And yet though thus at peace, rumours of war
And darkling plots beset us. Is it not thus?
Have ye heard aught?
1st Sen. Zetho, 'tis true. Last night, a citizen
Sware he heard clang of arms and ring of mail
At midnight by the house of Lamachus!
2nd Sen. My freedman, coming home at grey of dawn,
Saw a strange ship unload her merchandise,
And one bale chanced to fall, and from it came
Groanings and drops of blood!