_Myr._ Go forth, and conquer! [_Exeunt_ SARDANAPALUS _and_ SFERO. Now, I am alone: All are gone forth, and of that all how few Perhaps return! Let him but vanquish, and Me perish! If he vanquish not, I perish; For I will not outlive him. He has wound About my heart, I know not how nor why. Not for that he is King; for now his kingdom Rocks underneath his throne, and the earth yawns 180 To yield him no more of it than a grave; And yet I love him more. Oh, mighty Jove! Forgive this monstrous love for a barbarian, Who knows not of Olympus! yes, I love him Now--now--far more than----Hark--to the war shout! Methinks it nears me. If it should be so, [_She draws forth a small vial_. This cunning Colchian poison, which my father Learned to compound on Euxine shores, and taught me How to preserve, shall free me! It had freed me Long ere this hour, but that I loved until 190 I half forgot I was a slave:--where all Are slaves save One, and proud of servitude, So they are served in turn by something lower In the degree of bondage: we forget That shackles worn like ornaments no less Are chains. Again that shout! and now the clash Of arms--and now--and now---- _Enter_ ALTADA. _Alt._ Ho, Sfero, ho! _Myr._ He is not here; what wouldst thou with him? How Goes on the conflict? _Alt._ Dubiously and fiercely. _Myr._ And the King? _Alt._ Like a king. I must find Sfero, 200 And bring him a new spear with his own helmet.[w] He fights till now bare-headed, and by far Too much exposed. The soldiers knew his face, And the foe too; and in the moon's broad light, His silk tiara and his flowing hair Make him a mark too royal. Every arrow Is pointed at the fair hair and fair features, And the broad fillet which crowns both. _Myr._ Ye Gods, Who fulminate o'er my father's land, protect him! Were you sent by the King? _Alt._ By Salemenes, 210 Who sent me privily upon this charge, Without the knowledge of the careless sovereign. The King! the King fights as he revels! ho! What, Sfero! I will seek the armoury-- He must be there. [_Exit_ ALTADA.