Mar.
Sir, that I have ever lov'd you, my sword hath spoken for me; that I do, if it be doubted, I dare call an oath, a great one to my witness; and were you not my King, from amongst men, I should have chose you out to love above the rest: nor can this challenge thanks, for my own sake I should have done it, because I would have lov'd the most deserving man, for so you are.
Arb.
Alas Mardonius, rise you shall not kneel,
We all are souldiers, and all venture lives:
And where there is no difference in mens worths,
Titles are jests, who can outvalue thee?
Mardonius thou hast lov'd me, and hast wrong,
Thy love is not rewarded, but believe
It shall be better, more than friend in arms,
My Father, and my Tutor, good Mardonius.
Mar.
Sir, you did promise you would hear me out.
Arb.
And so I will; speak freely, for from thee
Nothing can come but worthy things and true.
Mar.
Though you have all this worth, you hold some qualities that do
Eclipse your vertues.