No More Learning

_ It was: the place, the hall of Nimrod. Lords,
I humble me before you, and depart. [_Exit_ BALEA.

_Arb. _ I like not this same sudden change of place;
There is some mystery: wherefore should he change it?

_Bel. _ Doth he not change a thousand times a day?
Sloth is of all things the most fanciful-- 120
And moves more parasangs in its intents
Than generals in their marches, when they seek
To leave their foe at fault. --Why dost thou muse?

_Arb. _ He loved that gay pavilion,--it was ever
His summer dotage.

_Bel. _ And he loved his Queen--
And thrice a thousand harlotry besides--
And he has loved all things by turns, except
Wisdom and Glory.

_Arb. _ Still--I like it not.
If he has changed--why, so must we: the attack
Were easy in the isolated bower, 130
Beset with drowsy guards and drunken courtiers;
But in the hall of Nimrod----

_Bel. _ Is it so?
Methought the haughty soldier feared to mount
A throne too easily--does it disappoint thee
To find there is a slipperier step or two
Than what was counted on?

_Arb. _ When the hour comes,
Thou shall perceive how far I fear or no.
Thou hast seen my life at stake--and gaily played for:
But here is more upon the die--a kingdom.

_Bel. _ I have foretold already--thou wilt win it: 140
Then on, and prosper.

_Arb. _ Now were I a soothsayer,
I would have boded so much to myself.
But be the stars obeyed--I cannot quarrel
With them, nor their interpreter. Who's here?

_Enter_ SALEMENES.

_Sal. _ Satraps!

_Bel.