_Sar._ Wear Caucasus! why, 'tis A mountain on my temples. _Sfe._ Sire, the meanest Soldier goes not forth thus exposed to battle. 140 All men will recognise you--for the storm Has ceased, and the moon breaks forth in her brightness. _Sar._ I go forth to be recognised, and thus Shall be so sooner. Now--my spear! I'm armed. [_In going stops short, and turns to_ SFERO. Sfero--I had forgotten--bring the mirror[19]. _Sfe._ The mirror, Sire? _Sar._ Yes, sir, of polished brass, Brought from the spoils of India--but be speedy. [_Exit_ SFERO. _Sar._ Myrrha, retire unto a place of safety. Why went you not forth with the other damsels? _Myr._ Because my place is here. _Sar._ And when I am gone---- 150 _Myr._ I follow. _Sar._ _You!_ to battle? _Myr._ If it were so, 'Twere not the first Greek girl had trod the path. I will await here your _return_. _Sar._ The place Is spacious, and the first to be sought out, If they prevail; and, if it be so, And I return not---- _Myr._ Still we meet again. _Sar._ How? _Myr._ In the spot where all must meet at last-- In Hades! if there be, as I believe, A shore beyond the Styx; and if there be not, In ashes. _Sar._ Darest thou so much? _Myr._ I dare all things 160 Except survive what I have loved, to be A rebel's booty: forth, and do your bravest. _Re-enter_ SFERO _with the mirror_. _Sar._ (_looking at himself_). This cuirass fits me well, the baldric better, And the helm not at all. Methinks I seem [_Flings away the helmet after trying it again_. Passing well in these toys; and now to prove them. Altada! Where's Altada? _Sfe._ Waiting, Sire, Without: he has your shield in readiness. _Sar._ True--I forgot--he is my shield-bearer By right of blood, derived from age to age. Myrrha, embrace me;--yet once more--once more-- 170 Love me, whate'er betide. My chiefest glory Shall be to make me worthier of your love.