So hoped for, yet delayed, of Ofratanes,
Satrap of Susa. Leave me here: our troops
Are not so numerous as to spare your absence.

_Sol._ But Prince----

_Sal._ Hence, I say! Here's a courtier and
A woman, the best chamber company.
As you would not permit me to expire 120
Upon the field, I'll have no idle soldiers
About my sick couch. Hence! and do my bidding!
[_Exeunt the Soldiers_.

_Myr._ Gallant and glorious Spirit! must the earth
So soon resign thee?

_Sal._ Gentle Myrrha, 'tis
The end I would have chosen, had I saved
The monarch or the monarchy by this;
As 'tis, I have not outlived them.

_Myr._ You wax paler.

_Sal._ Your hand; this broken weapon but prolongs
My pangs, without sustaining life enough
To make me useful: I would draw it forth 130
And my life with it, could I but hear how
The fight goes.

_Enter_ SARDANAPALUS _and Soldiers_.

_Sar._ My best brother!

_Sal._ And the battle
Is lost?

_Sar._ (_despondingly_). You see _me here_.

_Sal._ I'd rather see you _thus!_
[_He draws out the weapon from the wound, and dies_.

_Sar._ And _thus_ I will be seen; unless the succour,
The last frail reed of our beleagured hopes,
Arrive with Ofratanes.

_Myr._ Did you not
Receive a token from your dying brother,
Appointing Zames chief?

_Sar._ I did.

_Myr._ Where's Zames?

_Sar._ Dead.

_Myr._ And Altada?

_Sar._ Dying.

_Myr._ Pania? Sfero?

_Sar._ Pania yet lives; but Sfero's fled or captive. 140
I am alone.

_Myr._ And is all lost?

_Sar._ Our walls,
Though thinly manned, may still hold out against
Their present force, or aught save treachery:
But i' the field----

_Myr._ I thought 'twas the intent
Of Salemenes not to risk a sally
Till ye were strengthened by the expected succours.

_Sar._ _I_ over-ruled him.

_Myr._ Well, the _fault's_ a brav