The Four Alonarchies, 225
Feafts all this multitude of his own charge,
Then gives the King a king-like gift full^' large,
Three thoufand talents of the pureft gold.
Which might}^ fum all wondred to behold;
Then humbly to the king he makes requeft,
One of his five fons there might be releas'd.
To be to's age a comfort and a ftay,
The other four he freel}^ gave away.
The king calls for the 3'outh, who being brought,
Cuts him in twain for whom his Sire befought.
Then laid his parts on both fides of the way,
'Twixt which his fouldiers marcht in good arra}'.'
For his great love is this thy recompence? [^^S]
Is this to do like Xei^xes or a Prince?
Thou fhame of kings, of men the deteftation,
I Rhetorick want to pour out execration.
Firft thing he did that's worthy of recount,^
A Sea paflage cut behind Afhos mount.
Next o're the Helefponf a bridge he made
Of Boats together coupled, and there laid:
But winds and waves thofe iron bands did break;
To crofs the fea fuch ftrength he found too weak.
Then whips the fea, and with a mind mofi; vain
He fetters cafts therein the fame to chain.
Ii moft.
« Instead of this and the preceding line, the first edition has, —
O moft inhumain incivility !
Nay, more then monftrous barb'rous cruelty !
/ Xerxes did worthv recount,
29
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