Par. Thebes was not.
Timo. Vertue is.
Clytus. Alexander, as hee tendreth[777] vertue, so hee will you. Hee drinketh not bloud, but thirsteth after honour; hee is greedie of 50 victorie, but never satisfied with mercie; in fight terrible, as becommeth a captaine; in conquest milde, as beseemeth a king; in all things[778] than which nothing can be greater, hee is Alexander.
Camp. Then, if it be such a thing to be Alexander, I hope it shall be no miserable thing to be a virgin. For, if hee save our 55 honours, it is more than to restore our goods; and rather doe I wish he preserve our fame than our lives: which if he doe, we will confesse there can be no greater thing than to be Alexander.
[Enter Alexander and Hephestion.[779]]
Alex. Clytus, are these prisoners? Of whence these spoiles?
Clytus. Like your Majestie,[780] they are prisoners, and of Thebes. 60
Alex. Of what calling or reputation?
Clytus. I know not, but they seeme to be ladies of honour.
Alex. I will know. Madam, of whence you are I know, but who, I cannot tell.