Morituri: Three One-Act Plays

Watcher.

Then we perceived that the fishing-boats with which the Byzantians take their food, closely surrounded the ships, and then----

Teja.

What then?

Watcher.

Verily, Sire, they steered quite peaceably toward the camp of the enemy. There they unloaded. (The men cover their heads. Silence.)

Teja.

(Who looks, smiling, from one to the other.) It is good.... That is: thou shalt say nothing there without.... From me they should learn it. (Exit Watcher.)

FIFTH SCENE.

TEJA. THEODEMIR. EURIC. ATHANARIC and the OTHERS. LORDS.

Teja.

Your counsel, ye men!

Theodemir.

Sire, we have none to give.

Teja.

And thou, Euric, with all thy wisdom?

Euric.

Sire, I have served the great Theoderic. And yet he would have had none to give.

Teja. Come then, I know.... It is easy and quick to be understood: Die!... Why look ye at me with such mistrust?...