upon his grand, high-sounding magnanimity. 
 
 Well, I have had my day. Here come my satellites. 
 
 Enter Eunuchs. 
 With half their light extinguished. 
 
 First Eunuch. 
 
 Is it true P 
 Is it a mortal sickness ? 
 
PaetH.] JULIAN, THE APOSTATE. 297 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 Like enough. 
 Emperors must die, as well as other men. 
 Why do you look so pale ? 
 
 First Eunuch. 
 
 Is there not cause ? 
 
 Second Eunuch. 
 Already the report has reached the army, 
 And as the soldiers meet in scattered groups 
 The name of Julian still is on their lips. 
 
 First Eunuch. 
 'Tis vain to mention any other chief 
 As possible successor to the Emperor. 
 They will hear naught but Julian. 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 Is it so ? 
 Then I decide at once what must be done. 
 
 Enter CiESARius. 
 Ah, sir ! I see that every hope has fled, 
 Your visage tells your tale. 
 
298 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetII. 
 
 C^SARITJS. 
 
 Yes, all is over. 
 The throne is vacant, and the sceptre fallen. 
 The Roman world is left without a ruler. 
 
 EuSEBlTJS. 
 
 Why should the throne be vacant, aild what hand, 
 Save one, has any right to grasp the sceptre ? 
 Go forth, ray friends, and to the troops and people 
 Recite the mournful story of our loss ; 
 And therewithal, acting in strict performance 
 Of our late master's will, and our own duty, 
 Proclaim the Emperor Julian ! 
 
 \Exeunt Eunuchs. 
 
 C-SSARIUS. 
 
 You know best, sir. 
 By what authority .... 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 Oh, sir ! content you. 
 I was the Emperor's minister, and privy 
 To all his thoughts and wishes. He being gone, 
 
Past no JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 299 
 
 It is the province of a faitliful servant 
 To follow Ws instructions. 
 
 C^SARIUS. 
 
 Did he bid you 
 Name his successor ? 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 You yourself are witness. 
 You heard him speak of Julian as his heir ; 
 And though he wandered somewhat, you have taught 
 
 me 
 That wandering thoughts have oft a serious meaning. 
 
 Soldiers and People (without). 
 Julian Augustus ! 
 
 EUSEBIUS. 
 
 There is my best warrant. 
 The public voice accepts the nomination. 
 And East and West unite to own their lord. 
 I shall but stay to give some needful orders 
 For the conveyance of my master's corpse 
 
300 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part II. 
 
 To hiB imperial city — and then hasten 
 
 To pay my homage to my lawful sovereign. 
 
 \_Exit. 
 
 CjESARIUS. 
 
 How wondrous are the turns of Fortune's wheel ! 
 The world at Julian's feet, and his old enemies 
 Eager to win his favour — while Constantius 
 Closes a life of gratified ambition 
 In horror and despair. Oh ! well for us, 
 If, looking only to the light from heaven 
 Amid the changes of this changeful earth. 
 We place our trust in that Eternal Love, 
 Which guides and governs all, and cannot change ! 
 
 {Exit. 
 
 Scene V. — A Street in Sardis. 
 
 Enter Maximus and Chrysanthixjs, meeting. 
 
 Cheysanthius. 
 Well, Maximus — what means that glance of 
 triumph ? 
 
PaetII.] " JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 301 
 
 Maximus. 
 I bring you news, my excellent Ohrysantliius — 
 A letter from our Julian. 'Mid tlie glories 
 Of his victorious march, he writes to me 
 As humbly as the most submissive pupil 
 To a revered instructor. And to you 
 He sends kind greetings, and would have us both 
 Join him without delay. 
 
 Chrysanthius. 
 
 You think of going ? 
 
 Maximus, 
 For what then did we scheme and toil so long, 
 If not to share the prize and wield the power. 
 When he should wear the purple ? Are the masters 
 Not to partake of the disciple's honours ? 
 
 Chkysanthius. 
 Perchance, too, of his dangers. He has yet 
 A difficult task before him- 
 
 Maximus. 
 
 My good friend, 
 
 Much must be dared when much is to be won. 
 
302 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Pirt n. 
 
 I did not fear to brave the risk at Ephesus, 
 And will not fear it now. 
 
 Chrysanthius. 
 
 Well, be not rash. 
 "We are safe here at Sardis, where we dwell 
 In undisturbed repose, and can afford 
 To watch and wait. If Julian needs our counsel, 
 We can but write in answer to his letters 
 In cautious terms. Till he be firmly seated 
 Upon his throne I would not venture more. 
 
 Maximus. 
 And leave the field to a vile set of sophists, 
 Of ignorant quacks, adventurers, knaves, impostors, 
 Who now will flock from all the winds of heaven. 
 To gather round the Emperor's conquering car. 
 And strive to gain his ear ? 
 
 Chrysanthius. 
 
 It were to slander 
 The mass of sophists to describe them thus ; 
 And were there many such, so wise a prince 
 Could not be made their victim or their dupe. 
 
PabtH.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 303 
 
 Maximus. 
 I speak of men whom you and I know well, 
 The false pretenders to a noble science. 
 And as for Julian — is he always led 
 By sober wisdom, or by dreams and fancies ? 
 
 Chkysanthius. 
 I scarcely understand you, Maximus. 
 You were not wont to scorn the aid of dreams, 
 Or to disparage fancy's rainbow hues. 
 
 Maximus. 
 My friend, it all depends on the intent 
 For which the dreams and fancies work. If pure 
 The aim, the end will justify the means. 
 We have to build anew this Roman world. 
 To rou>e from sleep the old Hellenic life, 
 And bring back youth and vigour to mankind ; 
 And for that lofty purpose we must use 
 All instruments that lie within our reach. 
 And such a priceless instrument is Julian. 
 To have him for the service of our cause 
 Was worth all stratagems, devices, arts. 
 
304 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Past II. 
 
 And we must keep him now at any cost. 
 Then let us haye a care, lest others find 
 The magic key that might again unlock 
 His fancy or his feelings. He is ours, 
 And 'twere unpardonable to lose him now. 
 
 Cheysanthius. 
 Do as you will. I shall remain at Sardis. 
 My pen may be as useful as the sceptre 
 In dealing with our foes. These Galileans 
 Will not be silenced by an Emperor's frown. 
 And then, I am not fit to shine in courts. 
 
 Maximxis. 
 "Well, prudence is a virtue. Our friend Priscus 
 Will not be quite so cautious. 
 
 Chrtsanthius. 
 
 What has Priscus 
 To do with Julian ? 
 
 Maximus. 
 
 Oh ! he will be sent for. 
 No single sage is indispensable ; 
 
Part II.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 305 
 
 And, if one fail, another will be ready 
 To fill the vacant place. You will be left 
 In quiet, to pursue your favourite studies. 
 Farewell, my friend ; I go to join the Emperor. 
 
 \Exeimt. 
 
 Scene VI. — Distant View of Constantinople. Soldiers 
 marching in triumphal procession. A Crowd of 
 Citizens waiting to see them pass. 
 
 FiKST Citizen. 
 Here they come ! Here they come ! Julian's 
 picked soldiers. 
 
 Second Citizen. 
 The men who beat the barbarians. 
 
 Thikd Citizen. 
 Ay, and who gave him the empire. 
 
 First Citizen. 
 Fine tall fellows, every one of them. No wonder 
 he had it all his own way. 
 
 Second Citizen. 
 Every thing has turned in his favour. He has 
 
306 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part II. 
 
 conquered all his enemies, far and near. Nothing 
 could stop his progress — neither woods, nor waters, 
 nor mountains, nor men, nor devils. And now 
 Constantius is dead there is none to dispute his title. 
 The empire drops into his mouth like a ripe plum. 
 
 Third Citizen. 
 Let's hope he'U govern it wisely. 
 
 First Citizen. 
 If only he makes short work of the harpies that 
 lived upon our plunder — the courtiers, and eunuchs, 
 and all the tribe of gilded robbers. 
 
 Second Citizen. 
 He has no more reason to love them than we have. 
 They were always his bitter foes. And I'm told 
 that in Gaul he was a just ruler, and took the poor 
 man's part against oppression. 
 
 Third Citizen. 
 But they say he has changed his religion, and 
 worships idols. God forbid the old heathen times 
 should come back again ! 
 
Part II.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 307 
 
 First Citizen. 
 Never fear. We are too many for that. 
 
 Second Citizen. 
 And the laws of Constantino protect us. 
 
 Third Citizen. 
 Laws are powerless against legions. But here 
 come the Petulants — Julian's own hody-guard. 
 They look as if they could mow us all down like 
 grass. 
 
 Second Citizen. 
 And hark to the shouts and the flourish of 
 trumpets ! The Emperor must he near at hand. 
 
 First Citizen. 
 There he is, seated above all the rest, with the 
 purple and the golden crown. Let's give him a 
 hearty welcome ! 
 
 Aix. 
 Julian ! Julian ! Julian Augustus for ever ! 
 
 [Enter Julian on a Triumphal Car, surrounded 
 hy Officers and Attendants. 
 
308 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Paet IL 
 
 Julian. 
 Here let us pause, my friends. I see before me 
 A deputation of grave magistrates 
 Approaching from the city to receive us. 
 We will await them here. 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Halt, soldiers ! halt ! 
 Julian. 
 Hail to my birthplace ! my first childhood's home ; 
 Long lost, but ne'er forgotten ! 'Tis with joy, 
 "With pious reverence, and with filial love. 
 That I behold thy palaces and fanes. 
 Thy columns, arches, baths, basilicas. 
 Which gleam from yonder hills o'er the blue sea. 
 Oh ! be it mine to make thy inward life 
 Nobler and worthier of the outward beauty 
 That clothes this glorious garden of the world ! 
 
 \_Enter Sknatoks, Magistrates, and othem, 
 with the Keys of the City. 
 
 First Senator. 
 Most mighty, gracious, and victorious Emperor ! 
 The Senate and the Eoman People greet you ; 
 
PaetH.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 309 
 
 And in their name we humbly offer to you 
 The keys of our New Eome. 
 
 Julian {alighting from the Car). 
 
 Illustrious Fathers ! 
 And you, my friends — or by whatever title 
 Of honour you are called — I thank you all. 
 I am not used to forms and ceremonies, 
 And may be rough in manners ; but my hope 
 Is so to govern as to give content 
 To every honest man throughout the empire. 
 
 First Senator. 
 We ask no more, my lord, and take your promise 
 In its full meaning. None will be disturbed 
 In place, possessions, privilege, rank, religion ? 
 
 Julian. 
 I wish to guard all rights ; but do not think 
 I will respect abuses. It were well 
 To say at once, that all those crawling parasites. 
 That hireling host of flatterers, spies, informers, 
 Who fattened on the weakness of Constantius, 
 Will have to seek another, cleaner calling. 
 
310 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PabtII. 
 
 None shall eat public bread who do not earn it 
 By public service. \Ap;plause, 
 
 First Senator. 
 That is only just. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 As for religion, I will be as frank. 
 
 Too long has tyranny oppressed my conscience, 
 
 And forced me to dissemble. If I stand 
 
 In safety here, your own acknowledged Emperor, 
 
 I owe it to the favour and protection 
 
 Of the immortal gods. As Sovereign Pontiff, 
 
 I must proclaim their worship. 
 
 \Miirmun. 
 
 First Senator. 
 
 But, my lord, 
 
 Your Christian subjects are a numerous body. 
 
 And they, too, have a conscience. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Mark me, sir ; 
 
 I seek but to preserve Rome's ancient faith, 
 
 Bound up with all her thousand years of glory. 
 
Past II.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 311 
 
 And still held, sacred in the hearts of millions. 
 
 And therefore will I pay it duteous homage, 
 
 Restore its former pomps and dignities, 
 
 Throw wide the temple-gates, rebuild the altars. 
 
 And once more let the smoke of sacrifice 
 
 Ascead from slaughtered hecatombs to heaven. 
 
 But, for the rest, I do not wish to meddle 
 
 With any man's opinion. I would leave 
 
 The Cralileans to their own devices, 
 
 To quarrel or agree amongst themselves 
 
 As they think fit, so long as they disturb not 
 
 The empire's peace. 
 
 FiKST Senator. 
 
 Then all, my lord, are free 
 To piactise their religion ? 
 
 Julian. 
 
 All are free 
 To vorship as they will, if in their actions 
 They prove good citizens and loyal subjects. 
 
 \A.pplause. 
 Wlo are these gay and gorgeous gentlemen ? 
 
312 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaktII. 
 
 Enter Deputies, richly dressed. 
 
 FiEST Deputy. 
 My lord, we are the chosen deputies 
 Of the imperial household, sent to wait 
 Upon the pleasure of our gracious sovereign. 
 
 Julian. 
 What rank, sir, may you bear ? 
 
 First Deputy. 
 
 I am Chief Barter. 
 
 Julian. 
 And you, sir, may I ask ? 
 
 Second Deputy. 
 
 I am Chief Cook. 
 
 Julian. 
 Barbers and Cooks, all silk, and gold, and jewels ! 
 I crave your pardon. I had taken you \ 
 
 For treasurers of the empire. You have doubtless 
 Such payment and allowance for your service 
 As fits your merits ? 
 
PaetII.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 313 
 
 First Deputy. 
 
