with the Guard before mentioned.
The Rebels are then driven off, and pursued by_
SALEMENES, _etc. As the King is going to join the
pursuit,_ BELESES _crosses him_.

_Bel._ Ho! tyrant--_I_ will end this war.

_Sar._ Even so, 270
My warlike priest, and precious prophet, and
Grateful and trusty subject: yield, I pray thee.
I would reserve thee for a fitter doom,
Rather than dip my hands in holy blood.

_Bel._ Thine hour is come.

_Sar._ No, thine.--I've lately read,
Though but a young astrologer, the stars;
And ranging round the zodiac, found thy fate
In the sign of the Scorpion, which proclaims
That thou wilt now be crushed.

_Bel._ But not by thee.
[_They fight;_ BELESES _is wounded and disarmed_.

_Sar._ (_raising his sword to despatch him, exclaims_)--
Now call upon thy planets, will they shoot 280
From the sky to preserve their seer and credit?

[_A party of Rebels enter and rescue_ BELESES.
_They assail the King, who in turn, is
rescued by a Party of his Soldiers, who drive
the Rebels off_.

The villain was a prophet after all.
Upon them--ho! there--victory is ours.
[_Exit in pursuit_.

_Myr._ (_to Pan._)
Pursue! Why stand'st thou here, and leavest the ranks
Of fellow-soldiers conquering without thee?

_Pan._ The King's command was not to quit thee.

_Myr._ _Me!_
Think not of me--a single soldier's arm
Must not be wanting now. I ask no guard,
I need no guard: what, with a world at stake,
Keep watch upon a woman? Hence, I say, 290
Or thou art shamed! Nay, then, _I_ will go forth,
A feeble female, 'midst their desperate strife,
And bid thee guard me _there_--where thou shouldst shield
Thy sovereign. [_Exit_ MYRRHA.

_Pan._ Yet stay, damsel!--She's gone.
If aught of ill betide her, better I
Had lost my life. Sardanapalus holds her
Far dearer than his kingdom, yet he fights
For