ain! But come, come; we must not remain alone here! We are too
serious for one another. Follow me!

PHILOTAS.

Pardon, king----

ARIDAeUS.

Do not refuse!

PHILOTAS.

Thus, as I am, shall I show myself to many eyes?

ARIDAeUS.

Why not?

PHILOTAS.

I cannot, king, I cannot!

ARIDAeUS.

And the reason?

PHILOTAS.

O, the reason! It would make you laugh.

ARIDAeUS.

So much the better,--let me hear it! I am a human being, and like to
laugh and cry.

PHILOTAS.

Well, laugh then! See, king, I have no sword, and should not like to
appear amongst soldiers without this mark of the soldier.

ARIDAeUS.

My laughing turns to joy! I have thought of that beforehand, and your
wish will be gratified at once. Strato has the order to get your sword
again for you.

PHILOTAS.

Let us then await him here!

ARIDAeUS.

And then you will accompany me?

PHILOTAS.

Then I will follow you immediately.

ARIDAeUS.

As we willed it! There he comes! Well, Strato!

Scene VIII.

Strato (_with a sword in his hand_), Aridaeus, Philotas.

STRATO.

King! I came to the soldier who had taken the prince and demanded the
prince's sword from him in your name. But hear how nobly the soldier
refused! "The king," he said, "must not take the sword from me! It is a
good sword, and I shall use it in his service. I must also keep a
remembrance of this deed. By the gods, it was none of my least! The
prince is a young demon. But perhaps you wish only the precious hilt!"
And on this, before I could prevent it, his strong hand had broken off
the hilt, and throwing it contemptuously before my feet--"There it is,"
he continued, "what care I for your gold?"

ARIDAeUS.

O Strato, make good for me what this man has done!

STRATO.

I have done so. And here is one of your swords!

ARIDAeUS.

Give it me! Will you accept it, princ