Alex. Yeeld, Hephestion, for Alexander doth love, and therefore must obtaine. 100
Hep. Suppose shee loves not you? Affection commeth not by appointment or birth; and then as good hated as enforced.
Alex. I am a king, and will command.
Hep. You may, to yeeld to lust by force, but to consent to love by feare, you cannot. 105
Alex. Why? What is that which Alexander may not conquer as he list?
Hep. Why, that which you say the gods cannot resist,—love.
Alex. I am a conquerour, shee a captive; I as fortunate as shee 110 faire: my greatnesse may answere her wants, and the gifts of my minde the modestie of hers. Is it not likely, then, that she should love? Is it not reasonable?
Hep. You say that in love there is no reason; and, therefore, there can be no likelyhood. 115
Alex. No more, Hephestion! In this case I will use mine own counsell, and in all other thine advice: thou mayst be a good souldier, but never good lover. Call my page. [The Page comes forward.] Sirrah, goe presently to Apelles and will him to come to me without either delay or excuse. 120
Page. I goe.