The Works of Lord Byron Volume V Part 25

_Pan._ With your sanction, I will proceed to the spot, and take such measures 210 For the a.s.surance of the vacant s.p.a.ce As time and means permit.

_Sar._ About it straight, And bring me back, as speedily as full And fair investigation may permit, Report of the true state of this irruption Of waters. [_Exeunt_ PANIA _and the Officer_.

_Myr._ Thus the very waves rise up Against you.

_Sar._ They are not my subjects, girl, And may be pardoned, since they can't be punished.

_Myr._ I joy to see this portent shakes you not.

_Sar._ I am past the fear of portents: they can tell me 220 Nothing I have not told myself since midnight: Despair antic.i.p.ates such things.

_Myr._ Despair!

_Sar._ No; not despair precisely. When we know All that can come, and how to meet it, our Resolves, if firm, may merit a more n.o.ble Word than this is to give it utterance.

But what are words to us? we have well nigh done With them and all things.

_Myr._ Save _one deed_--the last And greatest to all mortals; crowning act Of all that was, or is, or is to be-- 230 The only thing common to all mankind, So different in their births, tongues, s.e.xes, natures, Hues, features, climes, times, feelings, intellects,[ao]

Without one point of union save in this-- To which we tend, for which we're born, and thread The labyrinth of mystery, called life.

_Sar._ Our clue being well nigh wound out, let's be cheerful.

They who have nothing more to fear may well Indulge a smile at that which once appalled; As children at discovered bugbears.

_Re-enter_ PANIA.

_Pan._ 'Tis 240 As was reported: I have ordered there A double guard, withdrawing from the wall, Where it was strongest, the required addition To watch the breach occasioned by the waters.

_Sar._ You have done your duty faithfully, and as My worthy Pania! further ties between us Draw near a close--I pray you take this key: [_Gives a key_.

It opens to a secret chamber, placed Behind the couch in my own chamber--(Now Pressed by a n.o.bler weight than e'er it bore-- 250 Though a long line of sovereigns have lain down Along its golden frame--as bearing for A time what late was Salemenes.)--Search The secret covert to which this will lead you; 'Tis full of treasure;[30] take it for yourself And your companions:[ap] there's enough to load ye, Though ye be many. Let the slaves be freed, too; And all the inmates of the palace, of Whatever s.e.x, now quit it in an hour.

Thence launch the regal barks, once formed for pleasure, 260 And now to serve for safety, and embark.

The river's broad and swoln, and uncommanded, (More potent than a king) by these besiegers.

Fly! and be happy!

_Pan._ Under your protection!

So you accompany your faithful guard.

_Sar._ No, Pania! that must not be; get thee hence, And leave me to my fate.

_Pan._ 'Tis the first time I ever disobeyed: but now----

_Sar._ So all men Dare beard me now, and Insolence within Apes Treason from without. Question no further; 270 'Tis my command, my last command. Wilt _thou_ Oppose it? _thou!_

_Pan._ But yet--not yet.

_Sar._ Well, then, Swear that you will obey when I shall give The signal.

_Pan._ With a heavy but true heart, I promise.

_Sar._ 'Tis enough. Now order here f.a.ggots, pine-nuts, and withered leaves, and such Things as catch fire and blaze with one sole spark; Bring cedar, too, and precious drugs, and spices, And mighty planks, to nourish a tall pile; Bring frankincense and myrrh, too, for it is 280 For a great sacrifice I build the pyre!

And heap them round yon throne.

_Pan._ My Lord!

_Sar._ I have said it, And _you_ have sworn.

_Pan._ And could keep my faith Without a vow. [_Exit_ PANIA.

_Myr._ What mean you?

_Sar._ You shall know Anon--what the whole earth shall ne'er forget.

PANIA, _returning with a Herald_.

_Pan._ My King, in going forth upon my duty, This herald has been brought before me, craving An audience.

_Sar._ Let him speak.

_Her._ The _King_ Arbaces----

_Sar._ What, crowned already?--But, proceed.

_Her._ Beleses, The anointed High-priest----

_Sar._ Of what G.o.d or demon? 290 With new kings rise new altars. But, proceed; You are sent to prate your master's will, and not Reply to mine.

_Her._ And Satrap Ofratanes----

_Sar._ Why, _he_ is _ours_.

_Her._ (_showing a ring_). Be sure that he is now In the camp of the conquerors; behold His signet ring.

_Sar._ 'Tis his. A worthy triad!

Poor Salemenes! thou hast died in time To see one treachery the less: this man Was thy true friend and my most trusted subject.

Proceed.

_Her._ They offer thee thy life, and freedom 300 Of choice to single out a residence In any of the further provinces, Guarded and watched, but not confined in person, Where thou shalt pa.s.s thy days in peace; but on Condition that the three young princes are Given up as hostages.

_Sar._ (_ironically_). The generous Victors!

_Her._ I wait the answer.

_Sar._ Answer, slave! How long Have slaves decided on the doom of kings?

_Her._ Since they were free.

_Sar._ Mouthpiece of mutiny!

Thou at the least shalt learn the penalty 310 Of treason, though its proxy only. Pania!

Let his head be thrown from our walls within The rebels' lines, his carca.s.s down the river.

Away with him! [PANIA _and the Guards seizing him_.