Proceed.

_Her._ They offer thee thy life, and freedom 300
Of choice to single out a residence
In any of the further provinces,
Guarded and watched, but not confined in person,
Where thou shalt pass thy days in peace; but on
Condition that the three young princes are
Given up as hostages.

_Sar._ (_ironically_). The generous Victors!

_Her._ I wait the answer.

_Sar._ Answer, slave! How long
Have slaves decided on the doom of kings?

_Her._ Since they were free.

_Sar._ Mouthpiece of mutiny!
Thou at the least shalt learn the penalty 310
Of treason, though its proxy only. Pania!
Let his head be thrown from our walls within
The rebels' lines, his carcass down the river.
Away with him! [PANIA _and the Guards seizing him_.

_Pan._ I never yet obeyed
Your orders with more pleasure than the present.
Hence with him, soldiers! do not soil this hall
Of royalty with treasonable gore;
Put him to rest without.

_Her._ A single word:
My office, King, is sacred.

_Sar._ And what's _mine_?
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 yo