_Sar._ I am content: and, trusting in my cause, Think we may yet be victors and return To peace--the only victory I covet. To me war is no glory--conquest no Renown. To be forced thus to uphold my right Sits heavier on my heart than all the wrongs[aj] These men would bow me down with. Never, never Can I forget this night, even should I live To add it to the memory of others. 510 I thought to have made mine inoffensive rule An era of sweet peace 'midst bloody annals, A green spot amidst desert centuries, On which the Future would turn back and smile, And cultivate, or sigh when it could not Recall Sardanapalus' golden reign. I thought to have made my realm a paradise, And every moon an epoch of new pleasures. I took the rabble's shouts for love--the breath Of friends for truth--the lips of woman for 520 My only guerdon--so they are, my Myrrha: [_He kisses her_. Kiss me. Now let them take my realm and life! They shall have both, but never _thee!_ _Myr._ No, never! Man may despoil his brother man of all That's great or glittering--kingdoms fall, hosts yield, Friends fail--slaves fly--and all betray--and, more Than all, the most indebted--but a heart That loves without self-love! 'Tis here--now prove it. _Enter_ SALEMENES. _Sal._ I sought you--How! _she_ here again? _Sar._ Return not _Now_ to reproof: methinks your aspect speaks 530 Of higher matter than a woman's presence. _Sal._ The only woman whom it much imports me At such a moment now is safe in absence-- The Queen's embarked. _Sar._ And well? say that much. _Sal._ Yes. Her transient weakness has passed o'er; at least, It settled into tearless silence: her Pale face and glittering eye, after a glance Upon her sleeping children, were still fixed Upon the palace towers as the swift galley Stole down the hurrying stream beneath the starlight; 540 But she said nothing. _Sar._ Would I felt no more Than she has said! _Sal._ 'Tis now too late to feel. Your feelings cannot cancel a sole pang: To change them, my advices bring sure tidings That the rebellious Medes and Chaldees, marshalled By their two leaders, are already up In arms again; and, serrying their ranks, Prepare to attack: they have apparently Been joined by other Satraps. _Sar._ What! more rebels? Let us be first, then.