(_Self-possessed._) No stranger is unwelcome in my house, even though he enter--without permission. (_Louder to stranger._) You would see Phocion? I am he. [_LYDIA remains hidden in the shadows._ _Stranger_ (_Advancing._) I ask forgiveness for my unannounced intrusion. I disturb you. But my need is urgent. This is my warrant: I am a messenger from Alexander. [_Stands erect and waits._ _Others_ From Alexander! _Phocion_ (_Calmly._) You bring Phocion a message from Alexander? _Stranger_ Of first importance. _Phocion_ You may deliver it. [_LYSANDER pauses to listen too._ _Stranger_ A gift I am bid offer first--a gift from Egypt, where Phocion fought so bravely and so well. (_Holds out an object of gold._) From the Temple of Ammon himself in Lybia. _Phocion_ (_Coldly._) Phocion fights not for gifts; nor can he accept anything from the barbarian conqueror of Athens. _Stranger_ I am bid to urge reflection on you. First words are not the truest always, nor the wisest. (_Pauses._) _Phocion_ (_Simply, with scorn._) I am an Athenian. _Stranger_ (_Lays gift on a marble table beside PHOCION._) Alexander commands me say further--that, with this gift, he would honour Phocion by yet another one. He bids me call you the Military Governor of his new city in Egypt. _Phocion_ The two gifts are one. I have one answer only. _Stranger_ (_Smoothly._) Then, with your answer, I ask permission to take back some trifle--such as that parchment the youth there would destroy--as proof to Alexander that the House of Phocion is loyal. [_LYSANDER, startled, desists a moment. PHOCION takes a sudden step forwards._ _Phocion_ (_Alarmed._) Loyal----! _Stranger_ (_Throws off disguise._) The parchment. [_Voice of command. Holds hand out._ _Phocion_ Alexander! [_All recognise ALEXANDER. Confusion, consternation, and murmurs: “Alexander!” “Alexander!”_ _Alexander_ Hand it to me, boy, before another name is burned. (_Laughs._) [_ALEXANDER strides towards him. LYSANDER defies him. ALEXANDER seizes him._ _He_ shall be surety, Phocion, for your loyalty. [_PHOCION, holding his sword, rushes on ALEXANDER to aid LYSANDER, and above all to rescue the scroll. The CITIZENS stand their ground and are about to interfere, when LYDIA rushes in and throws herself on PHOCION, checking his violent attack. At the same moment ALEXANDER stamps on the marble floor. SOLDIERS enter. PHOCION and ALEXANDER stand facing one another in silence for a moment._ I hold you the bravest man in Athens, Phocion, and such men as you I need. (_Holds out the scroll, as yet unread._) But lesser men than you I do not--need! _Lydia_ Phocion! Great Alexander!… Statira promised me.… Oh, he is too brave to die…! _Alexander_ (_To SOLDIERS._) Three of you take the boy away. The rest withdraw. No, let these greybeards go. [_A few CITIZENS creep out, following LYSANDER and SOLDIERS._ _Lysander_