this for such a purpose.

_Sal._ You parted with it for your safety--I
Employed it for the best. Pronounce in person.
Here I am but your slave--a moment past 190
I was your representative.

_Sar._ Then sheathe
Your swords.
[ARBACES _and_ SALEMENES _return their swords to the scabbards_.

_Sal._ Mine's sheathed: I pray you sheathe _not_ yours:
Tis the sole sceptre left you now with safety.

_Sar._ A heavy one; the hilt, too, hurts my hand.
(_To a Guard_.) Here, fellow, take thy weapon back. Well, sirs,
What doth this mean?

_Bel._ The Prince must answer that.

_Sal._ Truth upon my part, treason upon theirs.

_Sar._ Treason--Arbaces! treachery and Beleses!
That were an union I will not believe.

_Bel._ Where is the proof?

_Sal._ I'll answer that, if once 200
The king demands your fellow-traitor's sword.

_Arb._ (_to Sal._). A sword which hath been drawn as oft as thine
Against his foes.

_Sal._ And now against his brother,
And in an hour or so against himself.

_Sar._ That is not possible: he dared not; no--
No--I'll not hear of such things. These vain bickerings
Are spawned in courts by base intrigues, and baser
Hirelings, who live by lies on good men's lives.
You must have been deceived, my brother.

_Sal._ First
Let him deliver up his weapon, and 210
Proclaim himself your subject by that duty,
And I will answer all.

_Sar._ Why, if I thought so--
But no, it cannot be: the Mede Arbaces--
The trusty, rough, true soldier--the best captain
Of all who discipline our nations----No,
I'll not insult him thus, to bid him render
The scimitar to me he never yielded
Unto our enemies. Chief, keep your weapon.

_Sal._ (_delivering back the signet_).
Monarch, take back your signet.

_Sar._ No, retain it;
But use it with more moderation.

_Sal._ Sire, 200
I used it for your honour, and restore it
Because I cannot keep it with my own.
Bestow it on Arbaces.

_Sar._ So I should:
He never asked it.

_Sal._ Doubt not,