Addressed the king in words like these:
“Revoke, my lord, thy fierce decree,
And hear the words I speak to thee.
Kings wise and noble ne'er condemn
To death the envoys sent to them.
Such deed the world's contempt would draw
On him who breaks the ancient law.[885]
Observe the mean where justice lies,
And spare his life but still chastise.”
Then forth the tyrant's fury broke,