Why, why--she’ll never learn it. Have you forgot the ring? And I’ll ne’er be A happy man till your lips say I am. Come, ask you--if the crown were to your liking Should you be bound to wear it but in darkness? Well, that’s the plight I’m in with her. She is The Queen of women, but I hold possession Of her as Ocean holds its pearls--none dreams How rich I am, and when I’m dead and done with There’s not a friend can set it on my tombstone, And so I lie i’ the grave, beggar to beggar. Then do not say me nay, but take the ring. [_He proffers it to_ GYGES, _who will not take it_. The night is closing in; I’ll show the chamber And when you see me tread the floor with her Then follow us. [_Takes_ GYGES _by the hand and draws him along with him_. I lay demand on you, And is it not a debt to Lesbia forfeit? Perhaps she is the vanquisher. [_Exeunt._ ACT II _A Hall. Early morning._ _Enter_ THOAS. THOAS. I will and must have further parley with him. To think what I’ve been forced to hear this night! Heaven knows I went not out to catch the talk, Yet home I come as packed as though I were The wandering ear o’ the bloodiest of tyrants And scarce had faith I’d see my Lord again. Rebellion, imminent raid of sudden foemen, Yea, a new choice of King! Is’t possible? I dreaded much, but dreaded not so much. Hist, hist! Are those not footfalls? Yes! Why, who Is out of bed with greybeards ere the morn? The youthful Gyges! Ho! but if you knew What I now know you’d have no droop i’ the gait! [_He retires._ _Enter_ GYGES. GYGES. And once again I’m here! What will I here? I sicken in the fresh of heaven. With scent The air’s besprent, so leaden and sense-steeping ’Twould seem that every flower with one accord Were opened, that the lungs of men be stifled, And Earth herself outgasped her latest breath. THOAS. So gay and early, Karna? Pardon, I took you, Lord, for another. You not yet in bed? I trow the taste of fame bans sleep--oho! GYGES. The taste of fame? THOAS. Why, look at all the garlands You carried off---- GYGES. So that the laurel-tree Need never fear me more! My wish was merely To prove that bones may be inside a man And marrow in those bones, although that man Snap not a zither’s strings to tattered shreds At the first touch. Now not a soul but knows it Whate’er the doubt he may till now have had; And that is good. THOAS. But why then take no sleep? GYGES. Why do you take no drink?