Pyrr. [Stopping him] Wait! The event's too great
To helve with such slight word. That snivelling blab
May've lied, or crossed the signals, for the young
Are easiest dyed in craft, and take its hue
As natively as innocence doth wear
Its smile in sleep.
Hie. What then?
Pyrr. You'll go to Phernes.
Hie. There are no boats.
Pyrr. Tut, take the boats that brought
Those purfled cymlings here. Their rowers too.
Ah, Biades, you'll serve us still. And thought
To trap all Sparta with this tip-toe bait!
We have a saying. "Wit against the world,—"
And there's another too, "The last lie wins."
Hast heard it, Biades? We'll bear your word
To Phernes that with dawn you move with him
Upon the Athenian sails.
Bia. He'll hear no word
From Spartan mouth. So 'twas agreed between us,
To annul such move as this if chance should strip
My bent of cover. I alone may reach
His ear with Sparta's prayer.
Pyrr. We'll cast for proof
Of that. If true, we shall remember, sir,
That Sparta has won cities with no aid
From Persia.
Bia. You'll not go alone to meet
The strength of Athens?
Pyrr. Your far-wingèd name
And sea-born battle-skill shall go with us.
Your single arm's no loss, but in your fame,
Yet ours to use, the Spartan strength
Is doubled. Ha! They call us landmen,—say
We must have feet on ground ere we can fight.
But you they fear, bred to the wave, and first
Of their commanders.
Bia. Let me die, but leave
My name unmurdered.