 We do not complain. 
 I have, besides my salary and expenses, 
 And perquisites pertaining to my office, 
 Daily provision for my score of slaves, 
 And for my twenty torses. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Aje there many 
 Such splendid Cooks and Barbers ? 
 
 Second Deputy. 
 
 Oh, my lord ! 
 We are the chief. The others are inferior 
 In rank and station. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 But how many are there 
 About the court ? 
 
 Second Deputy. 
 
 Well, there may be a thousand 
 Of either kind. 
 
 Julian. 
 Two thousand Cooks and Barbers ! 
 I fear my beard would hardly give employment 
 
314 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Past II. 
 
 To one such artist, and my simple table 
 Requires but small display of taste or skill. 
 You and your mates will have to turn your talents 
 To other uses. I can well dispense 
 With any such attendance. 
 
 FiKST Deputy. 
 
 But, my lord, 
 Our posts were granted to us by the Emperor, 
 Or purchased from his eunuchs. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Then his eunuchs 
 May find you compensation. I will have 
 No drones to prey upon the common stock. 
 Or waste the precious honey of the hive. 
 
 Second Deputy. 
 
 Oh, my good lord ! do not deal harshly with us. 
 We are as fish bred up in courtly waters. 
 And out of them we soon must droop and perish. 
 If you deprive us of our natural element 
 How can we live ? 
 
PabtII.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 316 
 
 Julian. 
 
 At your own cost, my friend — 
 Not by the sweat and labour of my people. 
 But strip those glittering gewgaws from your necks, 
 And we will try to get you honest work. 
 Whom have we here ? 
 
 Enter Eusebitjs and Eunuchs. 
 
 Etjsebius {kneeling). 
 
 Great and magnanimous Emperor ! 
 We have not waited to accompany 
 The slow and solemn convoy which transports 
 The relics of our master to these shores. 
 But hastened on before, to lay the tribute 
 Of our allegiance, duty, and devotion 
 At his successor's feet. We bring with us 
 The full and free submission of all Asia, 
 Far as extends the Roman sceptre's sway. 
 To your supreme dominion. And we trust 
 That we may serve you long and faithfully. 
 As we have served Constantius. 
 
316 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PiETlI. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Now, by Hercules ! 
 The grand audacity of shameless impudence 
 Can soar no higlier ! Do you really think 
 That I am such a dullard, such a block, 
 So cold of heart, so weak and poor of brain. 
 As to forget the blood-besprinkled annals 
 Of your whole past existence ? Can you hope 
 That I wiU play the soft, relenting fool 
 To the remorseless tyrant of my youth 
 And murderer of my kinsfolk ? 
 
 EusEBitrs (rising). 
 
 Hear my plea, 
 And let it touch your instinct as a monarch. 
 •Whate'er I may have done in bygone days 
 Was by the order of my lord and sovereign. 
 To whom I owed obedience. My advice, 
 If any such I gave, was only based 
 On public grounds, and for the public weal. 
 And I have much misjudged you if resentment 
 For any private injury will outweigh 
 Your sense of justice. 
 
Part II.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 317 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Oh ! you shall have justice — 
 Such justice as you never showed to others. 
 I seek not for revenge for private injuries, 
 But I am bound to punish crimes and criminals. 
 Whoever served Constantius honourably, 
 In field or council — though he may have been 
 My most inveterate foe — need fear no harm. 
 But secret plots, dark treasons, and foul deeds 
 Must now be dragged to light ; and woe to him 
 Whose soul is black with guilt. You shall have 
 
 justice ! 
 Unlike your hapless victims, you shall have 
 A fair and open trial. If convicted, 
 From me expect no mercy ! 
 
 EUSEBITJS. 
 
 I was mad 
 To trust in your fine, boasted generosity. 
 Well, I can hardly blame you. I have lost 
 The game, and I suppose must pay the forfeit. 
 If you had lost . . . 
 
318 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Paet 11. 
 
 Jtjltan. 
 You had best spare your breath 
 For your defence. I wish to hear no more, 
 And will not bandy words. Take him away ! 
 
 \Exit EusEBius, guarded. 
 
 And you, his jackals ! — if you would be safe 
 In your obscurity and our contempt — 
 Begone, and hide yourselves from every eye ! 
 
 \Exeunt Eunuchs, in consternation. 
 
 And now. Illustrious Fathers, I shall count 
 
 Upon your constant aid. When we have rendered 
 
 To the late Emperor all funereal rites. 
 
 Due to his rank and our own dignity — 
 
 "We wage no warfare with the silent dead — 
 
 It will make trial of our strength and courage 
 
 To cleanse the Augean stables of the state, 
 
 And purify the air. That must be done 
 
 Before I turn my arms against the Persians, 
 
 And give the empire full security 
 
 From all aggression. 
 
PabtII.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 319 
 
 First Senator. 
 
 But, ftiy gracious lord, 
 You must require some rest. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 I have not sought 
 The throne for its soft cushions. My true seat 
 Is on the scholar's bench or soldier's saddle ; 
 And life was meant for something else than rest. 
 He who is trained in philosophic lore 
 Will scorn repose and ease, while any task 
 Remains yet unaccomplished. 
 
 Enter Maximus. 
 
 Thank the gods ! 
 Here comes the man who understands it all. 
 My friend ! my guide ! my master ! 
 
 \E.aste'ns to meet Maximus, and embraces Mm. 
 
 Maximus. 
 
 My dear pupil ! 
 I have obeyed your summons. 
 
320 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Past II. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 "Where's Chrysanthius ? 
 
 Maximus. 
 He lingers still at Sardis, talf unwilling 
 To leave Ms books. 
 
 Julian. 
 Then we must send for Priscus. 
 I hope to have the sages all around me, 
 And govern by their counsel. 
 
 FiKST Senator 
 
 Are the sages 
 Meant to replace the eunuchs ? 
 
 Julian. 
 
 It is time 
 That we resume our progress. Come, my Maximus, 
 And take your place beside me. Let men see 
 That Wisdom sits at the right hand of Power. 
 
 \B.e ascends the Car icith Maximus. Shouts 
 and flourish of trumpets. As theprocemon 
 moves foricard, the curtain falls. 
 
Past II.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 321 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 Scene I. — A Street in Antioch, before the House of 
 
 PUBLIA. 
 
 Enter Pttblta and John the Presbyter. 
 
 PUBLIA. 
 
 I tell you, lie shall hear the truth in Antioch, 
 If nowhere else. Antioch, the favoured city, 
 Where first the faithful bore the Christian name ! 
 And now to be polluted by the presence 
 Of such an arch apostate ! 
 
 John. 
 
 Well — but, mother. . . . 
 
 PUBLIA. 
 
 You to be timorous ? you, the presbyter, 
 So nearly made a bishop ! you to counsel 
 A weak and temporizing policy ! 
 
322 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetII. 
 
 Not SO did all the holy martyrs brave 
 The fires of persecution. Let them rack us. 
 Flay us with scourges, bujn us at the stake. 
 Or throw us to the lions — we will never 
 Renounce our sacred heritage ! 
 
 John. 
 
 But, mother. . . . 
 
 PUBLIA. 
 
 I will hear nothing. I will not believe 
 That son of mine can thus desert his trust. 
 
 John. 
 
 You do me justice there ; but you mistake 
 "What now is passing. No one has been scourged, 
 Or burnt, or tortured. No one has been forced 
 To hide or to disown the Christian faith. 
 And, while this tolerance lasts, it seems to me 
 The wise and righteous course not to provoke 
 The rancour of our foes. 
 
PaetII] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 323 
 
 PuBLIA. 
 
 Can you deny- 
 That many members of the Church have left us ? 
 
 John. 
 
 Those to whom all religions are alike, 
 
 So that they gain their ends. 'Tis well to know 
 
 Such false and hollow brethren. 
 
 PUBLIA. 
 
 But the temples 
 Have been reopened ; ay, and Christian wealth 
 Is used to decorate and to repair them. 
 
 John. 
 
 Wealth, which 'tis said belonged to these same 
 
 temples, 
 And in the former reign by some mischance 
 Fell rato Christian hands. How this may be 
 I know not ; but 'tis here a case of law, 
 Not of religion. 
 
324 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part II. 
 
 PUBLIA. 
 
 You will driTe me frantic 
 With your evasions. It is clear as day 
 That the chief thought of Julian is to spread 
 His own idolatrous worship. Since he left 
 Constantinople, all his halting-places 
 Reek with the smoke of sacrifice ; his hands, 
 His own imperial hands, befouled with gore, 
 Slaughter the victims ; and his drunken soldiers 
 Reel home from riotous feasts, held in the honour 
 Of heathen gods. Can there he any truce 
 "With such a Judas ? 
 
 John. 
 
 I defend him not. 
 
 I utterly condemn, renounce, detest him. 
 But I have not forgotten the command 
 To render unto Csesar what is Caesar's. 
 'Tis not for us to be the first to stir 
 The flames of strife. 
 
 PuBLiA. 
 
 Do as you wUl, my son. 
 I will upKft my voice against the traitor, 
 Whatever may befall. 
 
PabtD.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 325 
 
 John. 
 
 Only remember 
 That you have youthful virgins in your charge, 
 And do not rashly rouse a brutal mob 
 To do them outrage. 
 
 PUBLIA. 
 
 They are Brides of Heaven, 
 And may not break their covenant. You shall hear 
 The vrelcome we will give him. 
 
 \Exit into the House. 
 
 John, 
 
 My good mother ! 
 She is of those who put us most in peril, 
 By zeal without discretion. Such are they 
 Who long to break the idols, burn the temples. 
 And do not scruple to avow their wish. 
 It is an arduous task to guide a flock 
 That will rush blindly to meet ravening wolves. 
 In spite of all the careful shepherd's warnings. 
 I can but pray for grace to keep them safe. 
 
 [Exit. 
 
326 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetII. 
 
 Enter Maximus and Priscus. 
 
 Maximus. 
 Methinks, my worthy Priscus, it is time 
 To doff that old cloak for a richer garb, 
 More suited to a court. 
 
 Priscus. 
 
 No, Maximus ; 
 
 I leave such pomps and vanities to you. 
 
 I am contented with a rougher shell. 
 
 The outward sign of inward modesty 
 
 That best becomes a sage. 
 
 Maximus. 
 
 And yet they say. 
 
 That Plato saw the pride of old Diogenes 
 
 Peep through his tattered garments. 
 
 Priscus. 
 
 Spare your gibes ! 
 
 We may take different ways, our end's the same. 
 
 We have to humour Julian, and through Julian 
 
 To bring the world to listen to our teaching. 
 
 See where he comes. 
 
PaetH.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 327 
 
 Enter Julian and Attendants. 
 
 Maximus. 
 You look displeased, my lord ? 
 
 Julian. 
 I have no cause for pleasure. On this day 
 Of sacred festival, I gladly sought 
 The hallowed shade of Daphne's cypress groves, 
 To worship at Apollo's glorious shrine. 
 I hoped to find a whole assembled people, 
 Rejoiciag in their rescued faith — a multitude 
 Of priests, and throngs of white-robed youths and 
 
 maidens, 
 Garlands, libations, clouds of fragrant incense. 
 And bullocks ready for the sacrifice. 
 I found a single priest, who came to ofier 
 A solitary goose — his own poor tribute — 
 In that deserted temple. 
 
 Maximus. 
 
 'Twas a goose 
 
 That once saved Rome — and so, perchance, they 
 
 think it 
 
 Enough for Antioch. 
 
328 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PabtH. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 You may laugh, my friend ; 
 But 'tis a sign of gross impiety, 
 Or cold indifference to a solemn service. 
 These Galileans are not so remiss ; 
 Their worshippers were gathered round the tomb 
 Of a dead man called Babylas, who lies 
 Within the sacred grove. His mouldering relics 
 May have profaned the spot, and I have ordered 
 That they shall be removed at once to Antioch, 
 Of which he was the bishop. 
 
 PuBLiA (at the entrance of her House). 
 
 It is he ; 
 And every note of ours will reach his ear. 
 As from the trump of doom ! \_Retires. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 I have likewise ordered 
 That the Castalian fount shall be unsealed. 
 In hopes that the pure spring may once again 
 Give forth its oracles ; and I intend 
 To make the shrine more splendid than of yore, 
 
PAsin.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 329 
 
 Eegild the giant statue of the god, 
 
 And do what in me lies to win his favour, 
 
 And lead the thoughtless people to adore him. 
 
 Chorus 0/ Virgins {in Publia's House). 
 The idols of the heathen are silver and gold. 
 
 The work of men's hands. 
 They have mouths, but they speak not ; 
 
 Eyes have they, but they see not, 
 
 Julian. 
 What means that burst of song ? 
 
 Attendant. 
 
 It is one Publia, 
 Who rules a sisterhood of virgins. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Tell them 
 Not to sing quite so loud. It may draw on them 
 Unwelcome notice, and give rise to scandal. 
 
 [Exit Attendant. 
 I cannot have the city's peace endangered 
 By the shrill tones of inconsiderate women. 
 
330 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetH. 
 
 Chorus of ViEGTNS. 
 
 They have ears, but they hear not ; 
 
 Neither is there any breath in their mouths. 
 They that make them are like unto them ; 
 
 So is every one that trusteth in them. 
 
