Part 38 (2/2)

ARIDaUS.

So much the better,--let me hear it! I am a human being, and like to laugh and cry.

PHILOTAS.

Well, laugh then! See, king, I have no sword, and should not like to appear amongst soldiers without this mark of the soldier.

ARIDaUS.

My laughing turns to joy! I have thought of that beforehand, and your wish will be gratified at once. Strato has the order to get your sword again for you.

PHILOTAS.

Let us then await him here!

ARIDaUS.

And then you will accompany me?

PHILOTAS.

Then I will follow you immediately.

ARIDaUS.

As we willed it! There he comes! Well, Strato!

Scene VIII.

Strato (_with a sword in his hand_), Aridaus, Philotas.

STRATO.

King! I came to the soldier who had taken the prince and demanded the prince's sword from him in your name. But hear how n.o.bly the soldier refused! ”The king,” he said, ”must not take the sword from me! It is a good sword, and I shall use it in his service. I must also keep a remembrance of this deed. By the G.o.ds, it was none of my least! The prince is a young demon. But perhaps you wish only the precious hilt!”

And on this, before I could prevent it, his strong hand had broken off the hilt, and throwing it contemptuously before my feet--”There it is,”

he continued, ”what care I for your gold?”

ARIDaUS.

O Strato, make good for me what this man has done!

STRATO.

I have done so. And here is one of your swords!

ARIDaUS.

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