Not so. But do not mind me. In deep adoration of Providence--
ARIDÄUS.
The best adoration, prince, is grateful joy! Cheer up! We fathers will not long withhold our sons from one another. My herald is now ready; he shall go and hasten the exchange. But you know that joyful tidings, heard from the enemy alone, have the appearance of snares. They might suspect that you, perchance, had died from your wound. It will be necessary, therefore, for you to send a trustworthy messenger to your father with the herald. Come with me! Choose among the prisoners one whom you hold worthy of your confidence.
PHILOTAS.
You wish, then, that I shall detest myself a hundredfold? In each of the prisoners I shall behold myself! Spare me this embarrassment!
ARIDÄUS.
But----
PHILOTAS.
Parmenio must be among the prisoners. Send him to me! I will despatch him.