_Sar._ And what's _mine_? That thou shouldst come and dare to ask of me 320 To lay it down? _Her._ I but obeyed my orders, At the same peril if refused, as now Incurred by my obedience. _Sar._ So there are New monarchs of an hour's growth as despotic As sovereigns swathed in purple, and enthroned From birth to manhood! _Her._ My life waits your breath. Yours (I speak humbly)--but it may be--yours May also be in danger scarce less imminent: Would it then suit the last hours of a line Such as is that of Nimrod, to destroy 330 A peaceful herald, unarmed, in his office; And violate not only all that man Holds sacred between man and man--but that More holy tie which links us with the Gods? _Sar._ He's right.--Let him go free.--My life's last act Shall not be one of wrath. Here, fellow, take [_Gives him a golden cup from a table near_. This golden goblet, let it hold your wine, And think of _me_; or melt it into ingots, And think of nothing but their weight and value. _Her._ I thank you doubly for my life, and this 340 Most gorgeous gift, which renders it more precious. But must I bear no answer? _Sar._ Yes,--I ask An hour's truce to consider. _Her._ But an hour's? _Sar._ An hour's: if at the expiration of That time your masters hear no further from me, They are to deem that I reject their terms, And act befittingly. _Her._ I shall not fail To be a faithful legate of your pleasure. _Sar._ And hark! a word more. _Her._ I shall not forget it, Whate'er it be. _Sar._ Commend me to Beleses; 350 And tell him, ere a year expire, I summon Him hence to meet me. _Her._ Where? _Sar._ At Babylon. At least from thence he will depart to meet me. _Her._ I shall obey you to the letter. [_Exit Herald_. _Sar._ Pania!-- Now, my good Pania!--quick--with what I ordered. _Pan._ My Lord,--the soldiers are already charged. And see! they enter. _Soldiers enter, and form a Pile about the Throne, etc._[31]