sick and sunless keep cast mine
Because he was a Greek and still a Greek,
And would not be a slave? His cunning has
Not whispered death about him as a pest?
He--he, my friend? and you?--And I on him
Should lean, and flatter----?

ANTONIO: Cease: though he has stains
The times are tyrannous and men like beasts
Find mercy preservation's enemy.
You're heated with suspicion and old wrong,
But take my hand as pledge----

HAEMON (_refusing it_): That you'll be false?

_Enter BARDAS._

BARDAS: I've sought you, Haemon. Antonio? We are
Well met then: to your doors my want was bent
With a request.

ANTONIO: Which gladly I shall hear
And if I can will grant.

BARDAS: My haste is blunt--
As is my tongue.

HAEMON: Then yield it us at once,
Our mood is so.

BARDAS: Haemon, I love your sister.
Not love: I am idolatrous before
Her foot's least print, and cannot breathe or pray
But where she's sometime been and left a heaven!

HAEMON: Therefore you'll cry it maudlin at the streets?

BARDAS: Necessity's not over delicate.
Antonio, sue for me. You have been apt
In all love's skill they say. My oath on it
Your words once sown upon her listening
Would not lie fruitless did they bid her yield
More than her most.

HAEMON: Bardas! Do you--Does such
Unseemliness run in your thought?

BARDAS: Peace, Haemon.
Antonio, speak.

ANTONIO: You're strange in this request.
Helena, whom I've seen, would little thank
The eyes that told her own where they should love.

BARDAS: I saved your life, my lord.

ANTONIO: And I've besought
Occasion oft for loaning of some chance
Worthily to repay you. If 'tis this,
I am distrest. I cannot plead your suit.

BARDAS: You cannot or you will not?

ANTONIO: I have said.
Ask me for service on your foes, for gold,
Faith or devotion, friendship you're aloof to,
For all that will and honor well may render
With nicety, and I'll be wings and heart,
More--drudge to your desire.

HAEMON: Nobly, my lord!
Bardas, you must atone----

BARDAS: Peace, Haemon.

HAEMON: Peace
Is goad and gall! Why do you burn my cheek
With this indignity?