Bia. Somewhat will grow to much ere you take leave.
Ste. I fear it, Biades.
Bia. And yet, my lord,
Time has not carried him ahead of you
More years than half a score.
Ste. Tis t'other way.
I'm elder by that much.
Bia. Not you, my lord?
[Muses flatteringly]
The Spartan way is best. Was 't Pelagon
Led you to say you had full power to treat
With Athens?
Ste. It was he.
Bia. I thought it. [Sighs] Sir,
In the Athenian mind there dwells a child
No length of days can age. We do not grow
As Spartans. But our vanity's no dwarf.
Tops with the highest, you've some cause to know.
Ste. What of 't? Unlatch! unlatch!
Bia. The people, sir,
Always our rearward urge, knowing you've power
To assent to all they ask, will ask for more
Than all.
Ste. Think'st that?