Thou most contemptible and meanest tool
That ever tyrant used!"
Procles in a rage calls on his soldiers to advance and hew their upbraider in pieces. At this moment Pythias enters, sees how affairs stand, and, hastening to the side of his friend, calls out,—
"Back! back! I say. He hath his armor on,—
I am his sword, shield, helm; I but enclose
Myself, and my own heart, and heart's blood, when
I stand before him thus.
Damon. False-hearted cravens!
We are but two,—my Pythias, my halved heart!—