_Sal._ And I trust the city. Our numbers gather; and I've ordered onward A cloud of Parthians, hitherto reserved, All fresh and fiery, to be poured upon them In their retreat, which soon will be a flight. _Sar._ It is already, or at least they marched Faster than I could follow with my Bactrians, Who spared no speed. I am spent: give me a seat. _Sal._ There stands the throne, Sire. _Sar._ Tis no place to rest on, For mind nor body: let me have a couch, 340 [_They place a seat_. A peasant's stool, I care not what: so--now I breathe more freely. _Sal._ This great hour has proved The brightest and most glorious of your life. _Sar._ And the most tiresome. Where's my cupbearer? Bring me some water. _Sal._ (_smiling_) 'Tis the first time he Ever had such an order: even I,[z] Your most austere of counsellors, would now Suggest a purpler beverage. _Sar._ Blood--doubtless. But there's enough of that shed; as for wine, I have learned to-night the price of the pure element: 350 Thrice have I drank of it, and thrice renewed, With greater strength than the grape ever gave me, My charge upon the rebels. Where's the soldier Who gave me water in his helmet?[20] _One of the Guards_. Slain, Sire! An arrow pierced his brain, while, scattering[aa] The last drops from his helm, he stood in act To place it on his brows. _Sar._ Slain! unrewarded! And slain to serve my thirst: that's hard, poor slave! Had he but lived, I would have gorged him with Gold: all the gold of earth could ne'er repay 360 The pleasure of that draught; for I was parched As I am now. [_They bring water--he drinks_. I live again--from henceforth The goblet I reserve for hours of love, But war on water. _Sal._ And that bandage, Sire, Which girds your arm? _Sar._ A scratch from brave Beleses. _Myr._ Oh! he is wounded![ab] _Sar._ Not too much of that; And yet it feels a little stiff and painful, Now I am cooler. _Myr._ You have bound it with---- _Sar._ The fillet of my diadem: the first time That ornament was ever aught to me, 370 Save an incumbrance. _Myr._ (_to the Attendants_). Summon speedily A leech of the most skilful: pray, retire: I will unbind your wound and tend it. _Sar._ Do so, For now it throbs sufficiently: but what Know'st thou of wounds? yet wherefore do I ask? Know'st thou, my brother, where I lighted on This minion?