Passages from this character's speech that contain the most distinguishing words for Cluster 6 (armies, fleece, pestle, wonted, pikes, thundering…). Matches are highlighted.
What doubtful silence thus your thoughts detains? We needs advice with nought but with our swords; He who the Persians wonted worth retains, Will answer now with deeds, and not with words. Let us accompany our King in Arms, Through bloody squadrons to this fatal strife: "No profit can
Full speech
What doubtful silence thus your thoughts detains? We needs advice with nought but with our swords; He who the Persians wonted worth retains, Will answer now with deeds, and not with words. Let us accompany our King in Arms, Through bloody squadrons to this fatal strife: "No profit can be had without some harms, By slaughter only we must look for life; And when our host (as I hope) does prevail, Our Country shall have peace, we praise of right; And if our fortune (not our courage) fail, We die with honour in our Sovereigns sighed; Let us (if vanquished) scorn base breath to buy, A noble death may greater glory give, Do to overcome, and yet not fear to die: It's needful that we fight, not that we live. Sir, rein your rage: this but new trouble breeds; And weigh well what they are, what is the time; It may be this from ignorance proceeds, "In thought, and not in word, consists a crime; Since that against your enemies you go, Be not severe in censuring Subject's parts, But tolerate your own, to grieve your foe, Now must we strive to gain, not loose men's hearts. It by all means shall be exactly tried, How first his brain such fancies did embrace, And if but simply, not puffed up with pride, He must be pardoned, and restored to grace. The Bactrians only have embarked in this, Go to the Greeks, which if with courage done, When once your danger manifested is, The Persians all will follow after soon. Oh Prince to be bemoaned, who can but weep To ee thee thus involved in such a state?
Plot summary
Plot — Darius
Vanquished by Alexander, Darius fears for his mother, wife, and children, who have been taken captive. He offers a ransom for them, and Parmenio encourages Alexander to accept (the money can be used to finance future campaigns), but Alexander refuses. The women assume that Darius is dead and ask leave to bury him. Alexander gives them his personal assurance that Darius is alive and that they v.ill be treated honourably. Bessus and Narbazanes plan to betray Darius to Alexander in the hope of getting kingdoms for themselves. Darius learns that his wife has died, but is impressed by Alexander's honourable treatment of her. Narbazanes encourages him to resign the crown to Bessus, while others advise him not to trust the two traitors, and to rely on his mercenary troops if necessary. Darius meditates on tl1e inevitable fall of princes and accepts the coming of death. The traitors spread a rumour that he has committed suicide, then take him prisoner and offer him to Alexander. Darius dies with a speech honouring Alexander for his magnanimity in victory. Alexander vows to hunt down and dismember the traitors.