Herald.
Go to Ægyptos' sons and tell them this.
King.
Such utterance my spirit brooketh not.
Herald.
But that with knowledge I may speak more plainly,
(For it beseems a herald to report
Clearly each circumstance,) how, and by whom,
Shall I, on my return, declare myself
Robbed of this female train, as kindred claimed? 910
Ares such plea by voice of witnesses
Decideth not; neither by silver's worth
Compoundeth quarrel; but, ere comes the end,
With bitter wrench from life falls many a hero.
King.
Why tell to thee my name? Tutored by time,
Know it thou shalt and those who sail with thee.
As for these maids, provided they consent
With willing hearts,—if pious word prevail,—
Them thou may'st take; but by the public voice,
Unanimous, hath this decree been passed;—
Ne'er on compulsion to deliver up 920
A female train;—firmly through this resolve
The nail is driven, so to abide unmoved.
Neither inscribed on tablets nor sealed up
In folds of books these matters are, but them
Plainly thou hearest from free-spoken tongue.
Now, with all speed, betake thee from my sight.
