Who dares call this northward movement a retreat? What know you of my plans? The Persian army is somewhere in the north; of that we are now pretty well assured. When I have crushed Sapor—one battle will finish the matter—we shall find abundant supplies in the Persian camp.
When I lead the Persian king as my captive through Antioch and the other cities, I would fain see whether the citizens will not fall at my feet.
Christian Soldiers.
[Pass singing over the plain.
Doomed is the world’s proud cedar-tree,
The axe shall its roots dissever;
The palm He planted on Calvary,
Blood-watered, shall bloom for ever.
Julian.
[Following them with his eyes.] The Galileans are always singing. Songs about death and wounds and pain. Those women whom I brought with me to tend the sick—they have done us more harm than good. They have taught the soldiers strange songs, such as I have never heard before.