an she has said!

_Sal._ 'Tis now too late to feel.
Your feelings cannot cancel a sole pang:
To change them, my advices bring sure tidings
That the rebellious Medes and Chaldees, marshalled
By their two leaders, are already up
In arms again; and, serrying their ranks,
Prepare to attack: they have apparently
Been joined by other Satraps.

_Sar._ What! more rebels?
Let us be first, then.

_Sal._ That were hardly prudent 550
Now, though it was our first intention. If
By noon to-morrow we are joined by those
I've sent for by sure messengers, we shall be
In strength enough to venture an attack,
Aye, and pursuit too; but, till then, my voice
Is to await the onset.

_Sar._ I detest
That waiting; though it seems so safe to fight
Behind high walls, and hurl down foes into
Deep fosses, or behold them sprawl on spikes
Strewed to receive them, still I like it not-- 560
My soul seems lukewarm; but when I set on them,
Though they were piled on mountains, I would have
A pluck at them, or perish in hot blood!--
Let me then charge.

_Sal._ You talk like a young soldier.

_Sar._ I am no soldier, but a man: speak not
Of soldiership, I loathe the word, and those
Who pride themselves upon it; but direct me
Where I may pour upon them.

_Sal._ You must spare
To expose your life too hastily; 'tis not
Like mine or any other subject's breath: 570
The whole war turns upon it--with it; this
Alone creates it, kindles, and may quench it--
Prolong it--end it.

_Sar._ Then let us end both!
'Twere better thus, perhaps, than prolong either;
I'm sick of one, perchance of both.
[_A trumpet sounds without_.

_Sal._ Hark!

_Sar._ Let us
Reply, not listen.

_Sal._ And your wound!

_Sar._ 'Tis bound--
'Tis healed--I had forgotten it. Away!
A leech's lancet would have scratched me deeper;[ak]
The slave that gave it might be well ashamed
To have struck so weakly.

_Sal._ Now, may none this hour 580