Alcib. My lords, then, under favour, pardon me, 40
If I speak like a captain.
Why do fond men expose themselves to battle,
And not endure all threats? sleep upon 't,[2238]
And let the foes quietly cut their throats,[2239]
Without repugnancy? If there be[2240] 45
Such valour in the bearing, what make we[2241]
Abroad? why then women are more valiant[2242]
That stay at home, if bearing carry it,
And the ass more captain than the lion, the felon[2243]
Loaden with irons wiser than the judge,[2243] 50
If wisdom be in suffering. O my lords,[2243]
As you are great, be pitifully good:
Who cannot condemn rashness in cold blood?
To kill, I grant, is sin's extremest gust;
But in defence, by mercy, 'tis most just.[2244] 55
To be in anger is impiety;
But who is man that is not angry?
Weigh but the crime with this.
Sec. Sen. You breathe in vain.
Alcib. In vain! His service done[2245][2246]
At Lacedæmon and Byzantium[2246] 60
Were a sufficient briber for his life.
First Sen. What's that?
Alcib. I say, my lords, has done fair service,[2247]
And slain in fight many of your enemies:[2248]
How full of valour did he bear himself
In the last conflict, and made plenteous wounds! 65
Sec. Sen. He has made too much plenty with 'em;[2249][2250]
He's a sworn rioter: he has a sin[2250][2251][2252]
That often drowns him and takes his valour prisoner:[2252][2253]
If there were no foes, that were enough[2254]
To overcome him: in that beastly fury 70
He has been known to commit outrages
And cherish factions: 'tis inferr'd to us,
His days are foul and his drink dangerous.
First Sen. He dies.
Alcib. Hard fate! he might have died in war.
My lords, if not for any parts in him— 75
Though his right arm might purchase his own time
And be in debt to none—yet, more to move you,
Take my deserts to his and join 'em both:
And, for I know your reverend ages love[2255]
Security, I'll pawn my victories, all[2255][2256] 80
My honours to you, upon his good returns.[2255][2257]
If by this crime he owes the law his life,
Why, let the war receive 't in valiant gore;[2258]
For law is strict, and war is nothing more.
First Sen. We are for law: he dies; urge it no more, 85
On height of our displeasure: friend or brother,
He forfeits his own blood that spills another.
Alcib. Must it be so? it must not be. My lords,[2259]
I do beseech you, know me.[2259]