Now Prometheus began to prophesy to Io of the Deliverer who would be
born to overthrow Zeus and deliver the fire-bringer. The educated
Christians and the heathen looked at each other questioningly, when
Io said, "What dost thou say? Shall my son be thy deliverer?" And
when Prometheus answered, "He will be the third scion after ten
generations," a murmur broke out in the theatre. "Ten generations,"
that was in round numbers 700 years--a period nearly extending to
the birth of Christ, since the Christians reckoned dates from 763
A.D., the end of the mythological era, to which the drama belonged.
Julian perceived that he had "carried wood to the fire," and helped
the Christians without intending to do so. Aeschylus had prophesied
Christ's birth almost to the very year, and intimated that he would
overthrow Zeus. The orthodox followers of Athanasius wished for no
better weapon with which to crush the Arians, who denied the Deity
of Christ.
The snow fell ever more thickly, till at last it was a snowstorm.
Julian was as white as though he wore a shroud, but he did not move,
for he was beside himself with rage against himself, against the
demons who had enticed him to choose this play, and against the
heavenly powers who mocked him.
The whole audience was covered with snow, and discussed theology;
the rabble laughed and quarrelled.
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