 Attendant {returning). 
 
 My lord, I gave your message to these choristers, 
 But their sole answer was to chant the louder. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 It is, then, studied insult. Gro again ; 
 
 Bid them be silent. I will have no singing. 
 
 \_Exit Attendant. 
 The Franks and Alemanni listened to me, 
 And 'twould be hard if I could not command 
 The silence of a troop of silly girls. 
 
 Chorus of Virgins. 
 
 Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered ; 
 Let them also that hate him flee before him. 
 
PaetH.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 331 
 
 Julian. 
 This puts me past my patience. Some of you. 
 Go iastantly, and fetcli this Puhlia hither. 
 
 \Exewnt Attendants. 
 I take Minerva and great Jove to witness 
 That I have never wished to play the tyrant, 
 And least of all to weak and helpless women. 
 And yet I cannot see my just authority 
 Openly flouted in the pubHc streets. 
 Without remembering that I am the Emperor, 
 And that I have to guard the imperial purple. 
 
 Enter Publia, struggling with the Attendants. 
 Nay, do not hold the lady. 
 
 Publia. 
 
 Do your worst ! 
 You will not silence us. We are as firm 
 As were the immortal triad that confronted 
 The Babylonian king. We will not worship 
 The golden image. You may heat your furnace 
 Seven times sevenfold more — it will not fright us. 
 We can defy your anger. 
 
332 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PabtU. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Let me speak. 
 
 PUBLIA. 
 
 Our words are those of saintly men of old ; 
 And we have only followed in the steps 
 Of holy prophets, who rebuked the sin 
 Of mightiest monarchs, when they turned aside 
 From true religion, and bowed down their heads 
 ■ To false and filthy idols. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Have you finished ? 
 
 PUBLIA. 
 
 I say no more — except that we can bear 
 Whate'er the pride and cruelty of man 
 May lead you to inflict. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Now hear my answer. 
 You are ambitious. You desire to gain 
 What Galileans call the martyr's crown. 
 I do not mean to gratify your wish. 
 
Part II.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 333 
 
 You and your virgins liave full liberty 
 
 To prate, and pray, and carol as you please. 
 
 But as your canticles are somewliat loud. 
 
 And in this idle and fastidious town 
 
 May taply grate upon the ears of some 
 
 Who have no taste for music, and so cause 
 
 Feuds and commotions, and expose your maidens 
 
 To ruder comments and less gentle usage, 
 
 I shall remove you to a quiet spot 
 
 "Where you may practise psalmody at leisure. 
 
 PUBLIA. 
 
 But I protest 
 
 Julian. 
 
 That you can do at home. 
 Conduct this lady back to her abode, 
 And wait my further orders. Come, my friends, 
 
 [PuBLiA is led off. Exeunt Julian and the 
 others. 
 
334 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PABrn. 
 
 Scene II. — The Hippodrome at Antioch. People 
 loitering about the Circus. 
 
 Enter two young Patkicians. 
 
 First Patkician. 
 Well, the old gods have come, but have not brought us 
 More jovial times. 
 
 Second Patrician. 
 
 No, it is worse than ever. 
 This Julian takes no interest in the races, — 
 Scarce sits through the first heats, and leaves unnoted 
 Our primest charioteers. And then, no banquets. 
 No feasting at the palace. 
 
 First Patrician. 
 
 Oh ! the feasting 
 Is only for the soldiers, after sacrifice 
 Of the fat beeves. But where are now the dainties. 
 The delicate dishes for the Emperor's table ? 
 And the rich wines ? He lives like any cynic, 
 A life of abstinence. 
 
Pifiin.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 335 
 
 Second Patrician. 
 
 And never smiles 
 Upon the pretty dancing-girls, but looks 
 As if lie saw them not. 
 
 First Patrician. 
 
 Oh! as for that, 
 He is a marble statue — cold and bloodless. 
 
 Second Patrician. 
 A lump of ice. Here's one who does not love him. 
 
 Enter an Actor. 
 How fares our gay comedian ? 
 
 Actor. 
 
 Sick and sorry. 
 Our theatre is going to the dogs. 
 We fondly hoped this Emperor would restore it 
 To all its pristine brilliancy, and make it 
 A never-ending source of mirth and jollity. 
 But he finds no amusement in the antics 
 Of our best mimes, and treats with proud disdain 
 The broad and lively sallies that were wont 
 
336 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PAsin. 
 
 To rouse uproarious laughter. He comes seldom, 
 And wheii he comes his grave and solemn aspect 
 Seems to rebuke our license. 
 
 First Patrician. 
 
 Never heed him ; 
 
 We will applaud you. Sup with us to-night. 
 
 And bring your comrades. We wiU keep our revels 
 
 In spite of this austere philosopher. 
 
 \Exmnt. 
 
 Enter two Merchants. 
 
 First Merchant. 
 I tell you that our trade is suflfering sorely. 
 The Emperor has cut down the court's expenses, 
 So that we lose our customers. 
 
 Second Merchant. 
 
 But taxes 
 
 Are greatly lightened. 
 
 First Merchant. 
 
 We can pay large taxes 
 If we can make large profits. He has set himself 
 
PaetIIO JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 337 
 
 Against our snug monopolies, and brought 
 Supplies of corn from Clialcis and Hierapolis 
 To flood the markets and to lower the prices. 
 
 Second Merchant. 
 
 And, we must own, to feed the poorer people, 
 Who else were sadly pinched. 
 
 FiKST Merchant. 
 
 That's not our business. 
 
 Second Merchant. 
 But he may think it his. 
 
 First Merchant. 
 
 The devil confound him. 
 And all such meddlers ! — Come and view my gran- 
 aries, 
 Bursting with golden stores, and we will try 
 If we can find a way to foil the schemes 
 Of this imperial robber of our gains. 
 
 \Exeunt. 
 
338 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PabtII. 
 
 Enter two Artisans. 
 
 FiKST Artisan. 
 Well, food is cheaper, and life easier. 
 
 Second Artisan. 
 
 Yes. 
 
 First Artisan. 
 Then what do you object against this Julian ? 
 
 Second Artisan. 
 I do not like his beard. 
 
 First Artisan. 
 
 That will not harm us. 
 
 Second Artisan. 
 An Emperor should be shaved. He should not look 
 Like a he-goat. 
 
 First Artisan. 
 That is a barber's notion ; 
 I cannot see what we have got to do with it. 
 
PastH.] yULIAN THE APOSTATE. 339 
 
 Second Artisan. 
 When Gallus was our Csesar, here in Antioch, 
 He always went clean shaved, and wore such clothes 
 As glittered like the sun. 
 
 First Artisan. 
 
 And ground us down 
 Almost to powder. 
 
 Second Artisan. 
 
 But we had the pleasure 
 Of gazing at his grandeur, and the credit 
 Of being ruled by such a splendid prince. 
 This Julian is too plain a man for us. 
 And then he lives too much among his books. 
 
 First Artisan. 
 They say, that his chief study is to help 
 The poor and give to every one his due. 
 
 Second Artisan. 
 But for all that I do not like his beard. 
 
 \_Exeunt. 
 
340 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PiBi n. 
 
 Enter two Priests. 
 
 FiEST Priest. 
 The old religion prospers, and our calling 
 Is once more in request. 
 
 Second Priest. 
 
 I'm not so sure. 
 The temples are re-opened, and ttie smoke 
 Curls upward from the altars ; but the people 
 Are callous or indifferent. There's no fervour 
 In all the throng of indolent spectators 
 Who come to see the show. 
 
 First Priest. 
 
 'T will last our time. 
 If they but half believe, they think it better 
 To be on the safe side, lest some ill luck 
 Should fall upon them. Julian is in earnest. 
 
 Second Priest. 
 
 Too much for me. However he may hate 
 The Galileans and their superstitions. 
 
Past II.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 341 
 
 He fain would liave his priests take them for copies 
 In life and conversation. If we followed 
 All that he recommends, our whole existence 
 "Would be unbearable. We must renounce 
 Wealth, pleasure, ease, the world and its allurements, 
 And give ourselves to prayer and meditation, 
 Or ceaseless toil. We might as well turn Christians ! 
 
 \_Exeimt. 
 
 Scene III. — A Room in the Palace at Antioch. 
 Early Morning. 
 
 Enter Julian and a Secretary. 
 
 Julian. 
 I have worked through the night, and now, me- 
 
 thinks, 
 I have marked all the papers. Tell the Prefect 
 That I would have him deal indulgently 
 With mere fanatic folly, that displays itself 
 In nothing worse than noise. As for the rest, 
 I leave these other charges to be judged 
 
342 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PabtH. 
 
 By his tried wisdom. There is one, however, 
 Which moves a smile. A man is here accused 
 Of ordering for himself a suit of purple, 
 Tunic and cloak to match. What does it mean ? 
 
 Seceetary. 
 
 It has been held, my lord, that to array oneself 
 In the imperial colour must import 
 Some undiscovered treason. 
 
 Julian (fearing the paper). 
 
 Is that aU ? 
 Send him from me a pair of purple slippers. 
 And so complete his dress. And beg of Sallust 
 Not to give ear to the malignant tales 
 Of vile informers. Go, and take my message. 
 
 \_Exit Secretary. 
 This Sallust is a good and worthy Prefect — 
 Temperate, and wise, and just-;— and his grey hairs 
 Command respect. My chief solicitude 
 Is to secure the aid of able ministers, 
 Whom I can fully trust ; for 'tis a task 
 
PaetH.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 343 
 
 Beyond the strength of any single arm 
 To rule the world alone. 
 
 Enter Oribasius. 
 
 What you, my friend, 
 Already stirring ? 
 
 Okibasius. 
 
 Like yourself, my lord, 
 I have not slept. I had to keep my watch 
 By a sick bed. 
 
 Julian. 
 As fits a true disciple 
 Of -^sculapius. 
 
 Oribasius. 
 And I fear, my lord. 
 That once again some evil is at hand. 
 For, while I watched, there suddenly appeared 
 An ominous radiance spreading o'er the sky. 
 Like those red Northern Lights we saw in Gaul 
 Before our lady's death. 
 
344 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part II. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 May this new omen 
 Prove less disastrous ! We have cares enough 
 To make us anxious. Only yesterday 
 The city was in danger of an outbreak, 
 Which might have deluged all our paths with blood. 
 Because we purified the sacred grove, 
 The Galileans bore the bones of Babylas 
 In triumph through the streets, and filled the air 
 With shouts and songs of insult and defiance. 
 Which none could escape hearing. 
 
 Oeibasius. 
 
 Yes, I heard them — 
 But took no heed. 
 
 Julian. 
 All men are not so prudent, 
 Or so forbearing. Many a wrathful glance 
 Was cast upon them ; and the riotous mob, 
 That only needs a plausible excuse — 
 No matter what — to plunder and destroy. 
 Was hardly held in check by the calm firmness 
 
PaetH.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 345 
 
 Of our good Prefect. Oh, my friend ! these follies 
 Oft make me sigh for some obscure retreat, 
 Where I might lead once more the student's life, 
 Far from all public business. 
 
 Enter Evhemeeus. 
 
 Well, Evhemerus ; 
 Have you, too, been a watcher ? 
 
 EVHEMEKUS. 
 
 No, my lord ; 
 But I had risen early to proceed 
 With our great catalogue — and, as I went 
 Forth to my field of labour, on the wind 
 Came cries, and sounds confused, and then a rumour 
 Of a destructive fire that was raging 
 Within the groves of Daphne. So I hastened 
 To bring you word. 
 
 Julian. 
 Ah ! this explains the omen ! 
 The ruddy glow reflected on the sky 
 Will need no augur to unveil its meaning. 
 
346 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PAETn. 
 
 Call up the servants. "Bid them bring my horse. 
 
 I must away at once to learn the truth, 
 
 And see what can be done to stay the mischief. 
 
 Enter Secretary. 
 Your message ! quick ! 
 
 Secretary. 
 
 I have just left the Prefect. 
 He bids me say, there is bad news from Daphne. 
 The temple of ApoUo is in flames, 
 The gilded statue of the god has fallen, 
 And all is wreck and ruin. It would seem 
 The fire was kindled in the dead of night, 
 Burned long before discovery, and when known 
 It was too late to stop it. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Ho ! my horse ! 
 Where are these fellows ? 
 
 \8enanis rush in. 
 Do not look so scared ; 
 But lose no time. Saddle my swiftest courser. 
 
paetii.] JULIAN the apostate. 347 
 
 Enter a Messenger. 
 What tidings now ? 
 
 Messenger. 
 
 The Prefect sends, my lord, 
 And prays you to await his coming hither. 
 He has received later intelligence ; 
 The fire is extinguished. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 That sounds better. 
 But what dark guilt, or fatal negligence. 
 Has caused this dire misfortune ^ 
 
 Messenger. 
 
 Grave suspicion 
 Rests on the Galileans. They were heard, 
 In yesterday's procession through the streets. 
 To threaten swift destruction to the temples. 
 
 Secretary. 
 That I can vouch for. 
 
 Oribasius. 
 
 But vague words, my friend. 
 Afford no proof of acts. 
 
348 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part n. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Yet words may show 
 A disposition that finds vent in deeds. 
 It has an ugly semblance. 
 
 EVHEMERUS. 
 
