[He gropes his way out. Julian remains behind, surrounded by a handful of pale and terrified attendants.

ACT THIRD.

SCENE FIRST.

In Antioch. An open colonnade, with statues and a fountain in front of it. To the left, under the colonnade, a flight of steps leads up to the Imperial Palace.

A company of Courtiers, Teachers, Poets, and Orators—among them the court-physician, Oribases, and the poet, Heraclius—are assembled, some in the colonnade, some around the fountain; most of them are dressed in ragged cloaks, with matted hair and beards.

Heraclius.

I can endure this life no longer. To rise with the sun, plunge into a cold bath, run or fence oneself weary——

Oribases.

’Tis all very wholesome.

Heraclius.