PHILOTAS. Who can grow angry with you? You are right! Tell my father everything which you think a loving son should say to him at such a time. Excuse my youthful rashness, which has almost brought him and his empire to destruction. Beg him to forgive my fault. Assure him that I shall never again remind him of it by a similar fault; that I will do everything that he too may be able to forget it. Entreat him---- PARMENIO. Leave it to me! Such things we soldiers can say well. And better than a learned orator, for we say it more sincerely. Leave it to me! I know it all already. Farewell, prince! I hasten---- PHILOTAS. Stop! PARMENIO. Well? What means this serious air which you suddenly assume? PHILOTAS. The son has done with you, but not yet the prince. The one had to feel; the other has to think! How willingly would the son be again with his father,--his beloved father--this very moment--sooner than were possible; but the prince, the prince cannot.--Listen! PARMENIO. The prince cannot? PHILOTAS. And will not! PARMENIO. Will not? PHILOTAS. Listen! PARMENIO. I am surprised! PHILOTAS. I say, you shall listen and not be surprised. Listen! PARMENIO. I am surprised, because I listen. It has lightened, and I expect the thunderbolt. Speak!--But, young prince, no second rashness! PHILOTAS. But, soldier, no subtilising! Listen! I have my reasons for wishing not to be redeemed before to-morrow. Not before to-morrow! Do you hear? Therefore tell our king that he shall not heed the haste of our enemy's herald! Tell him that a certain doubt, a certain plan compelled Philotas to this delay. Have you understood me? PARMENIO. No! PHILOTAS. Not? Traitor! PARMENIO. Softly, prince! A parrot does not understand, but he yet recollects what one says to him. Fear not! I will repeat everything to your father that I hear from you. PHILOTAS. Ha! I forbade you to subtilise; and that puts you out of humour. But how is it that you are so spoiled? Do all your generals inform you of their reasons? PARMENIO. All, prince!--Except the young ones. PHILOTAS. Excellent! Parmenio, if I were so sensitive as you---- PARMENIO. And yet he only to whom experience has given twofold sight can command my blind obedience. PHILOTAS.