Oh, my most gracious sire——!
The Emperor.
Thank me in deeds, my beloved Gallus! King Sapor lies west of the Euphrates. I know how solicitous you are for my life; be it your task, then, to crush him.
[He turns, takes Julian’s head between his hands, and kisses him.
And you, Julian, my pious friend and brother—so it needs must be.
Julian.
All blessings on the Emperor’s will!
The Emperor.
Call down no blessings! Yet listen—I have thought of you too. Know, Julian, that now you can breathe freely in Constantinople——
Julian.