MES. Sir, thus it was---- 'Tis scarce three hours ago, since the brave Plangus Marched from Lixa with an army, Whose souls were richer than their clothes by far, Though their valour had put on all the bravery That soldiers ever wore. The prince, whose presence Breathed new fire into these flaming spirits, Resolv'd to meet the enemy with his handful, And with a winged speed fell down to th' Elean Straits, Determining to try it with him there.[85] His soldiers also, True sons of war, contemning so great odds, When victory and their country was to crown The conquerors, whetted their eager valours With impatient expectation of the enemy Who, trusting to his multitude, came on Wing'd both with scorn and anger to see, that paucity Should dare dispute victory against their odds. Plangus who, though he saw, yet could not fear Destruction, and scorn'd to avoid it, When the king commanded him to meet it, Marshall'd his army to the best advantage, And having given Zopiro the left wing, The body to Evarnes, himself chose out the right; Because he would be opposite to Argo. And keeping a reserve, as great as could be hop'd for From so small a company--not above five hundred men, He gave the command of them to Zenon, Who with his fellows took it ill they should Be so long idle, and had not the honour To be thought worthy To die with the most forward, and would, no question, Have refused the charge; but that the smiling Prince promis'd them they should have time to die. Words here were useless, nor had he time to use them. RIN. What, was Inophilus idle all this while? MES. I only heard the prince wish, just as he Spurred his horse against the valiant Argo, He had fewer by a thousand men: So he had Inophilus. RIN. O traitorous boy!