Page 3146 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

Were a sufficient briber for his life.

FIRST SENATOR
What’s that?

ALCIBIADES
Why I say, my lords; h’as done fair service,
And slain in fight many of your enemies. [65]
How full of valour did he bear himself

In the last conflict, and made plenteous wounds!

SECOND SENATOR
He has made too much plenty with ’em;
He’s a sworn rioter; he has a sin
That often drowns him and takes his valour prisoner. [70]

If there were no foes, that were enough
To overcome him. In that beastly fury
He has been known to commit outrages
And cherish factions; ’tis inferr’d to us,
His days are foul and his drink dangerous. [75]

FIRST SENATOR
He dies.

ALCIBIADES
Hard fate! He might have died in war.
My lords, if not for any parts in him −
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; [80]
And for I know your reverend ages love
Security, I’ll pawn my victories, all
My honour to you, upon his good returns.

If by this crime he owes the law his life,
Why, let the war receive ’t in valiant gore, [85]
For law is strict, and war is nothing more.