And what then?

The Philosopher.

[In a lower voice.] Would you be foolhardy enough to praise the Emperor’s successor?

Julian.

[Deeply shaken.] Ah!

The Philosopher.

[Hastily.] If you betray me, I shall deny all!

Julian.

I betray no man; never fear, never fear!—The Emperor’s successor, you say? I cannot tell whom you mean; the Emperor has chosen no successor.—But why this jesting? Why did you speak of Libanius’s peer?

The Philosopher.