_Sar._ 'Tis enough. Now order here Faggots, pine-nuts, and withered leaves, and such Things as catch fire and blaze with one sole spark; Bring cedar, too, and precious drugs, and spices, And mighty planks, to nourish a tall pile; Bring frankincense and myrrh, too, for it is 280 For a great sacrifice I build the pyre! And heap them round yon throne. _Pan._ My Lord! _Sar._ I have said it, And _you_ have sworn. _Pan._ And could keep my faith Without a vow. [_Exit_ PANIA. _Myr._ What mean you? _Sar._ You shall know Anon--what the whole earth shall ne'er forget. PANIA, _returning with a Herald_. _Pan._ My King, in going forth upon my duty, This herald has been brought before me, craving An audience. _Sar._ Let him speak. _Her._ The _King_ Arbaces---- _Sar._ What, crowned already?--But, proceed. _Her._ Beleses, The anointed High-priest---- _Sar._ Of what god or demon? 290 With new kings rise new altars. But, proceed; You are sent to prate your master's will, and not Reply to mine. _Her._ And Satrap Ofratanes---- _Sar._ Why, _he_ is _ours_. _Her._ (_showing a ring_). Be sure that he is now In the camp of the conquerors; behold His signet ring. _Sar._ 'Tis his. A worthy triad! Poor Salemenes! thou hast died in time To see one treachery the less: this man Was thy true friend and my most trusted subject. Proceed. _Her._ They offer thee thy life, and freedom 300 Of choice to single out a residence In any of the further provinces, Guarded and watched, but not confined in person, Where thou shalt pass thy days in peace; but on Condition that the three young princes are Given up as hostages. _Sar._ (_ironically_). The generous Victors! _Her._ I wait the answer. _Sar._ Answer, slave! How long Have slaves decided on the doom of kings? _Her._ Since they were free. _Sar._ Mouthpiece of mutiny! Thou at the least shalt learn the penalty 310 Of treason, though its proxy only. Pania! Let his head be thrown from our walls within The rebels' lines, his carcass down the river. Away with him! [PANIA _and the Guards seizing him_. _Pan._ I never yet obeyed Your orders with more pleasure than the present. Hence with him, soldiers! do not soil this hall Of royalty with treasonable gore; Put him to rest without. _Her._ A single word: My office, King, is sacred.