uard.

_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
Faggots, 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 god 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.