 Here's the Prefect. 
 Enter Sallxjst and Officers. 
 
 Julian. 
 Are you qviite certain that the conflagration 
 Has wholly ceased ? 
 
 Sallust. 
 
 Burned itself out, my lord. 
 There is no fuel left to feed its fury. 
 Nothing remains of all that splendid pile, 
 Sacred to great Apollo, save bare walls 
 Blackened and tottering, crushed and shattered 
 
 columns. 
 And a dull heap of ashes. 
 
Paet n.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 349 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Can none tell 
 How. first arose the flames ? 
 
 Salltjst. 
 
 The Christians say- 
 That lightning fell from heaven. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Insensate higots ! 
 But what say you ? 
 
 Sallust. 
 
 I yet have found no trace. 
 But 'tis a natural and an obvious thought. 
 That they, who prophesy calamities 
 To fall upon their foes, may have some part 
 In the fulfilment of their own predictions. 
 And then ascribe their acts of private malice 
 To the dread Powers above us. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Let this matter 
 Be sifted thoroughly. Spare no exertion. 
 
350 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Pabt n. 
 
 Arrest, examine all suspected persons. 
 
 And, at whatever cost, search out the criminals ; 
 
 I have been far too lenient. 
 
 Enter Maximus and Priscus. 
 
 What think you 
 Of this deplorable event ? 
 
 MAxisnTs. 
 
 My son. 
 The truly ■wise can never be astonished 
 At any strange or sudden accident, 
 Whether the work of Fate or human folly. 
 
 Priscus. 
 And what appears deplorable to us 
 May not be so to all. In coming hither 
 We met a company of Galileans, 
 Chanting their joyous and triumphal hymns 
 As for a victory. 
 
 Julian. 
 That is plain defiance. 
 And I will not endure it. Whether innocent 
 
PaetII.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 351 
 
 Or guilty of this deed, they shall not make 
 Our grievous loss a theme for exultation. 
 Give orders, noble Sallust, to disperse 
 All street processions, end these mad rejoiciags. 
 And, siriee they choose to mock our temple's fall. 
 Close their great church. 
 
 Maximus (aside). 
 
 The lion finds, at last, 
 That he must show his claws. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 I have been patient — • 
 But I will not allow a truculent sect. 
 Ignorant, audacious, obstinate, aggressive, 
 To trample on authority and law. 
 And brave the imperial majesty of Rome. 
 Look to it, my good Prefect. 
 
 Salltjst. 
 
 I will do 
 Whatever in me lies — and try, if possible. 
 To deal no random stroke. 
 
352 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PabtII. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Then let us go 
 And view these ruins, and with sacrifice 
 Appease the wrath of the oflended gods. 
 
 \Exeunt. 
 
 Scene IV. — A Street in Antioch. 
 Enter Cjesarius and a Beggar. 
 Beggar. 
 Heaven bless you, sir ! 
 
 C^SARIUS. 
 
 I am glad to see you better, 
 And gaining strength. 
 
 Beggar. 
 Without you I had perished. 
 'Twas here I lay deserted, on the stones 
 Of this proud city ; starving, sick to death, 
 At my last gasp, when you passed by — but paused. 
 
PaktH.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 353 
 
 And, Kke some pitying angel, raised me up. 
 And gave me food and shelter, life and health. 
 How can I thank you ? 
 
 C^SARTUS. 
 
 Thank not me, ray friend ; 
 Thank Him who made all sorrow and all suffering 
 Sacred to us, because He took our nature 
 And shared in our afflictions. He it is 
 To whom I owe what little skill I have 
 To cure disease, or calm the throbs of pain. 
 To Him be all the praise ! 
 
 Beggae. 
 
 But none the less 
 Am I beholden to your kindly care. 
 
 Cjesarius. 
 
 If you think so, my friend, show it by serving 
 Tour fellow-men. Wait for me at my lodgings, 
 And I will find you work enough to do 
 Amongst our needy brethren. 
 
 A A 
 
354 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetII. 
 
 Beggar. 
 
 Heaven reward you ! 
 
 {Exit. 
 
 C^SARIUS. 
 
 How touching is this poor man's gratitude ! 
 And how it shames our colder sense of benefits 
 Immeasurably greater ! Let me read 
 Once more my brother Gregory's anxious words. 
 
 \Takes out a Letter and reads it. 
 Yes, he implores me to resign my office, 
 And leave the court, as fearing for my faith 
 Under this Emperor. It were weak, indeed, 
 If it could not resist the mean temptation 
 Of princely favour. I should deem it base 
 To fly, while here I may have some small power 
 To help the Christian cause, and yet restrain 
 The fiercer passions of intemperate zeal. 
 
 Enter Oribasius. 
 Ha ! my good friend and colleague ! 
 
 Oribasius. 
 
 Never more 
 
 Your friend than now, Osesarius, when I come 
 
PaetIIO JULIAN THE APOSTATE. (355 
 
 To warn you of the danger that impends 
 Over your people. Their insane imprudence 
 Has roused the Emperor's ire, and may impel him 
 To listen to extreme and violent counsels. 
 He shrinks from persecution — hut who knows 
 What insults, long endured and oft repeated. 
 May in the end provoke ? 
 
 C^SAKIUS. 
 
 He should not judge 
 The Christians by the acts of a few zealots. 
 However we may grieve at his desertion 
 Of that which we believe the truth of God, 
 Our faith enjoins that we keep peace with all men, 
 Obey the laws, respect established powers, 
 And live as fits good subjects and good citizens. 
 You, that have known me long, can scarcely doubt 
 That such would be my rule. 
 
 Oribasitjs. 
 
 I know it well ; 
 And, therefore, I entreat you as a friend 
 
;356 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PahtII. 
 
 To come with me to court, and show yourself 
 In presence of the Emperor ; and so give him 
 Occasion, if he will, to broach the subject. 
 And hear your full defence. 
 
 Cjesakitjs. 
 
 I shall be ready 
 At all times to defend, and in all places, 
 Both my religion and my loyalty ; 
 And, as my post entitles me to wait 
 Upon the Emperor, I can see no reason 
 To bar my going with you. But, remember, 
 It will not be for me to raise the question. 
 
 Oribasitjs. 
 Oh ! as for that, you need not fear that Julian 
 Will ever lose an opportunity 
 Of entering on his favourite disquisitions. 
 He was a rhetorician and philosopher 
 Before he was an Emperor, and he prizes 
 The name and reputation of a scholar 
 More than the hero's wreath or monarch's crown. 
 
 \_Exeunt. 
 
PaetH.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 357 
 
 Scene V. — The Hall of the Palace at Antioch. 
 Enter Julian, Sallust, Maximus, and Priscus. 
 
 Julian. 
 My people murmur, Sallust ? 
 
 Sallust. 
 
 Well, my lord, 
 The best intentions do not always prosper. 
 The corn you sent for has been all bought up 
 By the monopolists, growers and merchants 
 Are holding back supplies, and so the markets 
 Are worse provided than before. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 The prices 
 Shall not be raised. The men who play these tricks 
 Shall be imprisoned. 
 
 Sallust. 
 
 But I fear, my lord, 
 That will not bring the corn. The nymph, called 
 Trade, 
 
358 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetII. 
 
 Is a shy vestal, who for ever flies 
 The rough embrace of force. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 And then, these riots 
 Throughout the empire ! Men of difierent creeds 
 Clutching each other's throats ! 
 
 Sallust. 
 
 The thirst for plunder, 
 And private hatreds, often take the form 
 Of a religious feud. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 The Galileans 
 Are most to blame ! 
 
 Sallust. 
 
 Just now, my lord, they seem 
 To be the assailed, and nowhere the assailants. 
 In various places they have been the victims 
 Of a ferocious mob. 
 
PiETlL] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 359 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Yes, but their efforts 
 To propagate their superstitious follies 
 Cause everlasting storms. At Alexandria, 
 The stubborn Athanasius has returned 
 To claim his former seat, whence he was banished 
 By an imperial edict, ne'er revoked. 
 
 Sallust. 
 An edict of Constantius. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Yes, but binding, 
 Until I choose to cancel it. And he. 
 Instead of seeking peace by modest silence, 
 Preaches against our gods, our faith, our worship, 
 Makes countless proselytes, and dares baptize 
 Greek women of the highest rank, perverted 
 By his insidious arts. He shall be driven 
 Back to his desert caves. 
 
 Maximus {aside). 
 
 We do not persecute ; 
 We only stop the mouths of those we love not. 
 
360 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [I'aet II. 
 
 Enter Oribasius and C^sarius. 
 
 Oribasius. 
 Permit me to present my friend Csesarius, 
 A name well known to science. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 He is welcome. 
 How is it, sir, that you have held aloof 
 From court, where both your merit and your office 
 Would always have ensured a kind reception ? 
 
 Cjjsaritjs. 
 I knew, my lord, your health could not be safer 
 In any hands than those of Oribasius ; 
 And, as my services were not required, 
 I deemed my presence might be thought superfluous. 
 
 Julian. 
 Tut, tut ! I do not want you for a leech. 
 But for a friend. How fares your brother Gregory, 
 My old companion ? 
 
 CjESARIUS. 
 
 He is well, my lord. 
 
PaktU.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 361 
 
 Julian. 
 
 And Basil ? 
 
 As strong as ever. 
 
 Cjesaeius. 
 
 "Weak in body, but in mind 
 
 Julian. 
 Could they be prevailed on 
 To quit their solitude and join my followers ? 
 There is no high and honourable post 
 Which they might not aspire to. 
 
 Cjesakius. 
 
 That, my lord. 
 Is quite impossible. If I were guided 
 By their advice, I should, like them, withdraw 
 To a safe distance from the life of courts. 
 
 Julian. 
 Are they so stiflF-necked ? You, at least, are free 
 From such blind prejudice. You do not hold 
 Their narrow creed. 
 
362 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PASTn. 
 
 C.SSARIUS. 
 
 My lord, I am a Christian. 
 
 JULIAIJ. 
 
 You mean that, like myself, you have been trained 
 
 In certain forms and fashions. But a man 
 
 So wise and capable can ne'er believe, 
 
 That the dull jargon of some Hebrew peasants 
 
 Is to supplant the learning and the eloquence 
 
 Of all the Grecian schools. It is a faith 
 
 Fitted for slaves and mendicants. 
 
 Cjesakius. 
 
 My lord, 
 It is a faith dear to the poor and humble. 
 The weak and the oppressed. And yet methinks. 
 That Athens has not nursed a loftier intellect 
 Than that of Basil. 
 
 Maximtjs. 
 
 A great man, but haunted 
 By brain-diseased illusions. 
 
PabtII.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 363 
 
 Oeibasius. 
 
 Pardon me ; 
 I have not known a clearer, calmer mind. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Well, be that as it may — what can you urge 
 In favour of a faith that makes its votaries 
 Tyrants in power, and rebels when subjected 
 To lawful rule ? My childhood was the prey 
 Of Galilean cruelty and wrong, 
 And now my manhood has to bear the plague 
 Of Galilean turbulence. What reason 
 Have I to love these sectaries ? 
 
 C^SARHTS. 
 
 If I venture 
 To argue with the lord of many legions. 
 It is that I would fain invoke his justice, 
 Not to permit his own peculiar wrongs 
 To lead astray his judgment. It has been 
 Your fate, my lord, to meet with such false Christians 
 
364 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PabtH. 
 
 As bear no more resemblance to tbeir name, 
 Tban do the ribalds that disgrace the stage 
 To the grand Attic drama. Our religion 
 Is not a cloak for tyranny and crime, 
 Nor yet a mask for folly ; but a lamp 
 To guide our feet into the paths of peace. 
 I need not speak of such rare men as Basil, 
 Or even my brother Gregory. I could tell you 
 Of tens of thousands of your poorest subjects, 
 Whose lives are cleansed, made beautiful, and hal- 
 lowed 
 By its benignant influence. I could teU. you 
 Of every social duty freely rendered. 
 Of Love ennobled by self-sacrifice. 
 Of Pity and Forgiveness conquering evil. 
 Of Charity wide-reaching as the world, 
 Of Faith enduring sickness, pain, and sorrow, 
 And Hope illumining with heavenly radiance 
 The darkness of the grave .... 
 
 Julian. 
 
 And bitter Hatred, 
 
 Which shows itself in burning down our temples ! 
 
PABTn.] yULIAN THE APOSTATE. 365 
 
 C^SARIUS. 
 
 My lord, it is not proved that any Christian 
 Had part in that event ; but, were it otherwise, 
 You surely would not charge a whole community 
 With the rash act of some unhappy madman. 
 
 Julian. 
 Not if they made it matter of rejoicing ? 
 
 C^SAKIUS. 
 
 For one that did so, many mourned in secret 
 A dire calamity that needs must rouse 
 All angry passions. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 I can only judge 
 Of secret feelings by their outward signs. 
 Your sectaries are my foes, banded together 
 In league against me. I would gladly leave them 
 To grovel in their ignorance, untouched 
 By any hostile shaft — with just a sigh. 
 That men like you or Basil should have stooped 
 To such a fellowship. But, since they question 
 
366 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PabtH. 
 
 My sovereign rights as Pontiff and as Emperor, 
 I must accept tlieir challenge. 
 
 C^SARIUS. 
 
