Decentius.

Caesar delights his servant’s ear; he cannot wound it.

Julian.

Yes, yes; bear with Caesar’s jesting. In truth I know not how else to take the matter.—Here they are.

Severus and Florentius, together with other captains and gentlemen of Caesar’s court, enter from the back.

Julian.

[Advancing to receive them.] Greeting to you, brothers in arms and friends. Blame me not overmuch for summoning you hither, straight from the dust and toil of the march; truly, I should not have grudged you some hours’ rest; but——

Florentius.

Has aught of moment happened, my lord?

Julian.