No More Learning

That thou shouldst come and dare to ask of me 320
To lay it down?

_Her. _ I but obeyed my orders,
At the same peril if refused, as now
Incurred by my obedience.

_Sar. _ So there are
New monarchs of an hour's growth as despotic
As sovereigns swathed in purple, and enthroned
From birth to manhood!

_Her. _ My life waits your breath.
Yours (I speak humbly)--but it may be--yours
May also be in danger scarce less imminent:
Would it then suit the last hours of a line
Such as is that of Nimrod, to destroy 330
A peaceful herald, unarmed, in his office;
And violate not only all that man
Holds sacred between man and man--but that
More holy tie which links us with the Gods?

_Sar. _ He's right. --Let him go free. --My life's last act
Shall not be one of wrath. Here, fellow, take
[_Gives him a golden cup from a table near_.
This golden goblet, let it hold your wine,
And think of _me_; or melt it into ingots,
And think of nothing but their weight and value.

_Her.
_ I thank you doubly for my life, and this 340
Most gorgeous gift, which renders it more precious.
But must I bear no answer?

_Sar. _ Yes,--I ask
An hour's truce to consider.

_Her. _ But an hour's?

_Sar. _ An hour's: if at the expiration of
That time your masters hear no further from me,
They are to deem that I reject their terms,
And act befittingly.

_Her. _ I shall not fail
To be a faithful legate of your pleasure.

_Sar. _ And hark! a word more.

_Her. _ I shall not forget it,
Whate'er it be.

_Sar.