 Oh, my lord ! 
 Do not mistake us. In the spiritual warfare 
 That we must wage, we use no carnal weapons, 
 And least of all against your sovereignty. 
 Our field of battle is the mind and heart. 
 Our kingdom is the conscience. 
 
 JULIAK. 
 
 I invade not 
 The realm of conscience. All alike are free 
 To worship as they please, while they respect 
 The puhHc order. But I, too, may claim 
 Some privilege for myself. My friends and servants, 
 And those who hold high office near my person, 
 Must not be my opponents. They must choose 
 Either conformity with my religion, 
 Or blameless silence as regards their own. 
 
PaetH.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 367 
 
 C^SARIUS. 
 
 My lord, I cannot palter with my faith. 
 And therefore beg most hiunbly to resign 
 My place at court. 
 
 Julian. 
 I am sorry, sir, to lose you. 
 I hope that time may dissipate the clouds 
 Which have obscured your reason. I will send you 
 The book that I am writing to confute 
 The errors of your creed. Shall you remain 
 At Antioch ? 
 
 CjESAEIUS. 
 
 No, my lord. I shall retire 
 To my own country, as already counselled 
 By Basil and my brother. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 May great Pallas 
 Enlighten you and them ! 
 
 C^SAKIUS. 
 
 Farewell, my lord. 
 If I have failed to move you, lay the fault 
 
368 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Paet n. 
 
 To the poor advocate, and not the cause. 
 Farewell, my friend. 
 
 Oribasius. 
 
 Nay, I will bear you company 
 Tm you depart upon your homeward journey. 
 I had hoped another ending to this audience. 
 
 \Exeunt Oribasius and C^sarius. 
 
 Julian. 
 'Tis strange, how good and noble natures cling 
 To their infatuation ! — This Caesarius 
 Is not a vulgar zealot. 
 
 Maximus. 
 
 It may be. 
 That some, though wise, can never rid themselves 
 Of images impressed upon the fancy 
 In early childhood. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 I have often thought so, 
 And mean to act upon it. Am I not 
 
PABTn.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 369 
 
 The father of my people, hound to guard 
 
 The tender mind of infancy from falsehood ? 
 
 Henceforth I will forbid these Galileans 
 
 To teach or lecture in the schools. What right 
 
 Have disbelievers in the immortal gods 
 
 To dare interpret Homer, and the rest 
 
 Of the great sons of Hellas ? Let them imitate 
 
 The ancient piety, and show their reverence 
 
 For the true priests of Hermes and the Muses, 
 
 By honouring the old faith ; or be content 
 
 With simple Luke and Matthew in their churches, 
 
 And leave to other and more honest hands 
 
 The instruction of the young. 
 
 Salltjst. 
 
 But, my good lord, 
 This may be deemed a form of persecution, 
 Which you repudiate. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 I employ no force. 
 I only say, that Galilean scoffers, 
 Who fain would rob Olympus of its glory, 
 
 B B 
 
370 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Pakt n. 
 
 Shall not profane the beauty and the wisdom 
 Of the Hellenic -writers by their comments, 
 And so corrupt our youth. 
 
 Sallust. 
 
 But such an edict 
 Must needs deprive these teachers of their liyelihood. 
 
 Julian. 
 They may seek other callings ; and their doctrine 
 Bids them despise all worldly goods. 
 
 Sallust. 
 
 But parents 
 May cease to send their childi'en to the schools. 
 
 Julian. 
 Then theirs will be the loss. I cannot stop 
 For every vain objection. Let the sword 
 Rest in its scabbard ; but I am determined 
 To use all milder means to serve our cause. 
 AVhat think you, Prisons, of the wandering Jews, 
 Who keep the law of Moses ? 
 
pakthj JULIAN the apostate. 371 
 
 Pkiscus. 
 
 A strange people, 
 Stubborn as miales ; but politic, sagacious. 
 And fertile in expedients. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 And most bitter 
 Against tbe Galileans,, whom they look on 
 As their worst enemies. Now these same Jews 
 Have been a mighty nation in their time, 
 And still they fondly turn their longing eyes 
 To that Jerusalem which was their seat 
 Of power and splendour, and where stood of old 
 Their sacred temple. 
 
 Maximus. 
 
 Which the Christians say 
 Can never be restored. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 I will restore it I 
 I will give instant orders to begin 
 
372 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetH. 
 
 The work of restoration. It shall rise 
 
 Again at my command, a glorious building, 
 
 NoUer than Solomon's. And I wiU gather 
 
 The Jewish people from all distant lands 
 
 Where they are scattered ; and, when I have ended 
 
 This Persian war, I will rebuild their city. 
 
 And be to them another, greater Cyrus. 
 
 Prisctjs. 
 But they wiU not adore, nor even acknowledge, 
 The guardian gods of Hellas. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Let them worship 
 Their own Jehovah, so that they blaspheme not 
 The majesty of Jove. Each separate nation 
 May have its favourite and peculiar deity. 
 My charge against these restless Galileans 
 Is, that they boldly claim for their religion 
 An empire far transcending that of Rome, 
 Boundless as sea or sky, embracing all 
 The various tribes and races of mankind. 
 
parth] JULIAN the apostate. 373 
 
 And stretching out tlirougli endless tracts of time. 
 'Twixt them and us there never can be peace, 
 Till one or other conquer. Come, my friends, 
 Let us consult the oracles, and learn 
 Where lies the fairest promise of success 
 
 \_Exeunt. 
 
374 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PiET II. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 Scene I. — The Ball of the Palace at Antioeh. 
 Enter Oribasius and Evhemeeus. 
 
 EVHEMEEXJS. 
 
 Our Julian is mucli altered. 
 
 Oribasius. 
 
 Soured, it may be, 
 By many disappointments. He has found 
 That to contend against the Christian faith 
 Is but to beat the air. It is impalpable, 
 A subtile essence placed beyond the reach 
 Of his imperial power. He may win over 
 The base and selfish ; but the better men, 
 "Who hold their creed in earnest, are unmoved 
 By fear or favour, and the rash enthusiasts 
 Are only made more obstinate by efforts 
 To silence or control them. 
 
PAETn.i JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 375 
 
 EVHEMEEUS. 
 
 All the wisest 
 Of our religion have condemned the policy 
 Which driyes the Christian teachers from the schools, 
 And soon will leave our own philosophers 
 To talk to empty benches. 
 
 Oeibasius. 
 
 What is worse, 
 While thus he makes the Christian world his foes. 
 He gets no true support from any quarter. 
 These citizens of Antioch, spoiled by luxury, — 
 A vain, light-headed, chattering, frivolous crew, — 
 Detest his very virtues, and insult him 
 With foul and scurrilous libels. Their lampoons 
 Attack not only all his words and actions. 
 But his attire, his habits, and his person. 
 I sometimes fear that they may rouse the fury 
 Which slumbers even in a sage's bosom, 
 And then we shall have blood. 
 
 EVHEMEKCS. 
 
 The gods forbid ! 
 
376 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Paet U. 
 
 Enter Julian, with a Manuscript. 
 
 Julian. 
 At length I am resolved, my faithful friends. 
 To turn upon these yelping curs of Antioch, 
 And scourge them to their kennels. They shall learn 
 That I am yet their master. 
 
 Okibasius. 
 
 Oh, my lord ! 
 They are not worth your notice. Do not sully 
 The noble patience of your clement reign 
 "With the gross blood of fools. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 What ! do you think 
 That I shall put them to the sword, or raze 
 Their houses to the ground, of burn their city ? 
 Some Caesars would have done it. I shall take 
 A vengeance more becoming my renown 
 As servant of the Muses. In my hand 
 I hold a stinging satire, which will make them. 
 If they have any shame, blush for their deeds ; 
 
PaktII.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 377 
 
 Or, if they have none, hang them up on high 
 As objects of contempt for all mankind. 
 
 EVHEMERUS. 
 
 A satire, my good lord ! 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Yes, and I call it 
 The Enemy of the Beard. They had their jest 
 About my hairy visage. I will show them 
 That he laughs loudest who can laugh the last. 
 It does not seem to please you ? 
 
 Oribasius. 
 
 My good lord, 
 We long have known the mettle and the fire 
 Of your winged Pegasus. We do not doubt 
 That you can point your pen with keenest wit, 
 To pierce both vice and folly. But we fear 
 That the world's Emperor cannot safely stoop 
 From his high place and dignity, to meet 
 A nameless rabble in the war of words. 
 In such a combat reverence must be lost, 
 And victory brings no honour. 
 
378 yULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part II. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 They shall reverence 
 The vigour of my blows ; and, as for honour, 
 Methinks it is more worthy of a man 
 To trust his native strength than sword or sceptre. 
 To you, Evhemerus, I commit the charge 
 Of publishing my work. Have it transcribed 
 In plainest characters, that all may read, 
 And see it posted at the palace gates. 
 If, centuries hence, this writing is preserved 
 Among the archives of a former age. 
 It will attest how grievous was my wrong. 
 How just, and yet how moderate my revenge ! 
 
 \Exit Evhemerus. 
 
 Well, I shall soon forget these wretched brawls 
 Amid more stirring scenes. Our preparations 
 For the campaign are nearly all completed. 
 You go with us again, my Oribasius ? 
 
 Oribasius. 
 My place is to attend upon the Emperor. 
 
Part II:] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 379 
 
 Enter Salltjst, Maximus, and Peiscus. 
 
 Julian. 
 You bring us news ? 
 
 Sallust. 
 
 Strange news from Palestine, 
 Passing beKef. All care, and pains, and efforts 
 In laying tlie foundations of the temple 
 Have come to a disastrous end. A whirlwind 
 Has swept o'er Mount Moriah, awful shocks 
 Have rent and overthrown the unfinished work, 
 And flames in fury bursting from the ground 
 Have driven away the scorched and frightened work- 
 men. 
 None know the cause. 
 
 Maximus. 
 An earthquake. Pent-up vapours. 
 
 Peiscus. 
 Some say it has been caused by magic arts, 
 And some, through anger of the Christians' God. 
 
380 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part II. 
 
 Ombasius. 
 Whate'er it be, it is an evil omen. 
 And warns us to abandon tbe attempt. 
 
 Julian. 
 I think not so. I would not lightly enter 
 Upon new toQs and troubles ; but, once entered, 
 I will not be deterred by signs and omens. 
 The Persian war is now my pressing business ; 
 But, when I have subdued all foreign foes, 
 I will resume these labours at Jerusalem, 
 And see if any strife of elements, 
 Or enmity of the invisible Powers, 
 Can stop me in my mission, I have promised 
 To raise this temple, even as I have sworn 
 To wake to life the beauteous world of Hellas, 
 And in both cases I will dare all hazards 
 To keep the promise and the oath inviolate. 
 
 \Exeunt. 
 
PARxn.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 381 
 
 Scene II. — Basil's Retreat in Pontus. 
 
 Enter Basil, Gtkegory, and C^sarius. 
 Gregory. 
 What joy it Is to see you safe, dear brother ! 
 Freed from the tyrant's clutches ! 
 
 CjESAEIUS. 
 
 I was never 
 In any danger. Julian would persuade ; 
 He does not persecute. 
 
 Gregory. 
 
 Not persecute ! 
 He has devised a scheme more fell and deadly 
 Than the worst acts of aU the blood-stained Caesars, 
 From Nero to Galerius. They made martyrs, — 
 But he would rob us of our faith by craft, 
 Beginning with the children. 
 
 CjESARIUS. 
 
 His endeavour 
 To banish Christian teaching from the schools 
 
382 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Paet n. 
 
 Is doubtless an offence against the laws 
 Of right and freedom, but is not the same 
 As fires and racks. Moreover, it wiU fail. 
 
 Basil. 
 Have there not been some deeds of fearful outrage 
 "Wrought on our Christian brethren ? 
 
 C^ESARIUS. 
 
 Yes, I grant you — 
 But not by Julian's order. /Tis the curse 
 Of such a struggle as is now convulsiag 
 The Roman world, that he who raised the storm 
 Is often powerless to control its violence ; 
 I would not load him with unmerited guUt. 
 
 Gkegoky, 
 You speak so calmly of the vile Apostate 
 That one might almost think you had been tempted 
 By his false blandishments. 
 
 Basil. 
 
 Had that been so, 
 Csesarius were not here, at our poor hermitage. 
 But basking in the sunshine of the court. 
 
pabtii.] JULIAN the apostate. 383. 
 
 C^SARIUS. 
 
 Oh, Basil ! I have been too long accustomed 
 To my dear brother's vehemence, to suppose 
 That he would hurt me by unkind suspicion. 
 And I do not believe the Christian cause 
 Has much to fear from threats, or bribes, or flat- 
 teries. 
 They may haye made some traitors and some hypo- 
 crites ; 
 But they wiU test true metal, as did whilom 
 The fires of persecution. This new trial 
 Was needed by the Church. 
 
 Basil. 
 
 How have our friends. 
 The Christian sophists, borne it ? 
 
 C^SARIUS. 
 
 Well and bravely ; 
 For one base Hecebolius, who has been 
 By turns of every creed, a noble throng 
 Of scholars, sages, men of worth and learning, 
 Have sacrificed their pleasure, pride, ambition. 
 
