long catalogue which you would have us send and promise
to the Dardans: add but this to them, most excellent
sovereign, nor let any man’s violence prevent you from 35
bestowing your daughter in the fulness of a father’s right
on a noble son-in-law and a worthy alliance, and basing
the peace we seek on a covenant which shall last forever.
Nay, if the reign of terror is so absolute over our minds
and hearts, let us go straight to him with our adjurations
and ask for grace at his own hands—ask him to yield, and
allow king and country to exercise their rights. Why