_Tar._ By heaven, they trifle with me, and by waiting I allow it; cherishing an idle softness 1121 That fools me to take slights, yet cannot soothe My pride to competition. Nay, nor would I Rob grey-haired Sala of it, if he has dreamed His heirs shall reign in Fez.... But the infidel— How should the general countenance him,—altho’ There be some tie of chivalry between them? A riddle it is; a riddle I leave it. Now To save engagèd honour I must feign Some exigency. I will go warn my men 1130 That they break camp at sunrise. In three days All is forgotten. [_Exit._ _Re-enter Sala with Ferdinand._ _Fer._ He is not here. _Sa._ ’Tis well. _Fer._ What wouldst thou, Sala? _Sa._ For thy safety, prince, And for my honour both, accept the terms, And go hence while thou mayst. _Fer._ Now spare thy words; For I am firm. _Sa._ Then if thou close the door, Thou must o’erleap the wall. _Fer._ What mean’st thou? _Sa._ Fly. Feign sickness. I will let thee forth to-night. Thou shalt be safe beyond pursuit to-morrow, 1139 While yet ’tis thought thou keep’st thy chamber. _Fer._ Nay. _Sa._ As men will risk their lives to save their lives, Risk thou thine honour now to save thine honour,— Ay, and thy life. ’Tis looked for of no man To make his tongue his executioner; Nor any hath this right, to bind his brother To die when it shall please him. _Fer._ O honest Sala, We wrong thee much in Spain: there art thou deemed A heartless soldier; not a bloody tale That would pass current, but usurps thy name: Men curse by thee. _Sa._ I pray you now return, 1150 And disabuse your friends. _Fer._ Ay, that and more When I return. _Sa._ Thou never wilt return, Unless thou fly at once. _Fer._ Tell me the worst. _Sa._ What think you, should I slay you with these hands? _Fer._ Thou, Sala! why? _Sa._ I spake not empty words. _Fer._ Their darkness is to me as emptiness.