384 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Pari II 
 
 And even their daily bread, for faith and honour ; 
 Imperial Rome will lose in Victorinus 
 The oldest and the first of her professors, 
 And Athens sees the greater Prohseresius 
 Descend from that high chair of eloquence 
 Which was her boast and glory. 
 
 Geegory. 
 
 And this wretch 
 Pretends to be a patron of philosophy, 
 And lover of the arts ! 
 
 Basil. 
 
 "Well, that he was so 
 Both you and I can witness. 'Tis a proof 
 How deeply he has fallen. 
 
 CiESARIUS. 
 
 I believe 
 That he is stiU. misled by airy phantoms, 
 Which his prolific fancy shapes and colours. 
 Till he mistakes them for realities. 
 The Christianity he hates and fears 
 
PiETn.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 385 
 
 Is not the true religion of the Cross, 
 
 But a blurred picture taken from such models 
 
 As a Constantius — ^heartless, false, and cruel ; 
 
 Or dark Eusebius, steeped in secret crime ; 
 
 Or time-servers, like Valens and Ursacius. 
 
 And, for his faith, 'tis not the worn-out creed 
 
 Of enervated races, weakly clinging 
 
 To idle superstitions, while they wallow 
 
 In shameless vices — ^hideous, foul, unspeakable ; 
 
 But a pure vision of poetic forms. 
 
 Mingled with philosophic speculations 
 
 Which have no hold on any human life. 
 
 He dwells in dreams and shadows. 
 
 Gregory. 
 
 Yes — in dreams 
 That to the wicked rise Kke exhalations 
 From out the bottomless pit, to blast mankind. 
 Should he return victorious from this war 
 We soon shall see what fruit his dreams will bear, 
 When he directs his force with tenfold malice 
 Against the Christian Church, 
 c c 
 
386 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetII. 
 
 C^SAKIUS. 
 
 At worst, dear Gregory, 
 Were he as mad and wicked as you deem. 
 The ChriBtian faith is now too widely spread 
 To he extinguished by the hand of power ; 
 And to attempt it, were to shake the empire 
 To its foundations. 
 
 Basil. 
 
 Rather say, Caesarius, 
 The strength and safety of the Christian faith 
 Depend not on the number of its followers. 
 But on its own intrinsic excellence. 
 And on the will of God. Come to His altar. 
 And there implore His aid and His protection 
 Against all possible dangers. Let our bark 
 Be anchored to the rock. The rest is nothing. 
 
 \JSxeimt. 
 
PARTn.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 387 
 
 Scene III. — The Fortress of Circesium on the 
 Euphrates. The Ramparts, with Soldiers mounting 
 guard. 
 
 Enter two Roman Officers. 
 
 First Officer. 
 No tidings yet, to show how goes the war. 
 
 Second Officer. 
 And we mewed up in this dull border-fortress, 
 While our brave comrades march to wealth and glory. 
 There wiU. be goodly plunder found in Persia. 
 
 First Officer. 
 'Tis our worse luck to have been left behind, 
 And I could gnaw my nails for pure vexation ; 
 By this time they must be at Ctesiphon. 
 
 Second Officer. 
 Hardly so far. 
 
388 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part n. 
 
 First Officer. 
 Oh ! Julian will not tarry ; 
 He has the fleet to furnish all supplies, 
 Borne on the bosom of the broad Euphrates ; 
 And, take my word, no force on land will stop him. 
 His course will be right onward, like the arrow's, 
 And no less rapid. 
 
 Second Officer. 
 
 But 'tis said, the omens 
 Were not propitious. 
 
 First Officer. 
 
 He can turn even omens 
 Just as he will. When his horse, Babylon, 
 Fell down and rolled its trappings in the dust. 
 Which seemed an evil sign, he laughing cried. 
 As though it pointed to the Persian empire : 
 See ! Babylon has fallen with all its treasures ! 
 And so reversed the augury. 
 
 Second Officer. 
 
 Well, as soldiers, 
 We trust alike his courage and his fortune. 
 Would we were with him now ! 
 
PaetH.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 389 
 
 FiEST Officer. 
 
 We should not fear 
 The sandy deserts, nor the burning sun, 
 Which must, methinks, have somewhat parched the 
 
 throats 
 Of his tall Gallic legions. 
 
 Second Officer. 
 
 They will moisten them 
 With copious draughts of wine, when they have 
 
 sacked 
 King Sapor's golden palaces. 
 
 First Officer. 
 
 By Jupiter ! 
 There has been no such host, and no such captain, 
 Since Alexander passed with his battalions 
 Over these plains of Asia. 
 
 Second Officer. 
 
 You have taken 
 To swear by the old gods ? 
 
390 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetH. 
 
 First Officbe. 
 
 By all the Saints ! 
 If you prefer it. In these shifting times 
 A soldier must not be too nice of speech. 
 As I was saying, 'tis a gallant host, 
 And no huge, lumbering elephants with towers 
 Upon their backs, and no light, flying horsemen. 
 Hurling their darts at distance on the foe. 
 Will stand against their onslaught. They wiU cross 
 The Tigris unopposed, and force their way 
 Into the heart of Persia. We may look 
 For great achievements, and for certain victory. 
 
 Second Officer. 
 I hope so, too ; but fortune, like the weather. 
 Will sometimes change. There's always risk in war. 
 
 First Officer. 
 I^ot with a Roman army, led by Julian. 
 
 \_Exeunt. 
 
PAEin.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 391 
 
 Scene IV. — A Room in a Summer Palace of the 
 Kings of Persia. King Sapor lying on the 
 ground, with his hair dishevelled, and his face 
 buried in his hands. Magians and Satraps in 
 attendance. 
 
 Sapor. 
 Leave me ! I will not hear you. 
 
 FiKST Satrap. 
 
 King of Kings ! 
 Hide not the brightness of your countenance 
 From your devoted servants. We, your nobles, 
 The chiefs and satraps of your wide dominions, 
 Are ready all to give our lives and fortunes 
 To see you smile again. 
 
 Sapor. 
 Words ! only words ! 
 
 Second Satrap. 
 O King ! the sight of this heartrending sorrow 
 Is more than we can bear. 
 
392 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetH. 
 
 Sapoe. 
 
 Sorrow and shame ! 
 Is there no man among you that can feel 
 Our depth of degradation ? 
 
 First Magian. 
 
 Mighty king ! 
 The war between the powers of Good and Evil, 
 Of Light and Darkness, lasts from age to age ; 
 And we, who watch the strife's vicissitudes. 
 Must not despond because the balance leans 
 Now this way and now that. If Ahriman 
 To-day gives victory to the Roman arms, 
 Ormuzd may fight upon our side to-morrow, 
 And win a nobler triumph. 
 
 Second Magian. 
 
 Light must conquer. 
 And Persia is the kingdom of the light. 
 
 Sapor {sitting tip). 
 Not if we choose to serve the cause of darkness 
 By our own cowardice. Have I no warriors 
 
PabtH.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 393 
 
 That dare withstand these terrible invaders ? 
 They follow first the stream of the Euphrates ; 
 Then work at their canal, and bring their fleet 
 In safety to the Tigris — cross the river, 
 And camp beneath the walls of Ctesiphon ; 
 And all this time my armies only offer 
 The shadow of resistance. Towns are taken 
 Almost without a blow, castles destroyed. 
 My parks and palaces laid waste and plundered, 
 And they who should defend us find a refuge 
 In ignominious flight ! 'Tis a disgrace 
 No tears can wash away. 
 
 First Satkap. 
 
 Till now the kingdom 
 Has not put forth its strength. The distant provinces 
 Have yet to send their succours. 
 
 Sapor. 
 
 And you satraps 
 
 Are lingering idly here ! 
 
394 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PabtH. 
 
 Second Sateap. 
 
 King ! our forces 
 Are hastening to the front. "We shall be ready 
 To lead them to the tattle. 
 
 Sapoe. 
 
 I will lead them. 
 Bereft of honour, what were crown or life ? 
 
 Enter Meeanes. 
 And you, Meranes, have you come to tell us 
 Of some new loss ? 
 
 Meeanes. 
 
 Lift up your head, King ! 
 The night of grief is over, and the sun 
 Shines once more on your path. 
 
 Sapoe (rising). 
 
 What mockery's this ? 
 
 Meeanes. 
 The flood of Roman glory and success 
 Had reached its full at Ctesiphon. It now 
 
PabtH.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 395 
 
 Is on the ebb, and henceforth it will sink 
 
 More swiftly than it rose. We learned, through spies, 
 
 That Julian had expected to have met 
 
 A second army, moving from Armenia, 
 
 To join his standards. But, by some mischance 
 
 Or fault of his lieutenants, it had failed 
 
 To find the road ; and he was left too weak 
 
 To venture on a long and tedious siege 
 
 Of our great city. Therefore, he determined 
 
 Still to advance. 
 
 Sapor. 
 Does that show waniag fortune ? 
 
 Meranes. 
 As the result will prove. A noble Persian, 
 Having resolved, like Zopyrus of old. 
 To run all risks for you and for your kingdom. 
 Went over to the Romans, and persuaded 
 This credulous Julian that he had deserted 
 Because of wrongs and sufferings insupportable. 
 Therewith he made the offer of his services 
 To act as guide to the invading army. 
 
396 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PabtH. 
 
 Sapoe. 
 And Julian fell into the trap ? 
 
 Meranes. 
 
 'Twas baited 
 With food for his vain-glory and ambition. 
 He thinks himself the heaven-appoiated arbiter 
 Of all the nations, and our wily agent 
 Promised to show the speediest way to conquest 
 Of the whole Persian realm. Led by his counsels 
 Or by avenging Fate, the Roman Emperor, 
 Having first burned his ships, turned from the river, 
 To find himself, ere long, lost in a desert. 
 Where every blade of grass had been destroyed 
 By our direction. There the Persian left him, 
 And there he has the choice to die of famine 
 Or to retreat — if now retreat be possible. 
 
 Sapoe. 
 
 You have revived my spirits, and the blood 
 Flows freely through my veins. 
 
PaetH.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 397 
 
 First Magian. 
 
 King ! we told you 
 That darkness would endure but for a season, 
 And light would soon return. 
 
 Sapor. 
 
 Let's use the light 
 To make all sure ! Collect our troops, Meranes, 
 From every quarter, pour them down like locusts, 
 To intercept the passage of these Romans, 
 And teach the world what doom awaits the foe 
 That dares to tread the sacred soil of Persia. 
 Myself will take the field. Hasten before. 
 And I will follow with my household forces. 
 Now, satraps, is the time to show the value 
 Of your brave words. 
 
 First Satrap. 
 
 The King shall judge his servants 
 By deeds, not words. 
 
 Sapor. 
 
 Then forward to the trial ! 
 \Exewnt. 
 
398 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PABin. 
 
 ScBKE V. — The Roman Camp. Night. Julian's 
 Tent, with a lamp burning on a table, at which 
 the Emperor sits writing. 
 
 Julian. 
 Enough ! My thoughts are wandering from my 
 
 work, 
 And I must cease awhile. How short is life 
 To do the smallest part of what we wish ! 
 
 \_Iiises and comes forward. 
 Forced to retreat ! The omens did not lie 
 That boded ill success. Yet all seemed fair 
 On our triumphant march. No Persian squadron 
 Has yet been able to withstand the shock 
 Of our impetuous charge, and no strong castle 
 Has served to give us check ; but this waste country, 
 Stripped of its verdure, ruined, bare, and desolate, 
 Cannot support an army. Was I wrong 
 To burn my ships ? Had I not been deceived 
 By matchless treachery, we had camped ere now 
 On fertile plains, and within easy reach 
 
PartH.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 399 
 
 Of populous cities ; and I could not leave 
 My fleet to fall into the enemy's hands. 
 "Well, we must find our way back to the frontier, 
 Even as we learned to thread the tangled maze 
 Of the Black Forest ; only that my soldiers, 
 My hardy veterans of the gelid North, 
 Are not so fitted for this sultry clime. 
 
 Enter Sallust. 
 Have you been watching through the night, my 
 
 Sallust ? 
 Your age requires some rest. 
 
 Sallust. 
 
 I could not sleep 
 More than yourself, my lord. The anxious mind 
 Keeps the eyes wakeful, and the ear alive 
 To every sound. 
 
 Julian. 
 How do the stores hold out ? 
 
 Sallust. 
 Growing daily less and less, and all our legions 
 Are now upon half -rations. 
 
400 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. CPakt n. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Give strict orders 
 To have my private stock distributed 
 In equal shares to all. I would not fare 
 Better than does the meanest of my foUowfers, 
 In this sad time of dearth. 
 
 Sallust. 
 
 Alas, my lord ! 
 'Twould be a drop of water in the sea. 
 
 Julian. 
 But showing that their Emperor does not shrink 
 From any hardship that his troops must bear. 
 Look to it, SaUust. 
 
 Sallust. 
 You shall be obeyed ; 
 
 I go to make my round of aU our posts. 
 
 {Exit. 
 
 Julian. 
 A brave old man, and no less wise than brave ! 
 But his chief care has been to help and serve 
 
PartH.] yULIAN THE APOSTATE. 401 
 
 The present hour, and do whatever work 
 
 Lay close beside his hand. That way, at least, 
 
 He can perform the task he undertakes. 
 
 But if, like him, I live to have grey hair. 
 
