No More Learning

_ Unhurt, I hope.

_Sar. _ Not quite; but let it pass. 330
We've cleared the palace----

_Sal. _ And I trust the city.
Our numbers gather; and I've ordered onward
A cloud of Parthians, hitherto reserved,
All fresh and fiery, to be poured upon them
In their retreat, which soon will be a flight.

_Sar. _ It is already, or at least they marched
Faster than I could follow with my Bactrians,
Who spared no speed. I am spent: give me a seat.

_Sal. _ There stands the throne, Sire.

_Sar. _ Tis no place to rest on,
For mind nor body: let me have a couch, 340
[_They place a seat_.
A peasant's stool, I care not what: so--now
I breathe more freely.

_Sal.
_ This great hour has proved
The brightest and most glorious of your life.

_Sar. _ And the most tiresome. Where's my cupbearer?
Bring me some water.

_Sal. _ (_smiling_) 'Tis the first time he
Ever had such an order: even I,[z]
Your most austere of counsellors, would now
Suggest a purpler beverage.

_Sar. _ Blood--doubtless.
But there's enough of that shed; as for wine,
I have learned to-night the price of the pure element: 350
Thrice have I drank of it, and thrice renewed,
With greater strength than the grape ever gave me,
My charge upon the rebels. Where's the soldier
Who gave me water in his helmet? [20]

_One of the Guards_. Slain, Sire!
An arrow pierced his brain, while, scattering[aa]
The last drops from his helm, he stood in act
To place it on his brows.

_Sar. _ Slain!