Ari. I have such a high regard for Sostratus that, whether you mean to employ him to explain your feelings or to leave him entirely to decide for you, I consent heartily to this proposition.
Iph. Which means, Madam, that we must pay our court to Sostratus.
Sos. No, my Lord, you will have no court to pay to me; and with all the respect due to the princesses, I refuse the glory to which they would raise me.
Ari. How is that, Sostratus?
Sos. I have reasons, Madam, which do not allow me to accept the honour you would do me.
Iph. Are you afraid, Sostratus, of making yourself an enemy?
Sos. I should have but little fear for the enemies I might make in obeying the will of my sovereigns.
Tim. Why, then, do you refuse to accept the power which is entrusted to you, and to acquire to yourself the friendship of a prince who would owe all his happiness to you?
Sos. Because it is not in my power to grant to that prince what he would wish from me.
Iph. What reason can you have?