 Shall I be nearer the accomplishment 
 
 Of my far-reaching aims ? Up to this time 
 
 In what have I succeeded ? It is true 
 
 That Fortune gave me her much- envied gifts 
 
 Of pomp, and splendour, and imperial power ; 
 
 But these are boons I value not a whit. 
 
 Unless I can so use them as to make 
 
 The world once more to blossom in the light 
 
 Of Greek philosophy and Greek religion. 
 
 And all as yet is failure. In the temples 
 
 The worship cold, the very priests indifferent. 
 
 The people staring idly at the pageant. 
 
 Or only joining heartily in revels 
 
 And bacchanalian orgies. Even the sophists 
 
 Leaving high thoughts, and sinking to the level 
 
 Of ordinary courtiers. No fresh converts, 
 
 Save among those whom I must needs suspect 
 
 Of venal motives ; while with shame I own, 
 
 D D 
 
402 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part II. 
 
 That all the zeal and aU the earnestness 
 Have fled from seers and sages, to abide 
 With ignorant Galileans. 
 
 ye gods I 
 If yoa have really turned away in scorn 
 From desecrated altars, and abandoned 
 This earth, which erst was gladdened by your 
 
 presence, 
 To loneliness and gloom — if every effort 
 To bring again the beauty, and the glory, 
 And the sweet freshness of the Hellenic morning. 
 Is doomed to disappointment — do not let me 
 Drag on a dull and wearisome existence 
 In the pale shadow of my vanished hopes, 
 Wearing the ghastly phantom of a crown ! 
 Better to pass at once into the realm 
 Of Night and Hades ! 
 
 Yet I will not yield 
 Without a struggle. In despite of Fate, 
 There's something of the warrior in my blood. 
 And I am still unconquered. It may be, 
 When I have led my faithful legions home, 
 
PAEin.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 403 
 
 That I shall find new ways to fight the battle 
 
 Of the Olympian deities. Meanwhile, 
 
 My duty is to extricate my army 
 
 From present dangers. To recruit my strength, 
 
 I'll snatch a few brief moments of repose. 
 
 \Tlirows himself on a lion's skin and falls 
 asleep. A strain of wild, melancholij 
 music. The Genius of the Empire, 
 covered with a funereal veil, passes slowly 
 before him, and disappears. 
 
 Julian {rising). 
 So it has come again. The awful vision 
 Seen at Lutetia. But, this time, it wears 
 A mournful aspect, and departs from me 
 In solemn silence. What does it import ? 
 Is then the end so nigh ? What, ho ! who waits 
 there ? 
 
 Enter Okibasius and Evhemerus. 
 
 Oribasius. 
 We were at hand, my lord, in expectation 
 Of your first summons. 
 
404 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PabtII. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Dear and trusty friends, 
 You never failed me yet. My Oribasius, 
 I have just seen the Genius of the Empire, 
 But veiled in mourning habit, sad and silent. 
 What may it mean ? 
 
 Oribasius. 
 
 Perchance, a vain illusion, 
 Begotten of this hot and feverish air. 
 Come with us to the entrance of the tent. 
 And breathe awhile. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 I saw it as distinctly 
 As at Lutetia. 
 
 Oribasius. 
 
 Let the cooling breeze, 
 Which stirs before the dawn, play on your brow. 
 
 Julian. 
 Ha ! what was that ? 
 
PARin.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 405 
 
 EVHEMERUS 
 
 A meteor, my good lord. 
 
 Julian. 
 It seemed to me like the red star of Mars 
 Shooting across the sky. 
 
 Oeibasius. 
 
 If it be so ... . 
 
 Julian. 
 You think it ominous. "Well, Oribasius, 
 I am prepared for omens. Let them come 
 Thick as autiminal leaves or winter snows, 
 They shall not shake my spirit. I have soared 
 Too high to be appalled by panic fears. 
 Henceforth I will consult no auguries 
 But my own judgment and a soldier's courage. 
 Look where the morn is breaking. Ere the Sun 
 Has climbed to his meridian we must be 
 Far on our march. I have to free my army 
 From this dire strait. Whether I see again 
 The blue JEgsean and the Hellespont, 
 Or perish here — it never shall be said 
 
406 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PaetH. 
 
 That I hung back for any selfish thought 
 
 Of personal safety, and no act of mine 
 
 Shall brand my memory with the name of coward. 
 
 Enter Sallust and Officers. 
 Call up your legions, Sallust ! Bid the trumpet 
 Sound for the onward march. We must be moving 
 With this iirst peep of day. 
 
 Sallust. 
 
 The scouts report 
 That a large Persian force is hovering near. 
 
 Julian. 
 They will not care, methinks, to come much nearer ; 
 They dread the eagle's talons. 
 
 Enter Maximus and Pmscus. 
 
 Oh, my Maximus ! 
 This rough and restless life agrees but ill 
 With philosophic musings. 
 
 Maximus. 
 
 All our studies 
 Are merged in fears for you. We have consulted 
 The soothsaying Haruspices, and bring you 
 
PAETn.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 407 
 
 Their last advice. Do not attempt to move, 
 But keep within your camp, strongly entrenched, 
 Till better signs are found. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 I cannot stop 
 
 For signs and warnings. It is now too late 
 
 For any divination, save the instinct 
 
 Of military valour. Noble Sallust, 
 
 To you and to these gallant officers 
 
 I trust myself, the army, and the empire. 
 
 Your swords are my best omens. 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Long live Julian ! 
 
 Julian. 
 Be it long or short, we'U live at least with honour 
 But we lose time. Go each to the command 
 Of his own legion. Send out skirmishers 
 To cover both our flanks. Guard well the baggage. 
 Sallust, you lead the left. I choose the van. 
 
 \The scene closes with flourish of trumpets, 
 and the sound of troops mustering /«; 
 the march. 
 
408 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. rPAni II. 
 
 Scene VI. — A Rocky Defile. 
 
 Enter Meeanes and Persian Officers. 
 
 Meeanes. 
 Are all the passes occupied ? 
 
 Officee. 
 
 Yes, all. 
 A Roman mouse would fail to find his way 
 Through any chink. But surely this same Julian 
 Is not so poor a soldier as to risk 
 His army in these narrow mountain roads. 
 
 Meeanes. 
 Then he must keep the plain, a wider circuit. 
 And march beneath the hills. Our forces there, 
 As great a host as Persia ever saw. 
 Will have full room to act, and bring our elephants 
 To crush his lengthened lines and trample down 
 All his defences. Once the fight engaged, 
 We can pour forth from every mountain pass 
 On front, and flank, and rear. 'Twill be our fault. 
 
Part II.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 409 
 
 If one of these invaders of our soil 
 Escape our deadly Yengeance. 
 
 Officer. 
 
 There will be 
 A rich feast for the vultures. 
 
 Meeanes. 
 
 The hot sun 
 
 Will help to do our work. The fair-faced giants, 
 
 Fainting beneath the burden of their arms, 
 
 Wni be no match for lithe and nimble troops. 
 
 Enter a Soldier. 
 
 What news from our look-out ? 
 
 Soldier. 
 
 The E/Oman army- 
 Is winding o'er the plain in two long Hnes, 
 Which, like twin-serpents, guard the priceless stores 
 On which they now depend for food and Hfe. 
 The Emperor leads the van. 
 
 Meranes. 
 
 Our first assault 
 Shall take them in the rear. Brave Nohordates 
 Will bar their way in front. Myself will fall 
 
410 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Paet n. 
 
 On their left centre. See that all are ready 
 To rush to our support, when the red signal 
 Invites you from below. Do but your duty, 
 And not a Roman will survive the slaughter. 
 
 \Exit, followed hy the Officers, waving their 
 swords. 
 
 Scene VII. — A Plain at foot of the Mountains. 
 Roman Soldiers passing over. Enter Julian in 
 armour, on horseback and surrounded by his 
 Guards, uith Maueus bearing the Standard. 
 
 Julian {dismounting) . 
 Here pitch my tent, and let us halt awhile. 
 Tether my steed beside yon flowing stream. 
 'Tis well that we have water, for this heat 
 Is overpowering. Pass the word to all, 
 That they may take some rest. 
 
 \_The tent is pitched. 
 My valiant Miiurus, 
 Where do these Persians bide ? 
 
 Maurus. 
 
 Oh ! they are shy 
 Of meeting you, ray lord. 
 
PAETn.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 411 
 
 Julian. 
 
 They do not show themselves, 
 But may he nearer than we think. However, 
 They make no sign at present, and this armour 
 Is hot and cumhrous. Help me to unlace 
 My corselet. Thanks. Lie there, my glittering 
 
 scales, 
 Beside my shield and helmet. So — that's better. 
 I breathe more freely. 
 
 Enter Oribasius and Evhemerus. 
 
 I would fain have spared you 
 This toilsome march, my friends. 
 
 Oribasius. 
 
 We have no wish 
 To shun the toils and perils of our master. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 I am a soldier ; you are men of peace. 
 But where are the philosophers ? 
 
412 yULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Pakt II. 
 
 EVHEMEEUS. 
 
 They follow 
 Close at our heels, my lord, but upon litters, 
 And borne by sturdy arms. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Well, thoy do wisely. 
 Their strength lies in their brains, and not their 
 
 sinews, 
 And even the Stoic's pride must sometimes yield 
 To languor and fatigue. 
 
 Enter Maximus and Priscus, carried hy Soldiers. 
 
 Oh ! here they come. 
 Once more well met, revered and honoured sages. 
 Alight and rest. My tent will give you shade, 
 And we can sit upon the ground and talk 
 Of other themes than this rude game of war. 
 
 \_They seat themselves. 
 
 I have some questions to propound to you 
 Touching what Plato held of immortality. 
 And of the soul's condition after death. 
 
PART no JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 413 
 
 Maximus. 
 Methinks that Plato -would have found it hard 
 To reason coolly in this noontide glare 
 
 Prisctjs. 
 And I confess that I am somewhat dizzied 
 With martial sights and sounds. 
 
 Julian, 
 
 It is all custom. 
 The ear and eye get used to many things 
 That once would have disturhed all quiet thought. 
 
 \_Alarums in the distance. 
 
 Maximus. 
 What fearful noise is that ? 
 
 Julian {starting vp). 
 
 Yes, that means mischief. 
 The enemy is at hand. 
 
 Enter a Soldier. 
 
 How now, good fellow ? 
 
414 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PabtII. 
 
 SOLDIEK. 
 
 The rear-guard is attacked. A furious combat 
 Already has begun. They send for succours. 
 'Tis said our people waver. 
 
 Julian {seizing his shield). 
 
 Where's my horse ? 
 FoUow me, soldiers ! 
 
 Maurus. 
 
 One brief moment, sir. 
 You must not venture thus. Resume your armour. 
 The javelins will be flying thick as hail. 
 Here is your corselet. 
 
 Julian. 
 There's no time for that. 
 Follow me to the fight ! 
 
 [Rtishes to his horse, leaps into the saddle, and exit. 
 
 Maukus. 
 
 After him, comrades 
 \_Exeunt Maueus and the Guards. 
 
PiExn.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 415 
 
 Pmsctjs. 
 I would I were again at home in Greece ! 
 Nothing should henceforth tempt me from my books. 
 
 Maximus. 
 You are not frightened, Priscus ? 
 
 Priscus. 
 
 No, not frightened — 
 But I have had enough of martial glory. 
 
 EvHEMEEUs {climbing a rock). 
 I can see better here. 
 
 Oribasius. 
 What can you see ? 
 
 EVHEMERUS. 
 
 The milk-white charger and the purple mantle 
 Dashing through clouds of dust. Now they are lost 
 In throngs of fighting men. But hark ! the battle 
 Is rolling backward. What a shout was that ! 
 Our soldiers know their Emperor, and he hurls them 
 In masses on the foe. 
 
416 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PinT II. 
 
 Oribasius. 
 
 But other sounds 
 Come from the further side. 
 
 EVHEMERUS. 
 
 Alas ! it is so. 
 I see dark columns moving in the front. 
 And now, upon our left, great troops of horse 
 Are driving in the outposts. 
 
 Oribasius. 
 
 Then will Sallust 
 Have to defend our centre. 
 
 EvHEMERTj'S. 
 
 Yes, and clearly 
 That is the main attack. A mighty host 
 Can now be seen advancing. Swarms of cavalry, 
 Mixed with whole squadrons of gigantic elephants, 
 Come thundering o'er the plain. It seems impossible 
 That our half-famished and exhausted forces 
 Can stand their ground. 
 
PaetII.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 417 
 
 Oeibasius. 
 
 And Julian is not there ! 
 
 EVHEMERUS. 
 
 But stay ! Fresh troops are flying to the aid 
 Of Sallust and his legions. Who are these ? 
 Can it be Julian ? — Yes, I see the purple, 
 I see the milk-white steed. He has repulsed 
 The rear attack, and hastens to the centre. 
 Our brave, our matchless Emperor ! 
 
 Oribasius. 
 
 He will do 
 What mortal courage can. But strain your sight ! 
 Let us know all that passes. 
 
 EVHEMEKUS. 
 
 All is hidden ' 
 Once more in whirling dust. The air is darkened 
 With showers of darts, but naught beneath is 
 visible. 
 
