No More Learning

_Bal. _ But they reached
Thus far before.

_Myr. _ Yes, by surprise, and were 70
Beat back by valour: now at once we have
Courage and vigilance to guard us.

_Bal. _ May they
Prosper!

_Myr. _ That is the prayer of many, and
The dread of more: it is an anxious hour;
I strive to keep it from my thoughts. Alas!
How vainly!

_Bal. _ It is said the King's demeanour
In the late action scarcely more appalled
The rebels than astonished his true subjects.

_Myr. _ 'Tis easy to astonish or appal
The vulgar mass which moulds a horde of slaves; 80
But he did bravely.

_Bal.
_ Slew he not Beleses?
I heard the soldiers say he struck him down.

_Myr. _ The wretch was overthrown, but rescued to
Triumph, perhaps, o'er one who vanquished him
In fight, as he had spared him in his peril;
And by that heedless pity risked a crown.

_Bal. _ Hark!

_Myr. _ You are right; some steps approach, but slowly.

_Enter Soldiers, bearing in_ SALEMENES _wounded, with a
broken javelin in his side: they seat him upon one of
the couches which furnish the Apartment_.

_Myr. _ Oh, Jove!

_Bal. _ Then all is over.

_Sal. _ That is false.
Hew down the slave who says so, if a soldier.