_First Sen._ You undergo too strict a paradox, Striving to make an ugly deed look fair: 25 Your words have took such pains, as if they labour'd[2229] To bring manslaughter into form, and set quarrelling[2230][2231] Upon the head of valour; which indeed[2230] Is valour misbegot and came into the world[2230] When sects and factions were newly born:[2230][2232] 30 He's truly valiant that can wisely suffer The worst that man can breathe, and make his wrongs[2233] His outsides, to wear them like his raiment, carelessly,[2233][2234] And ne'er prefer his injuries to his heart,[2235] To bring it into danger. 35 If wrongs be evils and enforce us kill, What folly 'tis to hazard life for ill! _Alcib._ My lord,-- _First Sen._ You cannot make gross sins look clear:[2236] To revenge is no valour, but to bear.[2237] _Alcib._ My lords, then, under favour, pardon me, 40 If I speak like a captain. Why do fond men expose themselves to battle, And not endure all threats? sleep upon 't,[2238] And let the foes quietly cut their throats,[2239] Without repugnancy? If there be[2240] 45 Such valour in the bearing, what make we[2241] Abroad? why then women are more valiant[2242] That stay at home, if bearing carry it, And the ass more captain than the lion, the felon[2243] Loaden with irons wiser than the judge,[2243] 50 If wisdom be in suffering. O my lords,[2243] As you are great, be pitifully good: Who cannot condemn rashness in cold blood? To kill, I grant, is sin's extremest gust; But in defence, by mercy, 'tis most just.[2244] 55 To be in anger is impiety; But who is man that is not angry? Weigh but the crime with this. _Sec. Sen._ You breathe in vain. _Alcib._ In vain! His service done[2245][2246] At Lacedæmon and Byzantium[2246] 60 Were a sufficient briber for his life. _First Sen._ What's that? _Alcib._ I say, my lords, has done fair service,[2247] And slain in fight many of your enemies:[2248] How full of valour did he bear himself In the last conflict, and made plenteous wounds! 65 _Sec. Sen._ He has made too much plenty with 'em;[2249][2250] He's a sworn rioter: he has a sin[2250][2251][2252] That often drowns him and takes his valour prisoner:[2252][2253] If there were no foes, that were enough[2254] To overcome him: in that beastly fury 70 He has been known to commit outrages And cherish factions: 'tis inferr'd to us, His days are foul and his drink dangerous. _First Sen._ He dies.