 E E 
 
418 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Pabt II. 
 
 Oribasius. 
 
 Yet louder comes the fierce and sullen roar, 
 Deep as old Ocean's. It is like a dirge, 
 Wailing the death of heroes. 
 
 EVHEMERUS. 
 
 It imports 
 A desperate struggle. Sometimes it recedes, 
 Sometimes approaches. On that conflict hangs 
 The issue of the battle, and therewith 
 The fate of empires. Oh ! ye righteous gods ! 
 
 Oribasius. 
 "What is it now ? 
 
 EvHEMERUS. 
 
 A white horse, riderless, 
 Gallops across the plain ! 
 
 Oribasius. 
 
 ITot his ! not his ! 
 
Part II.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 419, 
 
 EVHBMEECS. 
 
 Alas ! I fear the worst. Ah, me ! ah, me ! 
 A group of men, some of the Emperor's body-guard. 
 Are hastening hither. In their arms they bear 
 A lifeless form. It can be none but Julian. 
 
 Oribasius. 
 
 Come down at once, and aid me to examine 
 And dress the wounds. It may be in our power 
 To save him yet. 
 
 EvHEMEKUs (descending). 
 
 There spake the true physician. 
 
 Okibasius. 
 
 Spread out the lion's skin, his only couch, 
 And help me to make ready the appliances 
 That we may need. 
 
 Maximus. 
 
 Command my service, sir. 
 
420 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Paet II. 
 
 Priscus, 
 And mine. This life is precious to us all. 
 
 Enter Mauexis oAid Guards, bearing Julian in their 
 arms, wounded and insensible. 
 
 piteous sight ! 
 
 evhemeeus. 
 
 Oribasitjs. 
 How did it happen, Maurus ? 
 
 Maurus. 
 The Emperor led the charge, and at the shock 
 The Persians broke ; and he still urged us on, 
 To follow up the advantage and so end 
 The battle ; when a javelin, hurled from far 
 With dexterous aim, grazed his uplifted arm, 
 And glancing downward, where his too rash haste 
 Had left his side defenceless, pierced the ribs, 
 And lodged deep in his body. All in vain 
 He strove to draw the shaft. The cutting steel 
 Crimsoned his hands, and, faint with loss of blood. 
 
Part II.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 421 
 
 He sank down from his steed. "We rescued him 
 From trampling hoofs and press of combatants, 
 And hore him senseless from the field. Oh, tell us 
 If there is any hope ! 
 
 Oribasius {bending over Julian). 
 
 More fear than hope. 
 But he revives. 
 
 Julian. 
 Where am I ? Where's my horse ? 
 On, soldiers, to the charge ! 
 
 \8prings up, but falls back exhausted. 
 
 Oribasius. 
 
 Lie still, my lord ; 
 You are in your tent. Your friends are all around 
 
 you. 
 You are sorely wounded. 
 
 Julian. 
 But how goes the battle ? 
 You, Maurus, here ? For shame ! Back to the charge ! 
 How do they call this place ? 
 
422 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part II. 
 
 Maurus. 
 
 It is called Phrygia. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 'Twas told me long ago, that I should die 
 
 In Phrygia. Well, the oracle comes true. 
 
 I see it in your sad eyes, Oribasius. 
 
 But my brave soldiers will not disobey 
 
 My last command. Back to the battle, Maurus ! 
 
 Mauetjs. 
 We go, my lord, to die — or to avenge you. 
 
 \_Exeunt Mauetjs and Guards. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 'Tis useless all, my friends. Your care is vain. 
 I have my mortal wound. Leave me in peace. 
 
 EvHEMERUS. 
 
 Let me support your head. Lean on my shoulder. 
 
PabtIL] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 423 
 
 Julian. 
 Thanks, thanks, Evhemerus. Do not weep, my 
 
 friends ; 
 Nature but claims her due. And if the soul 
 Is nobler than the body, its deliverance 
 Should cause more joy than sorrow. Early death 
 Is often the reward of Yirtuous life. 
 And proves the favour of the gods. It saves me 
 From any fear of lowering or disgracing 
 My former actions. Even as I lived 
 Without reproach, I die without remorse. 
 For I can say, my private life was innocent. 
 My public conduct pure. I sought to rule 
 The state with justice, for my people's welfare. 
 I loved not war — and yet, when war was needful 
 I did not shrink from danger, though dark omens 
 "Warned me of fate impending. For the rest, 
 I thank the Heavenly Powers, who have not doomed 
 
 me 
 To quit the world by tyranny or treason, 
 Or by the lingering tortures of disease, 
 But by a fit and glorious consummation 
 
424 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Paet n. 
 
 Of a career of honour ; and I hold it 
 
 Equally base and foolish in a mortal 
 
 To seek or shun the end. But my strength fails me. 
 
 T name not my successor. May the choice 
 
 Full on the best and worthiest ! 
 
 \_A great shout. 
 There's a sound 
 That has some music in it. 
 
 Soldiers (without). 
 
 Victory ! Victory ! 
 
 Julian. 
 A little longer, just a little longer, 
 To hear the news. 
 
 JSnter Sallust, with his arm bound up, and Officers. 
 
 Sallust. 
 Alas ! my friend and sovereign ! 
 
 Julian. 
 You are wounded, Sallust ? 
 
PabtII.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 426 
 
 Sallust. 
 
 A mere scratch, my lord. 
 
 But 
 
 you. 
 
 Julian. 
 Have fought my latest fight on earth. 
 How has the battle gone ? 
 
 Sallust. 
 
 A mournful triumph, 
 But passing expectation. When the rumour 
 Spread through the ranks, that you, my lord, had 
 
 fallen, 
 A bitter cry arose from all our legions ; 
 But not a thought was there except for vengeance. 
 And with clenched teeth, and fury-flashing eyes. 
 They rushed upon the foe. They felt no more 
 The scorching sunbeams and the blinding dust. 
 Fearless they plunged amid the storm of arrows, 
 And all went down before them. Chiefs and nobles. 
 The proud array of warriors clad in mail. 
 The waving banners and the glittering lances, 
 
426 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [PiETlI. 
 
 And the long line of chariots, horses, elephants, 
 Or fled, or strewed the plain. The Persian host 
 Was scattered to the winds.' Henceforth, no enemy 
 Will check the progress of our homeward march. 
 
 Julian. 
 That's well, that's very well. 
 
 Sallust. 
 
 Here come the victors, 
 Bearing the fruits of that ensanguined harvest, 
 To lay them at your feet. 
 
 Enter Maurus and Guards, tcith trophies. 
 
 Maueus {kneeling). 
 
 My gracious lord. 
 Your soldiers have redeemed their pledge. We bring 
 
 you 
 The spoils and ensigns of the vanquished Persians, 
 Who for each drop of blood that you have lost 
 Have now made costly payment. Their two generals 
 And fifty of their satraps are laid low, 
 
PabtII.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 427 
 
 Amid vast heaps of dead ; a solemn sacrifice, 
 Offered by Roman swords to Rome's great Emperor. 
 
 Julian. 
 I have no voice to thank you — Tell me, Sallust — 
 t miss some faces here — Where's Anatolius ? 
 
 Sallust. 
 He is at rest, my lord. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Ha ! is it so ? 
 I needs must mourn for him, even though he died 
 A hero's death. WeU, I shall quickly follow. 
 Evhemerus, you wiU find my testament 
 Among my private papers. I have left 
 Remembrances to all my friends and servants. 
 
 Evhemerus. 
 This parting is too hard ! 
 
 Julian. 
 
 Tears ! no, not tears ! 
 Vex not my spirit by unmanly grief. 
 
428 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Part ri. 
 
 Maximus — Priscus — 'tis for you to show 
 The worth of your philosophy, and comfort 
 Our less enlightened comrades. 
 
 Maximus. 
 
 Oh, my lord ! 
 I have no words. 
 
 Julian. 
 
 And I want breath to speak. 
 
 But the freed soul — escaping from its bondage — 
 
 Will join, me thinks, the imperishable stars. 
 
 And so become a portion of the universe — • 
 
 Or mingle with the primal source of life 
 
 From which it took its rise. 
 
 \_A long silence. 
 
 My Oribasius — 
 
 One more last service, friend — a cup of water. 
 
 Thanks, and farewell ! 
 
 [2)te«. 
 
 Okibasius. 
 
 He's gone. The kingly heart 
 Has ceased to beat. 
 
Part II.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 429 
 
 Sallust. 
 
 Oh, let me look on him ! 
 There lies a nohle prince and valiant soldier. 
 
 Oeibasius. 
 A faithful friend. 
 
 EVHEMEUUS. 
 
 A kind and generous master. 
 
 Pmscus [to Maximus). 
 And the crowned champion of the Hellenic cause. 
 "What now remains of all our cherished hopes ? 
 
 Maximus. 
 The cause is lost. The Galilean has conquered. 
 
 \The curtain falls. 
 
EPILOGUE. 
 
EPILOGUE. 
 
 ScEHE. — Basil's Retreat in Pontus. 
 Enter Basil and Gkegoky, meeting. 
 
 GrEEGORY. 
 
 Come forth, Basil, from your solitude ! 
 Come forth, and join the general cry of joy ! 
 The tyrant, the oppressor, the proud enemy 
 Of souls, the impious worshipper of demons, 
 Has fallen. He has fallen, whose perjured lips 
 Blasphemed our holy faith. The persecutor, 
 Who strove to rob us of free speech, is sentenced 
 To everlastiag silence. Earth rejoices. 
 And the broad heavens resound with songs of 
 gladness. 
 
 Basil. 
 I, too, feel thankful that the Church is rescued 
 r F 
 
434 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Epilogue. 
 
 From her late troubles ; but I cannot join 
 In such exuberant joy. I loved this Julian — 
 He was the friend and comrade of my youth, 
 As you were, Gregory. I have not forgotten 
 The happy hours at Athens, the bright hopes, 
 The common studies, pleasures, fancies, thoughts, 
 And all the promise of our golden morn ; 
 And this sad ending of a tragic story 
 Fills me with deepest sorrow. That a man 
 So gifted, and so raised above his fellows. 
 Endowed with almost every human virtue. 
 And placed on fortune's highest pinnacle. 
 Should so have missed his way, and spent his force 
 On a vain struggle against light and truth. 
 Is to my mind a source of genuine pity. 
 More doleful and pathetic than the tale 
 Of CEdipus and all his fated line. 
 
 Gregory. 
 
 Doleful indeed ! if, shuddering, we reflect 
 Upon the dark, inevitable doom 
 Of the condemned Apostate ! 
 
Epilogde.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 435 
 
 Basil. 
 
 Let us leave him 
 To God and to His mercy. Who are we, 
 That we should judge our brother ? Sinful men, 
 Who have most need of pardon for ourselves, 
 Though blessed with kindly nurture from the first. 
 And guarded round by providential care 
 From many a strong temptation. Had our childhood 
 Been passed, like his, beneath the deadly shade 
 Of cold hypocrisy and mock religion. 
 With miscalled Christians, whose unhallowed lives 
 Were black with falsehood, cruelty, and crime. 
 Profaning all things sacred — who can say 
 What we should now have been ? Whate'er of good 
 Was in him was derived from heathen books 
 And heathen models — from those noble masters 
 To whom God gave a portion of His Spirit 
 In the old Gentile world. If he ne'er grasped 
 The grandeur of the Gross, nor felt the want 
 Of that redeeming and sustaining love, 
 Which can alone make clear the doubtful past 
 And crown the future with celestial light. 
 
436 JULIAN THE APOSTATE. [Epilogue. 
 
 Whether the fault lay with himself or others, 
 
 It was at once his error and his penalty. 
 
 It stamped his Hfe with failure, and has left 
 
 His memory for a by-word to mankind, 
 
 So that through all the ages he must bear 
 
 The name of the Apostate. But for us, 
 
 Who numbered him amongst our earKest friends, 
 
 Methinks a strain of charitable thought, 
 
 A silent prayer, a sigh of fond regret. 
 
 Were more becoming than the voice of triumph 
 
 Over his new-made grave. 
 
 Gregory. 
 
 You know me, Basil ;— 
 You know that I am sometimes borne aloft 
 13 jf passionate feelings and the flow of speech. 
 To deal out praise or blame in larger measure 
 Than suits your calmer judgment. Bear with me. 
 I will not wound your ear bj' fresh invectives 
 Against the fallen Emperor. But no scruple 
 FoT'bids that I should hail with exultation 
 
EpiLOGui!.] JULIAN THE APOSTATE. 437 
 
 Our great deliverance from a pressing danger, 
 "Which seemed to menace ruin to the Church. 
 
 Basil. 
 Believe me, Gregory, 'twas an idle fear. 
 The Church is safe, whatever else may chance. 
 Each century brings its perils and its pains, 
 But she survives them all. In after times. 
 It may be, that the old philosophies 
 And older superstitions will assume 
 A thousand different forms, and oft return 
 To test her mission or disturb her peace. 
 But she will stand secure by God's decree. 
 And keep her hold upon the heart of man ; 
 For, as the passing clouds disperse and fly, 
 There will be found again revealed to view 
 The unchanged image of the Crucified — 
 The one true emblem of victorious faith. 
 Of hope immortal, and of love divine. 
 
 \The curtain falls. 
 
 THE END. 
 
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